Organization – 116th Battalion (Ontario County)
The 116th Battalion (Ontario County) organized in November 1915 under the command of Lieutenant-Colonel Samuel Simpson Sharpe. The 116th Battalion mobilized at Uxbridge, and recruited in Ontario County. Embarked from Halifax on 24 July 1916 aboard SS OLYMPIC. Disembarked England 31 July 1916 with a strength of 36 officers, 948 other ranks.
Witley Camp
On the 8th February, 1917, the 116th Battalion, quartered at Witley Camp, England, warned to proceed to France on Sunday, 11th February. Everything, in consequence, hustle and bustle, and the Battalion Orderly Room, which at the best of times is no haven of rest, inundated with requests for additional information and leave.
Back Row:—Lts. R. C. Henry, M. R. Jacobi, A. W. Baird, F. W. Ott, R. J. Blain, W. S. Duncan, J. A. Proctor, W. J. Preston, M. Crabtree, C. L. S. Newton.
Third Row:—Lt. H. H. Hyland, Lt. J. J. Doble, Capt. W. E. Shier, Maj. F. H. Moody, Maj. H. P. Cooke, Capt. A. F. Hind, Maj. G. W. P. Every, Capt. A. W. Pratt, Capt. H. V. Gould, Capt. H. L. Major, Capt. G. E. Gilfillan.
Second Row:—Lt. T. W. Hutchison, Lt. G. E. Walls, Capt. J. Moore, M.O., Capt. A. W. McConnell (Adjutant), Maj. R. B. Smith, Lt.-Col. S. S. Sharp, Maj. C. A. V. McCormack, Capt. J. Garbutt, Capt. A. C. McFarlane, Capt. N. E. Fairhead, Capt. C. G. Cowan.
Front Row:—Lt. C. S. Lennox, Lt. J. H. Hughes, Lt. K. L. Wallace.
Very little information to be got, other than that we were really for duty in France, and absolutely no leave, and so we gradually subsided and commenced preparations for our departure.
Milford Station
116th Battalion (Ontario County) entrained at Milford Station, on two trains for Folk Stone. First train load under Col. Sharpe consisting of “A” and “B” Companies, with half of H. Q., and left Milford at 1:10 a.m. The second train load under Major Cameron, 2nd in Command, consisted of the rest of the Battalion, and left Milford at 1:25 A.M. All embarked at H.M.T. Victoria with part of 66th Imperial Divisional H.Q., and some drafts. Sailed at 10:20 a.m. and arrived at Boulogne at noon disembarking at 1:00 p.m. Marching to St. Martin’s rest camp at once. Capt. Hind, in charge of baggage, left Witley for Le Havre, Via Southampton at noon.
Somewhere in France
St. Martin’s Camp, situated as it was on the side of a hill, and about five kilometres from Boulogne, did not commend itself to us in any way. There was nothing of interest there except the odd Y.M.C.A. or Salvation Army Hut. The men slept about ten in a tent and the officers billeted all together in a kind of barn. Blankets and bed rolls freely distributed, and having vainly applied for leave to visit the City we turned in to dream of our dear ones or to wonder what fate had in store for us during the next few months.
Nothing on earth quite so trying as waiting for orders. Especially when confined to a camp like St. Martin’s, but not to be kept in suspense very long, for at midnight (which, as has been mentioned before, is about the usual Army hour for such things) orders received to move, and by 8 a.m., 12th February, the whole Battalion had entrained for a destination “Somewhere in France.”
Houdain
By 8 a.m. the following morning detrained at Houdain. At that time the centre of the rest billets occupied by the 3rd Canadian Division, and after staying one night in the village of Divion, our first introduction to Company messing, finally reached a place called Haillicourt.
Whilst at Haillicourt 116th Battalion (Ontario County) inspected by Major-General Lipsett, G.O.C. 3rd Division, and by Lieut.-General Sir Julian Byng, G.O.C. Canadian Corps, and after about two weeks’ training in the new platoon formation moved to Faucquenheim, in order to be closer to the other battalions of the 9th Brigade. The real reason for this move made obvious during the next few days when orders received on the 5th March for the Battalion to be split up in the following manner:
- A. Company was to go to the 58th Battalion;
- B. Company was to go to the 60th Battalion;
- C. Company was to go to the 43rd Battalion;
- D. Company was to go to the 52nd Battalion.
The object to give the Battalion training in actual warfare with men already experienced in front line work. Further, each Company split up so that one platoon apportioned to each Company of the different Battalions as above. All that now remained of the youthful 116th an ardent desire to get through the “baptism of fire” with as much glory and as few casualties as possible.
Destroying Government Property
On the 11th March the 9th Brigade, composed of the 43rd, 52nd, 58th and 60th Battalions, moved into the trenches at the foot of Vimy Ridge. Accompanied by their unwelcome but willing guests from the 116th. Several of the Companies had encountered mud in the trenches, well over their knees. As military overcoats not constructed for mud wading, a great many of the men in these Companies, following the advice of the “old” soldiers in the Battalions, had cut their coats in accordance. Not with orders from the 9th Brigade, but with the depth of the mud encountered.
The next day saw about 200 brave, but ragged warriors, lined up outside Battalion Orderly Room. Awaiting sentence for destroying Government property. The sentences not severe, but the Battalion tailor had his hands full for a while.
