The Little Black Devils

8th (90th Winnipeg Rifles) Battalion in the Great War

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The Little Black Devils of Canada

HOSTI ACIE NOMINATI

‘The Little Black Devils of Canada’, 8th Canadian Infantry Battalion (90th Winnipeg Rifles). The black devil carries a trident and offers a chalice. Preserves the legend that during the North-West Rebellion soldiers referred to by the opposing forces as ‘little black devils’. Because of their almost black (dark rifle green) uniforms. Hence, the adoption of the regiment’s motto ‘HOSTI ACIE NOMINATI’. Which means ‘named by the enemy force’.

The Little Black Devils of Canada
8th Battalion The Little Black Devils of Canada

Organization

The Little Black Devils organized in Valcartier Camp in accordance with Camp Order 24 September 1914. Composed of recruits from Winnipeg and from the 96th Lake Superior Regt. of the Active Militia. Commanded by Lieutenant-Colonel Louis James Lipsett.

Major-General L.J. Lipsett, Commander of 3rd Canadian Division, Camblain l`Abbé, May 1918. MIKAN No. 3218378
Major-General L.J. Lipsett, Commander of 3rd Canadian Division, Camblain l`Abbé, May 1918. MIKAN No. 3218378

The Little Black Devils embarked Quebec City on 1 October 1914 aboard FRANCONIA. Disembarked England 14 October 1914. Strength: 47 officers, 1106 other ranks.

SS FRANCONIA circa 1912
SS FRANCONIA circa 1912

At Avonmouth the Battalion embarked on 10 February 1915, for its momentous journey to France. Disembarked in France 13 February 1915. The cattle boat, Archimedes, left much to be desired by way of comfort and accommodation. But, men becoming inured to hardships. After an uneventful voyage, St. Nazaire reached and the troops disembarked on 13 February.

Early Days in the Trenches

The Battalion left Strazeele, where they had detrained, on the 21 February. Marched, via Bailleul to Chateau D’Ostroove, a large building behind the front-line trenches of Ploegsteert Wood. Along with other Battalions of the CEF, attached to Imperial Battalions for instruction in the phases of trench work. The 8th allotted to the First Rifle Brigade and the Somerset Light Infantry. A platoon at a time sent in for a day in the trenches.

The Little Black Devils
In Reserve (8th Infantry Battalion (90th Winnipeg Rifles) – Winnipeg). May, 1916. MIKAN No. 3405964

On 2 March, the Little Black Devils moved into the front line in front of the village of La Boutillerie, southeast of Fleurbaix. Here they took over a section of the line from the 2nd Wiltshires. A quiet section. And, for the next three weeks the Battalion learned general trench routine in the school of practical experience.

The Little Black Devils
Rations (8th Infantry Battalion (90th Winnipeg Rifles)). May, 1916. MIKAN No. 3395455

The Battle of Neuve Chapelle

The Battle of Neuve Chapelle on 10 March 1915 did not engage the infantry of the Division. But, the 8th profited by the experience in keeping the attention of the enemy opposite them. Then, a rest in billets at Estaires. And, a further period of training at Steenvoorde preceded the order of 14 April 1915 to move to the Ypres salient. This unit, as every other unit of the Division, to pass through an ordeal by shell and gas.

The Little Black Devils
Cooking behind the lines (8th Infantry Battalion (90th Winnipeg Rifles)). May, 1916. MIKAN No. 3395456

The Second Battle of Ypres

A journey by bus to Vlamertinghe and a march through stately Ypres, brought the Little Black Devils into the trenches. Near St. Julien on the evening of 14 April 1915, they relieved the French, and, in the words of General Sir Horace Smith-Dorrien, the enemy was always truculent.

A game of cards (8th Infantry Battalion (90th Winnipeg Rifles)). May, 1916. MIKAN No. 3396672

On the left of the 2nd Brigade was the 3rd Brigade, and on the right was the 28th British Division. The trenches in poor condition, traverses non-existent, parapets no protection except from view, and in many places no parados at all. For three days and three nights all ranks laboured to improve their defences. Then came the disturbing news on the night of 22 April 1915. The French on the left of the 3rd Brigade forced out of their trenches by an enemy gas attack.

