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Lieutenant Vincent McKenna, MC was a member of 60th Battery 15th Brigade Canadian Field Artillery in 1916. He was transferred to 19th Battery 4th Brigade Canadian Field Artillery and was awarded the Military Cross on 1 Feb 1919. The citation for the Military Cross reads: He acted as forward observation officer during the attack on Mount Dury, advancing as far as possible with the infantry under shell fire. When the batteries advanced after the barrage, he sent back valuable information as to positions of hostile forces and our infantry and engaged machine guns holding them back. The following day he again went forward and secured valuable information. Throughout the operation he showed great disregard for danger, and set a splendid example to those under him. Vincent McKenna rose to the rank of Lieutenant-Colonel and commanded the 5th (British Columbia) Coast Brigade RCA from 1938 to 1941. He died 6 July 1971 and is buried at the Veterans Cemetery in Esquimalt, BC.  One hundred years ago on 23 August 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 planes not so active today but several during the early morning flew very low over our front line. One enemy balloon was observed. Enemy artillery was much quieter today but intermittently shelled LOOS and some of our battery positions with 4.9s. During the night there was considerable artillery fire on both sides on the zone to our right. 3rd Canadian Divisional Artillery war diary records: BRAQUEMONT - Visibility, aerial activity normal. Artillery on both sides normal except for an S.O.S. on our right which was fired on by our guns at 3.00 a.m. All normal at 4.00 a.m. At 10 a.m. 23-8-17 artillery supporting 2nd. Canadian Division came under orders of C.R.A., 3rd. C.D.A. Ammunition expended A.1954. AX.2209. HX.716. HSK.93. BPS.115. Guns in action 64 18-pdrs., 24 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 of August the Battery took part in the capture of Hill 70, also the taking of the Green Crasier and all the fighting on the Lens front. During this time the Battery was twice heavily shelled by 8” and on several occasions we were bombarded with Gas Shells. 1st Canadian Heavy Artillery Group war diary records: Cabaret Rouge – Fourth Canadian Division attacked Green Crassier at 3 a.m. today all batteries of this group co-operating in the barrage. A most strenuous day for all batteries as the fierce fighting taking place necessitated our batteries firing on and frustrating assembling hostile troops. S.O.S. lines repeatedly fired on. Approximately 900 6" and 250 rds. 9.2" shells were expended during the day. The objectives are being held in spite of a repeated strong counter attacks being made by the enemy upon which our guns are inflicting heavy casualties. Five men of the 5th C.S.B. were gassed during the night after an intense gas bombardment on Lieven and Angres lasting 2 1/2 hours. General Officer Commanding, Royal Artillery, Canadian Corps war diary records: In the Field - WEATHER: Unsettled with some showers - cooler. 3.15 am From CCHA Everything appears to have started all right. 3.16 am From 2nd CDA SOS on 2nd Canadian Division front. 3.30 am From 2nd CDA SOS quiet again, probably Boche Red rockets mistaken for our. 5.15 am From 2nd CDA SOS started up at 5.00 am has quietened down but still going on 4th Canadian Division front. 5.45 am From 4th CDA We are reported to be on the GREEN CRASSIER and consolidating. 6.15 am From 4th CDA Fire quietening down. Our men can be seen on the GREEN CRASSIER. German plane brought down. 1.07 pm From 2nd CDA Right group have been requested by the infantry not to do any shooting for a while. 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. Bombardier John Murray Crockett, MM was originally attested into the 31st Field Battery, Canadian Field Artillery in 1915. After recovering from wounds suffered in 1917, he was transferred to the Canadian Artillery Reinforcement Depot and subsequently to 68th Battery, 16th Brigade, Canadian Field Artillery, North Russia Expeditionary Force. He was awarded the Military Medal on 5 September 1919. There were no details recorded on his citation card.  