Battalion paraded for Route March. Route taken was via Broucheuse-Somain-Villers Campeau- to Billets, arriving at 1215 hours. Concert held in the evening for Nos.3&4 Companies and remainder of H.Q. Details Weather: Unsettled.
The Great War
History during the Great War
21st Bn, CEF-Friday, November 1, 1918
On this day training was carried out as per Syllabus. In the afternoon the Battalion was paraded to a concert in Aniche, given by the 5th Canadian Divisional Concert Party, which was thoroughly enjoyed by all. The weather continued fine, though slightly overcast. Lieut. V. R. Ullman, M.C. reported to the Battalion for duty from rest camp.
38th Bn, CEF-Friday, November 1, 1918
Battalion in front line on West bank of Canal D’Escaut. The battalion commenced to cross Canal D’Escaut at 11.40a.m. Crossing completed at 12.40 – for attack on Valenciennes. Considerable resistance encountered from enemy machine guns and snipers, and four posts were mopped up. Battalion established for the night along railway and touch was established with the Battalion on our left and 10th Canadian Infantry brigade on our right. Patrols were sent through the city at night and met with considerable resistance from machine gun and trench mortar fire. Casualties – One officer wounded (later died of wounds) Lieut W.D.Munis, MC. Other Ranks – 7 wounded and 3 killed. Weather fine.
2nd Bn, CEF-Friday, November 1, 1918
Training carried out as usual. Ranges were allotted to Communication Section, Scouts, Police and Pioneers. All company men who required additional training also fired. During the afternoon Organized Sports were held. A concert given by the Band and members of the Battalion was held in the School-house, and heartily enjoyed by men of Nos.1& 2 Companies and half of H.Q.Details. Weather: Unsettled.
38th Bn, CEF-Thursday, October 31, 1918
Battalion holding same position in front line as on 30th. News arrived that Turkey has signed an armistice on favourable terms. All units busy preparing for tomorrows big show. Weather dull and cold.
21st Bn, CEF-Thursday, October 31, 1918
On October 31st the Battalion was honoured by a visitation (unofficially) From H.R.H. The Prince of Wales. Captain F.D. Raymond, M.C. who was in charge of the training, was presented to His Royal Highness by Lieut.-Colonel Millen, D.S.O. He in turn presented Captain D.J. More, M.C., Liieut. G.D. Woodstock and Lieut. D.K. MacDonnel. His Royal Highness talked with Captain Raymond for fifteen minutes and seemed greatly interested in the training and the welfare of the Battalion. The Battalion pays a high tribute to the valour and consistent service with the Battalion of the following non-commissioned Officers and Men who have laid down their lives in the discharge of their duty during the present month. [Follow the link for the full entry]
21st Bn, CEF-Wednesday, October 30, 1918
The twelve days rest and training period spent in Auberchescourt was most pleasant and the most beneficial experience by this Battalion. The billets were excellent and practically every man had the opportunity of renewing his acquaintance with a spring bed with real mattress on it. Many of the billets had pianos and each evening the whole area rang with music, classic and rag-time, which reminded all of happier days and some (the Veterans) of the marvelous change that has taken place since the arrival of the Battalion in France, more than three years ago. The training facilities were good and the Battalion Parade ground was just outside of the town area. A twenty target 200 yard range was constructed by Brigade about one kilometre distance. The training consisted of Physical Training, Ceremonial Marching exercises, Drill, Gas instructions, Musketry and Tactical schemes, and terminated with Brigade Staff Ride for the Officers and the firing of the Application, Grouping and Rapid Musketry exercises at the ranges on the 31st. During the training period the Battalion was visited daily by Lieut-Colonel L.H.Millen, D.S.O., Acting Brigadier and Captain H.M.Wallis, M.C. Brigade Major who, with the Brigade staff, did everything possible to assist the training.
2nd Bn, CEF-Wednesday, October 30, 1918
Training as per Syllabus. During the afternoon organized sports were held. Weather: Fair.
38th Bn, CEF-Wednesday, October 30, 1918
38th Bn, CEF-Wednesday, October 30, 1918
Battalion holding same position in front line as on 29th. Lieut R.H. Cochran and Cpl. Newbold buried in Denain cemetery. This day set aside for decoration of graves of Canadians who had been killed in action, by civilians in this area. Weather fine.
21st Bn, CEF-Tuesday, October 29, 1918
On October 29th the Nursing Sisters of No.1 Canadian Casualty Clearing Station were invited to dinner and eight were free to accept our humble hospitality, for of whom were old friends of the Battalion, having crossed with the Unit on the Metagram from Canada almost four years ago. Other guests were Capt H.M.Wallie, M.C., Captain T.C. Tidy and Lieut. O.Menpes, M.C. After dinner Bandmaster Huncey, who had just recieved some new music, favored the party with a series of Waltzes, Fox-Trots and One-Steps which were greatly appreciated. The strict orders of No.1 Canadian Casualty Clearing Station were responsible for an all too early termination of the party.