On 10 April, 1885, the 12th York Rangers mobilized four companies for active service during the North-West Rebellion with the York and Simcoe Provisional Battalion. The battalion served in the Alberta Column of the North West Field Force. On 24 July 1885, these companies were removed from active service.[2]
On 7 November, 1914, the 35th Battalion, CEF was authorized for service. On 9 February 1915, the battalion was redesignated as the 35th Reserve Battalion, CEF and on 16 October, 1915, the battalion embarked for Great Britain. After its arrival in the UK, the battalion provided reinforcements to the Canadian Corps in the field. On 4 January, 1917, the battalion’s personnel were absorbed by the 4th Reserve Battalion, CEF. On 8 December, 1917, the 35th Battalion, CEF was disbanded.[2]
On 22 December, 1915, the 127th Battalion (12th York Rangers), CEF was authorized for service and on 21 August, 1916, the battalion embarked for Great Britain. After its arrival in the UK, the battalion provided reinforcements to the Canadian Corps in the field. On 20 November, 1916, the battalion was reorganized as a railway battalion. On 13 January, 1917, the battalion disembarked in France and on 3 February, 1917, the battalion was redesignated the 2nd Battalion, Canadian Railway Troops, CEF. From 1917 until early 1918, the battalion provided special light railway engineering services to the British Expeditionary Force in France and Flanders. During the German Spring Offensive of 1918, the battalion would resume its original infantry role continued in the Allied Frontline until the Amiens Offensive of August 1918. Soon after, the battalion resumed its railway battalion role until the end of the war. On 23 October, 1920, the 127th Battalion (12th York Rangers), CEF was disbanded.[2]
On 15 July, 1916, the 220th Battalion (12th Regiment York Rangers), CEF was authorized for service and on 26 January, 1917, the battalion embarked for Great Britain. On 7 May, 1917, the battalion’s personnel were absorbed by the 3rd Reserve Battalion, CEF to provide reinforcements for the Canadian Corps in the field. On 1 September, 1917, the 220th Battalion, CEF was disbanded.[2]
Lineage
The York Rangers
Originated on 14 September 1866, in Aurora, Ontario, as the 12th York Battalion of Infantry.
Redesignated on 10 May 1872, as the 12th Battalion of Infantry or York Rangers.
Redesignated on 8 May 1900, as the 12th Regiment York Rangers.
Redesignated on 1 May 1920, as The York Rangers.
Amalgamated on 15 December 1936, with The Queen's Rangers (1st American Regiment) and redesignated as The Queen's York Rangers (1st American Regiment) (MG).[2]
