Private John Dobson (Military Medal ), reg. no. 651436. WARNING: Some details in this post may be disturbing to readers. In a news clipping titled Letters from the Soldiers in the Paisely Advocate dated October 16, 1918, Private Edgar Joseph McAfee writes in it, “Let me know in your next letter if Jack Dobson is... Continue Reading →
4TH CANADIAN INFANTRY BRIGADE NARRATIVE OF OPERATIONS. SOUTH OF SCARPE 26TH, 27TH, AND 28TH AUGUST, 1918.
4TH CANADIAN INFANTRY BRIGADE NARRATIVE OF OPERATIONS. SOUTH OF SCARPE 26TH, 27TH, AND 28TH AUGUST, 1918.[i] CONFERENCE, DIVISIONAL H.Q. 23RD AUGUST. During the afternoon the G.O.C.[ii] and Brigade Major attended a conference at Divisional Headquarters, ETRUN where proposed operations for the advance South of the SCARPE were outlined. BRIDGE CONFERENCE, BERNEVILLE, 23RD AUGUST. During the... Continue Reading →
“Did I tell you how I got hit? “: A Letter Home to Glamis Ontario
Soldiers letters do not stand on their own. They impart small, discrete, often obscure, snippets of information that connect the writer with the people of his hometown, unit, and his social circle. They can often give clues that lead to a broader understanding of the writer and his experiences during his service. The letters also... Continue Reading →
War Diary of the 18th Battalion: June 1918
ConfidentialWar Diaryof18th CANADIAN BATTALION – 2nd CANADIAN DIVISION From 1st June to 30th June, 1918 Volume 34With appendices as listed PlaceDateHourSummary of Events and InformationSupport Line. 4/17.a.30.40 to M.15.c.60.301 Maps for reference 51c S.E. 51b N.W 1/20000 51c 1/40000 Battalion in Brigade Support. Left sub-sector, NEUVILLE VITASSE frontage. Situation quiet, with nothing unusual to report.... Continue Reading →
Rest Easy Uncle John
You look like you filled out and put on weight in your uniform in the picture. You stand slightly cocked to one side beside your brother, which makes you appear shorter than your brother more than the 2 and ¾ inches between you. Perhaps a year’s worth of training allowed your 19-year frame to grow... Continue Reading →
War Diary of the 18th Battalion: April 1918
Confidential War Diary of 18th CANADIAN BATTALION - 2nd CANADIAN DIVISION From 1st April to 30th April, 1918 Volume 32 With appendices 1 – 16 Place Date Hour Summary of Events and Information 51c SE 1 Maps for Reference 51c NE and SE and 51b SW 18th Canadian Battalion in support to 21st Canadian... Continue Reading →
April 1918 Casualties
Thirty-two men of the 18th Battalion perished this month. The Battalion was... Surname Forename Date of Death Reg. No. BROWN A E 05/04/1918 455391 ADIE ARCHIBALD WILLIAM 10/04/1918 851119 AVEY H 04/04/1918 540036 BEVEL THOMAS J. 22/04/1918 454031 BONE F S 04/04/1918 880120 BUCKMAN W 04/04/1918 769631 CLIMO F C 06/04/1918 675537 COMBOYE J W... Continue Reading →
August 1918 Casualties
August 1918 will be the worst month for men killed in action or died or wounds during the entire war. 131 soldiers would perish in this month, the vast majority were killed in action. On August 8, 1918 the War Diary records an action in which "...approximately 30 killed and 120 wounded were sustained in... Continue Reading →
History of the 18th Battalion CEF, "The Fighting Eighteenth" 