Group of Soldiers

85th Battalion (Nova Scotia Highlanders)

Amherst, NS

Circa March, 1916

This contingent of 85th Battalion soldiers were on a recruitment drive with stops in different parts of the province. The large building behind them was located on Station Street in Amherst and at one time housed the Amherst Boot & Shoe Co. Ltd. It is believed the photo was taken on March 14 or 15, 1916.

The officer standing in front may be Major James Michael Gillis who was second in command of the 85th Battalion.

The soldier standing in the front row, tenth from the left, has been identified as 222285 Pte. Irvine James Bickerton from Amherst. He would later be awarded a Military Medal and then a Bar to the Military Medal for actions in France.

Photographer:  Unknown
Ref. Number:  0-4 (3-13.2)
Image Information:  Scan of original photo
Source:  Robert MacLellan Collection