#Capt. R.G. Elliott

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War Diary of the 18th Battalion: February 1919

War Diary of the 18th Battalion: February 1919

Confidential War Diary of 18th CANADIAN BATTALION – 2nd CANADIAN DIVISION From 1st February 1919 to 28th February 1919 Volume 42 With appendices 1 – 28 Place Date Hour Summary of Events and Information Fosses I.35.75 1 Map for Reference: Namur 8 1/100,000

Battalion training as per Appendix No. 1 attached. In accordance with instructions re. Return to England of Supernumerary Officers, Lieut.…

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Confidential War Diary of 18th CANADIAN BATTALION – 2nd CANADIAN DIVISION

From 1st October to 31st October, 1918

Volume 38 With appendices 1 – 15

Place Date Hour Summary of Events and Information Buissy Switch & Hindenburg Line V.30.b & D

Map 51.b. SE.

1 Maps for Reference: 51.b.SE. 1/20,000 51a.SW. 1/20,000 51.A 1/40,000

At 06:00 hrs. The Battalion moved across the CANAL DU NORD resting for the day in open fields south of the ARRAS / CAMBRAI ROAD at w.23. & 24. At dusk the Battalion received orders to move to positions in Divisional Support in the HAYNECOURT VILLAGE (X 15) with Bn. Hdqrs. in old German M.G. Dugout at X.9.c.10.30. In moving up enemy aircraft dropped bombs, killing O.R. and wounding Lieut. J.E. Wylie and 9 other Ranks. In accordance with 4th C.I.B. O.O. No. 20. These positions were put in a state of defence anticipating an enemy attack. One Other Rank admitted to hospital.

Divl. Support

X.9.c.10.30

2 At dawn the Battalion “Stood To” anticipating an enemy attach, which however, failed to materialize. The day was spent in cleaning up by the men and the issuing of Battle Equipment. The enemy shelled the area spasmodically during the day. Major. J.S. Bell and Capt. R.G. Elliott returned from leave to England. Two O.R.s from Paris Leave. Four O.R.s proceeded to First Army Rest Camp. 3 During the day having found good locations in respective companies’ Areas the Cookers and Water carts were brought up. The usual enemy scattered shells throughout the area during the day. Four O.R.s returned from First Army Rest Camp and four O.R.s from hospital. Two O.R.s to hospital. Two O.R.s arrived as reinforcements. 4 During the day Battalion Hdqrs. was moved to a more suitable location in X.14.central.  All Battle Stores, Bombs, Flares, etc. were formed into Company Dumps. A canteen was established to-day near one of our Company Hdqrs. enabling the men to keep well supplied with cigarettes and various eatables. Parties were sent forward to reconnoitre [sic] the MARCOING LINE in squares X.23, 17 and 12c. During there was heavy enemy bombing in the area. Lieut. H.N. Bawden proceeded on leave. Fourteen O.R.s arrived as reinforcements. 5 Weather clear. Orders were received to take up a position in the MARCOING LINE in event of heavy hostile attack and all companies were held in readiness to move forward. “Wintertime” came into operation at Midnight. There was scattered shelling of area during the day with heavy bombing at night. One O.R. from leave. One O.R. from hospital. Two O.R.s arrived as reinforcements. On O.R. proceeded to and one O.R. returned from Corps Gas Course. One O.R. to S.O. & S. Course SENLIS. 6 The Battalion bathed at MARQUION during the day, moved in small parties to and from the baths. There was scattered enemy shelling during the day and night with heavy enemy bombing at night. Lieut. L.E. Hankinson was killed by shell fire while going over his platoon frontage at night. Capt. T.H.O. Rayward and 2 O.R.s admitted to and 15 O.R.s returned from leave. 1 O.R. to hospital. 7 Orders were received that on an indefinite date the 2nd Cdn. Division would attack and establish bridge-head over the CANAL L’ESCAUT. This involving a night attach reconnoitering parties were again sent forward and “White” arm bands were issued to the Battalion. Nothing unusual occurred during the day. Considerable shelling and bombing at night. Capt. C.J. Jackson and 1 O.R. on leave. 2 O.R.s admitted to and 15 O.R.s returned from hospital. 7 O.Rs. arrived as reinforcements. 8 Word was received that the proposed night attack over the canal L’ESCUAT was cancelled as far as the 4th C.I.B. was concerned. The Battalion moved during the night to trenches in x.24.a & c. Battalion Hdqrs. was located in an old German Ammunition dump on the DOUAI-CAMBRAI road at x.24. Lieut. J.H. Barclay[i] and 2 O.R.s to First Army Musketry Camp. 10 O.R.s to Canadian Corps School. Capt. C.J. Jackson attached as instructor to 2nd Div. Wing. C.C.R.C. 6 O.R.s from Leave. 2 O.R.s to hospital. Two O.R.s killed in action. One O.R. wounded. 9 The Battalion rested in trenches in X.24.a.[?].c . in morning, moving off about noon overland to RAMILLIES being heavily shelled en route. Battalion Hdqrs. was located in a cellar of a house on the RAMILLIES-ESCAUDOEUVRES ROAD. At fourteen hrs. reconnoitering parties were sent out to located available bridge over the L’ESCAUT CANAL. On receipt of orders at 17:00 hours the battalion moved across the canal to positions in T.13& 19. And prepared to pass through the 5th C.I.B. in the following order: 18th. Battn. to LEFT, 19th. Battn. on RIGHT. 20th. Battn. in SUPPORT, and 21st. Battn. in RESERVE. Battn Hdqrs. located Chateau ESCAUDOEUVRES[ii]. 2 O.R.s killed in action and 1 O.R. wounded. Bn. “HQ” in Chateau Escaudoeuvres

