The following items are published with the kind permission of Archives, Canada.

Ottawa, Ont., October 26 - 1015
The District Officer Commanding,
Military District No. 10,
Winnipeg, Man
Minister has authorized new Overseas Battalion to be raised from Port Arthur and Rainy River region and the command is to be given to Harold Clement Arthur Machin, M.P.P. for Kenora, Ontario (STOP) The Battalion will be allotted the number ninety-four (STOP) Mr. Machin will be given the temporary rank of Lieut.-Colonel in Canadian Militia
ADJUTANT-GENERAL

Kenora, Ont., October 30 - 1915.
District Commanding Officer
Military District No. 10,
Winnipeg, man.
Having been notified by the Honourable Minister of militia that I have been selected to raise and command ninety fourth Overseas Battalion with headquarters at Port Arthur I respectfully request I may be notified at Kenora when orders are received and when I report to you (STOP) Pending official authorization for me to recruit will you authorize the transfer of supernumerary Officers, NCOs and men of fifty second Overseas Battalion to ninety - sixth Lake Superior Regiment to be absorbed by me when establishment authorized and instruct the C.O.'s concerned accordingly (STOP)
H. A. C. Machin
 

PORT ARTHUR, Ont., October 30 - 1915
O.C., M.D. 10
Fort Osborne Barracks,
Winnipeg, Man.
Ask permission to transfer seventy five or one hundred men including all fourty sixth Battalion men to new Battalion to be raised here. Our present strength is eleven hundred and seventy four. If this permission is accorded would ask the name of the officer who will take them over on behalf of new Battalion
LIEUT. COL. HAY

OTTAWA, Ont., November 11 - 1915
District Officer Commanding,
Military District No. 10,
Winnipeg, Man.,
Regimental numbers allotted 94th Overseas Battalion are from 198001 to 201000.
ADJUTANT - GENERAL
 

Article from the Winnipeg Free Press, November 20th, 1915, forwarded to HQ 94th Battalion.
OFFICERS FOR THE 94TH BATTALION
The following officers have received appointments upon the staff of Lieutenant - Colonel Machin, Officer Commanding the 94th Battalion which is now being recruited in Port Arthur and district. Announcements of further appointments will be made as recruiting progresses and more officers are needed.
Officer Commanding - Lieutenant - Colonel H.A.C. Machin
Captain - G.S. Bowie of Rainy River
Acting Adjutant - Lieutenant C.E.S. Dale
Lieutenants - J.B. Thompson, R. Elliot, W.T. Dennison, J.E. Jenkinson, G.R. Colville, H.H. Walker, J.F.B. Muirhead, H. Proctor.
Supernumerary - Lieutenant G.G. Rooker.
 

OTTAWA, March 31st, 1916
The District Officer Commanding,
Military District No. 10,
Winnipeg, Man.
509. Authority granted to transfer company ninety fourth battalion from Fort Frances and Rainy River to Fort William.
QUARTERMASTER GENERAL
 

10 M.D. 20-10-s
Winnipeg, Man, April 6th, 1916
The District Officer Commanding,
Military District No. 10.
Captain Edge de Hurst - 1/c Recruiting,
Dryden, Ontario.
RE - RECRUITING WHITE MEN AND INDIANS.
Sir,
I have the honour to acknowledge the receipt of you letter of the 29th of March on the subject marginally noted and in reply to advise you that only Indians of the best character and physically fit should be enlisted, as it is most difficult to keep these men in order where liquor can be procured, it is also difficult to properly discipline them, therefore, only the most steady and sensible should be enlisted.
I have the honour to be,
Sir,
Your obedient servant,
Colonel
The District Officer Commanding,
Military District No. 10.

PORT ARTHUR, Ont., May 3rd, 1916.
The Officer Commanding,
94th Overseas Battalion, C.E.F.
The A.A.G., M.D. #10
WINNIPEG.
KENORA AND DRYDEN
DETACHMENTS
Sir,
I have the honour to enquire if permission could be given and arrangements made to bring into Battalion Headquarters at Port Arthur the detachments at the marginally noted places, which now number 142 and 95 respectively. I understand that an inspection is to take place here next week and I am anxious to show the Battalion on parade at full strength, and also to give the Kenora Company and opportunity of practicing in Battalion Drill
I have the honour to be,
Sir,
Your obedient servant,
H. A. C. Machin
Lieut.-Col.
O.C. 94th Overseas Battalion, C.E.F.

