Battalion Park

Last updated
Battalion Park
Battalion-Park-Szmurlo.jpg
Battalion Park
Established3 November 1991
Location Calgary, Alberta, Canada on Signal Hill
Type geoglyphs
Website calgary.ca/CSPS/Parks/Pages/Locations/SW-parks/Battalion-Park.aspx OOjs UI icon edit-ltr-progressive.svg

Battalion Park is a geoglyph site in southwest Calgary, Alberta, Canada. It is located on Signal Hill, overlooking the Tsuu T'ina Nation (formerly Sarcee Nation), as well as lands formerly known as Camp Sarcee and later Sarcee Training Area, a military reserve used by the Canadian Forces from before the First World War up until the 1990s. The park extends over an area of 93 hectares (230 acres), north of the Elbow River. Its heritage value is associated with its dedication to the heroic efforts of Albertan soldiers during the First World War.

Contents

The site contains four geoglyphs formed of large, whitewashed stones, spelling out the numbers 137, 113, 151, and 51. The stones, totalling 16,000 in all, form the centrepiece of the park. Arranged on the side of the hill, and visible from various parts of the city, they represent the battalions numbered 137th, 113th, 151st, and 51st.

Geography

The 93 hectares (230 acres) park on Signal Hill overlooks the Tsuutʼina Nation. [1] It is situated to the north of the Elbow River, beside the Westhills shopping complex, [2] on the city's western outskirts. [3]

History

Early history

The then-Sarcee Indian Reserve leased a part of their land in the summer of 1914 to the Canadian Militia to enable them to establish a prospective training site for military personnel. It was then known as Sarcee Camp (as it overlooks what was then called the Sarcee Nation), and it was an exclusive area in Alberta to provide training to the soldiers who were to be assigned to fight during the First World War. The military reserve was used by the Canadian Forces from before the First World War up until the 1990s. [1] In all, 45,000 men were trained at the military camp. With this strength, the camp was the largest military training establishment in Canada during the war time. The 30 various units, housed in tents, included trainees drawn from various parts of the province. From Calgary, it took a day's ride to approach the camp.

Army engineers mapped the area. Each unit established its identity within its prescribed area by using stones that were hauled in sacks by hand from the river by soldiers as part of their training programme, over a distance of 2 kilometres (1.2 mi) during off-duty hours. Several military units collaborated in collecting the stones to create the battalion numerals. They were gathered from the river and carried it to the site as part of the training exercies. [4] Among those who did so were the four battalions of the Canadian Expeditionary Force (Members of the Calgary, Lethbridge, Central Alberta, and Edmonton battalions) who were trained in the area.

51st Battalion, Sarcee Army Camp in 1915 Colonel Harwood and staff of 51st Battalion, Sarcee Army Camp, Calgary, Alberta.jpg
51st Battalion, Sarcee Army Camp in 1915

After their training was over, the battalions were assigned to war regions abroad to fight in the First World War. The 151st (Central Alberta) Battalion, raised in the Red Deer, Battle River, and South Edmonton districts, trained at the Sarcee Camp from December 22, 1915, until October 4, 1916; Lieutenant-Colonel J.W. Arnott commanded. [5] The 137th (Calgary) Battalion, CEF, which was composed of the men of "Calgary's Own", were trained in the Sarcee Camp from December 1915 to August 1916; they were commanded by Lieutenant-Colonel George W. Morfitt. On August 21, 1916, they embarked to Europe to participate in the war. They were amalgamated with the 21st Reserve Battalion for service. Those men who survived the war met at the park, until the 1960s, to carry out weeding operations and also to repaint the stones of their battalion number which they had erected. [6] The 113th Battalion (Lethbridge Highlanders), CEF, consisted of 883 men and officers who were trained at the Sarcee Camp from late May 1916 until September. The battalion used painted rocks to construct their battalion number on Signal Hill. The 51st Battalion (Edmonton), CEF, under the command of Colonel Harwood, was also at the Sarcee Army Camp, in 1915. [7]

