Based in Victoriaville, Quebec, the unit began recruiting during the winter of 1915/16 in Military Districts 4 and 5, and in eastern Ontario. After sailing to England in March 1917, the battalion was absorbed into the 10th Reserve Battalion on March 15, 1917. The 178th (Canadien-Français) Battalion had one officer commanding: Lieutenant-Colonel L. de la B. Girouard. The battalion is perpetuated by the 12e Régiment blindé du Canada.