Midland Provisional Battalion facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Midland Provisional Battalion |
|
|---|---|
| Active | 1885 |
| Country |  Canada |
| Branch | Canadian Militia |
| Type | Provisional Battalion |
| Role | Infantry |
| Size | 8 companies |
| Part of | Non-Permanent Active Militia North West Field Force |
| Engagements | North-West Rebellion |
| Battle honours | North West Canada, 1885 |
| Disbanded | 1885 |
The Midland Provisional Battalion (also known as The Midland Battalion) was a special military unit from Eastern Ontario, Canada. It was part of the Canadian Militia, which is like Canada's army. This battalion fought in a conflict called the North-West Rebellion in 1885.
The battalion was led by Lieutenant-Colonel A.T.H. Williams. It was made up of about 370 officers and soldiers. These soldiers came from 8 different "companies" (smaller groups of soldiers) from 7 different army regiments in Eastern Ontario. The Midland Battalion was part of General Middleton’s Column, a larger fighting group during the rebellion.
One of their most important actions was at the Battle of Batoche. Here, the Midland Battalion fought alongside other units like the 10th Royal Grenadiers and the 90th Winnipeg Rifles. They bravely charged and captured the "Metis rifle pits," which were defensive trenches used by the Metis people. After the rebellion ended, the Midland Battalion was disbanded in the same year.
How the Battalion Was Organized
The Midland Provisional Battalion was formed by bringing together eight companies from different army groups in Ontario. Each company was like a smaller team of soldiers.
- A Company came from the 15th Battalion, Argyll Light Infantry in Belleville, Ontario.
- B Company came from the 40th Northumberland Battalion in Cobourg, Ontario.
- C Company came from the 45th West Durham Battalion in Lindsay, Ontario.
- D Company came from the 46th East Durham Battalion in Port Hope, Ontario.
- E Company also came from the 46th East Durham Battalion in Port Hope, Ontario.
- F Company came from the 47th Frontenac Battalion in Portsmouth, Ontario.
- G Company came from the 57th Battalion, Peterborough Rangers in Peterborough, Ontario.
- H Company came from the 49th Battalion Hastings Rifles in Hastings County, (Belleville), Ontario.
Key People
- Lt.-Colonel Arthur Trefusis Heneage Williams was the commander of the Midland Provisional Battalion.