Bn. “HQ”

T.10.d.40.50.

Map 51.a.SW

10 At 06:00 hours the Battalion assembled in T.20.a. & d. advancing to jumping off position in T.c.n.d. [?] from which position they jumped off under cover of an Artillery Barrage at 0.7:00 hrs. Battn. Hdqrs. was located in a funk hole in the railway cutting, at T.10.d.40.50. The 19th. Battalion was on the right and the 6th Bde. on the left. The Barrage was not good, the progress of the troops being retarded half an hour on account of our own shells breaking just ahead of the jumping off positions. “A” and “B” Companies (Left and Right respectively) led off, “D” Co’y in support, “C” Co’y, in Reserve. “A” Company reached old trenches in T.10.b. and T.11.a. but further progress was stopped by enemy M.G. fire from the left flank. The Brigade on the left not having gotten forward. “B” Co’y reached the river at T.11.b & d. where a line was formed and held. About 13:00 hrs. the 19th. Battalion with Calvary patrols were successful owing to the intense M.G. fire and the fact that our Artillery was out of range at this time. At 14:00 hrs. Lieut. L.E. Boulton with nine men went forward and established a post in railway embankment at T.11.b.50.60, east of ERCLIN RIVER which was found to be dry. No further attempt was made to advance during the day. During the days fighting the Battalion casualties were Lieut. W.A. Cash and 6 O.R.s killed in action, Lieuts. W. Spyer, M.M. Wilson, and A.E. Babcock and 70 O.R.s wounded. Lieut. J.C. Little and Batman were reported missing. 3 O.R.s were admitted to hospital to-day. The night passed very quietly Bn. “HQ” in Chateau Escaudoeuvres

  11 At 09:00 hors. The Battalion in support of the 20th. And 21st. Battalions advanced from trenches in T.10.b. and T.11.a & b. “C” and “D” Companies on right and left front respectively with “B” Co’y in support and “A” Co’y in Reserve. Battn. Hdqrs. was located in the cellar of a farm house at T.12.a.90.10. about 09:30 hrs. The two front line Battalions swung  over too far to the left and “C” Company when line was threatened by enemy tanks took up a position in O.31.c turning back three enemy Tanks with concentrated rifle Lewis Gun and Machine Gun fire, turning five enemy M.G.s around for this purpose. The front line Battalions being driven back by the enemy Tanks on the left and the Imperial Brigade on the right also withdrawing in conjunction with “B” Company to sunken road at T.6.b. and U.1.a. forming a line there with the 20th. And 21st. Battalions and a few men of the W. Yorks. Regt. Who had swung over on our area. At 15:30 hrs. “C” and “D” Co’ys attached to the 21st. Battn. advanced under an Artillery Barrage to N.30.d & O.25.c. & b. but the Imperials on the right not getting forward the troops were drawn back to form a line through N.36.d. & O.31.c. & d. (in which position they were relieved by Units of the 51st. Division). We were notified that the Battalion would be relieved by Units of the 51st. Division. Relief was complete at 23:00 hrs. “C” and “D” Companies were relieved by the Gordons and “A” and B” Co’ys by the Seaforth Highlanders. Upon relief the companies moved independently to billets at ESAUDOEUVRES. During the days operations Capt. W.J. Baxter and Lieut. T.V. Milford and 54 O.R.s were wounded. 11 O.R.s were killed in action and 18 O.R.s were wounded-gassed. Lieut. McMillan returned from leave. Capt. T.H.O. Rayward (and batman) proceeded to 12th. Instructors Course at Senior Officers School, Aldershot. 1 O.R. proceeded to and 1 O.R. returned from Corps Gas Course. 5 O.R.s proceeded to and 2 O.R.s returned from hospital. 12 The men rested during the day. At 17.00 hours the Battalion moved to the village of THUN-LEVEQUE the men were billeted in good billets there, the village having been recently evacuated by the enemy and only slightly damaged by shell fire 3 O.R.s admitted to hospital. Bn. H.Q. Thun-Leveque

