31st Battery
Canadian Field Artillery
War Diaries 
​October to December 1917

as at 13 November 2017

Oct 1st - 10th Bde Fair and warm. Quiet on this front. Capt. W.H.H. Sparks. C.of E. Chaplain attached.

Oct 2nd to 5th - During this period the 31st 18 pdr. Battery and the 36th Howitzer Battery were in the line in front of MERICOURT and the Headquarters and the 33rd and 45th 18 pdr. Batteries were in rest at wagon lines near CAMBLAIN L'ABBY, with two batteries of the 10th Brigade, C.F.A., attached, also in rest.

Oct 2nd - 10th Bde Weather cloudy. Lieut-Col. G.H.Ralston, D.S.O. made reconnaissance of O.P.’s and position for the coming show. Quiet.

Oct 3rd - 10th Bde Windy and cold.. Quiet on this front. Warning order in regard to the coming show received from 3rd C.D.A.​

Oct 4th - 10th Bde Rainy and cold. Heavy stuff on our front at 9.30 p.m. To retaliate for an hour. O.O. No. 135 received from 3rd C.D.A. postponing the LENS show and detailing relief by 2nd CDA. Our O.O. No. 133 issued, copy attached. 39th Battery today had one other rank killed and three other ranks wounded.

Oct 5th - 10th Bde Rainy. Addends No.1 to O.O. No.133 issued, copy attached. The 5th Brigade CFA is to relief us.
 
Oct 5th - Operation Order #108 was issued postponing all preparation for the coming operation with reference to the taking of MERICOURT.  Our two batteries in the line are to be relieved tonight.
31 Bty 10th Bde – 6 Oct – Dull and wet.  The first part of the relief by 5th Brigade CFA carried out without any unusual occurrence.

Oct 6th to 9th - In anticipation of a move to another area the brigade was very busy in completing their equipment. Two concerts were given in the evening for the benefit of the men of the batteries who had been in action, one by a Y.M.C.A. concert party and the other by the 3rd Canadian Division Concert Party.  These were immensely enjoyed by the men.

Oct 7th - 10th Bde Very stormy and rainy. The relief of batteries completed and Lieut-Col.G.H. Ralston, D.S.O. with Brigade Headquarters withdrew to wagon lines near LA TARGETTE. The 36th and 31st Batteries again come under the command of the 9th Brigade CFA and 10th Brigade CFA again has its own four batteries.

Oct 9th - Operation Order #109 was issued referring to the vacation of our present wagon lines and the march to new wagon lines at ESTHE CAUCHIE.  The weather was fair and the march made in good time and all batteries ? ? until down with good standings for the horses and good billets for the men, before dark. ​

​ESTREE CAUCHIE
 Oct 10th to 12th - The brigade remained at rest in ESTREE CAUCHIE completing their equipment and discarding surplus equipment, owing to the impending march to the 2nd Army Area near YPRES.  On the 12 October Operation Order #110 was issued with reference to this march which was to start at 7.30 am on the 13th instant.

VENDIN - les - BETHUNE 
Oct 13th - It rained hard during the night and also in the morning as the batteries pulled out and as this kept up until about 1.00 pm, nearly every man was soaking wet and arrived in the afternoon at our first stop in VENDIN - les - BETHUNE in a cold and miserable condition. Operation Order #110-2 was here issued referring to the continuation of the march on the next day, leaving at 7.30 am.

Near MOREBECK 
Oct 14th - The brigade pulled out on time and as the weather had cleared up the march was made under better conditions and the men became more cheerful.  A stop was made about noon at ST. VENANT to water the horses and feed the men after which we very little shelter for the men, tents had to be put up.  Operation Order #110-3 was issued here in referring to the continuation of the march on the next day.

GODEWAERSVELDE
Oct 15th - The brigade pulled out at 8.30 am and the weather was fine.  A stop was made about noon at ST. SYLVESTER to enable the horses to be watered and fed and at 2.00 pm the march was continued to the area around GODEWAERSVELDE.  The horses were all in the open fields but the men had good billets and were quite comfortable. Operation Order #110-4 was issued here referring to the continuation of the march to WATOU tomorrow morning.

