Toronto Regiment
The 3rd Battalion (Toronto Regiment), Canadian Expeditionary Force a battalion of the Canadian Expeditionary Force that saw service in the Great War. Created on 2 September 1914 with recruits from Toronto, primarily from the Queen’s Own Rifles of Canada with additional drafts from the 10th Royal Grenadiers and the Governor General’s Body Guard. Thanks to an amazing group of 27 online volunteers, the 3rd Canadian Infantry Battalion war diaries have been transcribed and provide the basis for this history.
The battalion organized and trained at Camp Valcartier before leaving for England. Upon arrival, the battalion became part of the 1st Canadian Division, 1st Canadian Infantry Brigade.
Commanding Officers of the 3rd Canadian Infantry Battalion in the Great War
Commanding Officers – All three Commanding Officers having previously served in the Canadian Militia with the Queen’s Own Rifles of Canada:
- September 1914 to November 1915 – Lieutenant Colonel Robert Rennie CB, CMG, DSO, MVO
- November 1915 to October 1916 – Lieutenant Colonel William D. Allan DSO
- October 1916 to April 1919 – Lieutenant Colonel J. Bartlett Rogers CMG, DSO, MC
Demographics
Nominal Roll of Officers, Non-Commissioned Officers and Men of the 3rd Battalion.
- 429 British
- 400 Canadians
- 93 Irish
- 80 Scottish
- 8 Welsh
- 8 Jamaican
- 7 American
- 5 Newfoundlanders
- 4 British West Indies
- 4 India
- 3 Russian
- Israel Cohen, Russian Militia,
- Harry Zussman, Russian Army,
- Joseph Gill, Russian Infantry.
- 2 New Zealand
- 1 British Honduras
- 1 B. Guian
- 1 South Africa
Only forty officers and men who left with the Regiment in August 1914 returned with them to Toronto on 23 April 1919.
Facts
A total of 1,043 Officers and Other Ranks in the Nominal Roll.
- 1,292 total war dead among the 3rd Battalion.
- Fifteen percent (154) of the originals fell in battle.
Of the war dead, sixty-five men Mentioned in Despatches or awarded at least one medal.
- 11 Military Crosses (with 3 Bars)
- 42 Military Medals (with 7 Bars)
1914
England
Devonport
Monday, October 19, 1914 [This is the first entry in the Regimental War Diary]
Location: DEVONPORT
Weather: Fine and warm
Entry: Disembarked from S.S. “TUNISIAN”, marched to FRIARY Station, L. & S.W. Ry. At 7.55.P.M. Entrained for AMESBURY, 1st. train 10.45.P.M. 2nd. train 11.45. P.M.
Bustard Camp
Tuesday, October 20, 1914
Location: BUSTARD CAMP
Weather: Fine and warm
Entry: Arrived AMESBURY, 1st. train 5.30.A.M. 2nd train 6.45.A.M. Marched to BUSTARD CAMP, via “STONEHENGE” 6½ miles, arriving at 10.30.
Saturday, October 24, 1914
Location: BUSTARD CAMP
Weather: Rain all day
Entry: Brigade inspected by FIELD MARSHAL EARL ROBERTS, V.C. at 1.30.P.M.
Wednesday, November 04, 1914
Location: BUSTARD CAMP
Weather: Fine and warm.
Entry: 10.40 a.m. The camp was visited by Their Majesties the King and Queen, accompanied by H.R.H. Princess Mary, Field Marshall Earl Roberts, Lord Kitchener and other officers. The 1st Brigade was inspected by His Majesty on the Downs north of Bustard Camp.
Tuesday, December 01, 1914
Location: BUSTARD CAMP
Weather: Weather fine in the morning, heavy wind in the afternoon.
Entry: Coy. Training. Report received to-day of an accident which occurred in the evening of November 30th in which Pte. Raney of the transport was severely injured and admitted to Salisbury Hospital.
Friday, December 25, 1914
Location: BUSTARD CAMP
Entry: Christmas Day, a holiday, no parade of the Bn. Sergt’s Mess visited by C.O. at 12.30. The Brigadeer Col. Mercer called upon the Officers at 2 P.M. In the evening a bon-fire for all ranks and an open air concert was arranged and enjoyed by all members of the Battalion. Special dinner provided for the men by City Council of the City of Toronto.
Thursday, December 31, 1914
Location: BUSTARD CAMP
Entry: Battalion training, practised attack on convoy with about 300 men. Rained early in the morning, but cleared and was fine during the day. The members of the Battalion observed the ceremonies in connection with the passing of the year 1914.
1915
January
Bustard Camp
Friday, January 01, 1915
Location: BUSTARD CAMP
Entry: New Years Day observed as a holiday. Hon Capt G.L. INGLES Chaplain of this Battalion and recently attached to No 1. Gen Hospital BULFORD died last evening of cerebro-spinal-meningitis. contracted while doing his duty visiting men sick with this very contagious disease. A dinner was provided for the N.C.O. and men by the City Council of Toronto. Weather windy and severe rainstorm lasting all day.
Sunday, January 03, 1915
Location: BUSTARD CAMP
Entry: Sunday. Heavy rain all day, quite cold. The late Rev G.L. INGLES was buried with military honours at Bulford at 2.00 p.m. The C.O. and all available Officers attended. Firing party and escort under Capt Allan. Divine Service at 9.00 a.m. The special service of intercession used on this occasion and Holy Communion observed. The Canteen was closed and all men confined to the lines.
Monday, February 01, 1915
Location: BUSTARD
Entry: 9 a.m. Coy drill one Coy. for field cooking
1 p.m. – 4 p.m. Rapid fire practices at the ranges.
5 p.m. Lecture to officers & Sanitary details on Sanitation by Lt Col Nasmith A.M.O. Capt Morton left for SOUTHAMPTON to act as Embarkation offr. Pte Trull of Stretcher Bearers removed to hospital suffering from spinal meningitits – rest of stretcher bearers segregated. Weather warm & sunny in the morning cloudy in afternoon with showers at night.
Monday, February 08, 1915
Location: BUSTARD
Entry: Rt. hlf 3rd Canadian Infantry Battalion left Camp 1.50 a.m. followed by left 1 hour later. Bn left similarly in trains from AMESBURY.
Tuesday, February 09, 1915
Location: En route
Entry: En route sailed from AVONMOUTH at 3 am.
MONDAY, FEBRUARY 15, 1915
Left behind in hospital, Private Thomas Egbert Trull succumbed to spiral-meningitis on 15 February 1915 and buried at BULFORD CHURCH CEMETERY.
France
February 1915
Wednesday, February 17, 1915
Entry: Rain & high wind. The Bn. left billets at 7.30 am + reached ARMENTIÈRES at 2.00 pm: Arrangement for instruction of the Bn. in the trenches were made during the afternoon + the Bn was billeted.
Sunday, February 21, 1915
Location: ARMENTIÈRES
Entry: Weather fine with a mist in the early morning – Bn. attd 18th I.B. for instruction.
Appendix: On 21st Bn had 2 Casualties SERGT HOLLAND wounded; Bgr SANDERS accidentally shot himself in the foot.
March
La Toulette
Wednesday, March 03, 1915
Location: LA TOULETTE
Entry: Bn at LA TOULETTE in Bde reserve – 2 Coys practised Bomb throwing. Weather showery.
Friday, March 05, 1915
Location: LA TOULETTE
Entry: Dull windy day. Platoons of two Coys. went to bomb throwing practice in the morning – Bn relieved 1st Bn in trenches commencing at 6.30 p.m. relief completed by 11.30 p.m. –
Saturday, March 06, 1915
Entry: 9.40 a.m. Dull & raining – Enemy put 23 Shrapnel into right & centre section Killing 2 men in centre.
Monday, March 08, 1915
Location: SUPPORT FARM
Entry: Fine cold day. intermittent artillery duel. 18pr on our side, something similar on the enemy’s
3.30 p.m. Enemy put 5 shells into Left SECTION knocking down 5 ft of parapet.
