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 →
“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: August 1918
Confidential War Diary of 18th CANADIAN BATTALION – 2nd CANADIAN DIVISION From 1st August to 31st August, 1918 Volume 36 With appendices 1 – 15 PlaceDateHourSummary of Events and InformationG.H.Q. RESERVE PISSYMap Sht. 62.M.1 Battalion moved off, in battle order, to attend Tank Demonstration. “A” Coy. participated in afternoon. Remainder observed demonstration. Lieut. M.R. Sloan returned... Continue Reading →
A Traitor in the Ranks
The war is over. Not long over but the reverberations and attitudes to people considered “others” by Canadian society appears to still be prevalent and on the minds of the general public even at wars end. At least it was important enough to make a page three story in the Border Cities Star published in... Continue Reading →
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... Continue Reading →
A Mother Found
Private Robert Mitchell Armitage was a little out of his element when he was transferred to the 18th Battalion. Private Armitage enlisted in London, Ontario but was originally born in Montreal, Quebec and listed his “current address” upon attestation as Charlestown, Ohio. This Canadian man who joined initially the 1st Depot Battalion, Western Ontario Regiment... Continue Reading →
HE DIED THAT WE MIGHT LIVE: The Death of Private Albert Edward Miller of Highgate, Ontario
A rare find was made today while researching the casualty list for April 1917. During the research process of enumerating and collecting information of all the 18th Battalion soldiers who died during that important month in the Battalion’s history a unique, an as yet, singular document was found. Private Albert Edward Miller, reg. no. 226140... Continue Reading →
Taken Prisoner: The action at Telegraph Hill near Arras
July 1918 found the 18th Battalion in the Arras Sector. The threat of Operation Michael in March had passed and the Battalion found the first of this month in an extended stay in reserve from the 1st of July to the 14th in the Latre-St-Quentin area. During this extended period 14 officers and 150 men... Continue Reading →
Service Summary for Private John Taylor Dewar Regimental No. 730016
Born Leith, Scotland October 28, 1897. Immigrates to Canada and family is living at 14 Norfolk Avenue, Galt, Ontario. Galt is later to become the amalgamated City of Cambridge (1974). At the age of 18 joins the 111th Battalion attesting on November 11th, 1915 in Galt, Ontario. He is 5’ 4.5” tall. Weighs 112 pounds... Continue Reading →
A Scratching on a Wall in France
Private Archibald Leonard Cater joined the 18th Battalion on March 31, 1916 and served with the Battalion in France until the day he died 1 day after being wounded on October 1, 1918 in the Arras sector. At sometime before his death he left a stark reminder of his existence: an inscription on what appears... Continue Reading →
In Memory…
Private John Taylor Dewar, 730016 D Company, 4th Battalion, Western Ontario Regiment Canadian Expeditionary Forces Died of Wounds on April 3rd, 1918 at No. 2 Canadian Field Ambulance sustained on April 1st, 1918 at Telegraph Hill, Arras Sector 4th Battalion War Diary Entry: April 1, 1918 Battalion relieved 1st Canadian Battalion in the TELEGRAPH HILL... Continue Reading →
He Loved Honour More Than He Feared Death
In a church’s Honour Roll from a church that no long exists in Sarnia, Ontario, 16 names are listed of the dead. This church of community and love honoured the fallen. But now the church is gone and it is up to use, as a legacy to those that have passed to continue to honour... Continue Reading →
History of the 18th Battalion CEF, "The Fighting Eighteenth" 