Vimy Ridge
Our sojourn in Houdain short and sweet. The villagers did everything in their power to make us comfortable, and in return the local estaminets well patronized. The boys of No. 7 platoon quartered in a brewery particularly loath to leave. A pile of trouble in store for the Canadians, and quite universally known that on the 9th of April the Canadian Corps to carry out an operation in conjunction with Imperial troops that would result in the immediate departure of the enemy from the summit of Vimy Ridge.
Zero Hour
The attack evidently progressing, for soon after zero hour, orders for one Company to go forward immediately. Three platoons to act as carrying parties, and one platoon for wiring in front of some strong points to be established by the P.P.C.L.I. The order in which our Companies would be used had been previously decided by ballot, for it goes without saying that all four Companies anxious to be first—“B” Company the lucky ones, and under Major Moody, moved out accompanied by a detachment of Engineers under whose supervision the defences of the strong points would be constructed. “A” Company (Major Cooke), “C” Company (Major Currie), and “D” Company (Major Bird) moved out later in the day.
La Folie Farm
The Sector of the ridge where our Companies employed had been cleared of the enemy and by the time that No. 8 platoon had reached the new front line around La Folie Farm, the German artillerymen, who up till now had been chiefly engaged in dragging their guns to safety, searching the top of the ridge in an endeavour to retard the work of consolidation.
They must have sighted No. 8 platoon, for no sooner had our men begun work on the wiring schemes than a veritable hail of shells was poured into them. In spite of heavy casualties the work of consolidation continued and completed, and towards midnight all companies reported in to Dumbell Camp, having lost ten men killed and thirty wounded, including Company Sergeant Major Graves.
- Pte Brinkley (WIMEREUX COMMUNAL CEMETERY)
- Pvt Vernon Lewis Borden (BARLIN COMMUNAL CEMETERY EXTENSION)
- Pte Alexander Bronwlie (VIMY MEMORIAL)
- Lt John James Doble (ECOIVRES MILITARY CEMETERY, MONT-ST. ELOI)
- CSM Graves
- Pvt William Ernest Hill (BOIS-CARRE BRITISH CEMETERY, THELUS)
- Pvt David Grant McInnes (VIMY MEMORIAL)
- Pte Sterrett (ECOIVRES MILITARY CEMETERY, MONT-ST. ELOI)
Spandau Haus
The following day 116th Battalion (Ontario County) furnished parties to assist in the general work of consolidation, and at about 5 o’clock in the evening, orders received to take over the front line from the 8th Brigade, composed of the 1st, 2nd, 4th and 5th Battalions, C.M.R. It looked as if we might get into some of the fighting after all, and with very mixed feelings the inevitable advance party, consisting of 1 officer and 1 N.C.O. from each Company and H.Q., started out in the direction of a certain map location called “Spandau Haus” where the C.M.R. Battalions had established their headquarters. The line of march brought us through territory already well known—Berthonval Farm, La Targette Corners, Goodman Tunnel, Chassery Crater, etc., and further on, through territory fresh with the smell of the Bosch.
At dusk the following day, during a heavy fall of snow, the Battalion shelled heavily by 5.9’s just as it reached the old crater line, and had several casualties, including Lt. John Doble (ECOIVRES MILITARY CEMETERY, MONT-ST. ELOI), killed. During the next ten days the whole Battalion engaged in the reconstruction of the Lens-Arras road, between Thélus and Vimy, which had been rendered practically impassable by the recent barrages. This work was both laborious and nerve-racking.
8th Brigade Pioneer Battalion
During this period opportunities afforded us for looking over the Corps front from the top of the ridge, and for admiring the recent work of our own artillery on the German defences. Whilst reconnoitring the forward positions Lt. William Kitchener Kift (ETAPLES MILITARY CEMETERY) and Lt. Henry Lawrence Major (BRISTOL (CANFORD) CEMETERY) both received wounds from which they afterwards died.
The laborious work of road-making with its daily toll of casualties continued, until one day, a note from Battalion HQ announced that we would not become a fighting unit as heretofore decided, but that we would be made into a pioneer battalion and be attached permanently to the 8th Brigade.
Umpty Umps
The months of May and June slipped away, with nothing more important being allotted to us than taking over a line of trenches and holding them; in fact, the usual trench routine with working parties mixed in. As a special treat one night allowed to dig a jumping-off trench for another Battalion, conducting a raid in our Sector; but anything in the nature of real fighting considered beyond us for the present, although a certain amount going on practically all the time, the Bosch being pushed gently but firmly away from the Ridge as far as Avion and Méricourt—a distance of four miles.
In these minor operations the 116th either detailed as the supporting Battalion or else the reserve Battalion for the Brigade, and as the Bosch showed very little inclination to remain in his then exposed positions, the result that by the middle of July the “Umpty Umps” (as we had been nicknamed, not wholly in fun, by the older units) had not been actually engaged in any action of a direct nature whatsoever.
Casualties
In spite of this, 116th Battalion (Ontario County) casualties had been quite heavy, indicating that the main line of resistance is not always the healthiest place to occupy during an engagement; in fact, with the exception of Major Currie, “C” Company, not one of our original Company Commanders remained. During one of these tours in the line one of our companies came across a memorial to the 60th Battalion erected by some of their men close to the Village of Vimy. The memorial in the shape of a cross with the inscription “In memory of the 60th Battalion. 1915—Raised by Patriotism. 1917—Killed by Politics.” A reflection perhaps not entirely without foundation.
