The First World War
War Diary of The Royal Canadian Regiment

Transcription by Captain Michael O'Leary, The RCR.

NOVEMBER 1917

1-11-17. - YPRES Sector.

Dull day. Normal shelling of back areas, concentration of Fire on "Pill Boxes" on BELLEVUE SPUR. Direct hit on one used by "D" Co. Lieut. MILLS was badly shaken up by concussion, two O.R's were killed and several wounded.

Major A.E. WILLOUGHBY, proceeded on leave to England.
Major G.R. BOUCHARD wounded.
Capt. POSTON H.B. and Lieut WALLAR to C.C.S.
3 O.R's to C.C.S.
8 O.R's wounded.

(Appendix 1.)

2-11-17. - YPRES Sector.

The night passed quietly, enemy used many Gas Shells on Artillery positions in rear of H.Q. Day Dull. The C.O. visited Companies during morning, normal shelling during remainder of the day. "A" and "C" Companies moved from POMMERN CASTLE area to the Transport Lines.

Capt W.J. HOME, and Lieut. L.C. LINTON, from leave.
Capt. E.E.N. McCALLUM, D.S.O., and Lieut. F.L. FOSTER to Hospital.
3 O.R's killed, 23 O.R's wounded.

3-11-17. - YPRES Sector.

The 42ND Cdn. Inf. Bn. attempted to straighten out the line and capture GRAF during the night. At 4.50 a.m. a General S.O.S. was sent up on our Front, and to the Right and Left. The Artillery replied and apparently checked a Counter-Attack. The Brigadier called at 10.00 a.m. on his way to the Line. The remainder of the day was normal. Advanced parties of the 2ND, 4TH, 13TH and 16TH Canadian Inf. Bns. Reported during the afternoon. "B" Company was reported relieved at 12.30 a.m. and "D" Co. at 2.00 a.m. Bivouacs were taken over at POMMERN CASTLE area, at D.19.a.35.30.

Lieut. J.T. PROBERT from leave.
Lieut. A. REED Killed.
Lieut. I.E. SOULE to F.A.
Lieut. G.L.P. GRANT-SUTTIE wounded.

4-11-17. - YPRES Sector.

Move to OUTSKIRT FARM I.2.b.82. Cos. called a Muster Roll and checked up Casualties. The total known so far is:-

Officers
Killed – 1
Wounded – 5
Gassed – 5
Total – 11

Other Ranks
Killed – 16
Died of Wounds – 7
Unaccounted for – 13
Wounded – 119
Gassed – 60
Shell Shock – 10
Accidental Burns – 13
Sick – 9
Total – 247

Lieut. W.G. WURTELE wounded.
Lieut.-Col. A.E. CARPENTER to England on leave.
Capt. C.L. WOOD wounded.
4 O.R's to C.C.R.C.
4 O.R's killed.
3 O.R's missing.
54 O.R's wounded.
1 O.R. died of wounds.
Total casualties 258.

5-11-17. - YPRES Sector.

"A" "C" Cos. and Details from Transport Lines, H.Q. Co. "A" and "D" Cos. from OUTSKIRTS FARM, paraded at 7.30 a.m. and marched to YPRES Station. Entrainment saw complete at 9.30 a.m. ABELE was reached at 10.45 a.m. A march of four or five Kilos followed to the Billetting Area near WATOU. Headquarters, "A" and "D" Cos. were in Billets. "B" and "C" Cos. were in Tents. The Camp is pitched in a well drained and pleasant spot. Everybody is quite content.

6-11-17. - YPRES Sector

The morning was spent in checking up deficiencies of Equipment, and making out indents for same. A number of men were issued with necessaries in the afternoon.

Lieut. L.C. LINTON wounded.
Capt. E.E.N. McCALLUM, D.S.O. wounded.
Lieut. A.C. MILLS wounded.
2 O.R's Killed.
3 O.R's missing.
58 O.R's wounded.

7-11-17. - YPRES Sector.

The General Officers Commanding 3RD Canadian Division and 7TH Brigade spoke to the Regiment this morning at 11.00 a.m. Both expressed their appreciation of the work done by the Royal Canadian Regiment during the recent tour. General DYER said he knew of no finer test of a Unit than that to which the Regiment was put doing the Odd Jobs for the assaulting Troops, the work was done and done well. The remainder of the day was spent in cleaning up. Day fine.

Lieut. F.L. FOSTER wounded.
Capt. F.D. McCREA and Lieut. H.F. HICKS from C.B.D.
7 O.R's to C.C.S.
7 O.R's wounded.
8 O.R's from C.C.S.
13 O.R's from C.C.R.C. and 73 O.R's from C.B.D.

(Appendix 2.)

8-11-17. - YPRES Sector.

Companies paraded at 8.30 a.m. to 12.20 p.m. Employed men paraded under the R.S.M. in the afternoon. The draft of 91 men, which arrived on the 6th instant paraded in the morning under the R.S.M. Day fine and cool with occasional showers.

6 O.R's from C.C.S.
1 O.R. to C.C.S.
1 O.R. to Base.

(Appendix 3.)

9-11-17. - YPRES Sector.

