The day was spent quietly by the Battalion which rested in Eswars. Routine Orders of the date announced the following decorations:- Bar to Military Cross Capt H.G. Deane, M.C.; The Military Cross Lieut.V.R.Ullman (Order of St.Stanislaus), The Distinguished Conduct Medal: 675739 Sergt. K.H.Draper 675360, Sergt. D.F. Garlick. The Recipients were heartily congratulated by the Commanding Officer and their many friends in the Battalion.
Image: Lt. H.G. Deane, M.C., 21st Bn., 6th Reserve Bn., Courtesy of Library and Archives Canada.
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.
September 15th was fine. In aerial combats one enemy machine was driven down and seen to crash in the rear of our lines. Lieutenant V.R. Ullman, who was transferred to this unit from the 3th Canadian Battalion on July 22nd 1916 was wounded at the Somme on September 15th,1916, and evacuated to England. In January 1917 he returned to France and rejoined the Battalion as a platoon commander. While serving in this capacity, at Vimy, in April 1917 he was gassed and transferred to England for treatment. Where he had recovered from the ill effects of the gas he was attached to the Russian Embassy, London, England for duty. While serving at this office he was awarded the Russian Order of St. Stanislov. Early this year he gave up his position with the Russian Embassy to rejoin the battalion, but, upon arrival in France, was retained at the 2nd Divisional Wing, C.C.R.C for duty as an instructor, until August 7th, 1918, on which date he rejoined the unit. In the attack carried out by the battalion near Guemappe on August 26th this officer received slight wounds, which resulted in his being confined to hospital until 16 September, on which date he reported for duty and was appoint to command “A” company. A muster parade was held, the battalion was reported present and complete. After three years’ service in France the personnel which accompanied the battalion from England on September 15th, 1915 still serving in France is as follows:- Lieut-Colonol H.H.Pense, D.S.O.,M.C. Officer Comanding, 21st Canadian Infantry Battalion, Major G.S.S.Bowerbank, M.C., Second-in-Command, 21st Canadian Infantry Battalion, Major H.W. Cooper, attached 3rd Army School of Instruction, Major J.H.Sills, D.S.O., 3rd Canadian Infantry Brigade, Major A.P.Miller, D.S.O.,M.C., Canadian Forestry Corps and Captain F.D.Raymond, M.C., Adjutant, 21st Candian Infantry Battalion. Also 182 other ranks carried on strength of the 21st Canadian Battalion. [Follow the link for the full entry]
August 31st was devoted to re-organization and refitting. In the morning the following officers reported as reinforcements and were posted to “D”, “A’, “C” and “B” Companies respectively- Lieutenants J.H.Northey, W.F.Ferrier, M.M., J.G.O’Keefe, and I.R. McKenzie. The above officers, with Lieutenant Waters, were formerly N.C.O’s in the Battalion. Signed Lieutenant-Colonol H.E. Pense, Commanding, 21st Canadian Battalion.
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 A Belgian girl gives Canadian Artillery horse a drink. November, 1918..jpg?resize=464%2C290)
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