Horse lines (8th Infantry Battalion (90th Winnipeg Rifles)). May, 1916 MIKAN No. 3395136

Chlorine Gas

Through the gap poured the Germans in their thousands. It became immediately necessary for the 3rd Brigade, with its left in the air, greatly to extend its line and throw back its left flank southward to protect its rear. The 8th Battalion left at the spearhead of a dangerous salient. For four days the Little Black Devils endured a rain of shells from front, flank and rear.

8th battalion little black devils
Trench hound and regimental mascot (8th Infantry Battalion (90th Winnipeg Rifles)). MIKAN NO. 3404899
8th battalion little black devils
Trench hound and regimental mascot (8th Infantry Battalion (90th Winnipeg Rifles)). MIKAN NO. 3405984

Second Gas Attacks

At four o’clock on the morning of Saturday, 24 April 1915, a blue-green-yellowish cloud seen rolling over No-Man’s Land towards the Battalion trenches. The second enemy gas attack and in a few moments the 8th had its first experience of this ghastly new weapon of modern warfare. The effect was paralyzing. Half the Little Black Devils succumbed to the poisonous fumes.

8th battalion little black devils
Grenade Section (8th Infantry Battalion (90th Winnipeg Rifles)). May, 1916. MIKAN No. 3405985

The battalion on the left obliged to retire and the 8th found itself in danger of being surrounded. But they held on, maintaining their proud record of never having lost a trench. While support battalions preparing new defences in their rear, the men of the Little Black Devils kept up a withering fire on the enemy, drove off an attack on their front and withstood a fearful enfilade fire from left and right.

8th battalion little black devils
Rest billets (8th Infantry Battalion (90th Winnipeg Rifles)). May, 1916. MIKAN No. 3405982

The 90th can hold its bit

At this particular juncture when exhausted men fought against weariness, shell, gas and an enemy outnumbering the little garrison five to one, that a query came from HQ, asking how the 8th faring and if the position could be maintained. Colonel Lipsett consulted his Company Commanders. Saw his battalion standing to arms, eyes heavy, lips cracked, bodies racked but with spirits unconquerable. He sent back his reply: The 90th can hold its bit. And hold it, they did!

Football match (8th Battalion, “C” & “D” Companies). June, 1916. MIKAN No. 3386516

Durham Light Infantry

With the early morning of the 25 April 1915 came relieving troops from the Durham Light Infantry, but only for three companies of the Battalion. No. 4 Company, on the right, under Captain George Northwood, saw their relief start forward and then turn back. As the day wore on and the battle continued in intensity the Durhams seen gradually falling back. By six o’clock, no troops left in the front line except No. 4 Company and the Machine Gun Section of the Battalion. A letter from Major Munro at the time tells of the final act of that terrific engagement.

Dolly (8th Infantry Battalion (90th Winnipeg Rifles)). June, 1916  Just west of Abele, Belgium. MIKAN No. 3405972

George Northwood stuck it out at the trenches until the last and fought like a tiger, as did Owen, Bell and young Andrews, all of whom we believe are captured.

Captain G.C. MacDonald (8th Infantry Battalion (90th Winnipeg Rifles)). June, 1916. MIKAN No. 3218668
Captain MacDonald & Lieut. Alex Laurence Saunders (8th Infantry Battalion (90th Winnipeg Rifles)). June, 1916. MIKAN No. 3405968

Aftermath

The battle was over, but at what a cost! Major William Aird Munro‘s letter tells the story. Only the Colonel, McAleans, Morley, Scott, McLeod and myself in the line-up with two hundred and thirty-one other ranks on Tuesday evening when we reassembled at Wieltje. Of that battle, of which the 8th is prouder than of any other of its battle honours, John Buchan, English war historian wrote: Colonel Lipsett’s battalion, which held the pivotal point on Gravenstafel Ridge, did not move an inch.

