May 26th, 1918. The 18th Battalion was, as part of the 4th Canadian Brigade, 2nd Division, located in the line left of Neuville Vitasse. The 18th Battalion had moved into the line 4-days previous, and this day was “Fine and warm,” according to the 4th Brigade’s War Diary. German artillery was more active than usual... Continue Reading →
Bivouac of the Dead: The 18th Battalion’s Experience at the Battle at Flers-Courcelette.
“On France's eternal camping groundTheir silent tents are spread.While glory guards with solemn roundThe Bivouac of the Dead.”Poem attached to Sergeant Chester P. Smiths Memorial Page. Adaptation of Bivouac of the Dead, Theodore O’Hara, 1851. There is a succinct, enigmatic entry in the pages of the 18th Battalion’s War Diary for September 1916. “NOT MUCH... 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 →
“He would bear himself like a soldier…” : The Service for Sergeant Swainsbury of Chatham, Ontario
Christ Church, Chatham, Ontario. Source: http://christchurchchatham.ca/ An article written in a local Chatham newspaper relates the service at Christ Church in honour of two local men who were killed in action gives us insight into the attitudes of the citizens through the address of Canon Howard. The date that this event transpired was after the... Continue Reading →
“If it so happens that I am allowed to die for my country…”: The Unusual Will of Private R.H. Burgess D.C.M.
A will is a macabre document. It is a recognition by the object of the will, the living person (the testator) who is making the will out, that they will cease to exist. The will exists and enforces the conditions of the testator after they have died and invokes certain conditions at the distribution of... Continue Reading →
Ill Health and Finances: The Tragedy of Lieutenant Harold Van Allen Bealer
Sometime in the early spring of 1915 a young man from Pennsylvania with gainful employment with Ingersoll-Rand as a draughtsman took a trip to Philadelphia to inquire with the British Consulate on how best to pursue an engagement with the Imperial Forces so he could participate in the war. The advice led him, with four... Continue Reading →
War Diary of the 18th Battalion: October 1916
CONFIDENTIAL WAR DIARY WAR DIARY OF 18th Canadian Battalion – 2nd Canadian Division from 1st October to 31st October, 1916 Volume 14 Place Date Hour Summary of Events and Information SOMME 1 and 3.15 pm The night of 1st/2nd 18th Can Battalion relieved 21st Canadian Battn in line in front of Courcellette [sic]. 22nd Canadian... Continue Reading →
Summary of Service of Sergeant James Quaey Nelson, reg. no. 53947
You can't do history alone. A relative of Sergeant Nelson contacted this blog in response to a soldier's page created recently and this dialogue has enhanced my understanding of this member of the 18th Battalion. Thanks to Dennis Nelson for forwarding this information. Below is a service summary he created and I have edited it... Continue Reading →
Sergeant James Quaey Nelson and a Possible Connection with My Grandfather
A recent blog comment allowed this blog to find out about a member of the 18th Battalion. Sergeant Jame Quaey Nelson shared a lot of similar background biographical information just like my Grandfather and Great Uncle. All were born in the "old country" of Scotland and recent immigrants. Sergeant Nelson was 3 years older than... Continue Reading →
“No matter who he was or where he came from, he was a real hero and his deeds will not be forgotten.”
Private "Thomas Jones" enlisted in London, Ontario April 13, 1915. Between that date and his death on April 11, 1916 in the action around the St. Eloi Craters he made an impression on his comrades for his devotion to duty. An article in the London Free Press 16 days after his death relates some details... Continue Reading →
History of the 18th Battalion CEF, "The Fighting Eighteenth" 