#Lt.-Col. L.E. Jones

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...and no battalion has a more glorious record than our good old 18th.

…and no battalion has a more glorious record than our good old 18th.

Detail of the 18th Battalion April 1915 Nominal Roll showing the original officers.

On April 10, 1919 two news stories about the 18th Battalion were published on page three in the Border Cities Star. One story was about the past, told of a traitor in the 18th who “surrendered” to the Germans in July 1918 while the Battalion was stationed in the Telegraph Hill area in the Arras Sector. The other…

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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 

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

From 1st January 1919 to 31st January 1919

Volume 41 With appendices 1 – 30

Place Date Hour Summary of Events and Information ALLNER 6-G.90.90 Germany 8-L 1   “New Year’s Day”—- A Most Prosperous New Year to Everyone. The Battalion continued training as per Syllabi attached, appendix no. 1. The men of the Battalion have been especially directed against fraternising with the German population. 7 O.R’s on leave. 1 O.R. attached to Prisoners of War Camp, Wahm. 1 O.R. admitted to Hospital and 1 O.R. returned from Hospital.   2   The Battalion continued training to-day as per Syllabi attached, appendix no. 2. Educational Classes are continuing as usual and the men are taking a very fair interest in all the classes. 2 O.R’s on leave. Lieut. C. Cook, returned from Hospital this date together with 6 O.R.   3   The Battalion continued training to-day as per Syllabi attached, appendix no. 3. Educational work is being continued as usual. Owing to the food shortage, for the civilian population in the Occupied Territory and in Germany as a whole, the member of the Army of Occupation are forbidden to purchase any food stuffs whatsoever, with the exception of vegetables and fruit. 4 O.R’s on leave and 1 O.R. returned from leave.   4   The Battalion continued training to-day as per Syllabi attached, appendix no. 4. The Educational work continues and is showing a very fine progress.   5   The Battalion attended Church Service to-day and enjoyed one of the Padre’s excellent sermons. 6 O.R’s on leave from U.K. and 2 O.R’s on leave to Paris. 1 O.R. returned from leave from U.K. Captain W.J. Baxter awarded the Military Cross. 2 O.R. returned from Hospital. Syllabus of training etc., for the day attached, appendix No. 5.   6   The Battalion continued training to-day as per Syllabi attached, appendix no. 6. Educational work continued as usual. 3 O.R’s on leave to U.K. 1 O.R. attached to 2nd Canadian Divisional Guard.   7   The Battalion continued training to-day as per Syllabi attached, appendix no. 7. Educational work continued as usual. At 18:00 Hours an Historical Lecture was given, in the Y.M.C.A. Cinema. The Battalion was in attendance and the hall was filled to capacity by 17:45 Hours. 12 O.R’s n leave. 1 O.R. to Hospital.   8   The Battalion continued training to-day as per Syllabi attached, appendix no. 8. Educational work was carried on as usual. 5 O.R’s on leave. Lieut. S.G. Stokes returned from leave together with 3 O.R’s. Lieut.’s W.K. Rooney and J.H. Barkley proceeded to the Base this date.   9   The Battalion continued training to-day as per Syllabi attached, appendix no. 9. Educational work was carried on as usual. Cap’t. D.R. Oliver on leave together with 6 O.R’s to U.K. and 2 O.R’s to Paris. [1] O.R. returned from 2nd Canadian Divisional Guard. 1 O.R. admitted to Hospital. 1 O.R. from No. 5 Military Prison.   10   The Battalion continued training to-day as per Syllabi attached, appendix no. 9. Educational work was carried on as usual. 5 O.R’s on leave to U.K. and 2 O.R’s to Paris. 2 O.R’s returned from leave.   11   The Battalion was to-day inspected by Brigadier-General E. McQuaig, G.O.C. 4th Canadian Infantry Brigade. The inspection was held at 9.30 hours on the battalion parade ground. “B” Company was inspected on its own parade ground around 11:00 hours. Platoons on Outpost Duty were inspected at their various locations. Police, Cooks, Cook-Kitchens, Transport etc. were inspected in their own locations. 7 O.R’s on leave and 2 O.R. returned from leave. 3 O.R’s on Escort Duty to Coblenz and 3 O.R’s on escort duty to Cologne. 1 O.R. to Hospital and 2 O.R’s returned from Hospital. Syllabi to today attached, appendix no. 11.

On the evening of the 10th. Of January, 1919, a Supper and Dance was given by the Officers of the Battalion, in the “Schloss” Allner. Over 100 guests were invited including the Divisional Commander, Maj.-General H.E. Burstall and Officers of the different Brigades in the Division. The Nursing-Sisters from the C.C.S. in Bonn were also invited and were present to the number of about twenty. The early part of the evening was devoted to dancing and then Supper was served, after which the Nursing-Sisters and Officers Guests departed for their different stations in the area.

  12   The Battalion attended Church Service to-day and as usual the Padre was in excellent voice. The Battalion enjoyed an excellent sermon. The Syllabus for the day is attached, appendix No. 12.   13   The Battalion continued training as per syllabi attached, appendix No. 13. Educational Classes carrying on as usual. During the Evening a Supper and entertainment was given by the N.C.O’s of the Battalion, Sergeants, Senior N.C.O’s and Warrant Officers being in attendance. Several guests, warrant Officers and Senior N.C.O’s from the other Battalions of the Brigade being present, also. Lt.-Colonel L.E. Jones and Lieut. C. Cook also were present. Lt.-Colonel Jones spoke during the evening, complimenting the N.C.O’s upon their fine efforts in the past, expressing his sincere appreciation of the splendid co-operation with the Officers of the Battalion. Entertainment for the evening was provided by talent from the Battalion. Lt. J.T. Taylor of “C” Co’y delighted the gathering with several songs of great popularity,, giving the necessary colour and expression to the songs, as only Lieut. Taylor can do. His efforts were vociferously appreciated. Bandmaster Thomas’ efforts on the piano were also greatly appreciated. Other varieties of entertainment were Clog-Dancing, Fancy Dancing etc. Altogether the evening was one of enjoyment.   14   The Battalion continued training to-day as per Syllabi attached, appendix no. 14. Educational Classes are continuing as usual.   15   The Battalion continued training to-day as per Syllabi attached, appendix no. 15. At 18:00 Hours in the evening the 2nd Canadian Divisional Concert Party arrived at the Y.M.C.A. Cinema. The hall was filled to capacity shortly after the opening hour and the performance was greatly appreciated by the men and officers of the Battalion.   16   The Battalion continued training to-day as per Syllabi attached, appendix no. 16. Educational work was carried on as usual.

DEFENCE SCHEME IN CASE OF RENEWAL OF HOSTILIES OR ENEMY ATTACH, 18th Canadian Battalion, Western Ontario Regiment

1.       In case warning is received that hostilities are to be renewed, the Brigade Reserve Battalion will push forward to the Rheinereithbach-Eudenbach-Muleip-Eitorf line as soon as possible in order to prevent any enemy observation of the 2nd Canadian Divisional Area, the 18th. Canadian Battalion holding itself in readiness to push forward and occupy line of resistance formed by forward battalions.

