Wednesday, May 5, 1915
In billets, Bailleul (Nouveau Monde)
The Battalion War Diarist wrote for this day: “All ranks resting”. [1]
THIS DAY IN RMR HISTORY: The headline above from The Globe, Toronto, of May 3, 1915, is conservative in its projection of Canadian Casualties, killed, wounded or missing. The figures for the month of April 1915 alone as reflected in the following table already exceeds that number.
For a more detailed reconciliation of casualties in the First Canadian Division, on a daily or weekly basis, during the period January 8, 1915 to September 12, 1915, reference should be made to Col. A.F. Duguid’s, “Official History of the Canadian Forces in the Great War, 1914-1919, Vol. I, Part 2, Chronology, Appendices and Maps,” King’s Printer, Ottawa, 1938; Appendix 851 on pp. 438-439.
“Ottawa, May 5. – Another casualty list containing the names of two hundred members of the First Canadian Division, killed, wounded, died of wounds and gas poisoning and suffering from the effects of the German gases was issued from the Militia Department this morning. Heavy losses among the 4th, 10th, 14th and 15th battalions are recorded, the list of killed in the 14th (Royal Montreals) being the most extensive in any one battalion list so far received as a result of the fierce battles around Langemarcke and St. Julien. The list of killed in the 14th are mostly of English addresses, such casualties being given out immediately after received. It is expected a heavy list of members with Canadian address will probably be given out tonight when confirmation of notification of next of kin has been received by the casualty office.” [5]
[1] War Diary, 14th Canadian Battalion, The Royal Montreal Regiment, May 5, 1915. Library and Archives Canada, Ottawa, http://data2.collectionscanada.ca/e/e044/e001089731.jpg
[2] “Canadian Casualties May Amount to 5,000,” The Globe (1844-1936), Toronto, Ontario, Monday, May 3, 1915, pg. 1.
[3] Andrew Iarocci, “Shoestring Soldiers: The 1st Canadian Division at War, 1914-1915,” Toronto, University of Toronto Press, 2008, pg. 288.
[4] “43 Men of 13th and 14th on the Latest List,” The Gazette, Montreal, Quebec, Wednesday, May 5, 1915, pg. 9, col. 1.
[5] Ibid.