Seventy eight years ago on 10 September 1939 From the War Diaries of 85 Heavy Battery, RCA CASF a sub-unit of the 15th (Vancouver) Coast Brigade RCA stationed at Yorke Island, BC 10 September 1939 – York Island "York" procured 150 gals fresh water on Hardwicke Island. 2 ordnance artificers proceeded to Esquimalt. Weather : Bright. The war diaries for the following Batteries of the 15th (Vancouver) Coast Brigade RCA 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 10 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: Fine and warm. All quiet on the front. O.O.132 Amendment 1 issued—copy attached. Visit from Lieut. Duncan, Asst. Brigade Major. For once we appear to have plenty of time to build and properly camouflage the battery positions. The 38th is already well under way, and the tunnellers began at once to put in deep dugouts. This is the first of a distinct change in the Artillery plan. Hertofore it has been a case of rush in, throw up some more or less flimsy and conspicuous excrescent called a gun pit and build equally hopeless shelter for men and ammunition. All this in helter skelter haste. This time plenty of opportunity is given to build an excellent battery position, from point of both strength and concealment. 3rd Canadian Divisional Artillery war diary records: FORT GEORGE - Considerably more German activity noticeable today, both artillery and in the air probably due to unusual amount of movement. Our batteries still registering but otherwise comparatively quiet. Ammunition expended: A.127, AX.6, BX.67. Guns in action: 27 - 18pdrs., 6 - 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 we were bombarded with Gas shells on several occasions also shelled 8” and 5.9” losing a quantity of ammunition. 1st Canadian Heavy Artillery Group war diary records: Cabaret Rouge – Lt. D.A. Guildford, 5th C.S.B., appointed gas officer CCHA, and attached to HQ. General Officer Commanding, Royal Artillery, Canadian Corps war diary records: In the Field - Artillery Order No. 78 issued. 79th Siege Battery, RGA left the line and went into rest. 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. Annual Mess Dinner
Six Regimental Sergeants Major were at the dinner. Rob Wishnicki (2004-2009), George Dempsey (2013-2017), Mark Jackson (1999-2004), Vic Yano (1991-1996), Leon Jensen (1986-1988), and Kevin Walker (2009-2013) who unfortunately missed the photo shoot. Seventy Eight years ago on 9 September 1939
From the War Diaries of 85 Heavy Battery, RCA CASF a sub-unit of the 15th (Vancouver) Coast Brigade RCA stationed at Yorke Island, BC 9 September 1939 – York Island Both Guns now ready for action. No. 2 at percussion only, as pistol grip has to be returned to Ordnance for completion. Submarine reported in Gulf of Georgia heading north. Drained and cleaned water tank. Weather : Fair One hundred years ago on 9 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: Quiet day. Capt. Davidson, M.C., visited the batteries, taking two tunneling officers with him. This attaching tunnellers is a new departure for us. 3rd CDA O.O.132 received, and Brigade OO.132 issued – copy attached. 3rd Canadian Divisional Artillery war diary records: FORT GEORGE - Situation very quiet throughout the whole day. Our batteries occupied by registering and calibrating their guns. Brig-General Mitchell D.S.O., CRA 3rd CDA, took over command of Canadian Corps Artillery. General Morrison being absent on leave to England. Colonel H. Carscallen DSO taking over command of 3rd CDA. Ammunition expended: A.143, AX.10, BX.90. Guns in action: 27 - 18pdrs., 6 - 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 we were bombarded with Gas shells on several occasions also shelled 8” and 5.9” losing a quantity of ammunition. 1st Canadian Heavy Artillery Group war diary records: Cabaret Rouge – Batteries carried out concentrated shoots on enemy back areas during day. General Officer Commanding, Royal Artillery, Canadian Corps war diary records: In the Field - 1st CDA transferred from I Corps to Canadian Corps and commenced relief of 2nd CDA. Heavy shelling of Brigade HQ, LIEVIN, which led to a duel between hostile batteries and our own, our batteries silencing those of the enemy. 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. Seventy Eight years ago on 8 September 1939 From the War Diaries of 85 Heavy Battery, RCA CASF a sub-unit of the 15th (Vancouver) Coast Brigade RCA stationed at Yorke Island, BC 8 September 1939 – York Island C.A.S.F. Slate of Officers (See App. “F”) Dead cat discovered in Water Tank, and much consternation ensued. H.M.C.S. Armentiers delivered 300 gallons by using a hand pump for 10 hours. 