2.       In case the enemy attacks without previous warning, “B” Company will withdraw from Brohl area to the heights – Heistershloss and Happerschoss. “D” Company will occupy the “Schloss Allner, and occupying high ground to the North-east, connecting with “B” Company, destroying bridges over the river Sieg, and prevent enemy crossing the river. “C” Company will occupy Hennef, covering Railway Lines and barricading all Railway lines at present Outpost Line.

a.       “A” Company in Battalion Reserve, will move to Weingarts-Gass, holding themselves in readiness to reinforce any part of the Battalion frontage immediately on receipt of instructions.

3.       In case of attack, as in para. 2 above, Companies will act on receipt of the word “Positions”. “A” Company will reinforce on receipt of the words “Battle-Positions” followed by location and will counter-attack on receipt of words “Drive Back” followed by location.

Signed by:- C.Cook, Lieut. Adjt. 18th. Canadian Battalion. 16.1.19.

Copy of Defence Scheme attached, appendix No. 17.

Lieut. J Morgan proceeded on leave to U.K. with 5 O.R’s Cap’t. C.H. Boulden and 1 O.R. returned from leave.

  17   The Battalion continued training to-day as per Syllabi attached, appendix no. 18. Educational work was carried on as usual. Maj. J.J. Richardson returned from leave this date together with Cap’t. W.A.S. Porter and Lieut. C.D. Smith and 4 O.R.   18   The Battalion continued training to-day as per Syllabi attached, appendix no. 19. Educational work was carried on as usual. 10 O.R’s on leave.   19   The Battalion paraded for Church Service to-day, the last service they would attend as a Battalion in Germany. Service being in the Cinema at 9:30 hours. Syllabi for the day attached, appendix No. 20.   20   The Battalion was relieved, to-day, by the 2nd/4th. Queens (Imperial). All reliefs completed by 13:00 hours. The Battalion moved off at 15:30 hours, in Full Marching Order, passing in review before Lt.-Col. L.E. Jones, D.S.O. and the Officer Commanding the 2nd./4th. Queens, and marched to Siegeberg, arriving there about 17:30 hours and entrained at 18:00 hours. The Battalion spent the night on the train while enroute for destination Fosses, Belgium. Moved order attached, appendix No. 21.   21   The day was spent on the train enroute from Germany. The Battalion arrived at Auvelais, Belgium at 18:00 hours and detrained and occupied Billets in this town for the night.   22   The Battalion remained in Auvelais for the day, resting.   23   The Battalion moved off at 13:00 hours, in Full Marching Order and marched to Fosses, Belgium, where we were to remain for some time, arriving in Fosses about, 15:00 hours. Move Order attached, appendix No. 22.   24   The Battalion continued training to-day as per Syllabi attached. Appendix No. 23. Preparations being made for a prolonged stay in this area, stoves, coal, etc. were secured to provide against the expected cold weather.   25   The Battalion continued training to-day as per Syllabi attached, appendix no. 24. Educational Classes re-established and proceeded with as per Syllabi attached. Major J.S. Bell proceeded on leave on the 19th of January, 1919. 11 O.R’s on leave and 17 O.R’s returned.   26   The Battalion attended Church Service to-day and enjoyed one of the Padre’s excellent Sermons. Syllabi attached, appendix No. 25. 5 O.R’s on leave.   27   The Battalion continued training to-day as per Syllabi attached, appendix no. 26. Educational work was carried on as usual. 5 O.R’s on leave and 2 O.R’s returned from leave.   28   The Battalion continued training to-day as per Syllabi attached, appendix no. 27. Educational work was carried on as usual. 5 O.R’s on leave and 1 O.R’s returned from leave.   29   The Battalion continued training to-day as per Syllabi attached, appendix no. 28. Educational work was carried on as usual.   30   The Battalion continued training to-day as per Syllabi attached, appendix no. 29.   31   The Battalion continued training to-day as per Syllabi attached, appendix no. 30. Educational work was carried on as usual.

War Diary

Appendices

Maps

War Diary of the 18th Battalion: January 1919 Confidential War Diary of 18th CANADIAN BATTALION – 2nd CANADIAN DIVISION From 1st January 1919 to 31st 

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

From 1st November, 1918 to 30th November, 1918

Volume 39 With appendices 1 – 26

Place Date Hour Summary of Events and Information ANICHE

G.6.a.7.3

1 Map for reference: 51.A 1/40,000 VALENCIENNES 12 and NAMUR 8 1/100,000, & MARCHES 9 attached. Appendix No. 24, 25, and 26.

Battalion Training as per Syllabi attached, appendix No. 1. 9 O.R’s on leave.

2 Battalion Training as per Syllabi attached, appendix No. 2. Lieut. J.N. Mowbray & 8 O.R’s on leave. 2 O.R’s returned from leave. Lieut. J.H. Barkley and 2 O.R’s returned from Courses at 1st Army Musk. Camp. 1 O.R. on course to Cdn Corps School. 3 O.R’s returned from Rest Camp. 1 O.R. arrived as reinforcement. 14 O.R’s returned from hospital. 1 O.R. admitted to hospital. 1 Sgt. attached from C.C.R.C. as L.G. instructor. 3 Battalion Church Parade at 10.00 a.m. on Battalion Parade Ground. Anticipating a move on the 4th inst. Preparations were made in the afternoon re. loading of Lewis Guns etc. Warning order attached, appendix No. 3. 4 Battalion embussed at 17.00 hours and moved to HERIN via ABSCON – DENAIN. Lieut. R.R. Hartry and 2 O.R’s returned from Course. 1 O.R. admitted to hospital. Appendix No. 4 attached. HERIN

D.10.c.15.20.

Map 51.A.

5 Battalion resting in billets in HERIN awaiting orders to move forward. Lt.-Col. L.E. Jones on leave to U/K. Major J.S. Bell D.S.O. M.C. assumes command of the Battalion. Lieut. W. Burns arrived as reinforcement. 6 Battalion marched in heavy rain via VALENCIENNES to ST. SAULVE arriving at destination at 15.00 hours. The entire Battalion billeted in a Convent formerly used by the Germans as a Military Hospital. 12 O.R.s on leave. 2 O.R.s returned from leave. 14 O.R.s arrived as reinforcements. 1 O.R. to hospital. Appendix No. 5 attached. ST. SAULVE

E.4.d.85.95

Map 51.A.

7 Battalion moved off at 12.00 hours by march route via ONNAING to QUIEVRECHAIN arriving there about 15.00 hours. Civilians heartily welcomed and cheered the Battalion on its arrival especially when the Band formed up in front of Battalion Hdqrs and struck up the LA MARSEILLAISE. Every effort was made by the people to make things comfortable for the men. Lieut. C. Cook proceeded on Course to 1st Army Infantry School. Lieut. J.N. MacRae and 1 O.R. returned from leave. Lieut. E.G. Barrie and 13 O.R.s attached to 2nd Div. Burial Officer for duty. Appendix No. 6. QUIEVRECHAIN

I.2.c.05.75.

VALENCIENNES 12.

