page_title: 162nd (Parry Sound) Battalion, CEF
section_title: The 162nd Battalion
hierarchical_section_title: 162nd (Parry Sound) Battalion, CEF / The 162nd Battalion
caption_attribution_description: English: The 162nd Battalion on the Parry Sound Court House steps in 1916
context_page_description: The 162nd (Parry Sound) Battalion, CEF was a unit in the Canadian Expeditionary Force during the First World War. Based in Parry Sound, Ontario, the unit began recruiting in late 1915 in that city. After sailing to England in November 1916, the battalion was absorbed into the 3rd and 4th Reserve Battalions on January 4, 1917. The 162nd Battalion, CEF had one Officer Commanding: Lieut-Col. J. M. Arthurs.
context_section_description: A year into the First World War the Prime Minister of Canada, Robert Borden, decided the Canadian forces were to be doubled in size to half a million soldiers. This number was going to be difficult to garner since the total population of Canada at the time was around 8 million. A plan was devised by Minister of Militia, Sam Hughes, to turn each electoral district into a battalion area. The thought process was that more people would be willing to enlist if they knew they would be going overseas with their friends and neighbours. The plan worked and on 2 December 1915 the 23rd Regiment in Parry Sound was authorized to raise the 162nd Battalion.
caption: The 162nd Battalion on the Court House steps in Parry Sound Ontario, 1916
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