Canadian Military History
Volume 21 Issue 2 Article 2
2015
The Canadian Corps’ Long March Logistics, Discipline, and the Occupation of the Rhineland
Chris Hyland
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Recommended Citation Chris Hyland "The Canadian Corps’ Long March Logistics, Discipline, and the Occupation of the Rhineland." Canadian Military History 21, 2 (2015)
This Article is brought to you for free and open access by Scholars Commons @ Laurier. It has been accepted for inclusion in Canadian Military History by an authorized editor of Scholars Commons @ Laurier. For more information, please contact [email protected]. : The Canadian Corps’ Long March Logistics, Discipline, and the Occupation of the Rhineland The Canadian Corps’ Long March Logistics, Discipline, and the Occupation of the Rhineland
Chris Hyland
This march was probably the sternest test of sheer endurance, as apart from bravery, that the division ever encountered. Food and smokes were short all the way, the men were filthy and covered with lice, and utterly worn out. The marches were very severe – anything up to twenty miles a day, the roads bad and the weather usually appalling. Reverend Kenelm Swallow, British 29th Division1
ust hours before the armistice of 11 Under the terms of the Armistice Abstract: This article explores JNovember 1918 came into effect, the Canadian Corp’s march to, agreement, the Rhineland was to there was a ferocious fight for the and occupation of, the Cologne be divided into four occupation Belgian city of Mons. During the bridgehead after the First World zones: British, French, American night of 10 November and into the War. It examines the reasons for and Belgian.4 The British Army, Canadian participation in the following morning, vicious street which included the Canadian Corps, occupation, assesses the impact of battles raged as a combined assault logistics on decision making and was assigned to the zone starting by 2nd and 3rd Canadian Divisions service conditions, and explores the just south of Düsseldorf stretching sought to liberate the town.2 After experiences of Canadian soldiers south to Cologne and Bonn.5 Once putting up some stubborn resistance, while marching across Belgium and in Cologne and Bonn, the Canadians performing garrison duties in the the German Army retreated at 0420 and British were to establish heavily Rhineland. The article contends hours and the town – where the that the logistical situation which defended bridgeheads in preparation British had started their fighting four existed in the immediate aftermath to advance into the German heartland years earlier – was finally secured. of the First World War prevented the in case resistance should make that The Allied armies had achieved Canadian Corp’s timely demobilization necessary. The German armies had so Canadian leadership sought victory, and celebrations rang out in temporary duties for the corp which not been entirely destroyed, had 3 towns and cities around the world. would gain prestige for the Dominion. retreated in good order and still The fighting was over. Germany possessed a significant capacity to had asked for terms and the soldiers territory was a first for the Dominion, continue the war. The occupation of would soon return home. But, for the as never before had Canada’s civilian the Rhineland was viewed as a critical Canadian Expeditionary Force (CEF) soldiers been asked to garrison the deterrent.6 and many other Allied soldiers their home terrain of a European enemy. The armistice provided the work did not end on 11 November The operation was also conducted Allies with a mandate to occupy the 1918. In fact, the Canadian Corps in a period of great tension, with Rhineland, but otherwise no specific was about to embark on one of the social, political and economic chaos orders were provided. Thus, from more intriguing periods in its history. swirling in Germany, and under the 11 to 18 November, plans for the Instead of demobilizing and returning cloud of looming negotiations in operation were quickly sketched home, the corps began preparations Paris. This brief period of Canadian out and revealed to the Canadians for a march into Germany as part of participation in the occupation forces during a conference at British Army the Army of Occupation. Half of the was very much a military operation General Headquarters (GHQ) in Canadian Corps trekked for 28 days conducted in an atmosphere of Cambrai. General Sir Herbert Plumer across Belgium and Germany to take apprehended war. In short, for the informed Lieutenant-General Sir up garrison duties around Cologne Canadian Corps, there remained Arthur Currie that the Canadian and Bonn. This occupation of hostile much to do after 11 November 1918. Corps had been selected for the
