| 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. |
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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. |
| 6 AM | Weather fine – bright. Situation quiet. Wind North. | ||||||
| 10 AM | Marked aeroplane activity on both sides. Hostile artillery occasionally/shelling old Crater line. Operation Order No. 47 by Major W. W. Foster. D.S.O. Act/O.C. 2nd C.M.R.Battalion issued. EXTRACT In accordance with instructions issued by 8th C.I.B. the 2nd C.M.R.Battalion will move from GOODMAN TUNNEL to VILLERS AU BOIS on 25th April,1917., on relief by 52nd Battalion.
Conditions being normal, companies will halt at BERTHOVAL FARM, from which point they will proceed as a Battalion. |
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| 8 PM | Situation quiet – Wind still North. | ||||||
Links to scans:
e001126041.jpg ; e001126042.jpg ; e001126043.jpg
Appendix “A”
SECRET OPERATION ORDER NO: 44 APRIL 7TH, 1917.
by
LIEUT-COL. G.C.JOHNSTON – COMM’DG 2ND C.M.R.BN.
MAP REFERENCE :- VIMY SHEET 36 CSW 3 1/10,000
FIRST ARMY LA FOLIE FARM 1/5000
FIRST ARMY PETIT VIMY 1/5000
| 1) | The Canadian Corps will, at a time and date to be notified later, in conjunction with a larger operation by the Third Army on the RIGHT, attack and capture VIMY RIDGE. The 3rd Canadian Division will attack with two Brigades in Line and one in Reserve.
The 5th C. I. B. will attack on RIGHT of 8th C. I. B. |
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| 2) | (a) First Intermediative Objective (Black Line) junction of SWISCHEN STELLUNG and PRINZ ARNOLF GRABEN (S.29. C.2.5) thence along SWISCHEN STELLUNG to its junction with ARTILLERIE WEG (S 28 b 6.1/2 .7) – ARTILLERIE WEG inclusive by this Brigade.(b) FINAL OBJECTIVE (RED LINE) LILLE ROAD at S 29 d 7.4 thence North East to the road running parallel to S.W. edge of BOIS DE LA FOLIE from junction of SUNKEN ROADS in S 29a 8.8., to S 29 a 6.8. The South West edge of BOIS DE LA FOLIE to be held by Strong Points, with a line of supporting points which will eventually be joined up, about 100 yards West of the Road. The BOIS DE BONVAL will be inclusive to this Brigade, who will be responsible for keeping touch with the 2nd Canadian Division. (c) Dividing points between Battalions:- (1) On the first objective. (2) On FINAL OBJECTIVE. |
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| 3) (1) | The 1st C.M.R. will attack on the RIGHT, the 2nd C.M.R., on the CENTRE., and the 4th C.M.R., on the LEFT: Each Battalion on a one Company front. The 1st C.M.R., will be reinforced by one Company of the 5th C.M.R. The 5th C.M.R., less one Company, will be in RESERVE. “B” COMPANY will attack and take the first line system, and be responsible for its own mopping up. A small garrison will [be] left between the SUNKEN ROAD end of PRINZ ARNOLF GRABEN and the front line tunnel entrance to take care of any developements: The remainder of the Company will be re-organized and follow up with materials in rear of the 4th Wave, to SWISCHEN STELLUNG and report to the O.C. “C” Company. “C” COMPANY will pass through “B” COMPANY and take the SWISCHEN STELLUNG. “D” COMPANY WILL PASS THROUGH “C” COMPANY and take FICKLE TRENCH and LA FOLIE FARM. “A” COMPANY will pass through “D” to RIGHT of LA FOLIE FARM to the ultimate objective. After capturing FICKLE “D” Company will move forward to Support of “A” COMPANY. “C” COMPANY will then occupy FICKLE, and will assist in establishing STRONG POINTS and consolidating the ultimative objective. After the ultimate objective is achieved and when the Artillery barrage permits, the O.C. “A” Company will push forward strong patrols towards PETIT VIMY, with the object of discovering strength of enemy: these patrols will, as much as possible, be covered by a machine gun barrage. |