One hundred years ago on 22 August 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 planes were very active again today frequently crossing our lines. Five enemy balloons were also observed. Movement of enemy in front areas was below normal but considerable motor and horsed transport observed on the MUERCHIN-CARVIN road. Enemy artillery has been very active heavily shelling the area between LOOS and our battery positions and also during the night putting a large number of gas shells in the same area. The enemy used five search lights during the night trying to pick up our planes. 3rd Canadian Divisional Artillery war diary records: BRAQUEMONT - Visibility good. Enemy aeroplanes were active during the morning and evening crossing our lines on several occasions. Bombs were dropped in our back areas about 10 p.m. Our aeroplanes have been very active and several enemy balloons were reported. Enemy artillery 5.9" and 8" has been very active, LOOS and LOOS CRASSIER being heavily bombarded at different times. Our heavy and field artillery were active on trenches and defences of the enemy and targets of opportunity. Artillery supporting 1st. Canadian Division came under C.R.A. 3rd. C.D.A. Ammunition expended A.4314. AX.2506. HX.712. Guns in action 32 18-pdrs., 24 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 of August the Battery took part in the capture of Hill 70, also the taking of the Green Crasier and all the fighting on the Lens front. During this time the Battery was twice heavily shelled by 8” and on several occasions we were bombarded with Gas Shells. 1st Canadian Heavy Artillery Group war diary records: Cabaret Rouge – Carried out shoots on Green Crassier, Oinnibar and Slade Trenches. Harassing fire throughout the day. General Officer Commanding, Royal Artillery, Canadian Corps war diary records: In the Field - WEATHER: Fair but unsettled. Summary of artillery situation on Canadian Corps Front 22.8.1917, (see appendices). 5.15 am From 2nd CDA SOS on 2nd and 4th Canadian Division fronts preceded by fairly heavy shelling. 5.17 am To CCHA CCHA warned. Already firing and SOS quietening down on 4th Canadian Division front. 5.30 am From 2nd CDA SOS quiet. 9.10 am From 4th CDA Left battalion of 4th Canadian Division reported to be occupying lower portion of ALOOF Trench. Information passed to CCHA. 1.07 pm From 2nd CDA Right group have been requested by the infantry not to do any shooting for a while. 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 21 August 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 in the morning but good in the afternoon. Enemy aeroplanes were exceptionally active during the day, many planes crossing our lines. Two enemy balloons were also observed during the day. A great deal of enemy movement was again observed around the BOIS DE QUATORES area and roads in rear. This was all fired on and several casualties inflicted. Operation Order No. 102 was issued today changing the zone boundary of the batteries to the right and establishing a Group O.P. in the front lines 3rd Canadian Divisional Artillery war diary records: BRAQUEMONT - Visibility misty at first but good later. Great aerial activity was reported during the afternoon, enemy planes flying low over our lines. Our planes were active and three enemy balloons were up. O.O. 120 was carried out and the 3rd. C.D.A. carried out barrages in accordance, at 4.35 a.m. 21-8-17. Enemy artillery retaliation for barrage was light on our front, but later in the day he bombarded our batteries and rear positions. Ammunition expended A.3297. AX.631. HX.529. BSK.19. Guns in action 30 18-pdrs., 12 4.5" Hows. 5th Canadian Siege Battery, Canadian Artillery, Canadian Expeditionary Force was a sub-unit of 1st Canadian Heavy Artillery Group for administration and under command 2nd Canadian Heavy Artillery Group for Counter-Battery. Their war diary records: ANGRES - During the month of August the Battery took part in the capture of Hill 70, also the taking of the Green Crasier and all the fighting on the Lens front. During this time the Battery was twice heavily shelled by 8” and on several occasions we were bombarded with Gas Shells. 