Lt Col Victor Carl Buchanan DSO in the Great War

13th (Royal Highlanders of Canada) Battalion

13th (Royal Highlanders of Canada) Battalion organized in Valcartier Camp under the command of Lieutenant-Colonel F. O. W. Loomis. About 65% to 75% of the recruits Old Country men, the remainder native Canadians. With a small scattering of total outsiders who for one reason or another had decided to join up. In regard to the officers these proportions reversed, all but four of those appointed being Canadian born. Colonel Loomis, Major Edward Cuthbert Norsworthy, the Second-in-Command, and Major Victor Carl Buchanan, the Junior Major (later Lt-Col Victor Carl Buchanan).

Company Commanders

In addition to these the eight Company Commanders, Major Douglas Rykert McCuaig, Captain Charles John Smith, Captain Robert Harry Jamieson, Captain Kenneth Meikle Perry, Captain Lionel Ward Whitehead, Captain Thomas Sidney Morrisey, Captain Herbert Fraser Walker and Captain William Hew Clark-Kennedy. Captain George Eric McCuaig, the Adjutant, and the Medical Officers, Surgeon Major Ernest Randolph Brown and Captain Douglas Morgan. Of the N.C.O.s none rendered more valuable services than Sergt-Major Donald Alexander Bethune and Sergeant J K Beveridge.

White Horse

On the subject of horses it is of interest to note that white horses not permitted in the contingent in their natural state. The idea being that a white horse would be conspicuous in actual warfare and the rider subjected to unnecessary risk. Amongst the victims of this theory was a beautiful animal, the property of Major V C Buchanan. Intended this horse should be dyed a khaki colour.

But, something went wrong with the dye and the result a little queer. Several attempts made to give this new colour a name, but an elusive shade, defying all description. Heifer-brindle came, perhaps, as near as any other effort.

The 13th Battalion embarked Quebec 25 September 1914 aboard ALAUNIA Later disembarked in England on 16 October 1914 with a strength of 45 officers, 1110 other ranks.

Aldershot

On the 23rd of the month Col Loomis detailed Major V C Buchanan and Captain C J Smith to proceed to Aldershot to discuss with officers of the 9th Service Battalion, Black Watch, some further details of Regimental custom and equipment. This trip under taken in a Ford car, a gift to the 13th from Lt-Col Ross of the Parent Regiment in Montreal.

The road proved somewhat longer than the envoys had expected, but they reached Aldershot eventually and there most cordially received.

France

On February 25th No 3 Company, which as the result of the reorganization due to the double company system now under Major V C Buchanan, and No. 4 Company, under Captain W. H. Clark-Kennedy, given a similar short tour of instruction under one of the Imperial battalions.

For some days after this one or another company of the 13th always receiving instruction in the line. While the remaining companies, billeted in Armentieres, engaged in digesting the information already gained. Each company given three front line tours.

Second Battle of Ypres

No. 3 Coy in support. Two platoons in trenches about 400 yards to the rear of No. 1 Coy’s position. And two platoons at Battalion Headquarters in St. Julien. With the former Major E C Norsworthy, OC the Firing Line, Captain Guy Melfort Drummond and Capt C J Smith. While with the platoons in St Julien Major V C Buchanan, Captain T. S. Morrisey, Lt C. N. McCuaig and Lt F. S. Molson. Lt J. G. Ross commanded the Machine Gun Section.

Lieutenant Guy Melfort Drummond

Killed April 22, 1915. Son of the Hon. Sir George Drummond, K.C.M.G., and of Lady Drummond, of Montreal, Quebec. Spouse of Mary H. Stoker (formerly Drummond), of Montreal, Quebec.

Relinquished the rank of Captain which he held, prior to the outbreak of War, in the Canadian Militia, in order to proceed to France.

