The 47th Battalion (British Columbia), CEF, was an infantry battalion of the Canadian Expeditionary Force during the Great War. The 47th Battalion was authorized on 7 November 1914 and embarked for Britain on 13 November 1915. It disembarked in France on 11 August 1916, where it fought as part of the 10th Infantry Brigade, 4th Canadian Division in France and Flanders until the end of the war. By war’s end, the 47th had lost 899 men. One-third of the fatalities, 271 men, were killed in the last 100 days of the war.[1] The battalion was disbanded on 30 August 1920.[2]

The 47th Battalion recruited in New Westminster, Vancouver and Victoria and was mobilized at New Westminster, British Columbia.[3] The 47th Battalion had four officers commanding:

  • Lt-Col W.N. Winsby, 13 November 1915 – 24 April 1917
  • Lt.Col. M.J. Francis, 24 April 1917 – 14 December 1917
  • Lt.Col. R.H. Webb, MC, 14 December 1917 – 24 April 1918
  • Lt.Col. H.L. Keegan, DSO, 24 April 1918-demobilization[4]

One member of the 47th Battalion was awarded the Victoria Cross. Acting Corporal (later Sergeant) Filip Konowalwas awarded the Victoria Cross for his actions during the period 22–24 August 1917, at the Battle of Hill 70 in Lens, France.[5]

The 47th Battalion was awarded the following battle honours:

The 47th Battalion (British Columbia), CEF, is perpetuated by The Royal Westminster Regiment.[7]

Two soldiers from Strathroy – Caradoc were enlisted in the 47th Battalion when they were killed: Pte. John Bosman and Pte. Charles Smithrim.

Charles Smithrim was killed sometime between May 5th and 7th, 1917.

The following are excerpts from the War Diary of the 47th Battalion during May 1917. The diarist adds some detail of the heavy bombardment of artillery shelling, movement of troops, and the casualty numbers that result.

The following entry states, “A successful minor operation was carried out last night by the left Bde. left division resulting in the capture of the triangle of trenches bounded by M36 a 42 75 to M36 B 65.10 M36 a 30 93. Blocks have been established at M36 b 40.15, M36 a 40.70 M36.8. M36 B 62.10. Severe fighting took place and enemy made two determined counter attacks against the right of our new position in which he suffered heavily. One officer and 33 ORs were taken, prisoners. Enemy artillery was very active through out the operation. 4th Can. Div. reports at 10:30 am “Enemy snipers active from front and support lines about M36 D 7.4 causing us some casualties. CALLOUS trench is reports heavily manned by the enemy.” [His wording and spelling]On the following entry, May 6th the diarist states, “Frontlines right sector was shelled intermittently throughout the night and Casualties – The first estimate of casualties included 2 Officers killed, 4 wounded and one unaccounted for ORs killed 26, wounded 117 and unaccounted for 5.”  One of those was probably Pte. Charles Smithrim.