Wed., Apr 11, 1917
Battalion in MAIN RESISTANCE LINE as shown in yesterday’s diary being in support of the I8th and 2Ist Battalions.  The Headquarters occupying CRAMER HAUS with the 2Ist Bn. and two Company Headquarters of the 25th Bn. which is in support on our right.

The Company’s worked all day improving their trenches, deepening them, connecting up the rifle pits, and digging funk holes.
Very cold night with wet snow.  Not good weather for bivouac.

Thu., Apr 12, 1917
Battalion occupying MAIN RESISTANCE LINE West of the crest of VIMY RIDGE from THELUS – FARBUS road in front of THELUS ROAD to the ARRAS-LENS ROAD about COUNTS WOOD.

Working on trenches and Strong points all day.  Deepening trenches, building fire steps and shelters, and generally improving the position from a defensive standpoint.  Battalion area shelled intermittently throughout the day.  Field Guns moved up to just in rear of the centre ofour line drew enemy fire.  Guns could not be but in action but things made uncomfortable for our men.  Casualties Nil.

Fri., Apr 13, 1917
Weather cold and rain all day.
4th C.I.Bde. relieved by 5th C.I.Bde, 20th Battalion being relieved by the 22nd Battalion.  On completion of relief the disposition of Company’s is as follows:-  No.2 Company in the Black line N. of Balloon Trench.  No.3 Company in the same line S. of Baloon Trench.  No.I Company in the red line, FUSTY TRENCH – CRAMER HAUS westward to the LILLE ROAD, and No.4 Company in the Red Line N. of FUSTY TRENCH to the right of the 3rd Division at about S.29.d.7.2.

Sat., Apr 14, 1917
Weather clear and bright, cold wind and very muddy.
4th C.I.Bde. were relieved by the 6th C.I.Bde. in the forenoon, and went into reserve at BOIS DES ALLEUX, 20th Battalion in Huts at Le PENDU.
Captain A.D.Fisken and Lieut.C.G.Matthews arrived as reinforcements.
Very little was done in the afternoon and evening, the men were all dead tired, most of their time being occupied in getting the mud from their clothes.

Sun., Apr 15, 1917
Bright morning, though cold.  Battalion in Huts at Le PERDU.  Camp very muddy.
Companies at baths at MOUNT ST.ELOY from I.30 pm to II pm.  Companies also at Clothing and pay parades at Transport area which is close by. Draft of 2I O.R. received late last night posted to Company’s.
8 N.C.O’s returned from Divisional Training Company.  About 3 pm a draft of I Officer (Mr.Medhurst) and 49 O.R. arrived and were posted.
About 6 pm instructions were received that the Battalion must move from the present Huts to Huts near MONT ST.ELOY.  All O.R. except two Signallers and four runners and the Orderly Room Staff moved, also all Officers except Headquarters and three Officers of No. I Company.  For the night we retained three Officers Huts and the Orderly room Hut-  4th Battalion squeezed us out.  After II days in the line and when only out for 36 hours to have to change billets in this way is most trying on the men to say the least.
Orders to releive the 26th Battalion in support received at II.30 pm.

Mon., Apr 16, 1917
Fine morning, and little warmer.
Issued a message to all units of Battalion at 8.30 am to relieve 26th Battalion before noon.  Companies under way by I0.30 am.  All blankets turned into Q.M.Stores.  Men carried up their Kits and stacked them at A.4.a.2.8.under a guard.  Therewas some delay about guides from 26th Battalion so that all companies were not in place until 3 pm.  Company Headquarters were :- A and B at BERLINER HAUS in BALLOON TRENCH xxxxxxxxxx A.5.c.6.9.  D Company in ZWICKEN STULLUNG [SWISCHEN STELLUNG] TRENCH at A.5.c.4.9. and C Company in PRINZARNULF GRABEN at S.29.c.I045.  Battalion Headquarters at dugout in O62 TRENCH at A.4.c.4.9.
Companies moved into line with 4 Officers and 3 platoons each.
Conference of Bn. C.O’s and Scout Officer at Brigade Headquarters in evening.

Tue., Apr 17, 1917
Cold morning, raining, strong N.N.W.wind blowing-  Most trying on those men who are not in dugouts.  Three Platoons of No.I and No.2 Company’s are in open trench or shell holes.

Each Company supplying working party of I00 O.R, and 2 Officers to 172nd Coy. R.E.at LES TILLUELS from I.45 pm (A.II.a.9.9).  Same long range shelling of Battalion area last night and this morning particularly about the Field Kitchens at A.4.a.3.9.

Conference of Company Commanders and Scout Officer with C.O. at Battalion H.Q. from 2.30 to 4 pm.  Discussion of coming operations of a preliminary nature only carried on.

Transport Details did not move forward to-day.
Weather cleared up somewhat in afternoon but turned to snow in evening.
G.C.O.Brigade called at Battalion Headquarters about 5 pm.

Wed., Apr 18, 1917
Cold wet morning, snow and rain.
Party our salvaging operation equipment, drawing bombs etc. from Bde. Store near ZIVY CAVE.  Detail of 50 O.R. and I Officer attached to 4th F.C.C.E. for past six weeks were relieved to-day by I9th Battalion and returned to Battalion.

Subject to a check at a later day and owing to immediate necessity, Companies were permitted to put stripes up on certain men to be for the present acting N.C.O’s without pay, this in order to complete establishment present.

Thu., Apr 19, 1917
Supplied working party to 176th Tunnelling Company R.E. consisting of 400 men all told at 8 am for work on roads near THELUS.

In 2nd Canadian Division Defence Scheme the Battalion is to man the Main Resistance line at present-  The I9th Battalion man’s the Observation line.
Heavy shelling of LENS-ARRAS ROAD to-day.  We suffered one casualty, wounded.  Some heavy shells fell near Battalion Headquarters, one slightly damaging Kitchen.

Three men accidently wounded by Mills bomb.

Fri., Apr 20, 1917
Weather finer and milder.  Ground fast drying up.  No rain to-day.
Transport now moved to about A.7.c.8.3.Sheet 5I B.N.W.I.  Q.M.Section not yet moved.

Battalion supplied working partiesto 2nd D.A.G. to day as follows- Two companies 75 men each at 5 p,m, and two Companies 75 men each at 7 pm.  During morning all Companies busy equiping by salvage and issue for the coming attack.  Standing Order for Defence received to-day.  and a order based on it for present requirement issued.  Firest Operation Order for attack on OPPY-MERICOURT line issued.  Scouts on observation from top of ridge all day.  Scout Officer out with Brigade Intelligence Officer, and other Scout Officers, marking out Assembly Line for coming attack.
Casualties NIL.  Shelling of our rear area less active to-day.

Sat., Apr 21, 1917         WILLERVAL SHEET, FRANCE
Weather fine, cool, and clear.
Operation Order No.80 for attack on OPPY-MERRICOURT line issued to Companies.  All Companies warned for working parties to I72nd Tunnelling Company R.E. at I.45 pm-  This cancelled on receipt of 4th C.I.B. Operation Order No.II0, giving Battalion orders to move forward to take over that part of the 6th Brigade lines within 4th C.I.B. battle headquarters.

Conference of C.O’s at 4th C.I.B. at II am resulted in Operation Order No.II0 being cancelled, and 20th Battalion being ordered to take over line held by 29th Battalionacross whole 2nd Canadian Division battle boundaries in the front line.  Commanding Officer reconoitred line in afternoon.  24th Canadian Battalion took over our lines in support Brigade Area.

Enemy areoplanes over NEUVILLE ST VAAST anout 5.30 pm low down.  24th Battalion moving to relieve us in the open, and in full view, resulted in shelling.  Aeroplanes active all day.  Six German balloons up well forward on our front.  Headquarters left Support Brigade area 8 pm  and moved forward at 8 pm-  Company’s on move at same time.  Headquarters arrived at Front Battalion Headquarters in Ry dugouts at T.20.c.2.3 at I0 pm.  Heavy barrage being laid down on OUTPOST LINE at 9.30 to I0 pm.  Enemy shelling heavily all roads on plain and crest and face of VIMY RIDGE.

Sun., Apr 22, 1917         WILLERVAL SHEET, FRANCE
24th Battalion completed the relief of the 20th Battalion at 3.I0 am, the first Company reporting all clear at I.40 am.

Companies located as follows right across 2nd Division front ;-
No.3.    T.28.b.4.5   -   T.22.d.40   -   T.22.d.8.9.
No.2.    T.22.d.8.9.  -   road T.22.b.85.80.
No.I.    T.22.c.7.5.  -   T.22.a.7.2.  irregularly placed with Headquarters in quarries T.22.a.6.3
No.4.    T.2I.d.5.5   -   T.2I.a.7.4.
R.A.P. in Cellars at T.20.c.I.5.
No.3 Company was not in touch with Ist Division troops )I4th Battalion) until 4.30 am
and was then holding 200 yds of Ist Division front and I50 yds on the Divisional boundary by reason be echeloned to rear by that amount-  This was reported.  On the left the 3rd Division (4th C.M.R.) were holding that part of our line N. of the road at T.22.b. 8580.

Patrols aou all night 2I/22nd April examining enemy wire and locating the proper position of our right flank.  Enemy patrol active.

During day quiet up to II.30 am, and then heavy shelling of FARBUS – VIMY RAILWAY wi th heavy stuff.  Forward area whiz banged all day.  Tear shells used intermittently all day on quarries and front line.

Hun put down barrage on ‘No man’s land seven times during day and evening-  seemed jumpy.  Fish tails falling near our front line from T.23.d.8.3.  Up to II.30 pm less activity by Artillery but opened up then.  Aeroplane over VIMY at I0.40 pm.  Patrols went out at night to look over wire (Hun) and to mark out our Division ‘jumping off’ trenches.  Rations packed by animals up to Railway embankment and carried on by D and A Coys to front line.
Orders received for our relief by 2Ist Battalion to-morrow

Mon., Apr 23, 1917
Patrols out at night.  Found Ist Division troops I40 yds to rear and 200 yds to left of their proper place.  Our right in touch with them.  4th Battalion relieved I4th Battalion about I am, and took over to Divisional boundary.  No wire patrol possible.  Hun too active-  He had working party out in front of his lines digging a trench and covered by strong patrols.