1st Canadian Heavy Artillery Group war diary records: Cabaret Rouge – At 4.35 a.m. today 2nd and 4th Canadian Divisions continued the offensives with objectives Aconite trench with successful results. General Officer Commanding, Royal Artillery, Canadian Corps war diary records: In the Field - WEATHER: Mainly fair and bright. 60th Bty. (6" Mk. 7) transferred to 26th HAG (Army Reserve) today. At 4.35 am Canadian Corps attacked the German positions between CITE DU MOULIN (ACONITE Trench) and CITE STE. EMILE (NUN'S ALLEY) on a front of approximately 3000 yds. S.W., W. and N. of LENS. There was strong opposition on the whole front, but the attack was successful at most points. Summary of reports received during the operations as follows. 4.30 am To CBSO Enquiry to CBSO as to hostile shelling. Reports certain amount of crumping on 4th Canadian Division front. 10th Brigade do not want anything special started. Night more or less normal, certain amount of gas in LOOS. 4.50 am From 2nd CDA From 4.27 am Boche had light barrage along our front. At 4.32 am this became heavier, but was only light again at 4.35 am. Three minutes after our barrage opened at 4.35 am, German barrage came down, but was not intense. At 4.47 am very heavy barrage from HILL 65 Northwards, including CITE STE. EMILE, CITE STE. THEODORE and N.7. 5.07 am From 2nd CDA At 5.00 am German barrage still fairly heavy. At 5.04 am German barrage still fairly heavy. At 5.04 am Green Very lights seen from direction of CINNABAR Trench. 5.20 am From 4th CDA Moderately heavy fire before our barrage started. 5.02 am Boche reported to have shortened their fire to ground east of SCHOOL HOUSE. Our barrage reported effective, smoke screen on GREEN CRASSIER excellent. Boche shelling HILL 65, RIAUMONT WOOD, COULOTTE and AVION heavily with 5.9". 5.30 am From CCHA Boche reported to be shelling CINNABAR Trench. 5.47 am 2nd CDA FOO's report that they can see men going up to CINNABAR Trench and back again, apparently our wounded. German flares appear to be going up East of CINNABAR Trench. LO reports identification 55th R.I.R. 6.10 am From 2nd CDA At 5.58 am OP of Right Group reports that wounded passing OP state they had reached our objective. At 5.15 am Boche barrage slackened and at 5.40 am was practically nil. A few prisoners reported coming back. 6.13 am From 4th CDA No definite information. MGs on GREEN CRASSIER appear to be causing some trouble. 6.15 am To CCHA CCHA instructed to keep GREEN CRASSIER well covered and to search top of GREEN CRASSIER. CCHA state that from reports received from LO's 2nd Canadian Division appear to have gained their objectives on the Left and 4th Canadian Division on the Right. One company appear to have been hung up on left of 4th Canadian Division. 6.20 am From CBSO The Boche appears to have been more or less prepared, he had been putting down a fairly heavy barrage before Zero hour, although just before Zero for about 5 minutes he had quietened down. He was very quick in opening and very quick in shortening on to CINNABAR Trench. 6.32 am From 2nd CDA 6.25 am Enemy shelling COTTON Trench and putting smoke shell along whole front. 6.30 am LO reports that left battalion gained all their objectives with very few casualties. 6.45 am From CCHA Left of 45th Canadian Division reported as having had to come back owing to right of 2nd Canadian Division not being up. 7.00 am From CCHA 4th Canadian Division reported to be in their objectives from AMALGAM Trench South. 7.02 am From 2nd CDA Right of 2nd Canadian Division appears to have been hung up. They have asked for barrage on GREEN line N.14.b.35.35. to N.14.c.4.8. previous to another attack. Identifications obtained of 40th, 21st, 168th, 191st and 55th Regiments. 7 .10 am To CCHA CCHA instructed to get into touch with 2nd Canadian Division to assist in attack which they propose to carry out to clear situation on the right. 7.15 am To 4th CDA 4th CDA informed as to situation on 2nd Canadian Division front and asked for situation on 4th Canadian Division front. Apparently right and center battalions gained all their objectives. Left battalion hung up in vicinity of ALOOF Trench. 7.50 am From GS 6.30 am contact plane with 2nd Canadian Division reports flares as follows: N.14.b.4-9, 2-7, 0-6.N.14.a.67-30, 8-0. N.14.c.5-8. 