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Seventy Eight years ago on 31 October 1939 From the war diaries of 85 Heavy Battery, RCA CASF a sub-unit of the 15th (Vancouver) Coast Brigade 31 Oct 1939 – York Island Letter re 3/L emplacements (see App. "E"). Letter re clothing (see App. "E"). Letter re relief (see App. "E") letter re Wireless Station (see App. "E"). Weather: dull The war diaries of the Headquarters 15th (Vancouver) Coast Brigade RCA and the following Batteries have yet to be located:
31st Heavy Battery stationed at Stanley Park and Narrows North 58th Heavy Battery stationed at Point Grey and Steveston One hundred years ago on 31 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: The day was cloudy with poor visibility. There were no enemy balloons today observed and only several odd enemy aeroplanes. Three S.O.S. signals were sent up during the early morning at 4.05 am, 5.30 am and 5.40 am. Apparently there were two counter-attacks on different fronts but these were effectively broken up. Another S.O.S. was sent up at 5.40 pm in the afternoon but this counter-attack was also broken up and our infantry still held all positions taken in the attack. Operation Order #117 was issued today referring to further preparatory barrages and harassing fire. 3rd Canadian Divisional Artillery war diary records: Visibility was very good and aircraft were active, our planes patrolling and scouting and the enemy bombing our rear areas in the morning and during the night. The enemy Artillery shelled our battery positions and roads during the day and shelled in the vicinity of the of the batteries during the night with gas and G.E. Harassing fire and practice barrages were carried out by Field Artillery. No. of guns in action – 127 – 18-pdrs. 46 – 4.5” Hows. Ammunition expended A.18611, AX.14654, AS. 36, AS.36, BCBR.200, BS.40.. 5th Canadian Siege Battery, Canadian Artillery, Canadian Expeditionary Force was a sub-unit of 1st Canadian Heavy Artillery Group. Their war diary records: At 5 A.M. 25 Rounds were fired on barrage and 10 on S.O.S. lines. At 1.45P.M. a shoot was commenced on Valour Farm by Aeroplane observation but Plane gave C.I. after 2 rounds had been fired. Bursts of fire were kept up during the afternoon and 20 rounds fired on S.O.S. lines. 1st Canadian Heavy Artillery Group war diary records: Bursts of fire and S.O.S. lines fired on during day, 1??? rounds all calibers being expended. From dusk till dawn hostile planes in relays bombed our position and railway lines in vicinity. General Officer Commanding, Royal Artillery, Canadian Corps war diary records: Art'y Order #99 issued. Personnel of 158th Army Bde. R.F.A. relieved personnel of 64th Army Bde. R.F.A. Siege groups engaged wire, strong points, houses and roads in enemy's line. Counter-bty. work: 7 concentrations on hostile btys. 35 N.F. calls. 43 hostile btys. harassed. S.O.S. from left division front, but no developments. Hostile art'y very active, shelling our bty. positions, forward areas and roads. 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. Seventy Eight years ago on 30 October 1939 From the war diaries of 85 Heavy Battery, RCA CASF a sub-unit of the 15th (Vancouver) Coast Brigade 30 Oct 1939 – York Island Weather: fair The war diaries of the Headquarters 15th (Vancouver) Coast Brigade RCA and the following Batteries have yet to be located:
31st Heavy Battery stationed at Stanley Park and Narrows North 58th Heavy Battery stationed at Point Grey and Steveston One hundred years ago on 30 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: Our attack on the BELLEVUE RIDGE immediately in front of the main PASSCHENDAELE RIDGE took place at 5.50 am. the weather was fair but the smoke obscured the vision to a great extent. Our infantry appeared to get away to a good start. The enemy barrage in retaliation came down promptly a minute and a half after our Zero Hour and consisted mainly of 5.9"s and 4.1"s. Inside of 5 minutes it had become very intense. By 6.30 am the infantry were reported to be making good progress and keeping well up to the barrage, and small parties of the enemy could be seen running to the rear. About 7.00 am it appeared that our infantry had met with very heavy machine gun fire and were being held up. A large m.g. emplacement concealed in FRIESLAND COPSE appeared to be heavily manned with machine guns and our men were obliged to work around the flanks and sustained many casualties in doing so. At 8.00 am the infantry appeared to be going very well except in the centre of the Divisional Front where large pill-boxes were holding up the advance, and the barrage at this point had got ahead of the men. The footing was very heavy and in many cases men had to stop to pull up their comrades out of the mire. By 12 noon it was apparent that the infantry had reached their objectives except in the center of the attack which was still held up by strong pill-boxes heavily manned with machine guns. The situation become much quieter in the afternoon until 4.50 pm when an S.O.S. was sent in and all batteries opened up at once. This, however, was soon broken up by artillery and machine gun fire. Special reports are attached from Brigade Headquarters, Lieut. MacGillivray F.O.O. 33rd Battery, Lieut. A.B. Manning, F.O.O. 36th Battery and Lieut. A. Livingstone, Brigade Liaison Officer. 