Second in Command

Having accomplished its work, this small party about to retire when word passed along reinforcements had arrived. These consisted of two platoons of No. 3 Coy, under Captain C J Smith, and B Company of the 2nd Battalion of the Buffs, under Captain F W Tomlinson. The whole under command of Major V C Buchanan, who, as a result of the death of Major Norsworthy, now Second-in-command of the 13th Battalion.

Major Edward Cuthbert Norsworthy

Edward Cuthbert Norsworthy the son of James C. and Mary Norsworthy, of Ingersoll, Ontario. Brother of Lieutenant Alfred James Norsworthy, who died while serving with the Canadian Infantry (Quebec Regiment).

Norsworthy also cousin of Gunner Robert Godfrey Hunter and Bombardier Harold Gilray Hunter, both died while serving with the Canadian Field Artillery.

Reinforcements

The arrival of these reinforcements acted like a tonic on the weary troops in the front line and inspired the utmost confidence. On his arrival Major Buchanan assumed the command of the firing line. Up to this time had been held by Major Douglas Rykert McCuaig. The latter informed Buchanan as to the details of the situation. And, after a consultation, decided that Major Douglas Rykert McCuaig, with the remains of his own company and the company of the Buffs, should reoccupy the line that had been abandoned. This move carried out without the enemy realizing what had happened.

Daring Expedition

About 5 o clock in the afternoon Captain Clark-Kennedy, of No 4 Coy, returned to the front line after a daring expedition. As a result of which he had got through to Col Loomis and to Brigade Headquarters. He brought back with him orders from Headquarters instructing Major Buchanan to evacuate the line he was then holding. And, to take up a new line, running to the rear from the point where his present line joined that of the 15th Battalion on the right. In accordance with these instructions orders issued to bury the Battalion’s dead and evacuate the wounded. In both of these difficult tasks Captain L W Whitehead rendered devoted service.

Lieutenant-Colonel William Hew Clark-Kennedy died in Montreal on 25 October 1961. Clark-Kennedy’s Victoria Cross held by the Reford family.

Withdrawl

About 9 a.m. Major Buchanan decided that, as a result of the unit on his right having been forced to retire, his position no longer tenable. Orders issued to the companies to fall back to a location some distance in the rear. Taking advantage meanwhile of every bit of cover to harass and impede the German advance.

Festubert, Giovenchy & Ploegsteert

Settling down in billets, the 13th had an opportunity to realize how much the Battalion had suffered in the recent battle. Twelve officers had gone down, while casualties in the ranks totaled 454. In other words the unit had lost very nearly half its fighting strength.

Two of the four company commanders casualties and the promotion of Major Buchanan to succeed Major Norsworthy as Second-in-command meant that No. 3 Coy also deprived of its wonted leader. In addition many trusted N.C.O s. had been killed or wounded, so that the whole fabric of the Battalion badly in need of repair.

Ploegsteert Wood

On July 2nd routine resumed, varied, however, by a bathing parade to Bailleul. The next day Lieut-Col Loomis, Major Buchanan, the Company Commanders, Signalling and Machine Gun Officers reconnoitred a position which the Battalion to occupy from Ploegsteert Wood (facing Warreton) to Wulverghem (opposite Messines).

On July 5th the Royal Highlanders relieved the 1st Canadian Battalion in support. One man of the Machine Gun Section killed by shellfire at Hyde Park Corner, while going up.

Messines

Billets at Courte Dreve Farm occupied from the 20th to 24th and many working parties supplied to the Engineers. On the 20th Major Buchanan left to command the 15th Battalion during the absence of Major Marshall. Returning on the 23rd, in time to accompany his own Battalion into Trenches 135-137 on the 24th.

Towards the end of the month, during the absence on leave of Brig-Gen Leckie, Lt-Col Loomis assumed command of the 3rd Brigade. Major Buchanan taking over the 13th for the period of the Colonel’s absence.