Later history

With the battalions gone, the numbers were almost forgotten, overgrown by shrubs and grass. The stones were almost obscured until a local historian found them; he found the stones prior to grading as part of a protection strategy for the hill which was subject to erosion, and to enable construction activity in the area. [1] Getting the site its present historical status involved concerted efforts by the cadets of units, particularly of the 157th Battalion, stationed in Calgary; this effort stretched to several years of pursuing with the authorities. The stones were safely kept by Stewart Green Properties Ltd until they were restored. [1] Development involved work on a gravel pit by Richmond Road, slope grading, rock replacement, and stairs construction. [8] Battalion Park officially opened on 3 November 1991. [1] [9]

The 51st Battalion is perpetuated by an existing reserve unit, the Loyal Edmonton Regiment. The 137th Battalion is perpetuated by another reserve unit, the King's Own Calgary Regiment (RCAC). The 151st Battalion was perpetuated by the North Alberta Regiment, which disbanded in 1936, and the 113th Battalion of the Lethbridge Highlanders is perpetuated by the South Alberta Light Horse. [10]

Features

The glyphs, which form the centre piece of the park, are large whitewashed stones (16,000 of them), arranged on the side of the hill and represent the battalions numbers 137, 113, 151, and 51. [1] The numbers, serif-type numerals, were created using 16,000 stones. [1] While the numerals 137, 151, and 51 are in a cluster, the glyph representing number "113" is further away in an undisturbed state as made in-situ initially from July 1, 1916, to August 31, 1916, but located within the park. [4] [11] Number "113" is at its original location, on a high ridge, while the others had to be shifted from their original location to the present site because of the need to develop the area for roads and other economic activities. The glyph with number "113" is located on 0.265 hectares (0.65 acres) area of land on a high ridge, and each numeral of "113" measures 36.5 metres (120 ft) in length and 1.8–3.7 metres (5 ft 11 in – 12 ft 2 in) in width. [4] The number is made up of white-painted stones. [12] The park consists of a walkway up the hill along paved and mud paths with several interpretative displays of the numerals and a "lookout landing".

Commemoration

In a homage paid by 104 cadets who gathered at the Battalion Park Monument, a plaque was erected as dedication to their ancestors who were part of the action during 1915 and 1916 in the First World War. The names of the battalions are mentioned on the plaque. On this occasion they also painted the stones which mark the numbers of the battalions. The units involved in its assembly, mentioned on the plaque, are: 85 RCSCC Calgary, 604 Moose Squadron RCAC, 22 Undaunted RGSCC, 781 Calgary Squadron, RCAC 1292 LdSH (RC), RCACC 2554, PPCLI CC 1955, Service Battalion RCACC, Buffalo Squadron 538, RCAC 2509, Royal Cdn Signals, CC 2137 Calgary Highlanders, and CC 52 City of Calgary Squadron RCCA. [13]

Members of the King's Own Calgary Regiment (RCAC), who perpetuate the 137th (Calgary) Battalion CEF, commemorate the sacrifices of their comrades each Remembrance Day by sending a contingent to the memorial and conducting a ceremony of remembrance.

See also

Related Research Articles

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Calgary Highlanders</span> Canadian infantry regiment

The Calgary Highlanders is a Canadian Army Primary Reserve infantry regiment, headquartered at Mewata Armouries in Calgary, Alberta, Canada. The regiment is a part-time reserve unit, under the command of 41 Canadian Brigade Group, itself part of 3rd Canadian Division, one of four region-based Canadian Army divisions. The regiment is one of only two regiments in the Canadian Forces to wear an honorary distinction on their uniform, commemorating the counterattack at Kitcheners' Wood. On 9 January 2015, the regiment was recognized with the Canadian Forces' Unit Commendation for outstanding contributions to the war in Afghanistan.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">South Alberta Light Horse</span> Military unit

The South Alberta Light Horse (SALH) is a Canadian Army armoured cavalry regiment of the Canadian Army Reserve. It traces its complicated lineage to the Rocky Mountain Rangers, and claims its direct ancestry to the 15th Light Horse, along with various other Alberta based cavalry units. The "Light Horse" designation comes from its light cavalry and mounted infantry origins.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">King's Own Calgary Regiment</span> Military unit

