The War Diary of the 72nd Battalion, CEF, August - December 1916 Also the notebook of Lt Col J.A. Clark from November 1916 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 Ostrevfl1e 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