38th Bn, CEF-Saturday, September 28, 1918
Battalion moved forward at 6.30a.m. C and D companies in front with A and B companies following at 500 yards distance. The Arras-Cambrai Road was reached without casualties. Several batteries of field guns were passed by. Positions were taken up in the Marcoing Line in X.29 and X.23 with B.H.Q. at X.21.d.90.10. The 10th Brigade was still engaged and the forward situation was obscure. Later it was found by personnel reconnaissance of Lieut Barnes that the 10th Bdge was holding in front of Douai-Cambrai Road. While standing in front of Hd.Qrs. observing forward operations. Liuet-Col Gardner was wounded by a shell. The Battalion was very heavily shelled all afternoon and had about 15 casualties, including 2 officers, Lieut-Col S.D, Gardiner and Lieut R.C. Gaisford. Capt W. Vernon, MC. temporarily assumed command of the Battalion and attended conference of C.O’s at which it was decided that the Battalion would attack in the morning of the 29th. It’s object would be to carry out the second phase as laid down in the plan of attack. At 8.00 P.M. Major F. A Rowlandson took command of the Battalion and Captain A.F. Menzies, M.C. took command of B company. The following officers joined their companies: -Lieut H.F. Nelson, A Company, Lieut R. I. Moorse, “C” company. Munitions were issued and arrangements for attack made.
Image: Tank advancing on the Arras front. Advance East of Arras. September, 1918, Courtesy of Library and Archives Canada.