  8 Battalion moved off at 09.00 hours and crossed the Belgian boundary at QUIVERAIN, a village 2 kilometers further on. Battalion rested here until about 12.30 when it moved on to ELOUGES which it reached about 15.00 hours. Here again the civilians, free again after 4 years of bondage, expressed great joy on the Battalion’s arrival. The music of the Band when it played LA MARSEILLAISE and LA BRABANCONNE was drowned out by the cheering of the people who crowded the streets, dancing up and down to the tune of the music. Appendix No. 8. ELOUGES

J.2-04.85

VALENCIENNES 12.

9 The Battalion moved off in Fighting Order at dawn over jumped over the 25th Canadian Battalion between ELOUGES and WASMES and met no opposition as they moved along to FRAMERIERES where Battalion Hdqrs., was established. Rear details moved off at 10.00 hours and marched via DOUR – PETIT WASMES – PATURAGS to FRAMERIERES. The people along the route overjoyed to be free again, cheered the troops as they passed along, loading them down with flowers and victuals of all kinds. During the night the Battalion pushed forward and established a line of posts through NORCHAIN. 1 O.R. arrived as a reinforcement. 1 O.R. from hospital. CIPLY

L.2.33.97

10 At 04:00 hours the Battalion pushed forward and established posts in CIPLY and HYON meeting very little opposition. Rear Details moved up from FRAMERIERES and reached CIPLY about 10.00 hours. There was considerable scattered shelling of village and vicinity till 15.00 hours, when the enemy guns were silenced by our batteries. 4 O.Rs proceeded on leave. 3 O.R’s returned from leave. 1 O.R. retd from hospital. 10 O.R’s wounded, 1 O.R. Killed in Action. 11 At 07.25 hours a wire was received from Brigade stating that hostilities would cease at 11.00 hours that day and for the Battalion to stand fast at the line reached at that hour. The Battalion forward post at the cessation of hostilities was at Q.19.d.30.40. (Sheet 45.) A Battalion parade was held at 11.30 hours. Major Bell congratulated the Battalion on its fine work during recent operations. As an appreciation, the Maire, on behalf of the village of CIPLY, presented the Battalion with a Belgian Flag. Lieut. A.T. Fergusson and 2 O.R’s retd from leave. 1 O.R. retd from Course. 13 O.R’s retd from hospital. 1 O.R. Wounded-Gassed. 12 Battalion resting in billets at CIPLY. 4 O.R’s proceeded on leave. 1 O.R. retd from leave. 1 O.R. retd from hospital. 13 Training as per syllabi attached. Lieut. R.E. Rouse and 4 O.R’s proceeded on leave. Appendix No. 10. 14 The Battalion was inspected by the G.O.C. 4th C.I.B. at 9.30 hours on Battalion Parade Ground. Transport was inspected 14.30 hours at Transport Lines. Lieut. E.G. Barrie and 13 O.R’s returned from Div. Burial Officer. Lieut. A.J.R. Craig and 1 O.R. returned from 4th T.M. Battery. Lieut. J.T. Taylor and 3 O.R’s arrived as reinforcements. 10 O.R’s retd from hospital. 7 O.R’s proceeded on leave. 15 Battalion training per syllabi attached. Lieut. R.R. Hartry and 6 O.R’s proceeded on leave. 2 O.R’s arrived as reinforcements. 7 O.R’s retd from hospital. Appendix No. 12. 16 Battalion training per syllabi attached. Bathe parades were held during the afternoon at Q.25 central, a large mine building near CIPLY Station. 4 O.R’s proceeded on leave. Appendix No. 13. 17 Battalion Church Parade held on Bn. Parade Ground at 10.30 hours. On receipt of information that the Battalion would move on the 18th instant, all possible preparations were made. 4 O.R’s proceeded on leave. 3 O.R’s retd from leave. 3 O.R’s arrived as reinforcements. 8 O.R’s retd from Courses. Lieut. J.A. McMillan and 2 O.R’s admitted to hospital. VILLE-SUR-HAINE

Map – NAMUR 1/100,000. A.1.75.75

18 The Battalion moved off in Full Marching Order at 06.15 hours and marched via HYON – MONS to VILLE-SUR-HAINE arriving about 12.00 hours. This was the first days journey toward Germany as the army of occupation. 4 O.R’s on leave. 2 O.R’s retd from leave. 1 O.R. admitted to hospital. Appendix No. 14. 19 Battalion training per syllabi attached. A Dance was given by the villagers at night in the Town Hall to the members of the Battalion. The Regtl. Band provided the music. Appendix No. 15. 20 Battalion training per syllabi attached. 20 O.R’s proceeded on leave. 8 O.R’s retd from leave. 4 O.R’s admitted to hospital. 1 O.R. retd from hospital. Appendix no. 16. CHAPELLE-LES-HERLAIMONT,

Map NAMUR 8

D.1-43.66

21 Battalion moved off at 08.50 hours in Full Marching Order via HOUDING – AIMERLES – LA LOUVIER and JOLIMONT through CHAPELLE-LES-HERLAIMONT, arriving there about 15.30 hours. 14 O.R’s retd from leave. Appendix No. 17. 22 Battalion training per syllabi attached. Lt.-Col. L.E. Jones, Lieut. J.H. Barkley & 17 O.R’s retd from leave. 1 O.R. arrived as reinforcement. 1 O.R. retd from Course. Appendix No. 18. 23 During the day all possible preparations were made for the move on the 24th inst. Bathe parade held in afternoon at baths in mine buildings. 17 O.R’s admitted to hospital. 24 The Battalion moved off at 09.00 hours in Full Marching Order and marched via COURCELLES – MOTTE – RANSART – to FLEURUS arriving at 19.30 hours. 4 O.R’s proceeded on leave. 2 O.R’s retd from leave. 15 O.R’s admitted to hospital. 1 O.R. retd. Appendix No. 19. FLUERUS

G.1-63.80

Map – Namur 8

25 The Battalion in Full Marching Order, left FLEURUS and marched via KEUMIEE – VELAINE – and JEMAPPE to MOUSTIER (on the river SAMBRE) arriving 15.00 hours. Shortly after the arrival of the Battalion a civilian Brass Band & Bugle Band played through the streets. Lieut. C.A. Whittle and 12 O.R’s retd from leave. 9 O.R’s admitted to hospital. Appendix No. 20. MOUSTIER

I.1.-36.59

26 The Battalion rested in billets in Moustier. 5 O.R’s admitted to hospital. 1 O.R. arrived as reinforcement. 27 At 09.00 hours the Battalion moved off in Full Marching order for JAMBES via MORNONT – ST-SERVINS – and through the historic city of NAMUR, across the bridge over the MEUSE to JAMBES. The city of NAMUR was gaily decorated and the streets were filled with happy civilians and Allied repatriated prisoners of war. 4 O.R’s proceeded on leave. 2 O.R’s returned from leave. 1 O.R. arrived as reinforcement. 5 O.R’s admitted to hospital. Appendix No. 21. JAMBES

K.1.-45.47.

28 Battalion resting in billets in JAMBES. 3 O.R’s proceeded on leave. 4 O.R’s returned from leave. 4 O.R’s admitted to hospital. JAMBES

NAMUR 8 & MARCHE 9

1/100,000

29 The Battalion moved off at 08.00 hours for COUTISSE via VIGNERCUL – KINAUX – CAYET – STRUD and ST.BEGGE, arriving at destination about 15.00 hours. 4 O.R’s proceeded on leave. 2 O.R’s returned from leave. 1 O.R. admitted to hospital. Appendix No. 2. COUTISSE

B.1.-35.59.