Orders received to cancel Operation Order II2, and for Brigades to take over battle fronts, we to be relieved by 2Ist and 22nd Battalions, and move back to crest of ridge.

Our Artillery put on practice barrage in conjunction with attack on GAVRELLE and on our left at 4.45 am.  At 5.45 am Naval Division reported in GAVRELLE.  At I2.I5 pm word r eceived to cancel relief by 2Ist and 22nd Battalions, and to put in force internal relief within the Brigade by 2Ist and ourselves changing places.

During practice barrage this morning very little retaliation by enemy.
Arrangements made for relief with 2Ist Battalion, and put under way at 9 pm.  Heavy bombardment on our right about one mile distant all night-  Very quiet on our front.
Weather bright and fine.  Casualties I Killed.

Tue., Apr 24, 1917
Relief by 2Ist Battalion completed and our Battalion back in lines as Operation Order No.82 at 3 am.-  Trouble with guides- The guides for No.I Company took them to wrong place and guides for No.3 lost themselves entirely.  Our aeroplanes out early to-day for a change, on the job before 6 am, fine bright morning.

Enemy Artillery quiet during the morning, except for some 5.9′s to ridge from the xxx north.  Good visibility after II am.  Our Observers report heavy Transport movement behind Hun lines in U.7I3 and U.2.B.  Ammunition dumps exploded in ACHEVILLE at 3.20 pm.  Orders received to put up wire in front of Ry in T.20 and 26.  Material taken from German dump in VIMY Station where he evidently had an Engineers dump.  Wire traced about I00 yds in front of ry. and material distributed during night.  Very heavy shelling of Ry. embankment all night.

Orders received for our relief to-morrow night by I8th Battalion.  We go back to Brigade Reserve in MAIN RESISTANCE LINE just east of LENS-ARRAS ROAD.

Wed., Apr 25, 1917
Before daybreak a counter attack on our right repulsed.  Some flares on our front, and very heavy shelling of our back area and Ry. embankment.  No damage done.  Issued orders for our relief in support by I8th Battalion and our retirement to reserve.

Working on the erection of wire in front of Ry. all day.  Orders received about 7 pm cancelling our relief so had to recall the Battalion Orders.  Enemy movement in rear of his lines near DROCOURT and BOIS BERNARD more active than usual, especially about 8 pm.

About I0 pm Artillery activity and large number of enemy flares on our right.
Rations being delivered by pack animals to Battalion Headquarters at FARBUS VIMY RY.

Thu., Apr 26, 1917
Orders received that 4th C.I.B. is to be relieved by 5th C.I.B.tonight.  Issued Battalion Operation Order No.84 covering this move.

Continued work on erection of wire on front of Ry. line all day, working in small parties.  Observers report wire on Divisional front thin in places and a gap here and there in some places not cut at all.  Huns drilling in U.23.A, and continual moving in that area.  Usual road traffic but more truck movement, both man power and light engine, on trench ry. in U.I7.A.

One of our Aeroplanes brought down in flames in T.28.A.at 5.30 pm.
Relief commenced by 28th Battalion at 8 pm and all Coys. relieved by I0.I5 pm.  Headquarters moved back at I0.30 pm.  Battalion goes into Divisional Reserve west of AUX REITZ in Tents.

Fri., Apr 27, 1917        W.of AUX REITZ, FRANCE.  F.I8.B  Sheet 51B.
Battalion in rest Camp by I am.  Find quarters crowded, eight tents for Officers and 40 Tents and 20 Shelters for men.

Enemy shelled camp during the night and at intervals during the day, but none found the lines and nearly all were duds.

Men cleaning equipment and resting during morning.  In afternoon Coys. started to baths, No.I Company completed and No.2 Company nearly so-  Water supply then reported broken down.  No more men sent.

Sat., Apr 28, 1917        W.of AUX REITZ, FRANCE.  F.I8.B
Clothing parades being carried on this morning.  Huns shelling Camp II.30 pm onwards.  Orders received for the Battalion to be prepared to move forward at half an hours notice so no one left Camp all day.  Men employed on cleaning equipment, being reissued with clothing etc.

Sun., Apr 29, 1917        W.of AUX REITZ, FRANCE.  F.I8.B
Church parade at I0 am.  Battalion fell in at 9 am for inspection by C.O.-  Owing to many men not being properly equipped a second parade was held in the afternoon when a careful inspection was made.  Coy.S.M.Calder acquitted of charge of drunkeness by F.G.C.Martial.
Bathing of the Companies completed this evening.

Mon., Apr 30, 1917        W.of AUX REITZ, FRANCE.  F.I8.B
Battalion parade at I0 am and drill to noon.  Boxing tournament held by Y.M.C.A in evening for all troops in area, including entire 4th Brigade.  Our men took three out of four classes.  The afternoon given up to sports.
During the time the Battalion has been out in rest the weather has been delightful, and nothing better couldbe desired.

[Note transcriber: War Diary for this month signed by Acting Lt. Col. H.V. Rorke, Commanding  20th Bn.]

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Sun., Apr 1, 1917        “YUKON” CAMP, FRANCE
The new month opens with stormy weather x  Practise for the forthcoming operations were carried out during the day, – No’s. 1, 2 & 3 Coys. training with the those assaulting Battalions of this Brigade x  Special training was also carried out by the Reserve Company (No. 4) and specialist sections x  Casualties:  Nil.

Mon., Apr 2, 1917        “YUKON” CAMP, FRANCE
In extremely boisterous and exceedingly disagreeable weather, all units engaged in special training during the forenoon x  In accordance with the attached Operation Order No. 72, the 20th Battalion this afternoon, in conjunction with the remaining units of the 4th Brigade, carried out a practise attack on the Bde. Training area – the entire area being systematically marked off by various colored flags – the whole being made to represent the enemy’s system of trenches in the area to be attacked x  Mounted men were brought into use for the purpose of barrage demonstration x  The practise while successful in a measure, might have produced far better results, and inspired greater enthusiasm, had the climatic conditions been of a more favorable nature.  Casualties: Nil.

Tue., Apr 3, 1917        “YUKON” CAMP, FRANCE
During the morning No’s. 1, 2 and 3 Coys. practised an attack over the flagged practise area, in conjunction with the Battalions to which they are to be attached during the operations.  The weather being wet and cold, this practise was not very satisfactory.  No. 4 Company carried out Company training on the Battalion Parade Ground.  No training of any kind was carried out during the afternoon, the weather being too severe.  Orders were received to relieve the 28th Canadian Battalion in the front line tomorrow; and during the afternoon the equipping of the men with operative equipment was carried out.  Notwithstanding the inclemency of the weather a very busy day was put in.  Casualties – Nil.

Wed., Apr 4, 1917        Right Sub-Section.  THELUS SECTOR, FRANCE
Map ROCLINCOURT.  Sheet 5Ib.N.W.    A10A6.0 – A4D1.5
The 20th Battalion this evening relieved the 28th Canadian Battalion in the Right sub-section.  THELUS Sector.  Relief was completed at 5 o’c on the morning of the 5th.
Weather bright and mild.  Casualties Nil.  Reinforcements. 20 Other ranks.
Bn. Hdqrs. at A 9 C 5.9.

Thu., Apr 5, 1917        Right Sub-Section.  THELUS SECTOR, FRANCE
Map ROCLINCOURT.  Sheet 5Ib.N.W.    A10A6.0 – A4D1.5
Bright and mild with occasional showers.
The Battalion is holding the front line from A.I0.a.6½.o. to A.4.d.½.5. with three Companies in the line, one in support in ZIVY CAVE, and Battalion Headquarters at A.9.c.5595.  Two platoons from each of the I8th and I9th Battalions, and two platoons of the 2Ist Battalion are also in support to the 20th Battalion.  The three Companies in the front line are distributed as follows :-  No.I on the right.  No.3 the centre, and No.2 on the left, each Company being at strength of three platoons, a platoon of each Company having been left at Transport lines on the 4th inst. During the day there was considerable Artillery, and Trench Mortar activity by our batteries, our guns heavily bombarding the enemy’s defences.   Casualties: I Officer wounded and 2 Other ranks Killed.

Fri., Apr 6, 1917        Right Sub-Section.  THELUS SECTOR, FRANCE
Map ROCLINCOURT.  Sheet 5Ib.N.W.    A10A6.0 – A4D1.5
Bright and clear and favorable for ground and aerial observation.  Two platoons of the 2Ist Battalion to-day moved into this section, occupying ZIVY CAVE with support Company, and coming under the command of the O.C. 20th Battalion.

Throughout the day much successful work was carried out by our Artillery of all calibres, causing great damage to the enemy’s trenches and demolishing considerable portions of hostile entaglements.  From I.30 to I.50 pm to-day our field guns, howitzers, and heavy artillery put up a practice barrage on the enemy’s front which was followed by a hostile barrage on the right within three minutes and on the left in five minutes.  During this practice all troops in the front line remained under cover.  Working parties from the I8th and I9th Battlns, covered by patrols from the 20th Battalion proceeded into “NO MAN’S LAND” at 8 pm for trench digging and wire cutting operations.  These parties were. however, withdrawn at I0.30 pm in anticipation of a Stokes Mortar shoot at II pm.  This shoot was cancelled and work parties and patrols again went out at midnight.  Casualties: I O.R. wounded remaining at duty.

Sat., Apr 7, 1917        Right Sub-Section.  THELUS SECTOR, FRANCE
Map ROCLINCOURT.  Sheet 5Ib.N.W.
Weather fine in morning turning to light rain and cloudy in evening.
The same frontage is being held by the Battalion as on the ₤th.  No change in disposition of Units.  Working and carrying parties consisting of every availableman continue to be supplied.

In the forenoon our artillery was firing short between THELUS ROAD and ZIVY TRENCH shots falling just in front of our front line.  The enemy shelled our area between the front line and north of the THELUS ROAD in the early morning, two of his shells falling short in own wire.  After I0 am the enemy confined his fire principally to MILL STREET and entrance to ZIVY CAVE and at 3.45 pm six of our aeroplanes made a low reconnaissance of the enemy’s front and support lines, assisted by our artillery barrage.  Little retaliation came from hostile artillery.  and our Observers report enemy T.M.fire as nil.  During the night our guns of all calibre. pounded the enemy’s defences, searched roads, and shelled back areas.
Casualties Nil.  Reinforcements 30 Other ranks.