DWC
10 M.D. 20-10-S
Winnipeg, Man., May 19th, 1916.
a/A.A.G. I-c Administration,
Military District No. 10.
The Officer Commanding,
94th Overseas Battalion,
Port Arthur, Ont.
KENORA AND DRYDEN DETACHMENTS
Sir,
I have the honour to acknowledge the receipt of your letter of the 3rd instant and in reply to state, that it is regretted that instructions to move the marginally noted detachments cannot be granted.
With regard to the latter part of your letter, I would point out that nothing is known in this Department of an inspection of your Unit taking place
I have the honour to be,
Sir,
Your obedient servant,
Lt.-Col.
a/A.A.G. I-c Administration,
Military District No. 10.

PORT ARTHUR , ONT., May 13th, 1916.
Lt.- Col. H.A.C. Machin
O.C. 94th Overseas Battalion
Lt.-Col. A.C. Gray
A.A.G., M.D. #10
Winnipeg, Man.
PERSONAL
Dear Col. Gray
The Inspector General was here on Wednesday and Thursday as you know and informed me that in all probability we would move to Valcartier for training sometime around the end of the month. As I am very anxious to have things in proper shape when orders come, I should like to get definite news of Major Stoneham; can I rely on his coming with me? My object in asking is to arrange, if anything should go wrong and he does not come, to make up my strength from my Supernumerary list. The General informed me that my supernumerary officers could not go with me and I am naturally anxious to take away with me my establishment.
With reference to the four of five Supernumerary Officers I am carrying, I presume these gentlemen will be taken care of in the new Battalion which I understand is to be formed here.
Another question:- as to the Officers and N.C.O.'s at present attending classes in Winnipeg, if orders come to move, will these Officers and N.C.O.'s be returned to me at once? The G.S.O. ordered me to send in two Officers and four Sergeants for the bayonet fighting course commencing on the 15th, which I am doing, but frankly I cannot see the use of it if my Battalion is to go East within 15 days thereafter, as I presume these men will join me, so will only have a portion of their course. In the meantime I am short that number in carrying on here. However, an order is an order.
Before leaving I want very much to come to Winnipeg and see you all personally and tender you my thanks for the great kindness and consideration, to say nothing of the help and advise I have received from you and all the other members of the Staff of M.D. #10.
With Kind Regards,
Yours Faithfully,
H.A.C. Machin
Lt.-Col.
O.C. 94th Overseas Battalion

WINNIPEG, Man., May 17th, 1916
S.M.C.
Ottawa, Ont.
May authority be granted for moving of detachments of 94th Overseas Battalion now stationed in Kenora and Dryden into Battalion Headquarters in view of their probable early departure for training camp in Eastern Canada (STOP) May I also be informed of approximate date they may be expected to leave if they go into training camp in the East (STOP)
D.O.C. 10.

PORT ARTHUR, ONT., June 3rd, 1916.
Lt.-Col. H.A.C. Machin,
O.C. 94th Overseas Battalion.
The A.A.G., M.D. #10
Winnipeg, Man.
TRANSFER OF BATTALION FROM COMMAND
Sir,
Orders having been received to proceed to Valcartier and consequently the Battalion is about to leave this command, I have the honour to request that you submit, for the information of the District Officer Commanding, my sincere appreciation of the Courtesy, advice, assistance and kindness received from the Staff of Military District No. 10, without exception.
Situated some 400 miles away from District Headquarters with slow means of communications, I have been debarred from the opportunity of consulting Headquarters on very many points which have arisen from time to time, and have in consequence been called upon to deal personally with matters without the opportunity of first consulting Headquarters, and doubtless sometimes my actions have not been in accordance with what they would have been had I been able to consult and obtain Headquarters' advice quickly. Every Officer on the Staff of M.D. #10 has recognized my difficulty and rendered me, officially and individually, every assistance with cheerfulness and courtesy that has evoked my admiration and gratitude and has made my task very much lighter in consequence. I feel that it is my duty as well as my pleasure, to call the same to the attention of the District Officer Commanding.
I regret exceedingly that exigencies of the Service require the removal of my Battalion from this command, but I shall carry away with me very pleasant recollections of my period of service in this Command.
I have the honour to be,
Sir,
Your obedient servant
H.A.C. Machin
Lieut.-Col.
O.C. 94th Overseas Battalion

