July 1916 – The 112th Battalion in Windsor

In Europe, the War continued with no victories after two years of heavy fighting. The Battle of the Somme was taking hundreds of thousands of casualties. In Windsor, our men in the 112 th Battalion were preparing to join the battle.

The 112 th Battalion was formed in November 1915 with headquarters in Windsor, Nova Scotia. Men were recruited from all over Hants County, from the Annapolis Valley, and from the South Shore. Over 1500 men volunteered for service but only 1200 were accepted. The commanding officer was Lt Col. Hedley Tremaine of Windsor.

Through the Winter, the new recruits did basic training in their local communities and then assembled for the first time at Windsor in May 1916. The Battalion encamped on the hill at Fort Edward for more intensive training over the next 3 months.

There was a final inspection at Victoria Park on Friday, July 21 st 1916. The Regimental Colors were presented and then placed in Christ Church for safe keeping. The troops boarded the train for Halifax and set sail on the “Olympic” on July 23 rd for England. They arrived in Liverpool England on July 31 st 1916 and proceeded to Bramshott (Military Camp) for further training. Gradually, soldiers were called up and transferred to other Regiments fighting at the front lines.

The 112 th Battalion stayed in England and the men were sent over to France as reinforcements.

The West Hants Historical Society is saluting our local soldiers who died in World War 1. One hundred years ago this month, the following men were killed in action:

Burgess, John Vernon

Regimental No. 167015

Pte John Vernon Burgess was born in Burlington on May 3, 1897. He was working as a Quarryman. He volunteered for service in Halifax on November 8, 1915 and was assigned to the 2nd Canadian Pioneers Battalion. He was killed in action in Belgium on July 13, 1916. His next of kin were his parents, Elisha and Allie Burgess residing in Burlington. He is buried in Reninghelst New Military Cemetery, Reninghelst, Belgium.

Haley, John Christopher

Regimental No. 167050

Pte John Christopher Haley was born in Martock on July 28, 1888. He was working as a Lineman. He volunteered for service in Halifax on November 8, 1915 and was assigned to the 2nd Canadian Pioneers Battalion. He was killed in action in Belgium on July 10, 1916. His next of kin was his mother, Mrs. Margaret Haley residing in Windsor. His Name is remembered at Menin Gate Memorial in Belgium.

Pentz, Richard Arthur

Regimental No. 67961

Pte Richard Arthur Pentz was born in Hantsport on November 4, 1894. He was working as a Druggist. He volunteered for service in Halifax on November 30, 1914 and was assigned to the 25th Battalion. He was killed in action in France on July 4, 1916. His next of kin was his father, Fred Pentz residing in Hantsport. He is buried in Boulogne Eastern Cemetery, Boulogne-sur-Mer, France.

The West Hants Historical Society is saluting our local soldiers who died in World War 1. This post is part of a series presented here on our website.

Note: If you have any old photos, post cards, letters, or diaries from these soldiers (or others); please share them with us at the West Hants Museum in Windsor. We are open every day through the summer.