"Our New Headquarters Camp is on the Old Sunken Road, just to the south of Neuville St. Vaast. The village itself is absolutely devastated, and there is not one stone left standing on another, and it is most pathetic to see from time to time the people who lived here before the War endeavoring to locate the spot where their homes previously stood. "
123 rd Pioneer Battalion CEF, War diary, September 1917.
123 rd Pioneer Battalion CEF, War diary, September 1917.
Jack's Battalion was still under manned as September dragged on. On September 14th, HQ received more bad news, all other ranks in excess of Establishment were to be returned to Corps Reinforcement unit. Supernumeraries were not allowed to sent. 147 men were sent from the Battalion. Working strength was now 250 men. With furthers operations at the front coming up, the CO had grave concerns that their alloted work would be completed.
Even with the shortage of men, the CO and the rest of HQ staff was impressed with the amount of work done by the Battalion. For coming on to the front lines at the beginning of the month, the Battalion was able to complete 4 R.A.P's, an Advanced Dressing Station, a mile of trenches and a mile of light railroad, all under enemy fire.
For a complete history of the Battalion till September 1917, I have included the following:
Even with the shortage of men, the CO and the rest of HQ staff was impressed with the amount of work done by the Battalion. For coming on to the front lines at the beginning of the month, the Battalion was able to complete 4 R.A.P's, an Advanced Dressing Station, a mile of trenches and a mile of light railroad, all under enemy fire.
For a complete history of the Battalion till September 1917, I have included the following:
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