On the 12th of July—four days after the visit of the Brigadier, orders that instead of proceeding up the line with the rest of the Brigade we would occupy Comak Camp in the neighborhood of Berthonval Farm and there carry out practices over taped trenches for a raid, the details of which would be disclosed to us later.
The Raid of 23 July 1917
Lieutenant Preston had charge of the signaling arrangements a telephone wire had been run up by B.H.Q. at Avion Road to be carried forward with the advance. Also two lamps with signalers broke early in the attack, and under the heavy artillery fire, not repaired. From the final objective, the lamps could not be read, owing to the Gas and smoke, owing to the action of the artillery.
Zero Hour
The Attack: Zero hour was at one o’clock, and at that hour the barrage opened, first with a few shots here and there. Then the heavies seemed suddenly to open their floodgates on the abandoned and terrified Huns, who fled, those of them who survived, to the dugouts for protection. During the barrage “A” Company crept across Quebec Road and got a footing on the fair side and “B” and “C” Companies crept into the places vacated by “A” Company on the North side of the road. Exactly at zero hour, plus three minutes, the first line of “A” Company advanced, with Capt. H.V. Gould, well in front revolver in hand, encouraging his men, as cool as though on parade. No. 1 Platoon, on the left, under Lieut. Ott, had to contend with great difficulties.
Avion Trench
The Platoon heavily shelled at Avion Trench, and five casualties resulted, and wile Lieut. Ott looked after the causalities, the Platoon Sergeant started to take the Platoon into position. The gas stopped it, and the men had to put on their gas helmets several times, and progress very slow. Finally, they got into Meander Trench, but the gas very bad, and the men had to crawl along on their hands and knees. Again the Platoon got to its position, just in time for zero hour. The bombing section worked their way around the slagheap, put in the block, and started to deal with the dugouts going up the Communication Trench. Many Germans jumped out of the Trench and started towards the slagheap, and threw cylindrical sticks at the attacking party. These killed on the spot.
Lewis Gunner
Pte. William M. Johnson 264247, No. 1. Lewis Gunner, went with his crew up the gully in the slag heap, and swept the top of the same. He fired all his pans, and got more, and although two of his men were wounded, he kept the enemy at bay on the slag heap, and when his ammunition was running out, and men killed and wounded, he withdrew, fighting and covering the posts as he withdrew.
He brought in his Lewis Gun, thoroughly exhausted, but full of fight. Pte. Kissock, and Pte. E. Carnaby of “A” Company together captured eighteen prisoners, and marched them back to Battalion Headquarters. Two other men, while bringing one German Officer and five men in as prisoners, had to kill three of the six, before the remaining three would submit to being brought in, owing to the refractory conduct of the prisoners.
Metal Trench
No.2 Platoon of “A” Company, under Lieut. Blandy, in the centre, and met with little opposition. Metal Trench had been done in by out artillery. Lieut. Blandy himself went into a dugout, and got four prisoners, and handed them over to two of the men, who conducted town of them to B.H.Q., the other two being shot while attempting to escape.
No.3. Platoon of “A” Company, under Lieut. Joseph Hughes was on the right. This Officer displayed great gallantry and coolness in his leadership, both in getting to his jumping off position, and also in getting to the objective. He himself shot two Germans, who were trying to train their guns on our men, and put the gun out of action. The men were greatly inspired by his action.
Final Objective
“B” and “C” Companies followed close on the heels of “A” Company and proceeded to the final objective, meeting with stubborn and persistent resistance, machine guns from the flank and the embankment. It is reported that there is a tunnel under the embankment, with a gallery, in which are Machine Guns, with a field of fire towards out front and flanks. Captain Allen, and Major Currie, both displayed great coolness and “B” and “C” Companies marched slowly to the final objective and when it was reached, Officers, N.C.O’s. and men threw themselves upon the enemy on the opposite side, where a desperate hand to hand encounter took place.
Lieut. C.S. Lennox of “B” Company in command of No. 5 Platoon on the left. He had a very difficult flank to handle but did his work most thoroughly. Capt. Allen reports that his posts from the first objective to the Railway Embankment were placed as coolly as though on parade. He placed three blocks, one on each side of the embankment, and one in trench North of the railway. Cpl. Kelly wounded. Cpl. Congdon and Pte. Fairman among the missing. Lieut. Gibson and Lieut. Crabtree respectively had charge of No 6 and 7 Platoons, and reached their final objectives, encouraging and leading their Platoons with great gallantry. The latter brought in two prisoners’ single-handed.
Carry On, Sergeant
Lieut. J. A. Hughes a brave young Officer, who had only lately joined the Battalion, wounded, but continued to lead and direct his men. Lieut. Yorke wounded at the Jumping off line, and his platoon without his services. Lieut. Frank Scott Neil (ECOIVRES MILITARY CEMETERY, MONT-ST. ELOI) killed before reaching the final objective and his last words to his platoon sergeant, were “Carry On, Sergeant, go as though I were with you.” He was the most capable and gallant Officer.
Major Currie had to do double work, having lost the services of these two Officers. Without any hesitation he immediately shouted to the men to follow him, and led his Company with conspicuous bravery to, and over the Railway Embankment. His fine example an inspiration to all ranks. He brought to advance Battalion H.Q. three prisoners, single handed, and although wounded in the face, he continued to lead and direct his Company throughout. The work of destruction completed, the two Companies “B” and “C” withdrew as ordered coving by a section of each Platoon acting as a read guard.