3.50 p.m. Enemy put about a dozen shells (field gun) into SUPPORT FARM damage nil. – Remainder of day quiet – Frosty cold night.
Wednesday, March 17, 1915
Location: SUPPORT FARM
Entry: Very fine day – Enemy shelled trenches from 10 am – 11 am.
10.00-11.00 a.m. beyond slight damage to parapet nothing achieved.
3.30 p.m. Two GERMAN aeroplanes flew over our lines
7.00 p.m. Trench relieving began by 1st Bn.
9.30 p.m. Relief completed (delay caused by a new Coy. coming into Support) Casualties 1 Killed (RF) 9834 Pte Theobald J. Coy.
Y FARM MILITARY CEMETERY, BOIS-GRENIER
The cemetery named after a nearby farm, called by the Army “Y” (or Wye) Farm. Begun in March 1915 and used by units holding this sector until February 1918. At the Armistice it contained 335 burials, but then increased when graves brought in from the battlefields south of Armentieres and nearby cemeteries.
Wednesday, April 21, 1915
Location: VLAMERTINGHE
Entry: Bn moved to VLAMERTINGHE arriving about 10 a.m. Orders received to be ready to move at short notice.
Thursday, April 22, 1915
Location: VLAMERTINGHE
Entry: 3rd Canadian Infantry Battalion still in billets.. Orders to be ready to move at short notice cancelled. Training +general routine carried on at noon – A.P.M. took over 17 men undergoing F.P. No 1. Fine day.
Friday, April 23, 1915
Map Reference: C.22.B.
Entry: 115 A.M. Arrived and dug in for the night. A + B Coys on roadside and C. and D. Coy’s in fields – 100 yds. in rear to South. At about this hour a hostile shell exploded in our line and the following casualties resulted. Killed Lieut. M.D. MacDonald. No 10191. Sergt. E.H. MULLOY. No 9175. Pte. D[eric]. Broughall No 10205, LCorpl. J. R.BINKLEY. No 10009. Pte. E. M. Bickerstaff. Wounded. —— No 9052. Sergt. A. S. HOUSTON. No 9054. Sergt. C. J. FOX. No 9281. Corpl W.B. TOWNSEND.
4 a.m. Order by telephone from O.C. 3rd Bde to despatch in haste, 2 Coys to C. 11. with orders to hold a line from left of ST JULIEN to WOOD. MAJ KIRKPATRICK moved out at once with “C” Coy under Capt. STREIGHT and D Coy under Capt. MORTON. At this hour when moving out of trenches Capt. G. S. RYERSON, was killed and No 9946. Pte. C. F. Payne was wounded and died later in the day [Veterans Affairs records his death on May 2, 1915]
Saturday, April 24, 1915
915 a.m. Report received from MAJOR KIRKPATRICK, not dated, but, evidently sent about 730 a.m, to the effect “that LIEUT JARVIS, and several men had been killed.”
203 p.m. The following message was ordered to be sent to MAJOR KIRKPATRICK – “Retire on G.H.Q. line” This message was taken up by LCE. CORPL. GRAVELEY, under very heavy rifle and shell fire, and was delivered to MAJOR KIRKPATRICK personally. The retirement began. A few men of “C” Company, mostly wounded, reached the G.H.Q. line. No further report has been received from MAJOR KIRKPATRICK, as to the position of himself or his command. [Kirkpatrick and the remainder of C and D Companies were taken prisoner.] The party under CAPT. MORRISON divided, and 27 men, under LIEUT CURRY, retired with the 19th Bn. As to the remainder of the party, no report has been received.
Sunday, April 25, 1915
Entry: 450 a.m. Instructions issued for Units occupying G.H.Q. line to extend outside the wire due E. and W. AAA The 3rd Bn to cover 300 yards on right of 19th Bn. AAA General direction of Canadian line – from C. 16. 2 to ZANEBEEL in C. 18. c.
The position to be held by 3rd Bn was personally indicated and reconnoitred by C.O. and CAPT. MUNTZ. These instructions were cancelled when the counter attack by the British Brigade appeared to be succeeding. Heavy firing all day. Trenches and area surrounding Headquarters thoroughly bombarded with H.E. shells. When returning to his section of trench, after examining the proposed position for the Bn., when extended, CAPT. MUNTZ was seriously wounded. He was brought in by CAPT. J.H. LYNE-EVANS, and PTE. PERCY, assisted by PTE WILLIS, of Queen Victoria’s Rifles, and a N.C.O. of the Warwicks M.G. Det.
Pvt Ernest Samuel Lovell 9691 reported missing on 11 May 1915 (later determined to be a POW at Giessen camp).
Saturday, 5 June, 1915
Location:
Entry: Coy Training. Bomb throwing and Bayonet-Exercise. Company Sergeant Major PRATT. “A” Coy. accidentally drowned in the CANAL. Body recovered 6 hours later.
Sunday, 6 June, 1915
Location:
Entry: 10 A.M. SUNDAY Divine Service conducted by Rev Capt GORDON, attended by all ranks. Brig. Gen MERCER and staff present. 2 p.m. Funeral of Coy S.M. PRATT, attended by A Coy and details from all other Bn. units also by all Sergts and officers. Brig. Gen MERCER and staff was present. Internment in BETHUNE cemetery.
September 18, 1915
Bn. resting. No work except completion of kits and stores and cleaning of accoutrements and clothing. At 6pm a draft of 69 men arrived from the Base, and were assigned to Corp.
7. P.M. Concert in the evening, attended by 3000 to 4000 men in vicinity of camp.
September 22, 1915
Location: Ploegsteert Wood
Bn. Holding trenches. Working parties engaged strengthening the parapet and constructing dug-outs.
3.pm Enemy threw 40 to 50 shells, mostly small, in area trench 124. 125 and St YVES—no damage done. At “stand to” this morning the enemy shouted to our lines “we are Saxons”—who are you?” Our men replied with Rifle fire. No casualties.
September 23, 1915
3rd Canadian Infantry Battalion Holding trenches. Arrangements made for issue of a supply of Bags containing straw—1 for every 2 yards of trench. Maj. Allan attended meeting with A.A. & Q.M.G. for purpose of deciding the method of using. Enemy threw about 80 shells into the area about 124 and St. YVES. This was evidently in retaliation for trench mortar fire directed by 14th BN on our right, upon BROKEN TREE HOUSE. In view of an expected machine-gun bombardment of enemy’s lines to be made during the night, all working parties called off. Casualties one man killed, member of “C” Corp. and two slightly wounded. Also three men slightly wounded and returned to duty.
Saturday, October 2, 1915
Location: PIGGERIES
Entry: 8:30am Working party of 20 men on BATTLE AVE. Fine.
Location: PLOEGSTEERT WOOD
Entry: 3pm Relieve 2nd Battalion “D”coy 124-125 to BIRCHALL AVE, “A”coy. 125-127 to WERTWOOD AVE. “B”coy 127-128, “C”coy Subsidiary Line.
4:40pm Relief completed. 4 Officers + 4 C.S.M. 8th K.O. Royal Lancaster Reg’t attached. Fine.
PLOEGSTEERT WOOD MILITARY CEMETERY
Ploegsteert Wood Military Cemetery made by the enclosure of a number of small regimental cemeteries. Plot III contains 16 graves of the 1/5th Gloucesters, made between April and May 1915, and in Plots III and I there are 12 graves of the 8th Loyal North Lancs from October to December 1915. However, these plots were known as CANADIAN CEMETERY, STRAND, from the 28 Canadian graves of June to October 1915 in Plot III, and from the trench running nearby.
The cemetery as a whole used sparingly in 1916, and again by the New Zealand Division in July and August 1917. It was in German hands between 10 April and 29 September 1918.
Wednesday, October 13, 1915
Location: DRANOUTRE
Entry: 9:30am Inspection of Battalion in full marching order by C.O.
