The Fort Garry Horse originated in Winnipeg, Manitoba on 15 April 1912, when the 34th Regiment of Cavalry
authorized formation. The following year, re-designated the 34th Fort Garry Horse.
On August 4th, 1914 Great Britain declared war on Germany and Austria-Hungary to uphold treaties with France and Belgium, under German attack. The next day the regiment held a parade on Maryland Street with a total of about 250 all ranks.
while a military parade takes place on Portage Avenue.
Recruiting began immediately and within a few weeks the ranks had swelled to over 500.
Valcartier
On 30 August the Regiment entrained for Valcartier, Quebec. On arrival the men told the disappointing news Cavalry not needed and they would be transferred to the newly organized 6th Canadian Infantry Battalion.
6th Battalion
The 6th Battalion organized in Valcartier Camp composed of recruits from cavalry units in Manitoba, Saskatchewan and Alberta, commanded by Lieutenant-Colonel J. G. Rattray, later by Lieutenant-Colonel R. W. Patterson (from 22 September 1914).
Men transferred in from other Cavalry units in Valcartier, notably the 18th Mounted Rifles, 20th Border Horse, 22nd Saskatchewan Light Horse, and 32nd Manitoba Horse. Although made up of many Western Cavalry units and some Infantry units, the 6th Battalion generally known as the “Fort Garrys” and remained under command of LtCol Robert Walter Paterson.
SS LAPLAND
By 28 September, when the 6th Battalion embarked for France on the S.S. Lapland, it numbered a strength of 1,223 all ranks.
The cap badge chosen for the 6th Battalion the Fort Garry gate superimposed on a bronze maple leaf with the number “6” below and the scroll that read “WESTERN CANADA”.
1914 – Overseas
The S.S. Lapland docked in Plymouth, England on 14 October 1914 after an uneventful crossing. The Lapland a ship of the Belgian “Red Star” line.
During the voyage the bandmaster found a library of music left by the ship’s former German orchestra. He picked out a stirring march titled “El Abanico” and had the band learn it. Adopted as the Regimental March of the 6th Battalion and later of the Fort Garry Horse.
Larkhill Camp
The Regiment moved from Plymouth to Salisbury Plain, the main training ground of the British Army, and moved into a tent city. On 30 October it began to rain and turned the area into a sea of mud. Soldiers trained all day in pouring rain trying to sleep at night in wet blankets. The wet and cold conditions continued till Christmas when as many men as possible granted leave.
Larkhill Camp began on 12 August 1914, and completed in early 1915, designated as the School of Instruction for Royal Horse and Field Artillery (Larkhill).
1915
In January 1915 Canada’s two Permanent Force Cavalry Regiments, Lord Strathcona’s Horse (Royal Canadians) and the Royal Canadian Dragoons, having also trained as Infantry, given back their horses and with the British 2nd King Edward’s Horse and the Royal Canadian Horse Artillery, formed the Canadian Cavalry Brigade for service in France.
Remount Depot
The 6th Battalion, being composed of Cavalrymen, selected to become the Remount Depot for the Brigade. On the 22nd of January, the Fort Garry Horse re-formed and cavalry training began immediately. The 6th Battalion disbanded and the members transferred to the Garrys or to the 8th and 10th Infantry Battalions.
After 3 days at Lark Hill we marched to West Down South again, but not the old location. This time we found we were to act as chamber maids to mules at the Canadian Remount Depot. Cavalry drill now introduced as it was rumored that we were to be turned into Cavalry and that the 10th Battalion had taken our place in the 2nd Brigade. - Pvt Alfred Herbert John Andrews
At 1 P.M. on January 20th, 1915, we fell in to march to Tidworth. Pte Bug Saunders (afterwards Lt. Col. A L Saunders, D.S.O. and bar, M.C. and bar) distinguished himself by getting into a fight and appearing on parade with one eye closed. We marched to Tidworth by easy stages and at 4.30 led into No. 17 Jellalabod barracks. Five of us allotted to one of the houses in the married section. We liked it better than the huts, because we weren't so crowded and we had lots of running water and a little fire place. - Pvt Alfred Herbert John Andrews
In March 1915 the Fort Garry Horse moved to Canterbury to form the Canadian Cavalry Depot. For the next nine months they trained and furnished drafts of men to reinforce the Canadian Cavalry Brigade then fighting in a dismounted role in France. During this time the regiment adopted a new cap badge consisting of the maple leaf and gate of the 6th Battalion, with the scroll changed to read “FORT GARRY HORSE”.
