In addition to the duties already enumerated, Guard was mounted over prisoners of war at the Citadel and at the Detention Barracks, Melville Island. The prisoners were German officers and men captured on the high seas, with a sprinkling of civilians, some of whom were found on captured ships; others were residents of Canada whom it was found necessary to intern. In March, 1915, the Interment Station at Amherst was opened, and two and one-half Companies under command of Major G. R. Oulton, with Capt. J. N. McDonald, Lieuts. Davidson and Sproul, were sent there, and were replaced by one Company from each of the following Regiments:—78th Regiment—Capt. J. A. McKenzie, later transferred to 85th Battalion, C.E.F.; Capt. J. R. Maxwell, 106th Battalion, C.E.F. 81st Regiment—Capt. E. S. Doering; Lieut. J. H. Wallace, 64th Battalion, C.E.F., killed in action; Lieut. W. W. Slack, 40th Battalion, C.E.F. 93rd Regiment—Capt. J. A. McPherson, 106th Battalion, C.E.F.; Lieut. P. Boucher, 165th Battalion, C.E.F. Lieut. E. W. Joy reported for duty to replace Lieut. C. S. Major, transferred to 40th Battalion, and assumed the duties of Fortress Intelligence Officer. Other officers on duty were Major F. S. Heffernan (93rd), Quartermaster; Lieut. Keith Rogers (C.S.C.), Signalling Officer; and Lieut. R. Innes (81st), Musketry Instructor, afterwards O.C. 106th Battalion. Previous to July, 1916, each Company Commander had his own account with the District Paymaster and was responsible for all payments to his officers and men. When the Battalion was recognized as a Unit it was allowed a Paymaster. Capt. H. B. Verge received the appointment and retained it until transferred to the Nova Scotia Forestry Battalion in June, 1917, when Capt. W. S. Brignell took over his duties. The Battalion suffered considerably in the explosion of December 6, 1917, losing six men killed and 87 per cent. of the N.C.O.’s and men injured. One officer and two N.C.O.’s died in hospital from injuries received. The more serious injuries were received by men on guard at Richmond Pier, North Ordnance and Dry Dock. All the men killed, excepting one, who was killed in the barrack room, were members of these Guards. A snowstorm with high wind which raged for thirty-six hours after the explosion made the barracks almost untenable, as windows and doors were gone and no fires could be laid until the chimneys were inspected. The morale of the men was good during this period. Many N.C.O.’s and men had their families living near the barracks, a large number of whom were killed and injured. The first draft of one hundred men from the Composite Battalion was sent Overseas in January, 1916, under command of Lieuts. W. S. Brown and O. Thorne. A second draft of fifty-six men, under command of Lieut. W. R. Clark, sailed on June 26, 1916. A number of men were transferred to the R.C.R. Base Depot from time to time and were included in Overseas drafts sent by that Unit.