231st Battalion CEF Sidney Camp, Vancouver Island View facing east of Sidney Camp. There are white tents in the background and a Model T Ford driving west along the road in front of the camp. The view is towards the east, with the waterfront town of Sidney in the background and Haro Strait beyond. From "Do Your Little Bit": The 143rd Battalion Canadian Expeditionary Force, "BC Bantams": Photo Essay: To help reduce the demand on Camp Vernon, a location on Vancouver Island was sought to be more accessible for local battalions. Several locations were considered, including a golf course in Colwood but eventually the army selected a location on the Saanich Peninsula on the western edge of Sidney. The camp itself was fitted with all the necessities of outdoor army life, including living quarters under canvas, training space, cooking facilities, a water system, and sanitary facilities. The capable Colonel Duff Stuart (of the 72nd Regiment) served as both Camp Commandant and District officer commanding. Military facilities included a drill ground with several small rifle ranges. The routine consisted of drills, bayonet and rifle practice, and trench training. NOTE: Sidney Camp existed into the late 1930s. The Mary Winspear Centre now occupies the location at the corner of Patricia Bay Highway and Beacon Avenue West, Sidney. It is near the Victoria Airport.