Map – MARCHE 9

1/100,000

30 The Battalion moved off in Full Marching Order at 11.00 hours for MEAN via CHEY – EVELETTE and HAVERLANGE-VERLEE arriving at destination at 21.00 hours. 4 O.R’s proceeded on leave. 3 O.R’s returned from leave. 3 O.R’s admitted to hospital. Appendix No. 23.

War Diary

Appendices

War Diary of the 18th Battalion: November 1918 Confidential War Diary of 18th CANADIAN BATTALION – 2nd CANADIAN DIVISION From 1st November, 1918 to 30th November, 1918…

[k2kid]

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

From 1st July to 31st July, 1918

Volume 35 With appendices 1 – 7

Place Date Hour Summary of Events and Information G.H.Q. RESERVE LATERE-ST-QUENTIN. J.23, 24, 29 and 30. Bn. Hdqrs at J.25.d.80.20 1   Lorries called at 7.45 a.m. and took about 14 officers and 150 men to TINQUES to attend the Cdn. Corps, Dominion Day, Sports, returning about 7.00 p.m. one O.R. returned from hospital.   2/3   Training per syllabus attached. One O.R. to hospital. 2nds. One O.R. on leave to U/K. 3rd. Lieut. G.J. Spencer attached 2nd Divnl. Hdqrs 2nd. Captain T.H.O. Rayward returned from 2nd Div. Wing, C.C.R.C. 3 N.C.O.s attached from C.C.R.C. as Instructors. Afternoons devoted to recreational training.   4   Training per syllabi attached. Lieut. J.N. Mowbray arrived as reinforcement. Capt. C.J. Jackson returned from hospital.   5   Training as per syllabus attached. One N.C.O. to England as instructor, Cdn. Signal School.   6   Training as per syllabus attached. One O.R. on leave to Paris. One O.R. to hospital and three returned. One instructor detached from C.A.G.S. as instructor.   7   Battalion Church Parade at 9.15 a.m. on Parade Ground at J.24.c.10.10. R.C. Parade in Parish Church at 9.00 a.m. Lieut. C.E. Ogelsby proceeded to England for duty with the R.A.F. One O.R. to hospital and one returned.   8   At 8.45 a.m. the Battalion paraded in Full Marching Order to J.24.c.50.80, when G.O.C. 4th C.I.B. held an inspection. One O.R. to hospital. 6 O.R.s to rest camp.   9   Bathing, Pay and Inoculation Parades took up the greater portion the day. Training in morning carried out as per attached. Capt. D.St.J. Wigle and one O.R. on leave to Paris. Three O.R.s to Paris to attend ceremonial Parade on July 14. One O.R. on leave t U.K. 2 O.R.s from 3rd Army Rest Camp; 2 O.R.s   10   Training as per syllabus attached.  Major J.N. Richardson to England for Senior Officers Course, Aldershot. Lieut.-Colonel L.E. Jones returned for leave. 2 O.R.s to Base as miners.   11   Training as per syllabus attached. Coys. & Units carried out training on Aerodrome grounds J.25.c.30.50. while waiting to go through Gas Chamber.   12   Morning Battalion Parade and Ceremonial drill. Afternoon, Inspection, inspection of Brigade by G.O.C. Canadian Corps who presented medals to several O.R.s of the Battalion. 3 O.R.s to duty with 2nd Divl. Remount Party.   13   Battalion paraded in full marching order to Dainville, Divisional Reserve, as per Order No. D.220 attached. Transport and Q.M.S. Stores moved to Berneville. Capt. A.R. Mackedie on course to 1st Army Musketry School. 13 O.R.s classified “B.1” and “B.2” by medical board dispatched to Cdn. Corps Labor Pool. 4 N.C.O. Instructors attached from C.C.R.S. and C.A.G.S. despatched to H.Q. 2nds C.E.Bde.   14   Battalion Church Parade at 9.30 a.m. R.C. Service in Parish Church at 9.30 a.m. Personnel left out of line for training paraded at 6.30 p.m. & marched to rear details camp at Wanquetin. The Battalion paraded in Battle Order and moved off at 8.45 p.m. to proceed to trenches as per order No. D.221 attached. 52nd Battalion on our Right and 20th Battalion on our Left. Relief completed at 2.10 a.m. Battalion in Right sub-sector of Divl. Sector.   Night 14 / 15   Patrols supplied by units being relieved covered the Battalion frontage until relief was complete. They reported no enemy seen.   15   Conditions of defences – trenches in good condition, sufficiently deep to be free from observation & with good fire bays and field of fire. Three belts of wire in good condition extend along front. Any existing gaps covered by L.G. Fire. Battalion H.Q. & Details in dugouts in CREST trench. Daylight patrol consisting of Lieut. MacRae & Sgt. Manby left our line at N.1.c.40.25 at 3.30 p.m. & reconnoitered wagon road to approx. N.2.c.25.45 from which point good view was obtained of enemy defences. Party returned to our line at point of exit at 7.00 p.m. reporting no enemy seen. Situation during day fairly quiet. 2 O.R.s returned from Paris leave.   16   Our artillery & aircraft fairly active throughout day on enemy forward & rear country. Lieut. MacRae & Sgt. Manby left our lines at N.7.d.70.90 at 3.30 p.m. & crawled East to sunken road at N.8.a.08040. No further progress could be made owing to enemy observation on Right flank. Party returned to our line at 7.45 p.m. reporting no enemy seen. 4 O.R.s arrived as reinforcements. 1 O.R. returned from hospital.   Night 16 / 17   Work parties employed improving trenches & salvaging material. Lieut. Stokes and 3 Bn. Scouts & covering party of 10 O.R.s left are line at N.7.d.40.10 at 9.30 p.m. proceeding East to approx. N.8.c.70.05 where advance was checked by M.G. fire. Patrol returned to point of exit reporting enemy very quiet. Usual contact patrols covered ground between our Battalion & Battalion on right, report no enemy seen.   17   L/Cpl. W.L. Callander shot at German at N.2.c.30.15. Lieut. MacRae & Sgt. Manby left our line at N.6.a.08.40 at 3.30 p.m. & reconnoitered down DOUGLAS Trench to N.8.c.60.84 & vicinity. A post of H.Q. was located at N.8.a.85.20 & 4 Germans seen. Patrol returned to point of exit at 7.00 p.m. 1 O.R. to hospital. 1 O.R. wounded. Lt. A.V. Crammond attached 2nd C.E. Bde.   Night 17 / 18   Usual patrols covered our frontage during night, reporting enemy quiet. Working parties were employed improving trenches and salvaging material.   18   8.50 a.m. party of enemy made a stealth raid on an “A” Coy. Post, situated 200 yards in advance of front line, coming along old C.T. to block trench where post is situated, at N.7.d.45.15, killing one, wounding two & taking 2 O.R.s prisoners. Rear details moved from WANQUENTIN & Transport moved from BERNEVILLE to ANZIN-ST-ALBIN in afternoon. 1 O.R. to hospital.   Night of 18 / 19   Battalion relieved in line by 14th Cdn. Battn. as per Order No. D.222 attached, proceeding to G.H.Q. Reserve in ANZIN-ST-ALBIN. Relief complete at 1.20 a.m.   19   At 6.30 p.m. Battalion moved to BRANT CAMP, ECOIVRES, as per Order No. D.223 attached. 3 O.R.s returned from Ceremonial Parade, Paris. 1 O.R. reinforcement.   20   Working party of 10 Officers & 650 O.R.s employed digging new line of trenches at F.16.d & b. & F.22. Central. Lieut. Hartry and 1 O.R. leave to England. 1 O.R. returned from leave to Paris.   21   Battalion Church Parade at 10 a.m. R.C. Service in Parish Church at 10. a.m. 1 O.R. from hospital. Capt. D.St. Wigle returned from Paris leave. 1 O.R. leaving for U.K. 1 O.R. returned.   22   Working party as of yesterday employed digging trenches in F.30.c. & F.29.b. Lieuts. J. Faulkner and G. Thomas arrived as reinforcements. Lieut. J.C. Spence & 8 O.R.s to 1st Army Rest Camp.   23   Battalion moved to IZEL-LES-HAMEAU G.H.Q. Reserve, J.2.c.40.90, Map 51.c., as per Order No. D.224 attached.   24   Training per syllabus attached. Pay parades in afternoon & evening. Lieut.-Col. L.E. Jones D.S.O., Lieut. G.G. Brakin & 54360 Pte. Wackett, J. mentioned in Sir D. Haig’s despatches of April 7th, 1918. Lieut. McAmmond awarded M.C. & 124738 Pte. F. Stevens awarded D.C.M. Major J.S. Bell on leave to Paris. 1 O.R. on leave to U.K.   25   Training as per syllabus attached. 2 O.R.s to hospital.   26   Training as per syllabus attached. Lieut. S.G. Stokes and 1 O.R. leave to U.K. 2 O.R.s returned from leave. 4 N.C.O.s attached to Guards Div. for 1 months tour of duty.   27   Training as per syllabus attached. 1 O.R. to hospital.   28   Battn. Church parade at 9.00 a.m. R.C. Service in Parish Church at 9.00 a.m.   29   Training as per syllabus attached. 1 O.R. reinforcement. 4 O.R.s to hospital. 1 O.R. returned.   30   Battalion paraded in full marching order at 3.00 a.m. and marched via VILLER SUR SIMON, MAIZIERES & MONT EN TERNOIS to PETIT HOUVAIN, where after about 2 hours rest in a field, Battn. entrained at about 9.30 a.m. arriving at HANGERST SUR SOMME about 2.00 p.m. At 4.00 p.m. Battalion marched via SOUES, CAVILLION & SEUX to PISSY arriving about 9.30 p.om. The combined distance of morning and afternoon marches was about 36 kilometres. 1 O.R. on leave to U.K. Pissy