Officers (8th Infantry Battalion (90th Winnipeg Rifles)). June, 1916. MIKAN No. 3405965

After the war David Lloyd George paid the Battalion this tribute: The 8th, by steadiness under strain, was in saving the channel ports and removing the danger to England’s invasion.

Non-commissioned Officers who have won decorations (8th Infantry Battalion (90th Winnipeg Rifles) – Winnipeg). June, 1916 Just west of Abele, Belgium. MIKAN No. 3405967

In its description of the Second Battle of Ypres, the Times History carries lines that can also be recalled with pride: It is invidious to single out any battalion for special mention among troops, all of whom did so well. The 8th Battalion, the Winnipeg Rifles won special distinction at the second battle of Ypres for being the one regiment able to hold its trenches firmly although heavily gassed.

“A” Company (8th Infantry Battalion (90th Winnipeg Rifles)). June, 1916. Just west of Abele, Belgium. MIKAN No. 3405966

Rest

Two weeks in support followed their strenuous tunes at Ypres, and on 6 May 1915 the Little Black Devils moved back to Baileul for rest and reorganization. There followed in quick succession the battles of Festubert and Givenchy.

Little Black Devils
“B” Company (8th Infantry Battalion (90th Winnipeg Rifles) (90th Winnipeg Rifles)). June, 1916.  MIKAN No. 3405970

Battle of Festubert

On the 19 May 1915 the 8th entered the trenches at Festubert, and for three days severely tested. Pride of Regiment and a fighting spirit alone prevented them from forfeiting their claim to never having lost a trench. It was during the terrific bombardment at Festubert that CSM John M. Hay, now Major Hay and second in command of the Regiment, won his DCM for steadying his men under fire.

Little Black Devils
“C” Company (8th Infantry Battalion (90th Winnipeg Rifles)). June, 1916. MIKAN No. 3405975

Battle of Givenchy

Before the close of this battle more than ninety per cent of the original strength of the 8th Battalion had become casualties. Only three of the original officers had escaped either death or wounds. A rest at Essars preceded the Battle of Givenchy – the next encounter in which the Battalion seriously engaged. The battle fought during the first week in June, and again the Little Black Devils covered themselves with honour. Succeeding tours of duty in the trenches at Givenchy alternated with rests at Bethune until the end of June, when they moved to Ploegsteert.

Little Black Devils
“D” Company (8th Infantry Battalion (90th Winnipeg Rifles)). June, 1916. MIKAN No. 3405978

All Quiet on the Western Front

For a long weary period of nearly twelve months, trench warfare dragged its monotonous course. Throughout the entire period the Little Black Devils in the “Plug Street’ sector, taking its turn in front line, support, reserve and rest billets with the other battalions of the Division. Billets at Poperinghe and Meteren became familiar places. Working parties and casualties persisted. Trench raids initiated, and the losses they occasioned on the enemy increased their dislike for the verdamnt Canadians.

Little Black Devils
Transport (8th Infantry Battalion (90th Winnipeg Rifles)). June, 1916. MIKAN No. 3405973

Were Canadians Savages in the Great War?

Little Black Devils
Bombers and wirers (8th Infantry Battalion (90th Winnipeg Rifles)). June, 1916. MIKAN No. 3405976

Ross Rifle

In June, 1915, the short Lee-Enfield substituted for the Ross rifle which had been found not adapted to the rigours of active service. It may be said, without prejudice, that the discarded rifles provided excellent material for constructing dug-outs and other trench accommodations.

Little Black Devils
Headquarters details (8th Infantry Battalion). June, 1916. MIKAN No. 3405969

Lieutenant-Colonel Lipsett, C.M.G. Colonel Lipsett’s promotion to the command of the Second Infantry Brigade in September, 1915, was a well-deserved tribute to a splendid leader, but a decided loss to the Battalion. He it was who had led them through Ypres, Festubert and Givenchy. Respected and admired by officers and men.

