100 Years Ago Today on 18 September 1917

One hundred years ago on 18 September 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:
From this date to the 22nd inst., the Headquarters and four batteries mentioned herewith were in rest at MAGNICOURT, a small village nestling among some rolling hills.  The men had a splendid rest during this time and many parties were sent for the day to ST. POL.  In addition an infantry band was engaged on three different occasions which was very much appreciated.  General sports for the men were held on two occasions and some Indian cavalry billeted near here very kindly offered to assist in the days sports.  Their horsemanship and other feats were magnificent and filled our men with surprise and admiration.                                                     
 
31st Battery, Canadian Field Artillery was attached to 10th Canadian Field Artillery Brigade during this period. The 10th Brigade war diary records that:   
Fine and warm. Lt. Duncan started work on extra Brigade position.
With the idea of keeping the registrations of Battle positions from being noticed, sniping guns run well forward are to be employed. This policy may work out satisfactorily, as undoubtedly these guns will draw the enemy’s attention. Of course considerable labour will be involved in continually moving these guns from place to place. Still, if this keeps the real positions from being discovered, all is well.
At 3.20 this morning, O.P. reported activity on right. All batteries stood to help “L.3”. Rt. L.O. report apparent harmless straf. Lt. L.O. reported considerable shelling so How. Battery turned on in retaliation. 3.45 a.m. , forward O.P. reported shelling not very heavy. 3.46 a.m., S.O.S. on right and covering battery opened fire on retaliation. 3.48 a.m. , S.O.S cancelled by Bde. L.O. who asked for retaliation. This was given.
It now appears the enemy raided our trenches on right,  captured one wounded prisoner, wounded four others, and left in our hands one unwounded man of 61st R.I.R., and one man killed. The loss of one man captured is serious.
As was foreseen, the Crème de Menthes caused trouble, for it was impossible to say whether those going up were ours or the enemy’s. It now appears green and green and red were used for enemy recall signal. Bde. H.Q. shelled with 4.1 shrapnel. No damage. 
                                                                                                                                                  
3rd Canadian Divisional Artillery war diary records:
FORT GEORGE -  Enemy artillery were more active than usual lately and our batteries retaliated to some extent. The situation remains normal and is very satisfactory for the preparation. Movement is being cut down to the minimum during daylight in the forward areas. Ammunition expended: AX.40, BX.116. Guns in action: 18 - 18pdrs., 6 - 4.5"hows.
 
5th Canadian Siege Battery, Canadian Artillery, Canadian Expeditionary Force was a sub-unit of 1st Canadian Heavy Artillery Group. Their war diary records:
ANGRES -  During the month we were bombarded with Gas shells on several occasions also shelled 8” and 5.9” losing a quantity of ammunition.
 
1st Canadian Heavy Artillery Group war diary records:
Cabaret Rouge – Quiet period.  The area normally covered by this group is from Moose-Jaw Road in T.18a to the SOUCHEE River and in support of the 2nd and 3rd Cdn. Divisions.  Recommendations for awards for gallant conduct were made on the 18th inst. for BQMS Grant, 5th CSB, and BSM Williams, 17th SB.RGA, and Sgt. W. Hasard, 175th SB.RGA.  Programmes of harrassing fire and night firing carried out. 
 
General Officer Commanding, Royal Artillery, Canadian Corps war diary records:
In the Field - Artillery Order, No.84 issued. Very quiet day.
 
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.