10am Promulgation of F.G.C.M. on No. 18667 Pte George MICHALOFF [Wounding with intent to do grievous bodily harm]. Found Not Guilty of wounding with intent to do grievous bodily harm, but guilty of wounding and thereby causing grievous bodily harm. Sentenced to 12 months I.H.L. The court recommended a reduced sentence of 3 months due to his excellent character. Returned to Canada in 1916 and SoS as services no longer required “Bulgarian”.
3pm 3rd Canadian Infantry Battalion “stood to” on account of smoke demonstration on our front. Rain.
Thursday, October 14, 1915
Location: DRANOUTRE
Entry: 10am 5 new Officers joined the Battalion.
3pm Battalion move out + relieved 2nd Can Pon. in trenches D1, D2, D3, + D4
6:30pm Relief completed. Fine.
9:20pm No. A4224 Pt. J. VALENTINE “C”coy shot in shoulder, died at dressing station, buried T-4-B4.9 Sheet 28.
Friday, October 15, 1915
Location: IN TRENCHES
Entry: 2:30pm Germans fired rifle grenades into our trenches.
6:30pm No. 63537 Pte. J. LYNCH M.G.S. shot + died at dressing station, buried T-4-[unreadable] 49 Sheet 28. Fine.
Cologne Southern Cemetery
More than 1,000 Allied prisoners and dozens of German servicemen buried in Cologne Southern Cemetery during the Great War. Commonwealth forces entered Cologne on 6 December 1918, less than a month after the Armistice, and the city was occupied under the terms of the Treaty of Versailles until January 1926.
Serjeant P Ives DCM died 9 May 1915 and buried at Cologne Southern Cemetery.
PoW Private O Y Brown died 15 September 1915 and also buried at Cologne Southern Cemetery.
The Commonwealth section of the cemetery also contains over 130 Second World War graves, mostly those of servicemen who died with the occupying forces. In addition, the Commission maintains in this section 676 non-war graves, 30 graves of other nationalities and the graves of 4 members of the Commission staff.
Wulverghem-Lindenhoek Road Military Cemetery
The cemetery begun in December 1914 by four battalions of the 5th Division and called at first Wulverghem Dressing Station Cemetery. Used until June 1917, and again in September and October 1918. Twenty-four identified men of the 3rd Canadian Infantry Battalion account for 52 Canadians resting here. All killed-in-action between October 1915 and March 1916. Until the end of 1916, British-born casualties of the CEF outnumbered Canadian-born casualties. Wulverghem-Lindenhoek Road Military Cemetery a perfect example of this fact.
Casualties
- Cpl William Thomas Slater, son of William and Blanche A. Slater, of Chevin Side, Belper, Derbyshire, England.
- Pte Raymond Claude Hewlett, son of William Henry and Ellen Hewlett, of Toronto. A member of Queen’s Own Rifles (Toronto) prior to enlistment.
- Pte Stanley Battersby Richmond, son of Mr. H. J. and Mrs. C. M. Richmond, of 19, Summerhill Avenue, Toronto.
- Pte John Lynch. Son of John Lynch of Halifax, Nova Scotia.
- Pte William Blissett, son of Edward and Elizabeth Blissett, of I, Coleman St., Brighton.
- Pte Frederick Henry Lippross, son of Adolph Nicolas Lippross and Helene Lippross, of 42, Boyne Rd., Lewisham, London, England.
- Pvt Richard Miniet Hopkins. Son of Richard Hawkins Hopkins and Belle Hopkins, of Southfield Farm, Hardwicke, Gloucester.
- Pte Frank Joseph Keown, son of Frederick Keown.
- Pvt Ernest Bateup. Son of James and Louisa Bateup, of I, Alexandra Terrace, Mayfield, Sussex.
- LCpl Richard John Kingsley Nash, son of Richard Nash and Eliza Jane Dagg, his wife. Native of Toronto, Ontario.
- Pvt Harry Sherman Pope, son of Alfred and Catherine J. Pope, of 2555, Mance St., Montreal, Quebec, Canada.
- Pte Frank Horace Wellesley Gunn. SON OF FRANK WALTER AND MINNIE EVELYN GUNN, OF WIDDRINGTON, NORTHUMBERLAND, ENGLAND.
- Pvt Henry Potts. Husband of Mrs. M. M. Potts, of 315, Coleraine St., Montreal, Canada.
- Pte Maurice Richard Bolton. Son of Mr. and Mrs. William Bolton, of Low Bentham, Yorks., England.
- Pte Frederick James Tupper. Son of Frederick George and Emily Anna Tupper, of 7, Eldon Rd., Worthing, Sussex, England.
Christmas – Saturday, December 25, 1915
Location: In Trenches
Germans attempted to makes friends but gave up after several of them were shot.
CPL. NASH, B Corp. and PTE. KEOWN, A Corp. both shot through head and killed.
Quiet day. H.Q. moved to R.E. Farm (N35 d. 8.5) at night. Weather fair.
First World War Book of Remembrance
- Pvt Oliver Mills Robertson. Commemorated on Page 34 of the First World War Book of Remembrance (FWWBoR).
- Pte Thomas P Cairns. Commemorated on Page 8 of the FWWBoR.
- Pte John Rhodes Valentine. Commemorated on Page 40 of the FWWBoR.
- Pte Frank Greetham. Commemorated on Page 17 of the FWWBoR.
- Pte Thomas Phillips. Commemorated on Page 32 of the FWWBoR.
- Pvt William Harry Roberts. Commemorated on Page 34 of the FWWBoR.
- Pvt Edward Edey. Commemorated on Page 13 of the FWWBoR.
- Pvt Edward J Lock. Commemorated on Page 120 of the FWWBoR.
- Pvt Albert Archibald. Commemorated on Page 47 of the FWWBoR.
Woods Cemetery
The commune of Zillebeke contains many Commonwealth cemeteries as the front line trenches ran through it during the greater part of the Great War. Woods Cemetery begun by the 1st Dorsets and the 1st East Surreys in April 1915; used until September 1917 by units holding this sector, and by the field ambulances of their divisions. The graves of the 2nd, 3rd and 10th Canadian Battalions and the London Regiment particularly numerous. The irregular shape of the cemetery is due to the conditions of burial at the times when the front line was just beyond the wood. The views over the battlefield are extensive.
3rd Canadian Infantry Battalion Casualties
- Pvt Harry Sunderland. Son of Mr. and Mrs. Miles Sunderland, of 68, Victoria St., Montreal, Quebec.
- Pvt John Alfred Britton. Commemorated on Page 58 of the First World War Book of Remembrance.
- Soldat Earl Dake. Fils de feu Michael et Sarah Dake, de Hamilton, Ontario.
- Pvt Horace Henry Godfrey. Son of George Collette Godfrey..
- Pvt Harry Parsisson. Son of Henry and Alice Parsisson, of 503, Joilette St., Hochelaga, Montreal.
- Pvt Charles Henry France. Son of James W. France and Nellie M. Utter France (now Hartwell), of Walton, New York, U.S.A. Born in U.S.A.
- Pte Ernest George Strong Lowe. Son of Alfred E. and Elizabeth M. Lowe, of Tai Tapu, Christchurch, New Zealand.
- Pte Farquhar McRae. John McRae, father. Saint-Godefroi, Bonaventure County, Quebec.
- Pvt Martin Travers. Commemorated on Page 174 of the First World War Book of Remembrance
- Pte Alexander Forsyth. Commemorated on Page 87 of the First World War Book of Remembrance.
- Pvt Henry James Williams MM. SON OF JAMES AND ELIZABETH WILLIAMS, OF 20, FREJAMA PLACE, MOUNT DENNIS, ONTARIO.
Bully-Grenay Communal Cemetery, British Extension
Bully-Grenay the name of the railway station (on the main Hazebrouck-Arras line) serving this village and Grenay, but the double name was generally applied to the village and the communal cemetery of Bully by the troops.