Cos. paraded as usual. The G.O.C. 7TH C.I.B. inspected the Transport at 10.00 a.m. and expressed as "Well pleased with it." The band gave a Concert in the afternoon.

1 O.R. to Base.
1 O.R. from C.C.S.
1 O.R. Died of wounds.
2 O.R's Killed in Action.

10-11-17. - YPRES Sector.

Parades as usual.

Lieut. G.S. HOPKINS wounded.
Lieut. J. BALLANTYNE from leave.
Capt. H.J. BEARD on leave to England.
4 O.R's transferred.

11-11-17. - YPRES Sector.

Baths in the morning. Church parade at 2.00 p.m. Band Concert afterwards.

3 O.R's from C.C.S.
3 O.R's from C.B.D.
2 O.R's from C.C.R.C.
1 O.R. transferred to Base.
4 O.R's Missing.
1 O.R. to C.C.R.C.
2 O.R's transferred.

12-11-17. - YPRES Sector.

Parade from 8.30 a.m. to 12.20 p.m. Preparations for move during the afternoon.

1 O.R. to C.C.S.
Capt H.B. POSTON Invalided to England.

(Appendix 4.)

13-11-17. - YPRES Sector.

The battalion paraded at 6.15 a.m. to move to the Forward Area. Busses were used to convey the Battalion. The route followed being through ABELE, POPERINGHE, to and beyond KRUISTRAAT. After a short march Billets were taken over at OUTSKIRTS FARM. Day fine and warm.

14-11-17. - YPRES Sector.

The morning was spent in issuing Equipment, including Bombs, S.A.A. etc., etc. Cos. moved off in order "A" "B" "C" and "D" starting at 2.40 p.m. Platoons at 3 minutes interval. Relief of the 58TH Cdn. Inf. Bn. reported complete at 8.30 p.m. The Battalion holds the line astride the PASSCHENDAELE - WESTROOSEBEKE road on the very top of the Ridge. "B" and "C" Coos. Are in the Front Line. "A" and "D" Cos. are in Supports. 27TH Cdn. Inf. Bn. on the Right and 42ND Cdn. Inf. Bn. on Left. P.P.C.L.I. in supports. Line runs W.25.c.00.20. to W.25.c.10.60. to V.30.b.70.00. to V.30.b.10.47. Trench strength of the Battalion 16 Officers and 465 O.R's. Battalion H.Q. at MEETCHEELE "Pill-Box". "B" Co. captured a German Light Machine Gun and four prisoners of the 54TH Company 208TH R.I.R's

Lieut. I.E. SOULE to Hospital.
1 O.R. to C.C.S.

(Appendix 5.)

15-11-17. - YPRES Sector.

Heavy enemy Barrage from 5.40 a.m. to 7.30 a.m., in retaliation for our Practice barrage at 5.40 a.m. "C" Co. shot two enemy last night belonging to the 114TH Regt. Enemy Planes active over Lines during afternoon.

1 O.R. from C.C.S.

16-11-17. - YPRES Sector.

Heavy retaliatory enemy barrage 6.50 a.m. to 8.00 a.m. Brig-general COFFIN of the relieving Brigade and four Officers of the 2ND Lincolns called at 10.00 a.m. to arrange the relief. Major H.M. LOGAN and C.S.M. REVEIL wounded during heavy enemy barrage, which continued all day on the support lines with little relaxation. Major STEWART of the P.P.C.L.I. called during the afternoon.

Capt. C.G.B. THOMPSON to Hospital.
Lieut. H. SYKES and Lieut. F.L. FOSTER invalided to Eng.
5 O.R's from C.C.S.
2 O.R's from C.B.D.
2 O.R's to C.C.S.

17-11-17. - YPRES Sector.

Heavy enemy barrage started at 1.45 a.m. continued intermittently throughout the night. Gas shells were used in addition. "C" Co. report 22 hits by their snipers, including two Officers Killed and three other stretcher cases. "C" Co. took four prisoners of the 117TH R.I.R's. Heavy shelling throughout the day on support areas. Relief by the 2ND Lincolns went well, with the exception of No. 14 Platoon, the guides for which were wounded. Three Companies reported relieved by 8.05 p.m. "D" Co. not reported until 3.35 a.m. the 18th instant.

18-11-17. - YPRES Sector.

Battalion Headquarters moved to OUTSKIRT FARM at 9.00 a.m. Seven H.V. Shells dropped in Camp during the day, no casualties resulted. Day spent in resting and issuing out Socks and Whale Oil. The men's feet were inspected. The tour although lasting only three days was a strenuous and exacting one. Companies were almost continuously shelled. "C" Co. probably established a record for the salient. The Co. came out without a casualty, seven prisoners were taken and a total of 50 enemy accounted for, either by sniping of Lewis Gun Fire. A total of ten prisoners were captured by the Battalion.

13 O.R's Killed.
37 O.R's Wounded.
1 O.R. died of wounds.

19-11-17. - YPRES Sector.

