In mid October, training began. The men were trained in the basics of trench warfare. They did route marches and dug training trenches. Every man would attend classes on the basics of offence and defense, so that every man will know his place in combat. As for weapons, the Nova Scotians were trained on the ill fated Ross rifle, which was useless as a battle rifle, along with the lewis and vickers machine guns. along with these they learned to use the No. 5 mills bomb and the bayonet. Gas mask training was in its infancy, and the men learned how to use the hypo and PH hoods. Their training accelerated quickly and they became considered one of the best units in the CEF.
From their first muster, the 85th battalion, Nova Scotia Highlanders stood 200 men over strength and with many more man chomping at the bit to get into the war. This led to the formation of the Nova Scotia Highland Brigade, which would consist of 4 infantry battalions and a reinforcement battalion who would recruit from different regions of the province. The 85th, being the senior battalion, was divided into four companies, A from Pictou and Cumberland, B from Digby and Yarmouth, C from Halifax, and D from Cape Breton. The 185th battalion recruited only out of Cape Breton, and was known as the Cape Breton Highlanders, The 193rd recruited from the north east of the province, The 219th recruited from Halifax and the south west of the province, and the 246th recruited all over the province and would reinforce the brigade.
Within a year, the 85th and her sister battalions had gained much prestige and skill. The colours were presented in September of 1916, with the men all sharply dressed in their tam o shanters, but despite being a highland battalion there was one thing missing. They had not been issued kilts. They had been disapproved shortly after formation, as kilts were being discouraged in the harsh environment that was trench warfare. This created a rift between the Nova Scotians and other highland battalions, as only the officers and the band had the option to purchase kilts. Despite this, the battalions were still effective and in good spirits before getting on their way to England.
From their first muster, the 85th battalion, Nova Scotia Highlanders stood 200 men over strength and with many more man chomping at the bit to get into the war. This led to the formation of the Nova Scotia Highland Brigade, which would consist of 4 infantry battalions and a reinforcement battalion who would recruit from different regions of the province. The 85th, being the senior battalion, was divided into four companies, A from Pictou and Cumberland, B from Digby and Yarmouth, C from Halifax, and D from Cape Breton. The 185th battalion recruited only out of Cape Breton, and was known as the Cape Breton Highlanders, The 193rd recruited from the north east of the province, The 219th recruited from Halifax and the south west of the province, and the 246th recruited all over the province and would reinforce the brigade.
Within a year, the 85th and her sister battalions had gained much prestige and skill. The colours were presented in September of 1916, with the men all sharply dressed in their tam o shanters, but despite being a highland battalion there was one thing missing. They had not been issued kilts. They had been disapproved shortly after formation, as kilts were being discouraged in the harsh environment that was trench warfare. This created a rift between the Nova Scotians and other highland battalions, as only the officers and the band had the option to purchase kilts. Despite this, the battalions were still effective and in good spirits before getting on their way to England.