The First World War
War Diary of The Royal Canadian Regiment

Transcription by Captain Michael O'Leary, The RCR.

AUGUST 1918

APPENDIX 7

Fourth Army No. G.S. 2/7.

CANADIAN CORPS.

I desire to place on record my sincere appreciation of the conspicuous and highly successful part played by the Canadian Corps in the Battle of 8th August 1918. The task allotted to them was not easy, especially on the right where the initial attack of the 3RD Canadian Division was delivered under special difficulties.

The need for secrecy, which necessitated the assembly of the whole Corps, including the heavy Artillery, by night in an area previously unknown to them, enhanced the difficulties, especially when the front line had of necessity to be held by other troops.

The determination with which all obstacles were overcome, the dash and gallantry with which the assault was delivered, and the precision with which each advance was made exactly on scheduled time, reflect the highest credit both on the staff arrangements and the fine fighting spirit of all units which took part in the operation.

The three points which seem to me to deserve the highest commendation are the splendid gallantry of the Infantry, the skill and hard work in "getting in" the artillery (both heavy artillery and field artillery) on the nights preceding the battle, and the energy and drive in pushing forward mobile artillery immediately the enemy front line had been broken.

The general control and direction of the battle by Corps, Divisional and Brigade Staffs were admirable are enabled the whole programme to be carried through in its entirety without a hitch; this is in itself the highest praise that can be given.

I congratulate the Canadian Corps as a whole and offer them my warmest thanks for their very fine performance.

H.Q. Fourth Army.

16th August 1918.

(sgd) H. RAWLINSON, General
Commanding Fourth Army.