T.3.a.6.7.

13 The Battalion rested in billets during the day. The men were able to get a plentiful supply of a great variety of vegetables from the gardens of the village. The canals nearby were well stocked with fish and these were secured by the means of exploding German cylindrical sticks in the water. Rear Details moved up from X.24 and joined the Battalion at noon. The canteen was opened up, with a good stock in the afternoon. Lieut. M.R. Sloan proceeded on leave. 6 O.R’s returned from leave. 14 Upon receipt of Warning Order all preparations were made for going into the line. Rear Details moving back to ESWARS when the Battalion went forward at dusk relieving the 24th. Cdn. Bn. in the Right Front Line from N.5.d.20.55. to N.22.b.00.90. Battalion headquarters was located in a chateau at HORDAIN at N.16.b.70.50. This was formerly used by enemy as a hospital. Relief was completed by 20.25 hours. During the night the Battalion area was heavily shelled with H.E. and gas shells. One other rank was wounded. 2 O.R’s proceeded and 1 O.R. returned from leave. 4 O.R’s proceeded to and 20 O.R’s returned from hospital. 3 O.R’s arrived a reinforcements. Appendix No. 3 (18th. Bn. Order No. D.250) and Appendix No. 4 (Disposition Sketch) attached. 15 At 21.30 hours last night Lieut. MacMillan and 16 O.R’s with a Lewis Gun left our lines at N.10 central and patrolled from N,16.c.80.10. to N.15.d.80.50 returning to point of exit at 04.00 hours this morning. At 04,40 hours Lieut. Stokes and 3 O.R’s left Bn. H.Q. to reconnoitre Canal. No enemy were seen. There was considerable artillery activity on both sides during the day. HORDAIN was shelled with H.E. and gas shells. Visibility was fair and considerable [activity] was observed on enemy roads. 3 O.R’s proceeded on and 1 O.R. returned from leave. 16 During the night 15th/16th the following patrols covered the Battalion frontage. Lieut. A.E. Jones[iii] with 8 O.R’s patrolled N.16.a and c. up to our position in N.10 and found the ground dry and level and not swampy until area immediately North of platoon in N.10.centreal. Enemy M.G.s where active sweeping the area from approximately N.15.central. On attempting to cross canal in a punt Lieut. Jones and 2 O.R’s were fired on by an M.G. in a house at N.16.c.50.20. Another enemy left this house and proceeded N.W. disappearing behind hedge at N.16.c.10.20. Another patrol consisting of Lieut. Jones and 6 O.R’s in early morning crossed bridge at N.23.a.70.70 and patrolled down road south of canal for 300 yards, then south to N.22.a.cental, thence along road running N.E. to bridge in N.22.a.70.70 No enemy were seen or heard. Our artillery was active during the day. Lieut. McAmmond and W.K. Rooney and 4 O.R.s arrived as reinforcements. Lieut. H.A. Secord proceeded on leave and on O.R. returned from leave. 3 O.R.s proceeded to and 5 O.R.s returned from hospital. 5 O.R.s arrived as reinforcements. 17 The following patrols covered our frontage last night. Lieuts. J.A. McMillan[iv] and 12 O.R.s left our line at 20:00 hrs. at N.16.c.60.20 and patrolled from N.15.d.80.50 to N.10.c.40.40 thence to B.10.central returning to point exit 05:00 hrs. reporting no enemy seen, but considerable M.G. fire from N.4 andN.5. 2 Officers and O.R.s were out between 21:00 and 23:00 hrs. and located M.G. post at approximately N.5.b.50.50. and N.5.d.85.80. They reported that water was slowly flooding in N.5.c. and spread over from CANAL L’ESCUAT to within 100 yards of our post at N.5.c.99.45. Ours and hostile artillery acted during the night. Lieut. Gs. Hosford was killed by M.G. fire while visiting his platoon at night. 1 O.R. also wounded during the night. 4 O.R.s returned from First Army Rest Camp. 2 O.R.s proceeded to and 17 O.R.s returned from hospital. 5 O.R.s arrived as reinforcements. 18 A daylight patrol consisting of Lieut. Stokes and 3 Battalion scouts reconnoitred our post in N.5.c.00.40. and as far as N.5.d.65.90. No enemy were seen. Hostile M.G.s were active during the day. Weather fair but very misty. During the evening the Battalion heavily shelled with H.E and gas. One O.R. wounded. In accordance with 4th C.I.B. order 00 No. 26 and 18th. Battalion O.O.d.251 Battalion was relieved by the 20th. Cdn. Battn. Relief was complete at 21:10 hrs. Upon relief companies moved independently to THUN-LEVEQUE taking over billets formerly occupied there. 2 O.R.s proceeded on and 2 O.R.s returned from leave. 3 O.R.s returned from hospital. Appendix No. 5. (OO.No.D251) attached. Bn. “HQ”

