Introduction One of the challenges about researching the men of the 18th Battalion is that the information on hand, though very valuable, in the form of their individual service records at the Library and Archives Canada gives a snap shot of that person’s war experience. This is more of a “photograph” of time. Each page... Continue Reading →
The Lonely Soldier: Remembering a Leave
18th Battalion Association[i] Windsor and Detroit Branch *MEMORIES[ii]* Some time ago, we were watching the Television Program, “No Time for Sergeants”. The skit was about a lonesome soldier. It was funny. The lonesome soldier was no myth. He was real. It all stated the night we left London. Many of the officers and many of... Continue Reading →
With All His Failings: The Story of “Jimmy” McLennan
18th Battalion Association[i] Windsor and Detroit Branch *MEMORIES[ii]* Some time ago, we read of the passing of an 82 year old woman named Lahoud. We remembered her as the operator of a large rooming house at the corner of Windsor Avenue and Chatham Street during the first war. Among her roomers were Andy Galbraith, Jock... Continue Reading →
“Do Your Remember the Night We Left London?”: First in the Series of “MEMORIES”
Introduction The blog has come into the possession of an exciting and valuable series of documents care of Dan Moat, a member of the 18th Battalion Facebook Group. His Great Grand-Father, Lance-Corporal Charles Henry Rogers, reg. no. 123682 was an active member in the 18th Battalion Association and the Royal Canadian Legion. With is interest... Continue Reading →
“We sleep in huts instead of tents…”: A Letter to a Friend.
Percy Harris was an Englishman. Born at Norwich, England on May 1, 1893 he emigrated to Canada some time before his enlistment with the 18th Battalion at Clinton, Ontario on October 23, 1914. He was all of 21 years and 5 months old and he would survive the war with the rank of Sergeant. Perhaps... Continue Reading →
Apparently, it is an actual hell out there at times: The Letters of Sergeant Wallace
A series of four news articles from the St. Thomas Times-Journal illuminates the career of John A. Wallace who was an original member of the 18th Battalion[i]. The articles span from November 1914 to October 1915 and offer insights into the life of Wallace, and by extension, the other non-commissioned men of the Battalion. The... Continue Reading →
Training Mistake Wounds 18th Battalion Soldier
Private James Abercrombie, reg no. 123978 enlisted in Chatham, Ontario at the age of 19 years, 6 months, enlisting with the 70th Overseas Battalion on October 1, 1915. After initial training in Canada he transited the Atlantic via the S.S. Lapland, arriving in England May 5, 1916. Over a month transpired where his whereabouts were... Continue Reading →
Untold Misery Has Been the Harvest Now: The Letters of Major George Whitford Nelson
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 →
Soldiers of Windsor: The Windsor Star
Two news articles give some context to the experiences of soldiers from the Windsor area. The 18th Battalion had been in the line as of the latter part of September 1915 and had experience its first Christmas on the Continent. The Battalion had experienced light casualties, in regards to men killed, with 34 men who... Continue Reading →
Updates on Sandling Camp Resource and Post
DISCOVERY Of First World War Practice Trenches: TOLSFORD HILL - SALTWOOD, KENT A previous post outlined in some detail the excellent work of Michael and Paula Dugdale of Saltwood, Kent, England. The article entitled West Sandling Camp and the Trenches of Tolsford Hill relates the work done with a perspective in regards to how it relates... 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 →
The Postcards of Private Blue to Miss Ella Mitchell, A Teacher in Paisley
One soldier. One life. The evidence of the war experiences for Private Alexander Edward Blue of the 18th Battalion is greater than most, and less that others. One gets a sense of the man but how much of that is our projection and perspectives from our perspective influencing our perception of the evidence presented before... 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: 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 →
War Diary of the 18th Battalion: June 1915
Confidential War Diary Of 18th Canadian Infantry Battalion From June 1st 1915 To June 30th 1915. Place Date Hour Summary of Events and Information West Sandling Camp 1 SERGT. INSTRUCTOR ECCLES attached as Instructor of Gymnasia. 2 CAPT. ROBINSON and LIEUT. D. St.J WIGLE detailed to attend Course at Staff College CAMBERLEY. Routine in Camp, First Post,... Continue Reading →
War Diary of the 18th Battalion: April/May 1915
Confidential War Diary Of 18th Canadian Infantry Battalion From April 29th 1915 To May 31st 1915. Place Date Hour Summary of Events and Information Avonmouth West Sandling Camp 4/29/15 6:00 AM 3:00 PM Arrived on R.M.S. Grampian. Arrived at WEST SANDLING CAMP and allotted quarters. West Sandling Camp 4 ... Continue Reading →
