135th CEF, Crash & Rescue

• Formation during World War I: The 135th Battalion, Canadian Expeditionary Force (CEF), was raised in 1915 in Ontario, Canada, as part of Canada’s contribution to the First World War. • Nickname – “Crash & Rescue”: While not an official nickname during WWI, “Crash & Rescue” is sometimes affectionately used in modern commemorations to refer to their reputation for rapid response under fire and assisting other units in distress. • Local Recruitment: The unit primarily recruited from Middlesex County, with strong community ties in London, Ontario. Many enlistees were friends, neighbors, and even family members. • Training at Camp Borden: The 135th trained at Camp Borden, one of Canada’s major military training sites, enduring harsh weather and rigorous drills before embarking overseas. • Overseas Deployment: In August 1916, the battalion sailed to England aboard the SS Olympic, the sister ship to the ill-fated Titanic. • Absorbed into Reserve Units: Upon arrival in England, the 135th CEF was absorbed into the 116th and 125th Battalions, serving as a vital reinforcement pool for Canadian soldiers at the front. • Distinguished Members: Several members of the 135th went on to earn decorations for bravery, including the Military Medal and the Distinguished Conduct Medal. • Legacy in Middlesex: The battalion’s memory is preserved in Middlesex County through memorial plaques and annual Remembrance Day ceremonies. • Connection to Modern Units: The 135th’s lineage is perpetuated by The Royal Canadian Regiment, connecting its history to present-day Canadian Armed Forces units. • Commemoration and Research: Historians and descendants continue to research and honor the battalion, with dedicated websites and publications preserving personal stories and service records.