Introduction The intent of this blog post is to expand upon a series of letters diligently transcribed by the Bruce County Archives entitled Correspondence from Lieutenant Colonel George Whitford Nelson to his sister, Mrs. William Kidd, 1914-1916, A99.058.008. This resource was found during research into this soldier and offers an invaluable insight into the feelings,... Continue Reading →
West Sandling Camp and the Trenches of Tolsford Hill
Michael and Paula Dugdale, residents of Saltwood, Kent, England has written a document that brought an important location for the 18th Battalion to life[i]. Background The 18th Battalion was formed in South Western Ontario, primarily from Windsor, Chatham, London, Woodstock, and Galt, Ontario during the autumn of 1914 and was part of the 2nd Contingent... Continue Reading →
Canada Day for the 18th Battalion
As we enjoy the freedom the valiant men and women fought for it is fitting on this Canada Day to reflect back the the experiences of the soldiers of the 18th Battalion. The Battalion, being formed as part of the 2nd Contingent, did not celebrate Canada Day (it was called Dominion Day at this time)... Continue Reading →
War Diary of the 18th Battalion: September 1915
Note: the war diaries for this month available online are in two parts. One part is the battalion diary kept by the Paymaster with the rank of Captain. As of the date of this entry his name is unknown as his signature is illegible on the form. The second diary to be posted later is... Continue Reading →
War Diary of the 18th Battalion: August 1915
Confidential War Diary of 18th CANADIAN BATTALION – 2nd CANADIAN DIVISION From Aug 1st 1915 to Aug 30th, 1915 Place Date Hour Summary of Events and Information West Sandling Camp 1 2 3 4 2nd. Division reviewed by MAJOR GENERAL HUGHES and MR. BONAR LAW. – address to officers in the evening. 5 6 Brigade... Continue Reading →
War Diary of the 18th Battalion: July 1915
Confidential War Diary of 18th CANADIAN BATTALION – 2nd CANADIAN DIVISION From July 1st, 1915 to July 29th, 1915 Place Date Hour Summary of Events and Information West Sandling Camp 1 Dominion Day, Half holiday for Sports. 2 Lecture on entrenching by Major Battye. 3 Lieut. C.P. Laing detailed to attend course at Scarborough. R.S.M. White promoted... Continue Reading →
History of the 18th Battalion CEF, "The Fighting Eighteenth" 