100 Years Ago Today on 7 October 1917

​One hundred years ago on 7 October 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:
In anticipation of a move to another area the brigade was very busy in completing their equipment.  Two concerts were given in the evening for the benefit of the men of the batteries who had been in action, one by a Y.M.C.A. concert party and the other by the 3rd Canadian Division Concert Party.  These were immensely enjoyed by the men. 
 
31st Battery, Canadian Field Artillery was attached to 10th Canadian Field Artillery Brigade during this period. The 10th Brigade war diary records that:   
Very stormy and rainy. The relief of batteries completed and Lieut-Col.G.H.Ralston,D.S.O. with Brigade Headquarters withdrew to wagon lines near LA TARGETTE. The 36th and 31st Batteries again come under the command of the 9th Brigade CFA and 10th Brigade CFA again has its own four batteries.
 
3rd Canadian Divisional Artillery war diary records:
VILLERS BRULIN – Relief of two sections of the 18-pdr. Batteries and 36th. How. Battery completed, the personnel withdrawing to battery wagon lines night of 6/7th.
 
5th Canadian Siege Battery, Canadian Artillery, Canadian Expeditionary Force was a sub-unit of 1st Canadian Heavy Artillery Group. Their war diary records:
ANGRES -  Nil
 
1st Canadian Heavy Artillery Group war diary records:
Cabaret Rouge – Very little artillery activity on either side the day being windy and rainy.  BSM Williams ? ? awarded the D.S.M.for gallant conduct under heavy shell fire on 17 September. ?? the Battery position (near ?)
 
General Officer Commanding, Royal Artillery, Canadian Corps war diary records:
CAMBLIN LA ABBE - Following transfers of art'y took place:  169th Siege Battery, 8" hows.;  342nd Siege Battery, 6" hows. and 346th Siege Battery, 6" hows. from Canadian Corps to 4th Army.  2 - 18 pdr. btys. 5th C.D.A. and 2 - 18 pdr. btys. 179th Bde. R.F.A. from Canadian Corps to 1st Corps.  Counter-battery:  three successful destructive shoots against hostile batteries.  Slight shelling of ANGRES. 
 
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.

The 18 pdr shown was used by 31 Battery CFA CEF and also equipped 31 Battery when it became a Battery of the 15th Brigade in 1920. The Vancouver Artillery Association is looking for one that we could rebuild. If you happen to see one, notify us with the location ASAP and we'll work on bringing it 'home'.