Oct 16th - The brigade pulled out at 9.00 am; the weather was fine and we arrived at WATOU about noon.  The horses were again in open fields but most of the men managed to find billets in barns and houses and were fairly comfortable.  Operation Order #110-5 was here issued referring to the continuation of the march tomorrow to the VLAMERTINGHE area.

Oct 17th - The brigade pulled out at 11 am, while passing POPERINGHE we met Colonel Carscallen the C.O. and Major Massie returning from leave in PARIS.  We reached our new wagon lines about 3.00 pm and found there was no cover for either horses or men so tents had to be erected for the men.

Oct 18th - The brigade remained at rest, the batteries getting further equipment such as ration packs and pack-saddles, water carriers, etc.  and some of the officers going forward to look over the new gun positions. On October 20th Operation Order #111 was issued referring to the relief by the 9th Brigade of the 108th A.F.A. Brigade R.F.A. which is to be complete by 8.00 am October 21st, 1917.

​Oct 21st - Our batteries relieved the batteries of the 108th A.F.A. in the early morning and found the battery positions a sea of mud and many guns hopelessly mired while the roads leading into the battery positions were completely blocked with over-turned guns, wagons, dead horses and mules and other supplies.  Operation Order # 112 was issued today with reference to a readjustment of zones.  Operation Order #113 was also issued with reference to barrages to be put on by our batteries.

Oct 22nd - Our batteries started to move their guns forward, amid the worst conditions as to weather and mud that has ever been experienced by this brigade in FRANCE. In many cases it took from 50 - 100 men and 12 horses to pull out one gun.  Operation Order #113-1 was issued with reference to further barrages to be put on by our batteries.  The day was very foggy owing to the mucky ground the batteries had very much difficulty in establishing the O.Ps and very little intelligence was received.  During the night the enemy heavily shelled our battery positions and aeroplanes also dropped about 25 bombs near them.

Oct 23rd - Operation Order #113-2 was issued with reference to further Preparatory Barrages by our batteries.  The visibility throughout the day was very poor but one of our F.O.Os reported that one of our heavy shells dropped very close to a Hun pill-box and about 20 men were seen to run from it to the rear.  One of these men, who was wounded, wandered towards our front line and was brought in by our infantry.  We expended about 1000 rounds during the day.  Enemy shelling was below normal.

Oct 24th - Operation Order #114 was issued with reference to the first stage of the capture of PASSCHENDAELE to take place on the morning of the 26th instant.  The visibility was good throughout the day and many enemy aeroplanes were observed, some of them flying very low and sweeping our forward trenches with machine gun fire. Ten Gothas flew across our lines and flew around the rear areas dropping many bombs.  Several enemy balloons were also up in the morning.  We fired about 1200 rounds during the day.  Enemy artillery was very active, mainly on our communication roads, firing about 700 rounds mostly 5.9’s.

Oct 25th - Visibility was fair but there was an extremely high wind and enemy planes and guns were not so active.  We fired about 1800 rounds.

Oct 26th - It rained very heavily during the night and was raining when the attack on PASSCHENDAELE started at 5.40 am.  The enemy artillery opened up one minute after our Zero Hour and during the morning his artillery fire was very heavy.  Owing to the flooded and impassable state of the ground our attacking infantry found it almost impossible to move and their machine guns became clogged with mud.  Very heavy machine gun fire was encountered from enemy pill-boxes and as our men could not move with rapidity to outflank these, heavy casualties were sustained, and the attack was held up about the middle objective.  In the afternoon by continuous hand to hand fighting we established a strong line which included a row of pill-boxes on BELLEVUE HEIGHTS and the enemy have been unable to dislodge us from this line. Owing to the rain and poor visibility there was no aerial work done.  Special reports are attached from this brigade and from Lieuts. Manning and Livingstone, Brigade F.O.O. and Battalion Liaison Officer, respectively.

Oct 27th - The visibility was good today and seven enemy balloons were observed on our front.  Enemy planes were also very active during the morning and at about 10.00 am nine enemy planes flew around WIELTJE area dropping many bombs.  This activity of enemy artillery was below normal today.  Our own batteries fired about 2000 rounds in the 24 hours.  Operation Order #115 was issued today referring to the new preparatory barrages and harassing fire.

