31st Grey Battalion of Infantry - The 31 represents the 31st Grey Battalion of Infantry from Grey County, Ontario. According to historian Murray Telford, the large 31 numeral badge was worn on forage caps from 1866 to 1900. <br /><br />There was some militia activity and training in the 1850s, but the formal creation of the 31st Grey Battalion of Infantry occurred in 1866. This militia group was later renamed as the 31st Grey Regiment in 1___.<br /><br />Murray Telford's book SCARLET TO GREEN (1987) has a couple images re the 31 badges, and an image of an officer (W.K. Flesher) wearing one on his cap.<br /><br />Melba Morris Croft has some brief regimental history provided on p. 84 (1906 section) of her book GROWTH OF A COUNTY TOWN.<br /><br />The 31st Grey Battalion was renamed as the 31st Grey Regiment in 1894 [NEED TO CONFIRM THIS YET]<br /><br />Various Fellows Who Belonged to the 31st Greys prior to 1894 (Not sure yet when each joined):<br />-Colonel George Brodie (Colonel in the 1890s, was a Captain in 1863). His son, Vivian Brodie, also belonged to the 31st Grey Battalion.<br />-Thomas Duff of Sullivan Twp., 1866 veteran<br />-William K. Flesher (Flesherton named after him)<br />-William Buzza also was a member of the 1866 militia group that was the No. 3 Company of the 31st Grey Battalion.<br />-perhaps Noble Johnston Jones (served in the Boer War), from the Springmount area<br />-William Avery Bishop Sr. (Billy Bishop's dad)<br />-Robert McDowall (b. 1864) served as Colour Sergeant with the No. 5 Company, 31st Grey Battalion<br />-Capt. John Pearson (b. 1828) of Owen Sound was commissioned as a Captain on April 1, 1858. Up to his death in 1921, he was the oldest living officer<br />-Lt.-Colonel James P. Telford of Annan (joined the Leith Rifles in the 1863 at a Lieutenant, Fenian Raid veteran of 1866 (then a Captain), became Major Telford in 1887. Served as commanding officer from 1894-1900.<br />-William Pattison Telford II (brother of James Pattison Telford), of Annan, served as an officer