Thursday, April 8, 1915
Billets, Cassel
The Battalion War Diarist wrote for this day: “All ranks resting.” [1]
THIS DAY IN RMR HISTORY: “London, April 8. A despatch from Amsterdam says that fighting is still proceeding in the neighborhood of Neuve Chapelle. The Allies’ artillery is bombarding the villages of Fromelles and Herlies. The Germans have delivered numerous counter-attacks especially at night, but have been consistently unsuccessful.
The artillery fighting in the Fromelles region is stated to have been particularly violent. The Germans attacked at this point in close formation and supported by artillery, while four aeroplanes dropped bombs on the British positions. The German infantry is said to have suffered considerable losses.
Strong German attacks near Armentieres, according to this despatch, have also failed. British warships continue to shell the Belgian coast, supporting the allies’ land operations. The allies are delivering infantry attacks regularly.” [3]
[1] War Diary, 14th Canadian Battalion, The Royal Montreal Regiment, April 8, 1915. Library and Archives Canada, Ottawa, http://data2.collectionscanada.ca/e/e044/e001089714.jpg
[2] “Heavy Fight Of Artillery,” The Citizen, Ottawa, Ontario, Thursday, April 8, 1915, pg. 2, col. 5.
[3] Ibid.
[4] http://freepages.genealogy.rootsweb.ancestry.com/~gregkrenzelok/veterinary%20corp%20in%20ww1/horsecarryingammo.jpg
