Cap Badge - 143rd (BC Bantams), Battalion CEF, Victoria The 143rd (B.C. Bantams) Battalion, CEF was a unit in the Canadian Expeditionary Force during the First World War. Based in Victoria, British Columbia, the unit began recruiting in late 1915 throughout British Columbia. After sailing to England in February 1917, the battalion was absorbed into the 1st and 24th Reserve Battalions, and the Canadian Railway Troops in March 1917. The 143rd (B.C. Bantams) Battalion, CEF had one officer commanding: Lieut-Col. A. B. Powley.