www.ns.legion.ca 69 85th Battalion Passchendaele Memorial (April 2015) The battalion's 1917 successes at Vimy and Passchendaele prompted other Canadian units to refer to the 85th as "The Never Fails". Throughout the following year, the unit served with distinction, participating in major battles at Amiens (August 8-11, 1918), Arras (September 2-5, 1918) and Cambrai (September 25 - October 2, 1918) during Canada’s “100 Days.” Its performance solidified its reputation as a formidable infantry unit and reliable component of the Canadian Corps. Following the conclusion of hostilities, the battalion remained in Belgium until May 1, 1919, at which time its personnel returned to England. On May 3, the 85th’s distinguished brass band and a detachment of its soldiers joined thousands of British and Imperial troops in the Great March of Triumph through the streets of London. At month’s end, the battalion departed England for Canada, arriving in Halifax on June 8. An estimated 60,000 Nova Scotians crowded the city's streets to witness its homecoming parade. 85th Battalion's return to Halifax (June 1919) While the unit was officially demobilized on the day of arrival, it took several days before all personnel were discharged. On June 15, 1919, the battalion's remaining members marched its regimental colours to Government House, where they were surrendered for posterity to the province's LieutenantGovernor. On September 15, 1920, the 85th Battalion was officially disbanded by General Order, bringing to an end the story of its remarkable contribution to Canada's “Great War” service. The 85th Canadian Infantry Battalion "Nova Scotia Highlanders" Lt. Col. James L. Ralston sits atop his horse as crowds cheer on the return of the 85th Nova Scotia Highlanders from the First World War on June 9, 1919. Joining the leader was Capitan A.T. Croft (also on horseback0< followed by Regimental Sergeant-Major A.S. Ward and Private Charles H. Harvey, Battalion Runner, on Halifax’s Barrington Street, opposite Grand Parade. Photo courtesy of Rabert Harvey, Lower Sackville
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