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This chronology is not intended to be a complete history of World War One. It is a brief guide to the involvement of Cape Bretoners throughout the period. My sources include primarily the local newspapers of the day, most notably the Sydney Daily Post and the Sydney Record as well as other surviving Cape Breton newspapers. I have also used a number of websites and books which can be found on my links page (to come).
1914
5 August Britain declares war. Canada is automatically at war.
12 August First recruits for 17th Field Battery accepted in Sydney.
28 August 17th Field Battery leave Sydney for Valcartier, QU, only Nova Scotia unit.
3 September 17th Field Battery merged with 21st (Westmount, QU) and 19th (Moncton) batteries to form 5th and 6th Batteries, Canadian Field Artillery,
2nd Brigade, 1st Division.. Major Harvey McLeod, 17th Field Battery becomes commanding officer, 6th Battery.
12 September Cape Breton’s first fatal casualty occurred in Valcartier, QU when Gnr. Adolphe Gallant from Sydney, NS died of illness. He belonged to the old 17th Field Battery but had not been attested and attached to a unit before his death. His body was brought home and he was buried in Holy Cross Cemetery, Sydney.
6 October 5th and 6th Batteries set sail for England with 1st Division. Continues training on Salisbury Plain.
10 November Recruiting begins in Sydney for 2nd Division. 25th Battalion (Nova Scotia), Canadian Infantry is formed. Many former members of
94th Regiment enlist. Training conducted in Halifax, NS.
15 December Recruiting begins for 24th Battery, Canadian Field Artillery. Training conducted in Fredericton, NB.
1915
10 February First units of 1st Division arrive in France.
18 February 24th Battery mobilized, attached to 6th Brigade, 2nd Divisional Artillery. Sent overseas 22 February on SS Megantic. Later re-organized as 8th Army Brigade.
1 March The 6th Battery, CFA, move to the front lines.
3 March Gnr. Whitney Musgrave, 6th Battery, CFA, s/o William Musgrave, North Sydney, NS, reported wounded in France. First reported Cape Breton casualty.
17 March The 6th Canadian Mounted Rifles was mobilized at Amherst, NS. The unit trained at Valcartier, QU prior to going overseas, leaving Quebec 17 July 1915 on the SS Herschel. Initially employed as a cavalry unit it was later reorganized as an infantry unit in the 8th Brigade with most
of the men becoming part of the 4th or 5th CMR Battalions. There were 29 Cape Bretoners recruited into its ranks, 8 of whom died in active service.
25 March Recruiting for the 40th Battalion, Canadian Infantry, authorized 1 January 1915, begins in Cape Breton with recruiting rallies in Sydney, Glace Bay and Sydney Mines. Some 578 Cape Bretoners would be selected between March and August.
22 April L/Cpl. William John McLeod Stevens, 10th Battalion (Alberta), 2nd Infantry Brigade, originally from Sydney, is reported missing and presumed Killed in Action during the 2nd Battle of Ypres. He is the first reported fatal casualty from Cape Breton. His body is never found and his name is inscribed on the Menin Gate Memorial in Ypres, Belgium, with 55,000 other men who have no known grave in Belgium.
15 June Mobilized at Aldershot, NS, the 1st Reinforcing Draft from the 40th Battalion embarks from Halifax on the SS Caledonia. From a total of 254 individuals, 97 enlisted in Cape Breton. The draft will become part of the 23rd Reserve Battalion in England and many will be transferred to the 13th Battalion, Royal Highlanders of Canada.