Bn. H.Q. at F.28.d.3.2.

Map 62.E.

31   Battalion resting in billets.

War Diary

Appendices

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

[k2kid]

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

From 1st September to 30th September 1917

Volume 25 With appendicis 1 – 4

Place Date Hour Summary of Events and Information VILLERS AU BOIS 1   Battalion in billets at VILLERS AU BOIS (Villers Camp). Company parades and inspections. Platoon and specialists training carried out during morning. Afternoon, Recreational training such as football, Baseball etc. 2 o.rs admitted to hospital.[i]

    2 7.45 a.m.

  9.00 a.m.

Communion service.

    Battalion parade for divine service. 6 o.rs to hospital (sick).

    3 11.00 Specialist training of Bombers, Grenadiers, Scouts and Bayonet fighting. [ii]

  Battalion parade, the afternoon being devoted to recreational exercise. The Battalion Football team played a draw game with the 20th Bn Championship series.

    4   Training as yesterday. 10 casuals rejoined from base hospitals.

    5   Battalion Pay parades. Lieut. C.E. Oglesby arrived as reinforcement.

    6   Company parades and inspection of Rifles and Equipment. Lieut. C.E. Oglesby and 86 o.rs attached to R.Es[iii] as a carrying party. 4 o.rs to hospital.   7  

    7.00 p.m.

Training of all Lewis gunners at Ranges. Company parades and training.

  Military Tattoo arranged by 4th Brigade. Massed bands and Pipers being the chief item. Program attached.

    8   Battalion sports day. Football, baseball, running, and Jumping contests, winners to represent Battalion in Divisional sports. 2 o.rs to hospital.

    9   Brigade parade for Divine Service. Conducted by the Army Chaplin. General, Sir. H.S. Horne, K.C.B. 1st Army Commander attended.

  Lieuts. J. Irons and J. McHardy arrived as reinforcements.

    10   Company parades and training in Bayonet fighting, platoon in attack and physical training. Afternoon recreational training.

    11 9.30 am Parades and training as yesterday. 10 o.rs returned from hospital.

    12 9.30 am Brigade sports day. 18th Battalion winning both Football and Baseball finals, entitling them to compete in Divisional finals.

    13   Company parades in fighting order, training in bayonet fighting and Physical exercise. Inspection of Box respirators. Capt. J.S. Bell returned from leave. 10 o.rs attached to Divisional M.G. Coy and carrying party.

  Maps for reference: VIMY and ROUVROY 1/10,000 14 1.00   p.m.

          7.30 p.m.

[1.00 p.m.] Battalion moved from VILLERS CAMP en route to trenches in front of AVION. A halt was made at LA TARGETTE corner where supper was served and Battalion rested preparatory to passing over the top of VIMY ridge which was not possible until after dark.

  [7.30 p.m.] Moving off from the bivouac in the following order, “A”, “B”, “C”, “D”, and HQ, guides were picked up at LA FOLIE PARK about 8.30 p.m. from the 1st C.M.R. regt, whom we were relieving.

  The enemy artillery was extremely quiet and the reliefe was completed without casualty at 11.45 p.m. Disposition being “A” coy in the front line, “B” and “C” coys in close support, and “D” coy in reserve. Battalion H.Q being in gun pits and dugouts in the BOIS DE CHAUDIERE which was a former German big gun position at T.7.d.95.60.

    15   During the day the enemy shelled the rear area but was very quiet on the trenches occupied by us.

  During the night large working parties were putting out wire entanglements in front of our line, every available man of “D” coy was engaged in carrying up wire and stakes. Lt. Spencer and 2 patrols of the Scout section patrolled “No Man’s Land” while this work was being carried out.

    16   Nothing unusual occurred. Working parties under the supervision of the C.Es[iv] constructed Dugouts in DORRIS trench and worked on DARTMOUTH trench.

    17   Preparations were made for taking over a company frontage on our left flank, running through the south part of AVION, and at present occupied by the 78th Canadian Bn. “B” coy was selected for this operation. During the day Capt. Rayward, O.C. “B” Coy, Lt. McHardy and 5 N.C.Os reconnoitered the new area. Night 17/18   The relief of the Company on our left was successfully completed and “D” coy moved into the position vacated by “B” coy.

    18   Nothing unusual to report. During the evening the usual working parties were provided, and repaired BILLIE BURKE[v] (front line) trench, and also dugouts for GLADYS trench, and extending KEANE to BETTY, a distance of 250 yards of trench being dug.