The BRITISH EXTENSION, on the south-west side of the communal cemetery, begun at the end of April 1916, and used until October 1918. From April 1917 to March 1918 (Plot II, Row E to the last row of Plot IV), it was very largely an artillery burial ground. At the Armistice, Plot VI, Rows A-C, had been completed, and the cemetery contained 595 graves.
- Pvt Ballinger
- Pvt Merritt
- Pvt Toso Santo. Born in Venice, Italy.
- Pvt Stradling
- Pte Case
- LCpl Herbert Frankland Francis
- Sergeant Henry Garlick MM
- Pvt Kelly
- Pvt George Thomas Laidlaw
- Pvt Savage
Aix-Noulette Communal Cemetery Extension
On 12 August 1916, noted in his service record, Private Pierre-Côme Laliberté killed in action on 4 August 1916. Apparent there was some attempt to alter the truth. However, a later note corrects that error: Entry of ‘Killed in Action’ cancelled. Sentenced to death + shot for Deserting his Majesty’s Service.
Captain Romulus Emanuel Picard
On 3 May 1917, Captain Romulus Emanuel Picard killed-in-action near Fresnoy-en-Gohelle.
Letter printed in the Peterborough Evening Examiner, 9 June 1917
From Brigade Roman Catholic Chaplain: 1st Can. Inf. Brigade, France, Mav 8, 1917.
Letter Home
Mr. Joseph. Picard,
Dear Sir, I want to express to you my deep sympathy and sorrow at the death of Capt. Picard. As a soldier he was fearless and conscientious, the battalion hadn’t a better officer. But as the R.C. chaplain, it is not of that I wish to speak. I have been a year at the front, and in that time many Catholic officers have come and gone, but I never had an officer such a practical Catholic as your son. In this work, it is often difficult to get word to the battalion about church services, but I never had any difficulty; about the 3rd Battalion.
Captain Picard always organized and notified the men whether the service was on Sunday or weekday. He would take beads to the front line in case any of the men should need them, and he was always to the front in giving them, a great example, he went to confession and communion with his men just before going into this last battle.
Catholic Boy
I cannot enumerate his good works. God alone has kept a faithful account of them. Were this world alone the end of our Living I know that his death ‘and loss would be irreparable. But I know also that a good Catholic boy such as he was could have sprung only from the best of Catholic parents. That, moreover, while feeling heartbroken over his loss, they, by their faith, will recognize the goodness of God even in their affliction, May God, Who alone can measure the greatness of your sorrow, provide you the courage and strength to bear upon under this great affliction.
Yours with deepest sympathy,
F. M. Lockary, R.C. Chaplain.
1st Can. Inf. Brigade.
3rd Battalion (Toronto Regiment) Cross
On 14 November 1926 a memorial cross unveiled in The Church of the Messiah at 240 Avenue Road and dedicated by the 3rd Battalion (Toronto Regiment), Canadian Expeditionary Force. The cross taken with permission from the battleground of Vis-en-Artois, France by Captain George Cliff when on a mission to the grave of his son Captain Norman Cliff. It bears the names of the 3rd Battalion killed during an engagement there on 30 August 1918 and erected over their graves. During this engagement Captain W.R.R. Armitage and Captain A.E. MacDonald earned the Military Cross for their conspicuous gallantry in action.
Captain Reverend W.R.R. Armitage, MC, conducted the service and the Toronto Regiment and Veterans of the 3rd Battalion marched from the College Street Armories to the church to commemorate the occasion.
Inscription
3RD CANADIAN BATTALION TORONTO REGIMENT
IN
MEMORY
OF
OFFICERS, NCO’s AND MEN
THEIR TAMING OF ORIX TRENCH
KILLED
IN
ACTION
- Private Harry John Barrett
- Private Frank Bernard Benton
- Private Alfred James Brent
- Captain Norman Cliff
- Lieutenant George Rowland Collin
- Private William Collins
- Private Henry Dearden
- Private David Dickson
- Private Charles William Didemus
- Private Reginald Stanley Franklin
- Private Louis William George
- Private Adam Gray
- Lieutenant Burnett Grosvenor
- Private Frank Arthur Edward Heming
- Private Wilfred Lee
- Private George Henry Lush
- Private William Campbell Andrew Lyon
- Private Lynn Riggs MacIntyre
- Private Henry Marriott
- Lance Corporal Donald John McLarty
- Private Andrew O’Brien
- Private William Augustus O’Donohoe
- Company Sergeant Major George Rodger
- Lieutenant Edward Slattery
- Private John Sydney Smith
- Private Russel Smith
1916
January
Tea Farm
Sunday, January 2, 1916
Location: TEA FARM
Entry: 11 am – Sgt HOBDAY wounded in arm by stray bullet. Weather fine.
Saturday, January 8, 1916
Location: TRENCHES
Entry: 10.20 am– Pvt Harry Sherman Pope, A Coy, shot & killed while working on C.T. from 14B to 14S (
WULVERGHEM-LINDENHOEK ROAD MILITARY CEMETERY).
10.30 am till 1 pm– 2nd Fld. Amb. Advanced Aid Post on WULVERGHEM ROAD heavily shelled with 5:9” H.E.
11 am – 2 pm – Front line, supports and R.E.FARM shelled with 4.1” H.E. and 77mm. 10 O.R. slightly wounded at R.E.FARM.
42nd Bn R.H.C. moved to our relief.
7 pm – Relief complete.
Moved by platoons to billets at DRANOUTRE.
Sunday, January 23, 1916
Location: FLETRE
Entry: 10 am – Church parade. Rev. Capt. WARNER took service
Promulgated sentences of Sgt. McJANNETT, Sgt. STACEY [striking a soldier] and Sgt. FIELDER [drunkenness] (all reduced to the ranks) and Pte. MARKUM (90 days F P No 1).
Lt WESTON reported. Lt GRIFFIN reported and was sent to 1st Bde M.G. Coy. Lt. McINTYRE returned from leave.
Weather fine
Friday, January 28, 1916
Location: FLETRE
Entry: Promulgated commutation to 90 days F.P. No 1 of Pte WILLIAMS [absent without leave] 1 yr IHL. Lieut BURKE left us this AM for appointment in England. Lt. PLATT returned from leave.
Monday, January 31, 1916
Location: [not reported – assumed DRANOUTRE (see entry Jan 30, 1916)]
Entry: Ptes GREEN and MAY tried by FGCM. WILLIAMS sent to WESTHOF. Gas Alert still on.
Wulverghem-Lindenhoek Road Military Cemetery
The cemetery begun in December 1914 by four battalions of the 5th Division and called at first Wulverghem Dressing Station Cemetery. Used until June 1917, and again in September and October 1918, and at the Armistice it contained 162 graves, the present Plot I. Twenty-four men of the 3rd Canadian Infantry Battalion buried late 1915 and early 1916.
February
Tea Farm
Thursday, February 10, 1916
Location: TEA FARM
Entry: Capt ALLEY returned from leave. Pte. Edward J LOCK killed while wiring (WULVERGHEM-LINDENHOEK ROAD MILITARY CEMETERY). Pte. SORENSEM wounded by a stray while on working party.
Weather fine.
Steel Helmets
Wednesday, February 16, 1916
Location: TRENCHES
Entry: 100 steel helmets issued as trench stores, in addition to the 50 already in use. 4 Signallers drafted in from Shorncliffe. 3 men returned from base. Lt. GAIRDMER went to STOKES gun course at BERTHEN.
A German working party on parapet opposite D3 was dispersed by our fire.
Weather – high west wind, cloudy.
Saturday, February 19, 1916
Location: DRANOUTRE
Entry: Sgt Thomas Edward LUCK, Pte Christopher CHOLDCROFT and Sgt Edward Henry SHEERAN killed by a shell at transport lines (LOKER CHURCHYARD). Two horses killed and several wounded. N.C.O.s and man buried at LOCRE.
