CONFIDENTIAL
WAR DIARY Of 9th CANADIAN ARTILLERY BRIGADE
From February 1st 1918 – To February 28th 1918
HALLICOURT
1.2.18 to 22.2.18 The weather continued fair and mild. Batteries took advantage of the weather and were able to carry on with the Syllabus of Training. Besides the regular drills the 45th Battery had a very instructive day in open warfare. The Brigade made a very creditable showing in a Route March on Wednesday afternoon February 6th headed by the Piper Band of the 42nd Canadian Battalion. The Brigade carried out Map Reading tests on Saturday afternoons, mounted, in which the 33rd and 36th Batteries did particularly well. The men were entertained to many very fine moving picture shows in the local Cinema Theatre, which consisted of a lofty French barn with excessive ventilation. On Thursday evening February 14th a very good concert was put on in the above Opera House, by Brigade talent.
O.O139 was issued February 18th with regards to the relief of the 2nd Canadian Division Artillery by the 3rd Canadian Divisional Artillery in the AVION-MERICOURT Sector, the 9th Brigade relieving the 5th Brigade C.F.A. on the 22nd instant.
On the 21st Feby the brigade marched to new wagon lines at LA TARGETTE and were inspected by the C.R.A. The 33rd and 36th Btys made a very creditable showing.
S.10.d.9.6. 23.2.18 The enemy’s artillery and Trench Mortar activity slightly above normal. Considerable movement observed in N.28.34 and 35. Our low flying aeroplanes were active firing into enemy trenches in the AVION Sector. Batteries carried out considerable harassing fire throughout the night on the points w[h]ere movement was observed during the day.
24.2.18 Hostile activity was slightly above normal during the past 24 hours. Movement was again observed in N.28 and 35. Our planes very active throughout the day, and were energetically engaged by enemy A.A.s. One E.A. crossed our lines at 12.30 PM.
25.2.18 Minor Operational Order No. 1 was issued today with reference to a proposed raid by the 52nd Canadian Battalion on the AVION front for the purpose of obtaining identification and destroying three dugouts. The 33rd 45th and 31st Batteries detailed to take part. The night proved too bright and the raid was postponed.
The enemy’s artillery and trench mortars were active in the forward areas. MELVILLE ROAD and the BULL-RING again showed considerable movement. No enemy aerial activity. Our planes very active throughout the day. The morning was misty owing to slight rain, clearing in the afternoon.
26.2.18 Enemy’s artillery and trench mortar activity quiet. A great deal of movement is still being observed in the BULLRING. Enemy’s aeroplanes fairly active. One of our planes was brought down in the vicinity of MERICOURT.
Our patrols made daylight reconnaissance in front of AVION entering the enemy’s lines and returned without being discovered. During the night the 52nd Battalion raided the enemy’s trenches about the same spot meeting with considerable opposition, capturing a M.G. and causing six casualties to the enemy. We had a few slightly wounded.
27.2.18 Enemy’s artillery more active than usual, the forward areas receiving a considerable amount of scattered shelling; T.Ms remaining quiet. Constant movement still being observed in the BULL RING. Two E.As flying low, patrolled our lines between LENS and VIMY. Our low flying machines fired many drums into the enemy’s front line between MERICOURT and AVION. Visibility in the morning – fair. Afternoon – good.
28.2.18 Enemy’s artillery quiet. Our batteries very active sniping movement on our front. Considerable train movement observed in the direction of MONTIGNY. Four E.As attempted to cross our lines during the day but were turned back by our patrols and A.As. Our planes showed considerable activity throughout the day and night. Our bombing planes were engaged by the enemy’s A.A. batteries firing chain lights and phosphorus sprays. Visibility was indifferent, owing to sleet. Some bright spots during the day.
Major
A/C.O. 9th Canadian Arty Brigade
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