The 187th Battalion will forever be part of Innisfail's First World War history, yet in St. Mark's Anglican Church its colours still hang proudly nearly 100 years later.
And on the walls of the church, a prized 97-year-old military enrolment list proudly hangs and includes the name of Edgar Medley, the forgotten local soldier who was finally commemorated for his service three weeks ago.
Recruited from Central Alberta in the spring and summer of 1916, the 187th Battalion (C Company) based in Innisfail and commanded by Capt. Stanley, was picked up en route to Calgary and trained at Sarcee Camp. They headed overseas on Nov. 25 that same year for Shorncliffe, Kent in England, where the battalion was broken up and its members sent to other units.
“The 187th Battalion was a big part of St. Mark's Anglican Church and evidence can be seen of their presence in a number of ways,” said Jim Behm, caretaker of the church, a Second World War veteran and legion member.
The regimental colours were purchased for the battalion by the people of Innisfail and presented on June 16 at the Innisfail Fair Grounds by Senator Edward Michener during the Imperial Order Daughters of the Empire celebrations. They travelled with the soldiers and were deposited in Westminster Abbey until the war ended. Their journey took them to Red Deer, and finally again to Innisfail.
“We had the colours restored a few years back,” said Behm of the colourful flags. “The historian who worked on them was amazed we still had them. They are a constant reminder of the sacrifice made for our freedom, and the lives lost by Innisfail soldiers and service to our country.”
Evidence of the battalion is not only in the flags on display, but was also discovered at the back of the church in the carefully preserved enrolment list from 1917, which records Innisfailians who served in the First World War.
A careful examination of the For King and Country Saint Mark's Parish Church list includes not only the names of local recruits, as well as the divisions they eventually served in, but also small cross marks beside their names, presumably marking their passing. Along with Medley, notable names listed include Frank Baker, Shephard Barwis, William Black, Aleck and James Daines, John Foster, George Geary, John Handford, Charles Hoar and Hugh Scarlett.
“I have been attending church here for 18 years, and have been part of the Remembrance Day commemoration we host, and I have never seen the names before,” said Behm. “It is a fascinating connection to the past, hidden in front of our eyes. With the recent ceremony honouring Edgar Medley, and discovering his name here, it brings the past close to home. Medley would have attended his last church service before going to war in this church.”
St. Mark's Anglican Church will be hosting a Remembrance Day service on Nov. 9 at 10 a.m. Members of the community are welcome to attend.
