May 1917 Casualties

Summary of May 1917 Activities (for more information please refer to war diary transcription to be posted at a later date)

42 members of the 18th Battalion perished this month.

The beginning of May 1917 found the Battalion in service in the vicinity of Arras, France and were in reserve at NUEVILLE ST VAST where they were able to enjoy some sporting events until they were posted to Divisional Reserve and tasked with improving the defensive works, as well as reclaiming discarded small arms ammunition, grenades and other equipment left over from previous actions.

From May 1 to 5 63 other ranks arrived to replenish the Battalion.

German shelling was very active once the Battalion relieved the 24th Battalion in the front lines a suffered 5 KIA and 13 wounded after a particularly aggressive shelling on May 7. This shelling was preparatory to a German attack on Fresnoy which led to a very fluid situation on the 18th Battalion’s flank in which contact with the 19th Battalion and the 4th Canadian Infantry Brigade was difficult to maintain.

The attack and lines stabilizes and on May 11 the Battalion moved to Brigade Reserve and it was noted that the Germans had increased the use of poison and tear gas shells in an attempt to interdict supplies for the soldiers and that this had been very problematic for the feeding of the men of the Battalion.

The week of May 12 to 19 was involved with platoon and company drills and training and General Sir Julian Byng, G.O.C. Canadian Corp inspected the troops of the 4th Cdn. Inf. Bde. and 10 other ranks of the Battalion received Military Medals during this inspection from the General.

The Battalion was moved to RIDGE LINE and inactive until the night of the May when a German Raid occurred.

In addition to the ten Military Medals presented two officers of the Battalion received the Distinguished Service Order and two other officers received the Military Cross.

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