One hundred years ago on 3 November 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 very poor all day. His artillery has been particularly active in forward areas, and much less active in rear areas. In reply to our barrage at 3.30 am the enemy S.O.S. went up immediately and his artillery responded at once, with a very heavy barrage on our front line and supports. Our battery positions were also very heavily shelled during the day and quite a large number of casualties inflicted. Lieut. McIlquham of the 31st Battery, C.F.A. was very severely wounded. Lieut. R.V. Macauley of the 45th Battery, was also hit but is not in danger. Operation Order #119 was issued today giving new artillery zones to coincide with the recent advances and slight alteration in the southern Divisional Boundary. 3rd Canadian Divisional Artillery war diary records: CANAL BANK YPRES - In accordance with O.O. 151, the Artillery Brigade Zones were altered. Enemy artillery devoted most of its attention to the forward areas, placing a heavy barrage on the front line. The visibility was poor, and aerial activity was below normal on both sides. NO. OF GUNS IN ACTION – 117 18-pdrs. 45 4.5” Howrs AMMUNITION EXPENDED – A.11278 – AX.6532 – BX .2766 – BCBR. 300 – AS.4. 5th Canadian Siege Battery, Canadian Artillery, Canadian Expeditionary Force was a sub-unit of 1st Canadian Heavy Artillery Group. Their war diary records: YPRES - At 5.30.a.m. Enemy again shelled position with 8” and at the same time we received an S.O.S. call which dispite the heavy shelling was responded to, 40 Rounds having expended. Enemy shelling was kept up until 8.30 a.m. when it dropped to intermittent shelling. At 10.a.m. started a shoot on VOCATION FARM with visual observation, shoot lasted until 1.15.p.m., Rounds being fired with very good results, several hits were registered. 4.30.p.m. to 4.50.p.m. 20 Rounds were expended in bursts of fire on the enemy’s lines of approach. The enemy came back on battery position at 5.30.p.m. with 5.9’s and shrapnel, shelling was kept up very heavy until 6.p.m. and then intermittently until 9.p.m. As the result of one shell the pole of the wireless station was cut in two. There were no casualties, the soft nature of the ground preventing the splinters of shell from flying to any great extent. There were, however, many narrow escapes as several times shrapnel burst directly over the guns. From 9 P.M. until 3 A.M. next morning we fired 50 Rounds on target in V 24d and (?). 1st Canadian Heavy Artillery Group war diary records: YPRES - Period fairly quiet; batteries in group: 66th, 67th, 256th, 274th S.B. R.G.A. and 7th and 9th Canadian Siege Batteries. Shoots carried out daily on selectecd targets and feint barrages fired by all guns usually twice daily at appointed hours. Hostile aircraft very active both day and night. Large squadrons cross our lines in daylight and bomb horse lines and road traffic in and around YPRES. At night both allied and hostile aircraft carry out raids. Objective of hostile aircraft YPRES and POPERINGE; railway junction close to the HQ been bombed several times. On 4th inst. at 06:00 final barrage preceding the attack on the famous Passchendaele Ridge was commenced. Over 3 000 rds. of 6", 8" and 9.2" shells were expended by batteries of this Group in barrage. The ridge was captured. During the rest of the day numerous hostile batteries were neutralised and S.O.S. lines fired on repeatedly to repel counter-attacks. During the night all enemy roads were searched and swept vigorously. On the 8th inst. 352nd and 177th S.B. R.G.A. entered the group. On the 10th inst. hostile art'y shelled our position with shrapnel and H.E.; no material damage being done. General Officer Commanding, Royal Artillery, Canadian Corps war diary records: IN THE FIELD - New Zealand Divisional Art'y moved to Watou area. Houses in north end of PASSCHENDAELE, and strong points in vicinity, were bombarded during the day. All guns replied to S.O.S. calls on the Corps front during the morning. Counter btys. carried out concentrations with H.E. and shrapnel on known active hostile btys., also heavy concentrations on MOORSLEDE. Hostile art'y very active; intermittent gas shelling of back areas in the early morning with an intense bombardment of our front line later. 