At 11.50 A.M. on May 7, 1915 we fell in for inspection by Col. Patterson. He had canceled the band to play us off because he called us a disgrace draft owing to the fact that over 90% of the draft came out of detention or jail. Sergeant Jarvis refused to shake hands with the O.C., thereby creating quite a scene. The Colonel first addressed the escort (those not under arrest) and then the prisoners. We marched off to the station and entrained for Shorncliffe. - LCpl Alfred Herbert John Andrews
1916 – With the Canadian Cavalry Brigade in France
In December 1915, decided to replace the 2nd King Edward’s Horse in France with a Canadian Regiment. The Fort Garry Horse selected to become the third Regiment in the Canadian Cavalry Brigade. It had been kept up to strength in England with reinforcements provided by the 34th Fort Garry Horse, still operating as a Militia unit in Winnipeg. The 34th FGH continued to recruit and train Cavalrymen throughout the war in Winnipeg and Camp Hughes, sending them overseas as required by the regiment.
First Action
On 25 February 1916 the regiment landed in France and began to train with the Brigade. On 13/14 July “B” Squadron saw the first action for the regiment when tasked to lay bridges for the Infantry advance. They used special collapsible bridges that had been designed by Lt. Col H.I. Stevenson, then second in command of the Garrys.
The Squadron then sent forward to attack High Wood in support of the Infantry. The attack highly successful, the trenches dug by the Garrys not recaptured for two weeks.
DANTZIG ALLEY BRITISH CEMETERY, MAMETZ
Charles Nelson Thistlewaite killed in the front line near Daours along with A J Donovan, I Douglas, and Lt G W Knight. These graves registered at DANTZIG ALLEY BRITISH CEMETERY, MAMETZ on 25 October 1920.
Graves on the perimeter wall of CWGC cemeteries normally reserved for Special Memorials. This does not appear to be the case at Dantzig.
Dantzig Alley British Cemetery, 29 April 2019, cefrg.ca
Remains below these headstones have been positively identified.
Dantzig Alley British Cemetery, 29 April 2019, cefrg.ca
These graves registered in January 1921 by the IWGC.
Graves 40-43 in Row A belong to the Fort Garry Horse.
Private Herbert Pullon died 7 October 1916.
Dantzig Alley British Cemetery, 29 April 2019, cefrg.ca
The regiment later employed building roads, railways and trenches.
Throughout the winter of 1916-1917 they took their turn relieving Infantry in the trenches, staying two weeks in the front line alternating with one weeks “rest”, maintaining their cavalry skills and assisting in moving stores and munitions to the front.
1917 – Guyencourt, Saulcourt, the Trenches
Later in 1918, Corbie on the margin of the battlefield of Villers-Bretonneux at which the First Battle of the Somme (1918) of the German spring offensive came to a climax.
Several actions on 25 March 1917 at Le Mesnil, Equancourt, and Ytres. Private Charles Landells hit by a shell in the back and stomach and died at a hospital on 25 March 1917.
Corporal Carle, also KIA on 25 March 1917 buried at FINS NEW BRITISH CEMETERY, SOREL-LE-GRAND.
Guyencourt-Saulcourt
On a cold and snowy day, 27 March 1917, The Garrys, with the rest of the Canadian Cavalry Brigade, took part in the attack on German positions in the Guyencourt-Saulcourt area. The Germans had withdrawn to straighten out a bulge in their line and the 4th British army scrambled to regain contact. The Infantry could not keep up so the Cavalry called in. The town of Saulcourt captured in a three-pronged attack by the Garrys, while the Strathcona’s attacked Guyencourt. Lt. F.W. Harvey, of the Strathcona’s awarded the Victoria Cross for his bravery during this action.
