Medical Section

185th Battalion (Cape Breton Highlanders)

England

Circa 1917-1918

This photo was taken sometime after the battalion received their highland kit in 1917. The men with armbands are stretcher bearers. Note the four tassled leather sporrans most of the men are wearing. Lack of photo evidence suggests that these were uncommon and may have only been issued to the Medical Section. It is not clear who the three enlisted soldiers are wearing non-highland uniforms.

Only a few of the men have been positively identified.

Front Row, Seated, Left to Right:

2.  Cpl. Alexander Allan Collins 877682
- born in Margaree Harbour, Inverness County, NS
- transferred to the 25th Battalion (Nova Scotia Rifles) and was wounded in action

3.  Capt. John Alexander Munro - Medical Officer
- born in Truro, NS
- Canadian Army Medical Corps attached to the 185th Battalion
- later served as medical officer for the 9th Battalion Canadian Engineers

4.  Sgt. William McLean Borden 223392 (Died of Wounds September 28, 1918)
- born in Pugwash, Cumberland County, NS
- enlisted in the 85th Battalion (Nova Scotia Highlanders)
- transferred to the 185th Battalion upon its formation
- was serving back with the 85th Battalion when he was fatally wounded

6.  Pte. Wilfred Arthur Buckley 902440
- born in Halifax, NS
- enlisted in the 193rd Battalion (Nova Scotia Highlanders)
- transferred to the 185th Battalion
- later served with the 2nd Battalion Canadian Machine Gun Corps

Back Row, Left to Right:

3.  Pte John Nicholson 877645 (Killed in Action September 27, 1918)
- born in Port Morien, Cape Breton County, NS
- was serving with the 85th Battalion (Nova Scotia Highlanders) when he was killed in action

The men named above were confirmed by facial comparison to other named photos and the 1916 battalion portrait studio picture books. Service files confirmed service numbers, full names and other specifics.

Photographer:  West & Son, Godalming, England
Ref. Number:  22-4 (15.4)
Image Information:  Scan of original photo
Source:  Joan (Collins) Perry