Little Black Devils
Farewell dinner to General Lipsett. 2nd Infantry Brigade. 28 June 1916. Photo depicts soldiers sitting at trestle tables in camp in the open air. The commanding officer of the 2nd Brigade, Louis Lipsett, was given a promotion to lead the entire 3rd Canadian Division in June, 1916 when his superior, General Mercer, was killed. MIKAN No. 3394730
Little Black Devils
Little Black Devils
MIKAN No. 3394731

Following his command of the Second Brigade, Lipsett given the command as Major General of the Third Canadian Division. Lipsett killed in action on 13 September 1918.

Little Black Devils
Machine Gun Section (8th Infantry Battalion). June, 1916. MIKAN No. 3405979

Battle of St. Eloi

The Battle of St. Eloi mainly a story of 2nd Division tenacity, and the Battle of Sanctuary Wood, in its initial stages, a 3rd Division show. Both battles, however, ultimately engaged the entire Corps and the 8th Battalion suffered along with the others.

Little Black Devils
Scouts and snipers (8th Infantry Battalion (90th Winnipeg Rifles)). June, 1916. Snipers appear to be armed mostly with commercial hunting rifles with scopes.Just west of Abele, Belgium. MIKAN No. 3405977

Mount Sorrel

The reverses endured in these battles. The 1st Division called on to prepare for a counter attack. The attack took place around Mount Sorrel on June 13th, and by nightfall all the lost trenches had been won back and the high ground around Hooge, Sanctuary Wood and Mount Sorrel was once again in the possession of the Canadians.

Little Black Devils
Panorama of the 8th Infantry Battalion (90th Winnipeg Rifles). June, 1916. Just west of Abele, Belgium. MIKAN No. 3405974

Three hundred casualties the price paid by the 8th in this battle, one of them being their commander Colonel Harold Halford Matthews. Many of the wounded Little Black Devils waited for two days before picked up.

Lieutenant Colonel H. H. Matthews, D.S.O.

Matthews commanded the 8th through the action at Mont Sorrel. While Matthews and his headquarters staff conferred with Lieutenant Colonel Frank Creighton of the 1st Battalion, the dugout was hit by a heavy German shell. Creighton and two 8th Battalion officers were killed while four more were injured. Matthews suffered wounds to his head and back. With Matthews invalided to England, command of the 8th passed to Major Kenneth Campbell Bedson.

Little Black Devils
Panorama of the 8th Infantry Battalion (90th Winnipeg Rifles). June, 1916. Just west of Abele, Belgium. MIKAN No. 3405971

The Somme

The Battle of the Somme had run its extravagant course for two months when the men of the Ninetieth arrived at Albert on 2 September 1916. A week later found them in the support trenches at La Boiselle. From that time until December the place names of the Somme battlefield became as familiar to the Ninetieth as Fish Creek and Batoche had been to an earlier generation. Warloy and Bouzancourt, the Brickfields and the Chalk pits, Thiepval and Mouquet Farm. All these came to know the badge with the rampant devil.

Little Black Devils
Bombing down a trench (8th Infantry Battalion (90th Winnipeg Rifles)), 22 June 1916 Just west of Abele, Belgium. MIKAN No. 3405986

Battle of Flers-Courcelette

On 25 September 1916 the Battalion in the trenches east of Courcelette. The following day they engaged in the attack on the Zollern Redoubt and the Hessian and Regina Trenches. These and a hundred other places of lesser or greater importance will always be associated with Canadian valour. The four months fighting in the Somme at least threw off the pressure on the French at Verdun and paved the way for the successes of 1917.

Little Black Devils
MIKAN No. 3405983

The Battalion left Bruay on January 18th and moved up into the Lens area, arriving in Brigade support at Bully Grenay on 24 January 1917. They became acquainted with Fosse 10 and Houdain, Ecoivres and Angres, and experienced the hardships of a severe winter with continuous frost and snow.