The attack successful, making contact with the Germans at the new Hindenburg line. The Infantry moved up to consolidate the Cavalry’s gains. It was the first major action involving the entire brigade mounted. In May the regiment returned to the front line trenches to relieve the tired Infantry. Trench Raids conducted in the area of Somerville and Max Wood with many decorations being won by members of the regiment. Lt. Harcus Strachan, later to win the Victoria Cross, awarded a Military Cross for his actions at Somerville Wood.
MIKAN No. 3221438
1917 – Cambrai
The plan for the attack on the German Hindenburg Line relied on a massed tank and infantry breakthrough to be exploited by the Cavalry, to push forward and isolate the city of Cambrai. The Fort Garry Horse, as part of the Canadian Cavalry Brigade, 5th Cavalry Division, given the task of leading as advance guard for the Division. “B” Squadron, commanded by Captain Campbell, given the special mission of capturing a German Corps Headquarters in the town of Escaudoeuvres.
The Remainder of the regiment held up by a bridge which had collapsed under the weight of a tank, but “B” Squadron managed to cross on a temporary bridge constructed (with the help of the Machine Gun Squadron and German prisoners) over a damaged lock gate.
Lt Harcus Strachan MC
Lt Harcus Strachan MC takes command with the death of Captain Campbell.
Shortly after the crossing, the CO, Lt. Col. R. W. Paterson, received orders to cancel the entire Cavalry advance but “B” Squadron already on the way to their objective. The Squadron came under heavy machine gun fire, killing Captain Campbell. Lt Harcus Strachan immediately took command. He led the Squadron forward and came upon a German artillery battery destroyed by a charge with swords drawn.
The Squadron continued forward and halted to rest under cover in a sunken road, where Lt. Strachan found that only 43 men and horses left from the start of 129 men and 140 horses. Realizing that the Squadron could not accomplish their mission, Lt. Strachan and Lt. William Joseph Cowen led the remaining men back in two groups through the German lines at night, bringing in 15 prisoners. For his gallantry and leadership, Lt Strachan awarded the Victoria Cross, the highest award for valour.
Lt Harcus Strachan VC MC
In short, Lieutenant Strachan led the squadron through the enemy line of machine-gun posts and then, with the surviving men, led the charge on the German battery, killing seven of the gunners with his sword. When all the gunners killed and the battery silenced, he rallied his men and fought his way back at night on foot through the enemy’s lines, bringing all unwounded men safely in, together with 15 prisoners.
Awards
Other Decorations awarded the Military Cross, to Lieuts. Edward William Fleming and Cowen, and the Distinguished Conduct Medal to Sergeant J. Bernas and Trooper W. Morrall. The Military Medal to Acting Sergeant T.P. Tebburt and Troopers J.E. van Wilderode, T. Gibbons, and W. Hall, while Corporal J. McKay and Lance Corporal F. Fitzgerald awarded bars to Military Medals previously received.
The Medical Officer, Captain E.C. Whitehouse, also received the Military Cross for conspicuous service during the day. As well as destroying the artillery battery, “B” Squadron credited with widespread disruption behind the German lines.
B Squadron suffered 40 casualties at Masnieres on 20 November 1917.
Marcoing British Cemetery
- Sp. Mem. 7. CONKLIN 20/11/1917 Private
- Sp. Mem. 9. DUNNING M M 20/11/1917 Lance Corporal
- Sp. Mem. 13. HENDERSON 20/11/1917 Lance Corporal
- Sp. Mem. 18. MacDONALD KENNETH FERGUSON M M 20/11/1917 Private
- I. E. 7. WEBB ALBERT JAMES 20/11/1917 Shoeing Smith Corporal
- I. E. 10. CONRAD CECIL HAROLD 20/11/1917 Private
- II. C. 1. JENSEN ARTHUR VIGO 20/11/1917 Private
- II. C. 34. McARTHUR 20/11/1917 Private
Pvt Richard James Conklin
Private Conklin originally reported killed-in-action by German authorities. Originally buried at Rumilly German Cemetery. His remains exhumed and placed in Plot 2 at Marcoing, marked by a Special Cross as his remains could not be positively identified.