The King's Own Calgary Regiment (RCAC), (The King's Own or The KOCR), is a Canadian Army armoured reconnaissance regiment of the Canadian Armed Forces Primary Reserve. Headquartered at the Mewata Armoury in Calgary, Alberta, the KOCR is a part-time reserve unit of 3rd Canadian Division's 41 Canadian Brigade Group. Its regimental museum is located in Calgary.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">20th Battalion (Central Ontario), CEF</span> Military unit

The 20th Battalion, CEF was a unit of the First World War Canadian Expeditionary Force.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">137th (Calgary) Battalion, CEF</span> Unit in the Canadian Expeditionary Force during the First World War

The 137th Battalion, CEF, was a unit in the Canadian Expeditionary Force during the First World War. Based in Calgary, Alberta, the unit began recruiting in late 1915 in that city. After sailing to England in August 1916, the battalion was absorbed into the 21st Reserve Battalion on January 10, 1917.

The 138th Battalion, CEF, was a unit in the Canadian Expeditionary Force during the First World War.

The 151st Battalion, CEF, was a unit in the Canadian Expeditionary Force during the First World War.

The 202nd (Sportsmens) Battalion, CEF was a unit in the Canadian Expeditionary Force during the First World War. Based in southside Edmonton, Alberta, the unit began recruiting during the winter of 1915/16 in that city and surrounding district. It was formally authorized on July 15, 1916. Its headquarters were in the Sheppard Block at 10316 Whyte Avenue.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Queen's York Rangers (1st American Regiment)</span> Military unit

The Queen's York Rangers (RCAC) is a Canadian Army Primary Reserve Royal Canadian Armoured Corps regiment based in Toronto and Aurora. The regiment is part of 4th Canadian Division's 32 Canadian Brigade Group. The regiment consists of one cavalry squadron, as well as the Headquarters and Training Squadron. The regimental family also includes The Queen's York Rangers Band (volunteer), along with two Royal Canadian Army Cadet corps and a Royal Canadian Air Cadet squadron. The unit mottos are pristinae virtutis memor – 'remembering their glories in former days' – and celer et audax – 'swift and bold'. Among its own members and those of other regiments, the unit is referred to as the Rangers. The name is abbreviated as QY Rang, and sometimes pronounced KWY-rang.

Beginning with establishment of Fort Calgary in 1875, the city of Calgary, Alberta, has had some degree of permanent military presence throughout its history.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Signal Hill, Calgary</span> Neighbourhood in Calgary, Alberta, Canada

Signal Hill is a community in Calgary, Alberta. It contains the residential neighbourhoods of Sienna Hills and Signal Ridge. It is bounded by Sarcee Trail to the east, 17th Ave to the north, Stoney Trail to the south and 69th St to the west.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">103rd Regiment (Calgary Rifles)</span> Military unit

The 103rd Regiment (Calgary Rifles) was an infantry regiment of the Canadian Non-Permanent Active Militia, authorized at Calgary, Alberta, Canada, by General Order on 1 April 1910.

The Edmonton Fusiliers was an infantry regiment of the Non-Permanent Active Militia of the Canadian Militia and later the Canadian Army. First raised in 1908 as part of the 101st Regiment Edmonton Fusiliers, it became a separate regiment in 1924 when The Edmonton Regiment was split into two separate regiments. In 1946, the regiment was Amalgamated with the 19th Alberta Dragoons.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">51st Battalion (Edmonton), CEF</span> Military unit

The 51st Battalion (Edmonton), CEF, was an infantry battalion of the Canadian Expeditionary Force during the Great War. The 51st Battalion was authorized on 7 November 1914 and embarked for Great Britain on 18 April 1916. It provided reinforcements for the Canadian Corps in the field until 13 November 1916, when it was reorganized as a garrison duty battalion. On 22 June 1917, its personnel were absorbed by the various regimental depots. The battalion was disbanded on 15 September 1920.