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Army of Occupation and that its Yet, upon further investigation, discipline. Both Prime Minister Sir four divisions would form part of the Canadian Corps was likely Robert Borden and General Currie Second Army, leading the advance chosen for two other reasons related knew that bored soldiers would find to the Cologne bridgehead starting to logistics and Canadian politics. ways to create trouble. Thus, Borden on 17 November and continuing for In the immediate aftermath of the was willing to commit the Canadian 30 days.7 First World War, demobilization was Corps to the Army of Occupation, Why was the Canadian Corps the main concern for most nations at least temporarily, because it tasked with this assignment? Several involved in the conflict. With the would engage the troops in a useful answers seem likely. First, General signing of the armistice, a huge activity until they could be brought Plumer knew he was going into rush ensued to get the Imperial and home.14 Canada’s involvement in the hostile territory and was uncertain American citizen soldiers home as occupation of Germany was never how the population would respond. quickly as possible. The only certainty meant to be a long-term commitment. He required reliable troops that was there would be delays, despite the As soon as it could be arranged, the would perform under pressure best intentions of military planners. four Canadian divisions would leave and Canada’s four divisions were The large size of the Canadian forces, Europe.15 recognized as among the best a global shortage of shipping, the Borden viewed the occupation available.8 Second, the Canadian decision to return Canadian units as an appropriate role for Canada Corps was close by, the 2nd and via England where movements were within the British Empire, one that 3rd Canadian Divisions having just delayed by dockworkers’ strikes, would raise the country’s profile.16 In led the successful assault on Mons.9 limited Canadian port facilities, and the aftermath of the First World War, Canadian War Museum 19930065-364 Canadian War Third, although the Canadian Corps overcrowded Canadian railways he favoured the active participation had tactical and administrative would complicate and prolong the of Canada in international affairs autonomy, it was still subject to the withdrawal of units from Europe.12 to sustain and develop the status British High Command and would In fact, the first Canadian division the Dominion had won during have to advance if so ordered.10 to leave France for England did not the war as a leading member of Finally, General Plumer knew that embark at le Havre until 9 February the British Empire.17 In 1918 and Currie was keen to have the corps 1919.13 1919, Borden was seeking ways for included. Currie was later quoted With the end of the fighting, Canada to distinguish itself and gain saying: “It was a great gratification military and political planners international prestige. Involvement and honour to us.”11 worried about soldier morale and in the occupation of Germany was a
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chance for the Dominion to shine on supply of labour meant that the manner in which logistical capacity the world stage and garner the world engineers no longer had to beg, for swift moving, complex operations attention he desired. borrow or steal men from combat had developed. The engineers quickly During the planning phase for units to complete their various placed footbridges across the canal the occupation, 11-17 November tasks.21 Finally, an affiliation between for infantry, and built pontoon 1918, Canadian military leadership Canadian officers and closely knit bridges and roads for the artillery. knew the march to Germany was teamwork had developed during In fact, the success of the whole going to be difficult. Huge logistical the course of the conflict as General operation depended on how rapidly obstacles needed to be overcome to Currie resisted pressure to break large forces and vast quantities of feed and supply the 107,000 Canadian up his corps. This familiarity led to supplies could be pushed across a soldiers and 25,000 horses about to greater trust between officers and limited number of canal crossings walk across most of Belgium.18 Yet, more efficiency in the system.22 and sustain the fast-moving, multi- corps logisticians had reason to be Streamlined administration, more pronged offensive.23 confident. General Currie and his staff trucks and more men produced better Yet, for all the improvements fully recognized the importance of results. Damaged infrastructure such made to the logistics system during logistical support and corps logistics as train tracks, roads and bridges 1918, deficiencies still existed and had dramatically improved during could be repaired or replaced quickly came to light when the system the last year of fighting. From April and efficiently. The infantry and was under duress. For example, a 1918 onwards, a number of positive artillery were adequately supplied huge problem with road congestion changes had been implemented. The during the set-piece attacks of 1918 occurred during the move to the supply column and ammunition park and it was now possible to pursue Amiens sector in July and August were amalgamated into divisional the enemy in more mobile warfare. 1918. Stockpiling sufficient supplies Mechanical Transport Companies.19 For example, the Battle of Amiens on before the Amiens offensive proved Extra transportation capacity was 8 August 1918 was a small logistics difficult due to the erratic arrival added at the divisional level resulting success. It was not easy, but the times of the ammunition trains at in one hundred more trucks per unit combined logistical system provided the corps’ railheads and the long and greater mobility than their British supplies and ammunition for the first distances to the refilling points.24 counterparts.20 The pool of labour hours of action and rapid advance. As the operation progressed and dedicated to supply and engineering Canal du Nord on 27 September troops advanced further from their was vastly increased. This large was perhaps the best example of the supply bases strains appeared in the
A bridge built by Canadian Engineers across a railroad destroyed by the enemy. The Canadians are also rebuilding goodwill by offering a ride to a group of local youth.
