100 Years Ago Today on 29 September 1917

One hundred years ago on 29 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:
The brigade remained at rest at this point until the end of the month, most of the time being devoted to cleaning equipment and grooming horses.  On the afternoon of the 29th a half holiday was declared, the men attending the Corps Sports held at VILLERS au BOIS. These were very much enjoyed by all ranks. 
 
31st Battery, Canadian Field Artillery was attached to 10th Canadian Field Artillery Brigade during this period. The 10th Brigade war diary records that:   
Dull and cloudy. Few drops of rain. Unusually quiet day. No. 300975, Gnr. Arthur Smith, 35th. Bty. Recommended for the VICTORIA CROSS. Copy of recommendation attached.
                                                           
3rd Canadian Divisional Artillery war diary records:
FORT GEORGE -  The visibility was very poor account of mist, and little movement could be observed except from front line O.Ps which were used by officers in charge of sniping gun. Enemy blew up one of our ammunition dumps in MONT FORMES QUARRIES during the night, obtaining a direct hit and causing considerable numbers of casualties. Ammunition expended: AX.62, BX.41. Guns in action: 20 - 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 – Period very quiet.  Very little firing done whatever during this time.  In accordance with instructions received from the G.O.C., CCHA, infantry officers reported to these HQs for the purpose of gaining a little insight into the difficulties which the artillery have to contend with.  These infantry officers are detailed from the different btns. and are attached to our HQ and batteries for a period of one week and replaced by other officers.  A short program dealing with the preparation, working out of angles, error of day and elements entering into the accuracy of shooting.  O.P. work details of doing special shoots for the infantry, zones of hows. and guns, ammunition supply and storage of cartridges, and operation orders in support of infantry raids and attacks, dealing with the different tasks which the artillery have to perform both before and during the battle. 
Major Little 28th Btn. HQ 1st C.H.A.G. 27th to 2-10-17
Cpt. Robertson 31st Btn. 72nd SAHA                        "
Lt.  Cowper, 8th Btn. 9th C.S.B.                                   "
Major Wilmot 29th Btn. 5th C.S.B.                             "
 
General Officer Commanding, Royal Artillery, Canadian Corps war diary records:
In the Field - Unusually quiet on whole Corps front. Thirty coke ovens in H.34 were set on fire, burning all the afternoon and evening. There was considerable shelling of our observation balloons, but without effect, and some counter-battery work on our heavy artillery positions, also without result.
 
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.