As we enjoy the freedom the valiant men and women fought for it is fitting on this Canada Day to reflect back the the experiences of the soldiers of the 18th Battalion. The Battalion, being formed as part of the 2nd Contingent, did not celebrate Canada Day (it was called Dominion Day at this time) in 1914 but after its formation and initial training in London is was transported to England to the Shorncliffe Military area, specifically to West Sandling Camp.
The War Diary states: “West Sandling Camp: 1 – 7 – 15; Dominion Day. Half holiday for Sports.”
The activities scheduled for that day do not seem to allow for the “Half holiday for Sports.” The tables below outlines the training for that day in detail.
MORNING
| Companies | Time | Location | Activity |
| “A” and “B” Companies | 6.30 – 7.00 a.m. | Parade Ground | Squad Drill |
| 8.00 – 8.30 a.m. | Road to Area 7 | March discipline. Advanced and Rear Guards. | |
| 8.30 – 11.30 a.m. | Area 7 | Company in defence, indication of targets, succession of command, and supplies to the firing line. | |
| 11.30 – 12.00 | Road to Camp | Rear Guard. | |
| “C”, “D”, and “BASE” Companies | 6.30 – 7.00 a.m. | Parade Ground | Squad Drill |
| 8.00 – 8.30 a.m. | Road to TOLSFORD HILL | Advanced Guard. | |
| 8.30 – 11.30 a.m. | TOLSFORD HILL | Entrenching. | |
| 11.30 – 12.00 | Road to Camp | Rear Guard. |
AFTERNOON
| Companies | Time | Location | Activity |
| All Companies | Morning as for Tuesday | ||
| “A” and “B” Companies | 1.30 – 2.00 pm | Road to TOLSFROD | March Discipline. |
| 2.00 – 4.30 pm | TOLSFROD HILL | Entrenching. | |
| 4.30 – 5.00 pm | Road to Camp | Rear Guard | |
| “C” and “D” Companies | 1.30 – 2.00 pm | Road to Area No. 7 | Advanced Guard |
| 2.00 – 4.30 pm | Area No. 7 | Visual training, fire discipline and indication of targets. | |
| 4.30 – 5.00 pm | Road to Camp | Rear Guard | |
| “BASE” | – As for “C” Company. | ||
| “M.G. Section” | 1.30 – 5.00 pm | TOLSFROD HILL | Advanced, Flank and Rear Guard positions. |
As this was a full day’s training, with the rank and file probably getting up before 6:00 AM to prepare for Squad Drill and then having breakfast from 7 to 8 AM where is the “half day” for sports outlined in the War Diary? Perhaps the bureaucracy of C.E.F. at that time created the training syllabus and higher authority superseded this schedule to give the soldiers of the 18th a break.
In contrast, the 4th Battalion, where Private John Taylor Dewar may have been serving relates the following entry in their War Diary: Ploegstreert Trenches; 1/7/15; All Quiet. All Day. It was a “Quiet Day” as no casualties were reported for the 4th Battalion that day.
4 Canadian soldiers did make the ultimate sacrifice that day.
As we celebrate Canada Day today please take a moment to think back on those people 100 years ago that worked, trained, stood guard, and died in order to give us the privilege of living in the best country in the world. It is an imperfect perfection, but what an expression it is.
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History of the 18th Battalion CEF, "The Fighting Eighteenth" 
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