Troops of the 15th Battalion capture the Crow’s Nest. An enemy strong point on a high bluff overlooking a large section of the Drocourt-Quéant Line.

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15th Battalion CEF (48th Highlanders of Canada) Battle of The Crows Nest (Crow’s Nest) in the Great War. Troops of the 15th Battalion capture the Crow’s Nest. An enemy strong point on a high bluff overlooking a large section of the Drocourt-Quéant Line. Then, after three stubborn German counterattacks, all of them pushed back, the 48th Highlanders of Canada capture 200 prisoners, nine light trench mortars, and upwards of 80 machine guns.

The Battle of The Crow’s Nest

The approach to the Drocourt-Quéant Line was difficult for the Canadian Corps. Firstly, a secure, and good jump-off position to assault it, was made difficult by several defended obstacles, forward of the line itself. Then, the most formidable of which, was taking The Crow’s Nest. The final objective, a strong-point on a high bluff. Finally, the Canadian Corps would overlook a large section of the German D-Q defenses.

The Assault

The 15th Battalion was assigned the task of assaulting, and holding The Crow’s Nest. Then, on the morning of 1 September 1918, the unit began the assault. Quickly, they captured the line. And then, the ruins of Château d’Hendecourt, and the adjacent Chateau Wood.

The Crow's Nest. Château d'Hendecourt in Château Wood, — The rebuilt Château d’Hendecourt in Château Wood, Hendecourt-lès-Cagnicourt, Pas-de-Calais. It was part of the objective when the 15th Battalion assaulted The Crow’s Nest on 1 September 1918. Lt. Loudon was killed leading his platoon in the assault on Château Wood. In honour of Lt. Loudon, one of the Château’s meeting rooms was named after him during the reception at the Château that followed the 26 April 2010 dedication of the 15th Battalion’s Crow’s Nest memorial.

However, as at Hill 70, the battalion successfully defended the position against several German counterattacks. Thereby, opening the door for the main attack on the D-Q Line, in which it also participated.

The Battle of Hill 70

The D-Q Line is one of twenty one Battle Honours awarded to the 15th Battalion for its service during The Great War. This Battle Honour is one of ten shown on the Colours of 48th Highlanders of Canada. The regiment perpetuates the 15th Canadian Infantry Battalion, CEF. The 48th Highlanders of Canada have earned 50 Battle Honours.

15th Canadian Infantry Battalion with their colours. (48th Highlanders of Canada), Euskirchen, Germany, 8 January 1919. John Pollards Girvan had just returned from England with the Colours. The Crows Nest MIKAN No. 3406038 — 15th Canadian Infantry Battalion with their colours. (48th Highlanders of Canada), Euskirchen, Germany, 8 January 1919. Major John Pollards Girvan had just returned from England with the Colours. MIKAN No. 3406038

15th Battalion CEF Memorial Project

The Crows Nest is the second in a series of videos made by the 15th Battalion CEF Memorial Project. Firstly, they pay tribute to the battalion’s role in a number of the key battles of The Great War. Secondly, the programs also attest to the sacrifice of those men of the battalion, who fell during those battles. Finally, to whose memory we remain Faithful Forever.

The first in the series by the 15th Battalion CEF Memorial Project is the Battle for Hill 70.

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Battle of The Crow’s Nest in the Great War

The Assault

15th Battalion CEF Memorial Project

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