The COMPLETE War Diary of the 72nd Battalion, CEF 1916 - 1919 EXTRAS : Various other unspecified documents attached SCANNED AND ATTACHED TO MEDIA SUMMARY January 16. 1916- Battalion finally inspected by Brig.-Gen. John Hughes. April 16, 1916- Battalion attended final Church Service at Hastings Park and left for overseas. April 21, 1916- Battalion reached Ottawa and marched past and was inspected by H.R.H. the Duke of Connaught. April 23, 1916- Battalion reached Halifax. N. S., and embarked on Empress of Britain. May 4, 1916- Battalion reached Liverpool. May 5, 1916- Battalion disembarked, and took train to Liphook, and marched to Bramshott Camp. May 8, 1916- Battalion inspected by Major-Gen. David Watson, C.B. May 24, 1916- Battalion inspected and very favourably commented upon by Field Marshal Viscount French. June 18, 1916- A draft of 150 men left for France, who went to the 16th Canadian Scottish. July 1, 1916- 4th Division inspected by King George. July, 1916- 4th Division inspected by Right Hon. Lloyd George, and Lt Gen. Sir Sam Hughes. Lloyd George delivered an address to the Officers of the Division. July, 1916- On account of its efficiency the Battalion was selected from the 4th Canadian Division to furnish a guard of honour to His Majesty the King on the occasion of his visit to Aldershot. August 12, 1916- Battalion left Bramshott for Le Havre. August 13, 1916- Battalion reached Le Havre. August 14, 1916- Battalion entrained for the front. August 15, 1916- Battalion arrived at Hopoutre (near Poperinghe, Belgium). August 18, 1916- "C" and "D" Companies marched to Ypres. August 19, 1916- "C" and "D" Companies returned to Erie Camp. August 21, 1916- Battalion moved to Patricia Lines. August 24, 1916- Battalion moved on to Chippewa Camp. August 26, 1916- Battalion moved into the line near Kemmel for a four days' tour of instruction. August 30, 1916- Battalion went to Chippewa Camp for a four-day rest. September 3, 1916- Battalion relieved the Lancashires in the trenches in front of Kemmel. September 16, 1916- The first raid of the Battalion was carried out-a complete success. September 19, 1916- Battalion relieved by The Munsters. September 21, 1916- The 4th Canadian Division began its march to the Somme. Battalion Billeted: 21st West Outre, 22nd Hazebrouck, 23rd Arcque, 24th Houle. October 4, 1916- Battalion marched from Houle to Arcque, and took train to Candas, and marched from there to Longue Vilette. Billeted: Oct. 4 Longue Vilette, 5 Montrelet. 6 Herlssart, 7 to 9 Warloy. 10 Tara Hlll. TRENCH TOURS ON THE SOMME October 26. 1916- Battalion moved into line. Going into support in Sugar Trench when it relieved a Battalion of the 10th Brigade. October 30, 1916- Battalion moved into front line trenches for three days in Regina Trench. November 2, 1916- Battalion ' relieved by 78th Battalion and moved into Brigade Reserve. November 3. 1916- Battalion moved into Divisional Reserve at Bouzincourt. November 11. 1916- Battalion again moved into the front line. November 13, 1916- Battalion relieved by 54th and 47th Battalions and moved back into Brigade Reserve at X 9 a. November 15. 1916- Battalion moved to Bouzincourt. November 20. 1916- Battalion moved back to front line. November 26. 1916- Battalion relieved by 78th Battalion and moved to Pozteres. VIMY RIDGE OPERATIONS November 27. 1916- Battalion began its march northwards to Vimy Ridge area. Billeted: Nov. 28 to 29 Harponville 30 Amplier Dec. 1 Bonnieres 2 Ecoivres 3 Ostrevflle 4 to 21 Haillicourt December 22. 1916- Battalion marched to Camblain l'Abbe. December 24. 1916- Battalion commences first tour in trenches of Vimy Ridge on Christmas Eve. December 29, 1916- Battalion relieved by 38th Battalion and moved to Brigade Reserve at Cambligneul. January 1, 1917-- Battalion dinner. Brig.