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| (4) | At ZERO and 30 seconds, two WOMBATS, one on LEFT and one on RIGHT of CHASSERY will be blown, all ranks must be informed as to this. | |||||||||||||||||||||
| (5) | Two Vickers Guns will move forward in rear of “C” Company to SWISCHEN: from there, as soon as the situation permits, they will move forward to Support Line in rear of LA FOLIE ROAD. Battalion Colt Guns will be sent forward as soon as possible to ultimate objective, and will come under orders of O.C. Ultimate objective. |
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| (6) | Two Stokes Guns will move forward in rear of “C” COMPANY. One Platoon of “A” COMPANY will carry STOKES SHELLS for the Guns as far as SWISCHEN, the platoon will then refrom and rejoin its company as it passes through. | |||||||||||||||||||||
| (7) | Artillery programme will be issued separately. | |||||||||||||||||||||
| (8) | The Battalion will establish the following strong points:- “A” COMPNY at S 29 B 6.3. to hold one platoon. “A” and “D” COMPANIES support line from S 29 B 1.8. to 2.2 (100 yards behind LA FOLIE ROAD) to hold three platoons and four Machine Guns. FICKLE TRENCH will be immediately consolidated as a Reserve Trench, with SWISCHEN to be used for thinning out. |
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| (9) | “C” COMPANY will send four guides (in couples) back from SWISCHEN to report at Headquarters 4th C.M.R., in GOODMAN TUNNELL, for purpose of guiding carrying parties forward. “D” COMPANY will send four guides (in couples) back to Company H.Qrs in SWISCHEN for purpose of guiding carrying parties forward. Carrying parties referred to in this paragraph, will be from 5th C.M.R. |
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| (10) | After the final objective has been taken, the following advanced H.Qrs, and Report Centres will be established. Brigade in PRINZ ARNOLF GRABEN at S 29 C.1.6. RIGHT BATTALION SPANDAUER HAUS at S 29 C.2.7. CENTRE BATTALION in SWISCHEN STELLUNG S 29 l 0.5. LEFT BATTALION in FLAPPER TRENCH at S 28 b 1.4. |
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| (11) | YZ Night.The Battalion will assemble in the jumping off trenches as allotted to Companies and Details in preliminary instructions. | |||||||||||||||||||||
| (12) |
GOODMAN TUNNEL will only be used for IN traffic, except for Runners. |
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| (13) | Battalion Reserve Dumps will be in dug-outs in Front Line at S 28 C.3.2. and S28 C 2.5. for ammunition and rations. In support line at S 28 C 1.2. for engineering material. |
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| (14) | All ranks must be warned that they are to drink no water or captured drinks of any kind until labelled as “safe” by M.O. | |||||||||||||||||||||
| (15) | Signalling arrangements issued separately to B.S.O. | |||||||||||||||||||||
| (16) | R.A.P., will be at WHITE CITY CAVE. O.C. “B” COMPANY will detail an Officer to select a R.A.P., in the captured first line system and will send locations and guide to Battalion H.Q., when this is done. | |||||||||||||||||||||
| (17) | Small guards only are necessary to conduct prisoners to the rear, a receipt from the M.M.P., must be taken for the numbers of prisoners (if any) handed over. | |||||||||||||||||||||
| (18) | Kit and equipment will be as laid down in preliminary instructions. Tools and rations will be as laid down in preliminary instructions. | |||||||||||||||||||||
| (19) | Two guides from the 5th C.M.R., will be attached to “C” COMPANY Headquarters and will move forward with them. | |||||||||||||||||||||
| (20) | Engineers will be attached to Companies as follows:-
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| (21) | ACKNOWLEDGE.
