He then became the commanding officer of Canadian Corps Cavalry Regiment in 1916, and shortly thereafter returned to 8th CIB as its CO, for which he was promoted to temporary brigadier general in June 1916.

[8][6] Arthur Currie, who considered Elmsley to be "one of the most valuable officers I have in the Corps,"[9] relieved him of his command in April 1918, because he was physically worn out at that time,[10] and a Medical Board granted extended leave for him to rest in England.

The French keep a very close eye on the British, and the Russians as a whole appear to be indifferent of their country's needs, so long as they can keep their women, have their vodka, and play cards all night until daylight.

[27] During the Force's time there, Elmsley felt that his instructions essentially constrained his authority to act by holding his troops in Vladivostok,[28] thus leaving his soldiers generally available only for sentry duty and administrative tasks.

[29] On several occasions, he did allow missions to take place for guards on supply trains, as well as a party of 55 men to be sent to Omsk to act as headquarters staff to two British battalions stationed there.

[29][30] The only potential military action the Canadians faced was in April 1919, when a company was sent from the 259th Battalion to rescue some Russians loyal to Alexander Kolchak that were being threatened by Bolsheviks at Shkotovo.

[29] He was awarded the following decorations for his service there: Elmsley was adjutant general of the Canadian Militia during the period 1920–1922,[b][c] afterwards commanding various military districts,[2] and retired with pension in November 1929.