J.F.K
10 M.D. 20-10-S
Winnipeg, Man., 7th June, 1916.
a/A.A.G. I-C Administration
Military District No. 10
Lt.-Col. H.A.C. Machin,
O.C. 94th Overseas Battalion,
Port Arthur, Ontario.
TRANSFER OF BATTALION FROM M.D. No. 10
Sir,
I have the honour to acknowledge the receipt of you communication of the 3rd inst., with reference to the relationship between the unit under your command and the District headquarters.
I assure you that the D.O.C. is very grateful for your kind letter in this connection, and I assure you that all dealings between yourself and this office have been most cordial, and it has been very much appreciated the manner in which your organization has been carried out, and the soldier like spirit which exists throughout your unit and I assure you that we all regret your having to complete your training outside this command before proceeding overseas.
I would be glad if you would express to all your officers the feeling of regret that both the D.O.C. and myself have on your departure, although we are confident the Regiment will give a good account of itself, and bring nothing but credit to the District in which it was recruited and organized.
I have the honour to be,
Sir,
Your obedient servant,
Lt. Colonel,
a/A.A.G., I-C Administration,
Military District No. 10.

Shoreham,
Sussex, England,
5th January, 1917
A.A.G.
MD 10,
Winnipeg, Manitoba
Historical Records Overseas Units
1. The delay on complying with your 10 MD 20-10-54 of the 21st Aug. Last owing to the inaccessibility of the documents necessary for the compilation of the originally named return is regretted. Herewith find enclosed duplicate of the return forwarded to the Canadian War Records Office, London, which I hope will be of interest.
2. The Regimental Badges (2 sets) were forwarded to you from Port Arthur early in last year and duly acknowledged.
The 94th has ceased to exist for some months, all records being transferred to various units.
H.A.C. Machin, Lt Col.
O.C. 1st Canadian Labour Battalion,
Late O.C. 94th Btln C.E.F.