Sun., Apr 8, 1917        Right Sub-Section.  THELUS SECTOR, FRANCE
Map ROCLINCOURT.  Sheet 5Ib.N.W.
Weather showery in am.  afternoon and evening fine.
No.4 Coy is quartered in ZIVY CAVE, Nos.I, 2, and 3 Coys holding front line.  During the day all available men of No.4 Coy employed on carrying parties. Attached Platoons of I8th,-I9th and 2Ist Battalions completed cutting of wire, and preparation of jumping off trenches.

The surplus Battalion stores not required in the attack stored in dugout in ELBE TRENCH under a guard detailed from Headquarters Company.
Battalion Headquarters moved to dugout in ZIVY CAVE TUNNEL used during the week as No.I Coy’s Headquarters at II pm.  about A 10 A 9.5.

Mon., Apr 9, 1917        Right Sub-Section.  THELUS SECTOR, FRANCE
Map ROCLINCOURT.  Sheet 5Ib.N.W.
Fine at daybreak with snow falls during the day.
The Battalion occupying the front line with Headquarters occupying a dugout off one of the tunnels in ZIVY CAVE, the dugout itself being in advance of the front line.

Our barrage opened at 5.30 am, and at the same time the Battalion forming the attack advanced.  20th Battalion supplied two Companies as Moppers up to the Ist wave, No. I Coy being on the right in rear of the I8th Battalion, and No. 2 Coy on the left in rear of the I9th Bn. -  Prior to the opening of the barrage all troops were assembled in their positions in “jumping off” trenches, the foremost of which was I0 yards in front of our wire, fortunately no men were discovered by the enemy, the movement having been carried out absolutely in silence.

After the opening of the barrage our troops advanced under its cover, receiving very little M.G.fire, no rifle fire, and for seven minutes no Artillery retaliation,- retaliation at no time was very heavy, the enemy barrage being noticeably weak.

At 5.33 am, or three minutes after the attack opened, ourtroops were in the enemy’s front line, and five minutes later, at 5.38 am, occupied his support line.  At 6.7 am the third line, known as FURZE TRENCH. was occupied, and I0 minutes later our troops were in the black objective.
The left of the Brigade attack did not advance so quickly as the right.  there being greater M.G. opposition, one nest of men offering determined resistence were dispersed by 20th Battalion Rifle Grenadiers.

The attack of theI8th and I9th Battalions was followed up by the 2Ist Battalion, for which one Company of the 20th Battalion was acting as Moppers up, this attack passed through preceding attack on the black objective, and at 8.23 am were occupying the red objective I00 yds in advance of the ARRAS – LENS Road.  During this attack our No. 3 Coy pressed on ahead of the troops for which it was mopping up, and was successful in overcoming some Machine gunners who were creating serious obstacle to the advance.  The attack at this point was delayed to allow for eight TANKS to advance to deal with the Village of THELUS, the TANKS, however, were most unsuccessful, they could not advance beyond the German third line, and were put out of action, either by the nature of the ground, or hostile Artillery fire- they served, however, one purpose, namely, to draw Artillery fire to themselves which otherwise might have been used upon the Infantry.

At I0.30 am No.3 Company reported that they were consolidating the red objective, the 2Ist Battalion digging in I00 yds in advance.  They (No.3 Coy) reported that at that time they were under practically no shell fire, only one Gun firing on them periodically, and that from the right where the attack did not seem to have moved so rapidly, they also state that in going over they came under very little shell fire.  most of the casualties being caused by Snipers.

At II am, LIEUT. H. C. GILLHAM of No. 2 Company, himself wounded in the arm, and on his way to the Dressing Station, reported that No. 2 Coy was then consolidating the black objective on the left of the Brigade frontage, he also reports very little shell fire during their advance, most of the casualties being caused by Machine Gun fire.  All the Officers in this Company were casualties, and when LIEUT. GILLHAM was brought out the Company was left in charge of SERGEANT B. NORRIS, who carried out the reorganization.  Message was then sent out from Headquarters instructing LIEUT. F. S. CRONK of No. I Company to take charge of No. 2 Company, which he did at once.

No. I Company suffered very few casualties, no Officers were hit-  They report that our barrage seemed responsible for the complete demoralization of the enemy’s troops, and that when the first wave passed over, the unwounded Germans, in the dugouts, offered absolutely no resistence.

During the day No. 4 Company was held as Brigade Reserve in ZIVY CAVE.

SCOUTS (I Officer, 8 Other ranks) during the attack were attached to the 4th Cdn. Inf. Bde. Intelligence Branch- Major D. C. Jennings and Lieut. A. H. Cockeram occupied PHULIP CRATER, 40 yds from German line, before Zero hour.  From this point they had excelent observation, and by means of Visual and other communication, were able to make their returns and reports quickly so that the 4th Brigade was able to have returns in at Division and Corps before any other Units.  As soon as the black objective was occupied, PHILIP CRATER became a Report Centre this party detaching some of its members who went forward with Signallers of the 20th Bn. and established a telephone in an O.P. in that line.

SERGEANT P. R. SWANN of the 20th Battalion Scouts followed up the attack to the red objective, and again followed up the attack to the blue objective, which objective was taken by the 6th Brigade, and sent back valuable reports.  Throughout the day the work of the Scout Section and the Signallers attached was excellent.

SIGNAL SECTION through the night of 8/9th manned the Brigade Report Centre at ZIVY CAVE, being relieved in the early morning, after which time they were held in reserve, with the exception of the three Signallers used in conjunction with the Scout Section.

Tue., Apr 10, 1917        Right Sub-Section.  THELUS SECTOR, FRANCE
Map ROCLINCOURT.  Sheet 5Ib.N.W.
On night of 9/I0th men bivouaced in positions gained suring day, continuing work of consolidation.  No. 4 Company supplied carrying parties for Brigade, 20 men to each Battalion, and I2 to Trench Mortars.  One platoon of No.3 Company moved back from Red objective into ZIVY CAVE, and the whole of No.2 Company, under Lieut. CRONK, moved back to same place from Black line N of THELUS ROAD.  Casualties were collected and reports made up, the first report showing at I0 pm- OFFICERS, I Killed, 5 Wounded.  OTHER RANKS.  5 Killed, 5I Wounded, 36 Missing.
No.2 Company lost all its Officers, I Killed and 4 Wounded.  No.3 Company I Wounded, and No.I Coy Nil.

By 8 pm Field Guns and 4.5′s had been pushed up to old Hun front line.  All reports show the uselessness of Tanks, they stuck and only drew fire, and all were out of action before reaching FURZE TRENCH- the Artillery preparation was too much for them, having ploughed up the ground too throughly.  The barrage was perfect and afforded excellent protection.

About II am Officer Commanding went forward to see new position as far as the Red line.

Warning wire was received at noon for Battalion to relieve I5th WARWICKS in Support with right in TELEGRAPHER WEG at A.6.d.34, and Left at CRAMER HAUS at A.5.b.8.4.

Instructions were issued to the Company’s to move to the new positions.  No. 4 on the right.  No. I on the Left, No. 2 in three Strong Points in rear and No. 3 Company in billets in THELUS TRENCH.  Rations were to come up by limber as far forward as possible, and Field Kitchens also.  Later instructions were received to move No. 3 Company to relieve the 28th Cdn. Battalion between A.I2.b.9.8 to A.6.d.3.4.  A message was sent out and No. 3 Company took over the line of 28th Battalion, prolonging No. 4 Company’s (20th Bn) right.  It subsequently turned out that another Company of 28th Battalion occupied another line 50 yds in advance into which our No. 3 Company then moved.  With this last exception the relief was completed at midnight.

The Battalion Headquarters occupied CRAMER HAUS at A.5.b.8.4.with 2Ist & 25th Bns.

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3.  Rations    Rations for the 10th inst. are to be supplied to the 4th F. C. C. E. for the party, being supplied to that Unit under para. 1. of these orders.  These rations will be handed over to the Officer in charge of the party at TERRITORIAL DUMP at 8.15 p.m. 9th inst.    The party detailed to the 14th M. G. C. will carry the unexpended portion of the rations of the 10th inst.

4.  Guides
Para. 2. of O. O. 68 is ammended as follows –
The guides from Nos. 3 & 4 Companies and Headquarters details will rendezvous at
TERRITORIAL DUMP at 4 p.m.
The guides from Nos. 1 & 2 Companies will rendezvous at TERRITORIAL
DUMP at 7 p.m.
C.J. Ingles
Issued to Units. . . . . . . .p.m.                    Major & A/Adj’t.
20th Canadian Bn.

Copy No.  1.    Office Copy
2.    4th Canadian Inf. Bde.
3.    4th F. C. C. E.
4.    14th M. G. C.
5.    O. C. No. 1. Company
6.    O. C. No. 2. Company
7.    O. C. No. 3. Company
8.    O. C. No. 4. Company
9.    T. O. & Q. M.
10.    R. S. M.
11.    War Diary

COPY NO. . .16. .
20TH CANADIAN BATTALION OPERATION ORDER NO.69.
SECRET        REF:    ROCLINCOURT MAP 1/10,000        14TH MARCH, 1917.

1.  Relief    The 20th Canadian Bn. will relieve the 21st Canadian Bn. in the Left Sub-section on the night of the 15th – 16th March, 1917.
On completion of relief the 20th Canadian Bn. will be in Support in the Left Sub section under its own Commanding Officer.
Units of the 20th Canadian Bn. will relieve the corresponding Units of the 21st. Canadian Bn.
The 20th Canadian Battalion will take over a permanent working party of one Platoon and three Sections (72 O.Rs.) with the 185th Tunnelling Coy. R. E. at AUX RIETZ Cave from the 21st. Canadian Bn. in such a way that there is no interuption of the work.  This working party will be supplied by No.1.Company.

2.  Order of March
The Battalion will move as follows –
No. 3. Company at 2 p.m. – No. 4. Company at 2.30 p.m. –
H. Q. Company at 3 p.m. – No. 1. Company at 3.30 p.m. –
No. 2. Company at 4 p.m.

