Published in Windlesora 33 (2016)
© WLHG 2018
On 16 August 1916, the Colours of the 99th Essex County Reserve Battalion Expeditionary Force were deposited in Windsor Parish Church for the duration of the war. The battalion had been raised in Essex County and mobilized in the City of Windsor, both in Ontario. After arriving from Canada on 6 July 1916, the regiment was stationed in Shorncliffe. Prior to going into action, they decided to take their beautiful Colours, which had been made by the ladies of Windsor, Ontario, to their namesake Windsor, Berkshire for safe-keeping. As the Colour Party arrived at Windsor station, they were greeted by a large crowd of spectators which cheered as they marched up towards the Guildhall.
The 99th Battalion was awarded the battle honour The Great War 1916, and became part of the Canadian Expeditionary Force to provide reinforcement to the Canadian Corps in the field. Men from Windsor, Ontario will have fought at Vimy Ridge and Passchendaele. Today the 99th Battalion (Essex), is perpetuated by The Essex and Kent Scottish Regiment, whose Colonel-in-Chief is HRH Prince Michael of Kent.
the two (unnamed) lieutenants carrying the Colours.
Windsor Local History Group 