​ DP1.1 Primary Reserve Artillery Troop Commander Course 1702.
Royal Canadian Artillery School, Canadian Forces Base Gagetown, New Brunswick from 9 May to 28 July 2017.
Second Lieutenant Chris Purdon - Top Candidate

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.

One hundred years ago on 30 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 carried out a short concentrated shoot this morning, lasting two minutes. Enemy Planes which appeared over our lines at 8.30 p.m. were engaged by our A.A. Guns.
 
3rd Canadian Divisional Artillery war diary records:
BRAQUEMONT – Weather showery. Visibility fair. Both enemy and British were inactive in the air. Enemy Artillery active. Our Heavies were active. Our T.M’s active on wire. Registration has been completed and 3rd C.D.A. guns are remaining quiet, except for night firing by Howitzer Batteries.
Ammunition Expended. A:359, AX.7, BX.787. N.51. Guns in Action: 32-18-pdrs. 12-4.5”Hows. 4-13 pdrs.
 
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 concentrations on Trenches as during the previous days.
 
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.
 
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 -  Dull and showery. Visibility nil. Little hostile artillery activity. A great deal of harassing fire throughout day and night. Two concentrated shoots on hostile batteries in retaliation.
Ammunition expenditure: -  60 pdr   8”How  6”How  9.2”How  4.5”How   
                                                         302           32        260          216          446
 
General Officer Commanding, Royal Artillery, Canadian Corps war diary records:
In the Field -      WEATHER:-  Overcast with frequent showers – Fairly bright in evening.
 
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.

One hundred years ago on 29 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. Our heavy Artillery has been very active during the past twenty-four hours. Enemy Artillery normal.
Practice Barrage took place this afternoon as ordered, proving very satisfactory.
 
3rd Canadian Divisional Artillery war diary records:
CHATEAU DE LA HAIE – Weather bad. Heavy rains during day but clear visibility at times. In accordance with Addenda No. 2 to O.O.123 trial barrage shoots were carried out and was quite satisfactory.
Balloons were up but not when our batteries were firing. Enemy Artillery active. Wire on our front is not yet destroyed.
Ammunition Expended. A:73, AX.-, BX.34. Guns in Action: 32-18-pdrs. 12-4.5”Hows. 3-13 pdrs.
 
5th Canadian Siege Battery, Canadian Artillery, Canadian Expeditionary Force was a sub-unit of 1st Canadian Artillery Group. Their war diary records:
FIELD - Throughout the evening and night we carried out concentrated shoots and harassing fire on Trenches in N29a, N21a, N15d, N20a, and on Hostile Batteries NX78, NX10 and NX41. Expended 110 rounds on shoots.
 
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.
 
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 -  Low clouds. Heavy thunderstorm in early morning. Considerable artillery activity throughout day.
Ammunition expended: -   60 pdr   8”How   6”How   9.2”How   4.5”How. 
                                                     549         566       686            170           271 
 
General Officer Commanding, Royal Artillery, Canadian Corps war diary records:
In the Field -      WEATHER:- Fair, bright intervals- some showers during 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.

​One hundred years ago on 28 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 good. Enemy Artillery active against battery positions and rear areas. Our Artillery very active on enemy’s defences. Aerial activity normal today.
Addenda Number One and Two, to Operation Order No. 100, issued today. Number one gives instructions in regard to the 36th How. Battery’s Barrage. Number Two calls for a Practice Barrage to take place at 5.15 p.m. July 29th.
 
3rd Canadian Divisional Artillery war diary records:
CHATEAU DE LA HAIE – Visibility poor on account of mist and showers. Hostile Artillery active, much light calibre; H.E. and shrapnel being fired. German aeroplanes were over our lines and balloons were up at times. Our Heavies were very active during destructive shoots. Our batteries carried on registrations. In accordance with O.O.124 “B” Battery R.C.H.A. was attached to RALSTON’S Group and 2 guns handed to CARSCALLENS’S Group.
Ammunition Expended. A:119, AX.40, BX.25. Guns in Action: 27-18-pdrs. 11-4.5”Hows
 
5th Canadian Siege Battery, Canadian Artillery, Canadian Expeditionary Force was a sub-unit of 1st Canadian Artillery Group. Their war diary records:
FIELD - The Battery Position was shelled to-day with H.E. Lieut. J. Kay was seriously wounded and died on way to Dressing Station. 346828 Cpl. H. Sheldon was also wounded.
 
1st Canadian Heavy Artillery Group war diary records:
Cabaret Rouge – 5th. Canadian Siege Battery (9.2”) and 175th Siege Battery (9.2”) taken over by 2nd CHAG and 50th. HAG respectively for counter battery work. These Batteries still remain in 1st C.H.A.Group for administration. Lieut. J. Kay 5th . Canadian Siege Battery , killed in action at battery position this morning.
 
General Officer Commanding, Royal Artillery, Canadian Corps war diary records:
In the Field -      WEATHER:- Fair & warm.
Remaining Sections of :-                            )
10th Siege Battery – (9.2” Hows.)              )
263rd  “         “          - (6”       “)                     )              Marched from XIII Corps
120th Battery, R.F.A. (18pdrs.)                   )              to Canadian Corps.
C/165      “            “            “                           )                             
A/317      “            “            “                           )   
ARRIVALS:-
“A” & “B” Battery, R.C.H.A. Bde. )              Transferred from 5th Cavalry
“N” & “X”         17TH, R.H.A. Bde. )              Divn. To Canadian Corps.
“A” & “B” Batteries posted to 1st C.D.A. (A/14 Army Bde. & 10th Bde., C.F.A.)
“A” & “B” Batteries posted to 1st C.D.A. (A/14 Army Bde. & 10th Bde., C.F.A.)
 
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.

The war was between the Kingdom of the Mainland versus the Kingdom of Vancouver Island! Apparently the statesmen of the Vancouver Island had maneuvered the Mainlanders into the role of aggressor so that they could gain support of the league of Nations!  Check out the photos in the 1931 Yearbook.

​One hundred years ago on 27 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:
In accordance with a fixed policy, the Batteries have kept silent, except when calibrating. Our Siege Batteries have been active destroying the enemy’s positions.
O.O. No. 100 issued today. This lays down our Artillery support in a forthcoming attack, to capture the high ground on the North of LENS. If this is accomplished the enemy may be forced, by the tactical situation, to evacuate this town.
 
3rd Canadian Divisional Artillery war diary records:
CHATEAU DE LA HAIE – Visibility good. Several enemy balloons up and enemy Artillery active. A great deal of enemy fire on this front seems to be in intense short bursts. Our Field guns fired on some enemy working parties and dispersed them.
Ammunition Expended. A:35, AX.1, BX.70. Guns in Action: 29-18-pdrs. 11.  4.5”Hows
 
5th Canadian Siege Battery, Canadian Artillery, Canadian Expeditionary Force was a sub-unit of 1st Canadian Artillery Group. Their war diary records:
FIELD - 12.30am to 12.35am fired 15 rounds rapid on M33b7.3 (Trenches).
 
1st Canadian Heavy Artillery Group war diary records:
Cabaret Rouge – Quiet. Trench and counter Battery programmes carried out.
 
General Officer Commanding, Royal Artillery, Canadian Corps war diary records:
In the Field -     WEATHER:-     Fair and bright. Very warm.
 
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.

New pictures have been put up in the 1934 yearbook from an exercise in Camp Hughes.