T.3.A.60.70

19 Battalion paraded in the morning to Baths at ESWARS. At noon in accordance with instructions from Brigade, two companies moved to PAILLENCOURT and two companies moved to ESTRUN. Battn. “HQ” in Chateau at PAILLENCOURT at N.26.50.85. 5 O.R.s to and 1 O.R. from hospital. 2 O.R.s on leave. Paillencourt

N.26.a.50.85

Map 51A

20 & 21 The mornings were occupied with Company and Unit inspections. Parades for kit shortages were also held. The remainder of the day the Battalion rested in billets. Many of the men went fishing in the near by canals. On the 29th. Lieut. Col. Jones proceeded to PARIS on leave. Lieut. MacRae to England on leave. 2 O.R.s from hospital. Lieut. L.E. Boulton to Officers Rest House, PARIS-PLAGE. Lieut. T.V. Milford died of wounds at No. 33 C.C.S. On the 21st. Lieut. Bandan[v] and on O.R. returned from leave. 3 O.R.s from hospital. 22 In accordance with 4th. C.I.B. Order No. 28. And 18th. Battn. Order No. D.252 the Battalion moved in fighting order to the ANICHE area in A.50. The Battalion moved off at 08:30 hrs. and marched by WASHES-MARQUETTE Road junction in H.14.a. arriving at destination at noon. Bn. “HQ” were located at RUE. DE DRION at G.6.d.20.70. 2 O.R.s on leave. Appendix No. 6 (18th. Battn. O.O. No. D.252) attached. ANICHES

G.6.d.20.70.

Map 51A

23 The billets of the entire Battalion here ae without doubt the best and most comfortable we have ever occupied during the recent advance. There are no civilians in town, they being forced by the enemy to accompany him in his retirement The numerous gardens about the town were well stocked and furnished a plentiful supply of vegetables for the men. 1 O.R. on leave and 2 O.R.s returned from hospital. Battalion training as per Appendix No. 7 (Syllabus for 23rd.) attached. 24 Battalion training as per Appendix No. 8. (Syllabus for 24th.) attached. Lieut. A.T. Fergusson and 2 O.R.s proceeded on leave. 1 O.R. to England for duty with R.A.F. 25 Battalion training as per Appendix No. 9. (Syllabus for 25th.) attached. Lt-Col. Jones returned from leave to PARIS. 4 O.R.s on leave. 3 Sergt. Instructors (Drill, Lewis Gun and Musketry) attached from C.C.R.C. 2 O.R.s from courses. 26 Battalion training as per Appendix No. 10. (Syllabus for 26th.) attached. 3 O.R.s on leave. 2 O.R.s arrived and reinforcements. 27 Battalion training as per Appendix No. 11. (Syllabus for 27th.) attached. Lieut. C.A. Whittle and 3 O.R.s on leave. 1 O.R. proceeded to and 3 O.R.s returned from hospital. 28 Battalion training as per Appendix No. 12. (Syllabus for 28th.) attached. 6 O.R.s on leave. 4 O.R.s proceeded to ENGLAND for Cadets Course. 1 O.R. arrived as reinforcement. 2 O.R. proceeded to and 7 O.R.s returned from hospital. 29 Battalion training as per Appendix No. 13. (Syllabus for 29th.) attached. 4 O.R.s proceeded on leave. 30 Battalion training as per Appendix No. 14. (Syllabus for 30th.) attached. Lieut. M.R. Sloan returned from leave. 6 O.R.s on leave. 1 N.C.O. attached C.C.R.C. as Instructor. 2 O.R.s to hospital. 2 O.R.s to Canadian Corps Sniping Course. 31 Battalion training as per Appendix No. 15. (Syllabus for 31st.) attached. Lieut. G. Thomas and 12 O.R.s proceeded on leave. Lieut. L.E. Boulton returned from Officers Rest House, PARIS-PLAGE.

