History of the 18th Battalion CEF, "The Fighting Eighteenth"
Articles, war diaries, and recognition to the Men of the "Fighting 18th"
Barrington Rucker[i] appears to have had a sense of humour evident in his attestation papers when he enlisted with the Canadian Expeditionary Forces. Arriving from Virginia at Windsor, Ontario, he joined the 18th Battalion on February 15, 1915 and claimed his “Trade or Calling” was an “Orange Picker.” The officers assisting this man to enlist... Continue Reading →
18th Battalion Association[i] Windsor and Detroit Branch *MEMORIES[ii]* As Christmas time approaches, do you ever think of the first Christmas Day we spend in Flanders? Two of our Companies were in the front line, the M & N trenches, while the other two companies were in reserve at Ridgewood and Veerstraat[iii] [sic] which were about... Continue Reading →
18th Battalion Association[i] Windsor and Detroit Branch *MEMORIES[ii]* How good in your memory? Do you remember the first Christmas Day (1915) we spent in Flanders? Two of our Companies were in M. & N. front line trenches while the other two companies were in reserve at Ridgewood and Vierstraat, which were about a half mile... Continue Reading →
One hundred years ago today the 18th Battalion had been in active service on the Continent in Belgium and since September 25, 1915 had been in active service at the front. During that time 13 members of the 18th Battalion were killed. 1 officer, a captain; 2 lance corporals and 10 privates. This was to... Continue Reading →
This letter was written in the trenches in Flanders. The 18th Battalion had been at RIDGEWOOD in Brigade Reserve up until January 15, 1916 when it relieved the 19th Canadian Battalion at VIERSTRAAT. On the 16th of January a compatriot, Lieutenant Ambery was promoted to Captain that day but Major Sale was killed by rifle... Continue Reading →
PlaceDateHourSummary of Events and Information 1 Battn in SP trenches. Operation orders for cooperation in attacks on INTERNATIONAL trench on our left (attached). Bombardment commenced 5 pm until 5.30 pm. This was kept up during the night of March ½ becoming very intense about 2.30 A.M. 20th Can Bn was on our right and East Yorks (Imp)... Continue Reading →
Confidential War Diary of 18th Canadian Battalion 2nd Canadian Division From 1st February to 29th February 1916 Volume 6 Place Date Hour Summary of Events and Information VIERSTRAAT Feb. 1 “B” and “D” Coys in trenches “M” + “N”. Lt. Col. E.S. Wigle acting Brigadier 4th Can. Infy. Bgde. Lieut. RISPIN went to 1st Infy.... Continue Reading →
Confidential War Diary of 18th Canadian Battalion 2nd Canadian Division from 1st January to 31st January 1916: Volume 5 With appendices 1-2 Place Date Hour Summary of Events and Information LA CLYTTE Jan. 1 Battalion in LA CLYTTE in Divisional Reserve – “B” and D Companies were paid other Companies conducted training in specialists. Officers... Continue Reading →
Confidential War Diary Of 18th Canadian Battalion 2nd Division From 1st December to 31st December 1915 Volume 4 Place Date Hour Summary of Events and Information 1 4:30 PM Battn. Relieved 19th Battn a VIERSTRAAT- “B” . “D” Coys in trenches and “C” . “A” Coys in battalion reserve – 6 other ranks struck... Continue Reading →
Confidential War Diary Of 18th Canadian Battalion 2nd Canadian Division From 1st November To 30th November 1915 Volume 3 Place Date Hour Summary of Events and Information 1 Battn in “D” trenches – [Wulverghem] 2 -Ditto- 3 6 pm Bn relieved by 19th Bn – “C” Coy remained at R.E. Farm in reserve – Bn Went to Div.... Continue Reading →
Confidential War Diary Of M.O. 18th Infantry Battalion From 1st October To 31st October 1915 Volume No. 4 PlaceDateHourSummary of Events and InformationR.E. Farm E of DRANTURE1 Very quiet. 54321 Pte. G. RUSHMERE [Rushmer] shot himself through left [hand?] while cleaning rifle + L.CPL. O’DYWER shot himself through fore arm. Both cases accidental. 2 LIEUT. F.G. NEWTON in... Continue Reading →
Confidential War Diary Of 18th Canadian Battalion 2nd Canadian Division From 1st October To 31st October 1915 Volume 2 Place Date Hour Summary of Events and Information 1 Battn in “D” trenches – [Wulverghem] 2 -Ditto- 3 6 pm Bn relieved by 19th Bn – “C” Coy remained at R.E.... Continue Reading →
History of the 18th Battalion CEF, "The Fighting Eighteenth" 