    19   Unusual aerial activity on both sides. During the night a working party of 1 officer and 92 o.rs put out 600 yds of wire in front of TORONTO ROAD from 100 yds right of Betty Trench to a point 600 yds left, thence over and along SOURIS ROAD. Parties of 40 o.rs were repairing dugouts in BETTY TRENCH and building a dressing station in GLADYS TRENCH.

    20   Battalion relieved in front line by the 26th Canadian Bn. This relief was competed by 12 a.m. and 18th Battalion moved into billets at VILLERS CAMP.

    21   Battalion resting and settling down in billets. Lieut. C.D. Smith arrived as reinforcement.

    22   Bath and clothing parades. 2 o.rs to hospital (sick).

    23   “A” “B” and “D” coys proceeded to Training area where taped replica of German frontage had been laid out. 2 o.rs admitted to hospital.

    24   Battalion pay parades all day. 4 o.rs returned from hospital.

    25   Company parade and inspections. Physical training and Bayonet fighting. Lieut. C.E. Oglesby and 3 o.rs admitted to hospital.

    26   Semi-finals of Canadian Corps Baseball and Football championships were played at COUPIGNY. 18th Battalion Baseball team being defeated by the 1st. D.A.C. No parades were held today.

    27   Company parades. Physical training and platoon drill. 2 o.rs admitted to hospital.   28   Training as yesterday. Lieut. E.L. Hankinson arrived as reinforcement. Villers Camp 29   Canadian Corps Sports day. Sports held at VILLERS AU BOIS. Final events for Corps Championships being decided at this meet. Pte. D.S. Laird, 18th Battalion winning the “High jump” and 2nd Division winning Football. 3 o.rs admitted to hospital.

    30 7.45 a.m.

10.00 a.m.

Voluntary Communion service.

  Battalion paraded for Divine Service after which the men were dismissed for the day.

  2 o.rs returned from hospital.

Honours and Award – Officers     Notification of, received during the month.

  D.S.O.

Lt.-Col. L.E. JONES.

M.C.

(Capt. J.S. BELL.

(Lieut. W.H. FENTON.

(  “        H.B. JOHNSON.

  D.C.M – 1[vi]

Bar to D.C.M. – 1

Military Medals – 27

  [i] This entry is at odds with that of the 4th Canadian Infantry Brigade War Diary. It states: “Musketry on Range, MAISNIL BOUCHE by 18th Battalion all day.”

[ii] This sentence is interesting as it delineates two difference roles. I suspect a bomber is a soldier assigned to use rifle-grenades and a grenadier is a specialist who used hand-grenades.

[iii] Royal Engineers.

[iv] Canadian Army Engineers.

[v] Note that this trench name references a popular female silent film star.

[vi] These medals were for enlisted men. It is too bad the war diary did not include their names and regimental numbers.

War Diary of the 18th Battalion: September 1917 Confidential War Diary of 18th CANADIAN BATTALION - 2nd CANADIAN DIVISION From 1st September to 30th September 1917…

[k2kid]

CONFIDENTIAL WAR DIARY -OF-

18th CANADIAN BATTALION – 2nd CANADIAN DIVISION

From 1st June to 31th June 1917 Volume 22

With appendicies 1-3

Place Date Hour Summary of Events and Information   1   Map reference WILLERVAL 1/20,000

  Battalion in Brigade Support with H.Qrs at T.27.d.3.5.

  During the night Battalion was relieved by 15th Canadian Battalion and the whole of the 4th Brigade moved back to RIDGE Line with H.Qrs at ZIVY CAVE.

  2 12 noon. Battalion relieved by the 7th Canadian Battalion and moved back into Reserve camp near NEUVILLE-ST-VAST. Lieut. H.N. Bawden admitted to hospital (sick).   3 10. a.m. 4th Canadian Infantry Brigade relieved the 1st Canadian Infantry Brigade. 18th Battalion marched back to billets in BARLIN[i]. 6 o.rs rejoined from hospital. 2 instructors from Canadian Corps Gymnastic Staff attached to Battalion for instructional purposes. BARLIN 4   Battalion resting and settling down in billets. “ 5   Battalion Pay and Bath parades. 9 o.rs returned from hospital. “ 6   Clothing parades and completion of Bath parades. Lieut. C.H. Biscoe and 42 o.rs arrived as reinforcements, many of them old men rejoining.[ii] “ 7   Inspection of Companies by Company Commanders. Syllabus of training to be carried out (attached). 7 o.rs arrived as reinforcements. “ 8[iii] Morning

    Afternoon

Company parades and training. Specialists training under qualified instructors.

  Recreational training and sports. 2 o.rs admitted to hospital.

“ 9 Morning

  Afternoon

Physical training under special instructors.

  Recreational training.

“ 10 9. a.m. Church parade. Remainder to day spent in recreation. 3 o.rs admitted to hospital. “ 11 Morning Training according to syllabus. Afternoon, recreational training. Lieut. L.A. Bissell and 18 o.rs arrived as reinforcements. “ 12 Morning “C” Company on specialist training under specialists Officers. “A. B. & D” coys training according to syllabus. Lieut. H.N. Bawden and 15 o.rs returned from hospital.

  A Horse show was held by Brigade at which we gained 1 second and 2 third prizes.

“ 13 Morning “B” Company at ranges on Musketry instruction. Special training by R.S.M. Price[iv] of N.C.Os. 52 o.rs arrived as reinforcements. 3 o.rs returned from hospital. “ 14   Battalion training to according to syllabus. 3 o.rs accidentally wounded. “ 15[v]   Battalion sports held at RUITZ. Races, Tug of War, Football and Wrestling during the day and a concert in the evening by the Battalion Band. “ 16 Morning Training according to syllabus. 48 o.rs arrived as reinforcements. 5 o.rs returned from hospital. “ 17 9.a.m. Church parade. “C” Company on Musketry at ranges. Afternoon being spent in recreational exercise. Battalion Football team played and beat the 4th M.G. coy in competion [sic] for the Divisional Championship. “ 18 9.15.a.m. Battalion parade to Brigade sports. Battalion Football team making a draw with 20th Battalion for Brigade Championship. Prizes were presented at the close by Brig-General R. Rennie, C.M.G., V.O., D.S.O. “ 19 Morning “A” and “D” companies on special training under Physical instructors. “B” and “C” on usual syllabus training. “ 20 “ Syllabus training. 11.15.a.m. Battalion parade.   21 “ “D” Company on Musketry at Ranges. “C” Company on Specialist training, remainder of Battalion carrying on with usual syllabus of training. 5 o.rs admitted to hospital.   22   Training according to syllabus. Lt.-Col. L.E. Jones proceeded on leave. Major J.A. McIntosh assumed command of the Battalion.   23   Company bath parades in morning. Voluntary parade to Divisional sports in the afternoon, Lieut. W.S. Caldwell[vi], J.G. Doherty, J.D. Parsons arrived as reinforcements.   24 9.a.m. Church parade. 3 o.rs returned from hospital. Lieut. J. M. Fisher returned from leave.   25   Parade of all casuals for Musketry training at ranges. Company training as per syllabus. 1 o.r. admitted to hospital (injured).   26   Company inspections. Platoon training in attack. Physical training and Bayonet fighting. Major W.J. Gander and 4 o.rs admitted to hospital (sick).   27   Commanding Officer’s inspection of Companies and Units. 3 o.rs returned from hospital. Capt. J.S. Bell rejoined the Battalion from Divisional school.   28 11.a.m. Battalion inspected by G.O.C. 2nd Canadian Division. Battalion paraded in full marching order at 10 a.m. and was highly complimented on their smart appearance.   29   Platoon training in attack and Bayonet fighting. Lieuts. H.L. Mitchell and H.B. Johnson arrived as reinforcements.   30   Company inspections. Close order and Arm drill. Battalion parade at 11.00 a.m. 2 o.rs admitted to hospital.