Railway Embankment
Observation posts were left on the Railway Embankment where the right and left communication trenches intersected it and supporting posts were established on each flank. “A” Company remained in Metal Trench until “B” and “C” Companies had completed their withdrawal. “D” Company in local reserve with Capt. Ritchie in Command, occupying Avion trench had organized posts under Lieut. Weber and Lick, which were to relieve at daybreak, the posts left by “B” and “C” Companies, Lieut. Vernon Cuthbert Lick (ECOIVRES MILITARY CEMETERY, MONT-ST. ELOI), however killed by a shell near Metal trench and his sergeant and Corporal wounded. Lieut. Weber went up on the left, and reached Metal Trench but at 4:45 a.m., the Germans had counter-attacked in force and out posts withdrew fighting as ordered.
Pte. Dan McDonald of “B” Company fought off and killed many Germans, swarming over the Railway Embankment and brick Kilns. His gallant conduct and coolness saved many men on the posts as he himself did not retire until wounded and then he withdrew bringing in his Lewis Gun.
The Missing
When it was learned that Lieut. Lick killed and Lieut. Weber (VIMY MEMORIAL) missing, Capt. Ritchie commissioned Sgt. Houston to lead a party up Meander communication trench and assist the posts. Sgt. Houston and his party got out between Metal trench and the Railway embankment, when the Germans began to swarm over the Railway Embankment and attack from the flank.
They withdrew fighting to Metal Trench and down the C.T. taking the balance of the men on the posts with them. Still fighting took place all the way back, and when they got the slag heap some of the Germans intercepted the way, and killed.
Further down the party were cut off by Germans coming around the slag heap. Many of them killed. Sgt. Houston personally dispatched four and took one prisoner. Having been wounded in the face, he withdrew to the Regimental aid post, taking with him several wounded men and had his wounded dressed and returned and carried on until his Company relieved. His Conspicuous bravery and gallant conduct inspired the men, and saved many on our post. His devotion to duty most marked, and his fortitude won him the admiration of his comrades.
- Pte Ambrose Vincent Archer
- Cpl Percy Alexander Arnold
- Pte Jack Telfer Bowerbank
- Pte Wesley Albert Campbell
- Pvt Orren John Congdon
- Pte Harold George Crockett
- Pte Thomas William Dixon
- Sgt Oliver Cecil Drew
- Pte John James Fairman
- Lance Sergeant William George Arthur Fell
- Pvt Valdes Gardner
- Corporal Leonard Hinchcliffe
- Pte Martin Kubiak
- Pte Alfred Osborn Hopwood Litherland
- Pvt Semen Marchuk
- Pvt William McFarlane
- Pte John Owen
- Pvt Robert Park
- Pte Richard Unsworth
- Lieutenant George Roy Weber
- Pte John Bland White
- Pte Andrew Simpson Wilson
- Pvt William Edward Wilson
Casualties
Situation quiet after raid. Casualties: 2 Officers, 10 other rank killed, 3 Officers, 42 other ranks. wounded. 2 officers, 15 other ranks missing.
- Pvt Cooper (LA CHAUDIERE MILITARY CEMETERY, VIMY)
- Pvt Henry Victor Downton (LA CHAUDIERE MILITARY CEMETERY, VIMY)
- Pte Hyland (NOEUX-LES-MINES COMMUNAL CEMETERY)
- Lieutenant Vernon Cuthbert Lick (ECOIVRES MILITARY CEMETERY, MONT-ST. ELOI)
- Lance-Corporal Charles McKerrall (NOEUX-LES-MINES COMMUNAL CEMETERY)
- Pvt Miller (LA CHAUDIERE MILITARY CEMETERY, VIMY)
- Lieutenant Frank Scott Neil (ECOIVRES MILITARY CEMETERY, MONT-ST. ELOI)
- Pvt Henry John Parish (LA CHAUDIERE MILITARY CEMETERY, VIMY)
- Pvt John Henry Paul (BRUAY COMMUNAL CEMETERY EXTENSION)
- Pte William Henry Wood (BRUAY COMMUNAL CEMETERY EXTENSION)
Company Commanders Meeting
1st. Quarries: Situation fairly quiet with some shelling. Advice received from 9th C.I.B., that Army and Corps required identification. The C.O. Major G.R. Pearkes, V.C., M.C., immediately called a meeting of Company Commanders and decided to put on a raid at 11:00 p.m. Organization and preparations immediately made, the raid a complete success.
Some particularly gallant work being done by “D” Company raiding party, under Capt. Alexander Watson Baird, who with two scouts and two runners, in had to hand fighting killed five of the enemy and secured one wounded, and one unwounded prisoner. Prisoners immediately sent on to Brigade. The following telegrams of congratulation received from the G.O.’s. C. Division and Brigade (G.O.C. 3rd division) “Please convey my congratulations to Major Pearkes and Officers in command of the raiding party on the excellent results of same. (G.O.C. 9th Brigade) G.O.C. sends best congratulations to yourself and 116th.
Casualties: 1 other rank killed, two Officers and eight other ranks wounded. Lieut. W. J. Preston appointed acting Captain.
Hill 70
Open fighting had suddenly become all the rage, probably in anticipation of the drive the following August, and our whole division took part in extensive practices. At about this time No. 1 Platoon under Lt. Ott, distinguished itself in a Corps rifle competition, held at Ferfay, winning first place in the Division and only losing first place in the Corps through a technicality.