Loomis Promoted

New Year’s Eve, 1915, found the Royal Highlanders in billets at Red Lodge. The surroundings not attractive, but every effort made to make the occasion as agreeable as possible. Regret mingled with all gaiety, however, as at midnight. Lt-Col F O W Loomis, DSO bade the Battalion farewell. Leaving in the morning to assume command of a Reserve Brigade in England. In accordance with custom the Colonel visited each hut where a celebration in progress. And, said good-bye individually to all present.

Col Loomis had rendered devoted and conspicuous service while in command of the 13th. And, his promotion to command a brigade could not have been long delayed. Nevertheless the bond between him and his officers and men so strong. And, deep regret on both sides featured his departure. With pride, however, the Highlanders followed his career during the years that followed. From Brigadier-General he rose to the rank of Major-General. In command of the 3rd Canadian Division. Created a Knight Commander of the Bath and a Companion of the Order of St. Michael and St. George.

In addition he received from the French Government the Legion d Honneur (Croix d’officier). As each of these honours fell to his lot the Highlanders rejoiced sincerely. When wounded at Vimy Ridge, they felt anxiety until assured that the injury not serious.

First in Command

On Loomis’s departure he handed over the Battalion to Major V C Buchanan, who, since the death of Major Norsworthy, had filled the post of second-in-command. Buchanan’s place in turn filled by Major G E McCuaig. While Captain I M R Sinclair, fully recovered from the wound received at Festubert, took over command of No. 2 Coy On January 4th, Lieuts MacDougall and Routledge transferred back to the 42nd Battalion, RHC.

Lieutenant Allan Routledge

Lt Allan Routledge wounded the following autumn. He died of his wounds on October 23rd, to the deep regret of both the 13th and 42nd. Lieutenant Allan Routledge, Mentioned in despatches, buried at Etaples Military Cemetery, Plot I, Row B, Grave 50.

Lt Routledge Mentioned in Despatches. Son of Mr. and Mrs. J. Turner Routledge, of Belmere, Georgeville, Quebec. Born at Montreal. Educated at Bishop’s College School, Lennoxville.

On the 8th General Alderson inspected the men, who were drilling by companies. On the 9th physical drill and company practice in assault filled the morning. While in the afternoon parties of 100 followed one another in rapid succession to the baths in the Asylum at Bailleul.

The next day largely devoted to inspections. Major Buchanan gave the Battalion a thorough going over. After which the men inspected by Field Marshal Lord Kitchener, accompanied by Generals Plumer, Alderson and Currie.

Lieutenant-Colonel Buchanan

On the day following Major Buchanan received his promotion to the rank of Lieutenant-Colonel. News of this promotion, though expected, received with genuine pleasure by all ranks of the Battalion. Lt-Col Victor Carl Buchanan had served with the 13th from the beginning and at all times had commanded the respect and affection of his officers and men. Towards the latter he invariably exhibited a firm, but kindly and sympathetic interest.

Duty

Of his officers he expected a high sense of duty and self sacrifice comparable to his own. As an actual instance of this, recorded that at about this time when new leather coats issued from stores, a junior officer, wearing one, interrogated by Lt-Col Victor Carl Buchanan as to whether all the men of his platoon similarly equipped. On receiving a negative reply, the C.O. ordered the junior to take the coat off and to see to it in the future that his men equipped with any article before he drew one for himself.

Promotions

Two nights later the Battalion relieved and proceeded to Kortepyp Huts, where several promotions announced, Lt F. S. Mathewson becoming Captain, vice Captain G. E. McCuaig, promoted; Captain K M Perry becoming Major, vice Major V C Buchanan, promoted, and Lt J D MacPherson becoming Captain, vice Captain K M Perry, promoted. At the same time Captain E W Waud transferred from No. 1 to No 4 Coy.

Kilts

Late in the afternoon passes arrived for two officers and seventeen men to go on leave. This brought up a serio-comic point, as the Battalion in trews and several of the men stated quite flatly that they had no desire to visit England unless they could do so dressed in the kilt – the proper uniform of a Royal Highland battalion.

