3rd Bn War Diaries 1919

This page is a result of our War Diary Transcription Project. While the transcriptions have been completed, we continue to add links and photographs.

Wednesday, 1 January, 1919
Location: LIND, Germany
Entry: No parades today, a holiday having been declared by the Commanding Officer. The G.O.C. called on the C.O. in the afternoon, also Major Gairdner, Captain G.C. Patterson, MC., Lieut-Col. Nelles DSO., MC., called at about 1230 hours and remained until 1630 hours. Captains Matheson and Paton called while Col. Nelles was here, and departed with him. The H.Q. Officers had a Dinner in H.Q. Mess at 1900 hours which was a huge success, only one member passing out ? WEATHER — Fine & Warm.

Thursday, 2 January, 1919
Location: ditto
Entry: Companies and units paraded as usual and carried on with P.T., drill and lectures. The C.O. was sent to No.1 C.C.S. BONN for an X-ray, and it was reported that he had a fractured hip-bone and will be away for three or four weeks. Major D.H.C. Mason, DSO. is still in bed with influenza WEATHER — Fine & Cool.

Friday, 3 January, 1919
Location: ditto
Entry: Training carried out with a slight change. Instead of the usual training “C” & “D” Companies went on a route march for two hours, the remainder of the Battalion carrying on as usual. Major D.H.C. Mason, DSO., held a Company and unit Commanders’ meeting in his room at 1730 Hours. WEATHER — Fine & Cool.

Saturday, 4 January, 1919
Location: ditto
Entry: Training as usual, with the exception of “A”, “B” and H.Q units, who went on a route march in the morning. Orders received that the Division would be relieved by the 41st Division commencing on the 5th instant, and the Brigade relief to commence on the 6th inst. This order was received with a feeling of relief, as it is beginning to look more like Canada every day. Several Officers journeyed to BONN to see the Commanding officer and report him as getting along O.K. WEATHER — Fine & Cool.

Sunday, 5 January, 1919
Location: ditto
Entry: Church parade was held in the open, owing to the ‘flu’ epidemic. The G.O.C. call the Bn H.Q. at 1630 hours. The G.C.M. [General Court Martials] for Lieuts. J. McRae and H.A. Thompson [each charged with drunkenness and acting “to the prejudice of good order and military discipline”], was held at Bde. H.Q. at 1000 hours. A F.G.C.M. [Field General Court Martial] was held on Pte. Morris [disobeying lawful orders from a superior officer and unlawfully wounding a comrade] of this Bn. at 1400 hours, but was adjourned owing to the absence of witnesses. Padre Lockery had Dinner at H.Q. Mess. WEATHER — Fine & Cool.

Monday, 6 January, 1919
Location: ditto
Entry: The Battalion was paid in the morning and bathed in the afternoon. A clean change of clothing was not available owing to the bathhouse people being unable to procure transportation. COLOGNE is again in bounds to Canadian troops. WEATHER — Fine & warm.

Tuesday, 7 January, 1919
Location: LIND, Germany
Entry: Training today as usual. “C” & “D” Companies went on a route march. Several Officers and men visited BONN. The G.O.C. has gone away to England on some special duty, Lieut-Col. McLaughlin, DSO., assuming command of the Brigade. WEATHER — Fine.

Wednesday, 8 January, 1919
Location: ditto
Entry: The Battalion paraded on a field in rear of the Dynamite factory for Battalion drill. The Battalion Photographer was present and took a few photos of the Battalion. On return to billets, all mounted Officers had their photos taken in front of the CASINO. WEATHER — Fine & Warm.