  53730 L/Sgt. Sifton E.W. (Killed in Action 9.4.17) Awarded VICTORIA CROSS. “For most conspicuous bravery and devotion to duty.  During the attack in enemy trenches Sjt. Sifton’s company was held up by machine gun fire which inflicted many casualties. Having located the gun he charged it single-handed, killing all the crew.  A small enemy party advanced down the trench, but he succeeded in keeping these off till our men had gained the position.  He was killed just as he returned with the second man.In carrying out this gallant act he was killed, but his conspicuous valour undoubtedly saved many lives and contributed largely to the success of the operation.”

Appendix 1

18TH (WESTERON ONTARIO) CANADIAN BATTALION. SYLLABUS OF TRAINING. MUSKETRY COURSE

Instruction on Aiming and Trigger Pressing                 2 hours.

Instruction in indication and recognition of Targets 2 hours

On the Range 8 hours.

(Practice in 1 and 2 to be carried on my units not actually firing.)

Lieutenant Actg/Adjt. 18th (Western Ontario) Canadian Battalion

5.6.17.

18TH (WESTERON ONTARIO) CANADIAN BATTALION. SYLLABUS OF TRAINING – 3 WEEKS _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _

Tuesday 5.6.17

1ST WEEK

Organization – Drill and Discipline 4 days

Musketry – 1 day

Brigade Route March 1 day

Each Day – Mornings

Gas helmet drill, saluting etc. 1 hour

Physical Training and Bayonet Fighting 1 hour

Squad and Platoon Drill 1 hour

Arm drill ½ hour

At disposal of Platoon Commanders ½ hour

Afternoons

Training of Specialists –                                          2 hours per day.

  2ND WEEK

Platoon Training 4 days.

Musketry – 1 day

Brigade Route March 1 day

For the week – Mornings

Close order drill                 2 hours

Physical Training and Games 2 hours

Extended order Drill 4 hour

The value of the different weapons and their independence.                                                                 1 hour

Formation of Platoon for Attack 1 hour

The Platoon in the Attack – open warfare                                                                 4 hours

The Platoon in Trench Attack 2 Hours

Afternoons

Training of Specialists –                                          2 hours per day.

  3RD WEEK

Company Training 4 days.

Musketry – 1 day

Brigade Route March 1 day

For the week – Mornings

Close order drill                 2 hours

Physical Training and Games 2 hours

The Attack by stages as a Drill 6 hours

1st Stage – Artillery Formation.

2nd Stage – Extension into lines.

3rd Stage – Building up a Firing Line.

4th Stage – The Assualt.

5th Stage Consolidation and Protection.

Tactical exercise on new ground involving the above                                                                 3 hours

The Trench Attack 3 hours

Afternoons

Training of Specialists –                                          2 hours per day.

  Appendix 2

18TH (WESTERON ONTARIO) CANADIAN BATTALION.

The Battalion Sports will be held on Friday June 15th at the Y.M.C.A. Grounds RUITZ, at 3.00 p.m.

The following events will be staged:

100 yards race 220 yards race 440 yards race (obstacle) 1 Mile Race. Boat Race. 100 Yards Band Race. 3 Legged Race. Sack Race. Long Jump (Standing) High Jump Horse-back Wrestling. Mule Race. Tug-of-War (8 men per team) Blind-fold Respirator Race.

Entries for the 100 yards, 220 yards and Long Jump are limited to 4 per Company.

Entries for various events to be handed in to Battalion Orderly Room by 12.00 noon June 14th.

Battalion Football Championship will be decided, followed by a Concert.

Officers are earnestly request to make inquiries among their Companies for singers and entertainers for this Concert.

Special Feature

Tug-of-War between “Q.M. Details” (Captained by Bandmaster G.W. Thomas[vii]) and “Transport Section” (Captained by Sgt. H. Green) will be decided as the result of challenge by the letter.

    PROGRAMME OF 4TH CANADIAN INFANTRY BRIGADE SPORTS CHATEAU GROUNDS COUPIGNY

TIME EVENT REMARKS 1 10.00 a.m. OUTDOOR BASEBALL FINAL 2 11:30 a.m. FOOTBALL FINAL 3 11:30 a.m. OFFICERS INDOOR BASEBALL FINAL AFTERNOON 4 02:00:00 100 YARD DASH (OFFICERS) 5 02:15:00 100 YARD DASH (OTHER RANKS) 6 02:30:00 220 YARD DASH (OTHER RANKS) 7 02:40:00 1 MILE RELAY (OTHER RANKS) 8 02:50:00 OFFICERS RELAY RACE (440 YARDS) 9 03:00:00 HIGH JUMP – FINALS (OPEN) 10 03:00:00 RUNNING ROAD JUMP (OPEN) 11 03:15:00 TUG OF WAR 12 03:30:00 OBSTACLE RACE (OPEN) 13 03:30:00 SACK RACE 14 03:30:00 THREE LEGGED RACE 15 03:45:00 BAND RACE 16 04:00:00 BOAT RACE 17 04:00:00 BLINDFOLD RACE 18 04:15:00 MULE RACE 19 04:30:00 HORSEBACK WRESTLING 20 04:45:00 BOXING – WEIGHT 12O Pounds BOXING – WEIGHT 135 Pounds BOXING – WEIGHT 145 Pounds BOXING – WEIGHT 160 Pounds and over 05:45:00 OFFICERS MOUNTS JUMPING 06:00:00 PRESENTATION of PRIZES by BRIG-GENERAL R. RENNIE C.M.G., M.V.O., D.S.O.

      OFFICIALS   HON. MARSHALL OF THE FIELD   BRIG-GENERAL R. RENNIE C.M.G., M.V.O., D.S.O. HON. JUDGES   Lieut.-Col. L.H. MILLEN HON JUDGES   Lieut.-Col. H.V. RORKE D.S.O. HON JUDGES   Lieut.-Col. L.E. JONES HON JUDGES   Lieut.-Col. T.F. ELMITT JUDGES   Major D.E. MACINTYRE, D.S.O., M.C. JUDGES   Major H.E. HATCH JUDGES   Major G.H. MUSGROVE JUDGES   Major W. FORBES-MITCHELL, D.S.O. CLERK OF COURSE   Major H.D. FEARMAN, D.S.O. STARTER   Captain H.C. PATTERSON, Y.M.C.A. ASST. STARTER   Captain MOORE, Y.M.C.A.[viii] TIMER (TRACK EVENTS) Captain R.N. JAGO SCORERS (FIELD EVENTS) Captain E.V. BENJAMIN, M.C.     Lieut. A.P. CHRISTMAS SCORER (BOXING) Major C.E. SINCLAIR, M.C. ANNOUNCERS   R.S.M. T.F. JORDAN, M.C., 21st Bn.     R.S.M. J. COLLETT, 20th Bn.

