I know I said I was done updating this blog but I feel after all most a year of looking back there is still more to write about Jack. Digging through Archives Canada, I found the Diary of George Edmund Thorpe, 123rd Battalion CEF. I was quite excited to get copies of this as I have yet to find, besides the 123rd War Diaries, primary documentation surrounding the battalion. The diary dates back to 1916 but I've decided to start in April 1917. Many thanks to Archives Canada for making such documentation available to the general public.
April 1917
April 3rd: Strong [eligible] on wind and rain raged all the night of the 2nd and morning of the 3rd. Making the condition very miserable.
April 8th: Official word received that-United States-has declared war on GERMANY.Big operation on our part of the front night of April 8 and morning of 9th. Numbers of prisoners are being brought in by our men and a big advance is officially reported on this section. Managed to get a couple of souvenirs from some of the prisoners in exchange for a little grub. A shoulder strap from the 262nd Reserves and 3rd Bavarians. Buttons from 263rd Reserves and a German 5 [eligible] piece, all of which I mailed home. Vimy Ridge captured by the Canadians, Apl 9th at 530am.
April 15: Most of the Toronto Battalion came out of the line for a rest today and I was very pleased to see that the majority of old 123rd fellows came thru the scrap ok. Met Bill Long, who was fine.
April 20: Battalion moved from Bois de Alleaux to Maision Blance a point about 5 miles further on. Battalion HQ are in a dugout 40 feet underground which was originally a chalk mine, having been made habitable by the French when they occupied the trenches at this point. Confirmed in rank to Sergeant.
Prisoners taken by Canadians Corps Apl 9 1917
72 officers, 3063 men
7" " 496 " "
Total 79 3559
George Edmund Thorpe fond, 1915-1919, 1993. "Diary of Military Service" George Edmund Thorpe, Orderly Room Sergeant with the 123rd Pioneer Battalion, Canadian Expeditionary Force, and subsequently Lieutenant, Canadian Engineers.
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5 comments:
Hi. I am currently researching the 123rd Battalion with a view to writing a book. Please feel free to contact me. Regards, Dan
Hi Dan, I think it is wonderful that someone is writing a book about the 123rd Battalion. My contact info: leah.dowe(at)gmail.com
Interesting read.
Currently researching my Grandfather
Frank Herbert Stacey who was in the
123rd Battalion CEF.Later joining the 29th Battaion (Tobins Tigers).
Discharged 18/08/1917 due to Mustard gas.Can find photo and attestation paper on the sheffield soldiers of WW1.
Regards
Chris
I am currently researching R.H. Rabjohn for a kids' book on his diary and sketches, so am interested in the 123rd. Contact info: johnwilson-author@shaw.ca
My great grand father served in the 123rd. His name was Warden Johnston. Attestation Paper 123rd Bn C.E.F., Royal Grenadiers no.766232
He was a 2nd class stationary engineer and had attempted to join the 93rd batt with his son several cousins and other men who lived nearby but was discharged as unlikely to become an "Efficient Soldier" and later succceeded in joining the 123rd
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