4th CDA and CCHA advised. 8.05 am From 2nd CDA Have established block on COMMOTION Trench. Received SOS on left sector 7.55 am. Infantry reported in GREEN objective all along, bombing trench between the posts they have established. One post at N.14.c.4-8. 8.22 am From I.G. Cdn. Corps. No. 43 Squadron report NEWGATE Trench heavily manned. CCHA, 1st CDA and 2nd CDA informed. 63rd Group dealing with these trenches. 8.30 am From CCHA CCHA report 2nd and 4th Canadian Divisions have joined up. 8.40 am From 2nd CDA Captured officer's batman, states that German attack was contemplated at dawn this morning; our attack took place a few minutes before the time laid down for their attack. 9.15am From 2nd CDA Report received that line we are holding runs as follows: N.14.a.o.2.8.1. - N.14.1.8.1 to 7.3.- N.14.1.8.5. - COMBAT Trench from N.14.a.8.2. to 9.2. - N.14.b.1.5. to 4.0 to 35.50. 9.17 am From 2nd CDA SOS Right Group front received at 9.12 am. Passed to CCHA. 10.25 am To CCHA Enquiry as to situation. GREEN CRASSIER still underfire. LENS being searched. Railway embankment being shelled. Nest of MGs at N.14.1.3.1. reported cleared. CCHA instructed to watch entrance of NUN'S ALLEY & NABOB Trenches into railway cutting especially. 10.45 am To 26th HAG 26 HAG informed as to situation and requested to drop occasional rounds into Eastern portion of LENS. 11.15 am From R.A.I./Army Super howitzers will be put on to cellars of LENS with delay action fuzes. 11.15 am To CCHA CCHA instructed to put on 9.2" howitzer battery to walk down main street of LENS. 11.45 am From 2nd CDA 11.32 am party of Germans seen in NABOB Trench in N.10.o. and engaged. 11.33 am 4th CDA report enemy preparing to attack CINNABAR Trench. 11.38 am enemy reported moving up through N.11.a. & b. Heavy artillery informed. 12.05 pm From 4th CDA C.R.A. states that situation is apparently as under; posts established at N.19.b.8.9. and 5.8. South of these posts apparently Green objective is held. North of these points situation is obscure. Men have been seen in AMALGAM Trench to N.13.d.6.1. and thence Northwards along railway. 12.45 pm From 2nd CDA Report SOS on their Right front. Heavy barrage on CHICORY Trench directed by hostile plane flying low. CCHA informed. 3 batteries of 6" howitzers turned on to N.14.0. 12.47 pm From 4th CDA Corroboration of above report; are cooperating with 2nd CDA. 12.55 pm To CCHACCHA instructed to keep N.14.o. & d. under fire. 1.00 pm Green and White rockets being fired in CINNABAR Trench. 1.20 pm From 2nd CDA Counter attack smashed. 1.40 pm From 2nd CDA 20th Battalion will attack at NUN'S ALLEY and CINNABAR Trenches at 2.30 pm. Heavies will engage railway at N.9.d. & o., 2.30 - 2.45 pm. 1.40 pm From 2nd CDA Scattered parties of Boche about one battalion strong seen on road N.11.b.50.05, taken on by 60-pdrs. 1.48 pm From 1st CDA Our trenches in N2.b. - N.2.d. - N.8.a. being heavily shelled. 2.25 pm From 2nd CDA SOS on 2nd Canadian Division front. 2.35 pm To 1st CDA 1st CDA instructed to thicken barrage on their right when they cover 2nd Canadian Division. 2.37 pm To CCHA Enquiry as to disposition. 2.40 pm From 2nd CDA 3 German planes reported as flying low over NUN'S ALLEY engaging our infantry with MGs. Canadian Corps 'G' informed. 3.15 pm From CCHA Report that counter attack was smashed. 3.17 pm From 2nd CDA Report another SOS had developed at 3.12 pm. 3.30 pm From 2nd CDA Report that at 3.25 pm infantry requested barrage to be lifted to railway cutting in N.9.a. & c. It is believed that we now hold the whole objective to the left. 3.40 pm From 4th CDA Report SOS just North of SOUCHEZ River, apparently mine was blown. 3.40 pm To 1st CDA 1st CDA instructed to thicken barrage batteries on their right to cover 2nd Canadian Division left. 24 - 18-pdrs. detailed for this job. 3.42 pm To CCHA CCHA instructed to swing HAMMERSLEY'S Group to cover up to HIGHGATE Trench. 3.46 pm To I Corps RA Request to be ready to assist on BOIS de DIX-HUIT in event of an attack. 3.50 pm From 4th CDA Report that SOS has died down on 47th Battalion front. 4.00 pm From 2nd CDA Reports received point towards probable counter attack being delivered on the line N.14.b., N.8.d., and N.9.o. 4.05 pm To CCHA CCHA ordered to put concentration on N.9.o. & N.13.1. 