100 Years Ago Today on 4 September 1917

One hundred years ago on 4 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:
This visibility today was fair. Five enemy balloons were again observed on our front and stayed up most of the day.  Enemy planes were not so active and were only seen in the morning during which time they remained well behind their own lines. Movement of men in the enemy lines was almost nil, but considerable horse and motor movement was observed in the rear country .  During the night the enemy at different times put up a spectacular display of rockets, using green, red, orange and white lights.  They also bombarded the area between LOOS and MAROC with about 10,000 gas shells mixing in a large number of high explosive shells.  The bombardment started at 12 pm and continued for about two hours and was the most intense concentration of hostile artillery ever experienced by this brigade.  The new German gas (mustard) was used and while we had no serious casualties, many men the next day found their eyes seriously affected and a small number developed bronchitis.
Operation Order Number 106 was issued today.  This refers to the 31st and 36th Batteries leaving the LOOS area and going into action under RALSTON'S BRIGADE in the VIMY area. The Headquarters, 33rd and 45th Batteries with the 35th and 39th Batteries of RALSTON'S BRIGADE are to proceed to Rest Camp in the rear.                                                                                                                                                                                     
3rd Canadian Divisional Artillery war diary records:
BRAQUEMONT -  According to G.592/1-20, the 3rd CDAC marched to their old lines near MOUNT ST. ELOY. The general situation was normal. Several officers of the 6th Divisional Artillery visited our headquarters for the purpose of making arrangements for the relief, commencing tonight. See O.O. # 129. Ammunition expended: A800, AX485 and BX 333. Guns in action: 77 - 18pdrs., 21 - 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 – Carried out O.O. #184 in support of 9th Canadian Infantry Bde. raid.  The operation was successful, was made with a view to obtaining identifications and ascertaining enemy strong points along CINNIBAR trench and NUN'S ALLEY, also to establish new posts in advance of our new front line.  Considerable aerial activity on both sides. 
 
General Officer Commanding, Royal Artillery, Canadian Corps war diary records:
In the Field - Brig.- General MORRISON inspected the 2nd CDAC, and found the efficiency of this unit satisfactory.
During the night heavy bombardment of our whole front line, gas being used; this lasted from 7.55 am to 3 pm. VIMY was shelled with intensity the whole of this period, and the batteries located there suffered but slight damage and had few casualties.
13th Brigade, CFA, 5th CDA, marched to BULLY GRENAY, and were attached to the 2nd CDA.
 
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.