3.  Guides    Guides will be supplied, one per Platoon, by the 21st Canadian Bn. and will rendezvous at the junction of GUILLERMOT TRENCH and BETHUNE – ARRAS RD.

4.  Baggage    All spare Officers kits are to be ready for the transport at 10 a.m. All Officers Baggage, Battalion Stores and Equipment for the trenches will be ready for transport at 2 p.m.

5.  Sanitation    All huts, latrines and lines will be left in a clean and sanitary condition.  They are to be ready for inspection at 1.45 p.m.

6.  Details left behind
The following Officers will remain in billets at BOIS DES ALLEUX –
Lt. G. Marr (in charge)            Lt. J. Cools
Lt. T. H. Stegman                Lt. R. H. Brown
Lt. R. G. H. Travers                Lt. T. E. Torrance
Lt. F. B. Doran

This detail will occupy the hut at the West end of the Officers Lines.  Batmen will remain with them, one tent being retained for their accomodation.

7.  Advance Party    Lt. L. H. Bertram and Lt. W. H. Roberts will proceed to the Left Sub section with one N. C. O. and two men per Coy. as an advance party at 1 p.m.  This party will ascertain accomodation and condition of the billets for their respective Units.  Lt. Roberts will inspect new accomodation which has been prepared for the companies, and
will take over any work now in progress, ascertaining what arrangements have been made for the supply of the necessary tools and material.

8.  Transport        The T. O. will arrange to move Officers Baggage and the Battalion Stores and Equipment in order to be at TERRITORIAL DUMP by 7 p.m.

9.  Blankets        All Other Ranks will carry one Blanket per man, surplus blankets being tied in rolls of 10 and labelled and ready for turning in to the Q. M. by 8.30 a.m.

10.  Treatment of Feet
The usual certificates that the men’s feet have been treated with Anti-
frostbite Grease will be handed in to Orderly Room before leaving billets at BOIS DES ALLEUX.

11.  Rations
Rations will be delivered at TERRITORIAL DUMP at 7 p.m.

12.  Distribution    Officers Commanding Companies and Small Units will forward to Battalion Headquarters in the Left Sub-section; distribution state of their Unit in that Sub section by noon 16th inst.

13.  Trench Stores.    An inventory of the trench stores taken over by each Unit of the Battalion will be forwarded to Battalion Headquarters by noon 16th inst.

14.  Code Word.    Completion of relief will be notified to Battalion Headquarters by the code word “PILOT”.

C.J. Ingles
Issued to Units. . . .1-00. .a.m.                    Major & A/Adj’t.
20th Canadian Bn.

Copy No. 1.    Office Copy
2.    4th Canadian Inf. Bde.
3.    18th Canadian Bn.
4.    21st Canadian Bn.
5.    O. C. No. 1. Company
6.    O. C. No. 2. Company
7.    O. C. No. 3. Company
8.    O. C. No. 4. Company
9.    T. O. & Q. M.
10.    Scout O.
11.    M. G. O.
12.    Bomb O.
13.    Signal O.
14.    M. O.
15.    R. S. M.
16.    War Diary

COPY NO. . 13. .
20TH CANADIAN BATTALION AFTER OPERATION ORDER NO.70 SECRET        REF:    ROCLINCOURT MAP 1/10,000        21ST MARCH, 1917.

1.  Guides        Para 2 of O. O. 70 is ammended to read as follows –
The O.C.No1.Company will detail two guides to rendezvous at AUX REITZ Corners at 5.15 p.m. to lead in party relieving his permanent working party detailed to the 185th Tunnelling Coy. R. E.  He will also detail two Guides to rendezvous at the jct. of GUILLERMOT TRENCH and ARRAS – BETHUNE RD. to lead in the balance of his relieving Company at 5.15 p.m.

The following guides will be supplied at the hours stated, rendezvousing at the jct. of GUILLERMOT TRENCH  and the ARRAS-BETHUNE RD. to lead in relieving Units.
4 Guides from No.2.Coy. at 4.45 p.m. to lead in “C” Coy. 21st. Bn.
4      “          “          3     “       3.45 p.m.        “    “  “B”    “       “      ”
4      “          “          4     “       4.15 p.m.        “    “  “A”    “       “      ”
No. 1. Company 20th Canadian Bn. will be relieved by “D” Company, 21st Canadian Bn.

Headquarters Sections of the 20th Canadian Bn. will be relieved by the corresponding Sections of the 21st Canadian Bn.  One Guide each will be supplied by the Communication Section, Scout Section and Headquarters Section so as to be atthe jct. of GUILLERMOT TRENCH and the ARRAS-BETHUNE RD. by 5.45 p.m.

2.  Traffic        For purposes of this relief only, the following traffic regulations will be observed –
No. 1. Company will move out via RENNIE, JUNCTION and TERRI-
TORIAL TRENCHES.
No. 2. Company via TERRITORIAL TRENCH.
No. 3., 4, and Headquarters Company via REITZ TRENCH.
Relieving Units will move in via GUILLERMOT TRENCH.

C.J. Ingles
Issued to Units . .1150 a.m.                    Major & A/Adj’t.
20th Canadian Bn.

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7.  Transport    The T. O. will arrange to have the necessary transport at TERRITORIAL DUMP by 7 p.m. on the night of the 9th inst. and make the necessary allotment of vehicles to carry stores and equipment.
Officers Chargers will be at TERRITORIAL DUMP at 7 p.m.

8.  Blankets    The Q. M. will make arrangements that the surplus blankets will be available on the arrival of the Battalion at its billets.

9.  Code Word        Completion of relief will be notified to Battalion Headquarters by the code word “BORDEN”.

C.J. Ingles
Issued to Units. . . .9. . .p.m.                    Major & A/Adj’t.
20th Canadian Bn.

Copy No. 1.    Office Copy
2.    4th Canadian Inf. Bde.
3.    19th Canadian Battalion
4.    21st Canadian Battalion
5.    O. C. No. 1. Company
6.    O. C. No. 2. Company
7.    O. C. No. 3. Company
8.    O. C. No. 4. Company
9.    T. O. & Q. M.
10.    M. G. O.
11.    Scout O.
12.    Bomb O.
13.    Signal O.
14.    M. O.
15.    R. S. M.
16.    War Diary

COPY NO. . . . . . . . . .
20TH CANADIAN BATTALION AFTER OPERATION ORDER NO.68  SECRET        REF:    ROCLINCOURT MAP 1/10,000        9TH MARCH, 1917.

1.  Carrying details
The 20th Canadian Bn. will supply carrying parties which will be affiliated with the Units mentioned below until further orders:-
4th Field Company Canadian Engineers
14th Machine Gun Company

These details will be supplied by the various companies of the 20th Canadian Bn. from the surplus of the O. Rs. left after the complete organization of three Platoons in each Company.  Nominal Rolls are attached showing the detail of Other Ranks according to the following schedule:

To – 4th Field Coy. C. E.

UNIT        N.C.Os.        PTES.            TOTAL
1 Coy.                   4                  4
2    “            1               7                  8
3    “            1               5                  6
4    “                       7                  7
Draft                     27                27

TOTAL        2             50                52

To – 14th Machine Gun Company

UNIT        N.C.Os.        PTES.            TOTAL
3 Coy.        1               9                10

4th Field Coy. C. E. Party

Lieut. E. S. Cronk [F. S. Cronk] is detailed to take charge of the party reporting to the 4th F.C.C.E. and to remain with the party while is is attached to the C. E.  The various company details making up the party will report to the above mentioned Officer at GLASGOW DUMP at 4.30 p.m. to-day.  The balance of the party consisting of 27 O. Rs. detailed from the draft now at the Transport Lines will report to Lieut. Cronk at 4.45 p.m. at TERRITORIAL DUMP.  He will furnish the Orderly Room with a correct Nominal Roll of the detail received from the draft.  He will report his complete party to the O. C. 4th Fld. Coy. C. E.

14th Machine Gun Coy.

This party will proceed to BOIS DES ALLEUX with the Battalion, reporting to the 14th M. G. C. at ECOIVRES at 9 a.m. on the 10/3/17.  They will take with them two blankets per man.   MONT ST ELOY

2.  Transport
Para. V. of O. O. 68 is ammended to read as follows:
The T. O. will arrange to have the necessary transport at TERRITORIAL DUMP a t 8.15 p.m. on the 9th inst. and will make the necessary allotment of vehicles to carry stores, equipment, and baggage.
Officers Chargers will be at the road crossing, 100 yds. North of AUX REITZ at 8.15 p.m.

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Copy No.1.    Office Copy            Copy No. 2.    4th Canadian Inf. Bde
3.    18th Canadian Bn.                 4.    19th Canadian Bn.
5.    O.C.No.1.Company                 6.    O.C.No.2.Company
7.    O.C.No.3.Company                 8.    O.C.No.4.Company
9.    T. O. & Q. M.                   1o.    M. G. O.
11.    Scout O.                   12.    Bomb O.
13.    Signal O.                   14.    M. O.
15.    R. S. M.                   16.    War Diary

COPY NO. . . . 16
20TH CANADIAN BATTALION OPERATION ORDER NO. 67.
SECRET.        REF:    ROCLINCOURT MAP 1/10,000        5TH MARCH, 1917.

1.  Relief    The 20th Canadian Bn. will be relieved in the Right Sub-section on the
night of the 6th-7th March, 1917, by the 13th Canadian Battalion.
On completion of relief the 20th Canadian Battalion will be in Brigade
Support in the Left Sub-section.
Nos. 1. & 2. Companies will move to GLASGOW DUMP at A.8.c.8.3½. via ELBEand GILLERMOT trenches.
No. 3. Company will move to the ZIVY CAVE.
Headquarters details now at MAISON BLANCHE will move to the
RHINE SHELTERS and adjoining area, which they will occupy with No. 4.
Company.
On completion of relief the Battalion will be in Support in the Left Sub-
section under its own Commanding Officer, Headquarters being at A.9.a.3.0. after 6 p.m.
Officers Commanding moving Units will detail the usual advance parties
to make an inspection of the quarters to be occupied and supply guides to lead
their troops there.

2.  Guides    The Officer Commanding No. 1. Company will detail four guides to lead
in his relief troops, and the Officer Commanding No. 2. Company will also furnish four guides to lead in the troops relieving him.
All guides to report at Battalion Headquarters, MAISON BLANCHE by 3 p.m.

