231st Battalion, CEF return from Sidney - different from 1998.142.103 and 1998.142.104 From the 231st Battalion, CEF Souvenir Booklet: The 231st Battalion, CEF in training at Sidney on Vancouver Island. The training of a regiment in the field is the most important work necessary to bring a body of men to the point where they are fit to take a hand in active fighting because it more nearly resembles what they will be actually called upon to do when the time comes for them to face the enemy. In this respect the 231st were given an ample opportunity of acquiring such practical knowledge when they spent four months of last summer under canvas at Sidney, Vancouver Island. Late in June the order came for them to proceed to Sidney for training, and an advance party was at once sent over to prepare the camp for the reception of the regiment. On July 4th the battalion marched through the city streets to the C.P.R. wharf, 564 strong, less a small number to be left behind for recruiting and to form the nucleus of "C" Company. The steamer "Princess Mary was in readiness and was attached to the battalion for training. On August 28th "C" Company now 150 strong, was welcomed to the camp. No more ideal site tor a training camp could be found than Sidney, the nature of the ground occupied being such as to present the salient features of actual warfare to those in training. Besides the regular battalion and company manoeuvres, ample target accommodation was provided in addition to the long ranges at Heals and the battalion was given a thorough schooling in this important branch at work. Life in camp was never lacking in interest, the spare time being well filled in with all kinds of sport and bathing. The citizens of Sidney generously donated cups and prizes for competition between the two battalions. It is fair to say that while the 143rd Bantam representatives made excellent seconds, the major portion of the prizes were carried off by members of the 231st including the much coveted football trophy. Taken all in all, the stay at Sidney was not only a most pleasant one but it proved of great value in the matter of training. On November 1st, the regiment embarked at 10 o'clock in the morning on the steamer "Princess Sophia" and arrived in Vancouver at 3 o'clock in the afternoon to again occupy their old quarters at Hastings Park. OR 1 April 1919 Ohain, Belgium the 72nd Battalion, CEF marches past General Currie after the presentation of new colours.