| Unit Name: | 5th Battalion (Western Cavalry), CEF |
| Dates: | 1914–1920 |
| Disbanded: | 1920 |
| Country: | Canada |
| Branch: | Canadian Expeditionary Force |
| Type: | Infantry |
| Specialization: | --> |
| Size: | One Battalion |
| Command Structure: | 2nd Canadian Infantry Brigade, 1st Canadian Division |
| Garrison: | Camp Valcartier |
| Garrison Label: | Mobilization headquarters |
| Nickname: | Tuxford's Dandies |
| Colours: | --> |
| Colours Label: | --> |
| Battles: | First World War |
| Notable Commanders: | BGen George Tuxford |
The 5th Battalion (Western Cavalry), CEF, known as "Tuxford's Dandys," was an infantry battalion of the Canadian Expeditionary Force during the Great War.[1] [2]
The 5th Battalion was authorized on 10 August 1914 and embarked for Great Britain on 29 September 1914. It entered the theatre of operations in France on 14 February 1915, where it fought as part of the 2nd Canadian Infantry Brigade, 1st Canadian Division in France and Flanders until the end of the war. The battalion was disbanded on 15 September 1920.[3]
The 5th Battalion recruited in Brandon, Manitoba; Saskatoon, Regina and Moose Jaw, Saskatchewan; Red Deer, Alberta and Merritt and Vernon, British Columbia and was mobilized at Camp Valcartier, Quebec.[4]
The battalion fought in the attack on Vimy Ridge with 14 officers and 350 other ranks killed or wounded.[5]
The 5th Battalion had five officers commanding:
Sgt. Raphael Louis Zengel of the 5th Battalion was awarded the Victoria Cross for his action on 9 August 1918 at Warvillers, France. He had previously been awarded the Military Medal.[4]
The 5th Battalion was awarded the following battle honours in 1929:[6]
The perpetuation of the 5th Battalion (Western Cavalry), CEF, was initially assigned in 1920 to 1st Battalion, The North Saskatchewan Regiment, and has been passed down through the following units:[3]