Sunday, February 27, 1916
Location: TRENCHES
Entry: Quiet day. Considerable sniping at night. Pte POTTS, C Coy, killed (WULVERGHEM-LINDENHOEK ROAD MILITARY CEMETERY).
March
Brigade Reserve
Thursday, March 2, 1916
Location: BRIGADE RESERVE
Entry: 4:30 am – Field guns, heavies & hows all opened up. MGs opening indirect fire on approaches appalling now. Germans contributed a splendid display of rockets & flares. The strafe lasted violently for 30 minutes, then gradually died down. It was a demonstration to cover attack on International Trench in YPRES salient. Attack was successful. Little reply to our bombardment. Draft of 26 O.R. reported. Bathing & working parties. Gas Alert. Weather – snow.
Thursday, March 9, 1916
Location: TRENCHES
Entry: Ptes Joseph BOLTON (ST. QUENTIN CABARET MILITARY CEMETERY), Albert ARCHIBALD (WULVERGHEM-LINDENHOEK ROAD MILITARY CEMETERY) and Grant TUPPER (VIMY MEMORIAL) all shot in head and killed about 4 a.m. 1 O.R. wounded in head, saved by steel helmet. 18 5.9” H.E. fell near R.E. FARM in afternoon. No damage. Buried 3 O.R. killed earlier in the day. 43rd went out. Weather fair, cold.
Private Frank Bickers tried 11-2-16 and convicted by FGCM of Desertion and sentenced to death. A strong recommendation to mercy on account of gallantry. Sentence commuted to 5 years penal servitude.
Tuesday, March 21, 1916
Location: TRENCHES
Entry: Pte Daniel McDONALD (B Coy) fatally wounded, Pte Charles COLIN and Pte PEDDIE killed (R.E. FARM CEMETERY) . 2 O.R. wounded on patrol. Weather – misty, cool.
Tuesday, March 28, 1916
Location: BDE RESERVE
Entry: Relieved by Queens R. West Surreys, and moved by Companies to DRAMOUTRE, thence as a Battalion through LOCRE and WESTOUTRE to billets in CORPS RESERVE H.Q. at R18.a.6.8 (Sheet 27). H.Q. billet at R11.A.1.7, A Coy at R17.G.5.3., B Coy at R18.C.9.5., C Coy at R24.A.1.7., D Coy at R23.G.7.8., and R23.G.2.8. M.G. and Grenadiers at R23.G.3.3. Arrived at billets about 5 pm. State – 26 Officers 835 O.R.
Weather – fair, cool.
R. E. Farm Cemetery
Wytschaete (now Wijtschate) in Allied hands until 1 November 1914, from June 1917 to April 1918, and from 28 September 1918 onwards. The scene of exceptionally severe fighting in November 1914 and April 1918. “R.E. Farm” the military name given to the Ferme des douze Bonniers.
This building remained in Allied hands until April 1918. In December 1914 the 1st Dorsets began a cemetery (No.1) on the east side of the farm, which was used by fighting units and field ambulances until April 1916, and occasionally in 1917. In January 1915, the same battalion began another cemetery (No.2) on the west side of the farm. This cemetery little used and after the Armistice, the 23 graves it contained moved into No.1, which was then renamed.
April
Bedford House
Tuesday, April 4, 1916
Location: BEDFORD HOUSE
Entry: D Company moved to quarters at DIVISIONAL REPORT CENTRE, with No. 4 Platoon ‘A’ Coy. Ptes MINNS and RALSTON, “M.G.S.” slightly wounded in front line. Capt CLIFTON granted commission. Working parties. Weather fair, cool.
Sunday, April 9, 1916
Location: BEDFORD HOUSE
Entry: LCpl NOEL killed by shell near SWAN CHATEAU. 3 n.c.o’s to 2nd Army School, Capt MARANI to Stokes course at TERDEGHEM. 1 O.R. to COLT course. Service at BEDFORD HOUSE at 5 pm – Rev. Capt. WARNER. 1 O.R. slightly wounded on working party. Weather – fine.
Thursday, April 13, 1916
Location: TRENCHES
Entry: H.Q. and PETTICOAT LANE heavily shelled at 2 a.m. for 15 minutes by 4.1” H.E.S. No damage. Pte SUNDERLAND killed [scratched out and replaced with “severely wounded”] out wiring [begin insert] and ??? [unlegible] Lt Geo. Clarence Willis and No. 10182 Pte Henry James Williams left the trench in the face of heavy machine fun fire and brought Pte Sunderland in [end insert] 2.30 am. 1 O.R. sniped from HILL 60 during morning, and wounded. Snipers smashed several German periscopes but got no other targets. R.S.M. COOPER given commission, C.S.M. GOOD took over. Buried Pte SUNDERLAND. Weather – fine.
Woods Cemetery
The commune of Zillebeke contains many Commonwealth cemeteries as the front line trenches ran through it during the greater part of the Great War. Woods Cemetery begun by the 1st Dorsets and the 1st East Surreys in April 1915; it was used until September 1917 by units holding this sector, and by the field ambulances of their divisions.
The graves of the 2nd, 3rd and 10th Canadian Battalions and the London Regiment are particularly numerous. The irregular shape of the cemetery is due to the conditions of burial at the times when the front line was just beyond the wood. The views over the battlefield are extensive.
Monday, April 24, 1916
Location: POPERINGHE
Entry: Promulgated sentence of Pte MURRAY – death, commuted to 5 years, suspended [Convicted of Desertion]. Capt COOPER to Hospital, 20 O.R. quarantined for measles. Stood to at 6.15 pm, Stood down and moved at 7.30 pm to DICKEBUSCH HUTS, H.26.b., relieving 10th Battalion. Weather – fine.
May
DICKEBUSCH HUTS
Thursday, May 4 1916
Location: TRENCHES
Weather: Fine
Entry: Pte DAKE shot through head and killed (WOODS CEMETERY). Our snipers got two Germans on Hill 60.
Friday, May 5, 1916
Location: TRENCHES
Weather: Fine
Entry: Lt H.E.B. PLATT shot through head while on patrol at 12.39 a.m. Pte P. LAMBERT who was with him came in for help. a/C.S.M. E.C. HARVEY and Sgt. A. NOTTINGHAM immediately went out with him, and the three very gallantly brought Lt. PLATT in, still alive, under a heavy rifle fire and bombing. Lt PLATT died at Advanced Aid Post, RAILWAY DUGOUTS, at 5 a.m. (LIJSSENTHOEK MILITARY CEMETERY) Our snipers shot 3 Germans on Hill 60. 2 O.R. wounded, La.Cpl. GODFREY killed (WOODS CEMETERY). Pte DAKE and La.Cpl GODFREY buried (WOODS CEMETERY).
Saturday, May 6, 1916
Location: TRENCHES
Weather: Fine
Entry: Pte PARSISSON killed; buried at 11 pm (WOODS CEMETERY).
Tuesday, May 9, 1916
Location: TRENCHES
Weather: Rainy
Entry: Ptes WILLIAMS [M.M.] and FRANCE killed by rifle grenades (WOODS CEMETERY). 1 O.R. wounded in head. Mining heard under new crater in front of Trench 42.
Thursday, May 18, 1916
Location: SCOTTISH LINES
Weather: Fine
Entry: Moved to relieve 10th Bn. in Bde Support Right Sector. HQ, A Coy, Details, to BEDFORD HOUSE, B & C Coys to WHITE CHATEAU H.29.a.5.8, D Coy to Div Report Centre. Relief complete 10.30 pm.
Wednesday, May 31, 1916
Location: TRENCHES
Weather: Fine
Entry: Capt KELLY wounded in head by rifle grenade. 6 O.R. wounded and 1 killed. Relieved by 8th Bn at 11 p.m. and proceeded to DICKEBUSCH HUTS.
June
Battle of Mount Sorrel
More than a hundred of the 153 3rd Battalion casualties during June of 1916 named on the Menin Gate Memorial. Most of the men fell on 13 June 1916.