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system. It was a struggle to establish their original units. To complement of your overwhelming moral and new ammunition and refuelling the organizational adjustments, some physical standing, so as to complete points and there were not enough sacrifices had to be made. Stores of by your presence of your potential men to clear the ammunition from ammunition and divisional canteen strength, the victories you have won the railheads. Pack trains arrived supplies were cut. The plan to carry on the Field of Battle. All external late, often delayed by 48 hours, so the infantry’s packs on trucks was signs of discipline must be insisted the infantry went hungry.25 At the scrapped. Unfit horses and remounts upon.31 Canal du Nord, serious problems were left behind. All extra leave was occurred at the level of the British cancelled and the divisions would Thus, during the armistice period, the Expeditionary Force (BEF). The be unable to supply showers or Canadian Corps wanted to project ammunition trains and divisional underclothes for the men.28 an image of impeccable military pack trains strained to keep up with With a logistics plan in place, correctness and professionalism. The the heavy demand and often arrived attention turned to another matter of Dominion’s involvement with such late. These problems in turn affected great importance – the maintenance a high profile mission was a chance the Canadian Corps. On 1 October of discipline. Because specific for the young country to share the several lorries of ammunition failed information regarding the German international spotlight. to arrive for 1st Canadian Division military and political situation was On the cold, wet morning of 18 and the resumption of the scheduled unavailable, the march was to be November, the 1st and 2nd Canadian attack had to be cancelled.26 held under wartme conditions. Allied Divisions commenced their march, The point is that logistical military planners were uncertain if relieving the examining posts of the problems were nothing new to the the armistice would hold and could 3rd Canadian Division and assuming Canadian Corps when it joined the only speculate on what reception responsibility for the front. Despite Army of Occupation. It had already the occupation forces would receive the poor weather, the march initially faced road congestion, erratic arrival once inside Germany. The Allied proceeded according to plan.32 of supply trains, shortages of food armies also had a reputation to After two days of rest 1st and 2nd and ammunition, severely damaged maintain. Discipline was essential not Canadian Divisions again continued infrastructure, lack of labour, and only to maintain fighting efficiency, the advance on 21 November and the difficulties associated with but also to avoid international reached the general line Gosselies– lengthening supply lines. During embarrassments. Specific references Nivelles–Lillois. However, problems the final 100 Days, these issues to troop discipline featured in almost were already starting to appear. The were overcome, but the persistence every set of orders issued from 11 3rd and 4th Canadian Divisions’ of similar challenges during the to 17 November. In British GHQ’s marches for 21 November were march into Germany demanded “Orders for the Advance” of 11 cancelled.33 The supplies for 2nd undiminished effort. November, the very first item was Canadian Division were very late, Canadian logisticians the following: “The maintenance of making it necessary for the division’s implemented significant changes in discipline is of the highest concern quartermaster to draw dry rations.34 preparation for the advance to the during the period following cessation Later, the scheduled marches for 22 Rhine. From 13 to 17 November, the of hostilities. Breaches of discipline and 23 November were cancelled for system was streamlined, thereby were to be repressed firmly and all Canadian divisions. Many were easing the provisioning of the troops. immediately.”29 General Currie was left wondering what was going on. To add flexibility and capacity, concerned with the reputation of his The British Army, which was Mechanical Transport Companies corps. At a meeting on 12 November supplying the Canadian Corps, faced were placed under divisional at Canadian Corps HQ, Currie huge logistical problems that were command and allotted extra trucks. drew attention to the necessity of complex and difficult to solve in the Additional contingents of