The formal transference took place on January 23rd, and that date marks the end of the 219th as a distinct military Unit, and forms a fitting close to this article. It has been the story of a splendid Battalion into which the Western Counties of Nova Scotia poured their best manhood with unstinted patriotism. It represents the finest sacrifice ever made by the loyal enthusiasm of that part of the Province. Fisherman, farmer, lumberman, student, minister, lawyer, doctor drilled side by side in a spirit of comradeship seldom excelled.
It is not given to this bloodless narrative to trace to the field of battle the brave men that filled the ranks, but in the tale of their Battalions they will be found to have played their part in the defence of civilization bravely and well, and to have left to their country the legacy of an imperishable example.
CHAPTER XX.
246th BATTALION, C.E.F.
The 246th Battalion was authorized in August, 1916, as a Reserve Unit to supply reinforcements to the Nova Scotia Highland Brigade. It was organized at Camp Aldershot a short time before the Brigade embarked for Overseas, and to it were transferred officers and other ranks who, from various causes, were temporarily unfit for service at the Front. Each Battalion of the Brigade was represented by one Company, “A” Company, the 85th Battalion; “B” Company, 185th Battalion; “C” Company, 193rd Battalion, and “D” Company, 219th Battalion.
The officers were:
| Lieut.-Col. N. H. Parsons | Officer Commanding. |
| Major G. B. Cutten | Second in Command. |
| Major H. H. Bligh | Company Commander. |
| Major H. D. Creighton | Company Commander. |
| Major M. A. McKay | Company Commander. |
| Major W. G. McRae | Company Commander. |
| Capt. A. McKinnon | |
| Capt. G. E. Roberts | |
| Capt. J. Armitage | Adjutant. |
| Capt. L. L. Titus | Quartermaster. |
| Capt. A. C. Wilson | Medical Officer. |
| Capt. C. W. Corey | Chaplain. |
| Capt. F. Robertson | Paymaster. |
| Lieut. R. V. Harris | Asst. Adjutant. |
Lieuts. F. J. McCharles, A. T. E. Crosby, E. S. H. Lane, H. F. Lockhart, H. L. McInnes, A. W. Rogers, W. B. Ross, E. C. Shields, C. E. Smith, H. R. Theakston, W. M. Bligh, C. E. Baker, G. D. Blackadar, R. S. Edwards, N. Rogers, J. S. Roy.
A detachment of the 246th under the command of Major H. D. Creighton was sent to Trenton to guard the Nova Scotia Steel Company’s plant at that point, and was later relieved by a detachment from the Composite Battalion.
During the autumn and winter months recruiting became very difficult, and when the necessity for compulsory service became evident it was decided to discontinue organization and send the Battalion Overseas in drafts. The first draft, under the command of Lieuts C. E. Baker and W. M. Bligh, embarked in March, 1917, and on June 1st a further draft of 230 men and the following officers were sent Overseas:
Lieut.-Col. N. H. Parsons; Major M. A. McKay; Capt. A. McKinnon, Capt. L. L. Titus, Lieuts. A. T. E. Crosby, R. S. Edwards, E. S. H. Lane, H. F. Lockhart, H. L. McInnes, A. W. Rogers, W. B. Ross, E. C. Shields, C. E. Smith.