Little Black Devils
MIKAN No. 3405987

The Battle of Vimy Ridge

Then for a week in April the name of the Canadians filled the reports from the Western front by their gallant work at Vimy Ridge. In a blinding snow storm they carried on to achieve Impossible victory. But they pressed on and m the face of withering artillery fire they held the Ridge on whose tragic slopes lay the bones of one hundred and fifty thousand French soldiers who died in vain efforts to carry it.

Little Black Devils
MIKAN No. 3405981

Food and water could be taken up only with the utmost difficulty and the decimation of pack trains and ration parties. In exploiting the Battle of Vimy, the Battalion called upon to undertake the capture of the village of Arleux. It was not an easy job, and the credit for this capture belongs almost exclusively to the men of the 8th. It was at the attack on the Arleux loop that Major John Percival MacKenzie, D.S.O., a very gallant soldier, was in temporary command of the Battalion.

Little Black Devils
MIKAN No. 3405980

In quick succession came the Battles of Fresnoy, Lens and the capture of Hill 70.

Little Black Devils
Trench scene, 22 June 1916 (8th Infantry Battalion (90th Winnipeg Rifles)). MIKAN No. 3520929

Passchendaele

A summer of hard, intensive and almost continuous fighting culminated in November. In that horrid of mud and blood called the Battle of Passchendaele. In those three days and three nights of maddening misery, no men died with more glory than the men of the 8th, yet many died and there was much glory. Passchendaele, key position to the enemy line on that end of the British front, wrested from the enemy.

Little Black Devils
The 8th Bn. “Little Black Devils” going into the line, wearing respirators at the alert. October, 1917. MIKAN No. 3405988

Another Christmas at Bruay

The news that the Battalion allowed to spend Christmas again at Bruay received with cheers by very weary soldiers. It was a real home-coming, and for three weeks Les Petits Diables Noir enjoyed the hospitality of old friends. Many faces strange to the villagers, and there were those who looked in vain for their Canadian friends of a year ago. But it had been a hard year and the price of war must be paid.

Little Black Devils
8th Battalion going into the line. October, 1917. MIKAN No. 3405989

1918 and Victory

Rumours of an impending enemy drive, were realized to the full when the Germans, in March, started their attack on the Fifth Army at Amiens. It came, it spent itself and it rolled back. The Ninetieth, along with the 1st Canadian Division, rushed to the Somme to help in the counter attack. During May and June they chafed in retirement and intensive training, as part of General Foch’s reserve waiting for the coming offensive.

Little Black Devils
Officers of the 8th Infantry Battalion (90th Winnipeg Rifles). May, 1918. MIKAN No. 3406052

The Battle of Amiens

Then came the orders for the secret concentration at Amiens, and at 4.20 a.m., on 8 August 1918 there began the most decisive battle of the whole war, the Battle of Amiens. The 8th had its full share m this significant engagement and particularly on the second day in cleaning out machine-gun nests from Hatchett Wood and capturing the village of Warvillers.

Little Black Devils
Officers of the 8th Infantry Battalion (90th Winnipeg Rifles). May, 1918. MIKAN No. 3406051

It was in this battle that Colonel Thomas Head Raddall, D.S.O., succeeded Colonel John Mervyn Prower in the command, killed leading his Battalion into action. His last act before succumbing to his wounds was to summon his orderly. Find Major Saunders, he said, and tell him to take command of the Regiment at once.

Sir Robert Borden

Little Black Devils
Sir Robert Borden meeting officers of 8th Battalion near Ferfey. [France]. July, 1918. MIKAN No. 3522225

The action of the 9 August 1918 struck a terrible toll on officers and men from the 8th Battalion, in addition to the great loss it sustained also the death of its leader. When the tide of battle had passed on, the Chaplain of the Regiment, Captain the Reverend James Whillans, organized a burial party from the unit, and all fallen members of the Regiment brought in and buried together in a beautiful spit surrounded by trees.