-Gen. J. H. MacBrien spoke. January 5, 1917- Battalion moved into front line again. January 11, 1917- Battalion relieved by 38th. January 17, 1917- Battalion moved back to front line to snow-covered trenches. January 23, 1917- Battalion relieved by 38th. January 29, 1917- Battalion moved back to front lone. February 5, 1917- Battalion was relieved by 38th. Reserve at Verdrel for training. February 12, 1917-- Battalion moved back to front line trenches, relieving 38th. February 12, 1917- Lieut.-Col. J. A. Clark left the Battalion to proceed, as the sole Canadian representative on the British mission to Italy. Battalion moved into front line, relieving 38th. February 16, 1917- "B" Company's phenomenally successful raid. February 18, 1917- Battalion relieved by 38th and moved to Verdrel. Lieuts. G. Reid, J. Acheson, A. G. Mackie, A. H. Finlay and M. M. Townley reported for duty, having obtained commissions from the ranks. February 25, 1917- Battalion moved back to the front line, relieving 38th. March 1, 1917- Divisional gas raid took place. March 3, 1917- Two German officers (carrying white flag) proposed an armistice to bury the dead. Battalion relieved. March 4, 1917- Lieut.-Col. J. A. Clark returned from Italy. March 7, 1917- Battalion moved to Bouvigny Huts. March 8, 1917- Preliminary practices for the attack on Vimy Ridge commenced. March 10, 1917- Brigade sports held at Château de la Hale. March 11, 1917- Battalion moved back to front line, relieving 102nd Battalion. March 15, 1917- Battalion relieved by 73rd Battalion and marched to Niagara Camp, Château de la Haie. March 19, 1917 Battalion relieved the 47th Battalion. March 29, 1917- Battalion relieved by 73rd Battalion and moved to Brigade Support In Arras Alley and Bajolle Support line. March 30, 1917- Battalion relieved 73rd Battalion in front line trenches. April 4, 1917- Battalion relieved by 73rd Battalion and moved back to Brigade Reserve at Château de la Hale. April 7, 1917- Battalion held a Decoration Parade. Decorations presented by Major-General Sir David Watson. April 8, 1917- Attack finally rehearsed and Church Parade held.in the evening the Battalion moved into Gobron Tunnel on Vimy Ridge. April 9, 1917- Vimy Ridge falls before Canadian attack. April 13, 1917- Battalion makes final sweep over north end of Vimy Ridge, capturing the northern heights and driving the enemy some two miles out into the fiat country beyond. Battalion relieved and moved back to Chateau de la Haie. SUMMER OF 1917 April 17, 1917- Lieut.-Col. Clark took over command of the Brigade in the absence of Brig.-Gen. MacBrien, who had been wounded on April 13th. April 24, 1917- 72nd Battalion moved Into Brigade Support in the Vimy Angres Line. April 28, 1917- Battalion took over front line, relieving 38th. Lt Col. Clark resumed command of Battalion. May 2, 1917- Battalion relieved by 38th Battalion and moved to Brigade Support in Zouave Valley. May 6, 1917- Battalion went forward and relieved 38th Battalion. May 9, 1917- Battalion relieved by 85th Battalion and moved into Brigade Support at Tottenham Caves on Vimy Ridge. May 12, 1917- Brigade relieved and Battalion moved to Comox Camp. May 16, 1917- Battalion moved forward to Zouave Valley. May 20, 1917- Battalion moved forward to front line. May 22, 1917- Enemy reported to be vacating their positions. Block in Cyril Trench raided. May 24, 1917- Battalion relieved by 38th Battalion and moved back to Givenchy. May 28, 1917- Battalion relieved by 44th Battalion and moved back to Chateau de la Haie, where first of 231st Battalion reinforcements were awaiting them. June 4, 1917- Brigade parade held, decorations presented, and sports held. 72nd Battalion winning. In the evening the Battalion moved to a tent camp near Berthonval Wood, and the same evening was bombed by hostile aeroplanes while in camp. June 5, 1917- Battalion moved for cover to Berthonval Wood, and camp was named Seaforth Camp. June 6, 1917- All available officers of the 4th Division 'went to Chateau de la Haie to bid goodbye to Sir Julian Byng. June 13 and 14, 