3.  Trench Stores
Trench Stores will be handed over and receipts taken which will be
handed in to the Orderly Room by 10 a.m. 7th inst.

4.  Sanitation    All trenches and dugouts will be left in a clean and sanitary condition and
certificates will be taken from the relieving Units and forwarded to Battalion
Headquarters.

5.  Rations    Officers Commanding Companies will detail their ration parties so as to
be at TERRITORIAL DUMP by 7 p.m.

6.  Code Word        Completion of relief will be notified to Battalion Headquarters by
the code word “SAMPLE”.

C.J. Ingles
Issued to Units 1150 p.m.                    Major & A/Adj’t,
20th Canadian Bn.

Copy No.1.    Office Copy                Copy No.2.    4th Canadian Inf. Bde.
3.    18th Canadian Bn.                    4.    19th Canadian Bn.
5.    O. C. No. 1. Company                6.    O. C. No. 2. Company
7.    O. C. No. 3. Company                8.    O. C. No. 4. Company
9.    T. O. & Q. M.                      10.    Scout O.
11.    M. G. O.                      12.    Bomb O.
13.    Signal O.                      14.    M. O.
15.    R. S. M.                      16.    Office Copy
Copy No. 17.    13th Canadian Bn.

SECRET.                        20th Canadian Battalion Headquarters,
5th March, 1917.

To  -  O’s. C. Units, 20th Canadian Bn.

The relief on the night of the 6th-7th March, 1917, will throw the whole Battalion into the Left Sub-section, where hitherto only six Platoons have been accomodated.  This will result in considerable congestion and consequently necessary squeezing in order to get the men under cover.  Four Platoons of No. 3. Company will have to squeeze in where two have been quartered.  No. 4. Company will require to squeeze together and evacuate as manydugouts as possible, in RHINE SHELTERS for the use of Headquarters details.  Nos. 1 and 2 Companies will for the present be accomodated in the shelters known as GLASGOW DUMP.  This may be but temporary and being a very exposed position will require the continuous presence of an Officer per Company to ensure that no unnecessary movement of men takes place.  It must be policed on all sides and men
kept under cover.

In order to provide permanent accomodation parties will be detailed to undertake the erection of shelters.  To this end the two parties of 2 N.C.Os and 14 men and two N.C.Os and 24 men reporting to the Engineers for work on CLAUDOT and SAPPER TRENCHES respectively will to-morrow the 6th inst.report in at GLASGOW DUMP at 10 a.m. for tools and materials.  An Officer of the Battalion will meet them and direct their work.

C.J. Ingles
Major & A/Adj’t,
20th Canadian Bn.

COPY NO. . . . .16
20TH CANADIAN BATTALION OPERATION ORDER NO. 68
SECRET        REF:    ROCLINCOURT MAP 1/10,000        8TH MARCH, 1917.

1.  Relief    The 20th Canadian Battalion will be relieved in the Left Sub-section on the night of the 9th – 10th March, 1917, by the 21st. Canadian Battalion.On completion of relief the 20th Canadian Battalion will occupy billets vacated by the 21st. Canadian Battalion at BOIS DES ALLEUX.Units of the 20th Canadian Battalion will be relieved by the corresponding Units of the 21st Canadian Battalion.

The 20th Canadian Battalion will complete all working parties supplied
during the day; night parties being supplied by the 21st. Canadian Battalion.

2.  Guides    O’s. C. Nos. 3 & 4 Companies will detail four guides per company to rendezvous at the TERRITORIAL DUMP at 3.30 p.m. 9th inst. to lead in the corresponding Units of the 21st. Canadian Battalion.

One guide each will be supplied by the Communication Section, Scout
Section, and balance of Headquarters to rendezvous at TERRITORIAL DUMP at 3.30 p.m. to lead in their corresponding Units of the 21st. Canadian Battalion

O’s. C. Nos. 1 & 2 Companies will detail four guides per company to
rendezvous at TERRITORIAL DUMP at 5 p.m. to lead in their corresponding Units of the 21st. Canadian Battalion.

3.  Stores and tools
Trench stores and working parties tools will be handed over and receipts taken, which will be handed in to the Orderly Room by 10 a.m. 10th inst.

4.  Sanitation    All trenches and dugouts will be left in a clean and sanitary condition, and certificates will be taken from the relieving Units and forwarded to Headquarters.

5.  Details left behind
An After Order will be issued giving the details which are to remain in the area to supply carrying parties to the 4th M.G.C., 4th T.M.B., and the 4th F.C.C.E.  A detail for similar duty with the 14th M.G.C. will be given in the same order, together with instructions for their move.

6.  Advance Parties
Each Company will detail one N. C. O. per Platoon and one man to proceed to BOIS DES ALLEUX to take over billets.  The Headquarters Company will send one N. C. O. and one man.  This party will parade at Battalion Headquarters at 9 a.m. on the 9th inst. prepared to proceed to the Transport, where they will report to the Q. M. who will take over and allot the billets the Battalion will occupy while in reserve.

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Mon., Mar 19, 1917        THELUS SECTOR, FRANCE
Cloudy with occasional showers x  Large working parties consisting in all of 4 Officers, 28 N.C.O’s and 564 men, were detailed off today for various duties with the Cdn. Engineers x  Casualties – Nil.

Tue., Mar 20, 1917        THELUS SECTOR, FRANCE
Dull and showery all day x  At 5 a.m. the Battalion holding the front line in this section (19th Cdn.) carried out a most successful raid on the enemy trenches, securing a number of prisoners and procuring important identifications thereby x  Hostile retaliation was practically Nil.  Much work was carried out by this unit during the day improving C.T.’s., carrying material, etc, etc.  Casualties: 1 O.R. wounded.

Wed., Mar 21, 1917        THELUS SECTOR, FRANCE
The Battalion was today relieved in Brigade Support by the 21st Canadian Battalion x  On completion of relief the 20th Bn. moved into Divisional Reserve, and occupied huts and tents in the BOIS DES ALLEUX x  Casualties: 1 OR wounded, 5 O.R’s shell shock.

Thu., Mar 22, 1917        BOIS DES ALLEUX, FRANCE
Frosty throughout the night followed by bright weather during the day.
All units were engaged in work of a general nature from 9 a.m. till 5 p.m.  Carrying parties were supplied this evening for duty with the 4th T.M. Battery.  Casualties : Nil.

Fri., Mar 23, 1917        BOIS DES ALLEUX, FRANCE
Heavy showers of rain, sleet and snow throughout the day, interfering to a certain extent with the outdoor work of our men x  Bathing and clothing parades, however, were commenced; and a good deal of attention was paid to the cleaning up of clothes and equipment x  Working and carrying parties continue to be furnished to special units of the Brigade.  Casualties: Nil.

Sat., Mar 24, 1917        BOIS DES ALLEUX, FRANCE
Bright and clear x  An early start was made on the day’s work, and Company training was carried out during the forenoon x  Bathing parades were also continued, but in consequence of the hostile artillery activity in the neighborhood of Bois Des Alleux in general, and the bath-house in particular, these parades were rather hurriedly suspended x  A few enemy shells of 8″ calibre fell among the huts and on the roads in this area, inflicting a number of casualties x  Prompt measures were taken by this Battalion to ensure that all units were acquainted with a position in the neighborhood that would afford a certain amount of protection, should the area at present occupied again become a target for German projectiles.  Our casualties: 1 O.R. killed, 1 O.R. wounded.

Sun., Mar 25, 1917
In accordance with instructions issued from Brigade Hqrs. at an early hour this morning, the 20th Battalion, with all regimental stores and equipment, vacated the Bois Des Alleux area; and at 9 a.m. moved off to W.10.b.9.0.  Cover from the elements was conspicuous by its absence in this new training area, but steps were immediately taken to erect shelters with the limited supply of material and camp equipment available.  Improvised shelters were constructed with remarkable rapidity – hastened no doubt by a chilly atmosphere and a threatening sky, – which later broke into a drenching rain x  Casualties: Nil

Mon., Mar 26, 1917        YUKON CAMP (W.10.6.9.0), FRANCE
Showery with bright intervals x  The day was practically given over to manual labor – all ranks assisting in generally improving the area in occupation by the units of the 20th Cdn. Battalion x  Standing Orders were systematically drawn up – embodying precautionary measures with regard to fires, hostile aircraft, etc., etc., and copies of these Orders furnished to all unit Commanders x  Alarm Posts were established and Parade Grounds allotted x  Casualties: Nil.

Tue., Mar 27, 1917
Bright with occasional showers of hail and snow.  An inspection of the Battalion was made by the Commanding Officer on the Battalion Parade Ground at 9 a.m.  The general turn-out of all units appeared most satisfactory x  The remainder of the day was devoted to the work laid down in a specially prepared syllabus of training x  Casualties- Nil.

Wed., Mar 28, 1917
Bright and Breezy x  All units were engaged in general training from 8-30 a.m. till 4-30 p.m.  Casualties: Nil.

Thu., Mar 29, 1917        YUKON CAMP, FRANCE
Showery with bright intervals x  Training of a general nature was carried out by all units of the Battalion during the day.  Casualties: Nil.

Fri., Mar 30, 1917        YUKON CAMP, FRANCE
Bright and cold with strong N. Winds x  No’s. 1, 2 and 3 Coys. carried out Training for the forthcoming operations with the Battalions of this Brigade to which they will be attached x  No. 4 Company and Specialist Sections carried out training on their private parades x  Casualties: Nil.

Sat., Mar 31, 1917        YUKON CAMP, FRANCE
Bright and cold with occasional showers x  Special training was again carried out today by units detailed for duty with the Offensive Battalions x  Casualties: Nil.

[Note transcriber: War Diary for this month signed by Acting Lieut. Col. H.V. Rorke, Commanding  20th Canadian Battalion.]

Appendices
1.    Operation Order No. 66. for 2nd.March- -20th.Cdn.Bn. to be relieved in C. 2 Sub-sector on 3rd.March,
by I8th. Cdn.Bn.

Operation Order No.67, for 5th.March- -20th.Cdn.Bn. to be relieved in Right Sub-section on night
6th/7th. by I3th.Cdn.Bn.