June 3, 1916
Place: Dickebusch Huts
Entry: Moved at 3am from DICKEBUSCH HUTS to SEGARD CHATEAU, occupying G.H.Q. lines.
Entry: Many rumors afloat as to German attack on 3rd DIVISION. It is considered generally successful. General MERCER reported captured. Col. ALLAN and Lieut KIPPEN went to 2nd Brigade. H.Q. at RAILWAY DUGOUTS. At 4.20 pm we were placed under orders of 2nd Brigade. Arrived at RAILWAY DUGOUTS at 11.45 pm.
Party of 50 men under Capt MARANI detailed to bury dead in SQUARE WOOD. Following casualties on way up to RAILWAY DUGOUTS (at 11.15 pm):
Lieut. G.E. CRAGG Killed
2 O.R. Killed
17 O.R. Wounded
Wednesday, June 7, 1916
Entry: Weather unsettled. Artillery quiet during AM. Lieut G.L.B. MACKENZIE made a reconnaissance of part of our front discovering the German outpost line. Sgt BURGER who was with him was wounded. Lieut MACKENZIE returned to Company after reporting at Battalion H.Q., was Killed – sniped from HILL 60. Col ALLAN went to 2nd Brigade H.Q. at 2 PM and was away until 6.45 PM. During afternoon Germans shelled in vicinity of ZILLEBEKE, ZILLEBEKE SWITCH and Battalion H.Q.
Thursday, June 8, 1916
Entry: Weather unsettled. The heavy artillery did some shooting over our front. Dropped several short, smashing a Machine Gun and killing one man. Officers of 25th Battalion did not relieve us until 3 AM on the 9th. B Coy. caught Busses at KRUISSTRAAT. One platoon of A Company not reported. Capt. ALLEY and Lieut. GRASSETT back from leave.
June 13, 1916
Place: TRENCHES
Entry: 12.45 am – 1.30 am Intense bombardment by our artillery. 1.30 am, artillery lifted to our original support lines, and front line, and C, A and D Coy’s, with bombers and M.G., rushed German front line from S.P. 11 to MACHINE GUN TRENCH. Right attack met little opposition and bayoneted the Germans in the trench. C and A Coy’s met rifle and M.G. fire, but pushed on, carried trench and bayoneted most of the occupants. Capt. MACNAMARA was hit in both legs in this attack. Capt DYMOND was wounded. 1.40 am B Coy left X TRENCH, and two platoons to consolidate German front line. From 12.45 am on, the German shell fire along X TRENCH, and in front of it was very heavy.
Officers wounded
1.50 am our artillery lifted to original German line, and the attack pushed forward to the crest, two platoons of B Coy. supporting the right. The crest was carried with slight loss, many Germans being bayoneted before they could get away. Some 60 or 70 wounded and unwounded prisoners were sent back. The consolidation of the line was at once begun. Capt. COOPERS, Lt. WILLIS, Lt. HUTCHISON, Lt. SLOANE, Lt. HOBDAY, Lt. GRASSETT, Capt. MARANI, Lt. WEDD were all wounded in this stage of the fight.
Major MASON, in charge of the forward lines, was hit in the head, and later in the foot, but carried on until noon when he had to come out. The 1st Canadian Battalion, in support, sent a company forward to 1st German line, and later sent two companies, and then the remaining companies forward to our regained front line to help consolidate and hold the position. Two of our Lewis guns became choked with mud, and Lt. CRAWFORD turned three captured German guns on the enemy.
X Trench
From this time – 2.30 am – on, German artillery fire on our new positions, especially on MOUNT SORRELL and on X TRENCH, was heavy, and continuous throughout the day. The woods and trenches were searched with shrapnel and H.E. and many casualties were caused. The band under Sgt. YOUNG, displayed great devotion in carrying wounded to the rear. Lt. KIPPEN, Intelligence Officer, and his scouts, before and during the attack, gained at great risk much valuable information and got it to Battalion H.Q.
The signalers’ efforts to keep communication with MOUNT SORRELL were excellent, but the heavy shelling cut lines as fast as they were laid. A party under Sigr BLACKHALL, which went forward with the attack, got communication for enough time to give Battalion H.Q. in X TRENCH, information as to our new positions, but the lines were soon cut. The lines to Brigade were also cut and pigeons proved most valuable. After Major MASON was forced to leave, Lt. Col. CREIGHTON of the 1st Canadian Battalion took over immediate command on MOUNT SORRELL. Lt. SIMMIE was wounded while endeavouring to get supplies of grenades forward.
Captain MacNamara
During the afternoon the enemy’s artillery fire increased. Lt. GRASETT who though wounded had carried on, was killed, Lt. GORDON, badly wounded, started for the rear but up to the 16th inst has not been heard of. Lt. WESTON was killed. Capt. MACNAMARA was carried out, bleeding to death. He died on the 14th. A direct hit on the H.Q. dugout on MOUNT SORRELL killed Capt. VANDERSMISSEN, and fatally wounded Lt. Col. CREIGHTON, who died on 16th June. A hit at the door of Battalion H.Q. in X TRENCH wounded 2 O.R. inside and slightly wounded Lt. Col. ALLAN, who carried on.
Casualties
11 PM, relieved by 8th Canadian Battalion, and moved to F Camp. Total casualties:- 3 officers killed, 1 officer died of wounds, 1 officer missing, 11 officers wounded. 40 O.R. Killed, 92 O.R. Missing, 207 O.R. wounded.
June 24, 1916
Place: PATRICIA LINES
Entry: Major General MERCER buried at No. 10 Casualty Clearing Station cemetery at 3 PM. All available officers attended. Moved at 7 pm to relieve 10th Battalion in 2nd G.H.Q. line. Relief complete 12.15 am 25th.
H.Q. and 2 platoons B Coy at SWAN CHATEAU. A Coy and M.G.S. at MOATED CHATEAU SEGARD. Grenadiers, Scouts at CHATEAU SEGARD. 2 platoons B Coy to right of MOATED FARM. Weather – fine, warm.
Sanctuary Wood Cemetery
Only four identified casualties of the 3rd Battalion buried at Sanctuary Wood Cemetery, all from 13 June 1916.
July
Victoria Camp
July 1, 1916
Location: Victoria Camp
Entry: Dominion Day. Holiday. Weather fine.
July 8, 1916
Location: Trenches
Entry: 2 O.R. wounded by shrapnel in trench 41. After a heavy bombardment 4th Canadian Bn attempted a small attack to recover trench over the crest of MT. SORREL, but were held up by wire. The retaliation from the enemy was largely over our sector on HILL 60, and was heavy. Casualties, considering weight of shelling, not heavy – 4 killed and 14 wounded. Lts. Chatterton, Jones, Hargraft and McPherson returned from courses. Weather fine.
July 9, 1916
Location: Trenches
Entry: Germans bombarded Observatory Ridge heavily for three hours – 6-9 pm, – with minenwerfers and HE. No action followed. Our guns and heavy howitzers retaliated heavily, apparently with good effect, on HILL 60, the SNOUT and the trenches in front of MT. SORREL. Lts W.B. Woods and G.G. MacDonald reported from SHORNECLIFFE. Lts. Gray and Hanna to Grenade Course. 3 O.R. wounded during the day. Buried the 4 O.R. killed yesterday, at RAILWAY DUGOUTS CEMETARY. Weather fine.
July 10, 1916
Location: Trenches
Entry: Cpl. Bicknells, Ptes. Merson and Cuss, killed by a shell at the DUMP. Buried at RAILWAY DUGOUTS CEMETARY. Lt. McFarren to T.M. course. Relieved by 15th Canadian Bn. Weather fine.
July 15, 1916
Location: Devonshire Lines
Entry: Lt. Crawford returned from hospital. Lt. McCormick left for Sniping School. Lts. Gray, McFarren, and Hanna returned from Grenade and T.M. courses. Pte. Frank Bickers’ sentence of 5 years P.S. remitted for gallantry. Lecture by Col. Kearsley, G.S.O.I. 1st Canadian Divn. New officers dined old officers. Weather fair.
