#Lieut. C.D. Smith

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

From 1st December, 1918 to 31th December, 1918

Volume 40 With appendices 1 – 30

Place Date Hour Summary of Events and Information       Maps for reference: Marche 9, Germany 1 M, 1 L, 2 L. 1/160,000 attached. Appendix No. 27. 28. 29, and 30. Mean- 23.05.40. Marche 9 1   The Battalion moved in full marching order 08.00 Hrs. for VILLERS STE. GERTRUDE, the usual noonday halt was made for dinner. From the Noon Hour on the country became rolling, and hilly and very heavily wooded. The Battalion arrived at the destination at 15:00 Hours. Capt. T.H.C. Rayward, and batman returned from Instructor’s Course at Senior Officer’s School, Aldershot, England. 1 O.R. to hospital. 1 O.R. from leave. Appendix No. 1. Villers Ste. Gertrude. 2-G.95.35 Marche 9 2   Battalion resting in billets. 12 O.R’s on leave and 2 O.R’s returned from leave. 3 O.R’s to Hospital and 1 O.R. returned from Hospital.   3   Battalion resting in Billets awaiting move order. 2 O.R’s to hospital.   4   The Battalion moved in full marching order at 08:30 Hours and marched via GRAND MONIL to ODEIGNE. It rained practically during the entire march of the day. A noonday halt for dinner was made, the Battalion arriving at its destination at 16:00 Hours. The march to-day was stedily [sic] uphill into the heart of the Ardenne Mountains. Lieut. R.E. Rouse and 2 O.R’s from leave and 2 O.R’s to Hospital. Appendix No. 2. Odeigne 3-I 20.10 Marche 9 5   The Battalion moved off at 08:30 Hours in full marching order for COUTRIL, dropping down the latter part of the march into open country. Battalion arrived at its destination at 15:00 Hours. 2 O.R’s to Hospital. Appendix No. 3. COUTRIL 4-K 98.60 6   The Battalion moved off at 08:00 Hours in full marching order for WALL RODE, Germany, crossing the Frontier shortly after 10:00 Hours, and passing through St. Vith about 14:30 Hours, arrived at destination at 16:00 Hours. 8 O.R’s from leave and 3 O.R’s to hospital. Appendix No. 4. WALLERODE 5-C 90.35 Germany 1-M 7   The Battalion moved off at 08:30 Hours for MANDERFELD, arriving there at 15:30 Hours. The country roundabout assuming more of an agricultural aspect. 1 O.R. to Hospital and 2 O.R’s returned from Hospital. MANDERFELD 4-H 60.10 Germany 1-M 8   Battalion resting in billets. Capt. R.R. Hartry and 7 O.R. from leave. 2 O.R’s to Hospital. MANDERFELD 4-H 60.10 Germany 1-M 9   The Battalion moved off at 08:30 Hours for DAHLEM, arriving at destination at 16:00 Hours. The Battalion Headquarters being located in the Post Office. 1 O.R. from leave and 1 O.R. on Course. Appendix No. 6. DAHLEM 3-K 60.45 Germany 1-M 10   The Battalion moved off in fighting order at 08:30 Hours and marched to MUNSTEREIFEL, arriving at destination at 15:00 Hours. Lories provided by Brigade, carrying the Men’s packs. The Battalion was billeted in a Boy’s Boarding School. Appendix No. 7. MUNSTEREIFEL Germany 1-L 11   The Battalion moved at 08:30 Hours in fighting order, and marched to KUCHENHEIM, arriving at destination at 13:30 Hours. The Battalion Headquarters being located in the Burgomeister’s house. 18 O.R’s from leave 1 O.R. to hospital and 1 O.R. returned from Hospital. Appendix No. 8. KUCHENHEIM Germany 1-L 12   The Battalion moved in fighting order at 08:30 Hours and marched to DUISDORF, arriving at 12:00 Hours. 2 O.R’s from leave and 1 O.R. to Hospital. 1 C.S.M. and 11 O.R’s [to] 2nd Divisional Headquarters, Bonn, for Guard Duty. Appendix No. 9. DUISDORF Germany 2-L 7 D 35.40 13   The Battalion moved off in full marching order at 08:00 Hours and marched via Bonn, crossing the famous RIVER RHINE at that point to its final destination in the town of Hennef (Sieg). In passing through Bonn the Battalion marched with rifles at the slope and bayonets fixed and passed in review at the east end of the Bonn Bridge, before the Corps and Divisional Commanders. Lieut.-General A.W. Currie, Corps Commander, taking the salute. Maj.-Gen. H.E. Burstall, Commander of the Division, and the Divisional Staff being immediately in the rear of Lieut.-Gen. Currie on the reviewing stand. Upon the arrival of the Battalion in Hennef, 13:30 Hours, Batt’n. Hdqr’s was located in the office of a manufacturing establishment on Frankfurter Strasse, and Hdqr’s officers were billeted in a large Chateau nearby. The Men of “A”, “C” and “d” and Hdqr’s Companies were assigned to billets they were to occupy during their stay in the area. These billets being in private homes of the civilian population. “D” Company proceeded without delay to the village of Happershass, where they were to be on duty as Outpost Company. 