Operation Order No.68, for 8th.March- -20th;Cdn.Bn. to be relieved in Left Sub-section on night 9th/I0th. by 2Ist.Cdn.Bn.

Operation Order No.69. for I4th.March- -20th.Cdn.Bn. to relieve 2Ist.Cdn.Bn. in Left Sub-section on night of I5th/I6th.

Operation Order No 70. for 2Ist.March- -20th.Cdn.Bn. to be relieved in C. 2 Sub-section by 2Ist.Cdn. Bn. on 2Ist.inst.

Operation Order No.7I. for 24th.March- -4th.C.I.B. to be relieved in the line by 6th.C.I.B. on night of 25th.March.

Appendix 1.

COPY NO. . . . .16

20TH CANADIAN BATTALION OPERATION ORDER NO. 66

SECRET        REF :    ROCLINCOURT MAP 1/10,000        2ND. MARCH, 1917.

1.  Relief    The 20th Canadian Battalion will be relieved in the C. I. Sub-sector on the
3rd. February March, 1917, by the 18th Canadian Battalion.
On completion of relief the 20th Canadian Bn. will move to Brigade Sup-
port (MAISON BLANCHE).
Nos. 1 & 2 Companies will move into right reserve and support respectively, coming under the orders of the Officer Commanding the Right Sub-sector.
Nos. 3 & 4 Companies will move into left reserve and support respectively, coming under the orders of the Officer Commanding Left Sub-sector.
Relief of the permanent working parties supplied to the C. E’s, Tunnelling Company, etc. will be arranged so that there will be no discontinuance of work.

2.  Trench Stores
Trench Stores will be handed over and receipts taken which will be
handed in to the Orderly Room by 10 a.m. 4th inst.
All Gum Boots will be turned over to the relieving Unit.

3.  Sanitation
All trenches and dugouts will be left in a clean and sanitary condition, and
certificates will be taken from the relieving Units and forwarded to Battalion
Headquarters.

4.  Advance Parties
Companies will detail one Officer, one N.C.O., and one man from each
Platoon to take over dugouts, etc. in their new area.
One N. C. O. and one man from each of Headquarters Sections will proceed to MAISON BLANCHE for the purpose of taking over stores, dugouts, etc. there.
All parties will leave to carry out this work at 9.30 a.m. to-morrow, 4th inst.

5.  Code Word
Completion of relief will be notified to Battalion Headquarters by the
code word “COCOA”.
A.H. Ardagh
Issued to Units. . . . .p.m.                Lieut. & A/Adj’t.
20th Canadian Bn.

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Wed., Mar 1, 1916 BRASSERIE, BELGIUM
Clear.

1 A.M.             Received orders that we are to take part in the attack on the BLUFF I 34.  Sheet 28, by an artillery bombardment at dawn and a simulated infantry attack in the afternoon by cheering etc.

5 A.M.            Orders issued to companies.

10 A.M.          Field guns (64^th Batty) cut the enemy wire in BOIS QUARANTE opposite N₃, N₄, N₅, N₆ Retaliation very light.  #3 Coy had 2 men slightly wounded in wiring party last night.  One man killed by sniper.

1 p.m.              Moved to Battle headquarters, BOIS CARRE, conference of company commanders.  Deliberate bombardment of enemy trenches during the afternoon.

The 25^th Bn on our right and 18^th Bn on our left were to have used smoke bombs, but the wind is still from the south.

5 p.m.              Entense bombardment begins.

5.20                 Feint attack by our Bn by beating on the sandbags, cheering, and showing bayonets and ladders, while the artillery Barrage lifted.

5.45                 Entense bombardment ceases.  The retaliation was very light, principally on the chicory trench and P & O C.T. trench as barrage.  No casualties.

6 pm                Moved H.Q. to BRASSERIE
Capt. J.K. Bertram and Capt Nicholson M.O. returned from leave.

Thu., Mar 2, 1916 BRASSERIE, BELGIUM
Clear.

2.30 a.m.         Received orders that the 17^th Divⁿ would attack the BLUFF at 4.30 a.m.  During the night 4 torpedoes, 15’-2” gas pipes filled with Ammanol [Ammonal] were set close to enemy wire.  An extra iron ration issued to front line companies

4 a.m.              Stand to.  Moved to Battle Headquarters.

4.30 a.m.         Infantry attacked the BLUFF at 4.30 a.m. and captured objective at once.  180 prisoners reported.

4.32 a.m.         We exploded torpedoes and artillery opened an intense bombardment.

4.55                 Bombardment ceases.  Retaliation was very light, one M.G. man slightly wounded.  Artillery on our left has been very active all day.

1 p.m.              17^th Bn Divⁿ sent out S.O.S. signal.  Whole Brigade standing to arms.  Very quiet in our area.

Working party of 60 men from mobile reserve on reserve line tonight.  Quiet during afternoon on our front but still some activity at the BLUFF.

Wiring parties out all night, also patrols.  The enemy parapet and wire opposite N₅ & N₆ appears to be badly damaged.

Fri., Mar 3, 1916 BRASSERIE, BELGIUM
Cloudy with rain at night.

There was a heavy bombardment by our guns at 4. am.  This ceased at 6. am. the remainder of the day being exceptionally quiet.

Moved Bn Hqrs back to BRASSERIE at noon.

Enemy trenches have been very badly knocked about, and the wire is sufficiently cut to attack through

Sat., Mar 4, 1916 BRASSERIE, BELGIUM

Colder with light snowfalls

There was a little artillery activity on our left, but our front has been exceptionally quiet.

A press reporter from “CANADA” was sent to spend the night in the trenches with us

Sun., Mar 5, 1916 BRASSERIE, BELGIUM

Cloudy with rain and snow at night

We were releived by the 21^st Bn. and proceeded to RIDGEWOOD to form Brigade reserve.  One company of the 19^th Bn, being in RIDGEWOOD, we had to send N^o 2 Coy to HALLEBAST CORNER.

After reaching RIDGEWOOD we had working parties of 200 men to send out.  They worked from 10.00 pm till 4.00 am and were soaked to the skin.  On their return they had nothing but wet huts to stay in.  The men will not stand this pace forever!

Mon., Mar 6, 1916 RIDGEWOOD, BELGIUM

Cloudy with snow.

Had to supply fatigues totalling 300 men for the day.  The quarters here are in bad condition and the men very uncomfortable.  Very quiet day

Tue., Mar 7, 1916 RIDGEWOOD, BELGIUM

Cold with showers

Supplied the usual 300 men for fatigue.

Very quiet day.

Wed., Mar 8, 1916 RIDGEWOOD, BELGIUM

Fine and cold.  The ground and trees were covered by about 3 inches of snow.

Supplied 300 men for fatigue.

Aeroplanes were quite active all day.  A stray shell from an anti-aircraft was the only attention paid to our vicinity.

Thu., Mar 9, 1916 RIDGEWOOD, BELGIUM

Fine and cold.

Nothing unusual occurred.

Supplied working parties of 300 men.

Have obtained 2 ferrets and have been killing rats in lieu of Germans.  The former frequently annoy us more than the latter.

Fri., Mar 10, 1916 RIDGEWOOD, BELGIUM

Cloudy & milder.

Reinforcements of 4 Officers and 58 OR. arrived.  The Officers are from the 34^th Bn.

CAPT. CORRIGALL returned to duty from the 3^rd Inf Bde. Hqrs.

Sat., Mar 11, 1916 BRASSERIE, BELGIUM

Cloudy and cooler.

Quiet day – enemy quite active about 6.30 pm.

Releived the 21^st Bn. in the right Sub Section of 4^th Bde Area – same as heretofore – between 6.15 and 8.10 pm.  No casualties.  The 52^nd Bn is on our right – the 18^th on our left.  After 8 pm. all quiet.  Sgt Thurmer, M.G.S. and 1 man of N^o 2 Coy were badly wounded by a rifle grenade.

Sun., Mar 12, 1916 BRASSERIE, BELGIUM

Fine and mild.

Had a very quiet day of it.  Practically no activity of any sort.

The trenches are now in good condition and the men are fairly comfortable.

Mon., Mar 13, 1916 BRASSERIE, BELGIUM

Fine and mild.

Aircraft and aircraft were very active all day.  Only a few shells in our area.

At stand to in evening there was a considerable burst of rapid fire by both sides.  LT. J.A. DALTON was wounded in the leg – slightly.  One man wounded in left eye.

Tue., Mar 14, 1916 BRASSERIE, BELGIUM

Fine and mild.

Aircraft and Artillery were active.  A British ‘plane was shot down in our transport lines just before noon.  Occupant was killed.  Artillery active on both sides of us – very little in our area.  Had one man killed by fish-tail grenade at O₂. M.G. emplacement.

Notification was received that an enemy releif might take place during the night.  Patrols were out from midnight till dawn, but nothing unusual could be observed.  The 18^th Bn (Left) thought  they discovered a releif in progress.  Fire was opened by the 14^th Batty.  The T.M.B. in our area operated at 4. a.m. with good effect.  Grenadier Stevens was shot while patrolling near enemy wire at 3 a.m.

Wed., Mar 15, 1916 BRASSERIE, BELGIUM

Fine and mild.

Artillery and aircraft again active.  Chiefly whiz-bangs in our vicinity.  Very large working parties are behind the O and P. trenches each night.  Comparatively few casualties.

Thu., Mar 16, 1916 BRASSERIE, BELGIUM
Fine and mild.

Enemy active with whiz-bangs in our area.  Only one casualty.  The 60 lb. trench mortars were operating on enemy front line with good results during the afternoon.  Nothing unusual occurred.

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Thu., Mar 1, 1917        In the Line, THELUS SECTOR, FRANCE
Weather clear and cold  Enemy artillery and trench mortars displayed some activity during the day, distributing a few 77 mms, 4.1′s and heavy T.M’s along our front and support lines x  Our artillery retaliated vigorously, and throughout the day carried out a deliberate bombardment with heavy hows. on selected points at the enemy’s rear : Casualties : 1 O.R. slightly wounded.