3rd Canadian Divisional Artillery war diary records: In accordance with O.O.147 the 3rd. Canadian Division continued their offensive against PASSCHENDAELE. Our barrage opened evenly and was replied to by the enemy in one and a half minutes. The fighting was very hard and the situation was not clear until late in the evening, when it was known that although our exact line had not been entirely gained, great progress had been made by the 3rd and 4th. Canadian Divisions, the troops on our left not being as fortunate. Aircraft were very active on both sides and the artillery were active, the enemy barraging our forward areas persistently all day – Two S.O.S’s were received and fired on. No. of guns in action – 128 – 18-pdrs. 46 – 4.5” Hows. Ammunition expended A.26314, AX.8917, AS. 232, BX.5453, BVN.36, BCBR.430. 5th Canadian Siege Battery, Canadian Artillery, Canadian Expeditionary Force was a sub-unit of 1st Canadian Heavy Artillery Group. Their war diary records: Lieut H. M. Stairs arrived at Unit for duty with Battery. Fired 45 Rounds by visual observation on Vanity House and Vine Cottage, 50 Rounds were then fired by Map on Vapour (Valour?) Farm and 45 Rounds on Vocation Farm. During the afternoon 287 Rounds were fired on Barrage and 46 on S.O.S. 1st Canadian Heavy Artillery Group war diary records: ?? during the day, 1??? rounds all calibers expended. General Officer Commanding, Royal Artillery, Canadian Corps war diary records: Art'y Order #97 and #98 issued. At 05:50 3rd and 4th Cdn. Div'ns continue the attack by Cdn. Corps. All objectives were taken except in barrages during the operation and responded to S.O.S. calls during the day. Enemy parties assembling for counter attacks were effectively dispersed. 15" how. effectively engaged PASSCHENDAELE Railway Station and sidings. Counter-batteries were fully engaged throughout the day in neutralizing and harassing fire. 138 Zone Calls sent down and responded to. 58 hostile batteries were engaged, and 16 new hostile bty. positions were disclosed. Hostile art'y: no unusual features developed following on our attack. Heavy fire directed on our whole area but was erratic and scattered. Hostile counter attacks were preceded by heavy shelling of bty. positions. 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. Seventy Eight years ago on 29 October 1939 From the war diaries of 85 Heavy Battery, RCA CASF a sub-unit of the 15th (Vancouver) Coast Brigade 29 Oct 1939 – York Island Weather: heavy rain The war diaries of the Headquarters 15th (Vancouver) Coast Brigade RCA and the following Batteries have yet to be located:
31st Heavy Battery stationed at Stanley Park and Narrows North 58th Heavy Battery stationed at Point Grey and Steveston One hundred years ago on 29 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: The visibility was poor in the morning but got better in the afternoon. No enemy balloons were observed today but a large number of enemy planes crossed our line and flew around the rear area, without, however, dropping any bombs. Enemy artillery was very active again during the day barraging the GRAFENSTAVEL and ZONNKBEKE Roads with 4.1"s and "Whizz-bangs" until dark. The enemy appeared very nervous during the night and sent up a large number of many coloured flares. Operation Order #116 was issued today with reference to the next attack tomorrow morning on the PASSCHENDAELE RIDGE. 3rd Canadian Divisional Artillery war diary records: Enemy seemed nervous during the night and shelled our approaches behind BELLEVUE and KCREK also the battery areas in D.14 and D.15. Our Heavies were active during the day and our Field batteries fired two practice barrages and bursts on the S.O.S. lines. Aircraft were active in spite of indifferent visibility – Enemy planes again bombed our area back to the wagon lines during the day and night. No. of guns in action – 121 – 18-pdrs. 46 – 4.5” Hows. Ammunition expended A.12534, AX.9159, AS. 774, BX.2706, BVN.75, BCBR.350, BS.5. 