TRANSCRIPT

Interwar Years

During the intervening years from the dismissal of the Head of the Lakes Guard in November 1916, the 96th LSR had all but ceased to exist as an organized entity. It had remained a theoretical depot. This was clearly evident when the unit was unable to field an honour guard for the visit of the Prince of Wales in 1919. In cooperation with the local Great War Veteran's Association the acting CO, Lieutenant-Colonel S.C Young, hastily equipped and armed a contingent of former soldiers.
Once the war had ended and the men of the CEF came home the question was raised, what would be the role, or fate of the "nonfighting" Militia units which had been brushed aside by Colonel Sam Hughes in 1914? General Sir William Otter chaired a special committee to make recommendations on the post-war structure of the Militia. Regarding unit organization the Otter Committee proposed that infantry regiments be reorganized on a four-company basis with one or more "active battalions" and an equivalent or higher number of "reserve battalions." It was also recommended that regimental names be substituted for numerical designations. This was accomplished 15 March 1920, with the redesignation to "The Lake Superior Regiment." Headquarters, A and B Companies were located in Port Arthur, while C and D Companies were localized at Fort William. A 2nd Reserve Battalion was created, as well as a Corps Reserve. At the same time the 1st Battalion would perpetuate the 52nd Battalion, CEF and the 2nd Reserve Battalion would perpetuate the 94th Battalion CEF. Administrative changes followed in 15 July 1921 when the unit was disbanded for purposes of reorganization. At the same time the 141st Battalion was substituted for the 94th Battalion. The 141st was originally assigned to The Kenora Light Infantry but instead was given the right to perpetuate the 94th.
Reserve Battalions were abolished effective 14 December 1936, though the Corps Reserve list of officers continued to be maintained. These were simply "paper organizations," consisting of a list of "inactive" officers which could provide a basis for expansion in wartime. Officers would transfer to these organizations when they could no longer actively participate or retired as commanding officer. Occasionally an individual would transfer back to the 1st Battalion. The 96th LSR had a Corps Reserve previously.
David Ratz