The 66th Battalion, CEF was an infantry battalion of the Canadian Expeditionary Force during the First World War. The battalion was authorized on 20 April 1915 and embarked for Britain on 28 April 1916. Its personnel were absorbed by the 9th Reserve Battalion, CEF on 7 July 1916 to provide reinforcements for the Canadian Corps in the field. The battalion was disbanded on 30 August 1920.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">89th Battalion (Alberta), CEF</span> Military unit

The 89th Battalion (Alberta), CEF, was an infantry battalion of the Great War Canadian Expeditionary Force. The 89th Battalion was authorized on 22 December 1915 and embarked for Britain on 2 June 1916, where its personnel were absorbed by the 9th Reserve Battalion, CEF, to provide reinforcements for the Canadian Corps in the field. The battalion disbanded on 21 May 1917.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">113th Battalion (Lethbridge Highlanders), CEF</span> Military unit

The 113th Battalion, CEF, was an infantry battalion of the Great War Canadian Expeditionary Force. The 113th Battalion was authorized on 22 December 1915 as part of a recruiting drive in which men from the same region could enlist and serve together.

The North Alberta Regiment was an infantry regiment of the Non-Permanent Active Militia of the Canadian Militia. In 1936, the regiment was disbanded as a result of a country-wide reorganization of the Canadian Militia.

The York Rangers was an infantry regiment of the Non-Permanent Active Militia [NPAM] of the Canadian Militia. Although the unit was first officially created in 1866, the regiment traces its ancestry and origins as far back to Rogers' Rangers of the Seven Years' War, the Queen's Rangers of the American Revolutionary War and also the York Militia of the War of 1812. In 1936, the regiment was amalgamated with The Queen's Rangers to form The Queen's York Rangers.

The Alberta Regiment was a short-lived infantry regiment of the Non-Permanent Active Militia of the Canadian Militia. The regiment was formed by the reorganization of the 103rd Calgary Rifles into two separate regiments and the incorporation of a number of Canadian Expeditionary Force battalions into the peacetime militia. In 1924, the regiment was split into two separate regiments: The South Alberta Regiment and The North Alberta Regiment.

References

  1. 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 "Battalion Park". City of Calgary. Retrieved 18 February 2013.
  2. Dixon, Joan; Howard, Barb (4 September 2012). Embedded on the Home Front: Where Military and Civilian Lives Converge. Heritage House Publishing Co. pp. 69–. ISBN   978-1-927051-58-0 . Retrieved 21 February 2013.
  3. Bagley, Fred; Duncan, Harvey Daniel (1993). A legacy of courage: "Calgary's own" 137th Overseas Battalion, C.E.F. Plug Street Books. p. 93. ISBN   978-0-9697162-0-4 . Retrieved 21 February 2013.
  4. 1 2 3 "Battalion Numbers". Historicplaces.ca/Parks Canada. Retrieved 18 February 2013.
  5. "About Calgary Calgary's Battalion Park, The 151st Infantry Battalion. C.E.F". Aboutcalgary.ab.ca. Archived from the original on 3 July 2004. Retrieved 19 February 2013.
  6. "Calgary's Battalion Park The 137th Infantry Battalion. C.E.F". Aboutcalgary.ab.ca. Archived from the original on 3 July 2004. Retrieved 19 February 2013.
  7. "Glenbow archives NC-6-1407". Glenbow Museum. Archived from the original on 19 August 2022. Retrieved 19 February 2013.
  8. Sandalack, Beverly Ann; Nicolai, Andrei (21 September 2006). The Calgary project: urban form/urban life. University of Calgary Press. p. 155. ISBN   978-1-55238-217-2 . Retrieved 21 February 2013.
  9. "Battalion Park". Calgaryplus.ca. Retrieved 18 February 2013.
  10. "View Trackable Log". Geocaching.com. Retrieved 19 February 2013.
  11. "Battalion Park — Signal Hill — Calgary, Alberta". Waymarking.com. Retrieved 18 February 2013.
  12. "Canadian Expeditionary Force Study Group, "The Matrix Project", 113th Battalion". Great War Research Company. Retrieved 19 February 2013.
  13. "About Calgary Calgary's Battalion Park Monument". Aboutcalgary.ab.ca. 5–11 November 2001. Archived from the original on 3 January 2005. Retrieved 19 February 2013.

51°01′13″N114°10′17″W / 51.02028°N 114.17139°W / 51.02028; -114.17139 (Battalion Park)