In 1885, four companies from the 35th Simcoe Foresters, including those from Barrie, along with four companies from the 12th York Battalion came together to form the York-Simcoe Battalion. This specially raised battalion served in Western Canada during the North-West Rebellion, under the command of Lieutenant-Colonel W.E. O'Brien of Shanty Bay, Ontario. For its efforts, The Simcoe Foresters received its first Battle Honour "North West Canada 1885". Citizens of Barrie would next volunteer for military service during the Boer War in South Africa from 1899 to 1902. It was during this conflict that at the Battle of Paardeberg, the citizens of Barrie and The Simcoe Foresters suffered their first fatal casualty, Private James Halkett Findlay. Private Findlay was killed-in-action on February 18, 1900, while serving with C Company of the 2nd Battalion Royal Canadian Regiment of Infantry.
In 1885 four companies from the 35th Simcoe Foresters including those from Barrie along with four companies from the 12th York Battalion came together to form the York-Simcoe Battalion This specially raised battalion served in Western Canada during the North-West Rebellion under the command of Lieutenant-Colonel WE O'Brien of Shanty Bay Ontario For its efforts The Simcoe Foresters received its first Battle Honour "North West Canada 1885" Citizens of Barrie would next volunteer for military service during the Boer War in South Africa from 1899 to 1902 It was during this conflict that at the Battle of Paardeberg the citizens of Barrie and The Simcoe Foresters suffered their first fatal casualty Private James Halkett Findlay Private Findlay was killed-in-action on February 18 1900 while serving with C Company of the 2nd Battalion Royal Canadian Regiment of Infantry