7 July CAPE BRETON MEN ANSWER BRITAIN'S CALL
The recruiting officer for Cape Breton has been highly complimented by his superior officers at Halifax for the splendid work he has done in inducing so many fine young men to join the colors. With the industrial life of Cape Breton enjoying unwonted activity it is rather difficult just now to obtain recruits, but the indefatigable officer is slowly but surely adding names to the roster. Following is a list of seventy-two who have hearkened to the call of Empire. [Sydney Daily Post, 7 July 1915, p. 3]
4 August Last night's patriotic celebration of the first anniversary of Britain and Canada's war drew the largest throng of people ever seen on any occasion in Glace Bay. The Athletic grounds on South street were filled with an enormous and most enthusiastic crowd, and Glace Bay today is proud of the success of the Demonstration from all standpoints. Patriotic music was furnished during the parade from the town hall to the grounds by five bands, the procession including the fire department, the coal company police, a detachment of the p4th battalion [sic], and a large number of automobiles gay with flags and streamers. Stewart McCawley had charge of the parade, which was most successful and inspiring. Music at the gathering was furnished by the various choirs who united to the number of 300 voices, under the direction of Mr. Stanley. Mayor Cameron presided, and the speakers were Lieut. Phinney of the 40th, Mayor Harrington, who moved the resolution and Rev. Porter-Shirley, who seconded it. Nineteen men came forward and offered their services to the Empire. [Sydney Record, 5 August 1915, p. 1]
13 August Four hundred and eighty six men have enlisted with Captain Florence. He wants fourteen men today to make the five hundred mark by noon. One of the most enthusiastic, and at the same time successful recruiting meetings held in connection with the present recruiting campaign was that held at Glace Bay last night. Capt. E. Watering Florence was the only speaker and was assisted in the work of enrolment by Lieut. Macdonald and Sergt. Macdonald of the 94th regiment. There was a great response to the eloquent appeal for men put up by the recruiting officer and there was a very large number of enrolments. Of the men who offered, sixteen men were actually enlisted and sworn in. This solemn formality was observed publicly, and there were many wet eyes as the men with grim determination on their faces took the oath of allegiance to their king before the huge concourse of people. A pleasing and very notable fact was the presence in very large numbers of the mothers, wives, sisters and sweethearts of the men who have gone forward. Their enthusiasm though mixed with sadness, was one of the striking things that an onlooker could not help but notice. [Sydney Daily Post, 14 August 1915, p. 5]
15 August The 64th (King's Own) Battalion is mobilized at Sussex, NB. This unit would also not serve but would be used for reinforcements in England. In all, 200 Cape Bretoners would join its ranks between August 1915 and February 1916.
September The 36th Howitzer Battery is mobilized in Sydney. The 85th Battalion (Nova Scotia Highlanders) is organized to be mobilized in Halifax. One company is to be recruited in Sydney. At the same time a number of reinforcements for the Royal Canadian Regiment, recently returned from garrison duty in Bermuda and sent overseas, were enlisted in Sydney.
15 September The 25th Battalion arrives in France.
27 September After a short lull in recruiting during exhibition week there was renewed activity at the recruiting office here yesterday when Capt. E. Watering Florence was kept busy administering the oath to the new recruits for the despatch of a party to Halifax for the Royal Canadian Regiment. A party of fourteen recruits were forwarded to Halifax last night, in charge of Sergts, Campbell and Greenwood, where they will go into training at once and will be attached to the R.C.R. Though they were not in uniform they made a good appearance as they marched to the station, where there was a large crowd gathered to give them a send off. In conversation with The Post last evening, Capt. Florence stated that about six hundred recruits are now urgently required for overseas service with the Royal Canadian Regiments, and other overseas units as reinforcements. The men will be trained at Wellington Street barracks, Halifax, and will be sent overseas as soon as trained. It is not expected that the recruits will be kept at Halifax for a longer period than three months before going overseas. Capt. Florence hoped that the response to the call for more men for the R.C.R. and other units will meet with a general response from the young men as has already been shown by [word illegible] men of this [word illegible].
[Sydney Daily Post, 28 Sep 1915, p.1]
4 October "D Company", 85th Battalion (Nova Scotia Highlanders), comprised of recruits from Cape Breton, begins recruiting in Sydney.
9 October Mobilized at Valcartier, QU, the 2nd Reinforcing Draft from the 40th Battalion embarks from Montreal, QU on the SS Missanabie. From a total of 257 individuals, 76 were from Cape Breton.
18 October The main contingent of the 40th Battalion leaves from Quebec City, QU on board the SS Saxonia. The contingent includes 501 from Cape Breton.
3 November Last night Capt. Florence, assisted by Lieut. Morley, held a meeting at Birch Cove [Grove] at which five men were enrolled, one of them [Neil Nicholson] being sworn in and accepted. The address of the chief was inspiring. It aroused his hearers to a high pitch of enthusiasm and patriotism. Lieut. Morley made his maiden speech and impressed his audience favourably. [Sydney Daily Post, Thursday, 4 Nov 1915, p. 6]
18 November The 106th Battalion begins recruiting in Sydney.
4 December The 17th Field Battery's Lieutenant Colonel who became the Commanding Officer of the 6th Field Battery, 2nd Brigade, Canadian Field Artillery, Major Harvey Garfield McLeod, of Sydney, became the first Cape Breton officer fatal casualty when he drowned in a water-filled shell hole while returning to his quarters following a meeting at headquarters late at night when it was pitch dark and no lights to guide his way.