4.25 pm From 1st CDA CRA states that he has now arranged for one 18-pdr. to 21 yds. on left front of 2nd Canadian Division. One 18 -pdr. to 30 yds. from Div. boundary line H.32.d.6.8. One 18-pdr. to 45 yds. on remainder of front. He is informing 2nd Canadian Division direct. 4.50 pm From 2nd CDA SOS reported on the whole of the 2nd Canadian Division front. CCHA, 4th Canadian Division & 1st Canadian Div. informed. 4.55 pm From CCHA Report SOS extends from NUN'S ALLEY Southwards. 4.59 pm From 2nd CDA Report SOS as having quietened down. CCHA informed. 1st CDA & 4th CDA informed. 5.30 pm From 2nd CDA Infantry have withdrawn to COMMOTION Trench and old front line opposite Left Group, with posts in NABOB & NUN'S ALLEY Trenches. Left Group asked by infantry left battalion to fire on "A" barrage line in case of SOS. Ammunition dump at D/230th Battery, 46th Division blown up by hostile shelling at 5.15 pm. 5.35 pm From CCHA 63rd HAG confirm above message. Instructed CCHA to inform OC, 63rd HAG to keep in close touch with Divisions. 5.40 pm To 2nd Cdn. Dvn. 2nd Canadian Division requested for details as to situation. Apparently this is uncertain. It is supposed that NUN'S ALLEY & NABOB Trenches are held by us. 6.05 pm From 4th CDA FOO's 4th CDA report enemy in CINNABAR Trench South to CONDUCTOR Trench and in houses N.14.a. This repeated to CCHA and 2nd CDA 7.30 pm From 2nd CDA Our infantry reported to be back in their original front line, in COMMOTION & CHICORY Trenches. 8.15 pm From 2nd CDA 2nd CDA report SOS on N.8.a. & b. also N.13.b. CCHA and 4th CDA confirmed SOS. 2nd CDA say they cannot take over any extra line from 1st CDA (1st CDA notified and present arrangement of zones holds). 8.35 pm From 2nd CDA 2nd CDA report SOS still continues. Left Battalion wires down. MG fire heard. 2nd CDA batteries are keeping up a heavy fire. Heavies have double banked. 8.55 pm 1st CDA Quiet on 1st Canadian Division front. Batteries have ceased firing. SOS continues on 2nd Canadian Division front. 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 20 August 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. Only one enemy aeroplane and one enemy balloon were seen all day. Very little enemy movement was seen either in the forward or rear areas. An conjunction with an attack on the right Operation Order 101 was carried out on our front at 4.36 am. The enemy did not retaliate very heavily but put on several concentrated shoots during the day on our front lines and supports. Several enemy batteries fired all day long on our battery positions in the rear. 3rd Canadian Divisional Artillery war diary records: BRAQUEMONT - Visibility fair. Aerial activity normal. One of our scouts was engaged by German planes in the early morning and was pursued across our lines but made good it's escape. Enemy barraged our front line about 4.30 a.m. in retaliation and during the day fired heavily on our battery positions and rear positions. Our artillery, both heavy and field was active all day. Considerable movement can be seen at long ranges, very few moving targets being fired on by field guns today. Ammunition expended A.641. AX.106. HX.841. Guns in action 39 18-pdrs., 12 4.5" Hows. 5th Canadian Siege Battery, Canadian Artillery, Canadian Expeditionary Force was a sub-unit of 1st Canadian Heavy Artillery Group for administration and under command 2nd Canadian Heavy Artillery Group for Counter-Battery. Their war diary records: ANGRES - During the month of August the Battery took part in the capture of Hill 70, also the taking of the Green Crasier and all the fighting on the Lens front. During this time the Battery was twice heavily shelled by 8” and on several occasions we were bombarded with Gas Shells. 1st Canadian Heavy Artillery Group war diary records: Cabaret Rouge – Concentrations and trench destruction program carried out. Day generally quiet. General Officer Commanding, Royal Artillery, Canadian Corps war diary records: In the Field - WEATHER: Mainly fair and bright. Same program as for 19th instant. 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. |
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