Oct 28th - The day was dull and the visibility poor.  Three enemy balloons were observed at daybreak but descended in a short time.  Enemy aeroplane activity was below normal, but at 11 am 10 Gothas flew around the area from WIELTJE to YPRES and dropped many bombs on the roads, inflicting some casualties.  Enemy artillery was more active today putting heavy barrages on the main roads.  Our artillery fired about 1500 rounds during the 24 hours. ​

Oct 29th - The visibility was poor in the morning but got better in the afternoon.  No enemy balloons were observed today but a large number of enemy planes crossed our line and flew around the rear area, without, however, dropping any bombs. Enemy artillery was very active again during the day barraging the GRAFENSTAVEL and ZONNKBEKE Roads with 4.1"s and "Whizz-bangs" until dark.  The enemy appeared very nervous during the night and sent up a large number of many coloured flares.  Operation Order #116 was issued today with reference to the next attack tomorrow morning on the PASSCHENDAELE RIDGE.

Oct 30th - Our attack on the BELLEVUE RIDGE immediately in front of the main PASSCHENDAELE RIDGE took place at 5.50 am.  the weather was fair but the smoke obscured the vision to a great extent.  Our infantry appeared to get away to a good start.  The enemy barrage in retaliation came down promptly a minute and a half after our Zero Hour and consisted mainly of 5.9"s and 4.1"s.  Inside of 5 minutes it had become very intense.  By 6.30 am the infantry were reported to be making good progress and keeping well up to the barrage, and small parties of the enemy could be seen running to the rear.  About 7.00 am it appeared that our infantry had met with very heavy machine gun fire and were being held up.  A large m.g. emplacement concealed in FRIESLAND COPSE appeared to be heavily manned with machine guns and our men were obliged to work around the flanks and sustained many casualties in doing so.  At 8.00 am the infantry appeared to be going very well except in the  centre of the Divisional Front where large pill-boxes were holding up the advance, and the barrage at this point had got ahead of the men.  The footing was very heavy and in many cases men had to stop to pull up their comrades out of the mire.  By 12 noon it was apparent that the infantry had reached their objectives except in the center of the attack which was still held up by strong pill-boxes heavily manned with machine guns.  The situation become much quieter in the afternoon until 4.50 pm when an S.O.S. was sent in and all batteries opened up at once.  This, however, was soon broken up by artillery and machine gun fire.  Special reports are attached from Brigade Headquarters, Lieut. MacGillivray F.O.O. 33rd Battery, Lieut. A.B. Manning, F.O.O. 36th Battery and Lieut. A. Livingstone, Brigade Liaison Officer.

Oct 31st - The day was cloudy with poor visibility.  There were no enemy balloons today observed and only several odd enemy aeroplanes.  Three S.O.S. signals were sent up during the early morning at 4.05 am, 5.30 am and 5.40 am.  Apparently there were two counter-attacks on different fronts but these were effectively broken up.  Another S.O.S. was sent up at 5.40 pm in the afternoon but this counter-attack was also broken up and our infantry still held all positions taken in the attack.  Operation Order #117 was issued today referring to further preparatory barrages and harassing fire.  ​

Nov 1st - The day was very misty in the morning but fair in the afternoon.  During the past 24 hours the enemy's aeroplanes have been particularly active in our rear areas and during the night of the 31st/1st enemy planes worked almost continuously from 7.00 pm to 12 pm bombing the areas around YPRES and VLAMERTINGHE.  As soon as one squadron disposed of it's bombs it appeared to go back to the enemy lines and get a fresh supply.  Fortunately no damage was done to any of the battery wagon lines although many of the neighboring lines suffered.  Hostile artillery was very active with heavy concentrations in the rear of BELLEVUE Slope.  A considerable amount of gas was also projected by the enemy.  Our battery positions were heavily gassed during the night.  An S.O.S. was sent up about 2.00 am and our batteries opened fire promptly but it would appear that no actual attack developed on our front.    Operation Order #118 was issued today outlining preparations to be made for the next attack.

