Small Photo album - 231st Battalion, CEF, 1916-17 The 231st Battalion, CEF was a unit in the Canadian Expeditionary Force during the First World War. Based in Vancouver, British Columbia, the unit began recruiting in early 1916 in that city and the surrounding district. After sailing to England in April 1917, the battalion was absorbed into the 24th Reserve Battalion on April 22, 1917. The 231st Battalion, CEF had one Officer Commanding: Lieut-Col. F. E. Leach.