1917- Divisional sports held-Battalion won. June 14, 1917- Battalion moved to front line, relieving 38th. June 19, 1917- Battalion relieved by 44th Battalion and moved back to Château de la Haie. June 21, 1917- Corps sports held. June 24, 1917- A Brigade practice for an attack on La Coulotte was inspected by Corps Commander; a joint Church Parade held with 85th Battalion and decorations were presented. June 25, 1917- First Army Horse Show held at Chateau de la Haie. Duke of Connaught being present. In the evening the Battalion moved forward to front line, relieving 44th and 47th Battalions. June 26 to 28, 1917- Battalion attacked and captured Quebec and Avion trenches, Saskatoon Road and Eleu trenches. July 1, 1917- Dominion Day. Salvoes from guns. In the evening the Battalion was relieved. July 2, 1917- A further draft of 150 received from the 231st Battalion. July 20, 1917- 72nd Tug of war team went to Paris to compete in sports and won the championship of the Allied Armies. July 25, 1917- Tug of war team returned victorious. The Battalion relieved the 43rd Battalion on the Avion front and commenced the longest tour in its history. July 30, 1917- Battalion was relieved by 38th and moved back to support in the Red Line. August 4, 1917- Battalion relieved the 38th Battalion in the front line. August 9, 1917- Battalion relieved by 38th and moved back to support in the Red Line. August 10, 1917- Two patrols sent out with ammonal tubes to destroy enemy's wire. August 13, 1917- Battalion relieved the 38th Battalion in the front line. August 16, 1917- The Canadian Divisions north of the Souchez captured HilI 70, and attacked the defenses of Lens. August 18, 1917- Sgt 129878 M. K. McLennan "held up" while supervising a working party in No Man's Land by a member of a German patrol. The latter died for his Fatherland. August 19, 1917-· Raiding party under Lieut. J. B. Rose carried out a most gallant raid against the Red Chateau in Avion. August 20, 1917- Battalion relieved by 38th and moved back into support in the Red Line. August 27, 1917- Battalion relieved 38th in front line. August 29, 1917- Enemy attempted to raid Battalion in the Avion sector, but were repulsed with losses by the courageous action of No. 466433 Cpl. S. Findlater. September 2, 1917-- Battalion relieved by 50th Battalion and moved to Chateau de la Haie, completing its longest tour. September 6, 1917-- Inter-Battalion sports held and dinner in evening to Major W. A. J. Marshall. September 7, 1917-- Battalion moved to Alberta Camp near Souchez Corner. September 11, 1917- Battalion moved forward into support, reI1evlng 50th Battalion in the Red Line and Partridge Trench. September 14, 1917- Battalion relieved the 38th Battalion in the front line, with headquarters at "Piano" dugout. September 19, 1917-- Battalion relieved and moved back to Chateau de la Haie. September 23, 1917-- Battalion took part in a Brigade Church Parade and march past before the Brigade Commander, who presented decorations. September 24, 1917-- Practices held for an attack on Sallumines Hill, planned for October 15th. Sports also held during this rest. September 29, 1917-- Corps championship sports held at V11lers-au-Bois. October 3, 1917-- The Sallumines practices were discontinued indefinitely. October 4, 1917- Sallumines operation cancelled. PASSCHENDAELE OPERATIONS October 5, 1917-- Brigade began to move north to Steenbecque, but 72nd Battalion quarantined for diphtheria. . October 10, 1917- Battalion and quarantined men moved to Bruay to take their place in the Brigade for the northward march. October 12, 1917-- Battalion entrained for Steenbecque and marched from there to Thiennes. October 13, 1917-- Battalion marched to Wallon Cappel. October 17, 1917-- Fifty officers and other ranks went to Poperinghe to see a model of the ground covered by proposed operations. October 20, 1917-- A transport competition was held. October 22, 1917- The