Nov 2nd - Visibility was very poor all day and the enemy quieter than usual.        Very few of his planes were observed and none attempted to cross our lines.  From about 8.30 pm to 3.00 am the enemy put on a concentrated gas bombardment over our forward area.  Our heavies were quite active in retaliation until this gas shelling ceased.  His retaliation to our morning barrage was light and scattered.

Nov 3rd - The visibility was very poor all day.  His artillery has been particularly active in forward areas, and much less active in rear areas.  In reply to our barrage at 3.30 am the enemy S.O.S. went up immediately and his artillery responded at once, with a very heavy barrage on our front line and supports.  Our battery positions were also very heavily shelled during the day and quite a large number of casualties inflicted.  Lieut. McIlquham of the 31st Battery, C.F.A. was very severely wounded.  Lieut. R.V. Macauley of the 45th Battery, was also hit but is not in danger.
Operation Order #119 was issued today giving new artillery zones to coincide with the recent advances and slight alteration in the southern Divisional Boundary.

Nov 4th - The visibility was again very poor all day.  At about 7.30 am three hostile planes flew very low over our battery positions and hovered about for some time, apparently photographing.  During the night a great many gas shells were fired by the enemy but as they were scattered over a very large area few casualties were inflicted. As the batteries are expending a great deal of ammunition and as all this ammunition has to be sent in on pack animals, the road through SPREE FARM and up to the battery positon is terribly congested.  It has been planked as far as SPREE FARM but forward of this point the footing is terrible.  Pack animals are continually getting down in shell-holes and soft spots and in many cases have to be shot as it is impossible to get them out.  Fortunately to date, very few casualties have occurred among the horses of this brigade, other than injuries to their feet. 
​Operation Order #120 was issued today ordering special bursts of shrapnel fire tomorrow  on the enemy defences northeast of MEETCHERLE.

Nov 5th - Visibility poor in the morning, fair for a while about midday.  Enemy aircraft has been quite active although the visibility poor.  A number of fights took place, in one of which an enemy plane was brought down on the right of the Divisional zone.  Considerable movement was observed at about V.30.a.40.10.  This target was immediately reported back to the heavies by our F.O.Os and successfully taken on.  In reply to our morning barrage the enemy retaliated chiefly on the left of our Divisional front.  He also scattered a good deal of gas about throughout the day but did not inflict many casualties.
​Operation Order #121 was issued today Attack (8) to be carried out by the 2nd Division on the Right and the 1st Canadian Division on the left.

Nov 6th - Visibility poor.  Operation Order #121 was carried out today.  Our barrage opened promptly and appeared to be regular and even.  The enemy barrage came down two minutes after our Zero Hour and appeared heaviest along the BELLEVUE SPUR.  Our infantry were reported to have reached their final objective at about 8.00 am.  The enemy massed for a counter-attack on VINDICTIVE ROAD at about 9.40 am, but were caught by the fire of our batteries and the attack broken up.  Lieut. Philpott, Brigade F.O.O. was wounded in the head about 10.30 am.  Special reports on the operations of today from Lieut. Philpott, Brigade F.O.O., Lieut. A.B. Manning, Lieut. A. Livingstone, L.O. to RIGHT BATTALION and Major R.F. Massie who was also in the forward area throughout the day, are attached.  Apparently a great many casualties were inflicted upon the enemy and on the whole the artillery support was most satisfactory.
​During the operation and throughout the day our batteries were heavily shelled and a number of casualties inflicted to both personnel and equipment.  The work of the R.F.C. was much appreciated by all arms.  Enemy balloons were kept down and his planes were not permitted over our lines.

Nov 7th - 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.

Nov 8th - 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 duty.
Operation Order #123 was issued today, giving details for Attack (9).

Nov 9th - 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 lies 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. ​

Nov 10th - 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.

Nov 11th - Visibility fair and good at intervals.  Enemy planes were unusually active especially in the morning, flying very low over our trenches and machine-gunning the infantry.  One of our planes was attacked by a hostile plane and forced to land near SPREE FARM.  The enemy artillery was normal throughout the day but in the evening our battery positions were subjected to a concentrated shoot and several casualties were inflicted.  Lieut. A.D. Golden of the 31st Battery C.F.A. was wounded but remained on duty.                                                                                                            
Operation Order #124 giving details of preparation for attack (10) was issued today.