An appeal made to Lt-Col Victor Carl Buchanan and he, sensing the Regimental pride that lay behind the request, promptly ordered the Transport Officer to send back some 18 miles to the place where the kilts stored and to bring up a sufficient number to equip all the party going on leave. The Transport had had a hard day, nevertheless the kilts duly produced before the leave party set out at 11 p.m.

Close Call

From April 4th to 8th the Battalion occupied Dickebusch Huts. On April 6th the Huts shelled, Privates Sherwood and McKay killed and one other wounded. Further casualties avoided by the prompt action of Lt-Col Buchanan, who, at the first shell, ordered the men to vacate the huts and scatter in the adjoining fields. As a precaution in case the shelling should be repeated large working parties employed on the 7th in digging shelter trenches, also in repairing the damage the shells had caused. That same afternoon passes to visit Poperinghe granted to 25% of the officers and 5% of true men. In view of the fact that pay day had just occurred, those who secured passes the envy of their less fortunate comrades.

Shortly after dawn on the 16th, Major G E McCuaig, in command of the Battalion during the absence on leave of Lt-Col Victor Carl Buchanan, forcibly reminded this an active sector when a sniper spotted him making a tour along the Loop and put a bullet in and out of his steel helmet, inflicting a slight wound. As a result of this tour McCuaig made a few minor changes in the dispositions of the companies, utilizing the two ends of the emergency tunnel through the Bluff to shelter parties who could be used to reinforce the front line or deliver counter attacks as might be required.

Relief Refused

On the following day the 3rd Brigade Staff offered to have the 14th Battalion relieve the 13th for the remainder of the regular 8-day tour. The Officer Commanding the 13th expressed his appreciation of this offer, but stated that the Royal Highlanders preferred to remain until their tour completed. An offer of the 14th Battalion to lend the 13th several officers to replace casualties gratefully accepted. During the remainder of the tour the front was active, but there was no repetition of the hurricane bombardment of the 19th. Lt-Col Buchanan came back from leave and took over from Major McCuaig.

In accordance with these orders, the 13th paraded at 7.30 p.m. and immediately started a forced march towards the front. Straining every nerve to increase speed, the Battalion omitted the regular halts, stopping only once, at Ouderdom, where Lt-Col Victor Carl Buchanan ordered the men to leave their packs, thus lightening the load for the work that lay before them.

The June Show 1916

During June 4th the men of the Battalion could accomplish little, owing to the atrocious weather and the necessity of exposing them selves as little as possible. At night, however, working parties were active, while No. 3 Coy moved up and relieved No. 1 Coy in the position behind Maple Copse.

All ranks of the Battalion pleased at news received during the day that the Commanding Officer, Lt-Col Victor Carl Buchanan, had been awarded the DSO. This item the one bright spot in a bleak and decidedly unpleasant day.

Plan of Attack

Such, in brief, the general plan of the attack. Each battalion elaborated on this scheme and worked out its tactics to conform with the general plan. In his operation order to the 13th, Lt-Col Victor Carl Buchanan DSO, gave instructions as follows. On the night of June 11th the 13th Canadian Battalion, the Royal Highlanders of Canada, relieve the 22nd Canadian Battalion in the support position previously occupied by the 13th on the night of June 7th. On the night of June 12th the Battalion will move forward to the trenches south of Maple Copse, preparatory to an assault. Nos 1 and 3 Companies, the former on the right, the Battalion Bombers and two Machine Gun crews will be in the front trenches.

As soon as the Battalion had fought its way into the Winnipeg line, and while connection being established with the victorious battalions on the flanks, Lt-Col Buchanan, who had advanced his headquarters to keep in touch with the attack, ordered up the Engineer and Pioneer parties attached to the 13th to assist in the work of consolidation. These parties toiled unceasingly and displayed no little courage in accomplishing their difficult task. Their valuable assistance recognized by Col Buchanan, who expressed to their commander his appreciation of the services they rendered.

