Cap Badge - 101st (Winnipeg Light Infantry) Overseas Battalion. The badge was made by R.J. Inglis. The 101st was one of five battalions raised by the 106th Winnipeg Light Infantry Regiment during World War One. The others were the 10th, 61st, 222nd and 226th Battalions. A draft transferred from the 61st Battalion provided the initial cadre of officers and NCO’s. Recruiting began on December 1, 1915. Barracks and training were based at the McGregor Street Armoury. By the middle of February, the battalion announced it had recruited to full strength. Recruiting continued right up until the battalion moved to Camp Hughes for summer training. In all, almost 1300 men enlisted into the 101st. Camp Hughes opened for summer training on May 29, and the 101st had a full contingent there for training. A surprise warning order was received shortly after camp began. By June 23, the battalion entrained for Halifax, via Ottawa. On April 28, the battalion embarked from Halifax aboard the SS Olympic, landing at Liverpool on July 6. The following day, the men of the 101st were at East Sandling Camp, Shorncliffe. On July 13, the 101st was absorbed into the 17th Reserve Battalion at East Sandling Camp, (17th Reserve Battalion Daily Order 197). The first 101st men were posted to France in late August. During the Fall of 1916, large drafts of 101st men were posted to the 16th and 43rd Battalions. Small drafts also went to the 2nd CMR’s, 46th and 72nd Battalions. Six men were posted to the 31st Battalion and every one would be killed or wounded. Other small drafts went to the Engineers, or as signallers. From January 1917, all remaining former 101st men went to the 85th Battalion. By October 12, 1917, the 101st was effectively disbanded due to depletion of manpower. The 101st Winnipeg Light Infantry Battalion was officially disbanded by GO 149, September 15, 1920. Postwar the battalion had an active veterans association which met regularly for reunions until about 1940. The 101st Winnipeg Light Infantry is perpetuated by the Royal Winnipeg Rifles, another ironic touch given that not one member of the 101st served with the 8th Battalion during the war.