The First World War energized and enabled Canada to express its loyalty to the Crown and the Empire. News articles, like the one below, show the enthusiasm and support the citizenry of this new country barely 50 years old. The community of Seaforth, Ontario took considerable time and effort to acknowledge the service of the... Continue Reading →
Stuff of Legend: The Wounding of Private Dickson on Christmas Day 1915
Introduction There is no doubt that Sergeant Fred Young was an ardent supporter and chronicler of the 18th Battalion. He was very active in the 18th Battalion Association after the war, serving on its executive and being designated as its “poet laureate”. But, perhaps his enthusiasm for his Battalion allowed him to exercise some “poetic... Continue Reading →
September 1915 Casualties: 18th Battalion
The month of September 1915 was the first time the 18th Battalion served in the front-line and it was not until the end of the month that it suffered its first battle deaths. Rank Surname Forename Date of Death Reg. No. Lance Corporal FREW WILLIAM WALLACE 30/09/1915 53227 Captain HALLAM ERNEST WALTER 29/09/1915 Link Private... Continue Reading →
December 1915 Casualties: 18th Battalion
The month of December 1915 was the full second month of active service for the Battalion and it had come at some cost. This month seven soldiers were to perish from the actions at the front. Rank Surname Forename Date of Death Reg. No. Private CARTHY ERIC 26/12/1915 54209 Private GERBIG JOHN 20/12/1915 53918 Private... Continue Reading →
LOOKING EVERY INCH A SOLDIER
The 18th Battalion was nearing the end of its training. As it was formed in the latter part of October 1914 from South-Western Ontario the soldiers were collected in London, Ontario for training. As the Battalion was about to leave for England via Halifax on the S.S. Grampian on April 18, 1915. Thus, the Battalion... Continue Reading →
History of the 18th Battalion CEF, "The Fighting Eighteenth" 