Confidential War Diary of 18th CANADIAN BATTALION – 2nd CANADIAN DIVISION March 1, 1919 to 31 March 1919 Volume 43 Place Date Hour Summary of Events and Information Fosses I.35.75 1 Map for Reference: Namur 8 1/100,000 Battalion Training and Educational Classes as per Appendix 1. Attached. 5 O.R.s proceeded on leave this date. 1 O.R.... Continue Reading →
War Diary of the 18th Battalion: February 1919
Confidential War Diary of 18th CANADIAN BATTALION – 2nd CANADIAN DIVISION From 1st February 1 1919 to 28th February 1919 Volume 42 With appendices 1 – 28 Place Date Hour Summary of Events and Information Fosses I.35.75 1 Map for Reference: Namur 8 1/100,000 Battalion training as per Appendix No. 1 attached. In accordance with... Continue Reading →
Fritz mush have got his eyes on us…
The letter below is a wonderful example of the process Canadian Expeditionary Force soldiers experienced during the Great War when they were transferred from their training bases in England to active duty with a combat unit on the Continent. Private Frank Allan Westlake had enlisted with the 161st Huron Battalion on January 10, 1916 and... 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 →
Sports Days for the 4th Canadian Infantry Brigade
“Sports Days” were an integral part of British and Canadian Military life. In every area of operation, be it Flanders, Salonika, or Mesopotamia. For the Canadian troops, Sports Days were times of recreation and competition – a break from soldiering. Yet, the popularity of the Sports Days had a decidedly military purpose. They helped foster... Continue Reading →
A Mother Found
Private Robert Mitchell Armitage was a little out of his element when he was transferred to the 18th Battalion. Private Armitage enlisted in London, Ontario but was originally born in Montreal, Quebec and listed his “current address” upon attestation as Charlestown, Ohio. This Canadian man who joined initially the 1st Depot Battalion, Western Ontario Regiment... Continue Reading →
War Diary of the 18th Battalion: February 1917
CONFIDENTIAL WAR DIARY OF 18th Canadian Battalion - 2nd Canadian Division From 1st February to 28th February 1917 Volume 18 5 Place Date Hour Summary of Events and Information AUCHEL 1 Battalion in Rest Billets. Physical exercises. Bayonet fighting. Company and Platoon drills, 19 o.r.s sick admitted to hospital[i]. 2 o.r.s returned from hospital. 2... Continue Reading →