HISTORICAL RECORD
94TH BATTALION, C.E.F. December 31st/16
1. Full title of Unit as authorized, with details of authority.
NINETY FOURTH OVERSEAS BATTALION.
Authority:- Militia Headquarters, Canada
Officer Commanding:- Lieutenant Colonel H.A.C. Machin.
2. Particulars of connection with or affiliation to any permanent Unit (Canadian or Imperial) and details of authority.
NIL
3. Date of order for mobilization of battalion.
Contingent Order No. 322, M.D. 10, Canada, dated 15/11/15.
4. Place of mobilizing - Port Arthur, Ont., Canada.
5. Period required to complete mobilization.
November 1st, 1915 to April 6th, 1916.
6. Numbers of recruits offering and Numbers Rejected.
Figures not available, but about 1,400 recruited - excess of establishment was handed over to the 141st Battalion, Port Arthur when 94th Battalion proceeded to Valcartier.
7. Details of towns from which Commanding and other Officers came.
(See Part 5 for this information)
8. Details of previous service of Commanding and other Officers.
(See nominal roll of Officers)
9&10 Details of training and how carried on in Canada.
Details of billeting, rationing, arming and equipping in Canada.
The Battalion was recruited at the following centres:- Port Arthur, Headquarters, Fort William, Rainy River, Fort Frances, and Dryden - all Ontario. Detachments were stationed at these various places during the winter months and with the exception of Headquarters and Fort William, no indoor drill space was available. Owing to the severity of the weather and the fact that the recruits had to drill outside, it retarded actual knowledge, but increased robustness. The method followed was the syllabus laid down by the G.S.O., M.D. 10, Canada.
During the recruiting period and until the Battalion was mobilized, billeting and ration
allowance was drawn by all detachments with the exception of Port Arthur and Fort William. These latter places had Government accommodation and rations. The other places, the men received allowance in lieu of rations and quarters and made their own arrangements.
11. Alterations in the clothing, arms, accoutrements, colours, or horse furniture, with date and authority for the same.
(Refer to K.R.&O. Para 1931, sub-para. vii)
NIL
12. Date of departure from training camp to Canadian port, and any details of journey.
Left Valcartier Camp, Quebec, via Intercolonial Railway, on June 26th, 1916.Two trains; Strength:- 36 Officers, 1012 Other Ranks.
13. Port of Embarkation (Canada) and date of arrival.
Halifax, N.S. June 28th, 1916
14. Date of Departure from Canada, and name of ship.
June 29th, 1916, 8.00 p.m. H.M. Transport 2810 (Steamer Olympic). Actual time of embarkation - 27 minutes.
15. Other Units on board and incidents of the voyage.
91st Overseas Battalion.
101st      "             " .
104th      "            " .
13th C.M.R. Battalion.
4th Divisional Train & details for
R.C.R.s and R.C.A.
Lieut. Col. Green, - O.C. 91st Bn. - O.C. Troops
The voyage was an extremely pleasant one, no accidents occurring. Owing to the crowded state of the ship, very little drill was attempted, with the exception of boat-drill, which was effectively carried out. The trip was without incident.
16. Date of Arrival and Name of English port.
July 5th, 1916, 2.00pm Liverpool.
17. Date of Arrival at Training Camp.
2.30am, July 6th, 1916. East Sandling, 2nd Canadian Training Brigade. Two trains.
18. General Details of training at Training Camp.
Training in England until broken down into drafts. Carried on under centralized training system under Brigade Instructors, this being the method then practiced by 2nd Canadian Training Brigade, East Sandling.
19. Details of drafts supplied to other units.
(Refer to K.R.&O. Para1931, sub-para ix)
July 13th, 1916, - 6 Officers and 262 Other Ranks transferred to 17th Reserve Battalion East Sandling, 2nd Canadian Training Brigade. July 18th, 1916 - Remainder of Battalion excepting Officer Commanding, Adjutant, Quartermaster, Paymaster, Battalion Sergeant Major and Orderly Room Sergeant were transferred to 32nd Reserve Battalion, East Sandling, 2nd Canadian Training Brigade.
21. Has the Battalion any colours? If so, by whom were they made and presented and on what date. Where are they deposited? (A short narrative of their history.)
NIL
22. Any other details of historical interest or importance not mentioned above.
The Battalion was recruited from a sparsely settled portion of the Province of Ontario, and considering the fact that four large drafts had been made on the District for the 8th, 28th, 44th and 52nd Battalions, the battalion was recruited in an unexpectedly short period of time.
Fort William contributed almost a Platoon from the High School, the parents of the boys giving their consent to the enlistments relying on the personnel of the Officer connected with the Battalion. The breaking up of the Battalion on it's arrival in England came as a great shock to many of the parents, who were quite prepared to see their sons serve under Officers known to them, but who might have taken different views if it had been known that the Battalion was to be broken up.
Every centre contributed magnificently to the recruiting of the battalion and like it's predecessor, the 52nd battalion, it was really representative of the whole of that section of Northern Ontario.

H.A.C. Machin, Lt Col.
Late O.C. 94th Btln, C.E.F.

 

With regards to the following communications, as of 12 April, 1922, there is no record of the badges of the 94th Battalion having ever been approved.
 

CANADIAN WAR RECORDS OFFICE,
3 Lombard Street,
London, E.C.
November 8th, 1916
Officer Commanding,
94th Battalion, C.E.F.,
East Sandling Camp.
Shorncliffe, KENT.
Under K.R. & O., para 1931, sub-para.vi, a request has been made from this office for two sets of the badges of your unit. So far we have not received any response to our communications and I shall be glad if you will kindly give this matter your attention at your earliest convenience.
We further wish to point out that the sub-para above referred to states also, "The reason for which such badges and devices or other marks of distinction were granted, together with the date and authority for same".
As is important that the records of this office be complete, it is requested that you be good enough to furnish us with the necessary information to enable us to comply with the terms of this sub-para. And at the same time mention any interesting points in connection with the badges and the significance of their design and details


Colonel
Officer i/c Canadian War Records.