July 26, 1916
Location: Trenches
Entry: Pte. Salt, C Coy, killed. Buried at RAILWAY DUGOUTS CEMETARY at night. Lt Jones and 11 O.R. went to Engineers as special wiring party. 2 O.R. sent to 3rd Tunnelling Coy for special work. Quiet day. Weather fine.
Escaped prisoner of war Pvt Ernest Samuel Lovell 9691 returned to Shorncliffe on 27 July 1916. He would not return to the front lines with the 3rd Battalion.
This photo is of Ernest Samuel Lovell, service no. 9691, 3rd Battalion, Canadian Expeditionary Force.
July 29, 1916
Location: Trenches
Entry: Pte. Holmes killed by rifle-grenade. Some enemy minenwerfer and artillery activity, effectively quieted by guns, stokes [&] 60 lb TMs. Pte. Holmes buried. Capt. Livingstone, Lt. Woods, and Lt. McFarren from Div School. Weather fine.
August
Shot at Dawn
August 4, 1916
Location: Domminion Lines
Entry: Execution of Pte. Come Laliberté carried out at 4:52 am. Battalion present. Lt. Rogers and 4 O.R. attached to T.M. Battery. Weather fine and very warm.
August 23, 1916
Location: Tournehelm
Entry: 5:27am. Pte Edward James Reynolds executed at Battalion Rifle butts. Lt. Gray in charge of firing party. 9am. Battalion paraded for [promolugation] of Pte Reynolds sentence. Kit inspection till 11:30 am. Lt. Rogers reported back from Trench Mortar Battery, and transferred from “C” to “B” Company. Weather – drizzly.
Private Edward James Reynolds – Shot at Dawn
404436 Rifleman Edward James Reynolds was born on 2 January 1896 in Toronto. On 12 April 1915, Reynolds enlisted in the 35th Battalion at Toronto. He stood 5′ 10″ tall with fair complexion, hazel eyes and dark brown hair.
ToS 23rd Battalion on 26 August 1915 at Dibgate Plain.
By 23 November 1915, Reynolds was a member of the 3rd Battalion in the line near Ploegsteert.
Admitted to No. 2 CFA with Bronchitis, 3 May 1916. Discharged from 1st Can Div Conv Coy on 18 May 1916. Transferred to APM by order of ADMS for duty with Traffic Control.
Rejoined 3rd Battalion on 4 July 1916.
The Bluff
On 25 July 1916, the Germans exploded a mine under a portion of the front line called “The Bluff”. The 3rd Battalion was ordered forward to plug the resulting gap in the front line. However, Reynolds fell out from his platoon only to be found 2 days later at his battalion’s transport lines. Reynolds claimed that he had been ordered back and got lost. This excuse was accepted.
During the following night (26 July 1916), Reynolds was ordered to accompany a ration party up to the front line. Again Reynolds fell out and went back to his battalion’s transport lines.
In confinement awaiting trial from 25 July 1916.
This time Reynolds was arrested and charged with desertion. He was found guilty by a court-martial and sentenced to death 8 August 1916. Gen Sir D Haig approved.
Chalk Quarry
27.J.28.c.70.15
At 05:27 on 23 August 1916, Reynolds (aged 20) was executed by firing squad. His remains are now located in Longuenesse Souvenir Cemetery, Plot IV, Row A, Grave 39.
September
Albert
Sunday, September 3, 1916
Location: TRENCHES
Entry: 2 Casualties in “C” Company both slight. Our artillery very active all morning. Battalion Hqrs and “A” Company moved up at 2 pm to left of 2nd Battalion. “A” Coy on left, “C” Coy on right. Battalion Hqrs in CENTRE WAY. Battalion position about 500 yards to right of MOUQUET FARM. “A” Company had great difficulty in connecting up with the 49th Australian Battalion. Finally touched up about 10.30 pm.
Lieut HANNA slightly wounded. Lieut DYAS shell shock. 4 O.R. killed and 24 wounded. Weather – fine.
Monday, September 4 1916
Location: TRENCHES
Entry: Connection with Brigade cut all day. Very heavy bombardment of left companies front from 5-7 am. Australians attacked by Germans opposite MOUQUET FARM at 3 pm, but repulsed. Band D Coys moved up at 3 pm and relieved 2 companies of 2nd Canadian Battalion in front line. Battalion Hqrs relieved 2nd Bn. Hqrs in POZIERRES VILLAGE at 7 pm and position near Brigade Hqrs at 9 pm. Battalion frontage from R35.d.2.5 to R34.d.8.9. Casualties for day 9 O.R. Killed 65 wounded. Weather – drizzly.
Tuesday, September 5, 1916
Location: TRENCHES
Entry: Relief of officers from those at transport for “A” and “C” Coys. “D” Company heavily shelled about 6 am. Intermittent artillery fire all day, some difficulty encountered this day by our own artillery shooting short. Battalion front shortened to R.35.c.8.6 to R.34.d.8.9. 4th Canadian Battalion extended their left flank from R.35.d.2.5 to R.35.c.8.6. Casualties for day 2 Killed 25 wounded. Weather – fair.
Wednesday, September 6, 1916
Location: TRENCHES
Entry: L/Cpl KILLOUGH and 3 O.R. Killed at UNION ST and 5 am. Morning quite a great deal of enemy artillery on SYDNEY ST about 7 pm. Enemy started very heavy bombardment of 15th Battalion’s trenches to our right at 7 pm. Combles [N.B. commune in the Somme situated on D20 road, approx 48 km N.E. of Amiens] taken by French. 4 Killed 14 O.R. wounded. Weather –fine.
Thursday, September 7, 1916
Location: TRENCHES
Entry: Enemy bombardment still continuing at 9.30 am. Ceased at 10.30 am. 12 Hun [N.B. reference to German soldiers] planes flew very low over our lines and got away without any casualties. Enemy shelled SYDNEY ST. and CENTRE WAY all day. Casualties for day 2 Killed 7 wounded, 5 shell shock. Weather – fair.
Friday, September 8, 1916
Location: TRENCHES
Entry: Enemy shelled back country and also “B” Company trenches very heavily all day. Relieved by 1st Canadian Battalion at 7.12 pm. Good relief. Total casualties for day 1 Killed 5 wounded. “A” and “C” companies on working party starting at 11 pm, very important piece of work. Lieut HARVEY, E.D. killed and Sgt NOTTINGHAM wounded. Weather – fine.
Tuesday, September 19, 1916
Location: TRENCHES
Entry: Our own artillery firing very short causing us more casualties. C.S.M. KNIGHT wounded. About 50 casualties to date 30 of which have been from our own shell fire. We pushed saps out 50 to 100 in front of our front line. 4th Battalion on right attacked and temporarily lost portion of trench on our right at 8 pm. Lieut HUTCHISON handled his company very skillfully and greatly assisted in turning the Hun out at 11.30pm, but unfortunately was again wounded and was this time forced to go to the hospital. Rations brought up to SUGER REFINERY by Lieut COOMBS, losing 4 horses. Weather – fine.
Wednesday, September 20, 1916
Location: TRENCHES
Entry: Our own artillery still shooting short and still no communication with Brigade. Major ALLEY wounded in arm by shrapnel and Capt AMBERY Killed outside Battalion Hqrs. Continued shelling of Battalion Hqrs and COURCELETTE. Relieved by 2nd Canadian Battalion at 10.50 pm, a very good relief. Battalion proceeded back to Brigade Support XII.a.1.2 ½. Men practically all in. Weather fair.
Thursday, September 21, 1916
Location: BRIGADE SUPPORT
Entry: Total casualties 89 O.R. and 4 Officers. Capt AMBERY buried at Brigade Hqrs at 9 am by Capt WARNER. Men slept all day. Working parties of 300 from 7 pm – 3 am. Weather – fine.