5th Canadian Siege Battery, Canadian Artillery, Canadian Expeditionary Force was a sub-unit of 1st Canadian Heavy Artillery Group. Their war diary records: Lieut Fraser R. A. who had been sent to England to raise new section for two extra guns rejoined unit bringing Lieut E. Scott and 70 Other Ranks. Fired 35 Rounds Barrage in Battery Lanes, and during the night 30 Rounds on Valour and Vegetable Farms. 1st Canadian Heavy Artillery Group war diary records: Barrages, concentrations and bursts of fire carried out during the day in support of the ? stage of attack on ? RIDGE which was successful. Shoots were carried out on ? General Officer Commanding, Royal Artillery, Canadian Corps war diary records: Barrages, concentrations and bursts of fire carried out during the day in support of the ? stage of attack on ? RIDGE which was successful. Shoots were carried out on ? 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 photos from the Freedom of the City Parade in 1995. Check them out in the 1995 yearbook. Seventy Eight years ago on 28 October 1939 From the war diaries of 85 Heavy Battery, RCA CASF a sub-unit of the 15th (Vancouver) Coast Brigade 28 Oct 1939 – York Island Weather: dull The war diaries of the Headquarters 15th (Vancouver) Coast Brigade RCA and the following Batteries have yet to be located:
31st Heavy Battery stationed at Stanley Park and Narrows North 58th Heavy Battery stationed at Point Grey and Steveston One hundred years ago on 28 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: The day was dull and the visibility poor. Three enemy balloons were observed at daybreak but descended in a short time. Enemy aeroplane activity was below normal, but at 11 am 10 Gothas flew around the area from WIELTJE to YPRES and dropped many bombs on the roads, inflicting some casualties. Enemy artillery was more active today putting heavy barrages on the main roads. Our artillery fired about 1500 rounds during the 24 hours. 3rd Canadian Divisional Artillery war diary records: Visibility was good – Aircraft were active on both sides patrolling lines and observing for Artillery; during the morning the enemy Bombed WIELJTE aand area between WIELJTE and YPRES. During the night the area in vinity of our forward and rear headquarters was heavily bombed. Artillery was active on both sides, most of the fire being harassing. A practice barrage was fired in the afternoon. Enemy appeared nervous and was active during the night. No. of guns in action – 124 – 18-pdrs. 45 – 4.5” Hows. Ammunition expended AX.11548, A.s. 2661, BX.4134, BCBR.100, BS.148. 5th Canadian Siege Battery, Canadian Artillery, Canadian Expeditionary Force was a sub-unit of 1st Canadian Heavy Artillery Group. Their war diary records: No 92919 Gunner Saerran G. E. wounded in the leg. Major T.W.F. MacDonald was admitted to hospital leaving Lieut. DJ. Maxwell in command of the Battery. Fired Barrage of 8 Rounds on Battery Lanes. Battery heavily shelled by 5.9”s and No 1 Gun received direct hit putting it permanently out of action. The loading derrick of No 2 Gun was blown off and the gun was out of action for 24 hours. This put the Battery completely out of action until following evening when No 2 Gun was put in action again and No 3 Gun went into action the following morning in the time for the advance on October 30, 1917. 1st Canadian Heavy Artillery Group war diary records: Aerial activity above normal hostile planes carried out aerial bombing raids during the day and evening, bombs dropping in close proximity to ? shell penetrated one of the ? this evening ? ? During the day ? rounds all calibers were expended during the day by batteries of this group. General Officer Commanding, Royal Artillery, Canadian Corps war diary records: Art'y Order #95 issue. Siege groups engaged woods, houses, roads and strong points. Barrages and harrassing fire also carried out. Counter-battery work: four successful destructive shoots; three concentrations and gas bombardment of hostile positions. 30 N.F. calls responded to; 15 hostile btys. harrassed. Hostile art'y normal. At 03:30, S.O.S. from right division, no attack followed. During the day heavy shelling of our forward areas and bty. positions, which continued until after 18:00. 1st C.D.A. HQ opened at POPERINGHE, coming under the orders of C.R.A., 3rd Cdn. Divison. 8th Army Bde. C.F.A. arrived at wagon lines, Cdn. Corps area, from 1st Army. 42nd H.A.G. left Cdn. Corps. area for 1st Army. 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 from MILCON 84 in Shilo Manitoba. Were you there? Check out the pictures in the 1984 Yearbook. |
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