Exact position of his grave unknown. Strange why his remains could not be positively identified, yet commemorated at Marcoing by a Special Memorial.
Air Photo Rumilly.
© IWM (Q 51824)
RUMILLY-EN-CAMBRÉSIS COMMUNAL CEMETERY EXTENSION
The German War Cemetery at Rumilly likely a plot in RUMILLY-EN-CAMBRÉSIS COMMUNAL CEMETERY EXTENSION. The 30 German graves moved to Cambrai East Military Cemetery following the Armistice.
Pvt Dunning
Dunning also originally buried at Rumilly German Cemetery by the German Army.
LCpl Henderson
Henderson originally buried at Rumilly German Cemetery by the German Army.
Pte Kenneth Ferguson MacDonald
Pte MacDonald also originally buried at Rumilly German Cemetery by the German Army.
Pvt Cecil Almeron McArthur
Cecil a pharmacist from Innisfail, Alberta. Next of kin: William G McArthur, father.
Pte Arthur Vigo Jenson
Cpl Albert James Webb
Marcoing British Cemetery, 18 April 2018, cefrg.ca
Flesquieres Hill British Cemetery
Captain Duncan Campbell
Captain Campbell awarded the Military Cross for conspicuous gallantry and devotion to duty during an attack upon four lines of enemy defences. He was in command of the leading Squadron and seeing that the leading troops had lost direction owing to their leader and sergeant being wounded, he went forward and rallied them to their objective. This prompt action allowed many of dugouts to be cleared and a number of prisoners to be captured and very largely contributed to the success of the whole operation. London Gazette No. 38287." British War Medal and Victory Medal.
Elections December 1917
When Canadians went to the polls on December 17, 1917, they realized their votes could potentially affect the outcome of the war. If they supported Prime Minister Robert Borden’s Unionist government they would be voting in favour of the Military Service Act, young men would be conscripted for service, and many would be sent overseas to fight.
If Canadians instead voted for Laurier’s Liberals, the Canadian Corps would be less able to help Britain and allies win the war, however, many young men could remain at home in Canada.
1918
1918 – Moreuil Wood – Rifle Wood
The battles of Moreuil and Rifle Wood took place during the German offensive which began March 21, 1918. During the initial retirement of the British forces the Fort Garry Horse and the rest of the Canadian Cavalry Brigade tasked to cover the withdrawal of the British 54th Infantry Brigade.
During the action, “A” and “B” Squadron sent up to rescue a Squadron of Lord Strathcona’s Horse about to be surrounded by the enemy. In doing so “A” Squadron itself surrounded but managed to hold off the enemy with rifle fire and a single machine gun until a party of French Infantry organized to drive the enemy back.
From the 22nd to the 26th of March the Regiment tasked to provide mounted and dismounted detachments to plug gaps and relieve the hard-pressed British Infantry. One dismounted patrol of 13 men on a reconnaissance mission became entangled with the enemy and cut off from the rest of the Regiment for 4 days.
Moreuil Wood
On March 30th, The Canadian Cavalry Brigade ordered to attack Moreuil Wood, an important high feature overlooking Amiens and the main railway line to Paris. The attack led by the Royal Canadian Dragoons supported by the Strathcona’s and the Garrys.
The enemy finally driven out of the woods, and despite severe losses and in the face of repeated counterattacks the wood held by the Brigade until relieved by Infantry in the evening. Lt. Gordon Flowerdew of the Strathconas awarded the Victoria Cross for gallantry in this action.
Hangard Communal Cemetery Extension
Trooper JAMES HAROLD BEATTY, son of James J. and Annie Beatty, of 4, Park Drive, Bangor, Co. Down, Ireland. On the staff of the Canadian Bank of Commerce. Born at Crossdoney, Co. Cavan, Ireland.
Beatty’s body found under a cross at 62D.U.22.d.7.2, just north-west of Hangard in 1920.
