War Diary of the 16th Infantry Battalion (Canadian Scottish), January 01, 1917 to July 31, 1917

One of the official War Diaries of the First Infantry Division of the 16th Battalion (The Canadian Scottish), Canadian Expeditionary Force that cover from the time the Regiment went overseas at the start of the First World War to the time it returned to Canada in April 1919. War diaries are official records kept by the Battalions during a one month period. The diary provides a daily summary of events, actions, activities, etc. The January 1917 diary begins in Maisnil-lès-Ruitz, France and discusses continued training, monetary gifts to the Regiment, lectures and demonstrations of "First Aid" by the medical officers, lists of the names of soldiers receiving awards for service, Battalion sports, moving to Bully-Grenay (now known as Bully-les-Mines) and Calonnes-Ricouart in France. The February 1917 diary begins in Bully-Grenay and discusses training, appointments to higher ranks of the soldiers, quiet days, kit inspections for rifles and gas helmets, and several soldiers and NCO's being awarded the Military Medal for bravery in the field. The March 1917 diary begins with a move to Maisnil-lès-Ruitz via Herson and then to Bois des Alleux and Camblain-l'Abbé, some quiet days, action from airplanes, rifle and kit inspections, appointments, rifle and grenade practice, and a move to Bois Des Alleux. The April 1917 diary begins with a move to Estrée-Cauchy for battle practice, the signal section practiced Contact Aeroplane Signalling and Visual Signalling, the Ambulance section practiced stretcher carrying, Officers discuss to all ranks their part in the coming offensive for Operation Orders No. 108, their experience at the Battle of Vimy Ridge and the beginning of the Battle of Arras, and moving to Farbus Wood. Includes a summary of Operation Order No 111. The May 1917 diary begins in Farbus Wood and an attack on the village of Fresnoy and discusses moving back to billets at Mont St. Eloi and then Camblain-l'Abbé, thanksgiving services to commemorate the "Vimy Ridge" action of April 9th, 1917, massed pipe and drum bands performance, Officers being awarded the Military Cross and the Distinguished Conduct Medal, and training. The June 1917 diary begins in Mont St. Eloi and discusses their experiences at the front including problems with the visibility from clear skies and a full moon hampering their work at night, limited water supply during the hot weather, considerable airplane activity, gas shells in the evenings, moving to the New Brunswick and Canada Trenches, carrying out a raid, winning a game of baseball, and a list of orders and decorations being awarded including the Victoria Cross. The July 1917 diary begins in the trenches with the Canadians celebrating "Dominion Day", skirmishes between both sides, move to Mazingarbe, inspection in kilts, battle practice at Aix Noulette, and ends with a total number of casualties over the last month. It includes a detailed description of Operation Order No. 161 for the Canadian Corps to take the high ground north of Lens and a narrative about Hill 70.