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 2 November 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 was very poor all day and the enemy quieter than usual. Very few of his planes were observed and none attempted to cross our lines. From about 8.30 pm to 3.00 am the enemy put on a concentrated gas bombardment over our forward area. Our heavies were quite active in retaliation until this gas shelling ceased. His retaliation to our morning barrage was light and scattered. 3rd Canadian Divisional Artillery war diary records: CANAL BANK YPRES - In accordance with O.O. 149, the 1st C.D.A. completed relief of 49th D.A. and 8th Army Brigade C.F.A. completed relief 38th Army Brigade R.F.A. Our artillery carried Bursts of Fire and Practice Barrages. The enemy artillery shelled our batteries very heavily during the night with gas and H.E. NO. OF GUNS IN ACTION – 129 18-pdrs. 43 4.5” Howrs AMMUNITION EXPENDED – A. 7222 – AX. 4545 – BX .3264 – BPSBCBR. 360 – AS.153 – BS.2 5th Canadian Siege Battery, Canadian Artillery, Canadian Expeditionary Force was a sub-unit of 1st Canadian Heavy Artillery Group. Their war diary records: YPRES - 3.A.M. to 3.24 a.m. we fired 2? Rounds on Hostile Battery at E 2d 17.92 and at 5.55. a.m. opened up on Barrage as ordered by Groups (S/5/22) 24 Rounds were fired and we ceased fire at 6.19.a.m. At 7.30.p.m. the battery was heavily shelled with H.E.’s 3” and 4.1” Guns followed at intervals by bursts of shrapnel. The bombardment was kept up continuously until 11 P.M. when it slacked to intermittent fire. During this bombardment we had a night task of 50 Rounds to fire followed almost immediately by a barrage of 22 Rounds, nothwithstanding the heavy bombardment both these shots were pulled off without the loss of a single man. The enemy then put over a heavy Gas Barrage compelling all ranks to work in S.B.R’s. 1st Canadian Heavy Artillery Group war diary records: YPRES - Period fairly quiet; batteries in group: 66th, 67th, 256th, 274th S.B. R.G.A. and 7th and 9th Canadian Siege Batteries. Shoots carried out daily on selectecd targets and feint barrages fired by all guns usually twice daily at appointed hours. Hostile aircraft very active both day and night. Large squadrons cross our lines in daylight and bomb horse lines and road traffic in and around YPRES. At night both allied and hostile aircraft carry out raids. Objective of hostile aircraft YPRES and POPERINGE; railway junction close to the HQ been bombed several times. On 4th inst. at 06:00 final barrage preceding the attack on the famous Passchendaele Ridge was commenced. Over 3 000 rds. of 6", 8" and 9.2" shells were expended by batteries of this Group in barrage. The ridge was captured. During the rest of the day numerous hostile batteries were neutralised and S.O.S. lines fired on repeatedly to repel counter-attacks. During the night all enemy roads were searched and swept vigorously. On the 8th inst. 352nd and 177th S.B. R.G.A. entered the group. On the 10th inst. hostile art'y shelled our position with shrapnel and H.E.; no material damage being done. General Officer Commanding, Royal Artillery, Canadian Corps war diary records: IN THE FIELD - Art'y Order #100 issued. 7th and 8th Cdn. Siege Btys. relieved 259th and 33rd Siege Btys. respectively. Bombardment Groups engaged strong points, wire and houses in PASSCHENDAELE. MOORSLEDE was shelled by counter btys. with gas and H.E., who also carried out harassing fire and concentrations on two hostile btys. with gas shell. Hostile art'y carried out intense gas bombardment on our support areas and bty. positions during night and early morning. Quiet throughout the day. 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 2 November 1939 From the war diaries of 85 Heavy Battery, RCA CASF a sub-unit of the 15th (Vancouver) Coast Brigade 2 Nov 1939 – York Island Letter re personal equipment (see App. "E"). Letter re accommodation (see App. "E"). Weather: cloudy with showers. 