Duke of Connaught inspected the Brigade, and the Battalion marched past. October 23, 1917- Battalion moved to the Brandhoek area. October 28, 1917- Battalion took over the front line. October 30, 1917- 72nd captures Crest Farm. November 2, 1917- Battalion relieved by 21st Battalion. November 3, 1917- The fighting troops reached the transport lines at Potizje, and Battalion marched to Ypres, took train for Caestre and marched to billets at Pradelles. November 5, 1917- Brigade Inspected by the Corps Commander. November 11, 1917-- Church Parade disturbed by approach of bombing plane. November 17, 1917- Brigade began to march south. November 19, 1917- Reached Auchel. November 27, 1917- Battalion platoon marching and firing competition held. November 30, 1917- Battalion marched to Pernes, inspected en route by the Divisional Commander. December 15, 1917- Brigade sports and competition in marching and firing. December 17, 1917- Battalion marched to Canada Camp, Bois de la Haie. December 18, 1917- Battalion moved into support, relieving 1st Canadian Battalion in Glvenchy. December 20, 1917- Battalion moved forward t2 trenches in neighbourhood of La Coulotte with Battalion headquarters in Piano Dugout. December 23, 1917- Divisional marching and firing competition took place at Pernes in which No. 14 Platoon participated. December 25, 1917- Battalion's second Christmas in the field. December 29, 1917- Battalion · relieved by 50th Battalion and went to Vancouver Camp, Château de la Haie. December 31, 1917- New Year's dinner served to men of the Battalion and Theatre visited. January 1, 1918- Church Parade and decorations presented. In evening officers had a New Year's dinner. January 9, 1918- Battalion moved into support in the Acheville Sector, relieving the 102nd Battalion. January 14, 1918- Battalion relieved 38th in front line. January 19, 1918- Battalion relieved by 24th Canadian Battalion and returned to Château de la Haie by train. January 30, 1918- Battalion moved into support in the Cite du Moulin sector under the command of Major G. H. Kirkpatrick. February 4, 1918- Battalion relieved 38th in front line. February 10, 1918- Battalion relieved by 47th and went to billets in Gouy Servins by light railway. February 18, 1918- Battalion marched to rest billets in Lozinghem for training. March 6, 1918- Battalion inspected by Corps Commander, Lieut.-Gen. Sir A. W. Currie, K.C.B. March 11, 1918- Lewis gun and rifle competitions. March 12, 1918- Battalion marched to the huts at Hersin Coupigny. March 13, 1918- Marched into support in Cite St. Pierre. Relieving the 16th Battalion, Canadian Scottish. March 18, 1918- Battalion relieved 78th Battalion in front line. March 21, 1918- Enemy commenced his last great advance in the west. March 22, 1918- Canadian gas projection on Lens and heavy barrage on enemy's part. March 23, 1918- Battalion relieved in front line by 78th Battalion and moved back to support in Cite St. Pierre and Cite Calonne. March 27, 1918- Battalion relieved by 8th Sherwood Foresters and moved back to Fosse 10, Salns-en-Gohelle. March 28, 1918- Kilts re-issued to Battalion, and orders for a further move, but orders changed, and Battalion marched to Verdrel, being inspected en route by Corps Commander, and then entrained for Cubit Camp, Neuville St. Vaast. March 29, 1918- Battalion relieved 6th and 7th Londons and 8th Battalion Middlesex Regiment of the 56th Imperial Division in front line of Gavrelle sector, opposing fresh German attack north of the Scarpe. March 29-April 4, 1918- Strenuous tour-continuation of the assault north of the Scarpe by the enemy momentarily expected. April 4, 1918- Battalion relieved by 47th Battalion and moved back to Wakefield Camp, north of Arras. April 7, 1918- Great German attack in Valley of Lys opened. April 9, 1918- Dinner given by the Battalion officers at the Ecurie Club, at which were present Lieut.-Gen. Sir A. W. Currie, Major-Gen. D. Watson, Brig.