ABOUT 151st battalion
- Formation During World War I: The 151st (Central Alberta) Battalion, CEF, was formed as part of the Canadian Expeditionary Force during the First World War in 1915.
- Recruitment Location: The battalion was based in Camp Sarcee, near Calgary, Alberta, and recruited primarily from central Alberta communities.
- Strength and Departure: The unit sailed to England in October 1916 with a complement of roughly 600 officers and men.
- Absorption into Other Units: On October 13, 1916, shortly after arrival in England, the 151st Battalion was broken up and its personnel were absorbed into the 9th, 11th, and 21st Reserve Battalions to provide reinforcements for the Canadian Corps at the front.
- Commanding Officer: The battalion was led by Lieutenant-Colonel J.W. Arnott, who played a significant role in its organization and training.
- Battle Honours: While the 151st Battalion did not fight as a unit, its members took part in major actions such as the Battle of Vimy Ridge, Passchendaele, and other significant Canadian engagements via their new units.
- Legacy and Perpetuation: The lineage of the 151st Battalion is perpetuated by The South Alberta Light Horse, a current Canadian Army Reserve armoured regiment.
- Distinctive Insignia: The battalion had its own unique cap badge and shoulder titles, which are now collectible historical artifacts.
- Community Impact: The recruitment of so many local men had a lasting impact on Central Alberta, both during and after the war, as many families lost loved ones in the conflict.
- Commemoration: The battalion is commemorated in local Alberta history books and museums, with displays and remembrance services honouring the sacrifices of its members.