Fri., Mar 2, 1917        In the Line, THELUS SECTOR, FRANCE
Favourable weather conditions enabled us to carry out much observation during the day of the enemy’s forward system of defences x  Systematic bombardments were carried out by our artillery and successful registration was accomplished with aeroplane observation x  With the exception of a few shells and T.M.’s of different calibre to our front line and supports, the hostile artillery displayed no unusual activity x  At about 3 o’clock this morning the 4th Cdn. Division, on our left, discharged gas on their front x  This was accompanied by an intense bombardment of the enemy’s positions, lasting for a considerable period of time and gradually dying out at 7 a.m.  “Gas Alert” measures were put in force by this Battalion

Sat., Mar 3, 1917
Weather cold with bright intervals  The Battalion was today relieved by the 18th Cdn. Battalion in the C. I. Sub-section (THELUS Sector).  Relief was commenced at noon, and on completion of relief units of this Bn. were distributed in Brigade Support as follows:  No’s 1 and 2 Companies in right reserve and support respectively, coming under the orders of the O.C. Right Sub-section.  No’s 3 and 4 Coys. moved into Left Reserve and support respectively, coming under the orders of the O.C. Left Sub-section x  Hqrs. Staff and Sections moved to MAISON BLANCHE, occupying dugouts and “CAVE” vacated by the relieving Battalions  Casualties : 3 O.R’s slightly wounded by explosion of detonator.

Sun., Mar 4, 1917        MAISON BLANCHE, FRANCE
Bright and frosty and favourable for artillery work and land and air observation x  Nothing unusual to report for this date.  Casualties :  Nil.  6 OR’s killed and 1 OR wounded by hostile shell.

Mon., Mar 5, 1917        MAISON BLANCHE, FRANCE
Bright and hard x  Considerable snow fell during the night.  No incident of any importance to record for our sector x  At about 6 oclock this morning the 152nd Brigade on our right opened up an intense bombardment of the enemy’s positions x  In accordance with instructions previously issued all units of this Bn. were notified to take the necessary steps to ensure that all ranks were under cover while this bombardment was in progress.  No information is yet available as to the results obtained from the above operation x  Casualties:- Nil

Tue., Mar 6, 1917        THELUS SECTOR, FRANCE
The 20th Cdn. Battalion was today relieved by the 18th Canadian Battalion in the Right Sub-section this evening x  On completion of relief the 20th Battalion moved into Brigade Support in the Left Sub-section x  Units were distributed in support as follows : No’s. 1 & 2 Coys. at GLASGOW DUMP;  No. 3 Coy. at ZIVY CAVE;  No. 4 Coy. and Hqrs. Details in RHINE SHELTERS and adjoining area x  Casualties – Nil.

Wed., Mar 7, 1917        THELUS SECTOR, FRANCE
Weather bright and freezing x  Battalion in Brigade Reserve, acting as support for the Left Sub-section x  Working parties were found for the 4th F.C.C.E. and regimental fatigue parties were established to build additional shelters, – insufficient accomodation being available in this area for the units of this Battalion x

Thu., Mar 8, 1917         THELUS SECTOR, FRANCE
Weather dull with bright intervals x  Working parties continue to be supplied by this Battalion for duty under the 4th F.C.C.E., and other units in the 4th Brigade x  Favourable weather conditions assist materially in the advancements of the work allotted to our fatigue parties x  Every available man is now employed on the construction of new trenches; dugouts, carrying material and generally assisting in the preparations for the contemplated operations  Casualties : Nil.

Fri., Mar 9, 1917        THELUS SECTOR, FRANCE
Bright and Cold.  This Battalion was today relieved in Brigade Reserve by the 21st Canadian Battalion in the Left Sub-section (THELUS Sector) x  On completion of relief, the Battalion moved into Divisional Reserve and occupied huts at BOIS DES ALLEUX x  Casualties :- Nil

Sat., Mar 10, 1917        BOIS DES ALLEUX, FRANCE
Soft and Cloudy.  Day was devoted to work of a routine nature x  Fatigue parties of 514 all ranks are supplied by this Battalion for duty with the Divisional Artillery, Div’l. Engineers and Div’l. T.M. Group.  Cas: Nil

Sun., Mar 11, 1917         BOIS DES ALLEUX, FRANCE
Cloudy with occasional showers x  Training of a general nature is carried out by all units throughout the day x  Carrying parties continue to be furnished by this Battalion.  Casualties – Nil.

Mon., Mar 12, 1917          BOIS DES ALLEUX, FRANCE
Unfavourable weather conditions interfere to a great extent with outdoor training and work of this nature is limited in consequence x  Casualties: Nil.  1 officer reinforcement arrived this date.

Tue., Mar 13, 1917        BOIS DES ALLEUX, FRANCE
Dull and showery x  Bathing, clothing and pay parades were today carried out by all units of the Battalion.  Casualties : Nil.

Wed., Mar 14, 1917        BOIS DES ALLEUX, FRANCE
Weather continues to be unfavourable for outdoor work x  Various parades, however, were carried out by units in accordance with specially prepared syllabus of training x  Casualties : Nil.

Thu., Mar 15, 1917
Bright and fine x  The 20th Battalion today relieved the 21st Canadian Battalion in the Left Sub-section (Thelus Sector) x  Relief was commenced at 3 p.m. and was completed by 8 p.m.  On completion of relief the units of this Battalion were distributed in Brigade Support as follows:

Fri., Mar 16, 1917        Thelus Sect. Bde. Support, FRANCE
Clear and fine with much aerial activity x  Many working parties were today detailed for duty with the 4th F.C.C.E., 4th T.M.B., and other units of this Brigade, totalling in all: 23 N.C.O.’s. and 461 men.  Casualties  Nil.

Sat., Mar 17, 1917        Thelus Sect. Bde. Support, FRANCE
Favourable weather conditions prevail, enabling our working parties, numbering 625 all ranks, to accomplish much in the way of improving trenches, burying cable, erecting dugouts, etc., etc.  Casualties – Nil.

Sun., Mar 18, 1917        Thelus Sect. Bde. Support, FRANCE
Cloudy with bright intervals x  Working parties of 577 all ranks were today furnished by this Battalion for the various tasks under the technical supervision of the C.E’s.  Casualties: Nil.

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Canadian Battalion Headquarters, 10th February, 1917.
To – All Units, 20th Canadian Bn.

With reference to Para 5 of O. O. 62 of this date, Units will be attached to
Companies for the use of Field Kitchens whilst on the march as follows :-

No. 1. Company. . . . . . . .Headquarters, Band & C.A.M.C.
No. 2. Company. . . . . . . .Signallers and Special Section.
No. 3. Company. . . . . . . .Machine Gun Section.
No. 4. Company. . . . . . . .Transport.

(Sgd)    D. C. Jennings,
Capt. & Adj’t.
20th Canadian Bn.

COPY NO. . . . . . . . . .
20TH CANADIAN BATTALION OPERATION ORDER NO.63.
SECRET.        REF:    ROCKLINCOURT [ROCLINCOURT]  MAP 1/10,000         11TH FEBRUARY, 1917.

1.  Relief. The 20th Canadian Inf. Bn. will relieve the 60th Canadian Inf. Bn. taking over the trenches in C. I. sub-section on the night of February 12th – 13th, 1917.

2.  Move.The 20th Canadian Inf. Bn. will leave the BRAY Hut Billets at 4.30 p.m.to-morrow and move to the line by Platoons at 100 yds. distance.

3.  Guides.The 60th Canadian Inf. Bn. will send to BRAY four guides for each company of the 20th Canadian Inf. Bn. to lead them to their positions in the line.  Two guides from the 60th Canadian Inf. Bn. will guide the 20th Canadian Inf. Bn. Headquarters Company to positions in the line.
Each company of the 20th Canadian Inf. Bn. will reliev its opposite number of the 60th Canadian Inf. Bn. in position.

4.  Advance Parties.
A party consisting of one Officer per company, R.S.M. and one N.C.O.
per platoon of the 20th Canadian Inf. Bn. will leave BRAY at 1 p.m. tomorrow, for the purpose of taking over all trench stores and gaining a knowledge of the positions to be occupied.  At the same hour the signal section and company lewis gunners will move forward to the line so as to take over and be in position by the time our companies go in for relief.  They will take with them the unexpended portion of the days rations and will
remain in the line awaiting the arrival of their respective units.

5.  Hot Meal. O’s C. Units will arrange that the men under their command are provided with a good hot meal at 4 p.m. before moving forward to relieve.  Detailed instructions regarding the necessary cooking equipment to be taken into the line will be issued later.

6.  Blankets. Immediately after breakfast one blanket per man will be done up in rolls of ten each – as for route march – carefully labeled and securely tied.  These will be called for by transport at 11.30 a.m.  All surplus baggage of Officers and stores of units, not intended to be taken into the trenches will be outside their respective huts in readiness for baggage limbers to call at 11 a.m.

7.  Rations. The hour and place for delivery of rations will be notified later.

8.  Disposition States.
A statement showing distribution of all troops under his command will be
forwarded to Battalion Headquarters by the commander of each unit on the enclosed form, within 12 hours after taking over the line.

9.  Trench Stores.
Company Commanders will send to Orderly Room by 12 noon 13th inst. a duplicate list of all trench stores taken over by them from the outgoing units.

10.  Code Word.    Completion of relief will be reported to Battalion Headquarters in SAPPER SHELTERS, map location approximately A.15.d.1.7. by the code word “BLANKET”.

Issued to Units. .11.55. .p.m.                H.V. Rorke    Major,
Commanding 20th Canadian Bn.

Copy No.  1.    Office Copy.
2.    4th Canadian Inf. Bde.
3.    9th Canadian Inf. Bde.
4.    60th Canadian Inf. Bn.
5.    19th Canadian Inf. Bn.
6.    O. C. No. 1. Company.
7.    O. C. No. 2. Company.
8.    O. C. No. 3. Company.
9.    O. C. No. 4. Company.
10.    T. O. & Q. M.
11.    M. G. O.
12.    Bomb O.
13.    Scouts
14.    Signallers
15.    M. O.
16.    R. S. M.
17.    War Diary.

COPY NO. . . 15. . . . .
20TH CANADIAN BATTALION OPERATION ORDER NO.64.
SECRET.        REF:    ROCLINCOURT MAP    1/10,000     18th FEBRUARY, 1917.

1.  Relief.    The 20th Canadian Inf. Bn. will be relieved by the 18th Canadian Inf. Bn. in the C. I. sub-section on the night of the 19th – 20th February, 1917.