Historical Section,
CANADIAN WAR RECORDS OFFICE, 3, Lombard Street,
London. E.C.3.
9th March, 1917

Officer Commanding,
15th Canadian Reserve Battalion,
Bramshott, HANTS

Sir,
A collection is being made by the Historical Section, Canadian War Records, of the regimental badges and devices worn by Canadian Units in accordance with K.R.&O., 1931, (v).
The marginally noted Unit having been absorbed by the Unit under your command without having furnished this office with the necessary sets of badges, it is requested, please, that this matter be taken up with the former Commanding Officer, or failing this, another senior officer of the Unit, in order that two complete sets of badges may be obtained and forwarded for the files of this office.
The following are the badges required for this record:-
OFFICERS OTHER RANKS.
Cap Badge Cap Badge
Lapel Badge Collar Badge
Shoulder badge Numerals & Letters
Embroidered Designations.
Regimental Buttons
It is further requested that information with regard to "The reason for which such badges and devices or other marks of distinction were granted, together with the date and authority for same" may accompany these badges. This information is necessary to enable this office to conform fully with the marginally noted order.


(Beaverbrook)
Colonel
Officer i/c Canadian War Records.



Historical Section,
CANADIAN WAR RECORDS OFFICE,
14. Clifford Street,
Bond Street,
LONDON. W.1
16th May, 1917
Officer Commanding,
15th Canadian Res. Battalion,
Bramshott.
BADGES. 94th Battalion
Sir.
With reference to the marginally noted subject, it is requested, please, that this office letter, HSC 27 of March 9th, 1917, may be treated as urgent
The collection of Regimental Badges is regarded as a matter of importance and Officers Commanding are requested to assist the work of this section by sending to this office, as soon as possible, two sets of badges as outlined in the letter referred to. At the same time it is desired to impress upon Commanding Officers the necessity of submitting, for records purposes, the particulars of authority under which such badges were issued and "the reason for which such badges and devices, or other marks of distinction, were granted, together with the date and authority for same." (K.R.&O) (vi)
In case there is likely to be long delay in obtaining the badges, it would be appreciated if you would advise this office the name and address of the manufacturers in order that they may be purchased.
(Beaverbrook)
Colonel
Officer i/c Canadian War Records.
Historical Section,
CANADIAN WAR RECORDS OFFICE,
14. Clifford Street,
Bond Street,
LONDON. W.1
June 15th, 1917
Officer Commanding,
15th Canadian Reserve Battalion,
Bramshott Camp, HANTS
BADGES. 94th Battalion
Sir.
With reference to the marginally noted subject, it is requested, please, that this office letter, HSC 27 of 9-3-1917, may be treated as urgent
The collection of Regimental Badges is regarded as a matter of importance and Officers Commanding are requested to assist the work of this section by sending to this office, as soon as possible, two sets of badges as outlined in the letter referred to. At the same time it is desired to impress upon Commanding Officers the necessity of submitting, for records purposes, the particulars of authority under which such badges were issued and "the reason for which such badges and devices, or other marks of distinction, were granted, together with the date and authority for same." (K.R.&O) (vi)
In case there is likely to be long delay in obtaining the badges, it would be appreciated if you would advise this office the name and address of the manufacturers in order that they may be purchased.

(Beaverbrook)
Colonel
Officer i/c Canadian War Records.

Bramshott Camp,
June 18/17
Officer I/c
Historical Section,
CANADIAN WAR RECORDS OFFICE,
14. Clifford Street,
Bond Street,
LONDON. W.1
Badges 94th Bn CEF.
Sir,
Reference marginally asked I have sent to you by mail today two sets of Cap Badge, Collar Badge and Shoulder badge of the 94th Overseas Bn., CEF of Other Ranks. The Officers wore the same badge. I know of no particular reason, nor do I know the date of authority for same.

Major
15th Can Res Bn
O I/c 94th Affairs
Late 94th Bn CEF