14 Platoon, "D" Company

85th Battalion (Nova Scotia Highlanders)

Halifax, NS

Circa 1915-1916

This photo was taken outside the Halifax Armouries in Halifax. 

In the second row from the front, sixth from the left, is the commanding officer of "D" Company, Major William "Willie" George McRae who served in the 94th Victoria Regiment "Argyll Highlanders" before the First World War and lived in Baddeck. He was appointed to the 85th Battalion (Nova Scotia Highlanders) in September, 1915, and shortly after was promoted to the rank of major. He was operated on for appendicitis and due to continuing medical problems, was transferred to the 246th Reserve Battalion before receiving a medical discharge on October 31, 1917. McRae went on to serve in the Cape Breton Highlanders after the First World War and became their commanding officer from 1927 to 1932.

In the second row from the front, seventh from the left, is Lieut. Percival "Percy" William Anderson from Big Baddeck. He served in the 94th Victoria Regiment "Argyll Highlanders" prior to the First World War and enlisted in the 85th Battalion on October 28, 1915. He went on to command "D" Company with the rank of major. During the Battle for Vimy Ridge, in April, 1917, he led his company alongside "C" Company, to capture Hill 145, a dominating feature on Vimy Ridge. He was awarded a Military Cross for his actions that day. He was killed in action during the bloody fighting at Passchendaele, on October 30, 1917.

The men have not yet been issued their 85th Battalion cap and collar badges. Most of the men wear General List cap badges. It is interesting to note that Lieut. Percy Anderson wears his cap badge from the 94th Victoria Regiment "Argyll Highlanders".

Unfortunately the original photo was too badly damaged to fully restore.

Photographer:  MacLaughlan, Halifax, NS
Ref. Number:  0-1 (3-3-5-1.3)
Image Information:  Scan of original photo
Source:  Cape Breton Highlanders Military Museum 2026  CBHMM-P0040