On August 20th, amid the cries of “Bonne chance” from our friends in Auchel, we marched away with considerable reluctance, arriving the same evening at Gouy Servins, which was a reminder of the early days of the Battalion in France. Even then some of us had marched in high spirits from Auchel to Gouy Servins on a first visit to the trenches; and Gouy Servins at that time was everything that the first part of its name would imply.
Fossé 10
Having rested over-night, the march was continued, until about noon we reached Sains-en-Gohelle, another curiously descriptive name, but more commonly known as Fossé 10, which forms part of a chain of mining villages in the neighborhood of Lens. Fossé 10 a staging camp to the front line, and naturally considerable confusion due to the relief in progress between the 2nd and 3rd Canadian Divisions.
Whilst a party making its way forward to the village of Cité St. Pierre that Captain James Moore, our gallant and popular M.O., and two of the chief members of his staff severely wounded. To cut a horrible nightmare short it may be said that towards 3 a.m. the following morning a line established by our men in badly demolished trenches and shell holes running through a portion of the ruined Cité St. Elizabeth to the outskirts of the City of Lens proper. The enemy either very nervous or else he suspected that a relief in progress, for during the next forty-eight hours, we were treated to every variety of explosive, both large and high.
Casualties
After twelve days, during which we spent eight in the front line and suffered casualties of no less than twenty O.R’s. killed and two officers and ninety O.R’s. wounded, we were more than glad to be relieved by the 15th Battalion (1st Division). Remarkable during this period, not a single casualty among The Missing. All casualties below buried at AIX-NOULETTE COMMUNAL CEMETERY EXTENSION, unless otherwise noted.
- Pvt Allen
- Pvt Oliver Samuel Arnold
- Pte Barlow
- Pvt Isaac Beauchamp
- Pte Frederick Jesse Church
- Pvt Crampton
- Private James Laidlaw Gowanlock
- Sergeant Richard Colvin Howson
- Pvt Hunter
- Pvt Kemp
- Pte James Murray Langley (FOSSE NO.10 COMMUNAL CEMETERY EXTENSION, SAINS-EN-GOHELLE)
- Pte Loughlin
- Pvt John Alexander McMillan
- Pvt George Edgar Moore (LILLERS COMMUNAL CEMETERY)
- Pte William James Painter (CHOCQUES MILITARY CEMETERY)
- Pvt Pulsford (VILLERS STATION CEMETERY, VILLERS-AU-BOIS)
- Private Reid
- Pvt Roy Switzer
- Pte Vassair
- Private Waters
For purposes of comparison later on, let it be said that the total casualties of the battalion up to the present time, or for seven months’ active service, numbered eighteen officers and two hundred and seventy other ranks killed, wounded and missing.
On the 30th September Divine Service for the whole Brigade held in the fields around Berthonval Farm, and afterwards an investiture. The Corps, Divisional and Brigade Commanders were present and the Corps Commander personally decorated a number of our N.C.O’s. and men who had distinguished themselves in the raid of July 23rd.
Passchendaele
Operations in front of Ypres had reached a deadlock. The troops engaged, consisting chiefly of Australians and New Zealanders, had advanced nearly three miles under conditions that must have been almost heartbreaking. It had poured with rain every day; the mud was well over their knees, and they were enfiladed from both sides by the German artillery, until finally, they were brought to a halt on the top of Abraham Heights through sheer exhaustion and heavy casualties.
The German defences on this front consisted chiefly of “Pill Boxes”—oblong, concrete constructions, made out of Portland cement and divided into several compartments with small, narrow entrances either at the side or back. From Abraham Heights the Bellevue Spur (another name for a ridge) dotted here and there with “pill boxes,” stood out like a sentinel keeping watch over the village of Passchendaele in the distance, and it was plain to all around that fresh and experienced troops would be needed at this point to effect its capture.
Bellevue Spur
There was perhaps no Corps on the Western front at that time more capable of undertaking this difficult task, or as numerically strong, as the Canadian Corps, and that is the reason we ate corn at Caestre instead of hunting the Hun around Lens. On the evening of the 27th the 116th Battalion took over the front line from the remnants of the Brigade, remaining there until relieved by the 49th Battalion (7th Brigade)—during the early hours of the 29th October.
Casualties
We were not sorry to move away from our present gruesome surroundings; but it was not until the 7th November that we actually said “good-bye” to them, as we thought, and moved by bus to Vlamertinghe, and from there to the Watou area, east of Poperinghe, having lost forty-two other ranks killed, three officers and one hundred and one other ranks wounded, and twelve other ranks gassed.
Rest Billets
On November 24th, Major A. W. McConnell, who succeeded Major Cameron as 2nd in command of the battalion, was recalled to Canada, and the vacancy thus caused was filled by Major G. R. Pearkes, M.C., of the 5th C.M.R., who received his appointment through special recommendation of the Divisional Commander.
Christmas Day
About this time Col. S. Sharpe proceeded to England for the Senior Officers’ Staff Course, and during his absence Major G. R. Pearkes assumed command of the battalion. Although Christmas Day was spent in feasting chiefly on “Bully,” on the night of the 26th December warning was received of an intended raid by the Germans, and a raid was actually made on the 26th at 6.30 a.m. the following morning, but the enemy was successfully driven off.
