Cap Badge - 159th (Algonquin Rifles / Pioneers) Battalion, CEF The 159th (1st Algonquins) Battalion, CEF was a unit in the Canadian Expeditionary Force during the First World War. Based in Haileybury, Ontario, the unit began recruiting in late 1915 in the districts of Nipissing and Sudbury. After sailing to England in November 1916, the 972 man battalion was absorbed into the 8th Reserve Battalion on January 20, 1917. The 159th (1st Algonquins) Battalion, CEF had one Officer Commanding: Lieut-Col. E. F. Armstrong. The battalion is perpetuated by The Algonquin Regiment.