Christmas 1917 for the C.E.F.

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The month of December was kind to the 18th. Very few wounded and no deaths due to action or wounds.

As is tradition for Canadian Army units, the Officers of the Battalion served the N.C.O.s and other ranks Christmas dinner. Regrettably the War Diary does not expand on the event as it descrives Christmas Day 1917 thus:

Christmas Day. No training today. A Christmas Dinner of Turkeys and Porks was arranged for all men of the Battalion, and everything was done by the Officers to make the men comfortable for this occasion.

Source: War Diary of the 18th Battalion. December 1917. December 25, 1917.

This is an age-old military tradition stemming from Roman time, specifically the celebration of Saturnalia. For a time the roles are reversed where, according to custom, the youngets private of the unit becomes the commander and the commander becomes the youngest soldiers. They exchange tunic and roles. The observance helps to build morale but it does hi-light the structure of a military unit by the very act of reversal. It is a temporary release of the norms in good fun but these norms are quickly resolved to normal once the day is over.

It has been a hard year of fighting for the 18th. Vimy Ridge. Hill 70. Passchendaele. These battles are past but the was is coming into its fourth year and the men of the 18th must reserve some of their thoughts towards family and friends during this holy time. They must also steel themselve for the finale that is sure to come in the New Year.