  [i] The War Diaries consistently misspell this name. This is Lieutenant John Henry BARKLEY (MC).

[ii] Possibly this chateau.

[iii] This officer’s identity has not been verified.

[iv] Lieutenant John Alister MacMillan.

[v] This officer not identified.

War Diary

Appendices

War Diary of the 18th Battalion: October 1918 Confidential War Diary of 18th CANADIAN BATTALION – 2nd CANADIAN DIVISION From 1st October to 31st October, 1918…

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Confidential War Diary of 18th CANADIAN BATTALION – 2nd CANADIAN DIVISION

March 1, 1919 to 31 March 1919

Volume 43

Place Date Hour Summary of Events and Information Fosses I.35.75 1 Map for Reference: Namur 8 1/100,000

Battalion Training and Educational Classes as per Appendix 1. Attached. 5 O.R.s proceeded on leave this date. 1 O.R. from hospital.

2 Roman Catholic service at 09:30 in Parish Church. Battalion Church Service at 10:00 hrs. as per appendix No. 2. Attached. 4 O.R.s proceeded on and 10 O.R. returned from leave. 3 Battalion Training and Educational work as per Appendix No. 2. Attached. 3 O.R.s on leave. 1 O.R. from Hospital. 1 Officer and 6 O.R.s of the 6th Battn C.E.s who were attached to the 18th Battn. returned to their unit. 4 Battalion carried on with Training and Educational Classes as per Appendix No. 4. Attached. 4 O.R.s on leave; 3 O.R.s proceeded to 2nd Divl. M.T. Co’y., Auvelais for 2 weeks course in Motor Mechanics. 1 O.R. from hospital. 5 Battalion Training and Educational Work as per Appendix No. 5. attached. 6 O.R.s from course in Motor Mechanics at 2nd Divl. M.T. Co’y. 6 Battalion Training and Educational Classes as per Appendix No. 6. Attached. 3 O.R.s on leave. 3 O.R.s to hospital. 7 Battalion Training and Educational work as per Appendix No. 7. attached. Battalion Pay Parade was held in the afternoon. 7 O.R.s proceeded on and Lieut. A.H. Jones returned from leave. 1 O.R. to hospital. 8 At 09:00 hrs. A Battalion Parade followed by a route March was held as per Appendix No. 8 attached. Lt. A.J.R. Craig and 6 O.R.s proceeded on leave. 1 O.R. attached to Divl. Train as loader. 3 O.R.s to hospital. 9 Battalion attended Church Services as per Appendix No. 9 attached. 2 O.R.s from leave. Lt. L.E. Boulton and 19 O.R.s to Sclayn guard. 10 Battalion Training and Educational Work as per Appendix No. 10 attached. The “Band” Soccer team defeated the “Transport” team by the score of 1-0 on the Y.M.C.A. grounds. 2 companies paraded to the Baths in the afternoon. The 5th Bgde. Concert Party entertained the Battalion at the Cinema at Night. 18th. Band furnished the music. 2 O.R.s to hospital. 3 O.R.s proceeded on and 2 O.R.s returned from leave. 1 O.R. from duty at Divisional Train. 11 Battalion Training and Educational Work as per Appendix No. 11 attached. 2companies and Battalion Headquarters paraded to Baths in the afternoon. At the Y.M.C.A. grounds in the afternoon “Q.M. & Tpt” soccer team defeated “D” Company’s team by a score of 2-0 and “Bn HQ” defeated “A” Company by a score of 3-1. Lt. J.T.N. Jeffery attached to Battalion as Brigade Veterinary Officer. 1 O.R. from hospital. 12 All 4th Brigade Units were Inspected by Gen. Rawlinson, C.O.C. 4th Army at 11.00 hours on 19th Battalion Parade Grounds as per appendix No. 12 attached. Capt. R.G. Elliott and Lieut. J.N. MacRae returned from leave to Italy. 