Nov 12th - Visibility fair at times in the morning.  Very misty in the afternoon.  Enemy planes were again very active today, particularly in the morning.  His artillery was also active and intermittently shelled the batteries and plank road.  Quite a number of casualties occurred to horses  and men parking ammunition along this road.  Some of the 6" batteries in advance of SPREE FARM were quite heavily shelled.  Major E.F. Massie of the 33rd Battery was wounded last night and evacuated to hospital.  Quite a number of the gunners of our batteries were also wounded.                        
Operation Order 125 was issued today giving changes in Divisional and Group Boundary.

Nov 13th - Visibility poor in the morning and fair in the afternoon.  In the morning a large flight of GOTHAS and protective machines flew over our rear areas for about half an hour, and dropped a number of bombs.   Several times during the day heavy concentrated shoots were laid down on ZONNEBEKE, WOLF COPSE, BELLEVUE and WATERLOO areas.  In the afternoon at about 4.30 the S.O.S. signal was sent up on our front.  The batteries responded quickly and the intended attack apparently broken up.  Shelling in the battery areas was somewhat below normal.  A special report is attached from Lieut.  M.H. McKay, Liaison Officer to Right Battalion.

Nov 14th - Visibility very poor today.  For several days past the weather has been dull and good observation almost impossible.  Very little rain has fallen however and the temperature has been comparatively mild.  Our battery positions in D.14. were heavily strafed several times during the day and several casualties inflicted.  The sandbag walls put up by our batteries around their guns have undoubtedly saved a number of casualties and prevented the guns on numerous occasions from being put out of action.  During the night of 13/14th our forward area was subjected to heavy gas shelling but fortunately none of our men were seriously affected.  Most of the gas shelling on this front line has been scattered and although a great many gas shells have been projected by the enemy, the casualties from gas have not been severe.  The batteries suffered several casualties today both in gunners and drivers.  A special report on counter-attack of November 13th from Lieut. McKay, 31st Battery Liaison Officer to Right Battalion, is attached. ​

Nov 15th - Visibility poor in the morning and good in the afternoon.  the enemy aircraft was more active than usual.  Ours was also active and a number of combats took place.  One enemy plane was brought down in flames.  Two squadrons of GOTHAS, one in the morning and one in the afternoon, crossed our lines and bombed the rear areas and wagon lines.  Our battery positions in D.14. were heavily shelled about noon.  The 33rd Battery completed their move to their forward position at about D.15.b.10.80.  They were fortunate in getting possession of a nearby pillbox of sufficient accommodation for officers and most of the gunners.  Last night the wagon lines area was heavily shelled but no casualties were inflicted to the batteries of the brigade.  Lieut. C.D. Crowe, 45th Battery C.F.A., was wounded today but remained on duty.  Attached is a report from Lieut. M.H. McKay, L.O. to Right Battalion. ​

Nov 16th - Visibility poor.  Enemy planes were less active today than usual.  Two GOTHAS were over our lines for a short time but were heavily engaged by machine gun and rifle fire and returned to their own lines.  During the night 15th/16th the enemy did a good deal of scattered shelling, a small percentage of which were gas shells.  The enemy opposite our front appears to be very nervous and frequently puts on a protective barrage for no apparent reason. 

​Nov 17th - Visibility poor.  Very heavy mist.  The enemy artillery was fairly active during the early hours of the morning but otherwise was below normal during the day.  He shelled our battery positions in D.14. using a considerable amount of shrapnel and H.E. on time.  During the night of 17/18th the enemy bombed the areas in the vicinity of YPRES and VLAMERTINGHE almost continuously throughout the hours of darkness.  A number of casualties were inflicted to horses and personnel but our batteries again escaped.

Nov 18th - Visibility poor.  Enemy planes were exceptionally active during the morning, particularly over Front Line Areas where they fired into our trenches and on moving troops, with their machine guns.  One of our balloons was also brought down by a hostile plane.  Another enemy plane observed fire for a 21 cm howitzer battery registering our Artillery Positions in D.14.  Our heavies were particularly active during the night of 17/18th and a number of heavy explosions and fires in the enemy country were observed. ​                                                                                                              
Operation Order #126 was issued today outlining the relief of the 9th Brigade by the 46th Brigade, R.F.A.  This O.O. was welcomed by all our batteries, who for the past month have experienced a very tenuous time. 