Little Black Devils
Officers of 8th and 27th Bn. meet for the first time in France. MIKAN No. 3404908

As soon as it was possible the Padre got the necessary permission to have this hallowed ground as a cemetery, and it became known as Manitoba Cemetery because of the number of the men of the Ninetieth who were buried there.

Manitoba Cemetery

17 April 2016

It is now a permanent Cemetery under the Imperial War Graves Commission.

Little Black Devils
Officers of “The Little Black Devils of Canada” 8th Infantry Battalion (90th Winnipeg Rifles). MIKAN No. 3405990

The Battle of Arras

A hurried journey by tactical train to Arras followed the Battle of Cambrai. On 28 August 1918 the Battle of Arras involved the 8th and the other units of the 1st Division. The purpose of this engagement was to turn the right flank of the Hindenburg Line and pave the way for the assault on Cambrai.

Little Black Devils
Funeral of General Lipsett attended by Prince of Wales, General Horne and General Currie. October, 1918. Maj. General Louis Lipsett was commanding the 3rd Canadian Division when he was killed on a reconnaissance of the Front on 14 Oct. 1918. His former unit, the 8th Canadian Infantry Battalion, provided the Guard of Honour at his funeral. MIKAN No. 3394973

On 31 August 1918 the Battalion completed the work on the Fresnes-Rouvroy line, broken by the 1st Brigade, and took part in the attack on the Drocourt-Queant switch line, an outwork of the Hindenburg line.

Little Black Devils
MIKAN No. 3394978

Canal du Nord

To the 8th and l0th Battalions given the honour of being the first to cross the Canal du Nord.

Little Black Devils
MIKAN No. 3394969

The Battle of Cambrai

Not until 27 September 1918, when the Battle of Cambrai opened, that the Battalion again engaged. A breach made in the Hindenburg Line, and the Pursuit to Mons commenced. Constant action and heavy fighting were the lot of the Ninetieth during this whole period, and they paid the full price in casualties and hard work.

Little Black Devils
MIKAN No. 3394968

The last action of the Battalion was the capture by “A” Company, under Captain C. B. Smith, of the village of Alasny and at the same time “C” Company under Captain Guilford Francis Dudley, the present Officer Commanding the Regiment, captured Auberchicourt. The last man of the 8th Battalion killed in the war a member of “C” Company, and the last enemy soldier to be killed by the 8th, killed by an “A” Company man.

Funeral of General Lipsett attended by Prince of Wales, General Horne and General Currie. 15 October 1918. Maj. General Louis Lipsett was commanding the 3rd Canadian Division when he was killed on a reconnaissance of the Front on 14 Oct. 1918. His former unit, the 8th Canadian Infantry Battalion, provided the Guard of Honour at his funeral. MIKAN No. 3394971
Funeral of General Lipsett attended by Prince of Wales, General Horne and General Currie. 15 October 1918. Maj. General Louis Lipsett was commanding the 3rd Canadian Division when he was killed on a reconnaissance of the Front on 14 Oct. 1918. His former unit, the 8th Canadian Infantry Battalion, provided the Guard of Honour at his funeral. MIKAN No. 3394971

It was at Auberchicourt where the Battalion received news on 11 November 1918. An armistice declared and at last the war ended.

Little Black Devils
German O.P. at approximate position of 8th Bn. H.Q. on 22nd April 1915 (Second Battle of Ypres). April & May 1919. MIKAN No. 3397986

The March to the Rhine

There followed the march to Germany. The Regiment crossed the Rhine with the band playing the old Regimental March. Pork, Beans and Hard-tack. And occupied the village of Porz am Rhein on the right bank of the Rhine near Cologne.

Prisoner of War POW
Pte. J.A. Scott, 8th Bn. Escaped prisoner of war. MIKAN No. 3220963

Home Again

A month’s stay in Belgium, awaiting orders for the return to Canada, spent at Les Waffles and Huy. On the 27th of March, 1919, the Battalion embarked at Le Havre for Weymouth.