On the 22nd January, 1918, at 5.40 p.m., the enemy raided No. 4 post, but his party caught in a barrage and obliged to retire. The conduct of Corporal Allen in the handling of his section was most exemplary.
Several important patrols were made during which Lieutenant F. A. MacGrotty (MAZINGARBE COMMUNAL CEMETERY EXTENSION) received wounds from which he afterwards died.
Towards the end of February the battalion moved back to its old familiar hunting ground around Avion, where, although the trenches and general conditions were excellent, we sustained a series of misfortunes.
Patrols went out every night through the ruins of Avion to try and locate enemy posts and whilst engaged in this work we lost two of our officers, Lieutenant Charles Russell Hillis (LONGUENESSE (ST. OMER) SOUVENIR CEMETERY) and Lieutenant Roy Warren Biggar (THELUS MILITARY CEMETERY), within a few days of each other. From this front we moved south and on the 1st of April we were situated in the New Brunswick trench, in front of Méricourt.
Organization
During the last three months two important changes in our organization took place which it may be wise to record.
Major G. R. Pearkes, recently awarded the Victoria Cross for gallant work at Passchendaele with the 5th C.M.R., was appointed Officer Commanding 116th Battalion, to replace Colonel Sharpe, whose illness in England seemed likely to keep him away from France for an indefinite period. Major J. Sutherland, at one time a Company Commander in the 52nd Battalion, but recently an instructor at Ferfay, appointed second in command to Lt.-Colonel Pearkes.
Death of Sam Sharpe
On the 30th of April the battalion moved away from the line, and with the other units of the Canadian Corps, became part of Foch’s famous reserve, which was later to play such a prominent part in the final overthrow of the entire German Army. And so, during many days of glorious summer weather, and under the careful and expert guidance of Lt.-Col. G. R. Pearkes, V.C., the little old “Umpty Umps” made preparations for the future.
It was during this period that we received the sad news of the death of Colonel Sam Sharpe in Montreal, on the 25th May.
“If it should be my fate to be among those who fall, I wish to say I have no regrets to offer. I have done my duty as I saw it, and have fought in defence of those principles upon which our great Empire is founded, and I die without any fears as to the ultimate destiny of all that is immortal within me.”
– Colonel Sam Sharpe, 21 October 1917
August 8th – Battle of Amiens
On the 6th July, after an unusually long rest from the line, 116th Battalion (Ontario County) relieved the P.P.C.L.I. in the Neuville Vitasse sector, situated about three miles south of Arras. The accommodation here very poor, and considerable time was spent in building shelters. Several important reconnaissances made on this front, during which we lost Lt. Samuel De Veaux Woodruff (WAILLY ORCHARD CEMETERY), killed; and 10 other ranks, wounded.
After spending 17 days in this area 116th Battalion (Ontario County) finally relieved by the 1st Canadian Infantry Battalion and moved back in reserve once more.
Attack on Hamon Wood
The general scheme for the battalion was as follows:—“A” Company (Capt. Ritchie) would attack on the right, going through to what was known as the Bade trench system, which they were to capture and consolidate. “C” Company (Capt. Sutton) would follow “A” Company, and working round the high ground on the left flank, would drive for the enemy defences north of Hammon Wood, thence push from the north edge of the Wood to the left of our final objective, and deal with certain enemy batteries presumed to be there.
“D” Company (Capt. Baird) would follow “C” Company and, passing through “A” Company, would work around the northern slope of high ground and push for the eastern side of Hammon Wood. “B” Company (Captain Wilfred John Preston) was to follow in reserve until the Bade system had been captured, when it would follow “D” Company and mop up Hammon Wood, “A” Company then coming into battalion reserve.
During one of these attacks Sergt. McMillan of “A” Company was captured and forced by the Bosch to carry back wounded, but on his second trip he was recaptured in a counter-attack led by Captain Wilfred John Preston.
During this drive Captain Wilfred John Preston able to devise a plan, gather those not killed in a devastating machine gun barrage and ultimately take the high ground. Captain Wilfred John Preston led the smattering of soldiers across the battlefield, captured an enemy battery of field guns and took forty prisoners. For this courage and bravado, the young Captain would later be awarded the Military Cross.
116th Battalion (Ontario County) Memorial
Markings on this German howitzer’s breechblock indicate manufacturing in 1913 by Friedrich Krupp AG, a large family-run German business that began making cannons in the 1840s. The 116th Battalion, including seconded Brantford and Brant County men, captured the 5.9 German Howitzer, No. 373, carriage No. 95, from Demuin, France, at the beginning of the Battle of Amiens and gifted it to the City of Brantford on 9 August 1918.
The howitzer chosen by A.W. Pratt, acting Officer Commanding the 116th Battalion, specifically for Brantford because of the gallant work of the men from the city during the operations at Amiens.
The Boiry Show (Boiry Notre Dame)
The next operation where Captain Wilfred John Preston’s efforts and courage on full display At Bois du Vert in the attack on Boiry Notre Dame on 28 August 1918. Throughout two days of fighting, Captain Wilfred John Preston pressed on through gas attacks, artillery barrages, devastating machine gun attacks.
With each leap forward he would collect his men and drive forward capturing territory and German POWs. In this operation alone, he was able to secure 2 German Officer and 65 men of their ranks. For these fine examples of bravery beyond the call of duty, he received a Bar to his Military Cross.
