War Diaries – 21st Bn. CEF

21st Bn. CEF- Tuesday, August 6, 1918

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Unusual aerial and artillery activity prevailed during August 6th. Lieutenant Young, No. 8 Squadron, Royal Air Force was forced to land near us. He sustained minor injuries and was directed to 4th Canadian Infantry Brigade Headquarters. From which he returned to his squadron. On the morning of August 6th, a conference of Brigade Unit Commanders was held at Brigade Headquarters. Boise L’Abbe at which detailed instructions were verbally promulgated regarding the forthcoming attack on the enemy positions; also instructions were issued, at this time, to Battalion Commanders that as many reconnoitering parties as possible were to be sent out with a view to taking assembly positions. On return from Brigade Conference, the Commanding Officer immediately held a meeting of all Company and Section Commanders. During this time Operation Order No. 199 had been issued for the attack.

Image: [French soldiers examining Sopwith 1F.1 ‘Camel’ aircraft E4389 of the R.A.F. which landed inside Canadian lines near Amiens, France, August 1918, Courtesy of Library and Archives Canada.

Andrew

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War Diaries – 21st Bn. CEF

21st Bn, CEF-Sunday, September 1, 1918

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On September 1st the Battalion was located in huts at Wanquentin. The day was very fine and church parade was held in the clearing adjacent the Battalion Headquarters, in the morning. The afternoon was devoted to bathing at Biencourt. Some other ranks arrived as reinforcements and were post to “B” Company.
War Diaries – 21st Bn. CEF

21st Bn, CEF-Friday, November 8, 1918

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The weather remained unsettled with occasional showers as on the day previous. The 21st Canadian Battalion moved forward at 0900 hours to Baisirue (S.18.0) and occupied billets in the village. Owing to the enemy having shelled this place the day before, many of the civilian population were found to be suffering from the effects of the gas. Before our arrival many had already succumbed but the Medical Officer of the Battalion did much to alleviate the suffering of these who were yet alive. Shortly after leaving Blanc Misseron (0915 hours) the 21st Canadian Battalion crossed the frontier into Belgium. It was twelve months since this unit last marched in Belgian territory. At 1800 hours on this date the Battalion moved to Elouges in accordance with Operation Order No. 240. Owing to continued rainfall the roads were in a very bad state but on arrival at our destination the Battalion was accorded a most sincere and hearty welcome by the inhabitants of the village.

War Diaries – 21st Bn. CEF

21st Bn. CEF- Friday, August 9, 1918

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On the morning of August 9th the Battalion were ordered to move to the area around which the personnel of the 4th Canadian Brigade were located. Reconnoitering parties were sent forward to reconnoiter a section of the old Amiens Defense System. During the night the enemy aircraft were very active bombing in our rear areas, including our immediate vicinity. The Battalion was deployed in Artillery Formation and we sustained no casualties. From the time of gaining our first objective the attack proceeded as laid down in Divisional Orders, and by the night of August 9th we had received word that the 6th Canadian Infantry Brigade, which had passed through the 5th Canadian Infantry Brigade, were in possession of Roiseres, after strong enemy opposition. After the Capture of this town the 4th Canadian Division were ordered to attack through the 2nd Canadian Division.

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