Thursday, 9 January, 1919
Location: ditto
Entry: The Photographer photographed all the platoons and units in the Battalion, all being taken in the same position, with the same background. Bayonets were fixed. The Commanding Officer sent up 4 nurses from the 1st C.C.S. under command of Lieut-Col. Saunders, DSO.,MC., O.C. 8th Battalion. A very enjoyable afternoon was spent. Tea was served at 1630 hours. After that there was Rum Punch, then a dance. The girls left at 1830 hours accompanied by one or two of our gallant young Officers. Unfortunately on the road to BONN there was a puncture in one of the tires, which caused considerable delay, but it is reported that no one objected a bit to the incident. Capt. A.K. Coulthard, MC., MM., and on N.C.O. per company proceeded as a billetting party to the HUY area, where we will commence to move tomorrow. He was of course disappointed in not being able to remain and meet the ladies. WEATHER — Fine & Warm.

Friday, 10 January, 1919
Location: ditto
Entry: The photographer finished up his work of photographing the Battalion, by taking the Commanding Officer and Company Commanders. Everyone busy getting the camp cleaned up for the incoming unit. The Director of the Dynamite factory put in a claim for 15,000 Marks, but on an inspection of the Camp, accompanied by the Adjutant, the claim was reduced to 600 marks. The Battalion moved off to the station at 1630 hours and entrained at 1715 hours. There was a little delay in moving from the station, owing to the fact that the transport was not completely loaded. This delay as caused by the train not arriving at the station until 1630 hours. The train pulled out at 1915 hours – destination HUY. Weather — Fine.

Saturday, 11 January, 1919
Location: EN ROUTE to Belgium
Entry: The train trip was probably the slowest that anyone has taken for a long time. At nearly every station the train stopped for a considerable time. On arrival in LIEGE we were informed by the R.T.O. that we would detrain at ANDENNE, as it is nearer our billeting area. On arrival in HUY we were met by Lieut. Cassels, Brigade Detraining Officer. He accompanied us to ANDENNE where we detrained. Two motor lorries were waiting to transport out packs to our town. Our billetting area will be MOXHE. Before moving off, tea was served to the men, which was much
appreciated after the long train journey. The Battalion moved off at 1600 hours and arrived in MOXHE at 1915 hours. Two companies are billed in CIPLET and the remainder in MOXHE. The Battalion is very crowded and the Officers billets are poor. WEATHER — Fine, with occasional showers.

Sunday, 12 January, 1919
Location: MOXHE, Belgium
Entry: The Battalion rested in billets and got straightened out a little. Major D.H.C. Mason, DSO., and Captain H.K. Coulthard, MC., M., visited the town of AVIN and decided to move the Bn. H.Q. and H.Q.Units there. The Adjutant called at Brigade H.Q. in the afternoon and informed them of this move. WEATHER — Fine & Cool.

Monday, 13 January, 1919
Location: AVIN, Belgium
Entry: Companies carried on with training. “A” and “B” Companies on a route march. Bn. H.Q. and H.Q. Units moved to AVIN at 1400 hours. Bn. H.Q. located in a Chateau owned by the COMTESS DE LOOZ. She is not very enthusiastic about having us, but after using a little persuasion, she came through with three Officers billets and bed clothes for them. The Orderly Room is like a barn and if a better place can be had we will move out. The H.Q. Mess is located in a nice home-like Chateau. The units are all fixed up fine, the majority of the men having beds. WEATHER — Fine & Cool.

Tuesday, 14 January, 1919
Location: ditto
Entry: “C” & “D” Companies went on a route march. “A” & “B” Companies carried on with training. O.C “A” Company lectured his men on the actions of the British Army during 1918, using Sir Douglas Haig’s despatch for reference. A Company and Unit Commanders’ meeting was held at Bn. H.Q. at 1530 hours. Orderly Room was held at 1430 hours. The Bn. Orderly Room moved to the SALLE COMMUNAL in the square and are much better situated than in the Chateau. WEATHER — Fine & Cool.

Wednesday, 15 January, 1919
Location: ditto
Entry: A medical inspection was held of all men in the Battalion. We were advised that one of our men had died at Bonn of the ‘flu’. This makes 3 who have died. Lt-Col. McLaughlin, DSO., called at Battalion Headquarters. Lieut. D.A.R. Cameron returned from Leave. Pte. Kirk returned from No.1 C.C.S. and reports that the Commanding Officer has been sent down the line. WEATHER — Fine, with occasional showers.

