Delighting in the Grit of the 89th Battalion (Alberta), CEF

The 89th Battalion (Alberta), CEF, is a testament to grit, courage, and unyielding patriotism that modern historians would do well to remember. As the war machine of 1915 Canada cranked into high gear, the call went out for battalions of men ready to fight for King and country in the Great War. Formed on the 22nd of July in the wild-yet-burgeoning landscape of Alberta, this battalion was emblematic of self-determination and the fierce spirit associated with frontier life.

Now, for those unaware of this monumental milestone in military history, the 89th Battalion wasn't just another group of soldiers shuffling off to war without flair. They're emblematic of a pivotal moment when citizens transformed into heroes. After a year of rigorous training, they set sail for England in June 1916. Although their destinies led them not to the flashy front lines directly but into absorption by other Canadian Corps in France and Flanders, let's celebrate their tenacity.

In this age of perpetual political posturing and liberal hand-wringing, where history is sanitized to fit narratives, let's give the 89th Battalion their due. We're talking about excitable and capable men honed to perfection, ready to take on the trenches of Europe with a glint in their eyes and resolve in their hearts. Formed during the tempestuous times of World War I, the need for personnel became even more pressing as global tensions escalated. They were eager volunteers, notably from places like Calgary, Commanded by Lieutenant-Colonel C. C. Ross, extolling virtues of duty and honor.

Let's avoid the common pitfall of conflating this with modern regiments. Back in the early 20th century, soldiers weren't indulging in politically-correct history lessons or handed color-coded canteens to avoid feelings. They marched, not shuffled with eyebrows knitted in consternation, but with a sense of pride; committed, without apologies. Training wasn't about making sure everyone felt included but preparing men for the harsh reality of warfare. They understood the stakes. They knew that freedom and democracy had a price.

While the 89th initially was absorbed into other units in January 1917, including the 9th Reserve Battalion and later met an administrative end, their legacy marched on through battles across Europe. From Vimy Ridge, the Hindenburg Line to Passchendaele, their spirit and influence remained undaunted. Not always chronicled by a Hollywood spotlight, but alive in genuine valor and victory.

These men from Alberta, set amidst the prairie winds and uncultivated lands, were more than a footnote. They symbolized a generation willing to fight when called upon, stepping up when the world seemed to lean into the mount of chaos. It was their tenacity that shaped future military engagements, instilling a sense of endurance and strength that would be carried forth in future Canadian military achievements. They epitomized the essence of Alberta's independent and steadfast character, standing not only against enemy lines but also as sentinels guarding Western values.

Today, as we face new battles, in arenas perhaps not as turbulent yet equally impactful, remembering the 89th Battalion offers us lessons in courage and patriotism. We must tether ourselves to this legacy, embracing duty and national pride unapologetically. While their banners might not fly in the face of today's immediate conflicts, their legacy is etched in the bedrock of Canadian resolve. Epic moments often go unseen, brushed aside by modern renditions that cater to contemporary sensitivities.

This battalion stood as a bastion of community, solidifying the ethos of commitment not just to nations or leaders but to fellow men and women; compatriots deserving of freedom secured by sacrifice. As prosperity continues, filled with debates and disunity, their contribution reminds us of a time when things were clearer, identities steadfast, and missions unequivocal. So next time you walk through Alberta's breathtaking landscapes or engage in spirited discussions about power and politic, remember the stalwart 89th. They gallantly walked the pages of history, not seeking encomiums but giving the ultimate homage to duty and country.