History during the Great War
September 19th was very fine, but, owing to high winds, aircraft was inactive. The Brigade Major called at Battalion Headquarters in the morning. The Enemy Shelled the area occupied by the battalion during the afternoon. Special attention to be given to the ground near Arras-Cambrai Road. Our engineers projected drums of gas into the enemy’s defense during the night. Captain F.D. Raymond, M.C. reported from hospital and resumed his duties as Adjutant. A draft of twenty four other ranks arrived from the 2nd Divisional Wing, C.C.R.C.
Nos1 & 4 Companies employed at the Lewis Gun Range during the day. Nos2 & 3 Companies engaged in Musketry, etc. with the usual inspection of arms, equipment and bivouacs.
September 18th was very fine and aircraft were very active. On the night of September 18th/19th the battalion side-slipped to the right taking over a portion of the front line from the 5th Canadian Mounted Rifles. Major Bowerbank made an inspection of the line immediately after this move had taken place. On this date H.S. Webb proceeded to England on leave of absence. The following officers who were wounded in the attacks carried out by the battalion on August 26th, 27th, and 28th were posted to Eastern Ontario Regimental Depot, Seaford, England, Captain F. McPhun, Captain N.J McGrimmon, Lieutenants A.W.May, M.C. H.G.Cameron, M.C., F.O. Johnstone and P.G. Hall.
Lewis Gun training was carried out by No.2 Company at the Crow’s Nest Range during the morning, and by No.3 Company in the afternoon. Nos. 1 & 4 Companies carried out training in musketry, P.T. & B.F. and Anti-Gas during the forenoon. Weather: Fair, high winds.
Battalion training. Weather showery. Thirty-five other ranks reinforcements joined Bn.
Battalion training. Weather fine and warm.
Immediately after the relief of the 18th Canadian Battalion patrol were sent out to cover our front. These patrols had nothing of special interest to report upon their return to our lines. Enemy artillery was fairly active during the afternoon resulting in the area about Battalion Headquarters being heavily shelled. Lieutenant J.H. O’Keefe and ten other ranks patrolled our frontage the night of September 17th/18th.
Conference of Battalion Commanders held at Brigade H.Q. at 10.00a.m. Companies were engaged during the forenoon in Lewis Gun, Musketry and Anti-gas training. During the afternoon and evenings the Bn. Was paid. 3 O.Rs. Joined. Weather: Unsettled.
Word that the battalion would relieve the 18th Canadian Battalion in the Front line was received in the afternoon. Major Bowerbank, accompanied by Lieutenant R.A. Stewart, proceeded forward to make necessary arrangements to this relief. The relief of the 18th Canadian Battalion as completed at 12.45a.m.
Battalion passed the day in resting, cleaning and preparing for the expected trip into the line (instructions cancelled later). At night the enemy put over a large number of gas shells, and in addition, bombs were dropped by him. Weather: Hot and misty during day, heavy thunderstorm at night.
