From the News

Dated:

187th BATTALION NOW RECRUITING

Major C. W. Robinson Appointed Lieut.-Col. of the New Battalion

Word was received in the city yesterday that Major Robinson had accepted the position of commanding officer of the 187th Battalion, and has entered upon his duties.  He is expected in the city today.

Recruiting started last night, and a number of men have already been sworn in.  The recruiting office is at present located in the Red Deer armoury, and the officers are entering upon the work with the greatest enthusiasm.  Red Deer has sent many men to the front, but she will, we feel sure, respond nobly with many more.  The 187th will, we understand, be known as the Central Alberta Battalion, and will recruit one of the best regiments in the Dominion from the heart of this great province.

The new commanding officer has had considerable military experience.  He went through the South African campaign, serving in the 1st C.M.R., under the late Col. D. B. Evans.  He was also prominently connected with the 15th Light Horse, being in command of "C" squadron.

On the outbreak of the present war he joined the gallant 10th battalion, and was given command of "A" company under the late Lieut.-Col. Boyle.¹ At St. Julien he was severely wounded, sustaining a broken arm and writst, and those who have returned form that great fight speak in unstinted praise of the work he had performed on the night of the 22nd April, last year.

He returned to Canada in the fall of 1915 and joined the 89th battalion.

The new commanding officer has resided in the west for many years, 14 of which have been spent in the Munson district, where he is one of the best known ranchers.  With the exception of Captain F. R. Reeve,² late advertising manager of the Hudson's Bay company in Calgary, who is to be the adjutant of the new battalion, no further officers have so far been appointed.