Canadian Expeditionary Force Study Group

We know that the 54th Bn served as a unit in France: but it was a close thing. There were two reinforcing drafts that were sent overseas ahead of the 54th and they were literally pounced upon, dismantled and sent in drafts to other Bns throughout the CEF. I have found some men in the 2nd Bn. Even when the 54th main body arrived in Britain more drafts were taken from it and it only survived through the efforts of their commanding officer and a transfusion of drafts from other Bns. including the 53rd, 65th, 62nd and 71st. Reference: the regimental history "Cinquante-quatre" Chapter 2 Second Period. 

Love reports the 54th Battalion was in the 11th Infantry Brigade.  Meek notes that the 54th changed names from the "Kootenay Battalion" to the "Central Ontario Battalion" in August 1917. Military historians have stated emphatically that there was no official name change of the 54th Battalion and any such reference was for "administrative purposes only". Review of the War Diary of the 54th Battalion confirms that the name was not changed.

Library and Archives Canada reports on the 54th Battalion:

The 54th Canadian Infantry Battalion was organized in May 1915 under the command of Lieutenant-Colonel W.M. Davis under authorization published in General Order 86 of 1 July 1915. The battalion was mobilized in Vernon and recruited in rural areas of British Columbia.

Two drafts consisting of a total of 5 officers and 250 men were sent to England on 21 July and 23 October 1915. The battalion itself embarked at Halifax 22 November 1915 aboard SAXONIA, disembarking in England on 30 November 1915. Its strength was 36 officers and 1111 other ranks. The battalion arrived in France on 13 August 1916becoming part of the 4th Canadian Division, 11th Canadian Infantry Brigade. It was later reinforced by the 16th Canadian Reserve Battalion. The battalion returned to England on 29 April 1919, disembarked in Canada on 6 June 1919, was demobilized on 12 June 1919, and was disbanded by General Order 149 of 15 September 1920.

The battalion supported a brass band. The battalion colours were deposited in Nelson Cathedral on 24 May 1921.

The 54th Canadian Infantry Battalion was perpetuated by The Kootenay Regiment.

Nicholson refers to the action of the 54th Battalion as follows:

Desire Support Trench 196
Beaucourt Wood 405
Marly 475
Raids of the 54th 189, 234, 338

From Internet Reference Noted Below:

Please refer directly to the web sites noted for information on the 54th Battalion.

The CD ROM noted is commercial and is available for purchase from that site:

CD ROM - The 54th Kootenay Battalion 1915 - 1919

This contains the original 1919 story of the 54th Canadian Infantry Battalion who fought with the Canadian Expeditionary Force from summer 1916 to Nov 11, 1918 in France and Belgium. It traces their operations in Ypres, Somme, Vimy and Passchendale and the final advance to Valenciennes, France.

One of the soldiers to serve with the 54th Battalion was Harold Allin Rogers, the founder of the Kinsmen Club (now Kin Canada) service organization.  You will find the story of Hal on the Kin Canada web site.  We now also have a posting on the CEFSG Forum that details the service record of Harold Allin Rogers.