War Diaries – 21st Bn. CEF

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.

Image: Some of the guns captured by Canadians during the Advance on Cambrai. November, 1918, Courtesy of Library and Archives Canada.

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: – 412201 Sergt. R. A. Clarke, 108292 Sergt.E.McK.Sullivan, M.M., 603062 Sergt. S.T. Tilbrook, M.M., 636287 Sergt. J. Turriff, 144553 L/Sgt.A.T.King, 59105 Corpl.A.S.Brown -orignal-, 204326 Corpl. F.W. Heath, 724261 L/Cpl C.H.McInnis,M.M., 880858 Pte. R.Barry, 3055137 Pte. K.F.Bartley, 1027426 Pte. A. Bates, 3320631 Pte. J.R.Brown, 59126 Pte. G.Byng-original-, 3057700 Pte. J.T. Carroll, 455902 Pte. R.A.Burng, 1093415 Pte. S.T.Connaghan, 59211 Pte.K.Craig -original-, 195904 Pte. W. Curtin, 3067524 Pte G. Cobbledick, 3057257 Pte. R. Crarey, 634018 Pte. W.E. Campbell, 4021569 Pte. G. Chartrand, 3056587 Pte. A. Demarah, 1036400 Pte. R.D. Dickinson, 3106135 Pte W.H. Edmiston, 2507375 Pte. J. Foley, 3320041 Pte. S. Hall, 640016 Pte. M. Hodge, 634085 Pte. W. Hartle, 1087349 Pte. F. Henderson, 246105 Pte. H. Hopkinson, 663276 Pte. M. Kaley, 3106124 Pte. C. Knapp, 1051064 Pte. M.E.M. Kemp, 2356573 Pte. T. Keny, 2138250 Pte. I.Pehman, 3320611 Pte. F. Loan, 320380 Pte. A. Levert, 455849 Pte. J.R. Lander, 3108190 Pte. H.C. Langmaid, 2021710 Pte. J. Mansfield, 4080299 Pte. D. Malandy, 59697 Pte. J.R. McBride -original-, 3320243 Pte.G.I.McGregor, 4021085 Pte. J.R.McPhersn, 636477 Pte. D.A.NcKenzie, 165694 Pte.W.J.Newnham, 4020966 Pte. J.L O’Connor, 533789 Pte. F.W. Porter, 2137805 Pte. D.P.Philban, 59775 Pte.H.J.Parkins -original-, 3320687 Pte. W.P.Reynolds, 2350211 Pte.G.A.Ryan, 724064 Pte. M.Sinclai, 1069753 Pte.F.Silver, 2590877 Pte. Q. Smith, 2067552 Pte.J.H.Smith, 1093025 Pte. S.H.St.Peter, 3057473 Pte. J.A. Storey, 3055822 Pte. H.Simpson, 1093245 Pte. J.W. Switner, 4020659 Pte. F. H Tryer, 1263566 Pte. W.T.Wesley-Long, 219888 Pte. E.Whitefoot, 2265933 Pte. T.A. Watson, 724304 Pte. H, Wood, 313 Pte. W. Wilson, 2356592 Pte. J. Wislon, 3130698 Pte. W. York. Despite the number engagements and strenuous fighting in which the Canadian Corps participated during the month, the leave allotment was light. 11 Officers and 90 Other Ranks was sent from this Battalion on a well-earned and long expected 14 days’ rest. The Ration strength of the Battalion on October 31st was: Officers………15, Other Ranks…..655.

Image: The Prince of Wales inspects 2nd Canadian Machine Gun Battalion on the Valenciennes Front. October, 1918, Courtesy of Library and Archives Canada.

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.

Image: A Canadian enjoying blackberries which he had just gathered in Bourlon Wood. Advance East of Arras. October, 1918, Courtesy of Library and Archives Canada.

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.

Image: Canadian Nursing Sisters clearing up wards after a German bombing raid during the Canadian advance east of Arras, Courtesy of Library and Archives Canada.

On October 28th, the undermentioned officers procced on leave of absence to England:- Capt R.J Renison (C.F.) Lieuts. A. Cockerman,D.S.O, R.L.Berry and S.T.Crooks. The following N.C.Os proceeded on this date to England to attend Cadet Course with view of qualifying for commission ranks:- 59918 C.S.M. R.H.Stewart,M.M, 412665 Sergt. F.T.Belyea, 15740 L/Cpl. A.S.Black.

Image: O.C. Staff and Instructors. Canadian Corps School. Advance East of Arras. October, 1918, Courtesy of Library and Archives Canada.

A Brigade church parade was held on Sunday October 27th at which No.1 C.C.S. was represented by several Nursing Sisters. There was also a special Roman Catholic Parade at the Aniche Parish Church at 1000 hours which was conducted by Capt R.J.McDonald,M.C.,(C.F.).

Image: Bourlon Church from the Chateau. Advance East of Arras. October, 1918, Courtesy of Library and Archives Canada.

Captain L.Fraser proceeded on leave of abscene to England from 25-10-18.

Image: Officers & N.C.O.s of a Canadian Reinforcement Camp. Advance East of Arras. October, 1918, Courtesy of Library and Archives Canada.

Routine Orders of October 24th announced the death of Lieut. H.M.Pattison on the 12th inst. Of wounds received in action.

Image: Cambrai on fire. Advance East of Arras. October, 1918, Courtesy of Library and Archives Canada.

During this period the weather remained fair and training was carried out by companies and sections. Capt.D.J. More, M.C. having arrived as reinforcement, was taken on strength and resumed command of “C” Company.

Image: Canadians looking at German trench mortar ammunition. Crucifix in background. October, 1918, Courtesy of Library and Archives Canada.

The Battalion moved to billets in Auberchecourt, arrived at 1230 hours and the Battalion Headquarters was established at 36 Charles Ducrest. Routine orders of the date announced the death of Lieut. W.H.MacKay on 5-10-18 of wounds received in action. Lieut R.A. Stewart returned from leave on this date and it was announced that Capt.N.J MacCrimmon had been award a bar to his Military Cross.

Image: Fighting the fires started by the Germans, Cambrai. Advance East of Arras. October, 1918, Courtesy of Library and Archives Canada.