Prior to the First World War the regiment as a whole did not see combat. Although it did not see any real action they trained very hard to go to war during the Louis Riel rebellion in 1885, and also sent several troops to Africa during the Boer war in 1900. Over 100 troops from the 21st Battalion Essex Fusiliers volunteered to serve in Africa only 16 positions were given to the regiment. This small group of men were to serve with the 2nd Special Service Battalion of the Royal Canadian Regiment of Infantry. Of the sixteen men sent to Africa two did not return.