Theme Collections
85th Battalion (Nova Scotia Highlanders)
Photos and Photo Postcards - Home Comings
Panoramic Photo
This section contains one large panoramic photo of the 85th Battalion taken in Halifax, NS, on June 9, 1919. The battalion had just arrived back from overseas. This was the final formation parade before the men were demobilized.
Click or tap on the image below for a high resolution, expandable image. Use your back button to return to this page.
large.jpg)
Final Line Up
85th Battalion (Nova Scotia Highlanders)
Halifax, NS
June 9, 1919
A stunning and rare photograph showing the 85th Battalion in formation in Halifax after returning home from overseas. This was the last time the battalion was together. Note Citadel Hill in the background. In the centre is the pipe band and directly behind them are the battalion colours.
On the second horse from the right is the commanding officer, Lt-Col. James Layton Ralston. Ralston commanded the 85th Battalion in France and brought the unit home. He was wounded in action on four different occasions, was twice mentioned in Despatches and was awarded a Distinguished Service Order and Bar. After the war, Ralston went into politics and became Canada's Minister of Defence from 1926 to 1930, Finance Minister from 1939 to 1940, and Minister of Defence again from 1940 to 1944. He was also Honorary Colonel of the Cape Breton Highlanders during World War 2.
Photographer: W.G. MacLaughlan, Halifax, NS
Ref. Number: 0-4 (11-4-2.4)
Image Information: Scan of original photo
Source: Robert MacLellan Collection