100 Years Ago Today on 6 September 1917

One hundred years ago on 6 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: Pretty well settled in new lines. Hdqrs is in the Farm and undergoing the novel experience of having baths right at their door. Owing to the sudden change in orders last night the batteries going into rest had to go to Rocourt and district instead of Berthonsart. This will prove very inconvenient as it is 15 miles back at least. 3rd CDA O.O. 131 received. Rumour hath it that we are going in for another show. Probable objective Mericourt Avion, Sallaumine and high ground south of Lens, with the idea of forcing the evacuation of Lens.
                                                                
3rd Canadian Divisional Artillery war diary records:
FORT GEORGE -  Considerable artillery activity. See intelligence report attached. Artillery covering new 3rd. Division front consists of one 6 gun 18-pdr. battery and one 6 gun 4.5" howitzer battery. 12 guns in action. The 3rd CDA took over command from 31st DA at 6:00am, Sept. 6. O.O. #131. Ammunition expended: nil.                                      
 
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. We took part in a raid by the 11th Brigade Canadians on the 6th and while in action the enemy came back on our position with Gas shells compelling the crews to work with their Gas Masks on. Four of our men were badly gassed and had to be taken to Field Ambulance, they were 346826 Bdr Trotter D.D.  346850 A/Bdr Russell W.G. 346891 Sgt Cornell K.G. and No 303392 Gunner Floyd P.J.
 
1st Canadian Heavy Artillery Group war diary records:
Cabaret Rouge – 6" and 9.2" hows. fired on S.O.S. lines in the LENS and AVION sectors during day.  Carried out operation in support of 11th Cdn. Infantry Bde. attack on houses in N20 with the object of establishing forward posts in advance of our front line in this sector. 
 
General Officer Commanding, Royal Artillery, Canadian Corps war diary records:
In the Field - Artillery Order No. 76 issued. Brig.-General MORRISON inspected 4th CDAC and found unit efficient. RCHA Brigade withdrawn from the line preparatory to rejoining 5th Cavalry Division. CRA 3rd Canadian Division took over command of the Field Artillery covering new 3rd Canadian Division front, consisting of 165th Brigade, RFA and one 4.5" how. bty.
 
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.