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Welcome to the [ongoing] 2nd CMR Diary transcription and Blog site.
Each historic entry will be posted on the actual anniversary of the 1914-18 date, so please use the category menu on the right to find a diary for a specific date 100 years later. Alternatively, you can use key words in the search box, or make use of the tag cloud to see a collection of entries.

Congratulatory Messages

Link to scan: e001126039.jpg

CONGRATULATORY MESSAGES

The following message has been received from Sir Edward Kemp, Minister of Militia, by the Corps Commander:-

“The troops still in Canada awaiting their opportunity to join their comrades at the front; the young Canadians who are about to enlist and the officers and men who have been deprived of the previlege of participating in active operations at the front but who have devoted themselves to the task of raising and organizing the Canadian Expeditionary Force; on behalf of all these I extend to yourself and the officers and men under your command their warmest congratulations, in which I heartily concur, upon the splendid and inspiring victory of Canadians at VIMY RIDGE”.

To which reply has been sent:-

“Your inspiring message has been communicated to all ranks of the Canadian Corps . All have warmest appreciation of the patriotism of those Canadians not serving with the Corps, whose work have made the success of the Corps possible and hope for a continuance of that success in the future”.

(SIGNED) GENERAL BYNG.

The following message has been received from Sir William Hearst, Prime Minister of Ontario:-

“Government and people of Ontario heartily congratulate Canadians on their glorious achievement and thank them for their magnificent service to the Empire and to Civilization.  Ontario rejoices that her sons have again proved worthy of the best traditions of our race.  Our country is thrilled by story of great victory which will be an immortal inspiration to noble deeds and is assurance of final overthrow of tyranny”

The following reply has been despatched:-

“I thank you in the name of the Canadian Corps for your telegram of congratulation. Of the many received none is more appreciated.

(SIGNED)   GENERAL BYNG.

 

Link to scan: e001126040.jpg

CONGRATULATORY MESSAGES continued

The following received from HON. N. W. Rowell, Toronto:-

“Heartiest congratulations on magnificent success in capturing VIMY RIDGE.  We are all proud of splendid achievement of our Canadians under your Command.”

To which reply has been sent:-

“Our warmest thanks for your kind telegram.  All ranks appreciate your interest and encouragement.”

(SIGNED) GENERALM BYNG.

The following, from the Rt.Hon. W. H. Long. Colonial Office, LONDON:-

“My warmest congratulations to the Canadian Troops under your Command in their brilliant exploit in the capture of VIMY RIDGE”.
To which reply, as follows, has been despatched:-

“Your kind message much appreciated”

(SIGNED) GENERAL BYNG.

The following telegram has been received from F.M. H.R.H. The Duke of Coanaught.

“Warmest congratulations great success Canadian Corps”.
to which reply has been sent:-

“YOur Royal Highness’ message most gratefully received”.

(SIGNED) GENERAL BYNG.

29th April 1917: Diary

Sun., Apr 29, 1917   VILLERS AU BOIS.

9 AM Company parades etc.
2 PM Companies engaged on cleaning camping area etc.
10 PM Battalion Operation Order No.48 by Lieut-Coo. G.C. Johnston. M.C. issued.

EXTRACT

In accordance with 8th C.I.B. Operation order No.85 dated 29th April,1917., the 2nd C.M.R. Battalion will move forward to GOODMAN TUNNEL on 30th April,1917.

26th April 1917: Diary

Thu., Apr 26, 1917   VILLERS AU BOIS.

9 AM Weather fine – Company parade and inspection of kits and equipment,
2 OM Bathing parades held at VILLERS AU BOIS during afternoon.  Remainder of the day devoted to cleaning kit etc.