CHAUNY COMMUNAL CEMETERY BRITISH EXTENSION
The Extension made after the Armistice for the burial of remains brought in from the battlefields of the Aisne and from smaller cemeteries in the surrounding countryside.
LCpl A Rowe found at 66C.S.8.c.7.2 along with six other soldiers in August 1919. The location in Grand bois de Housseaux, north of Chaulny.
Rifle Wood
On the morning of April 1st the Brigade ordered to carry out a dismounted attack on Rifle Wood just North-East of Moreuil. The Fort Garry Horse detachment of 176 men led the Canadian Cavalry Brigade into the heavily defended wood. Losses again heavy but the attack successful. Col Paterson gassed on this day.
121 prisoners and 13 machine guns captured and turned against the enemy. The successful attacks on Moreuil and Rifle woods credited with stopping the German advance on Amiens and saving the city.
Namps-au-Val British Cemetery
At the end of March 1918, when the German offensive in Picardy began, the 41st, 50th and 55th Casualty Clearing Stations came to Namps-au-Val, remaining until the middle of April.
Almost all the burials in the cemetery carried out by them, but nine graves in Plot II, Row D, brought after the Armistice from CONTY FRENCH MILITARY CEMETERY.
The cemetery contains 408 Commonwealth burials of the Great War and one from the Second World War. There are also 16 French war graves.
Namps-au-Val a village in the Department of the Somme approximately 16 kilometres south-west of Amiens. The British Cemetery between the village and the railway station.
Gordon Flowerdew VC buried at Namps-Au-Val British Cemetery, Somme, France. He is also commemorated on the memorial at St. Leonard’s Church, Billingford.
Visit of Canadian Journalists
27 July 1918 Visit
Very showery morning. Brigade formed up in Mass on the High ground south of camp at 11 am.
Squadron drill carried out until Canadian Newspaper Representatives arrived.
They arrived about 1 pm accompanied by Major-General Alexander McRae and General Paterson.
The Brigade trotted past the saluting point in column of troops.
Major General A.D. McRae currently seconded to the British Government to organize Ministry of Information assisting Lord Beaverbrook.
The Regiment returned to camp about 2 pm.
1918 – The Last Hundred Days
In the last great battles of the war, the Canadian Cavalry Brigade, now under command of Brigadier General Paterson, came into their own, operating with tanks and protecting the right flank of the Canadian Corps. This the first time that the CCB had fought alongside Canadian infantry.
On 8 August, advancing to Beaucort, “A” Squadron captured a complete German Brigade HQ, complete with all the staff, maps and papers.
On the 10th, the Garrys had to advance up the Roye Road toward Hill 100. The fields blocked by trenches and wire, so three troops of “C” Squadron galloped straight up the road through clouds of dust. Machine gun and shell fire left the road strewn with the bodies of horses and men. The last rider fell 100 yards from the objective.
Damery Communal Cemetery
The regiment not in action again until 9 October, when the advance slowed by a strong enemy position in Gattigny Wood. Lt. Dunwoody, with 3 Troop, B Squadron, charged the machine guns on the right flank of the wood and succeeded in driving the enemy back. Meanwhile, A Squadron under Major Edward Liddell Middlemast, rode around the left of the wood and charged, killing a great number of enemy with the sword, and capturing 200 prisoners.
Shortly after, the remainder of B Squadron rode forward and captured Maurois. The enemy fell back to Reumont, and C Squadron, under Maj Mills, swung north around the village, charged, and captured 42 prisoners and 6 machine guns. With the assistance of B Squadron, the machine gun section, and the Royal Canadian Horse Artillery, the town secured.
Honnechy British Cemetery
Naves Communal Cemetery Extension
The Extension begun by the 49th (West Riding) Division in October, 1918, after the capture of the village on the 10th. The 31 graves then made are now in Plot V; Plots I to IV were made after the Armistice, by the concentration of graves from smaller cemeteries and from the battlefields of Cambrai.
Son of George John and Emma Caroline Bechill, of Glencoe, Ontario.
Naves Communal Cemetery
Among the graves thus concentrated those of many Lancashire Fusiliers and King’s Own Royal Lancasters who fell at the start of the war in August, 1914.
