One hundred years ago on 10 November 1917
31st Battery, Canadian Field Artillery, Canadian Expeditionary Force was a sub-unit of the 9th Canadian Field Artillery Brigade in the 3rd Canadian Division. The 9th Brigade war diary records: Operation Order No. 123 was carried out today. The artillery support was reported to have been satisfactory and our troops reached their objectives but in places later had to withdraw chiefly on account of the Corps on our left not reaching their objective and thus leaving our left flank exposed. Special reports are attached from Lieut. M.H. McKay, Liaison Officer, also Chronological Report of the Operation. During this operation the enemy's retaliation was slightly less than usual and none of his planes were active. 3rd Canadian Divisional Artillery war diary records: CANAL BANK YPRES - Attack (9) was carried out at 6.05 AM, in accordance with O.O.154. Enemy artillery has been very active, chiefly searching and sweeping battery areas and tracks. During the Attack, all his guns fired on the front areas. By 7.50 AM, all objectives were reached. Hostile artillery was below normal during the night. NO. OF GUNS IN ACTION – 51 18-pdrs. 16 4.5” Howrs AMMUNITION EXPENDED – A.9703 – AX.1964 – BX .1041. AS.63. 5th Canadian Siege Battery, Canadian Artillery, Canadian Expeditionary Force was a sub-unit of 1st Canadian Heavy Artillery Group. Their war diary records: YPRES – No entry General Officer Commanding, Royal Artillery, Canadian Corps war diary records: IN THE FIELD - Art'y Order #107 issued. 8th Div'l Art'y arrived in Cdn. Corps area. At 06.05 1st and 2nd Cdn. Div's attacked, supported by the fire of all calibers with barrages and harrassing. All objectives gained. Heavy art'y carried out intense concentrations on hostile assembly areas. Counter-batteries: carried out seven concentrations on hostile btys. prior to "zero" hour, and replied to seven N.F. calls in the early morning. Heavy rain and mist rendered observation practically impossible. All hostile btys. were kept under continuous neutralising fire throughout the day. The hostile art'y response to our barrage at 06:05 was very prompt, his barrage being laid down one minute after ours and becoming intense at 06:15. His fire throughout the day was exceedingly heavy. 15th Field Artillery Regiment RCA perpetuates the following sub units: 31st Battery, Canadian Field Artillery, Canadian Expeditionary Force, 5th Canadian Siege Battery, Canadian Artillery, Canadian Expeditionary Force, 68th Battery, Canadian Field Artillery, North Russia Expeditionary Force, was not authorized to be formed until 3 August 1918, and 85th Battery, Canadian Siberian Expeditionary Force was not authorized to be formed until 12 July 1918. Change of Honorary Colonel appointments. Honorary Colonel Bill Rodgers has stood down and the new Honorary Lieutenant-Colonel Don Foster has been taken on strength. This has also resulted in the promotion of Al DeGenova to Honorary Colonel. Congratulations to all! Check out the additional photos in the 2017 yearbook.
Seventy Eight years ago on 9 November 1939 From the war diaries of 85 Heavy Battery, a sub-unit of the 15th (Vancouver) Coast Brigade RCA CASF 9 Nov 1939 – York Island Weather cloudy. The war diaries of the Headquarters 15th (Vancouver) Coast Brigade RCA and the following Batteries have yet to be located:
31st Heavy Battery stationed at Stanley Park and Narrows North 58th Heavy Battery stationed at Point Grey and Steveston I had the great honour of being asked to provide a presentation last night on the two World Wars and the participation of the 15th Field Artillery Regiment RCA in those conflicts. The powerpoint slides from the two presentations have now been uploaded on our references page. There are no notes attached to the presentations but you may find them of interest regarding the weapons used by our perpetuated batteries during World War I and the locations of 15th (Vancouver) Coast Brigade RCA during World War II. I find the "Lest we forget" page in the presentations the most memorable at this time of the year. I am still in the process of discovering more former members that fell in the line of duty and they will be added to the nominal roll as they are found. If you happen to find yourself on a visit to Europe, please take a copy of those pages and pay a visit to their grave sites. They deserve no less. I have also included the list of members that I have found that were awarded the Military Cross or the Military Medal for their brave deeds during the war. This list is growing fast! This morning I discovered Bombardier Oswald Reid of the 31st Battery. He was awarded the Military Medal and two bars to that medal!