Thursday, 16 January, 1919
Location: AVIN
Entry: The Battalion was paid today. “A” & “B” Companies went on a route march. O.C. “D” Company lectured on Sir Douglas Haig’s despatch. Major D.H.C. Mason, DSO., and Capt. T. Weir, MC., went out to look over a new billeting area. Battalion will probably move in a few days to LINCENT. WEATHER — Fine & Cool.

Friday, 17 January, 1919
Location: do.
Entry: Companies carried on with usual training. “C” & “D” Companies went on a route march. O.C. “B” Company lectured on Sir Douglas Haig’s despatch. The 1st Canadian Division propose to hold a final Sports Meet, the finals to be run off at BRUSSELS. Lieut. Petman attended a meeting at Brigade to discuss the arrangements for this meet, at 1000 hours. Major D.H.C. Mason, DSO., attended a meet of Battalion Commanders at Divisional H.Q. at 1500 hours regarding Sports. The Band played at a funeral of one of the civilians at CIPLET. One more man was reported to have died of the ‘flu’ at No. 2 Cdn. C.C.S., BONN. WEATHER — Cool & Showery.

Saturday, 18 January, 1919
Location: do
Entry: Training today as usual. “A” & “B” Companies went on a route march. O.C. “D” Company lectured on the actions of the British Army in 1918. Major D.H.C. Mason, DSO., and Capt. T. Weir, MC., went out to look over another billeting area, as LINCENT does not appear to have and advantages over the present billets. WEATHER — Fine & Cool.

Sunday, 19 January, 1919
Location: do
Entry: Battalion paraded for Church Service at 0930 and 1000 hours, at AVIN. Capt. D.F. Rogers and Capt. M.D. Murdoch had lunch at Battalion H.Q. Mess. WEATHER — Fine & Cool.

Monday, 20 January, 1919
Location: do
Entry: Training for today. “C” & “D” Companies went on a route march. “A” & “B” Companies carried on with training on their private parade grounds. WEATHER — Fine & Cool.

Tuesday, 21 January, 1919
Location: do
Entry: Training for today — “A” & “B” Companies went on a route march. “C” & “D” Companies carried on with training on their own parade grounds. Major D.H.C. Mason, DSO. visited Brigade H.Q. in the afternoon. The G.O.C has returned from England. WEATHER — Fine & Cool.

Wednesday, 22 January, 1919
Location: AVIN
Entry: A Battalion Road Race was held today, practically every available man was entered. The distance was approximately 2 miles. The whole B’n formed up in a line of platoons in fours and on the shot from the pistol away they went. It was a great sight to see 400 men going as fast as they could to get in position. Pte. McEvoy (Capt. Cliff’s Batman) came in first. He wins 20 Francs. Some of the men looked fatigued after running the distance, but the majority came in fresh. Everyone enjoyed the sport, and a great many arguments sprang immediately the race was finished. The chief discussion was “Who won the race ?” The Adjutant received a letter from the Commanding Officer who is at present in No. 6 Stationary Hospital, BOULOGNE. He appears to be getting on fine.

Thursday, 23 January, 1919
Location: do
Entry: The final count for the Battalion road race makes No. 10 Platoon, “C” Company the winners for the Battalion. They started 26 men and finished 26. Major J.K. Crawford, DSO. was in command of this platoon. A Battalion parade was held in the morning. After parade the Battalion went on a route march. Arrangements are almost complete now for a Battalion Guard Mounting Competition, which will be held tomorrow. Each Company and the Scouts will enter a Guard. All the Company Commanders had Dinner with the C.O. at H.Q. Mess. It turned out to be a very enjoyable evening. Major J.K. Crawford, DSO., and Captain A.K. Coulthard, MC., MM., attended a Dance given by the 2nd Brigade in LIEGE at 2000 hours.