Victoria Cross
Sgt. Alexander Brereton, V.C. MIKAN No. 3213058

The following month, 26 April 1919, they left England in the Empress of Britain. Arrived at Quebec on the 4th of May, 1919.

Victoria Cross
Sgt. Alexander Brereton, V.C., 8th Bn. MIKAN No. MIKAN No. 3213059

On Tuesday, 6 May 1919, welcomed back in Winnipeg. At their head was Lieutenant-Colonel Alex Laurence Saunders, D.S.O., M.C, a man who had enlisted as a private in 1914. He had gone to France early in 1915 and had risen rapidly from rank to rank. Until on the 8 August 1918, made commander of the Battalion on the death of Colonel Thomas Head Raddall.

Victoria Cross
Sgt. Frederick George Coppins, V.C. MIKAN No. 3214247

Legacy

Casualties: 1,633 killed.

Victoria Cross
Sgt. Frederick George Coppins, V.C. MIKAN No. 3214245

The highest credit belongs to those entrusted, during these years, with the responsibility of maintaining the life and traditions of the 90th. Difficult and, very often, heart-breaking work. Lieutenant-Colonel Arthur William Morley, confirmed in his command of the Regiment on the reorganization of the Canadian Militia on 15 September 1920. It was at this time that the Regiment lost its designation of “90th”. And became The Winnipeg Rifles, the numerical system of designation discontinued in the Canadian Militia. Colonel Morley rendered valuable service through these years, as did Colonel Cuthbert Cole Wansbrough, D.S.O., who succeeded him in 1924.

Valour Road

Pine Street, Winnipeg, Manitoba

Victoria Cross
Company Sgt.-Major Frederick William Hall , V.C. 2nd V.C. of the War. MIKAN No. 3216472

Frederick William Hall, Leo Clarke and Robert Shankland all lived on Pine Street, Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada. It is believed to be the only street in the world to have three Victoria Cross recipients living on the same street.

The city of Winnipeg later renamed it Valour Road in honour of the men. A bronze plaque is mounted on a street lamp at the corner of Portage Avenue and Valour Road to tell this story.

Baron Byng of Vimy

In September 1919, the Regiment providing a Guard for the Prince of Wales on his visit to Winnipeg. Interesting to note that on this Guard of Honour there were two members of the Regiment with the Victoria Cross. Sergeant Alexander Brereton, V.C., and Sergeant Frederick George Coppins, V.C.

Another Guard of Honour the Regiment provided for His Excellency’ Baron Byng of Vimy. Governor-General of Canada and leader of the Canadian Corps in France prior to General Sir Arthur Currie.

General Horne, General Sir Julian Byng, General Sir Arthur Currie and Major-General Sir H.F. Mercer at unveiling of Memorial to Artillerymen who fell on Vimy Ridge, February, 1918. MIKAN No. 3395023
General Horne, General Sir Julian Byng, General Sir Arthur Currie and Major-General Sir H.F. Mercer at unveiling of Memorial to Artillerymen who fell on Vimy Ridge, February, 1918. MIKAN No. 3395023

Perpetuated by The Royal Winnipeg Rifles.

Little Black Devils
Headquarters staff, 2nd Canadian Infantry Brigade. France. June, 1916. (Front row,L-R): Captains W.H. Collum, P. MacKenzie. (Centre row,L-R): Major John Mervin Prower, Brigadier-General L.J. Lipsett, Major B.M. Humble. (Rear row,L-R):Major H.W. Harbord, Captains Harry Edward Knobel (official photographer), G. Norton, Thomas Head Raddall (8th Battalion). MIKAN No. 3520907

A beautiful memorial window in the chancel of All Saints Church, Winnipeg, dedicated to the memory of General Lipsett, erected by his comrades of the 8th Battalion, the 2nd Canadian Infantry Brigade, and the 3rd Canadian Division. Each year, on the anniversary of his death, the 8th Battalion Association holds a Memorial Church Parade.

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    Ivan Schoonooghe

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