Nov 19th - Visibility poor.  Our aeroplanes quite active.  Enemy planes were below normal.  The enemy again put on a fairly heavy barrage at dawn on our forward areas and still appears nervous especially to the zone on our left.  He was active on our battery areas on the afternoon and evening and inflected several casualties among the personnel of the relieving batteries and put out of action a number of our guns.  The Battery Commanders of the relieving Brigade were very much pleased with the condition of our battery Positions and the way in which our ammunition had been looked after.  They were much impressed by the protection which had been erected around our guns particularly in the case of the 36th Battery.

Nov 20th - Visibility poor.  The relief of the brigade by the 46th Brigade, R.F.A. was completed, the last battery reporting clear at about 2.00 pm.  The relieving brigade took over guns and stores complete so that nothing but personal kit had to be drawn from the positions.  It was anticipated that there might be a short rest at the wagon lines before moving out of this area but about midnight word was received that the brigade had to be clear of their present wagon lines before daylight on the following morning.

Nov 21st - Heavy rain all night and most of morning.  Operation Order #127 was issued today with particulars of Trek to the First Army Area.  In accordance with this O.O. the brigade moved off about an hour before daylight in pouring rain with prospects of a rather unpleasant march.  The day cleared, however, and the Brigade arrived at MERRIS, their destination for the first day, early in the afternoon.  Accommodation in most cases was good and the batteries soon got settled for the night.

Nov 22nd - Rain in early morning, balance of day cloudy and mild.  O.O. #127 was issued on the night of 21st with March Table for the second day of Trek from MERRIS to ST. VENANT.  The day's march was quiet and billets for both officers and men were obtained.  The horses appeared to be standing the march very well, with practically no cases of galls or lameness.  Operation Order # 127-2, with March Table for the 23rd instant, was issued tonight.

Nov 23rd - Weather fair and mild.  The brigade moved off from ST. VENANT at 9.30 am; their destination being AMETTES, which would complete the Trek.  The march today was the most pleasant of all, the weather being fine and mild and the roads good.  AMETTES was reached at about 2.00 pm but batteries were not settled into their billets until nearly dark as certain changes were made in the billeting arrangement and the accommodation was thereby much more limited than was expected.  Good quarters were secured for the officers but the horse-standing and men's billets were only fair and in most cases the horse lines had to be some distances from the men's quarters.

​Nov 24th - Weather bad with rain and snow.  Batteries got fairly well settled in their new quarters and were beginning to feel that the long anticipated rest had at last come when word to prepare for coming inspections arrived; one by the G.O.C. on the 30th instant and one by the D.A.D.V.S. on the 28th.

​Nov 25th - Weather fair and cool.  Church parades for the batteries were held in the AMETTES School in the morning.  In the afternoon preparations for the coming inspections were continued.

Nov 26th & 27th - Batteries busy improving horse lines and standings and cleaning up generally for the coming inspections. ​

​Nov 28th - Weather fair and mild.  Operation Order #129 was issued with instructions that two sections from 18 pdr. batteries of the brigade, were to be attached to the 4th Canadian Divisional Artillery and go into action on the 29th instant on the 8th Corps Front.  The D.A.D.V.S. made his inspection and was pleased with the general condition of the horses.

Nov 29th - Weather fair and mild.  Thirty remounts were received tody, from AIRE.  They were generally of poor quality and condition and below the standard.  Instructions and ballot-bags for the spring elections arrived. ​

​Nov 30th - Weather fine and mild.  The G.O.C., 3rd Canadian Division inspected the brigade today.  Extensive preparations for this inspection were made by all batteries and through the kindness of Lieut. Col. Sharpe, Commanding Officer of the 116th Battalion, the regimental Band of 116th was loaned to the Brigade.  As the G.O.C. approached the lines, battery guards were turned out and the band played, making a very impressive welcome.  The general was well pleased with the condition of horses and equipment and the general appearance and smartness of the men, particularly so on account of the strenuous campaign they have recently come through.  He was impressed by the splendid condition of the horses in Brigade's Headquarters and also by Lieut. McKay's Section, of the 31st Battery.  This section was outstanding throughout the brigade, particularly in the quality and condition of its horses.  All ranks were very pleased to have the general visit them and enjoyed his remarks and heartily cheered him as he left the lines

​Dec 1st to Dec 3rd – Batteries carried on Syllabus of Training and prepared for inspection by G.O.C., R.A. Canadian Corps, to take place on the 4th instant.