Roisel Communal Cemetery Extension
Roisel town occupied by British troops in April 1917, and evacuated after a strong defence by the 66th (East Lancashire) Division in the evening of the 22nd March 1918. It was retaken in the following September.
Roisel Communal Cemetery Extension begun by German troops, who buried immediately to the North of the Communal Cemetery.
Roisel Communal Cemetery Extension
The cemetery developed in October and November 1918, by the 41st, 48th, 53rd and 58th Casualty Clearing Stations, and completed after the Armistice by the concentration of British and German graves from the country North, East and South of Roisel.
Roisel Communal Cemetery Extension
Etaples Military Cemetery
Bertry Communal Cemetery
Bouchoir New British Cemetery
The next objective the town and high ground near Le Cateau. B Squadron patrols entered the outskirts of the town at night and the position finally taken by the Royal Canadian Dragoons. The CCB relieved in place by the 7th Cavalry Brigade. The charge at Gattigny Wood described by the Commander of the British Cavalry Corps, as “the best cavalry action carried out by any cavalry unit on any front during the war.” For this action, Lt. Dunwoody and Maj Middlemast received the Distinguished Service Order, two other officers received the Military Cross, five Distinguished Conduct Medals and eleven Military Medals awarded.
Private Frederick William Knight instantly killed by enemy shellfire at Ramborlieux Farm, two miles north-west of Le Cateau on 10 October 1918. Buried at Montay Neuville Road Cemetery (exhumed from Ramborlieux Farm Courtyard).
Lebucquiere Communal Cemetery Extension
Lebucquiere village occupied by Commonwealth forces on 19 March 1917, following the German withdrawal to the Hindenburg Line. Recaptured by the Germans on 23 March 1918, after fierce resistance by the 19th (Western) Division, and finally reoccupied by the 5th Division on 3 September 1918.
Lebucquiere Communal Cemetery Extension
15 August 2019, cefrg.ca
The communal cemetery extension begun on 24 March 1917 and used by the 1st Australian Division and other units for almost a year. After the reoccupation of the village in September 1918, used again for a fortnight (including burial of Pvt Prentice). At the Armistice, the cemetery contained 150 burials, but greatly enlarged when graves brought in from the surrounding battlefields.
Private John Joseph Parr
Only two soldiers of the Fort Garry Horse buried in Belgium. Pvt John Joseph Marr, son of the late John W. and Louisa Marr. Born at Toronto, Ontario, Canada. John died of broncho-pneumonia at No. 1 Australian CCS.
TOURNAI COMMUNAL CEMETERY ALLIED EXTENSION
17 April 2018, cefrg.ca
Brig-Gen Paterson on the lead horse.
1919 – Peace and Demobilization
When the war ended on 11 November, 1918 the Garrys required to perform a stint of garrison duty in Belgium. The spare time spent in Khaki School, regimental sports, cleaning and turning in equipment.
Private George Albert Still, son of Mr. and Mrs. James Still, of Miniota, Manitoba. The final Fort Garry Horse casualty, and only the second buried in Belgium.
Finally, on 18 April 1919, all ranks returned to England for a well deserved leave. On 21 May, 1919 most of the Regiment boarded the R.M.S. Carmania, landing in Halifax from which they arrived in Winnipeg by train on 2 June. The remainder came home on the S.S. Northland.
Bloody Saturday
At the time Winnipeg in the throes of the great General Strike and volunteers asked to stay on to help the Mounted Police.
38 Officers and Men armed with baseball bats took to horses again and involved in the breakup of the riot on “Bloody Saturday” which brought an end to the strike.
When the Regiment demobilized in June 1919 the members returned to their peacetime occupations or found new ones and for a short time all thoughts of soldiering gladly laid aside.
