History and memory can be tenuous. As time passes and the source of history - the people who experienced the events - fade with each death. With each passing year after an event, be it small or world shaping, there is a loss of the source of information about the event. There are books, archives,... Continue Reading →
A Letter Home: Some Personnel Changes
Excerpt from a letter from Captain McKeough to his home sometime in July 1916: For the first time in months we have a full complement of officers & more are coming shortly. The Colonel has not yet reached here, but some are expecting him anytime. Arthur Carlisle [chaplain] got away about 6 days ago, but... Continue Reading →
Letter Home: …unable to get near a bath for over a month.
June 24, 1916 My dear Mother, Daddy, and Grant: Of course we always say that we have wet rainy nights whenever carrying out a relief. Well last Saturday night we moved into the line again from support on a damp night and last night, really this morning, came out in nearly absolute darkness through &... Continue Reading →
After St. Eloi: A letter home.
A hundred years ago Lieutenant William Stewart McKeough wrote this letter outlining his and the Battalion's experiences: Belgium 15/5/16 My Dear Mother, Daddy, and Grant: It is some time since my last writing. We moved from here to another camp for a 3-day date before going into the line & until now have had no... Continue Reading →
War Diary of the 18th Battalion: September 1916
Preamble: The Battle of the Somme was fought between July 1 and November 1, 1916. During this battle the total casualties for both sides have been estimated at approximately 887,000. The British Army on the opening day suffered 57,000 casualties. For the 18th Battalion this battle was one of it bloodiest engagements up until this... Continue Reading →
History of the 18th Battalion CEF, "The Fighting Eighteenth" 