TRANSCRIPT

The End of the Algoma Rifles

By 1896 the unit had all but disintegrated. The unit had not been authorized annual drill during its existence, and suffered from inadequate company armouries and drill sheds. The unit training had not progress beyond company level. The members spent a great deal of time target shooting with the regimental rifle association and performed well at Dominion Rifle Association shoots. The General Order promulgated on 28 August 1896 was terse: "This Battalion having become non-effective, is struck off the strength of the Militia 22nd August, 1896." The unit was simply disbanded and the regimental linage ended just short of it's tenth anniversary.
The Gore Bay and Thessalon companies continued for a few more years but eventually were disbanded. The Sault Ste. Marie Independent Company survived into the new century and formed the nucleus of a new battalion, the 97th Regiment of Rifles authorized in October 1900. This unit was later re-designated the 97th Regiment "Algonquin Rifles."
David Ratz