WEATHER — Fine & Cool.

Friday, 24 January, 1919
Location: do
Entry: The Guard Mounting Competition was held at 1000 hours. “A” Company Guard won the Commanding Officer’s prize of 50 Francs. “D” Company were a close second. All the guards were so good that it was extremely difficult for the judges to make a decision. The judges were:-
Lt-Col. H.H. Mathews, DSO., 1st Canadian Divisional H.Q.
Major T. Coleman, DSO.,MC., 1st Canadian Battalion.
Major H.W.A. Foster, DSO.,MC., 1st Canadian Infantry Brigade.
Capt. G.C. Patterson, MC., 1st Canadian Division.
The judges stayed for lunch after the show. WEATHER — Fine & Cool.

Saturday, 25 January, 1919
Location: do
Entry: The Commanding Officer inspected “C” & “D” Companies in the morning. “A” & “B” Companies went on a route march. About 30 men went on 48 hours Leave to different places of interest in BELGIUM. WEATHER — Fine & Cool.

Sunday, 26 January, 1919
Location: AVIN
Entry: Church Parade was held at 1030 hours and 1100 hours in the Theatre, AVIN. WEATHER — Fine & Cold.

Monday, 27 January, 1919
Location: do
Entry: The Commanding Officer inspected “A” & “B” Companies at 1000 and 1100 hours respectively. “D” & “C” Companies went on a Route March. The Commanding Officer inspected the detail of this B’n who will proceed to LIEGE on February 4th, 1919, to take part in a march past of the 1st Canadian Division. There will be 100 All Ranks from each Battalion. Major J.K. Crawford, DSO., will be in command of this Battalion’s personnel. The Adjutant, Transport Officer and Major Crawford attended a meeting at 2nd battalion H.Q. HANNUT to discuss the LIEGE march past. The G.O.C. gave them all particulars concerning this trip. The Bandmaster of this Battalion was selected to take command of the 1st Brigade massed band at LIEGE, and will commence to train them at HANNUT tomorrow. WEATHER — Fine & Cold.

Tuesday, 28 January, 1919
Location: do
Entry: LIEGE personnel paraded at 1000 hrs for fitting of equipment, drill and getting generally into shape. All men who were not on this parade or on educational scheme attended a lecture at HANNUT given by Lieut. Comdr. R.N. Everard on “The Navy’s Work – the Submarines” (with slides) at 1000 hours. Major H.A. Chisolm, MC., returned from Leave.

Wednesday, 29 January, 1919
Location: do
Entry: Companies and Units carried on with inspection and drill up to 1030 hours. The Composite Company paraded at 1025 hours. Men not on composite Company or attending school carried on with P.T. and Games under Sergt. Laphen, C.A.G.S., from 1030 hours to 1200 hours. WEATHER — Fine & Cold.

Thursday, 30 January, 1919
Location: do
Entry: Companies & Units carried on with training up till 1030 hours. From 1030 to 1200 hours, all men not on composite Company or attending school went on a route march. Capt. W.A. McMaster, MC., was in command. The Transport and Composite Company are busy getting into shape for the LIEGE trip. We will send, in addition to the men, 1 G.S. Limber, 1 Water Cart, 1 Cooker and 1 G.S. Waggon. “B” Company’s Cooker was selected. WEATHER — Fine & Cool

Friday, 31 January, 1919
Location: do
Entry: Training today as usual. The G.O.C. and Major Vanderwater, DSO., (O.C. Composite Battalion), inspected our detachment for LIEGE at 1100 hours. Warrant received for Lieut. L.B. Lyall to proceed to England where he will report to Argyll House, and then leave for Canada. He is receiving leave on compassionate grounds, owing to the ill-health of his wife. WEATHER — Fine & Cold.

LIST OF BATTALION’S MOVEMENT IN JANUARY, 1919
Jan. 1st to 10th – Dynamite Factory, LIND, Germany.
Jan. 11th to 13th – MOXHE, Belgium, with two companies in CIPLET.
January 14th to 31st – AVIN, Belgium, with 2 companies in MOXHE and 2 in CIPLET.