3 O.R’s from lave. Appendix No. 10. HENNEF 6 G 90.80 Germany 2-L 14   On this second day of the stay of the Battalion in this are the Officers and men rested in their billets, recovering in a measure from the hardships of the march. Conforming with Army Orders issued to the Burgomeister and from him to the population in general, many civilians have reported to Batt’n. Hdqr’s. for the necessary Identification Passes for use in the local area. These passes being a description of the holder and having further, his or her photograph attached thereto. Several men of the Battn. having knowledge of the German Language, have been selected for Batt’n. duty as Interpreters, etc. 1 O.R. on Hand Compositors Course. 5 O.R’s from leave. 2 O.R. Canadian Corps Cyclists returned to their unit. 2 O.R’s to Hospital.   15   The Battalion formed up on parade and marched though the town to a theatre, in which nothing in the way of amusement was presented for quite some time, and in which the Battalion now held Church Service. The Padre, being in fine form, gave the Battalion an excellent sermon, which was thoroughly appreciated by all members of the Batt’n. present. 1 O.R. to Brigade Duty as Paymaster’s Clerk. Appendix No. 11 attached.   16   The Battalion carried on with training, as per syllabi attached. Between “A” and “D” Companies’ billeting areas a fine large field was located and it served as an excellent Drill Square or Parade Ground. 1 O.R. to Hospital. Appendix No. 12.   17   Battalion Headquarters Staff and Company moved today to the village of Allner, locating the Battalion Orderly Room in a magnificent large Castle, or as termed in the German tongue, Schloss. The Schloss is a huge and very fine specimen of Architectural Art of an earlier period, and is built entirely of stone. Its is surrounded by a beautiful park. When one has seen the Castle and Grounds he is immediately struck with the thought that it is emblematic of the utmost in luxury and convenience. The Batt’n. Headquarters Officers have appropriated the entire Castle and appurtenances for their quarters, having installed themselves in the Sleeping Chambers and using the Breakfast Rooms, Dining Rooms, Drawing Rooms, Billiard Rooms, etc. at their will. The Castle maintains a large staff of servants and consequently the order of the house is of the finest and our Officers are living, as is their due, in every luxury. In a large forest in the rear of the Castle Grounds Dear [sic] and small game abound and the Officers of the Battalion secure a great measure of enjoyment from their hunting and shooting expeditions. The remainder of the Battalion remain in Hennef and are continuing with their training as per syllabi attached. 6 O.R’s from leave. 1 O.R. to Hospital. Appendix No. 13. Allner 6 G 90.80 Germany 2-L 18   The Men of the Battalion have now fully recovered from the hardships of the march and are training as per Syllabi attached. The spirit of the men is superb and they are entering into the daily routine of their stay here and are carrying on their various duties with an eagerness and willingness that is proverbial with the Canadians as a whole. Clothing parades are being held almost daily and the various Company Quartermasters are as rapidly as possible fitting the men with the required new clothing so that the Battalion has now approached the appearance of smartness that is second to none in the allied Armies and in the Canadian and British Armies in particular. 1 O.R. to Hospital. Appendix No. 14.   19   The Battalion continued their training as per syllabi attached. Lieut. S.G. Stokes and 4 O.R’s on leave. Appendix No. 15.   20   “B” Company moved to-day to Brel to continue their duty as Outpost Company there. The remainder of the Battalion continuing their training per Syllabi attached. 3 O.R’s on leave. Appendix No. 16.   21   The Battalion continues training as per Syllabi attached. 4 O.R’s on leave, 1 O.R. to Hospital. Appendix No. 17.   22   The Battalion attended Church Service to-day and enjoyed an excellent sermon, the Padre being in his usual good voice. Major J.J. Richardson and 3 O.R’s on leave. 2 O.R’s attached to Battalion as interpreters. Appendix No. 18.   23   The Battalion continued training as per Syllabi attached, and are maintaining duties in control of the area in the following manner:-