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Link to scan: e001126031.jpg
| 6 AM | Weather very dull and rain at intervals. |
| 8 AM | Situation Normal – Wind North. |
| 2 PM | Our artillery very active all day on enemy wire – strong points and trenches and our heavy Trench Mortars doing good work on wire in front of enemy position. |
| 5 PM | Hostile artillery activity on our Support Lines – No casualties. Wind still North. |
| 8 PM | “A” and “C” Companies left VILLERS AU BOIS for front line – Weather very stormy and continual heavy rain. |
| 10 PM | Battalion Operation Order by Lieut-Col. G. C. Johnston. M.C. Commanding, issued. |
…
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EXTRACT FROM BATTALION OPERATION ORDER NO: 44 |
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| MAP REFERENCE – | VIMY SHEET 36 SW 3 1/10000 | APRIL 7TH, 1917 |
| FIRST ARMY – LA FOLIE FARM 1/5000 | ||
| FIRST ARMY – PETIT VIMY 1/5000 | ||
…
| (1) The Canadian Corps, will at time and date to be notified later, in conjunction with a larger operation by the THIRD ARMY on the RIGHT, attack and capture VIMY RIDGE. The 3rd Canadian Division will attack with two Brigades in line and one in Reserve. 8th Can. Inf. Brigade on the RIGHT. 7th Can. Inf. Brigade on the LEFT. 9th Can. Inf. Brigade in RESERVE. The 5th Canadian Infantry Brigade will attack on RIGHT of 8th Canadian Infantry Brigade. OPERATION ORDER NO: 44 ATTACHED – APPENDIX “A”
|
Tue., Mar 20, 1917 MAISNIL – les- RUITZ Hdqrs.at Rue D’Ohlain
| 8.45 a.m. | In accordance with orders from 8th. Canadian Infantry Brigade and Battalion Operation Orders No. 42 the following dispositions were made:- |
Link to scan: e001126019.jpg
| 8.45 a.m. | H.Q. Staff – “A” Company – “C” Company – Signals Scouts – Bombers – Pioneers – Medical – (With) necessary Transport.) | ) ) ) |
Will move from MAISNIL-les-RUITZ to FORRESTER CAMP (Villers au Bois) on 20th. March, 1917. |
| “B” Company – “D” Company – Band – Machine Gun Section – Q.M. Staff – Transport. | ) ) |
Will remain at MAISNIL-les-RUITZ. till 22nd. March, 1917. | |
| All ranks remaining in MAISNIL-les-RUITZ, will be under Command of Major S.B. Van Kleeck. | |||
Link to scan: e001126009.jpg
Tue., Feb 13, 1917 HEAD QRS CHATEAU ESTREE CAUCHIE
| 9 AM | Advance parties proceeded from ESTREE CAUCHIE to take over new billets at MAISNIL – LES – RUITZ at 9.00 A.M. |
| 11.30 | The Battalion left ESTREE CAUCHIE at 11.30 A.M., to take over new billets at MAISNIL – LES – RUITZ. Destination reached at 3.00 P.M. |
HEAD QRS MAISNIL-LES–RUITZ
| 5.PM | Battalion Operation Order No.40 – by Lieut-Col. Johnston – Comm’dg., issued.
———EXTRACT————— In accordance with 8th Canadian Infantry brigade Operation Order No. 77., dated February 8th, 1917. , the 2nd C.M.R.Battalion will move from MAISNIL – LES – RUITZ on 14th February, 1917 – to RAIMBERT. Route will be via HALLICOURT: PLACE A BRUAY: MARLES – LES – MINES: LOZINGHEM and AUCHEL. Companies and Details will fall in outside respective billets, at 8.45 A.M. ready to move off. —————————o————————- |
Link to scan: e001126007.jpg
Sun., Feb 11, 1917 HEAD QRS ARIANE
| Battalion Operation Order No.38 by Lieut-Col. G.C.Johnston – Comm’dg., issued.
