The 116th Battalion in France

The story follows a group of ordinary men from Ontario County who answer the call of duty in 1914, shaping a battalion that retains its local character even after the chaos of overseas recruitment. Through the meticulous war diary and personal recollections, listeners hear how these soldiers formed tight‑knit bonds, carried their county’s colours across the Channel, and faced the early trials of trench warfare on the Western Front. The narrative weaves together the community’s wartime spirit—evident in the ladies who presented the battalion’s colours, the police chief turned officer, and the local militia traditions that predate the Great War.

Interlaced with vivid descriptions of training camps, the first deployment to France, and the daily challenges of life in the trenches, the book offers a respectful tribute to those who served and those who were left behind. It captures the pride, anxiety, and camaraderie of a generation, providing both a historical record and a heartfelt remembrance for veterans, families, and anyone interested in the human side of World War I.