One hundred years ago on 9 November 1917
31st Battery, Canadian Field Artillery, Canadian Expeditionary Force was a sub-unit of the 9th Canadian Field Artillery Brigade in the 3rd Canadian Division. The 9th Brigade war diary records: Visibility good in the morning - fair in the afternoon. Enemy planes quite active. From 2.30 to 4.00 am several bombing planes flew over our wagon lines and back as far as PEPERINGHE and dropped a number of bombs. From 8.00 am to 10.00 am many planes crossed and re-crossed our lines and drove off several of our observing machines. Several of his planes also attempted to shoot down our observation balloons but without success. The PLANK ROAD has now been completed from SPREE FARM forward to our battery positions in front of KANSAS CROSS. Although the traffic on this road is tremendous it greatly facilitates in getting up ammunition and has reduced the horse casualties considerable. 3rd Canadian Divisional Artillery war diary records: CANAL BANK YPRES - Enemy artillery very active on our battery positions during the night of 8th/9th and also 9th/10th. During the day, most of his attention was paid to frontline and areas. Enemy planes active in large squadrons all day dropping bombs and observing. NO. OF GUNS IN ACTION – 67 18-pdrs. 22 4.5” Howrs AMMUNITION EXPENDED – A.3509 – AX.1068 – BX .888– BCBR. 344 – AS.18. 5th Canadian Siege Battery, Canadian Artillery, Canadian Expeditionary Force was a sub-unit of 1st Canadian Heavy Artillery Group. Their war diary records: YPRES - Bursts of fire were again opened on same areas at 4.45p.m. At 6.a.m. a barrage of 22 Rounds were fired on V30a 20.60. 3.05a.m. commenced shoot against Venison Farm, a very strong point in V24d 25.95 by aeroplane observation. This was again unsuccessful on account of poor visibility. 1.30p.m. we undertook a shoot on Venture Farm in V30a 45.10 by ground observation. Lieut F. R. May was the F.O.O. and on arriving at the O.P. found the enemy shelling so heavy as to make observation almost impossible. However a start was made, the order to fire was given and the F.O.O. remained in the open just long enough to notice the effect of the burst before being compelled to drop to the ground to avoid the splinters thrown up by the bursts of the enemy’s shells. This continued for some time, Hostile shelling becoming heavier, making observation very difficult and dangerous. After observing 28 bursts and obtaining good registration Lieut May was compelled to come in, the shoot being carried out on by the registrations obtained. 50 Rounds in all were fired on this target. At 4.30p.m. we took part in a barrage on areas V30b 50.60 and W19c 40.50. but ceased fire after 12 Rounds had been expended. 6.5 p.m. to 7.p.m. we fired 56 Rounds on barrage in areas V30b 50.60 and W19c 40.50. Harassing fire was kept up until 4.30a.m. mostly on strong points and enemy’s lines of approach in V24d 30.90. During the day the enemy shelled our back areas heavily with 6” and 9.2” Naval Guns. The square in front of the Cloth Hall (our Headquarters) coming in for a great deal of attention. Hostile shelling around the Battery position was at times very heavy but towards evening dropped to an occasional burst of shrapnel or an odd H.E. There were no casualties. General Officer Commanding, Royal Artillery, Canadian Corps war diary records: IN THE FIELD - Art'y Orders #105 and #106 issued. Field art'y carried out preparatory barrages, and the heavies co-operated. Harassing fire and concentrations by all calibers. Counter-batteries: two successful destructive shoots, causing three fires and a large explosion. 