Saturday, February 1, 1919
Location: AVIN, Belgium
Entry: The transport taking part in the LIEGE show left today for LIEGE. They will make the trip in two stages, arriving in LIEGE on the 2nd instant. Companies & units carried on with the usual training. The O.C. inspected the Composite Company at 1100 hours. Weather – Fine & Cold.

Sunday, February 2, 1919
Location: do
Entry: Battalion paraded for Divine Service at 1030 hours. The Composite Company paraded for a final inspection by Major J.K. Crawford, DSO., before proceeding to LIEGE. WEATHER – Fine & Cool.

Monday, February 3, 1919
Location: do.
Entry: The Composite Company left for LIEGE this morning at 1000 hours. They proceeded by lorry to HUY, where they will entrain. The O.C. accompanied the party. The remainder of the Battalion carried on with the usual training. All men entitled to the 1914-1915 ribbon had them put on by the tailor today. WEATHER – Fine & Cool.

Tuesday, February 4, 1919
Location: do.
Entry: Training today as usual. The Composite Battalion marched pasted Lieut-General A. Jacques Commanding the 3rd Belgian Division at 1035 hours, in LIEGE. Capt. A.E. MacDonald, MC., Capt. K.C. Brooke, MC., Capt W.A. McMaster, MC., and Lieut. W.O. Dudhope went down to witness the parade. About 40 men also went down on leave for the same purpose. WEATHER – Fine & Cool.

Wednesday, February 5, 1919
Location: do.
Entry: Companies & Units carried on with the usual training. The Composite Company returned from LIEGE at 1230 hours, and report a very good time. The march past was a huge success and the 1st Brigade was second to none in the Division. The Corps Commander was present and it was reported that he was more than pleased with the march past and the general turnout of the men and transport. In the afternoon the bands of the different units gave a band concert in the town square. At night a dance was given the Officers by the Mayor of LIEGE, also a dance was given to the men in the Y.M.C.A. club. The Belgian populace appeared to be very pleased with the behaviour of the men and remarked “that they didn’t think it was possible for men who have been fighting for four years to put on such a show.” WEATHER – Fine & Cool.

Thursday, February 6, 1919
Location: do.
Entry: The Battalion paraded at 0915 for a Brigade inspection and farewell address at HANNUT, by Brigadier-General W.A. Griesbach, CB, CMG, DSO, who is leaving for Canada to take his seat in the House of Commons. The General rode around the Battalions and inspected them. The Brigade was then formed in around a wagon to hear his address. He informed the Brigade that we should commence to move about the 17th instant for England. On the completion of the address the Brigade re-formed and then marched past the General in column of route, returning to the Battalion at 1230 hours. In the afternoon, Lieut. Mack Eastman lectured to the Battalion on “Europe, 1815-1915”. The lecture was enjoyed by all, although the hall where he lectured was very cold. WEATHER – Fine & Cold.

Friday, February 7, 1919
Location: do.
Entry: Companies & Units trained as usual. The men who were on the LIEGE trip will probably take part in a similar parade in HUY in a few days. It is intended to march past the Army Commander, General Rawlinson. The 2nd Battalion have loaned us Blanco, to have all equipments blancoed. WEATHER – Fine & Cold.

Saturday, February 8, 1919
Location: do.
Entry: Companies & Units carried on with training as usual. A return was received from Companies and Units, showing the number of men wishing to be demobilized in the different dispersal areas in Canada. Toronto came highest with 593. The next highest was Hamilton with 46. We have been issued with some preliminary instructions regarding demobilization. “Questionnaire” Cards have to be filled in by all ranks. These will be returned to Bn. H.Q. on the 12th, when special nominal rolls will be made out and forwarded to Division. WEATHER – Fine & Cold.

