Captain Frederick George Newton was an original member of the 18th Battalion when it was formed in the fall of 1914. His records indicate he joined the Battalion on December 28, 1914 and served with the Battalion until he was assigned to the 4th Field Company on October 21, 1917. During his service with the... Continue Reading →
“As Christmas time approaches…”: Memories of Christmas 1915
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 →
A Quiet Christmas 1915
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 →
Private Aikenhead and the “Younger Set”
18th Battalion Association[i] Windsor and Detroit Branch *MEMORIES* Every time we meet Harold Aikenhead[ii], the general and competent Secretary of our London Branch, it always brings back memories of our first or second trip into the Front Line. I don’t recall where it was but Harold claims it was B & C trenches and he... Continue Reading →
Somewhere in Flanders: A letter from Captain Samuel Monteith Loghrin
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 →
The Christmases of the 18th Battalion
The 18th Battalion's formation began in the latter part if 1914 after the 1st Canadian Contingent set sail. 3 days after the 1st Canadian Contingent set sail the then Governor General of Canada, H.R.H. The Duke of Connaught, sent a telegram to the Secretary of State for the Colonies and offer by the Dominion of... Continue Reading →
War Diary of the 18th Battalion: March 1916
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 →
War Diary of the 18th Battalion: February 1916
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 →
War Diary of the 18th Battalion: January 1916
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 →
War Diary of the 18th Battalion: November 1915
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 →
History of the 18th Battalion CEF, "The Fighting Eighteenth" 