100 Years Ago Today on 31 July 1917

One hundred years ago on 31 July 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. Enemy Artillery put on a few destructive shoots on our back areas. Our Heavies carried out their usual activity on enemy’s supports. Aerial activity below normal.
 
3rd Canadian Divisional Artillery war diary records:
BRAQUEMONT - Visibility poor on account of mist; becoming bad on account of rain.
Ammunition Expended. A:92, AX.262. Guns in Action: 32-18-pdrs. 12-4.5”Hows. 4-13 pdrs.
Our aeroplanes were not as active as usual. One enemy plane was observed over our lines about noon. Enemy artillery was very active, principally in vicinity of LOOS CRASSIER. Our heavies retaliated on enemy front and support lines. Each of our Howitzer Batteries fired 100 rounds during the night on selected targets. Very little movement was observed.
 
5th Canadian Siege Battery, Canadian Artillery, Canadian Expeditionary Force was a sub-unit of 1st Canadian Artillery Group. Their war diary records:
FIELD - carried out programs of Harassing Fire as directed by 1st C.H.A.G. on NE part of N20a.
During the month the undermentioned reinforcements were received,
346900 Gnr. Kendall, P.H.     3346891 Sgt. Cornell, E.C.          346874 Gnr. McIvett, J.G.A.
1250744 Gnr. Beales, J.D         1250701 Gnr. Boulding, E.F.      335931 Gnr. Hickling, F.G.
2010188 Gnr. McLean, A.H.   2040200 Gnr. McLeod, J.A.
 
1st Canadian Heavy Artillery Group war diary records:
Cabaret Rouge – Rainy for the most part. Concentrations and feint barrages carried out on 30th. And 31st. 6 other ranks left on 31st. instant to attend First Army Rest Camp, Boulogne.
Summary of Batteries
3rd Cdn Siege Battery  (6” 26 Cwt) Position at LIEVIN        Capt. W. Leggat O.C.
5th Cdn Siege Battery (9.2” How) Position at ANGRES      Capt. T.W.F. Macdonald O.C.
9th Cdn Siege Battery (6” 26 Cwt) Position at ANGRES      Capt. S.A. Howard O.C.
72nd Siege Bty SAHA  (6” 26 Cwt) Position  N.E. SOUCHEZ Capt. A.G. Mullins DSO O.C.
175th Siege Bty R.G.A. (9.2” How) Position at ANGRES        Capt. C.S. King O.C.
260th Siege Bty R.G.A.(6” 26 Cwt) Position at ANGRES      Capt. J.W. Thompkins O.C.
Group O.P.
COLE    :  Located on Hill 145 on VIMY RIDGE
 
2nd Canadian Heavy Artillery Group was placed in tactical control of 5th Canadian Siege Battery for counter battery work. The 2nd CHAG war diary records:
X.23.b.1.5 -  Early day dull. Rain during afternoon and night. Considerable activity a good deal of harassing fire on enemy area. One concentrated shoot on hostile battery at 7 p.m.
Ammunition expenditure: -  60 pdr   8”How   6”How    9.2”How   4.5”How
                                                          387         108        483           150           615

General Officer Commanding, Royal Artillery, Canadian Corps war diary records:
In the Field -      WEATHER:- Cloudy – Rain – Cool
Reserve D.A. less 3 – 4.5” How. Batteries left Canadian Corps to-day.
 
The 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.