​Dec 4th – The weather was fine and mild. The G.O.C., R.A., Canadian Corps arrived at about 10.00 AM and inspected the Batteries of the Brigade. He was well pleased with everything and particularly complimented the 45th Battery on the good condition of their horses, horse lines and vehicles.

​Dec 5th – Word was received that the Canadian Corps Commander will inspect the Brigade on the 6th? instant. Batteries all busy preparing for this inspection.

​Dec 6th – The Canadian Corps Commander, accompanied by the G.O.C., R.A. and the G.O.C., 3rd Canadian Division inspected the Batteries of the Brigade today. The Brigade marched past him at a point on the AUMERVAL-AMETTES Road. All Batteries were well turned out and although the day was cold and the horses did not show up as they might have done on that account, the General was exceedingly well pleased and had few suggestions to offer.

​Dec 7th to 12th – The was exceptionally good and very little rain. Batteries carried on Syllabus of Training laid down. The men got more opportunity to enjoy this long looked for rest., having no inspections to prepare for. A number of them each day were allowed passes to LILLIERS, a good sized town not far off, where considerable Christmas shopping was done.
The P.P.C.L.I. Concert Party put on several performances at FERFAY, an adjoining village, which were attended and enjoyed by our men. On the 9th instant the horses of the Brigade were inspected by the D.A.D.O.S. who made no particular comment on their condition.

Dec 13th – The Brigade held a Gymkhana in a large field at the edge of the Village. It was a great success and was much appreciated by all ranks of the Brigade as well as visitors from all surrounding Units in rest and some of the French population. The G.O.C. 3rd Canadian Division was present and seemed much pleased with the show. He took a particular interest in the Artillery team and expressed his appreciation of the splendid showing they made.
Programme of Sports attached hereto.
 
                Event No 1 was won by the 31st Battery by a margin of one peg over the 36th. Battery.
                Event No 2 was won by the 31st Battery. Second – 36th battery. Third – 31st Battery.
                Event No 3.         First – Brigade Headquarters. Second – Brigade Headquarters – Third, 36th Btty.
                Event No 4.         Won by 33rd Battery.
                Event No 5.         First Lieut. Fleet, 36th Battery. Second. Lieut MacGillivray, 33rd Battery.
                Event No 6.         Won by the 33rd Battery. This event was the most keenly contested of the day. The teams                      of the various batteries were so nearly equal that the judges found it impossible to make a decision and                        requested the assistance of the C.R.A
                Event No 7.         Won by 31st Battery. Second – Brigade Headquarters. Third – 36th Battery.
There were a great many entries for this event and some remarkable performances were made.

​Dec 14th to 19th – During this period batteries carried on training and smartening up generally. As it was understood that the brigade would have to go into the line before Christmas, all of the units held their Xmas dinner during this period, and as fowls, vegetables and other requirements could be handily procured, these dinners were almost equal to those of pre-war days.

​Dec 20th – Operation Order No 129 was issued detailing a relief of the 11th Divisional Artillery by the 32d C.D.A. and preparations were made to send the advance sections from batteries on the 22nd instant.

​Dec 21st – The 31st Battery moved to the wagon lines of the 11th. Divisional Artillery and relieved one section of the A/58th. Battery situated near LOOS.

​Dec 22nd – The Right Sections of the 33rd. 45th. and 36th. Batteries went forward from AKETTES today to relieve the Right Sections of B/59th., C/59th., and D/59th Batteries of the 11th. D.A. respectively. All these batteries were situated near LOOS and covered practically the same front which this brigade had covered while in the LOOS Sector in August of this year.