In these two days of fighting 116th Battalion (Ontario County) losses three officers, Major J. Sutherland, D.S.O., Lt. H. D. Livingstone, Lt. R. Campkin.
Forty-two other ranks killed, seven officers and two hundred and forty-three other ranks wounded or missing.
Monchy British Cemetery
Monchy village, a relatively high and commanding position, captured by Commonwealth forces on 11 April 1917. The cemetery begun at once and continued in use as a front-line cemetery until the German offensive of March 1918, when it fell into their hands. It was recaptured by the Canadian Corps on 26 August and used again for a month.
The graves very closely identified with the divisions which fought on this front, for example the 37th, 12th (Eastern), 4th and 15th (Scottish) Divisions.
There are now 581 Commonwealth servicemen of the Great War buried or commemorated in this cemetery. 58 of the burials unidentified but there are special memorials to a number of casualties known to be buried among them.
Guemappe
On the 17th September the battalion resting in the Guemappe area, close to the scene of the fighting described above, and about 5 p.m. the German artillery suddenly commenced to register on our camp with 5.9’s; several men standing round the field kitchens killed, and a number wounded. One of these shells burst within a few yards of a party of our officers on their way over to look after casualties, and Captain F. W. Ott and also Captain T. H. Broad, both of whom came over to France with 116th Battalion (Ontario County), killed.
Colonel Pearkes and Lt. Proctor wounded, the former very seriously. This was a terrible blow to the battalion, coming on top of the very severe casualties we had experienced during the last month, and left us incidentally sans Colonel, second in command (Major Sutherland); Adjutant (Captain Ott); Intelligence Officer (Captain Broad); and Scout Officer (Lt. Proctor).
The general surroundings and our recent losses had a most depressing effect on the whole battalion.
Later we were moved back a few more miles to “Y” huts, already mentioned, and which was just across the road from the Casualty Clearing Station in which Colonel Pearkes lying dangerously ill.
Five Wound Stripes of Colonel Pearkes
Arriving in France with the 8th Canadian Infantry Brigade in 1915, Private G. R. Pearkes proceeded to win a commission in the field. As a Lieutenant in the same brigade awarded the Military Cross for gallant conduct during the Somme offensive of 1916—although he had been wounded three times he continued in his upward career. As a Company Commander in the 5th C.M.R., with the acting rank of Major, he earned the Victoria Cross for conspicuous gallantry during the Battle of Passchendaele. It was then that the Divisional Commander (General Lipsett) selected him out of all other officers in the 3rd Division to fill the vacancy of 2nd in Command to the 116th Battalion.
All the previous honors won by him together with his almost unequalled experience were immediately centred in the welfare of our unit, and undoubtedly the high state of fighting efficiency and organization attained by us was greatly due to his unerring judgment and unselfish devotion to the battalion.
As our Commanding Officer in the battle of Amiens awarded the D.S.O. and French Croix de Guerre, and although not permitted to lead the battalion against Boiry his influence and support behind strongly felt by all ranks throughout this action and assisted us greatly in gaining our objectives. Wounded severely for the fifth time, it seemed hopeless to expect that he could survive. To the surprise and joy of everyone he rejoined us later at the Armistice Line in time to lead the triumphant march through Belgium and to return with us to Canada.
Cambrai
Major D. Carmichael, D.S.O., M.C., second in command of the 58th Battalion, and also one of the outstanding officers of the 9th Brigade, transferred to us as Officer Commanding just after leaving “Y” huts. On 27 September at about 7 a.m. the battalion moved forward, according to plan, closely following the 58th Battalion, through Bourlon Wood, which had been captured only a few hours previously by the 4th Division, and by 10 a.m. we assembled behind a railway embankment to the east of Bourlon, and in full view of the city of Cambrai. Up to this time we had encountered nothing more than scattered shell fire, and we had had no casualties.
From our embankment we watched some tanks coming out of action, and at 6.30 p.m. we received verbal instructions that the 58th Battalion would attack the Marcoing Line, and that the 116th Battalion, passing through the 58th, would attack and capture the Village of St. Olle, which is a small suburb of Cambrai.
Zero hour was set for 7 p.m., and in consequence there was no time to discuss any plan of operation beyond the fact that “A” Company (Captain Wilfred John Preston) and “B” Company (Capt. Orr) would lead the attack. By the time we had reached our positions it was dark. During the night possible to make some preparation, and at 6 a.m. the next morning “A” and “B” Companies, with “C” Company (Captain Williams) and “D” Company (Captain Patterson) in support, resumed the attack.
A and B Companies Annihilated
The leading platoons had scarcely started when caught between cross belts of machine gun fire, coming from a small trench in front of St. Olle and Petit Fontaine on the right, and after an hour’s fighting they had hardly made any headway at all, and had lost practically the whole of their effectives. News of this disaster brought by Lieutenant Smith of “B” Company, who rolled over the parapet of the trench just outside Battalion Headquarters in an exhausted condition. From all he said, it appeared that “A” and “B” Companies had been annihilated. Captain Wilfred John Preston and Lieutenant Palmer both wounded and prisoners, and that Lieutenant Norton had been killed. This information corroborated by Private Stankewicz, who had been taken prisoner with Captain Wilfred John Preston, but who later escaped to our lines.