13 Battalion Training and Educational Work as per Appendix No. 13 attached. In the afternoon the following games were played on the Y.M.C.A. grounds: “HQ” defeated “A” Co’y in Baseball by he score of 13-5. “Q.M. & Tpt” defeated “B” Co’y by the score of 14-8. “Q.M. & Tpt” defeated “B” Co’y (Soccer) by the score of 14-0. Lt. W. Burns and 6 O.R.s and 9 O.R.s returned from leave. 1 O.R. to hospital. 14 Battalion Training and Educational Work as per Appendix No. 14 attached. 3 O.R.s proceeded on leave. 1 O.R. returned from hospital. 15 Battalion Training as per Appendix No. 15 attached. At 10:30 hours the Battalion paraded to Brigade Sports which were held on the 19th Battalion Parade Grounds. In the afternoon “Q.M. & Tpt” Soccer team played “A” Co’y. The score was 2-2. 21 O.R.s proceeded to England proceeded to England for return to Canada for duty as Military Police. 16 Battalion attended Church Services as per Appendix No. 16 attached. “Q.M. & Tpt” defeated “A” Co’y in Baseball on the Y.M.C.A. Grounds by the score of 6-4. “D” Co’y defeated “B” Co’y (Indoor Baseball) score 24-16. 3 O.R.s proceeded on and 1 O.R. returned from leave. 1 O.R. attached for duty to Field Cashier 2nd Cdn. Divn. 2 O.R.s attached 4th Battn. C.E.s returned to their unit. 1 O.R. from hospital. 17 Battalion Training and Educational Work as per Appendix No. 17 attached. In the afternoon on the Y.M.C.A. Grounds “Q.M. & Tpt” Soccer team defeated “HQ” by the score of 9-1. 1 O.R. to hospital. 3 O.R.s proceeded on and 2 O.R.s returned from leave. 18 Battalion carried on with Training and Educational Courses as per Appendix No 18 attached. Bath Parades were also held during the day. Lt-Col. L.E. Jones and 3 O.R.s returned from leave. 2 O.R.s to hospital. 19 Battalion Training and Educational Work as per Appendix No. 19 attached. Pay Parade and Casuals Bath Parade were held in the afternoon. “HQ” Indoor Baseball team defeated “Q.M. & Tpt” in the afternoon by a score of 6-2. 3 O.R.s returned from course at 2nd Divl. M.T. Co’y. 2 O.R.s proceeded on and 3 O.R.s returned from leave. 4 O.R.s returned from duty at 4th C.I.B. Headquarters. 38 O.R.s proceeded to England for return to Canada with their dependents. 20 Inspection of Battalion by Commanding Officer was held as per Appendix No. 20 attached. The C.11. Concert Party gave a performance to the Battalion at the Cinema tonight. 4 O.R.s to hospital. 21 Battalion Training and Educational Work as per Appendix No. 21 attached. In the afternoon “Q.M. & Tpt” Soccer team defeated “D” Co’y team by the score of 10-0, winning the Battalion Championship. 6 O.R.s returned from leave. 2 O.R.s returned from Hospital. 22 Battalion Training and Educational Work as per Appendix No. 22 attached. The Battalion was entertained in the evening by a Concert Party composed of three young ladies. 6 O.R.s returned from leave. 1 O.R. returned from hospital. 4 O.R.s returned from guard duty at 2nd Cdn. Div. Headquarters. 10 Officers and 150 O.R.s attended Corps Sports held at Brussels. 23 The Battalion attended Church Services as per Appendix no. 23 attached. Rev. Dr. Simons of Christs Church Cathedral, Montreal delivered the sermon, at the mornings service. 4 O.R.s returned from leave. 24 The Battalion carried on with Training and Educational Work as per Appendix No. 24 attached. “Q.M. & Tpt” personnel gave a dance in the Hotel de Ville at night. Music was proved by the Regimental Band. 2 O.R.s returned from leave. 1 O.R. returned from duty with 2nd Divl. Burial Officer. 25 Battalion Training and Educational Course as per Appendix No. 25 attached. Bath and Clothing Parades were held in the afternoon. Mr. Enos Bacon (Vocalist) entertained the Battalion in the afternoon. In the evening at the Cinema, the 13th Bde. Australian Concert Party gave an entertainment. 