Stretcher Bearers

Similarly, the stretcher bearer party, supplied to the 13th by the 14th Battalion, Royal Montreal Regiment, thanked by Lt-Col Victor Carl Buchanan, who reported to 14th Headquarters that these bearers had acted in every way in a manner to reflect credit on their distinguished unit.

The rain and terrible conditions underfoot made the work of the bearers particularly arduous, nevertheless they rapidly evacuated the wounded to Valley Cottages where Captain Ramsay, the Battalion Medical Officer, worked untiringly to give the casualties first aid and make them as comfortable as possible for the long trip down the line.

Sanctuary Wood and Watten

Leaving Kenora Lines on the evening of July 9th, the Battalion moved forward to relieve the 2nd Canadian Battalion in reserve billets in the forward area. This relief not entirely uneventful, as during the march up a heavy bombardment was heard on the front, while all around the Canadian guns giving reply.

Not knowing exactly what the bombardment indicated, a staff officer met Lt-Col Victor Carl Buchanan near Swan Chateau and ordered all the companies to halt pending further instructions. Eventually the enemy raided the 4th Battalion front on Hill 60, apparently with the idea of trying out the strength of the defence at that point. Once it became clear that no further action imminent, the Highlanders ordered forward to complete the delayed relief.

Poperinghe Old Military Cemetery

Following this engagement the 13th remained in the line for some 24 hours, at the end of which the 8th Canadian Battalion relieved, the 13th reaching billets at Devonshire Lines at 4 a.m. on the 20th. Later on this date the officers attended the funeral of Captain B. H. Rust, buried in the cemetery at Poperinghe.

Deep regret felt by all ranks at the loss of this brave officer, and the service, conducted by Canon Scott, a touching one. Afterwards Lt-Col Buchanan and other officers walked around the cemetery where scores of 13th Battalion graves gave striking proof of the sacrifices the Regiment had made in helping to hold the famous Salient.

On the 24th company training, route marches, bayonet and gas helmet drills filled in the time for the men, while all available officers attended lectures by Lt-Col R. H. Kearsley, D.S.O. and Major Bertram, the former speaking on Responsibilities and Duties of Officers and the latter on Intelligence Concerning the Area We Occupy. Two days later Lt-Col Buchanan gave the Battalion a thorough inspection.

The Somme

At 2 p.m. the company commanders received orders from Lieut -Col Buchanan to reconnoitre the area around la Boisselle, paying particular attention to the Chalk Pits and to the roads and means of communication between la Boisselle and Pozieres. Early in the morning when the 13th was occupying the position at la Boisselle, as previously described, Lieut-Col Buchanan received orders from General Glasstorch, of the 13th Australian Brigade, to hold two companies in readiness for an immediate move.

This order a surprise, as the 13th had previously been informed that the Australians would not require assistance, but promptly obeyed and Nos 1 and 2 Companies selected. Knowing the heavy casualties to be expected in this area, Lt-Col Buchanan ordered the second-in-command of each company and 20% of the specialists into reserve.

Stand To

Some fifteen minutes after the stand to order arrived and before the men had been able to breakfast, No. 1 Coy, under Major Lovett, ordered forward. Lt-Col Victor Carl Buchanan averse to seeing his companies serve under a command other than his own, but there was no help for it and he took up a post at the la Boisselle cross roads to shout a word of good wishes. The Company, as it responded to the Colonel’s greeting, numbered 143 all ranks. When next it passed in front of him, it totalled 1 officer and 23 men.

Owing to the fact that the companies of the 13th acted during the ensuing engagement almost as independent units, it is necessary at this point to leave the Battalion for a time and to follow the career, first of No. 1 Coy and then of No. 2. After the farewell to Col Buchanan at the crossroads, Major Lovett led No. 1 forward and heard from Gen Glasstorch that the enemy, having cut off and practically annihilated the first waves of the Australian attack, had counter-attacked and made a considerable breach in the front line. This gap Lovett ordered to cover and guides furnished to lead him to its neighbourhood.