​Dec 23rd – The remaining sections of the 33rd, 45th and 36th Batteries left AMETTES at 8.00 AM and treked to NOEUX-les-MINES, arriving shortly after 1.30 PM. Here they took over the wagon lines previously occupied by the batteries of the 59th Brigade R.F.A. The stables at these lines were in good condition and the general accommodation good. This was greatly appreciated by all ranks remembering as they did the conditions the personnel at wagon lines had to put up with last winter. The gun detachments proceeded to the guns leaving NOEUX-LES-MINES at about 3.30PM in motor busses and completed the relief of the 59th Brigade R.F.A. , in accordance with Operation Order No. 130.

​Dec 24th – Visibility poor. No aeroplane activity throughout the day. Several small groups of the enemy were seen along the railway in N.3.d. and were fired on and dispersed by the 33rd. Battery. The enemy was particularly quiet all day, practically no hostile shelling was observed. Most of the batteries got very well settled in their new quarters and found them reasonably comfortable, although a great deal of work remains yet to be done about the various positions to bring them up to standard.

​Dec 25th – Visibility fair with cloudy intervals.  Very little aerial activity. A great deal of enemy movement was observed today in rear enemy area; chiefly small parties in the open. Our 18-pdr. Batteries dispersed most of these parties. Considerable train movement was also observed running in a southerly direction. Enemy artillery was again quiet but his Trench Mortars were slightly active.
As all of the units had held their Christmas dinner while in rest no celebrations took place.

​Dec 26th – Visibility good. Planes much more active than previously. Our planes were also active and one was brought down by enemy A.A. It crashed in the vicinity of CITE ST PIERRE.
A great deal of movement was again observed in enemy rear areas and our batteries were busy sniping throughout the day. The enemy’s artillery was quiet, his shelling being confined to vicinity of LOOS chiefly.

​Dec 27th – Visibility good. During the night of the 26/27th our planes were very active bombing the enemy rear areas. A great deal of enemy movement was again seen and engaged by our batteries. He appears to be improving his fortifications, new work having been reported at several points. The enemy seen in the open today acted as if unfamiliar with the front and it was considered by F.O.Os. that a relief had recently taken place. His artillery was again quiet but his Trench Mortars were slightly active.

​Dec 28th – Operation Order No 130 was issued today and the Brigade frontage considerably decreased. A southerly portion of the brigade front being taken over by the 13th. Brigade, C.F.A.
Visibility was good and again a great deal of enemy movement was observed. Enemy aerial activity was normal. During the night of 27/28th, our planes were active over the enemy’s lines. His artillery was slightly below normal also his Trench Mortars. More enemy new work was reported.

​Dec 29th – The visibility was poor today which prevented batteries from doing their usual sniping. The enemy’s aircraft was more active than usual and crossed our lines a number of times. One hostile plane flying low, fired on the 45th. Battery position with its machine guns, but no casualties were inflicted. His artillery was fairly active particularly so in the vicinity of LOOS and LOOS CRASSIER.

​Dec 30th – The day was very misty throughout observation of the enemy’s lines being practically impossible. Between 4.50 and 5.00AM the enemy projected gas to the right of our brigade front in conjunction with a concentrated bombardment of H.E. and gas shells. It was estimated about 600 cylinders were fired. During the day the enemy artillery showed slightly more activity than usual, consisting chiefly of bursts of fire on our rear areas. Our artillery carried out the usual harassing fire during the night.

​Dec 31st – Visibility was only fair and there was no aeroplane activity on either side. Our infantry report considerable success in sniping today. The enemy showed a disposition to move around in the open and offered numerous targets for our sniping guns., of which they took full advantage. Enemy artillery again showed increasing activity, - sniping movement in our rear areas, registering our front line and communications and in some places he is reported to have done some wire cutting. Our artillery retaliated for his fire on our front system, with good effect. Our 4.5 Howrs continued their work of registering hostile Trench Mortars.

Lists 
The following pages contain additional information relating to the 15th Field Artillery Regiment, RCA
Honours and Awards
Trophies
Commanding Officers and Regimental Sergeants Major
Honoraries
Battery Commanders and Battery Sergeants Major
Band Appointments
Nominal Roll
Guns of the Regiment
Memorial Page