13 O.R.s proceeded to England for return to Canada with Dependents. 4 O.R.s to England for Police duties at Bramshott Camp pending demobilization. 1 O.R. for duty at 6th Field Ambulance. 4 O.R.s returned from leave. In connection with Demobilization Scheme, (re-grouping) the undermentioned O.R.s were despatched to Battalions and Units named below. 2 O.R.s to 6th Bn. C.E.s 3 O.R.s 25th Bn. 2 O.R.s 21st Bn. 2 O.R.s 22nd Battery 26 Battalion Training and Educational Course as per Appendix No. 26 attached. 2 O.R.s returned from leave this date. 27 Battalion Muster Parade was held in the morning as per Appendix No. 27 attached. 2 O.R.s from leave. 4 O.R.s returned from duty with Divl. Traffic Officer. 2 O.R.s re-grouped to 21st Cdn. Battalion. In connection with Demobilization Scheme (re-grouping) the following were re-grouped to us this date. 13 O.R.s from 27th Bn. 18 O.R.s from 28th Bn. 1 Officer and 18 O.R.s from 29th Bn. 1 Officer and 55 O.R.s from 31st Bn. 1 Officer and 2 O.R.s from 2nd C.E Bgde. 6 O.R.s from 4th Cdn. Fld. Amb. 1 Officer and 1 O.R. from 4th C.I.B. 28 Battalion Training and Educational Classes were carried on as per Syllabus for 26th inst. 2 O.R.s returned from course in M.M. at 2nd Divl. M.T. Co’y. 1 O.R. from duty at Div. H.Q. Lt. A.J.R. Craig and 2 O.R.s on leave. 2 O.R.s arrived as reinforcements. 1 O.R. regrouped to 21st Bn. 29 Battalion Training and Educational Classes were carried on as per Syllabus for 26th inst. 1 O.R. attached to Div. Train was re-grouped to 21st Bn. 2 O.R.s to hospital. 3 O.R.s from leave. 1 O.R. returned from duty at Y.M.C.A. 1 O.R. returned from duty at 4th C.I.B. 1 O.R. from duty at Divl. Signal Co’y. 12 O.R.s from duty at Divl. Train. 30 As per O.O.D. 276 attached, Appendix No. 28, “A” & “B” Co’ys paraded at 08:45 hrs. and marched to AUVELIAS leaving there at 12:00 hrs. for LE HARVE. R.C.s attending service in the Parish Church at 09:30 hrs. “C” & “D” attended Church Parade at 09:30 hrs. There was a voluntary service at the Cinema at 19:00 hrs. led by Dr. Day of Toronto. 1 O.R. from leave. 1 O.R. from hospital. 31 “C” and “D” Companies and Battalion Headquarters formed up in the square in front of the Hotel de Ville at 08:45 hours in Full Marching Order and moved off at 09:00 hours to Auvelais where they entrained for Le Harve at 11:00 hours together with three companies of the 19th. Canadian Battalion. The train was made up of Box Cars and each car was equipped with a stove and sufficient straw to ensure the comfort of each man. The men were furnished with Blankets and everything possible was done to make comfortable the journey. The Y.M.C.A. provided free tea at the station and had cars allotted to their use as a canteen. They also provided games and sporting goods of all kinds for the use of the men during the stops of the train. Reading matter also was provided. The Corps and Divisional Commanders were at the station for a short period before the train left. The train pulled away from the station at 12:30 hours- the first stop was made at Mons at 18:00 hours, for supper and recreation. The day was ideal as to weather conditions and the first day of the return journey to Canada found everyone in the best of spirits. Syllabus for the day attached, appendix No. 29.

War Diary

Appendices

Maps

War Diary of the 18th Battalion: March 1919 Confidential War Diary of 18th CANADIAN BATTALION – 2nd CANADIAN DIVISION March 1, 1919 to 31