War Diaries – 38th Bn. CEF

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.

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.

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.

Battalion holding same position in front line as on 28th. Ration train came under very heavy shelling in La Sentinelles. Lieut R.G. Cochran and Corporal A. Newbold were killed. Casualties, Officers – Killed – 1 Lieut R.H. Cochran, One officer wounded – Lieut J.A.D. Elder. 1 O.R. killed, 4 O.R.’s wounded. All back areas heavily shelled with HE & Gas by Hun.

Battalion holding same position in front line as on 27th. Lord Brooke first Brigadier-General of the 12th Canadian Infantry Brigade, paid a visit to Brigade. Weather dull. Casualties 2 O.R.s Wounded.

Battalion relieved 85th Canadians in front line. Headquarters at Sentinelle.

Preparations for taking over front line positions from 85th Canadians. 51st Division attack on our right. Fine. Casualties: officers – 1 Lieut H.C. Crowell.

In support of 85th Battalion. Lieut-Colonel A.D. Cameron MC, took over command of the Battalion. Quiet all day. Barrage at 7.30p.m. Weather dull.

In support of 85th Battalion. Very quiet day and night. Forces on our flanks advancing.

In support of 85th Battalion. Weather dull, Casualties – 5 O.R.s wounded.