-Gen. MacBrien, etc., 90 in all. April 10, 1918- Battalion moved into support in the Bailleul sector, relieving the 75th Battalion. April 12, 1918- Redistribution of troops on Canadian Corps front necessitated changes. April 16, 1918- One of our posts raided by the enemy who were repulsed. April 17-18, 1918- Lieut. J. R. S. Lough commanded a patrol which raided the enemy's front line trenches under most difficult circumstances and inflicted many casualties on the enemy. On the same night a raid was conducted under command of Lieut. C. C. Ferrie occasioning rapid withdrawal of the enemy so that contact was not established. April 18, 1918- Battalion relieved by 78th Battalion in the front line and moved into support behind the railway embankment in front of Farbus Wood. April 22, 1918- Battalion again moved into front line relieving 78th. April 25, 1918- Spirited raid under Lieut. Hanson against Brandon trench north of Arleux, in which many casualties were inflicted on the enemy. April 28, 1918- Battalion relieved by 78th and moved back to Brigade Reserve at Hill's Camp, Neuville St. Vaast. CANADIAN CORPS IN TRAINING FOR FINAL OFFENSIVE May 6, 1918- Battalion moved to Conteville. May 12, 1918- Church service held and decorations presented. May 18, 1918- Battalion moved to Ostreville. May 25, 1918- Battalion moved to Auchel June 7, 1918- Battalion taken to Enguinegatte to witness tank demonstration. June 8, 1918- Battalion sports held at Auchel. July 1, 1918- Corps sports held at Tincques, a magnificent spectacle. Splendidly organized and staged. July 2, 1918- Battalion paraded with the Brigade at Ferfay, and was inspected by Corps Commander, who was accompanied by Sir Robert Borden and Sir George Perley. July 6, 1918- About 400 of Battalion went to Tincques to a Highland gathering of a very comprehensive character at which the 72nd won the Lovat Cup in face of competition from 25 other Highland units of the British Army. July 11, 1918- Battalion entrained for Maroeull and marched to Balmoral Camp, near Neuville St. Vaast. July 19, 1918- Battalion relieved the 1st Canadian Battalion in the front line in the Fampoux Sector. July 24, 1918- A stealth raid was carried out, in daylight, against the' Boche lines under Lieut. J. McDonald, and valuable identifications secured. July 26, 1918- Battalion relieved by 86th Battalion and moved back into support. July 31, 1918- Battalion relieved by the King's Liverpool Regiment and a Battalion of the Munsters. SECRET MOVE SOUTH August 2, 1918- Battalion moved by march and bus to Aubigny where it entrained. The transport received orders to march to an unknown destination. August 3, 1918- Detrained at Hangest-sur-Somme and marched to Warlus. August 4, 1918- Marched to Pissy. August 5, 1918- Marched to Clairy-Saulchoix. August 7, 1918- Reached Boves Wood. BEGINNING OF THE END August 8, 1918- Amiens operation. German salient in the south utterly smashed by British and French. August 10, 1918- 72nd attacked and captured Maucourt and Chilly. August 12, 1918- Battalion relieved by the 20th Battalion. August 17, 1918- Battalion again moved forward to reserve positions, headquarters at Rosieres. August 24, 1918- Battalion relieved by 3rd Battalion of 88th Reserve Infantry (French) and moved back to Gentelles Wood. August 27, 1918- Battalion entrained at Longueau, detrained at Maroeuil and marched to Anzin. August 29, 1918- Battalion moved to Orange Hill. August 31, 1918- Battalion moved forward and took over the front line south of Vis-en-Artois from the 3rd Battalion in readiness for the attack on the Drocourt-Queant line. September 2, 1918- The Drocourt-Queant line, the northern portion of "impregnable" Hindenburg line, astride the Arras-Cambrai Road, taken by 72nd Battalion. September 5, 1918- Battalion moved back to trenches west of Triangle Wood. Lieut.