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World War 2 Remembered - Edmonton Regiment - 1943 Q1

January 11, 2018
Last Updated on: April 10, 2018

1943 – January to March

For the Edmonton Regiment, in England, the first quarter of 1943 was much the same as the previous two years, another day and another exercise. The training however had changed focus and it must have been obvious to all that it was for a specific purpose.

World War 2 Remembered - Edmonton Regiment - 1943 Q2

April 10, 2018
Last Updated on: April 10, 2018

1943 – April to June

The second quarter of 1943 saw changes in organization and equipment for the Edmonton Regiment, a move to quarters in Scotland and training that emphasized offensive operations and assault craft landings. It was obvious the Canadians were preparing for a movement “overseas”.

World War 1 Remembered - 49th Canadian Overseas Infantry Battalion - 1918 Q1

January 11, 2018
Last Updated on: January 11, 2018

1918 – January to March

Having suffered badly at the Second Battle of Passchendaele in the last quarter, the first quarter of 1918 was relatively quiet for the 49th Battalion. However, March saw the beginning of a major German Spring Offensive.

World War 1 Remembered - 233rd (Canadien Français) Canadian Overseas Infantry Battalion - 1917 Q4

October 5, 2017
Last Updated on: October 5, 2017

1917 – October to December

Western Canada’s 233rd Battalion was an attempt to raise a CEF battalion made up of francophone soldiers recruited from Alberta, Saskatchewan and Manitoba and led by French-speaking officers. It was headquartered in Edmonton and was to be the last CEF infantry battalion raised, at least in part, from that city.

World War 1 Remembered - 49th Canadian Overseas Infantry Battalion - 1917 Q4

October 5, 2017
Last Updated on: October 5, 2017

1917 – October to December

The Second Battle of Passchendaele (October 26 to November 10) was, in percentage terms, the costliest battle the 49th Battalion ever fought. The battalion lost three quarters of its strength in a few hours on the morning of 30 October.

World War 1 Remembered - 218th (Edmonton Irish) Canadian Overseas Infantry Battalion - 1917 Q3

July 5, 2017
Last Updated on: July 5, 2017

1917 – July to September

The 218th Canadian Overseas Infantry Battalion’s story began on February 23, 1916, and ended with their conversion to Canadian Railway Troops in January of 1917. The unit served through the remainder of the war as the 8th Battalion, Canadian Railway Troops.

World War 2 Remembered - Edmonton Regiment - 1942 Q2

April 3, 2017
Last Updated on: July 5, 2017

1942 – April to June

The Edmonton Regiment had closed out March 1942 with exercises that emphasized defence against panzer and parachutist attacks. The fear of a German raid had not gone away. More of this training and preparation would continue in the next quarter.

World War 1 Remembered - 49th Canadian Overseas Infantry Battalion - 1917 Q2

April 3, 2017
Last Updated on: July 5, 2017

1917 – April to June

Vimy Ridge: April 9-12, 1917 – This battle marked the first engagement of the complete Canadian Corps (4 Divisions), fighting as a formation within the British 1st Army. The Canadian Corps (with one British Division attached and over 100,000 soldiers) took the enemy trenches, gained control and held the high ground that dominated the region. They then stormed down the ridge and fought through and beyond the village of Vimy. The cost of winning the battle was high. Canadians suffered over 10,500 casualties, of which 3,598 soldiers were killed in action.

World War 1 Remembered - 49th Canadian Overseas Infantry Battalion - 1917 Q1

January 4, 2017
Last Updated on: April 3, 2017

1917 – January to March
During the first quarter of 1917 the 49th Battalion was in the Vimy Ridge sector. January saw two tours in the front lines while February was highlighted by the departure of Lt.-Col. Greisbach and the start of preparations for the epic Battle of Vimy Ridge.

World War 1 Remembered - 202nd (Sportsmen's) Canadian Overseas Infantry Battalion - 1917 Q1

January 5, 2017
Last Updated on: April 3, 2017

1917 – January to March
Mobilization of the 202nd Battalion was authorized on February 4, 1916. However, it wasn’t until eleven months later that the 202nd Battalion was finally ready to go to France and fight as Alberta’s fifth battalion of infantry and the second battalion primarily from the Edmonton area to be deployed as a unit. Heavy Canadian casualties and a dearth of recruits in 1917 cancelled that plan.