Sunday, February 9, 1919
Location: do.
Entry: Church parade was held in two parades at the Theatre, AVIN, at 1030 and 1100 hours respectively. WEATHER – Fine & Cold.

Monday, February 10, 1919
Location: do.
Entry: Companies & Units carried on with training as usual. Major H.A.Chisholm, MC, left the Battalion to return to Scotland, where he will complete his law course at EDINBURGH University. Several Officers and men in the Division who had uncompleted courses in Canada are taking advantage of these opportunities to complete their studies.

Tuesday, February 11, 1919
Location: do.
Entry: The Battalion was paid today commencing at 1000 hours. We are commencing to turn in some of the technical equipment. Waggons, horses, harness, etc., will be turned in to Ordnance in a few days. WEATHER – Fine & Cool.

Wednesday, February 12, 1919
Location: AVIN
Entry: Training today was carried out as usual. The Bn. were to be bathed, but were unable to do so on account of the pipes in the bath-house being frozen and bursted. Capt.J.H. Jennings, and Capt. M.D. Murdoch proceeded on six days’ special leave to AMIENS. Capt. T. Weir, MC, is Acting Adjutant in the absence of Capt. Jennings. WEATHER – Fine & Cool.

Thursday, February 13, 1919
Location: do.
Entry: Training was carried on by Companies and Units as usual with a route march from 1050 to 1200 hours. Capt. A.K. Coulthard, MC, MM, and Lieut.R.G. Wickham proceeded on 48 hours’ leave to BRUSSELS . – WEATHER – Fine & Cool.

Friday, February 14, 1919
Location: do.
Entry: Battalion parade was held at 1030 hours and a few movements in Battalion Drill carried out. Major J.K. Crawford, DSO, transferred to Headquarters to assume duties of 2nd in Command. Pte. Taylor won Boxing Bout in Brigade finals at HANNUT. Capt. Armitage returned from short leave, having travelled from COLOGNE to SPA by mail aeroplane. Lieut. D. Morrison, MC, and J.L. Austin, proceeded to BRUSSELS on 48 hours’ leave. Proceedings of Court-Martial in the case of Lieut. H.A. Thompson [drunkenness and acting in to the prejudice of good conduct and discipline] were promulgated at 1400 hours. WEATHER – Fine & Cold.

Saturday, February 15, 1919
Location: do.
Entry: Training by Companies and Units as usual with a route march from 1050 to 1200 hours. Capt. W.A. McMaster, MC, in charge. First Brigade Road Race took place at HANNUT at 1430 hours, our team winning and Pte. McEvoy first man in. Major. D.H.C. Mason, DSO, confined to bed, having strained ligaments in back while riding. Cinema show opened by Y.M.C.A. in Concert Hall, AVIN. Allotted to “A” & “B” Companies & H.Q. Units. WEATHER – Fine & Milder.

Sunday, February 16, 1919
Location: do.
Entry: Divine Service held in Concert Hall, AVIN. Cinema show at 1600 hours for “C” & “D” Companies Stores and Transport. Capt. A.E. Macdonald, MC., Medical Officer, is replaced by Capt. J. O’Shea. WEATHER – Mild.

Monday, February 17, 1919
Location: do.
Entry: Training carried on independently by Companies and Units in subjects chosen by Company and Unit Commanders. S.B.R’s, Shovels, Picks, Entrenching Tool Heads & Helves and some of our Transport Wagons have been turned in to Ordinance. All equipment scrubbed today in preparation for inspection by Army Commander. WEATHER – Fine & Mild.

Tuesday, February 18, 1919
Location: do.
Entry: Training up to 1030 hours consisted of Inspection, , P.T. & Games, at 1100 hours a very interesting lecture was given in the Conert Hall, AVIN, by Capt. E. Hughson of Y.M.C.A. Subject “When We Go Home”. Capt. J.H. Jennings and Capt. M.D. Murdoch have returned from leave, and Capt. Jennings is just able to resume his duties as Adjutant. WEATHER – Showery.