    [i] Barlin is a commune west of Lens approximately 15 kilometers.

[ii] The reference to “old men rejoining” is unclear but is probably alluding to men of the original draft of the Battalion who joined between October 1914 and March 1915 are returning to the Battalion after being wounded or ill and upon completion of their rest and refitting in England and in France.

[iii] On June 8, 1917 a SPECIAL ORDER was forwarded to all units. This order was a letter to the members of the Canadian Corps by Lieutenant-General Julian Byng saying “Goodbye” to the Corps.

[iv] The identity of this soldier has not been confirmed. Possibly Price, George:  Service no. 928158.

[v] See Appendix 2.

[vi] Lt. Caldwell was one of the 18th Battalion “originals” and rose from the ranks. See his digitized service record for more information.

[vii] Soldier not identified at this time.

[viii] Soldier unknown at time of post.

War Diary of the 18th Battalion: June 1917 CONFIDENTIAL WAR DIARY -OF- 18th CANADIAN BATTALION – 2nd CANADIAN DIVISION From 1st June to 31th June 1917…

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He only served 16 days in the front line. For is service he is honoured at the Vimy Memorial and he will not be forgotten.

Private Ernest John Dorken joined the C.E.F. on January 4, 1916 in Woodstock, Ontario. It appears that he was one of three sons of the Dorkens that would volunteer for service with the Canadian Army. At enlistment, he was assigned to the 168th Battalion and was on their nominal roll from January to November of 1916 where he was struck off strength from the 168th Battalion to the 12th Reserve Battalion at West Sandling May 12, 1916. On April 1, 1917, he was struck of strength from the 12th and taken on strength with the 4th Reserve Battalion, with which he served until he was taken on strength with the 18th Battalion on April 13. From there he was transferred to Etaples, France and was located with the Canadian Base Depot from April 16 until he joined the 18th Battalion on May 12, 1917.

One wonders what Private Dorken felt as he moved up the line. The 18th Battalion had been recently successively engaged in the attack on Vimy Ridge and had served in the Thelus sector since the initiation of the offensive just over a month ago, on April 9, 1917. He was moving into an experienced Battalion with many men, like himself, new replacements making up for the “wastage” of war in an attempt to get the Battalion back to its normal nominal strength of 1,000 men. The Battalion had approximately 650 men engaged during the Vimy attack, making it 60% of nominal strength.

The night of May 27-28, 1917 was to be a fateful one for Private Dorken and four other of his comrades, men he barely got a chance to know.

This is an overlay of the map from the 18th Battalion War Diary showing the relative location of the action on the night of May 27/28 where Private Dorken perished. The green thumbtack indicates the center of the right flank. Private Dorken and the wiring party would be to the right of the pin and before the German wire and line marked with the ‘x’ denoting wire and the solid lines denoting the German trenches. The yellow pin marks the location of the Battalion Headquarters.

The map as above, less the overlay. Acheville can be seen in the right, behind the German lines, and though indistinct, the demarcation point between “D” and “C” Companys’ area of responsibility is the road D46E2.

The 18th Battalion report[i] to the 4th Canadian Infantry Brigade relates:

“May 28th

1.00 a.m. Enemy opened barrage on Battalion H.Q. MT. FORET QUARRIES, our Support Line at T.23.a.6. and our Front Line. The barrage on the Front Line lifted at 1.15 a.m. then two raiding parties, each estimated at 25 or 30 men, one on each side of the MT. FORET – ACHEVILLE ROAD, were seen approaching our wire. Fire was opened by M.G’s and rifles. Unable to get through the wire and checked by our fire the enemy retired. Of the party on the left frontage two of the enemy succeeded in getting through the wire, one of whom was severely wounded and taken, and the other gave himself up and was immediately sent back to Brigade H.Q. In the evening a dead German was brought in.

On the right frontage wiring was in progress and a N.C.O. and 6 men were well out front of our wire, when the barrage opened the N.C.O., Cpl. L. Skilton, gave orders for the party to retire. Immediately after the raiding party were seen and dispersed by our fire.

As soon as all quietened down a search party went out but failed to find the three men of the protecting patrol who were found not to have returned. Two rifles were found in a shell-hole but no other trace of them.

The night raiding party came on the road and immediately to the right of it. The left party about 250 yards from the road.

At daybreak Huns were seen carrying in casualties and stretchers were seen during the day on the BOUVRY ROAD also our observers report seeing 10 or 12 dead lying in no-man’s land today at T.18.c.6.5. Our casualties during the raid were 3 men Missing, 1 man Killed and 1 man wounded.

L.E. Jones a/Lt. Col. Comdg 18th Cdn. Bn.”

Page 1 of report from 18th Battalion to 4th Canadian Brigade regarding German Trench Raid on night of May 27/28, 1917.

Page 2 of report from 18th Battalion to 4th Canadian Brigade regarding German Trench Raid on night of May 27/28, 1917.

Page 3 of report from 18th Battalion to 4th Canadian Brigade regarding German Trench Raid on night of May 27/28, 1917.

From the report it is evident that Private Dorken was one of the wiring party “well out front” of the Battalion’s front line. They must have either perished due to shell fire or encountered the German patrol during its advance in preparation to the raid on the Canadian trenches and in order to prevent the wiring party raising the alarm engaged and eliminated the wiring party as no record of prisoners can be found. The initial estimate 3 men missing and 1 man killed appears incorrect and the report creates some confusion.

Corporal Skilton and his men were tasked with covering the wiring party and it is this party, not the wiring party, to which he gave the order to retire. From the after action reports it appears that there was no contact with the non-commissioned officers in charge of the wiring party, nor the men of the wiring party. Further adding to the confusion is that the search party appears to be only tasked with searching for the men of the “protecting patrol” and the 18th Battalion War Diary makes no mention of any effort to ascertain the fate of the seven men of the wiring party.

  Private Billington

Private Dorken

Private English

Private Heathers

News clipping re. Private Hughes

There were definitively five men killed in action that day serving with the Battalion. Private Billington, reg. no. 823145 body was found and buried at La Targette British Cemetery, Neuville-St.-Vaast. Private Dorken has no known grave. Private English, reg. no. 159068 is buried at Orchard Dump Cemetery. Private Heathers, reg. no. 213018 has no known grave. Private Hughes, reg. no. 159529 died of wounds received on that day and died at No. 6 Casualty Clearing Station. It cannot definitively be determined to which party these men belonged to from the reports as they may reference the state of events only at the time of report submission. Later, soldiers of the two parties could have returned to the Battalion.

Regardless of the circumstances of the death of Private Dorken he is remembered. A recent visit by a relative to France he shared some images of his Great-Uncle at the location of the action and at his inscription at the Vimy Memorial. We appreciate these images and the memories the evoke.

[i] 4th Canadian War Diary. May 1917. Appendix no. 14.

16 Days in the Line: The Death of Private Dorken He only served 16 days in the front line. For is service he is honoured at the Vimy Memorial and he will not be forgotten.