The Battalion paraded at 8.30 a.m. and marched to KRUISTRAAT where busses were taken at 10.30 a.m. for First Army Area. Route followed, BAILLEUL, PRADELLES, our old Billetting place on the way to YPRES, HAZEBROUCK to ROBECQ. Billets were here taken over for the night. Very comfortable place.

28 O.R's Wounded.
7 O.R's to C.C.S.
13 O.R's Missing.
Lieut. L.E. LONGLEY wounded.

20-11-17. - ROBECQ.

The Battalion paraded at 6.45 a.m. in Battle Order and marched to RELY. Route:- BUSNES, LILLERS, St HILLAIRE, RELY. Only two men fell out during the march. Billets were taken over at RELY, which was reached at 12.20 p.m. Billets comfortable for all. Reinforcements especially in Officers are very much needed. Casualties for the last tour totalled 3 Officers and 100 O.R's making a total of 14 Officers and 375 O.R's for the two tours at YPRES. Lieut. C.C. SMITH to F.A.

(Appendix 7.)

21-11-17. - RELY.

For the remainder of the week training is to be with a view to giving the men a much needed rest. Clothing and Boots were issued and Equipment checked up during the day.

15 O.R's to C.C.S.

22-11-17. - RELY.

Baths at AUCHY AU BOIS. Pay Parade in the afternoon.

Major A.E. WILLOUGHBY from leave.
2 O.R's wounded.
Capt. E.E.N. McCALLUM, D.S.O. invalided to England.
Lieut. W.L. BARRETT-LENNARD, Lieut. J.C. SUTHERLAND, from C.B.D.

23-11-17. - RELY.

Baths and Parade in the morning. Pay in the afternoon.

Lieut. G.S. HOPKINS from C.C.S.
1 O.R. from C.C.S.
Lieut. J.W. MILLER, Lieut. W.H. POOLE, from C.B.D.
4 O.R's from C.B.D.
3 O.R's from C.C.S.
1 O.R. to England.

24-11-17. - RELY.

The Commanding Officer held an inspection of all men's clothing and Equipment. The C.O., 2nd i/c and Adjutant attended a Conference at Brigade to determine uniform Dress for Brigade.

Capt. R.E. BALDERS, on leave to England.
Capt. E.C. SNIDER from leave.
3 O.R's from C.C.S.
58 O.R's from C.B.D.

25-11-17. - RELY.

Very high wind, blowing N.W. all day. Church Parade at 10.30 a.m., R.C. Parade at 8.00 a.m. in Village Church. The Officers played P.P.C.L.I. Officers at Base Ball. The R.C.R. won the game Score 10 - 9.

1 O.R. from C.B.D.
1 O.R. transferred to Base.
Lieut. C.C. SMITH to C.C.S.
Capt. H. PHILLIPS, M.C., to England on leave.

(Appendix 9.)

26-11-17. - RELY.

Fine cool day. The battalion paraded at 8.30 a.m. for training. Specialists spent the greater part of the morning at their work. The others had a variety of Training. Reinforcements are now arriving and the Battalion is gradually getting into normal conditions, although the shortage of Officers is still very apparent.

7 O.R's to C.C.S.
87 O.R's from C.B.D.
11 O.R's from C.C.S.
1 O.R. from C.C.R.C.

27-11-17. - RELY.

Rainy day. Parades 11.20 a.m. to 12.30 p.m. lectures by Company Commanders on Discipline and Trench Standing Orders during the morning.

28-11-17. - RELY.

Parades as usual.

29-11-17. - RELY.

Parades as usual. "A" and "B" cos. had Baths at AUCHY AU BOIS.

30-11-17. - RELY.

Remainder of the Battalion bathed at AUCHY AU BOIS. "A" and "B" Companies furnished a working party of 50 O.R's each for Brigade Ranges. The Battalion attended a Concert in the evening given by the P.P.C.L.I. concert party at St HILLAIRE.

(signed)
C.R.E. Willets
Major.
Commanding The Royal Canadian Regiment.

30-11-1917.

Special order by Lt. General Sir A.W. Currie, K.C.M.G., C.B., Commanding Canadian Corps. (dated 27.10.17.)

Appendix 1. - Summary of operations of the Royal Canadian Regiment at YPRES from Oct. 29th to Nov. 4th, 1917.

Appendix 2. - Congratulatory messages for operations against and on PASSCHENDAELE RIDGE on Oct 30th/31st, 1917.

Appendix 3. - Syllabus of training of R.C.R. from Nov. 8th to Nov 14th, 1917.

Appendix 4. - Supplementary order to R.C.R. O.O. 78. Instructions to coys for entering the line.

Appendix 5. - Summary of operations of the Royal Canadian Regiment at YPRES, from Nov 14th to Nov. 17th, 1917.

Appendix 6. - R.C.R. Order 79 dated 18.11.17. R.C.R. will move by bus to ROBECQ tomorrow 19th instant.

Appendix 7. - R.C.R. Order 80 dated 18.11.17. Instructions to R.C.R. for march to RELY tomorrow.

Appendix 8. - Training programme of R.C.R. for week ending Nov. 4th 1917.

Appendix 9. - Training programme of R.C.R. for week ending December 1st, 1917. Syllabus of training of R.C.R. for week ending December 1st, 1917.