soldiers upholding the “smart and soldierly- short-term. For the march to Germany, were detailed to unload at the supply like appearance” of all the troops and the British quartermasters relied upon refuelling points. Railheads were avoiding laxity in saluting.30 trains to supply the approximately moved as far forward as possible.27 In General Currie’s “Special eight hundred thousand soldiers of Engineer brigades and machine gun Order of the Day,” 25 November Second and Fourth Armies. Under battalions were to march as one unit. 1918, he encouraged his forces to normal circumstances, supplies from Specialized units, such as salvage maintain a good appearance: a base would be brought forward by companies, trench mortar brigades train to the closest railheads. Trucks and burial parties, were disbanded Above all, it is of capital importance would then move the goods to supply and the soldiers ordered to return to to establish in Germany the sense refuelling points where they were https://scholars.wlu.ca/cmh/vol21/iss2/28 4 : The Canadian Corps’ Long March Logistics, Discipline, and the Occupation of the Rhineland
picked up by the divisions, using another set of trucks. The problem at the outset of the march was the delay of the trains in getting to the railheads. Fighting along the Western Front had destroyed most of the railways in an area varying in depth from 30 to 50 kilometres and extending the length of the British area in France. Military rail lines were promptly laid across the gap, but these could not handle
the same volume of traffic as civilian Museum 19930065-475 Canadian War lines.35 Furthermore, the quick repair of existing civilian lines proved almost impossible, the damage being so severe, and this placed an extra burden on functioning civilian and military rail lines. To further complicate matters, French and Belgian civilian traffic and armies in the midst of demobilization were hindering the movement of trains in the rear areas. All of these factors, coupled with a shortage of adequate rolling stock and locomotives, proved insurmountable and the British Army was forced to alter their plans for the occupation. British supply problems affected the Canadian Corps in two ways. First, the original march timetable was scrapped and a new one issued.36
Second, the composition of the Museum 19930065-480 Canadian War Army of Occupation was altered and only half of the selected divisions would proceed.37 On 23 November, General Currie received instructions stating that Canadian Corps HQ, 1st Canadian Division, 2nd Canadian Division and Canadian Corps Troops would move to the Rhine.38 The 3rd and 4th Canadian Divisions Top: British cavalry lead Canadian troops through the packed Belgian town of Namur. would remain in Belgium and were The third horseman in line leans over to receive flowers from a Belgian girl. transferred to IV Corps of Fourth Above: Crowds throng the street in Namur as their Allied liberators pass through. Army on 24 November.39 With a more sustainable number of divisions moving forward, the to 30 kilometres. At times, the men with crippled feet. The mud and slimmed down Canadian Corps arrived so late they had to find their continual drizzle were depressing continued its trek across Belgium. billets by flare light.40 On the road the and the marching on second and third From 24 to 28 November, it advanced troops had to carry a heavy load: full class roads difficult.42 To add to the four out of the five days. It was a packs, a rifle, a blanket, ammunition discomfort, clean clothing, canteen punishing pace as the men marched and their steel helmets.41 Blistered feet supplies and proper showering for seven to eight hours each day, and worn-out boots were common facilities were unavailable most covering distances ranging from 20 and many soldiers were evacuated days.43 The extra chores such as