2.  Move.    On completion of this relief the 20th Canadian Inf. Bn. will move into Divisional Reserve at ECOIVRES.

3.  Guides.    The 20th Canadian Inf. Bn. will sen d two Guides to report to Headquarters 18th Canadian Inf. Bn. to guide the Headquarters Company into the line. 5 Guides will be sent from each company of the 20th Canadian Inf. Bn. to guide the companies of the 18th Canadian Inf. Bn. to their positions in the line.

4.  Advance Parties.    Each C ompany will detail one man from each platoon and one N.C.O. to proceed to ECOIVRES to take over billets.  The Headquarters company will se nd one N.C.O. and one man.  The party will parade at Battali on Headquarters at 9 a.m. 19th inst. prepared to proceed to the transport where they will report to the Q. M. who will take over and allot the billets the Battalion will occupy while in reserve.

5.  Trench Stores.    Receipt will be obtained for all trench stores handed over to the incoming units, and handed in to Orderly Room by 11 a.m. 20th inst.

6.  Transport.    The T. O. will arrange to have t he necessary transport at TERRITORIAL DUMP by 7 p.m. 19th inst.  Three of the limbers will be allotted to the company lewis gun sections in the following order:- one limber for the guns and equipment of Nos. 1 & 4 Companies, one limber for the guns and equipment of Nos. 2 & 3 Companies, and one limber for the guns and equipment of the Battalion Machine Gun Section.

7.  Sanitation.    O’s. C. Units will pay special attention to the state of cleanliness of the trenches and dugouts in their areas.

6.  Transport (Cont’d.)    Officers chargers will be at MAISON BLANCHE at 10p.m.

8.  Equipment. All 1″ and 1-1/2″ very pistols a nd periscopes will be brought out by Units.

9.  Code Word  Completion o f relief will be notified to Battalion Headquarters by the code word “BULLER”.

A.H. Ardagh
Issued to Units . . . . . . . p.m.            Lieut. & A/Adj’t.
20th Canadian Bn.

COPY NO. . . .15 .
20TH CANADIAN BATTALION OPERATION ORDER NO. 65.
SECRET.        REF:    ROCLINCOURT MAP I/10,000             24TH FEBRUARY I9I7.

I.  Relief.        The 20th Canadian Bn. will relieve the I8th Canadian Bn. in the C. I. (Right sub-sector) in daylight, 25th inst.

2.  Moves The Battalion will commence to move at I2 noon, 25th inst. in the following order, and will occupy the sectors allotted to them hereunder: No.  I. Company. . . . …………. .I2.00 noon. . . . . . . .Right Sub-section.
2        “      . . . . . .. . .I2.20 p. m. . . . .Centre Sub-section.
3.       “       . . . . .. .. .I2.40 p. m. . . . .Left Sub-section.
4.         “       . . . . . .  I.00 p. m. . . .Left Support
Headquarters. . . . .I.20 p.m.

NOTE – The Signal Section will move from their present Headquarters to relieve the Signal Section of the Battalion in the line at II a.m.
3.        The 20th Canadian Battalion will maintain I00 yds. distance between Platoons when moving up to the line.  A halt of 5 minutes at the end of each half hour,commencing with the leading Platoon will be taken and observed by all the following platoons.

Watches will be synchronised at II.30 a.m.
The usual taking over parties of I Officer and 2 4 N.C.Os. per company, will commence moving into the line at I0.00 a.m.

4.  Transport.        Parties will be detailed to remain with Headquarters and Company baggage until taken up by the transport.
Headquarters limber will be unloaded at MAISON BLANCHE dump and Company limbers at TERRITORIAL dump.
Company Lewis Gun Sections will carry with them their Lewis Guns and only 20 magazines for same.  The remainder of the magazines will be taken up by the transport in the evening.

5.  Blankets Immediately after Breakfast, one blanket per man will be done up in rolls of I0 each, carefully labelled and securely tied.  All surplus baggage of Officers and stores of Units not intended to be taken into the trenches, will be outside their respective huts in readiness for baggage limbers by II.30 a.m.

6.  Hot Meal  O’s. C. Units will arrange that the men of their Unit are provided with a good hot meal at II a.m. before moving forward to relieve.

7.  Distribution States. A statement showing the distribution of all troops under his command will be forwarded to the Battalion Headquarters by the Commander of each Unit, within I2 hours after taking over the line.

8.  Trench Stores   Unit Commanders will send to Orderly Room by I2 noon of the 26th inst. a duplicate list of all trench stores taken over by them from the outgoing unit.

9.  Sanitation        Unit Commanders will take special care to ensure that the Billets of their commands are left in a clean and good condition.

The usual certificate will be forwarded to Bn. Headquarters by II a.m.
25th inst. certifying that all men have had their feet treated with Anit Frost-bite Grease or Whale Oil.

I0.  Code Word    Completion of relief will be reported to Bn. Headquarters by the code word “ROBERTS”.

20th Canadian Bn.

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Appendices
A.    Operation Order No.6I, for 8th.Feb- -4th.C.I.B. to relieve 9th.C.I.B. in the THE-
LUS Section.

Operation Order No.62, for I0th.Feb- -20th.Cdn. Bn. to march to BOIS DE BRAY
and relieve 43rd.Cdn.Bn. 3rd. Cdn.Div. on IIth.February.

Operation Order No.63, for IIth.Feb.- -20th.Cdn.Bn. to relieve 60th.Cdn.Bn. taking
over trenches in C.I. Subsection on night of I2th/I3th.Feb.

Operation Order No.64, for I8th.Feb.- -20th.Cdn.Bn. to be relieved by I8th.Cdn.Bn.
in C.I. Sub-section on night of I9th/20th.Feb.

Operation Order No.65, for24th.Feb.- -20th.Cdn.Bn. to relieve I8th.Cdn.Bn. in C.I.
Right Sub-sector in daylight 25th.inst.

appendix A
COPY NO. . . . .13
20TH CANADIAN BATTALION OPERATION ORDER NO.61
SECRET.    REF:    MAP LENS 11 & HAZEBROUCK 5A, 1/100,000            8/2/17.

1.  Reliefs    The 4th Canadian Inf. Bde. will relieve the 9th Canadian Inf. Bde. in the THELUS Section.

2.        The 20th Canadian Bn. will parade on the Regimental Parade Ground at 9 a.m. 10th inst. in full marching order, steel helmets will be worn.  The Battalion will march to Billets in HALLICOURT via MARLES LES MINES, the rear of the column to be clear of MARLES LES MINES at 10 a.m.

3.  Order of March.
Scouts – Communication Section – Band – No. 1. Company – No. 2.
Company – No. 3. Company – No. 4. Company – M. G. S. and Transport.
The transport will join the Battalion as it passes the present transport line.

4.  Billeting Parties
The Quartermaster, 4 C. Q. M. Sergeants and Interpreter will proceed to HALLICOURT on the afternoon of the 9th inst. and as far as possible arrange for the same billets as previously occupied by this battalion.  They will remain at HALLICOURT until the arrival of the Bn.
Rations will be carried.

5.  Billets    Care is to be taken that all Billets, stables, and latrines are left in a thoroughly clean and sanitary condition.
O. C. Units will be responsible that no claims are left unpaid when the
Battalion moves from this area.
The Q. M. will arrange for the Billeting Certificate to be completed and
handed to the Mairie before the Battalion leaves AUCHEL.

6.  Officers Baggage.        All Officers baggage and company stores will be ready for
loading by 7.30 a.m.  The T. O. will arrange for a limber to call at Headquarters of all Units for baggage and stores.

7.  Blankets.    Blankets will be rolled in bundles of 10 and clearly labeled.  Arrangements as to Transport will be notified later.
D.C. Jennings
Issued to Units 1000 p.m.                Capt. & Adj’t.
20th Canadian Bn.
Copy No.  1.    Office Copy        Copy No.  2.    4th Canadian Inf. Bde.
3.    O. C. No. 1. Coy.              4.    O. C. No. 2. Coy.
5.    O. C. No. 3. Coy.              6.    O. C. No. 4. Coy.
7.    M. G. O.                  8.    Scouts
9.    Bombers                10.    Signallers
11.    M. O.                    12.    R. S. M.
13.  War Diary.

COPY NO. . . . . . . . . . . .
20TH CANADIAN BATTALION OPERATION ORDER NO. 62
SECRET.        REF:    LENS    11                10TH FEBRUARY, 1917.

1.  Reliefs. The 20th Canadian Battalion will march to BOIS DE BRAY and relieve the 43rd. Canadian Battalion, 3rd. Canadian Division on the 11th February, 1917.

2.  Moves.        The Battalion will rendezvous on the HALLICOURT  HOUDAIN RD. at 8.30 a.m. prompt, 11th inst. head of column at cross roads one half mile North of the “U” in RUITZ.

3.  Order of March.
Special Section – Signallers – Nos. 2, 3, 4, 1 Companies, M.G.S. and Transport.

4.  Billets. O’s C. Units will take special care that billets are left thoroughly clean and no claims are left unsettled by their Unit.

5.  Rations. A halt will be made at mid-day.  Units will arrange for a hot meal to be carried on the cookers.

6.  Blankets. Blankets will be rolled in bundles of 10 and clearly labeled.  Units will carry their blankets to the Q. M. Stores before 7.45 a.m.  The Q. M. will detail an N.C.O. to supervise the loading of blankets and travel with them during transportation.

7.  Baggage and Stores.
Officers baggage and Units stores will be ready for loading at 7.30 a.m. and will be at Unit Headquarters.
The T. O. will arrange to collect these at Headquarters of Units.

D.C. Jennings
Issued to Units 605 p.m.                    Capt. & Adj’t.
20th Canadian Bn.

Copy No. 1.    Office Copy            Copy No. 2.    4th Canadian Inf. Bde.
3.    O. C. No. 1. Coy.                 4.    O. C. No. 2. Coy.
5.    O. C. No. 3. Coy.                 6.    O. C. No. 4. Coy.
7.    T.O. & Q.M.                        8.    M.G.O.
9.    Bomb O.                             10.    Scouts
11.    Signallers                             12.    M. O.
13.    19th Canadian Bn.               14.    R. S. M.
15.    War Diary.

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