The 116th Battalion in France

nd as a few "leaves" to Blighty were filtering through there were some lucky ones who had their wish fulfilled. The remainder, however, were sadly deluded,

six days spent in working parties we were finally relieved in Brigade reserve by the Royal Iri

billets in the neighborhood, but thankful to be alive, and pleased at the prospect of spending the ne

to[54] accommodate all four Companies, much to the disgust of the C. O., who was never happier than w

. "D" Company Officers' mess gave a party there during which a young calf was driven into the dining room of the Café. Somebody at once conceived the idea that calf-riding would be good for the digestion, and there was lots of fun trying to ride the calf, who resented this treatment by throwing each of his would-be riders

erly Room being temporarily converted into a polling booth. A muster parade was then called, and the whole affair completed in a few hours. It would be quite safe to estimate

on, was recalled to Canada, and the vacancy thus caused was filled by Major G. R. Pearkes, M.C., of t

9th Sherwood Foresters and the 8th Northumberland Fusiliers in the front line just north

and of the battalion. Although Christmas Day was spent in feasting chiefly on "Bully," on the night of the 26th December warning was received of a

to remark that it was a good[56] thing for him that his colors were painted on his helmet. On one memorable occasion we were relieving the 58th Battalion-the bad conditions had been rendered even worse by a heavy fall of snow. Our relieving companies became so exhausted, which is not to be wondere

the enemy raided No. 4 post, but his party was caught in a barrage and obliged to retire. The conduct of Corporal Allen in the handling of his sec

es of misfortunes. Patrols went out every night through the ruins of Avion to try and locate enemy posts and whilst engaged in this work we lost two of our officers, Lieutenant C. R. Hillis

rtant changes in our organization too

h the 5th C.M.R., was appointed Officer Commanding 116th Battalion, to replace Colonel Sharpe,

the 52nd Battalion, but recently an instructor at Ferfay

f Paris, had commenced, and in consequence the "staff" were show

Ridge as best it could, with nothing behind it except its own artillery and a couple of labour battalions employed in agricultural work, which had lately become a feature of modern warfare. During the day th

ty-five O.R's. from each Company, to work independently on given frontages. It was also arranged that whichever patrol was successful in capturin

on our front might be necessary, and at 10 p.m. the Corps Commander wired in saying that

before they had time to move and a regular scrimmage took place, during which Captain Baird lost the use of his right arm, due to the displacement of one of the muscles. He was in the act of capturing the German patrol leader when his right arm collapsed and his revolver

ined the "necessary identification" asked for by the Corps only two hours previously, although this ac

ed the following special order of the

e British Army in

y inflicted on the enemy in the course of the last two days, very heavy loss, and the French are sending troops as quickly as possible to our support. I feel that everyo

any particular comf

ough to Paris along the line of least resistance, which, judging by the progress they were makin

t out a party consisting of one officer and twenty O.R's. "B" Company's party, under Lt. Dunlop, encountered the enemy in Nun's Alley Sap, where a tough fight took place before the Germans were finally overcome. Several of t

ent part in the final overthrow of the entire German Army. And so, during many days of glorious summer weather, and under the careful and expert guidance of Lt.-Col. G. R. Pearkes, V.C

chendaele, in which he said: "If it should be my fate to be among those who fall, I wish to say I have no regrets to offer. I have done my duty as I saw it, and have fought in