Awards
Military Cross Citation of Lt Thomas Cuthbert Anderson
For conspicuous gallantry and devotion to duty while in charge of a small patrol detailed to locate crossings over a river for cavalry and tanks. He pushed on in front of the infantry, found a suitable crossing, and then acted as guide to the tanks. Owing to his bold, determined work the brigade was enabled to cross the river and launch its attack before the infantry had reached its second objective, thus contributing largely to the success of the cavalry action. ( London Gazette – 15 October 1918)
M IKAN No. 3214325
Military Cross Citation of Lt W J Cowen
For conspicuous gallantry and devotion to duty as second in command of his squadron, which charged an enemy battery two miles in rear of their line. Though badly wounded he led his men on and brought back six prisoners. (Cambrai, 20 Nov 1917.)
Fort Garry Horse. MIKAN No. 3214386
Writer and Director
After the war, Cowen went to Russia, possibly in the service of the US government, where he was captured by the Bolsheviks, and sentenced to death for being a “spy, bourgeois and a speculator”. Returning to the USA, he wrote several books and short stories, notably “Man With Four Lives”, which has scenes derived from his war experiences in France, and “They Gave Him a Gun”.
- Half Marriage, 1929 – Director
- Woman Unafraid, 1934 – Director
- Blind Alibi, 1938 – Writer
- Good Girls Go to Paris, 1939 – Writer
Military Cross Citation Lt Richard Burkett Mills
For conspicuous gallantry and devotion to duty. He penetrated through the enemy’s advanced lines with the utmost skill and fearlessness, and advanced to their main position, sending back information of the greatest value. During the withdrawal three days later he showed great courage and ability in holding together the left flank and withdrawing his men in safety, through the enemy had already penetrated some distance in rear of this flank. (1 April 1918) ( London Gazette – 22 June 1918)
Honorable Mention
Acting as adjutant of the Canadian Brigade Party of 476 men who captured RIFLE WOOD on April 1, 1918, Lt Mills showed great courage and determination and was an important factor in the success of the operation. In order to speed up the advance over the approach to the WOOD, he pushed on reached the entrance to the WOOD, ahead of the attacking party, although constantly under heavy MG and shellfire. During the operation, he was sent to different parts of the fight, in various capacity, and was of valuable assistance in forming the continuous defence line around the WOOD.
VC Citation of Lt Harcus Strachan
For most conspicuous bravery and leadership during operations. He took command of the squadron of his regiment when the squadron leader, approaching the enemy front line at a gallop, was killed. Lieutenant Strachan led the squadron through the enemy line of machine gun posts, and then with the surviving men, led the charge on the enemy battery, killing seven of the gunners with his sword. All the gunners having been killed and the battery silenced, he rallied his men and fought his way back at night through the enemy’s line, bringing all unwounded men safely in, together with fifteen prisoners.
The operation, which resulted in the silencing of an enemy battery, the killing of the whole battery personnel and many infantry, and the cutting of three main lines of telephone communication two miles in rear of the enemy’s front line, was only rendered possible by the outstanding gallantry and fearless leading of this officer. (Cambrai. 20 November 1917.) The Victoria Cross was presented by King George V at Buckingham Palace on 16 January 1918.
Brigadier-General Robert Walter Paterson
General John Edward Bernard Seely, the British commander of the Canadian Cavalry Brigade, saw in Paterson the characteristics required for a higher rank and selected him as his successor over two colonels from the other regiments in the brigade who had been part of the Permanent Force. Paterson, promoted brigadier-general on 20 May 1918, would lead the brigade from that date until it returned to Canada to be disbanded in May 1919.
Distinguished Service Order
By his daring reconnaissances and careful organisation he ensured the success of a raid against four lines of enemy defences. He personally reconnoitred the point of attack with an utter disregard of his personal safety.
Battle Honours
Battle Honours in BOLD TYPE are emblazoned on the Guidon
The Great War 1914-1919
- SOMME-1916, 1918
- BAZENTIN
- POZIERES
- FLERS-COURCELETTE
- HILL 70
- YPRES-1917
- CAMBRAI-1917,1918
- ST. QUENTIN
- AMIENS
- ARRAS-1918
- HINDENBURG LINE
- ST. QUENTIN CANAL
- BEAUREVOIR
- PURSUIT TO MONS
- FRANCE & FLANDERS 1916-1918