Aftermath
Throughout the whole operation around Cambrai the officers, N.C.O.’s. and men showed a wonderful devotion to duty, and an indomitable spirit to push forward. The difficulty of taking a well-organized system of enemy defences considerably increased owing to the fact that there had been no opportunity for anyone to reconnoitre the assembly positions, or view the grounds over which we attacked, also the time which could be devoted to explaining to the men even the smallest outline of the plan of attack almost negligible.
The greatest features the taking of St. Olle after two of our companies had been practically wiped out; and the crossing of the Douai-Cambrai Road under a barrage of German heavy artillery. The good work by 116th Battalion (Ontario County) recognized by the Divisional Commander who mentioned us in his special order of the day concerning these battles—in his own words:
“I wish to express my appreciation of the work done by the different Units of the Division, and by the Formations co-operating with us, during the past four days’ fighting.
“The 7th Canadian Infantry Brigade under Brig.-General J. A. Clarke, D.S.O., and the 9th Canadian In[88]fantry Brigade under Brig.-Gen. D. M. Ormond, D.S.O., have maintained their organization through difficult and sustained fighting.
“The work of the 116th Canadian Infantry Battalion has been especially fine, etc., etc.
(Signed)
F. O. W. Loomis,
(Major-General)
Commanding 3rd Canadian Div.”2-10-’18
Mons
By the 24th the 116th Battalion moved back behind Cambrai and camped in a sunken road just in front of Bourlon Wood. From here we retired by easy stages to Quéant, which we reached on the 10th of October, and having been allotted a section of the old Hindenburg trench, we started in to make ourselves at home and to nurse our wounds.
It was during our stay here that H.R.H. the Prince of Wales paid 116th Battalion (Ontario County) an informal visit. At the time of his arrival the companies were scattered around the area, carrying out some Lewis gun training, and the Adjutant was in his shirt sleeves, making some improvements to his trench shelter.
Funeral of Major-General Lipsett
In the afternoon, all the officers of the battalion, together with a composite company of one hundred other ranks, attended the funeral of Major-General Lipsett, who was killed by a sniper whilst reconnoitring the forward positions. During his command of the 3rd Canadian Division (he had only recently been transferred to the Imperial Forces) his keen interest in the welfare of all ranks under his command had made him one of the most popular officers in the Canadian Corps.
Inspection by Corps Commander
On the 17th of the month, the 9th Brigade inspected by the Corps Commander in a large and muddy field just north of Quéant. The Corps Commander, as most of the Corps know, was by no means a small man, and amongst the troops inspected a number of men who had recently joined us, and who had consequently no idea as to whom the inspecting officer might be—also the ration of bread at that time was one loaf to three men.
It was towards the end of the inspection, and the small squad of brass caps walking down the ranks of a certain platoon—one of the newcomers took one look at the Corps Commander and remarked in a loud undertone, “Gee Whiz! Fancy being three men on a loaf with that old beggar.”
Enemy in Retreat
The German Army now in full retreat, and from intelligence received, it seemed likely that from now on we would have a difficult task in even keeping in touch with it. Starting on the 22nd of the month we began a series of advances, which only ended when the Armistice terms had been signed and the Armistice line established about five miles east of Mons.
Armistice
“The 116th Battalion will move up forthwith and take over the line from the 7th Brigade, holding a front line from Q. 9 central to K. 19 central. After taking over the line the battalion will stand fast. Hostilities will cease at 11 a.m. to-day. All precautions to be taken against the enemy. No intercourse with the enemy whatever to take place. O.C. 116th Battalion will report to 9th Brigade H.Q. immediately, and will receive instructions as to route. Acknowledge.”
At 5.30 the following morning the whole neighborhood awakened by a series of explosions, which bore a striking resemblance to the fire from field artillery; for about half an hour we had an uncomfortable feeling that the war had started again, but on investigation discovered an enemy ammunition train, which had been set on fire by some very small and truly patriotic young Belgians.
Later in the day our line was still further advanced, and we finally occupied what was to be known as the Armistice Line, and from which no advance could be made until the expiration of a definite time limit.
Our left flank, which rested on the Brussels-Mons Road, proved to be a source of great trouble and annoyance, since we received explicit orders to allow no one to pass either from east to west or west to east, except those carrying a special permit signed by 3rd Canadian Divisional H.Q.
March to the Rhine
And here ended the active service of 116th Battalion (Ontario County), for when the first and second Canadian Divisions started their advance to the Rhine our posts withdrawn, and on December 26th, after marching as far as Brussels with the object of relieving the First Division in Germany, we suddenly received orders to “about turn.” We accomplished this in two beats of quick time instead of the usual three, and marched to Blandain, on the borders of France and Belgium. By the 31st, we found ourselves in Renaix.
Arrived at Le Havre on 7 February 1919 at 8.30 p.m. and marched to camp. On the 9th, 116th Battalion (Ontario County) paraded for baths, and a change of underwear. All the men’s clothing fumigated. Concert given by Dumbell party during the afternoon.
Return to Bramshott Camp
116th Battalion (Ontario County) arrived off Veymourth, England, about 5.30 a.m. on the 13th and anchored. Band played selections on the deck. Commenced disembarking at 9.00 a.m. and marched to the station, where each man received a lunch. Battalion arrived at Liphook at 3.00 p.m. and marched to Bramshott camp.
From the 19th-25th documentation and Medical Boards carried on with. Investiture of Officers of the 3rd Canadian Division held by His Majesty, King George V. at Buckingham Palace.
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