The 78th Battalion was authorized on 10 July 1915 and embarked for Great Britain on 20 May 1916.

[2] During the attack on Vimy Ridge the 78th was a followup battalion to the 38th, 72nd, and 73rd Battalions and was meant to exploit gains made by their initial attack.

Lt. James Edward Tait was posthumously awarded the Victoria Cross for his actions on 9 August 1918 during the Battle of Amiens.

Lt. Samuel Lewis Honey was posthumously awarded the Victoria Cross for his actions on 27 September 1918 during operations in the vicinity of Bourlon Wood.

[2] The 78th Battalion was awarded the following battle honours: The 78th Battalion, CEF is perpetuated by The Winnipeg Grenadiers, currently on the Supplementary Order of Battle.