Enemies at the Front, Comrades of the Soil – Institut Historica Dominion Institute

March 9, 2012 J.M. Stephens Leave a comment

Interesting article from the Dominion Institute on how perception of the enemy changes over time and circumstances:

Enemies at the Front, Comrades of the Soil – Institut Historica Dominion Institute.

3rd Battalion at Vimy Ridge April 9, 1917

March 8, 2012 J.M. Stephens Leave a comment

“On April 9, 1917, the famous Vimy Ridge attack took place. This had been planned and practised most carefully. The 3rd Battalion was on the extreme right of the Canadian Corps and so had the longest distance to go. Nevertheless it took its first objective on time and captured four guns, the first to be taken by Canadians. The casualties were, for World War I, light – 6 officers and 179 men. During the new few days the gains were extended to the flat country east of the ridge.”

From Queen’s Own Rifles of Canada, 1860-1960: One Hundred Years of Canada,
by Lieutenant Colonel W. T. Barnard, ED, CD – 1960

Major W. E. Curry of the Queen’s Own Rifles was one of the six officers killed in action on June 9th.

See also the appendices to the April War diaries – 3rd Canadian Infantry Battalion for Orders and reports during the Battle for Vimy Ridge.

Riflemen

Sergeant Aubrey Cosens, VC

February 26, 2012 J.M. Stephens 4 Comments

“In Holland on the night of 25^th-26^th February 1945, the 1^st Battalion, The Queen’s Own Rifles of Canada launched an attack on the hamlet of Mooshof, to capture ground which was considered essential for the development of future operations.

Sergeant Cosens’ platoon, with two tanks in support, attacked enemy strong points in three farm buildings, but were twice beaten back by fanatical enemy resistance and then fiercely counter-attacked, during which time the platoon suffered heavy casualties and the platoon commander was killed…”

Sergeant Aubrey Cosens’ during the battle were recognized with the posthumous award of the Commonwealth’s highest award for valour, the Victoria Cross. Read more about Cosens and the full citation of this Victoria Cross here.

Read more here: The Regiment’s “Toughest Scrap” February 26, 1945 Actions on and around the 26 February, 1945 for which Sergeant Aubrey Cosens was posthumously awarded the Victoria Cross. Researched and written by former Queen’s Own Rifleman, Colonel (retired) William C. Ball.