—– EXTRACT. —– In accordance with 8th Canadian Infantry Brigade Operation Order No.77., dated 8th February, 1917., the 2nd C.M.R.Battalion will be relieved by the 27th Infantry Battalion – 6th Canadian Infantry Brigade on February 12th, 1917. |
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“A” Company – 2nd C.M.R.Battalion will be relieved by one Company 27th Battalion at ECOIVRES. “B” Company – 2nd C.M.R.Battalion will be relieved by one Company 27th Battalion at SUNKEN ROAD. “C” Company – 2nd C.M.R.Battalion will be relieved by one Company 27th Battalion at ECOIVRES. “D” Company – 2nd C.M.R.Battalion will be relieved by one Company 27th Battalion at ARIANE. Headquarters, Advance, will be relieved by Headquarters 27th Battalion at ARIANE. Headquarters, Rear, will be relieved by Headquarters 27th Battn., at MONT ST. ELOY. ————————————————-o—————————————————— |
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| On completion of respective reliefs, companies will proceed independently to Billets at ESTREE CAUCHIE via MONT St. ELOY.The following moves will be made by this Battalion on February 13th – 14th. |
…
|
DATE. |
FROM |
TO |
ROUTE |
TIME OF START. |
|
February 13th. |
ESTREE CAUCHIE |
MAISNIL – LES – RUITZ |
REBREUVE |
2.10 P.M. |
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February 14th. |
MAISNIL – LES – RUITZ |
RAIMBERT |
HALLICOURT PLACE A BRUAY MARLES – LES – MINES STATION. LOZINGHEM. AUCHEL |
9.00 A.M. |
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Fri., Feb 2, 1917 HEAD QRS BOIS DES ALLEAUX
| 6 AM | Weather fine – some snow during night. |
| 9 AM | In accordance with Battalion Operation Order No.37., “B” and “D” Companies – 2nd C.M.R.Battalion left BOIS des Alleaux for the trenches – ARIANE – relieving the 1st C.M.R. Battalion., route via MONT ST. ELOY and MAROEUIL. |
| 4 PM | Relief complete – no casualties.Forward Headquarters established at ARIANE – A. 20.D.4.5. North West of ECURIE. |
ARIANE A20.D.4.5.
| From February 2nd, 1917 to February 11th, 1917 – “B” COMPANY (SUNKEN ROAD) – “D” COMPANY (ARIANE) furnished working parties burying cable. During this tour the Battalion had only one casualty – one man wounded. |
OFFICERS ON DUTY DURING TOUR.
Lieut-Col. G. C. JOHNSTON – Comm’dg.
Major L. W. MILLER – Adjutant
Lieut. R. C. SPINKS
——————o———————-
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“B” COMPANY Lieut. D. U. CAMERON Lieut. C. J. LEWIS Lieut. H. M. GARDINER Lieut. J. M. MacKENZIE |
“D” COMPANY Major. [S]N. B. VAN KLEECK Lieut. P. J. HEINEKEY Lieut. C. P. STEER |
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——————o———————- |
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Sun., Jan 21, 1917 A.28b.7.8.
| 6 AM | Weather fine – cold. |
| 10 AM | Wind North East – Situation quiet. |
| 3 PM | Enemy trench mortars and artillery quiet. |
| 5 PM | At enemy signals, heavy trench mortar bombardment started all along Battalion frontage until about 5.15 P.M. Very little damage done to trenches – our casualties 7 wounded. Our artillery open fire on enemy positions with heavy calibre guns very effectively. |
| 8 PM | Situation Normal – Wind still North East. |
Battalion Operation Order by Major G.C. JOHNSTON – Commanding 2nd C.M.R. Battalion issued.
EXTRACT FROM BATTALION OPERATION ORDER NO. 36.
| In accordance with 8th Canadian Infantry Brigade Operation Order No.74 – the 1st C.M.R. Battalion will relieve the 2nd C.M.R. Battalion in R 2 sub-sector on January 23rd ,1917. |
| On completion of above relief, Companies and Sections of 2nd C.M.R. Battalion will proceed to Billets at MONT ST. ELOY – route will be via ANNIVERSAIR TRENCH and MAROEUIL. |
| Companies will assemble at MAROEUIL. |
Mon., Jan 15, 1917 A.28b.7.8.
| 6 AM | Weather cold – freezing. |
| 10 AM | Wind North East – Situation quiet. |
| 2 PM | Snowing slightly. |
| 6 PM | Battalion Operation Order No. 34 by Major G. C. Johnston – Commanding 2nd C.M.R. Battalion issued. |
| 6 PM | Working party of 60 men engaged on general trench repairs. |
| 10 PM | Situation quiet. |
EXTRACT FROM BATTALION OPERATION ORDER NO. 34
| “A” Company – 2nd C.M.R. relieves “C” Company – 5th C.M.R. | LEFT FRONT. |
| “B” Company – 2nd C.M.R. relieves “B” Company – 5th C.M.R. | CENTRE |
| “C” Company – 2nd C.M.R. relieves “D” Company – 5th C.M.R. | RIGHT FRONT. |
| “D” Company – 2nd C.M.R. relieves “A” Company – 5th C.M.R. | SUPPORT. |
| H. Qrs Section “ “ H. Qrs Section “ | LILLE POST. |
2nd CMR 