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mending, laundry, cooking and Relief from the boredom and to wear and tear and a lack of spare washing made a long march seem exhaustion of marching in Belgium parts, especially tires. Maintenance even longer.44 These discomforts came whenever the Canadian crews could not keep up with the were exacerbated by acts of random Corps entered a town. At Nivelles, volume of repairs.49 Furthermore, destruction by the retreating German the vanguard of the 1st Canadian the muddy, narrow, twisting and army. In violation of the armistice Division was greeted in the square unfamiliar roads caused the transport agreement, German forces damaged by a dense crowd all cheering wildly. companies frequent misdirection the road and rail networks and Colonel A.L Barry remembered that and delays.50 As a result, from 28-30 detonated ammunition dumps. In at Houdeng-Goegnies they were November rations failed to arrive some cases, entire switching yards, showered with flowers everywhere for some units of the 1st Canadian sections of rail and bridges were they went: “It was like Caesar Division and the soldiers went rendered useless. The German retreat returning triumphantly from Gaul.”47 hungry. Corps leadership had little through Belgium was not marked by On 27 November, the Canadian choice but to cancel marches for 29- a sustained campaign of destruction, Corps left the heavily populated 30 November. 51 The 2nd Canadian but particular acts of demolition lowlands of Belgium and began Division fared better and continued caused headaches and delays for the marching towards the Ardennes, its advance with sufficient supplies advancing Canadians. in still more difficult conditions of food.52 Canadian soldiers had little in the rugged and hilly region of Most units coped with the strain choice but to accept the punishing eastern Belgium. Bad weather and of hard marches and insufficient pace. A peace treaty had not yet muddy roads on 27 November were rations in the Belgian Ardennes. As been signed, so Marshal Ferdinand a hardship, and the celebrations Lieutenant-Colonel John A. Cooper Foch, supreme commander of the were over; the journey became a wrote: Allied armies, wanted to control as depressing route march through much German territory as possible a sparsely-settled district.48 On 28 The wagons are caked with mud, in case hostilities resumed. Further, November, after an exhausting the steel is a bit rusty and we are all the armistice was set to expire on march, Canadian soldiers arrived at a little bedraggled. But the men are 17 December, 36 days after it was their billets to find that the logistical bearing up well. They are cheerful signed.45 Marshal Foch wanted the structures had failed them yet again. and smile, even though the road is Armies of Occupation in place, firmly As the march continued across tough.53 entrenched in their bridgeheads Belgium, supply lines were stretched. before the agreement ended. As a The railhead supplying the Canadian When morale sagged and rations result, General Plumer’s orders of 26 Corps was still west of Valenciennes. did not appear, the Canadian YMCA November required the Canadian To reach the leading troops, trucks helped. Throughout the march, Corps to cross the German frontier needed to haul supplies for over volunteers of the YMCA set up free on 1 December and the Rhine on 13 160 kilometres. The strain on the drink stations and canteens at each December.46 With a reputation to Mechanical Transport Companies rest stop that had been set up ahead maintain the Canadian Corps could was tremendous and delays were of the line of march. Nevertheless, not afford to be late. inevitable. Many trucks wore out due in some units thoughts turned to mutiny. As the Canadian Corps exited the Ardennes and approached the German frontier, platoons of the 29th Canadian Infantry Battalion refused to parade until they received a proper meal. The commanding officer, Lieutenant-Colonel H.S. Tobin, handled the situation well and cancelled the parade because of rain (only one rain drop was felt that morning). He ordered the
Canadian soldiers line up to receive hot drinks and other treats from a YMCA Canteen.
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men to polish kit in their barracks. Meanwhile, Lieutenant S. Fletcher of “A” Company managed to procure some supplies. By evening, after a good hot meal of Mulligan stew, mutinous thoughts in the battalion had evaporated.54 Elsewhere, three platoons of the 16th Canadian Battalion also refused to parade when rations were short. In this instance, the battalion commander, Lieutenant- Colonel C.W. Peck, who had recently Museum 19930065-495 Canadian War been awarded the Victoria Cross for his actions in September, talked to the men and the insubordinate platoons fell in and reached the battalion parade ground on time.55 It is unlikely that any soldiers of either the 29th or 16th Canadian Battalions seriously considered mutiny, but when food fails to appear there is bound to be some grumbling. The Canadian Corps approached the German border on 3 December: 1st Canadian Division at Petit Their; and 2nd Canadian Division at Beho.