21 N.F. calls responded to. 50 hostile btys. harassed and six concentrations fired. Excellent work was again rendered by the R.F.C. in picking up new hostile bty. positions. Hostile art'y: quiet throughout the night; normal during the day. 7 15th Field Artillery Regiment RCA perpetuates the following sub units: 31st Battery, Canadian Field Artillery, Canadian Expeditionary Force, 5th Canadian Siege Battery, Canadian Artillery, Canadian Expeditionary Force, 68th Battery, Canadian Field Artillery, North Russia Expeditionary Force, was not authorized to be formed until 3 August 1918, and 85th Battery, Canadian Siberian Expeditionary Force was not authorized to be formed until 12 July 1918. Seventy Eight years ago on 8 November 1939 From the war diaries of 85 Heavy Battery, a sub-unit of the 15th (Vancouver) Coast Brigade RCA CASF 8 Nov 1939 – York Island Weather cloudy. The war diaries of the Headquarters 15th (Vancouver) Coast Brigade RCA and the following Batteries have yet to be located:
31st Heavy Battery stationed at Stanley Park and Narrows North 58th Heavy Battery stationed at Point Grey and Steveston One hundred years ago on 8 November 1917
31st Battery, Canadian Field Artillery, Canadian Expeditionary Force was a sub-unit of the 9th Canadian Field Artillery Brigade in the 3rd Canadian Division. The 9th Brigade war diary records: Visibility good in the morning and fair in the afternoon. The enemy's aeroplanes were again quite active. At 7.00 am six GOTHAs were over and dropped bombs near the OXFORD DUMP and along roads approaching YPRES. At 2.00 pm another six planes flew over our battery positions in the vicinity of KANSAS CROSSROADS, and dropped a considerable number of bombs. Later in the afternoon a flight of sixteen planes crossed our lines and flew to the rear areas about YPRES, many encounters took place during the day. In reply to our morning barrage the enemy's retaliation was heavy. During the forenoon he was quite active on our batteries causing a number of casualties. Capt. E.V. Thompson of the 33rd Battery was wounded but remained on bty. Operation Order #123 was issued today, giving details for Attack (9). 3rd Canadian Divisional Artillery war diary records: CANAL BANK YPRES - Artillery boundaries were changed in accordance with O.O.153. Enemy aeroplanes were very active during the night, dropping bombs on rear areas. Artillery activity was much below normal. Some of our batteries have commenced to move forward and build new positions, O.O. 153; and it is probable the enemy is also on the move. Visibility good, and in consequence, aerial activity was very much above normal. NO. OF GUNS IN ACTION – 69 18-pdrs. 21 4.5” Howrs AMMUNITION EXPENDED – A.2401 – AX.921 – BX .1053 5th Canadian Siege Battery, Canadian Artillery, Canadian Expeditionary Force was a sub-unit of 1st Canadian Heavy Artillery Group. Their war diary records: YPRES - At 4.30.a.m. we received an S.O.S. call which was immediately responded to but “cease fire” was given after the 6th Round. At 5.a.m. went into action again on barrage which continued until 5.48.a.m. 48 Rounds being fired. At 11.45a.m. we started a shoot by aeroplane observation on Farm at V24b 25.95. This shoot was unsuccessful on account of poor visibility. bursts could not be observed and shoot had to be abandoned. 30Rounds were fire only 14 of which were observed. 3.05.p.m. fired 13 Rounds on barrage in areas V29b 73.52 to V24b 00.15 4.5.p.m. to 4.10p.m. we opened up in bursts of fire on areas V29b 98.60 and V24d 60.45. 23 Rds being fired Hostile shelling was practically Nil, only an odd shell falling near the position. General Officer Commanding, Royal Artillery, Canadian Corps war diary records: IN THE FIELD - Art'y Order #104 issued. Medium and heavy hows. and field art'y placed preparatory barrages. Buildings, etc. were also engaged. Counter btys.: two successful destructive shoots, 42 hostile btys. harassed and eight gas concentrations placed on same. Hostile art'y: night below normal; day, normal, bulk of the fire being placed on our bty. positions. 15th Field Artillery Regiment RCA perpetuates the following sub units: 31st Battery, Canadian Field Artillery, Canadian Expeditionary Force, 5th Canadian Siege Battery, Canadian Artillery, Canadian Expeditionary Force, 68th Battery, Canadian Field Artillery, North Russia Expeditionary Force, was not authorized to be formed until 3 August 1918, and 85th Battery, Canadian Siberian Expeditionary Force was not authorized to be formed until 12 July 1918. Seventy Eight years ago on 7 November 1939 From the war diaries of 85 Heavy Battery, a sub-unit of the 15th (Vancouver) Coast Brigade RCA CASF 7 Nov 1939 – York Island Letter re reliefs (see App. "E"). Letter re gunnery instructor (see App. "E"). Weather cloudy. The war diaries of the Headquarters 15th (Vancouver) Coast Brigade RCA and the following Batteries have yet to be located:
31st Heavy Battery stationed at Stanley Park and Narrows North 58th Heavy Battery stationed at Point Grey and Steveston One hundred years ago on 7 November 1917
31st Battery, Canadian Field Artillery, Canadian Expeditionary Force was a sub-unit of the 9th Canadian Field Artillery Brigade in the 3rd Canadian Division. The 9th Brigade war diary records: Visibility fair at intervals. The enemy aircraft was much more active than usual, and several large flights were observed, but none of his machines ventured very low. About 9.30 am four GOTHAS flew over and dropped bombs in the vicinity of WIELTJE, causing a few casualties among the battery ammunition pack trains. A counter - attack was suspected last night at about 6.45 pm. Our batteries opened promptly and no attack developed. The enemy continues to bomb the wagon lines at night and also does considerable shelling with a long range gun, but few casualties have as yet been inflicted at our wagon line. Operation Order #122 was issued today outlining preparation for the continuation of attack by the CANADIAN CORPS. 3rd Canadian Divisional Artillery war diary records: CANAL BANK YPRES - 8th Army Brigade C.F.A. was transferred to tactical control of C.R.A. 2nd C.D.A. at 5.00 PM, O.O.153. Visibility was good at times, and there was a great deal of aerial activity, the enemy apparently endeavouring to locate our front line. Most of his artillery fire was in the vicinity of the front line, but the artillery activity was very much below normal. O.O.153, temporary change in Zone boundaries. NO. OF GUNS IN ACTION – 69 18-pdrs. 22 4.5” Howrs AMMUNITION EXPENDED – A.12198 – AX.3567 – BX .2305– BCBR. 344 – AS.100. 5th Canadian Siege Battery, Canadian Artillery, Canadian Expeditionary Force was a sub-unit of 1st Canadian Heavy Artillery Group. Their war diary records: YPRES - At 5.30a.m. we opened up on barrage fire. 500 yards east of R.F.A. line in V29b 75.45 to V24d 70.70. Both Guns were in action and 44 Rounds were fired. 8.22 a.m. to 8.50 a.m. Fired 8 Rounds on Farm in V24b (?)5.95. During the afternoon 100 Rounds were fired in areas V24b 10.10 top V24d 35.00. Firing was kept up nearly all night principally on Roads at V24c 95.20 – 82.75. 100 Rounds being fired. A letter of congratulation on the splendid work performed on Nov 6th by the Artillery of the 33rd H.A.G. was received to-day from Lt Col. Castle, O.C 33rd W.A.G. General Officer Commanding, Royal Artillery, Canadian Corps war diary records: IN THE FIELD - Art'y Order #103 issued. Medium and heavy hows. maintained harassing fire throughout the day on all approaches and centers of activity in enemy areas, and co-operated in corps barrages, morning and afternoon. Counter-batteries: bad weather prevented observed shoots, and bursts of fire on hostile bty. areas were substituted. 40 hostile btys. were harassed. 3 N.F. and 3 G.F. calls were replied to with good effect. Hostile art'y normal during the night and morning; some barrage fire on front line and support area. 15th Field Artillery Regiment RCA perpetuates the following sub units: 31st Battery, Canadian Field Artillery, Canadian Expeditionary Force, 5th Canadian Siege Battery, Canadian Artillery, Canadian Expeditionary Force, 68th Battery, Canadian Field Artillery, North Russia Expeditionary Force, was not authorized to be formed until 3 August 1918, and 85th Battery, Canadian Siberian Expeditionary Force was not authorized to be formed until 12 July 1918. |
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