  Duties of Commandant and Town Major combined in towns of Hennef (North of Railway), ALLNER, Happerschloss, Heisterschloss, Brehl, Mushmuchl and Weldergoven, in the person O.C. Battalion occupying this district. Headquarters at Schloss in Allner. One H.Q. Officer has office at Hennef permanently for purpose of stamping identification cards. District Administration is carried on by the Battalion Administration through the Burgomeister. No civilians are employed.

  One Railway Control Post on broad gauge Railway station at Hennef, which has phone connection to Inter-Allied Railway Commission at Cologne. On the outpost line we have two main Control posts, four subsidiary posts and tow patrols, reference map Germany 2-L.

  No. 1 Post (subsidiary) at railroad bridge under V. in Weldergoven.

No. 2 Post (subsidiary) on dirt road just east of village of Weldergoven, just above N. in Weldergoven.

No. 3 Post (subsidiary) on bridge over river where Hennef road joins Allner road. Directly above W. in Weldergoven.

No. 4 Post (Main Control) on bridge in Muschnuehl road, directly below M. in Muschnuehl.

No. 5 Post (subsidiary) on foot bridge S.E. of village of Brehl halfway between l. in Brehl and T in Triesch.

No. 6 Post (Main Control) on bridge where main road Winterschield crosses river.

No. 1 Patrol covers ground between No. 4 and No. 5 Posts.

No. 2 Patrol covers ground along river from junction main Winterschield road with main Brehl-Schied Road.

Traffic with Neutral territory only through main control posts.

Subsidiary posts to guard bridges and prevent traffic to foot paths etc.

No. 377223 Pte. Bihl W. (193 Labour Co’y) and No. 3108760 Pte. Wieber J. (11th Co’y Cdn. Forestry Corps) are attached from 4th C.I.B. as interpreters at Railway Control Post. We have no F.(b) Police attached.

3 O.R’s on leave and 3 O.R’s returned from leave. 5 O.R’s attached to 2nd Divisional Train. 1 O.R. to Hospital. Appendix No. 19.

    24   The Battalion continued training as per Syllabi attached. 4 O.R’s on leave and 2 O.R’s returned. Appendix No. 20.   25   “‘A MERRY CHRISTMAS TO ALL’. Christmas  Day dawned bright and clear, with just a touch of snow upon the ground, which gave the vicinity a very “Christmas-like” appearance.

The members of the Battalion were in excellent spirit and thoroughly prepared for anything the day might bring forth. The Officers of the Battalion made every preparation for a fine Christmas Dinner and the men were awaiting it with very keen anticipation. At the appointed hour the tables in the different Company mess-rooms, especially selected for the day, were teeming with good things to eat, and they assuredly presented a most pleasant sight.

“A” Company Mess-room was located in a large hall in the Northern section of the town. “C” Company enjoyed its dinner in a very picturesque theatre in the centre of the town, while “D” Company had theirs in one of the schools the town affords. “B” Company being on duty as Outpost Company, had arranged to  have dinner in one of the schools in the village of Brohl.

Each of the mess-rooms was decorated in a most pleasant and “Christmas-like” style and tended to heighten the then very high spirit of the men. The tables were loaded with Apples, Oranges, Nuts, Ginger-ale, Cakes, etc. and from the serving tables in the rear came the most appetizing odours of Turkey, meats, vegetables, Christmas Plum Pudding and other items to be served as the dinner progressed.

The men took their places at the tables in a very business-like manner, the different platoons being kept together, and then began what was their first Christmas dinner and also, in all probability their last one in German Territory.

Lt.-Col. L.E. Jones and ad Staff Officers and the Officers of the different Companies were in attendance at each of the dinners of the Companies and during the progress of the dinner Lt.-Col. Jones made a short [entered in pencil] speech of good will, wishing the members of the Battalion a “Very  Merry Christmas” and every prosperity for the coming year, which as he remarked would be the one year that would never be forgotten by any one present or by the world in its entirety, being the Anniversary year of the Ending of the War. He again complimented the members of the Battalion upon their share of the conflict and expressed himself as being more than pleased with their conduct in the past and present.

At the close of his address the men express their appreciation of his remarks by rising and giving him three of the most hearty cheers and a “Tiger”.

At the close of the dinner the faces of the men showed, very glowingly, their entire satisfaction. Altogether the occasion was carried off in an excellent manner and it will be one that will never be forgotten by any of the members of this battalion.

2 O.R.s on leave and 3 O.R.s returned.

  26   The Battalion continued training as per Syllabi attached. 4 O.R’s on leave and 1 O.R. returned. 1 O.R. to Hospital. Appendix No. 21.   27   The Battalion continued training as per Syllabi attached. 3 O.R’s on leave and 24 O.R’s  returned. 4 O.R’s attached to Repatriated Prisoners of War Camp, Wahm. 1 O.R. attached as reinforcement. 2 O.R’s to Hospital. Appendix No. 22.   28   The Battalion continued training as per Syllabi attached. Lieut. C.D. Smith and 4 O.R’s on leave. Appendix No. 23.   29   The Battalion attended Church Service and enjoyed another of the Padre’s excellent Sermons. Capt. C.H. Boulden and Capt. W.A.S. Porter and 5 O.R’s on leave, and 1 O.R. returned. 1 O.R. to Fitters Course at Duran. 1 O.R. to Hospital. Appendix No. 24.   30   The Battalion continued training as per Syllabi attached. 1 O.R. on leave to Paris and 1 O.R. returned from leave, from United Kingdom. 1 O.R. returned from Hospital Appendix no 25.   31   The Battalion continued training as per Syllabi attached. 4 O.R’s on leave. 1 O.R. to Hospital and 1 O.R. returned from Hospital. Appendix No. 26.

War Diary

Appendices (Not Including Maps)

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

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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 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…