[1][2][3][4][5] With the passing of the Militia Act of 1855, the first of a number of newly raised independent militia companies were established in and around the Durham County region of Canada West (now the Province of Ontario).
On 16 November 1866, the 46th East Durham Battalion of Infantry was authorized for service by the regimentation of five of these previously authorized independent militia rifle, infantry and artillery companies.
[1] On 10 April 1885, the 46th East Durham Battalion of Infantry mobilized two companies for active service with The Midland Battalion, which served in the Alberta Column of the North West Field Force.
[2] During the South African War, the 46th Durham Battalion contributed volunteers for the Canadian contingents serving overseas.
One member, Captain William Peter Keith Milligan, who had resigned his officer's commission to serve overseas, was killed in action while serving with the 2nd Canadian Mounted Rifles.