Wednesday, February 19, 1919
Location: do.
Entry: The morning was spent in preparation for the march past for General Rawlinson, G.O.C., 4th Army. The Battalion paraded at 1245 hours and marched to HANNUT for the march past. The Brigade commenced to march past at 1400 hours, orders of march – 1st, 2nd, 4th and 3rd Battalions, and 1st Field Ambulance. The Battalion made a good showing, as did the whole Brigade. Battalion returned to billets at 1530 hours. WEATHER – Showery.

Thursday, February 20, 1919
Location: do.
Entry: Companies & Units carried on with Company and unit training and P.T. & Games. A medical inspection of all men was held at Chatem, MOXHE. WEATHER – Cloudy.

Friday, February 21, 1919
Location: do.
Entry: Companies & Units carried on with the usual training up to 1030 and with a route march from 1050 to 1200 hours. WEATHER – Showery.

Saturday, February 22, 1919
Location: do.
Entry: Companies & Units carried on with the usual training. We turned over to the Belgian Government, 1 H.D. Horse and 7 Males. This is the first lot of horses to be turned in. The adjourned Court-Martial on Pte. Morris re-assembled at 1400 hours to come to a decision on his case. He was charged with “unlawfully wounding a comrade”. The finding was “Not Guilty”.

Sunday, February 23, 1919
Location: do.
Entry: The Battalion paraded for divine service at 1030 and 1100 hours at the theatre, AVIN. Five men who will proceed to Canada with their dependents left today for England. The remainder will proceed shortly. WEATHER – Cloudy.

Monday, February 24, 1919
Location: do.
Entry: The Battalion was paid today. 41 men, including the R.S.M. and Bandmaster, proceeded to England today for the purpose of proceeding to Canada with their dependents. 14 L.D. and 3 H.D. horses were turned over to the Belgian Government. Capt.T. Weir, MC, and Capt. W.R.R. Armitage proceeded to Brussels on 48 hours leave. Major J.K. Crawford, DSO, spent the day in making a survey of the 1st Brigade area and reporting on rivers, woods, obstacles, etc. WEATHER – Cloudy & Cool.

Tuesday, February 25, 1919
Location: AVIN
Entry: Training was cancelled today, owing to rain. Companies carried on with Blanco-ing equipment. Orders received to despatch 2 riding, 10 L.D., and 4 H.D. horses to TONGRES on the 26th inst. Lieuts. D.A.R. Cameron and J.J. Dolan had Dinner at H.Q. Mess. WEATHER – Showery.

Wednesday, February 26, 1919
Location: do.
Entry: Companies & Units carried on with usual training; owing to the C.A.G.S. Instructor proceeding to England, Companies carried on with P.T. & Games independently. Capt. E.H. Minns, MC, Lieut. H.F. Petman, and Lieut. L.E. Butler had dinner at H.Q.Mess. Capt. W.R.R. Armitage and Capt. T. Weir, MC., returned from 48 hours leave. They visited BRUSSELS, ANTWERP, OSTEND, and BRUGES during their absence and report a very enjoyable leave. WEATHER – Cool & Cloudy.

Thursday, February 27, 1919
Location: do.
Entry: Companies & Units carried on with usual training. The Battalion Road Race team proceeded to HUY to run in the Divisional Road Race. Capt. M.D. Murdoch, Lieut. A.V. Noble, MC, and Lieut. J.J. Dolsan accompanied the team to HUY. Capt. E.H. Minns, MC, and Capt. D.F. Rogers proceeded to BRUSSELS on 48 hours leave. WEATHER – Showery.

Friday, February 28, 1919
Location: do.
Entry: A Battalion parade was ordered for today for the purpose of practising the presentation of the King’s Colour to the Battalion. This parade was called off on account of the weather, but the Officers and N.C.O’s took part in a demonstration of the presentation. Major-General Sir. A.C. Macdonell, KCB, CMG, DSO, will present the colour to us next week. WEATHER – Showery.