Friday, September 22, 1916
Location: BRIGADE SUPPORT
Entry: Working party in morning of 50 O.R. Maj CHISHOLM returned from leave. 1st Battalion attacked PRACTICE TRENTHES on their front at 7 pm and were very successful, took about 25 prisoners, had about 250 casualties. Capt BERTRAM – Staff Captain Killed outside Brigade Hqrs. Lieut NEWTON wounded but still on duty. Weather – fine.
Sunday, September 24, 1916
Location: TRENCHES
Entry: Relieved by 28th Canadian Battalion at about midnight. Very hard 24 hours with continued shelling on front line and supports as far back as SUGAR REFINERY. Disposition was “A” and “C” font line, Band D supports. 3 local counter attacks were beaten off very skillfully by “A” and “C” Companies. Casualties for 24 hours, Capt OLDHAM – Killed – Lieut MORTON – wounded. Lieut GRAY wounded 7 O.R. killed 63 O.R. wounded. Upon relief Battalion moved to ALBERT. Weather – fair.
Friday, September 29, 1916
Location: PERNOIS
Entry: Rain in morning, no parade. General CURRIE inspected Battalion in afternoon, he said he was very pleased with work of Battalion since they came to the SOMME. Weather – drizzly.
1917-1918
Captain Harold Cyril Good awarded the DCM on 1 January 1917, LG No. 29886.
The battalion took an honorable part both in the capture of Vimy Ridge and subsequently in the capture of Fresnoy. At Vimy two battalions of the 1st Brigade made the initial attack and the other two battalions advancing immediately after were given a set of objectives beyond those captured in the first advance. The 3rd Battalion was in the second pair. It is reported that it reached all its objectives and pushed half a mile beyond.
On 14 April 1917, Captain Harold Cyril Good DCM concussed (shell) and admitted to No. 24 CCS. Discharged on 20 May 1917.
In September 1917, Captain Harold Cyril Good DCM granted 3 months leave to Canada. He would finally be SoS of the CEF on 4 January 1918 and retained in Canada.
…To be continued
1919
Rhine
Demobilization, re-organization and perpetuation
Originals
Forty officers and men who left with the Regiment in August 1914 and returned with them to Toronto on 23 April 1919:
- Lieutenant Colonel J.B. Rogers, CMG, DSO, MC
- Lieutenant Colonel D.H.C. Mason, DSO, OBE
- Captain E.H. Minns, MC
- Captain A.K. Coulthard, MC, MM*
- Captain H.T. Lord, MC
- Lieutenant A.V. Noble
- Lieutenant D. Morrison, MM*
- Lieutenant J.L. Austin
- 9356 Regimental Quartermaster Sergeant G.R. Pollock
- 9068 Sergeant H.V. Spence, DCM, MM, Belgium CdeG
- 9306 Sergeant R.J. Clapton, MSM
- 9070 Sergeant N. Thorn, MSM
- 9265 Sergeant R.H. Williams
- 10153 Sergeant W.H. Minnett
- 9074 Corporal J. Mullen, MM
- 9226 Corporal R.J. Murdock
- 9608 Lance Corporal G. Spraggett
- 9889 Private W. Bennett
- 18171 Private J. Bodell
- 18761 Private J.J. Burns
- 9900 Private T. Clarke
- 9434 Private G.W. Dent
- 10026 Private T. Franklin
- 9513 Private H. Kinsley, MM
- 9801 Private W.J. Leathem
- 9463 Private W.C. Legier
- 18213 Private Ed Lindsay
- 9332 Private A.S. Lukeman
- 9073 Private W. Maitland
- 9105 Private R.G. Ottey
- 9748 Private S.H. Pilling
- 9714 Private Wm. Renfrew
- 9251 Private H. Sanderson
- 9373 Private H.F. Smith
- 9057 Private P.C. Stephenson
- 10171 Private G. Stretton, MM
- 9497 Private E.W. Thorne
- 9394 Private P.H. Theberge
- 9385 Private H. Webster
- 10079 Private G. White
*Commissioned from the ranks
Return to Canada
The battalion returned to Canada from England on the SS Olympic arriving in Halifax on 21 April 1919, then in Toronto by train and demobilizing in the afternoon of 23 April 1919.
The Originals
Only 40 of the original contingent from 1914 arrived back at the end of the war (although others had been demobilized or taken prisoners of war).
- Lieutenant Colonel J.B. Rogers, CMG, DSO, MC
- Lieutenant Colonel D.H.C. Mason, DSO, OBE
- Captain E.H. Minns, MC
- Captain A.K. Coulthard, MC, MM
- Captain H.T. Lord, MC
- Lieutenant A.V. Noble
- Lieutenant D. Morrison, MM
- Lieutenant J.L. Austin
- 9356 Regimental Quartermaster Sergeant G.R. Pollock
- 9068 Sergeant H.V. Spence, DCM, MM, Belgium CdeG
- 9306 Sergeant R.J. Clapton, MSM
- 9070 Sergeant N. Thorn, MSM
- 9265 Sergeant R.H. Williams
- 10153 Sergeant W.H. Minnett
- 9074 Corporal J. Mullen, MM
- 9226 Corporal R.J. Murdock
- 9608 Lance Corporal G. Spraggett
- 9889 Private W. Bennett
- 18171 Private J. Bodell
- 18761 Private J.J. Burns
- 9900 Private T. Clarke
- 9434 Private G.W. Dent
- 10026 Private T. Franklin
- 9513 Private H. Kinsley, MM
- 9801 Private W.J. Leathem
- 9463 Private W.C. Legier
- 18213 Private Ed Lindsay
- 9332 Private A.S. Lukeman
- 9073 Private W. Maitland
- 9105 Private R.G. Ottey
- 9748 Private S.H. Pilling
- 9714 Private Wm. Renfrew
- 9251 Private H. Sanderson
- 9373 Private H.F. Smith
- 9057 Private P.C. Stephenson
- 10171 Private G. Stretton, MM
- 9497 Private E.W. Thorne
- 9394 Private P.H. Theberge
- 9385 Private H. Webster
- 10079 Private G. White
3rd Canadian Infantry Battalion Honours Awarded
- 2 Victoria Crosses (VC)
- 1 Companion of the Order of St Michael and St George (CMG)
- 11 Distinguished Service Order (DSO)
- 2 Bars to the Distinguished Service Order
- 1 Officer of the Most Excellent Order of the British Empire (OBE)
- 50 Military Crosses
- 11 Bars to the Military Cross
- 42 Distinguished Conduct Medals
- 235 Military Medals
- 23 Bars to the Military Medal
- 6 Meritorious Service Medals
- 9 Foreign Decorations
- 44 Mentioned in Despatches
Battle Honours – 3rd Canadian Infantry Battalion
- Ypres, 1915, 1917
- Gravenstafel
- St Julien 23-27 Apr 1915
- Festubert 21-31 May 1915
- Mount Sorrel
- Somme 1916
- Pozières
- Flers-Courcelette
- Ancre Heights
- Arras 1918, ’18
- Vimy, 1917
- Arleux
- Scrape 1917, ’18
- Hill 70
- Passchendaele
- Amiens
- Drocourt-Quéant
- Hindenburg Line
- Canal du Nord
- Pursuit to Mons
- France and Flanders 1915-1918
3rd Canadian Infantry Battalion Perpetuation
With the re-organization of the Canadian Militia, recreated as the Toronto Regiment by General Order dated 1 May 1920. On 15 December 1936 amalgamated with the Regiment of Toronto Grenadiers to form the Regiment of Toronto Grenadiers which subsequently became the known as the Royal Regiment of Canada, 11 February 1939. Today the battalion is perpetuated by the Queen’s Own Rifles of Canada and The Royal Regiment of Canada.
Contact CEFRG
Do you know a member of the 3rd Canadian Infantry Battalion not mentioned in this post? Please contact CEFRG.