6 December The 2nd Canadian Pioneer Battalion leaves from Halifax on board the SS Orduna and arrives in England 14 Dec 1915.
24 December Approximately 150 men enlist for 106th Battalion in Cape Breton before enlistment moved to Truro. In total, 329 Cape Bretoners would enlist in the Battalion.
27 December A number of men from 36th Howitzer Battery drafted as reinforcements arrive in England on board SS Missanabie. Among them were 45 from Cape Breton.
1916
January The 185th (Cape Breton Highlanders) Battalion is organized, Lt-Col. Frank Parker Day appointed Commanding Officer.
1 January The No. 1 Tunnelling Company left Saint John, NB on board the SS Metagama with 50 Cape Bretoners in their ranks.
13 February Colonel Day and J.L. Cavanaugh continued their campaign of inspection on Saturday in regard to the eligible sites for the quartering of the 1,200 men of the 185th Battalion. They made an extensive tour of the various likely buildings at Broughton. (Sydney Daily Post,14 Feb 1916, p. 1)
28 February 36th BATTERY IS ORDERED TO SAIL OVERSEAS
Date of sailing of the 36th Battery Canadian Field Artillery has been received by the Post, but owing to the censorship regulations cannot be published. (Sydney Daily Post, 28 Feb 1916, p.3)
2 March The main contingent of the 36th Howitzer Battery left Saint John, NB on board SS Missanabie and arrived in England 13 March. They would see action as a unit attached to the 9th Brigade CFA, 3rd Division CEF. Included were 191 men from Cape Breton.
4 March 185th BATTALION TO BE MOBILIZED AT BROUGHTON
Broughton has been decided upon as the point of mobilization for the 185th Battalion, Cape Breton Highlanders. Instructions to this effect, which will be carried into prompt execution, have been received by Lt. Col. Day, officer commanding…
While the change of programme is particularly disappointing, both to the battalion and to the people of Sydney, it is pointed out that the Broughton company’s buildings are well suited for military purposes. The plant at present consists of two large hotels, forty-three cottages and company’s
offices. This will provide accommodation for the entire battalion. (Sydney Record, 4 Mar 1916, p. 1)
11 March Sydney Record, 11 Mar 1916, p. 4:
16 March The 36th Howitzer Battery arrived in England.
17 March RANKS OF THE 185th FILLLING UP RAPIDLY
Nearly 900 to 16 March Additional 50 Sworn In
(Sydney Daily Post, 17 Mar 1916, p. 1)
31 March MOBILIZATION OF THE 185th BEGINS TODAY
Cape Breton Highlanders Receive Marching Orders for Broughton
Muster of Battalion to be Completed by Wednesday Next (5 April)
(Sydney Daily Post, 31 Mar 1916, p. 1)
1 April The 64th Battalion left Halifax on SS Adriatic, arriving in England 9 April. On board were 209 Cape Bretoners.
5 April The headquarters of the Cape Breton Highlanders were removed to Broughton at five o’clock last night. Col. Lay was in Sydney last night but his executive is now at the encampment. As is now known, Sydney Company [D] leaves here at eight o’clock tomorrow morning, the parade being called for shortly after seven. The North Sydney and the Sydney Mines men follow on Friday [7 April]. The various staffs are now constituted at Broughton and everything is going along swimmingly. Even the battalion newspaper “The Heather” is now in a advance state of preparation. Lieut. Theakston, Orderly clerk Pte W.N. Mills and Pte. Boyd have done great work on it and it is up to the printers and publishers to have it on the streets by Saturday night.
(Sydney Daily Post, 5 Apr 1916, p. 1)
7 April DESTRUCTION OF BROUGHTON ARMS BY FIRE
Big Hotel at CB Highlanders Camp Burned to Ground
(Sydney Daily Post, 7 Apr 1916, p. 1)
8 April BROUGHTON FIRE NOT HAMPERING WORK OF 185th
Vacant Buildings Will Be Utilized
(Sydney Daily Post, 8 Apr 1916, p. 1)
10 April The Battle of St. Eloi Craters
17 April HEATHER BLOOMING AND BOOMING
2nd issue 15 April, circulation 1800.
(Sydney Daily Post, 15 Apr 1916, p. 5)
24 April CONDITIONS AT BROUGHTON CAMP
A,B,C Companies in cottages, each 20-32 men; D (Sydney) Company in Crown Hotel except 16 Platoon; 25 cases of measles, mostly A Company.