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 Seventy Eight years ago on 1 November 1939 From the war diaries of 85 Heavy Battery, RCA CASF a sub-unit of the 15th (Vancouver) Coast Brigade 1 Nov 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 1 November 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 very misty in the morning but fair in the afternoon. During the past 24 hours the enemy's aeroplanes have been particularly active in our rear areas and during the night of the 31st/1st enemy planes worked almost continuously from 7.00 pm to 12 pm bombing the areas around YPRES and VLAMERTINGHE. As soon as one squadron disposed of its bombs it appeared to go back to the enemy lines and get a fresh supply. Fortunately no damage was done to any of the battery wagon lines although many of the neighboring lines suffered. Hostile artillery was very active with heavy concentrations in the rear of BELLEVUE Slope. A considerable amount of gas was also projected by the enemy. Our battery positions were heavily gassed during the night. An S.O.S. was sent up about 2.00 am and our batteries opened fire promptly but it would appear that no actual attack developed on our front. Operation Order #118 was issued today outlining preparations to be made for the next attack. 3rd Canadian Divisional Artillery war diary records: CANAL BANK YPRES - Enemy artillery fairly active all day. His counter batteries are becoming more effective and shelled our battery positions with gas during the night. Enemy aeroplanes bombed Rear Areas during the night, and a flight of twenty-one bombed vicinity of batteries and dumps during the day. In accordance with O.O. 149, the C.R.A. 1st Canadian Division relieved the C.R.A. 49th Division, R.A. and took command of the LEFT MAIN GROUP; also the 8th Army Brigade C.F.A. commenced relief of personnel of 38th Army Brigade, R.F.A. NO. OF GUNS IN ACTION – 129 18-pdrs. 45 4.5” Howrs AMMUNITION EXPENDED – A.12256 – AX.6725 – BX .2925 – BCBR. 360 – AS.153 – BS.2 5th Canadian Siege Battery, Canadian Artillery, Canadian Expeditionary Force was a sub-unit of 1st Canadian Heavy Artillery Group. Their war diary records: YPRES - Headquarters at Cloth Hall YPRES, Half Way Billets at St Jean, and Battery at Bussar Farm in C23b 3.4. 4.P.M. tp 4.5 P.M. Fired 10 Rounds in bursts of Fire on line 500 Yards east of R.F.A. Line. Repeated at (?)P.M. to 4.35 P. M. During the night 30 Rounds were fired on VENTURE and VOCATION FARMS. The battery position was heavily shelled with Gas shells but no casualties were reported. 1st Canadian Heavy Artillery Group war diary records: YPRES - Period fairly quiet; batteries in group: 66th, 67th, 256th, 274th S.B. R.G.A. and 7th and 9th Canadian Siege Batteries. Shoots carried out daily on selectecd targets and feint barrages fired by all guns usually twice daily at appointed hours. Hostile aircraft very active both day and night. Large squadrons cross our lines in daylight and bomb horse lines and road traffic in and around YPRES. At night both allied and hostile aircraft carry out raids. Objective of hostile aircraft YPRES and POPERINGE; railway junction close to the HQ been bombed several times. On 4th inst. at 06:00 final barrage preceding the attack on the famous Passchendaele Ridge was commenced. Over 3 000 rds. of 6", 8" and 9.2" shells were expended by batteries of this Group in barrage. The ridge was captured. During the rest of the day numerous hostile batteries were neutralised and S.O.S. lines fired on repeatedly to repel counter-attacks. During the night all enemy roads were searched and swept vigorously. On the 8th inst. 352nd and 177th S.B. R.G.A. entered the group. On the 10th inst. hostile art'y shelled our position with shrapnel and H.E.; no material damage being done. General Officer Commanding, Royal Artillery, Canadian Corps war diary records: IN THE FIELD - 258th and 33rd Siege Btys. left Cdn. Corps for I Corps and XI Corps respectively. 108th Army Bde. R.F.A. left for XIX Corps. Heavy harassing fire and concentrations carried out by our art'y. Counter-batteries attempted destructive shoots, but visibility was bad. 79 hostile btys. neutralised. Hostile art'y was active; forward areas of right division shelled throughout the day, also gas shelling of our 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. |
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