Pozieres

In the meantime, No 2 Coy had driven off a similar series of attacks. But, had suffered sharply from enemy shell fire. At midnight, the Lewis guns for which he had asked not having arrived. Macpherson decided to make his way back to see what was the matter. He found Lieut-Col Buchanan in Battalion Headquarters at Pozieres. He learned from the latter that No 3 Coy, under Major Peterman, had moved up and was in position somewhere to the left of the front his own company was holding.

Returning to No 2 Coy, Macpherson took with him the two machine guns he required and used these to strengthen his unprotected flanks.

Whiskey

On this occasion Lt-Col Victor Carl Buchanan had his headquarters in a dugout in Courcelette and had with him Major W. F. Peterman and Captain C. C. Green, these officers acting respectively as Second-in- command and Adjutant during the absence on leave of Major G. E. McCuaig and Lt C. D. Craig. Having dumped the rations, Lt Tudball reported to Major Peterman. He approved of a suggestion that the ration party should remain at headquarters till the barrage on the road back had become less severe. During the interval that followed Lt-Col Buchanan noticed that Tudball showed signs of exhaustion and gave the latter a drink of whiskey. Some time later, the barrage having eased a little, the ration party withdrew.

Death of Lt-Col Victor Carl Buchanan

No one knows exactly what happened in that busy dugout at about 8.30 p.m. Who can ever describe a moment of high tragedy and disaster? All that is certain is that a shell burst in the roof and walls and ignited a supply of gasoline, the explosion and flames leaving death and ruin in their wake. All in a moment the Battalion suffered a grievous loss. Lt-Col Victor Carl Buchanan killed, as were Major Peterman and Captain Green.

With them perished eight of the headquarters staff. While thirty-three others, staff and runners, horribly burned or wounded. Among these being Corp H Day, in command of the scouts and runners on duty. With the death of the Commanding Officer and the Acting Second-in-command, control of the Battalion passed for the time being to Major J. D. Macpherson, who handed over to Major G. E. McCuaig when the latter returned from leave on the following morning.

Albert

Meanwhile to Lt Tudball had fallen the sad task of conveying to Albert for burial the bodies of Lt-Col Victor Carl Buchanan, Major Peterman, Captain Green and Lt G. N. Sale, the last named having fallen in action during the progress of the tour. It was with heavy hearts that officers and men attended the funeral, which took place in Albert on the morning of the 28th.

While all ranks shared in the sorrow and regret caused by the death of a beloved commanding officer, the sense of personal loss accentuated in the case of those veterans. Few in number by this time, who had sailed from Canada with the First Canadian Contingent almost exactly two years before. To them Lt-Col Victor Carl Buchanan had been more than a good com manding officer. They had served under him in times of peril and trusted and looked up to him in a manner that bore testimony. More eloquent than words, to the very definite affection that existed between them.

Grave of Lt-Col Victor Carl Buchanan

Major Peterman, too, had been an original officer and had served the Battalion with inspired devotion. Twice he had been wounded, but on each occasion his high courage and deep sense of duty had hastened his recovery, so that he might rejoin the Regiment and continue to serve with the least possible loss of time. Captain Green and Lt Sale had been with the 13th for a shorter time. But they, too, by reason of their loyal and capable service, had won a place
in the regard of both officers and men.

Canon Scott

Canon Scott officiated at the funeral and the dead received all honours that grieving comrades could bestow. Military funerals are of necessity brief and this was no exception.

When the beautiful lines of the burial service had been read, the rifles spoke their farewell, the bugle sounded the Last Post, officers and men saluted with deep respect. And, turning away, left the four gallant soldiers to their well earned rest.

On the following day General Currie visited the Battalion, complimented the men on their steadiness during the recent engagements and spoke most feelingly of the loss that the Division had suffered through the death of Lieut-Col Buchanan.

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