(Sydney Daily Post, 24 Apr 1916, p. 1)
April Approximately 40 Cape Bretoners appear in casualty lists for the month, including 7 Killed in Action, 2 Died of Wounds and 6 missing, presumed killed.
8 May Issue No. 5 of “The Heather” appears today.
(Sydney Daily Post, 8 May 1916, p. 8)
23 May THE FAREWELL TO 185th BATTALION
Leave Broughton 26 May for Sydney
(Sydney Record, 23 May 1916, p. 1)
27 May 185th Cape Breton Highlanders leave for Camp at Aldershot
(Sydney Daily Post, 27 May 1916, p. 1)
May Approximately 25 Cape Bretoners appear in casualty lists, including 3 Killed in Action, 3 Died of Wounds and 1 missing, resumed killed.
2-13 June The Battle of Mount Sorrel
10 June Nova Scotia Highlanders Overseas Brigade formed at Aldershot, consisting of 85th, 185th, 193rd and 219th Battalions.
(Sydney Daily Post, 10 Jun 1916, p. 5)
17 June The 40th Battalion is merged into the 12th Battalion at Folkstone, England. (Sydney Daily Post, 17 Jun 1916, p. 3)
June Approximately 190 Cape Bretoners appear in casualty lists during the month, including 10 Killed in Action, 5 Died of Wounds and 25 missing, presumed killed.
1 July First day of the Battle of the Somme. Pte. John Thomas Curley, originally from Prince Edward Island, was living in Sydney when he enlisted. He was attached to the Royal Newfoundland Regiment. He was reported missing at the Battle of Beaumont-Hamel and later presumed Killed in Action. His body was never found and his name is inscribed on the Beaumont-Hamel Memorial.
14 July The 36th Howitzer Battery arrived in France, attached to 9th Brigade, 3rd Division.
15 July The 106th Battalion sailed from Halifax on board the SS Empress of Britain, arriving in England 25 July.
15 September The first major battle of the Somme involving Cape Bretoners was fought at Courcelette. This included the 25th Battalion, Royal Canadian Regiment, 5th and 6th Field, 36th Howitzer Batteries CFA.
26 September The Battle of Thiepval Ridge, Somme takes place.
13 October The Nova Scotia Highland Brigade, comprising the 85th, 185th, 193rd and 219th Battalions, left Halifax on the SS Olympic and arrived in England 19 October.
1 November The battle of Regina Trench begins.
18 November Last day of the Battle of the Somme. Cape Bretoners incurred at least 180 casualties, including 101 Killed in Action, Died of Wounds or Missing in Action presumed to have died; 72 Wounded and 5 Prisoners of War.
5 December Drafts from the 85th Battalion and the 185th Battalion arrived in France for service with the 73rd Battalion, 12th Infantry Brigade, 4th Canadian Division. A draft from the 185th were also attached to the 42nd Battalion, 7th Infantry Brigade, 3rd Canadian Division. The 73rd was later withdrawn and replaced by the 85th Battalion with remaining personnel from the 85th and the 185th joining the 85th.
6 December A draft from the 85th Battalion arrived in France for service with the 13th Battalion (Royal Highlanders of Canada), 3rd Infantry Brigade, 1st Canadian Division.
1917
11 February The 85th Battalion arrived in France to begin service training.
28 March A second draft from the 185th Battalion arrived in France for service with the 85th Battalion. Many of the 185th Battalion were retained in England awaiting the formation of a 5th Canadian Division.
9 April The Battle of Vimy Ridge began. The Canadians fought as a unit including Cape Bretoners that fought with the 25th Battalion, Royal Canadian Regiment, 73rd Battalion, 85th Battalion, 5th and 6th Field, 36th Howitzer Batteries CFA. It was during the battle the 73rd Battalion was withdrawn and replaced by the 85th Battalion. Estimated casualties incurred among Cape Bretoners included 69 Killed in Action, Died of Wounds or declared Missing in Action presumed to have died; 96 Wounded or Gassed and 3 Prisoners of War.
27 May: A third draft from the 185th Battalion arrived in France for service with the 25th Battalion 27 May 1917.
27 July: The 64th Battalion is disbanded.
15 August: The Battle of Hill 70, near Lens, began. Again the Canadians fought as a unit including Cape Bretoners. Estimated casualties incurred among Cape Bretoners included 27 Killed in Action, Died of Wounds or declared Missing in Action presumed to have died; 72 Wounded or Gassed.
