War Diaries – 2nd Bn. CEF

The day was spent in resting, cleaning of equipment and inspections by Company Commanders. Weather: Very warm.

At different hours during the day Companies and Details were marched to Le Quesnel and bathed. Instructions were received from Brigade warning the Battalion that relief by the 2nd Bn., 55th Regt., 126th French Division would be effected at night. At 8.15p.m. the Battalion Band met parties of the Relief and played them in. During relief, which was completed by 9.30pm., great interest was taken by all ranks, and many comments passed on the equipment and transport of the French. The relief was notable – it being the first time the Battalion has been relieved by the French. In accordance with Operation Order No.42 the Battalion marched to location near Rosieres and bivouacked. Destination was reached at 11.05p.m.. Weather Fair.

Companies & Details paraded at 20 mins. intervals from 9.30 a.m. for Protestant Church Service held in the Field West of the Wood. Services were conducted by Capt. A.J.Emmet (Chaplain) who afterwards celebrated Holy Communion. Roman Catholic Service was held at 10.00 a.m. in the Field S. of the Beet Root Factory. Draft of 32 O.Rs. joined. Band concert in afternoon. Weather: Raining in the early morning, afterwards Fair.

Enemy fired a number of high explosive shells in the area during the day. Day spent in shelters. Weather: Fine.

During the early hours of the morning more ‘heavies’ were brought up and set in the vicinity of Battalion H.Q. These later commenced harassing fire on enemy centres of activity. Instructions were received from Brigade that the Battalion would move to quarters occupied by the 2nd C.M.Rs, and that the 1st brigade would be in Divisional Reserve in the Folies Area. Operation Order NO.41 issued. Companies and Details moved independently and occupied surface shelters around small wood. Move was completed by 7.30 P.M. and Brigade notified. A feature noticeable during the stay at Beaufort and Beaufort Wood was the nightly attacks by enemy aircraft which bombed the rear areas with regularity, causing damage, but for the number of bombs dropped, surprisingly few casualties. Weather: Fair.

53 Reinforcements were taken on strength of Battalion. Enemy fired a number of large caliber shells into Beaufort and vicinity causing a few casualties and several horses killed. Beaufort Wood also came in for shelling. – The enemy firing at intervals with High Explosives causing casualties and a number of horses had to be shot. Firing in forward area appeared Normal. Aircraft very active. Weather: Fair.

At 3.00a.m. a conference was held by the Commanding Officer with all Company and Section Commanders, relative to proposed operations. In the afternoon these contemplated operations were cancelled. The Commanding Officer visited Brigade Headquarters and sent back word that they had received definite information that the enemy were retiring on the immediate South. With this information orders were given to send out fighting patrols on the Battalion frontage, to gain information as to the disposition of the enemy regarding a possible withdrawal on our front. Patrol report definitely shows that the enemy was still there. About 6.00pm, the Battalion was informed that the 25th Canadian Battalion would be relieved and the Battalion were to move into Brigade Reserve, in our old Front Line system West of Foquescourt.

Clean underclothing was received and the remainder of the Battalion enabled to exchange their spoiled. Day passed in moderate quietness although with great aerial activity. In an air fight, one of our machines and one of the enemy’s were seen to come down. No word of a move received, but understand Battalion liable to move quickly as the tactical situation demands. Weather: Fine. Battalion paid.

The day was spent as yesterday. Observation good with great aerial activity. Enemy brought down an observation balloon in the vicinity of Bn. H.Q., the observers, however, escaping by their parachutes. In the afternoon half the Battalion were issued with clean clothing. Warning order from brigade again received, but again cancelled. Weather: Very fair and warm.

Battalion remained in same position and the day was spent in recuperating and cleaning up. Company cookers were sent up. Orders were received from Brigade warning the Battalion of a possible move forward but these were cancelled later. Observation very good and aeroplanes very active. Weather: Fine.