1 O.R. transferred to 11th A.A. Battery R.C.A. 1 O.R. proceeded on compassionate leave The war diaries for the following Batteries of the 15th (Vancouver) Coast Brigade RCA 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 8 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: Very misty and quiet. All the batteries, i.e. 31st, 36th, 38th and 40th came into action last night without any trouble. 40th. 3 guns, T.19.d.07 and 3 guns T.20.d.7.3. 38th. T.19.b.2.7. 36th. T.26.a.3.3. 31st. T.19.a.3.9. The 10th and 11th Btys. Are now attached to Ralston’s Brigade for tactical handling. The 10th, T.13.b.4.1; 11th, T13.b.50.65 Brigade is in the same old place, S.30.a.51.07. Vimy has been frightfully knocked about since we pulled out some six weeks ago. 3rd Canadian Divisional Artillery war diary records: FORT GEORGE - Situation very quiet throughout the whole day. The 10th and 11th batteries CFA, 4th CDA came under the tactical control of the CRA, 3rd CDA at 6.00am Sept 8th. At the same time our left boundary was extended to the north, O.O. #131. Lieut. J.L. Duncan reported having taken Junior Staff Officer's Course, Clare College, Cambridge. Ammunition expended: A.50, AX.55, BX.167. Guns in action: 25 - 18pdrs., 6 - 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 - Lieut. F.R. May returned from 11th Brigade. 1st Canadian Heavy Artillery Group war diary records: Cabaret Rouge – Batteries carried out tasks during the day on CANADA Road and CITE DU NORD. One man of 175th SB.RGA wounded by shell fire. General Officer Commanding, Royal Artillery, Canadian Corps war diary records: In the Field - 14th Army Brigade, RFA withdrawn from the line, less 18-pdrs., and transferred to I Corps. Quiet day and little activity on either side. 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. Seventy Eight years ago on 7 September 1939 From the War Diaries of 85 Heavy Battery, RCA CASF a sub-unit of the 15th (Vancouver) Coast Brigade RCA stationed at Yorke Island, BC 7 September 1939 – York Island H.M.C.S. Comox proceeded to Esquimalt. H.M.C.S. Amentiers, Lt. McDuff, R.C.N.R. arrived. A/Lt. Jackson, R.C.N.R. appointed C.X.O. Radio Station progress report (See App. “G”) Lt. Col. G. Turner, H.Q. M.D. XI phoned Letter re progress reports (see App. “G”) Weather : Dull – Showers The war diaries for the following Batteries of the 15th (Vancouver) Coast Brigade RCA 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 7 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: Drew 18 19-pdrs today from Gouy Servins for the batteries to go into action. Drew stores from the 2nd C.D.A.C. at Souvigny. Bde. Hqrs. Moves up today. O.O. 131 and 132 issued—copies attached. A later report of the enemy’s bombardment on the night of 4th/5th shows that the 39th Battery was called upon by the infantry for retaliation. This was quickly responded to in spite of the strafing. It was found impossible to serve the guns while the men wore gas masks, so these were discarded. Owing to the prompt treatment immediately after, no men were seriously affected. Unfortunately, however, the long march afterwards to the new wagon lines proved very hard on these men. 3rd Canadian Divisional Artillery war diary records: FORT GEORGE - The 3rd CDA moved to quarters vacated by 31st DA at 12 noon 7th. In accordance with O.O. #130 Ralston's Brigade relieved the 165th Brigade R.F.A. and put in two extra 18pdr. batteries. Ammunition expended: A176, AX111, BX 317 and BSK 62. Guns in action: 6 - 18pdrs., 6 - 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 - Lieut. D.J. Maxwell returned from leave to England. Lieut. D.A. Guildford appointed Gas Officer C.C.H.A. 1st Canadian Heavy Artillery Group war diary records: Cabaret Rouge – 72nd Siege Battery, SAHA, moved from position north of SOUCHEE to THELUS. Quiet day. General Officer Commanding, Royal Artillery, Canadian Corps war diary records: In the Field - Artillery Order No. 77 issued. Brig. - General MORRISON visited the batteries of the 14th Brigade, CFA, and was much pleased with the work done on the positions. The 120th, A/317, and C/165 Batteries, RFA marched to rejoin XIII Corps. 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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