12 October: The series of battles known as the Battles of Ypres 1917, or more commonly called Passchendaele, began 31 July 1917, which included Hill 70. Canadians did not get involved at Passchendaele until 12 October and participated in it until the end, 10 November. Estimated casualties to Cape Bretoners included 53 Killed in Action, Died of Wounds or Missing presumed to have died; 76 Wounded or Gassed.
15 October The first Cape Bretoner called up under the new Military Service Act was Pte. Evan William Pugh of Sydney who was attested for an 85th Battalion Draft. He was Killed in Action at the Albert Canal 22 August 1918.
1918
January Between January and July 1918, the Canadian troops were taken out of battle for rest and retraining before reoccupying the trenches holding the existing line.
21 March The German Offensive began with a series of battles near the Somme and Arras. No Cape Breton casualties resulted in these battles.
2 April During the Battles of the Lys the Canadian Cavalry Brigade remounted and were involved in the Charge of Moreuil Wood. Two Cape Bretoners attached to the Lord Strathcona's Horse (Royal Canadians) were casualties, 1 missing presumed Killed in Action and I Died of Wounds.
30 July During the first 7 months of 1918, estimated casualties involving Cape Bretoners included 42 Killed in Action or Died of Wounds, Missing presumed to have died or died from illness; 29 Wounded or Gassed.
8 August The Advance to Victory, also known as the “Last 100 Days”, begins with the Battle of Amiens. Estimates of Cape Breton casualties in this battle included 14 Killed in Action or Died of Wounds; 44 Wounded; 1 Prisoner of War.
During the Battle of Amiens, Pte. John Bernard Croak earned the only Victoria Cross awarded to a Cape Breton. Although born in Newfoundland his family came to New Aberdeen, Glace Bay when he was young and he enlisted in August 1915 while living there. Sadly he was killed while performing the acts which led to the award. The following citation was included in the announcement published in the London Gazette, No. 30922, 24 September 1918::
"For most conspicuous bravery in attack when having become separated from his section he encountered a machine gun nest, which he bombed and silenced, taking the gun and crew prisoners. Shortly afterwards he was severely wounded, but refused to desist. Having rejoined his platoon, a very strong point, containing several machine guns, was encountered. Private Croak, however, seeing an opportunity, dashed forward alone and was almost immediately followed by the remainder of the platoon in a brilliant charge. He was the first to arrive at the trench line, into which he led his men, capturing three machine guns and bayonetting or capturing the entire garrison. The perseverance and valour of this gallant soldier, who was again severely wounded, and died of his wounds, were an inspiring example to all"
26 August The Second Battles of the Arras begin with the Battle of Scarpe. Estimated Cape Breton casualties associated with this battle included 9 Killed in Action, Died of Wounds or Missing presumed to have died; 18 Wounded or Gassed; 3 Prisoners of War.
2 September The Drocourt-Queant Canal was crossed as part of the Arras battles. Estimated Cape Breton casualties included 6 Killed in Action or Died of Wounds. 22 Wounded or Gassed.
12 September The Battles of the Hindenburg Line began, culminating in the capture of Cambrai. Actions between 12 September to 25 September resulted in estimated Cape Breton casualties which included 2 Killed in Action or Died of Wounds; 13 Wounded or Gassed.
27 September In connection with the battles of the Hindenburg Line, Canal-du-Nord and St. Quentin Canal were crossed resulting in Cape Breton casualties which included 9 Killed in Action or Died of Wounds; 43 Wounded or Gassed.
9 October The capture of Cambrai was accomplished. Estimated Cape Breton casualties included 3 Killed in Action or Died of Wounds; 15 Wounded or Gassed.
10 October Battles culminating in the capture of Selle 25 October began. Estimated Cape Breton casualties included 10 Killed in Action or Died of Wounds,11 Wounded or Gassed.
18 October The last Cape Bretoner to be Killed in Action was Pte. John Leo McInnis who died at Courtrai on this date.
1 November The final battles of World War I began with the Battle for Valenciennes, followed by the Passage of the Grande Honnelle and culminating in the Pursuit to Mons on 11 November, all of which Cape Bretoners took part. Estimated casualties for the month included 3 Died of Wounds; 8 Wounded or Gassed.
10 November The last Cape Bretoner to be wounded was Sgt. Charles Dillon Dickson who suffered shrapnel wounds to his left arm and both of his legs at Mons on this date.
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