-Col. Clark left Battalion to take Over 7th Brigade; Major G. H. Kirkpatrick taking command. September 8, 1918- Battalion moved back to Wailly, near Arras. September 18, 1918- Corps Commander inspected Brigade. September25, 1918- Battalion marched to Arras. Bombed at Arras station. September 27-30, 1918- Cambrai operations, Bourlon Wood, Blecourt, Sancourt. September 27, 1918- 72nd captured high ground to the N. E. of Bourlon Wood. September 29, 1918- Battalion captured San court and sent patrols into Blecourt. October 1, 1918- Battalion moved back to the Transport Lines, near Bourlon Village. October 2, 1918- Move made to Queant. October 6, 1918- Moved to Haute-Avesnes near Aubigny. October 9, 1918- Inspection by Sir David Watson. ON THE HEELS OF A BEATEN FOE October 15, 1918- Battalion entrained at Agnez lez Duisans and proceeded to Marquion, where it detrained and marched to Sauchy Lestree. October 18, 1918- Move made to Aubencheul-au-bac. October 19, 1918- Moved to Bugnlcourt and on to Fosse St. Roch. October 20, 1918- Left Fosse St. Roch and marched to Abscon. October 22, 1918- Moved on to Fosse Bligneres. Scenes of tremendous enthusiasm en route October 25, 1918- Battalion moved forward into support of 78th Battalion. October 27, 1918- Battalion relieved the 78th Battalion in the front line before Valenciennes. THE LAST FIGHT November 1, 1918- Valenciennes operation. 72nd Battalion attacked and captured the western defences of Valenciennes. November 2, 1918-- 72nd captured Valenciennes and St. Saulve. November 4, 1918- Battalion attacked and captured Onnaing within four miles of Belgian border. Battalion relieved same night and moved back to Anzin. November 10, 1918- President Poincare visited Valenciennes. Battalion called on to furnish Guard of Honour. November 11, 1918- Armistice declared. AFTER THE ARMISTICE November 15, 1918- The Brigade moved from Anzin, the 72nd being billeted for the night at Quievrain. November 16, 1918- Moved to Warquignies. November 20, 1918- Moved to Mesvin. November 30, 1918- Brigade inspected by the Divisional Commander, Major General Sir David Watson and decorations presented. December 3, 1918- Brigade marched through the famous city of Mons. December 12, 1918- Division moved forward, being billeted that night at Houdeng-Goegnies. December 13, 1918- Moved to Gouy-lez-Pieton. December 14, 1918- Moved to Fleurus. December 16, 1918- Moved to Grand Leez. December 17, 1918- Marched to Opprebais. December 26, 1918- Turkey Dinner. December 31, 1918- Grand ball at Hotel de Ville, Brussels, given by Officers of the 4th Canadian Division. January 3, 1919- Battalion marched to Wavre. January 4, 1919- Battalion marched to Ohain, near Waterloo. March, 1919- Battalion won final Brigade transport competition, completing a string of unbroken successes. April 1, 1919- Colours presented to Battalion by Sir A. W. Currie. April 8, 1919- 72nd marched past H. M. King Albert of Belgium. April 29, 1919- Battalion left Ohain for Le Havre. May 1, 1919- Battalion arrived at Le Havre. May 1, 1919- Instructions received for London parade of Dominion troops. Troops selected for march past left Le Havre. May 2, 1919- Arrival of draft at Southampton. Draft reached Bramshott same evening. May 3, 1919- Victorious march 'past of Dominion troops through London before His Majesty the King. May 4, 1919- 72nd Battalion sailed from Le Havre for Southampton, being the last Canadian Infantry Battalion to leave France. May 5, 1919- Battalion arrived once more at Bramshott, exactly three years after its arrival there from Canada. May 24, 1919- 72nd sent a detachment of 100, all ranks, under Capt. J. R. S. Lough, D.S.O., M.C., to Edinburgh to participate in a march past. June 6, 1919- 72nd Battalion embarked on H .M. Transport Olympic at Southampton on the last lap of their homeward journey. June 13, 1919- 72nd Battalion arrived at Halifax and entrained the same evening for Vancouver. June 20, 1919- Battalion arrived at Vancouver and was demobilized.