War Diary of the 18th Battalion CEF
Articles, war diaries, and recognition to the Men of the "Fighting 18th"
Having to admit a bias before I write this post... The work the people have done to preserve this history of the 21st Battalion, CEF, at their web site and Facebook Group is something I covet. The detail, depth, and consistent and unrelenting passion to insure that this part of our heritage is kept alive... Continue Reading →
Confidential War Diary of 18th CANADIAN BATTALION – 2nd CANADIAN DIVISION March 1, 1919 to 31 March 1919 Volume 43 Place Date Hour Summary of Events and Information Fosses I.35.75 1 Map for Reference: Namur 8 1/100,000 Battalion Training and Educational Classes as per Appendix 1. Attached. 5 O.R.s proceeded on leave this date. 1 O.R.... Continue Reading →
Those who have not served will never experience that bond developed by soldiers in a military unit, especially one involved in active combat operations. A letter has come to light that offers a glimpse at this bond and gives illuminating insight into the maw that was Passchendaele. Thanks to Michael Ritchie[i] the experiences of the... Continue Reading →
Confidential War Diary of 18th CANADIAN BATTALION – 2nd CANADIAN DIVISION From 1st October to 31st October, 1918 Volume 38 With appendices 1 – 15 Place Date Hour Summary of Events and Information Buissy Switch & Hindenburg Line V.30.b & D Map 51.b. SE. 1 Maps for Reference: 51.b.SE. 1/20,000 51a.SW. 1/20,000 51.A 1/40,000 At 06:00... Continue Reading →
In the previous blog post “Tip of the Sword on the Arras-Cambrai Road” one of the positions on the disposition map was conjectured to be a strong-point that was created from an existing structure. Evidence has come to light that indicates that the units of the 4th Canadian Infantry Brigade, comprising the 18th and, possibly... Continue Reading →
Confidential War Diary of 18th CANADIAN BATTALION – 2nd CANADIAN DIVISION From 1st September to 3oth September, 1918 Volume 37 With appendices 1 – 23 Place Date Hour Summary of Events and Information H.Q. Reserve SIMECOURT 1 Battalion carried on with training as per syllabus attached. 2 O.R.s. reinforcements. 4 O.Rs. awarded bar to M.M.... Continue Reading →
Confidential War Diary of 18th CANADIAN BATTALION – 2nd CANADIAN DIVISION From 1st August to 31st August, 1918 Volume 36 With appendices 1 – 15 Place Date Hour Summary of Events and Information G.H.Q. RESERVE PISSYMap Sht. 62.M. 1 Battalion moved off, in battle order, to attend Tank Demonstration. “A” Coy. participated in afternoon. Remainder... Continue Reading →
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 →
Confidential War Diary of 18th CANADIAN BATTALION - 2nd CANADIAN DIVISION From 1st February to 28th of February, 1918 Volume 30 With appendices 1 – 6 Place Date Hour Summary of Events and Information HILLS CAMP (Neuville St. Vaast) 1 Battalion in Reserve at Hill Camp near Neuville St. Vaast. Company parades and training. Specialist... Continue Reading →
The 4th Canadian Infantry Brigade (4th C.I.B.) was engaged at Passchendaele in November 1917. Compared with some other Canadian Brigades and Battalions it was not as heavily engaged but the costs to the Brigade was high. The 2nd Canadian Infantry Brigade suffered a total of 1,268 casualties (killed in action and wounded) with 73 men... Continue Reading →
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 →
Confidential War Diary of 18th CANADIAN BATTALION - 2nd CANADIAN DIVISION FROM 1st August to 31st August 1917 Volume 24 With appendicis 6 - 13 Place Date Hour Summary of Events and Information Map reference, 36B Edition 6, 1/40,000. BOVIGNY 1st. R.19.central. 1 18th. Canadian Battalion at BOVIGNY village in billets, the... Continue Reading →
4th Canadian Infantry Brigade Order No. 142 outlined the details of a raid on the German lines in detail. The order specifically directs the Battalion in the intention and actions during the raid and was an important preparatory step for the Battalion, and the other Battalions of the Brigade for the attach on Hill 70... Continue Reading →
“Sports Days” were an integral part of British and Canadian Military life. In every area of operation, be it Flanders, Salonika, or Mesopotamia. For the Canadian troops, Sports Days were times of recreation and competition – a break from soldiering. Yet, the popularity of the Sports Days had a decidedly military purpose. They helped foster... Continue Reading →
CONFIDENTIAL WAR DIARY -OF- 18th CANADIAN BATTALION – 2nd CANADIAN DIVISION From 1st June to 31th June 1917 Volume 22 With appendicies 1-3 Place Date Hour Summary of Events and Information 1 Map reference WILLERVAL 1/20,000 Battalion in Brigade Support with H.Qrs at T.27.d.3.5. During the night Battalion was relieved by 15th Canadian... Continue Reading →
It was the second Christmas for the 18th Battalion in the front lines. The first Christmas in 1915 found the Battalion blooded in its first actions in Belgium and suffered 26 deaths from the Battalion’s arrival on the Continent in mid-September 1915 until the end of December. The feelings on isolation from family and friends... Continue Reading →
In the August 31, 1915 edition of the Montreal Gazette on page 13 is a news story. Pushed back inside the paper in the Sports Section is a story. The headlines of the day decry: EXPECT SEASON TO SET BAR TO TEUTON’S SURGE: Military Observers Hope That Equinoctial Period Will Limit Forward Movement or MINES,... Continue Reading →
Introduction The record below is a transcription of the 4th Canadian Infantry Brigade's appendices numbered 80 to 150. The appendices records the communications between the various units involved in the battle for Courcelette and relates to the units in the 4th C.I.B. as well as peripheral units attached or adjacent to the Brigade during the... Continue Reading →
