Beginning in early 1916, over 200 Japanese Canadian recruits began military training in Vancouver as the Canadian Japanese Volunteer Corps, intending to offer themselves in service of the British war effort in Europe. In the end, over 220 of the men who trained with the Canadian Japanese Volunteer Corps served in Canadian battalions of the British army overseas. They participated in the major battles of the Somme, Vimy Ridge, Lens, Avion, Hill 70, Passchendaele, Amiens, Arras, Cambrai, Denain, Valenciennes, and Mons. Only six came home uninjured and 55 were killed or died of their wounds. 13 were awarded Military Medals for bravery and two received the Cross of St. George.