The crossing into German territory 3640 Canada PA Library and Archives on 4 December was planned as a highly symbolic spectacle. General Currie issued a “Special Order of the Day” calling on all units to maintain strict discipline and not show any weakness whether on the march or at rest.56 The soldiers were reminded not to fraternize and to respect private property and the billets they would occupy.57 All kit had to be mended and polished. It was clear that Currie’s intent was to project an image of soldierly perfection. On the morning of 4 December, with Union Jacks and regimental colours flying, Canadian War Museum 19930065-490 Canadian War the Canadians crossed into Germany to the sound of pipe bands playing “O Canada” and “Maple Leaf Forever.”58 Lieutenant-Colonel John A. Cooper captured the mood when he wrote, Top: Lieutenant-General Arthur Currie (second horseman, directly in front of telegraph “The wildest Canadian dream has pole) and his staff follow a local marching band into the Belgian frontier town Petit Thier 3 December 1918. been to march to the Rhine and here today we are well on our way to Middle: Lieutenant-General Currie takes the salute during a marchpast of his troops in Petit Thier. Prussian soil.”59 By nightfall, both divisions had crossed the border. Above: Lieutenant-General Currie (left), flanked by Major-General Archibald Macdonell, commander of 1st Canadian Division, lead the Canadians into Germany. The border is Unexpectedly, the inhabitants marked by the striped pole to the left of Currie. of the Rhineland seemed almost
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With bayonets fixed, colours flying, and the band playing, the 2nd Canadian Division crosses the Rhine River at Bonn while General Currie looks on from the reviewing stand. Heavy rain and mist, evident in the photo, did not dampen the spirits of the troops who were well aware of the historic importance of this event.
relieved to see the British and increased further the high levels of for the enemy, no fraternization, be Canadian forces. Unbeknownst to the unemployment. friendly but distant.64 Local Catholic Canadians, for many Germans, the During their first day and night priests preached the same points Armies of Occupation represented in Germany, Canadian soldiers from the pulpit.65 stability and order in a country observed two characteristics of the After the corps crossed the full of confusion. From November German people they encountered. German frontier, it completed the 1918 to January 1919, Germany The first was the cold and aloof march to the Rhine over the next eight teetered on the brink of political and reception from the local population,61 days, from 5 to 12 December. Aside economic anarchy. Bolshevists and in marked contrast to the festive from continuing supply problems, Spartacists threatened to tear the atmosphere of the Belgian towns. this final leg was completed without country apart. Although an armistice The second notable thing was the incident.66 The 1st Canadian Division had been signed, the naval blockade compliant attitude of local civil remained grounded on 5 December 62
of Germany remained in force and officials. Local officials had in because its supplies had failed Museum 19930065-658 Canadian War this meant dangerously low food fact been ordered by the central for a third time, on this occasion supplies and a lack of raw materials government to cooperate with the due to a train derailment between to fuel the German economy which Army of Occupation.63 Newspapers Valenciennes and Mons.67 The daily in turn led to massive layoffs.60 published the government’s edicts, marches averaged 16 kilometres, Added to this volatile mix was the spelling out to the people exactly what shorter than the 20 to 30 kilometres return of thousands of soldiers who was expected of them: make room in Belgium.68 https://scholars.wlu.ca/cmh/vol21/iss2/212 8 : The Canadian Corps’ Long March Logistics, Discipline, and the Occupation of the Rhineland
An urgent telephone call Three days later the first Canadian spectacular march was a peaceful interrupted the routine of the march troops reached the Rhine. The full way for the Canadians to indicate as the mayor of Cologne, Konrad strength of the 1st and 2nd Canadian their supremacy.78 Adenauer, pleaded for a quick Divisions arrived by 12 December.75 occupation of his city. Adenauer It was almost miraculous that the The morning of the 13th dawned feared civil unrest during the period artillery arrived on time, having dark and a steady rain poured down between the withdrawal of the had to march over 40 kilometres in the whole day. The leading troops German Army and the arrival of one day to make up for delays. The of the Canadian Corps were soaked the British.69 His fears were realized 1st Canadian Division was allotted as they crossed into the German when the German Army withdrew on billets in the towns and suburbs south heartland. With their bayonets fixed, 3 December and food riots erupted in and west of Cologne and the 2nd colours flying, and bands playing, Canadian War Museum 19930065-675 Canadian War the city and continued through the Canadian Division in villages west of the infantry marched over the river. next day.70 A mob of approximately Bonn.76 The soldiers must have been General Plumer took the salutes as 300 people looted stores and shops.71 pleased: the long march was over; the 1st Canadian Division crossed The Cologne civic guard managed proper barracks, showering facilities, the Rhine by the South Bridge in to restore order, but only by firing and good food were now available. Cologne.79 Meanwhile at Bonn Bridge, their machine guns above the Friday, 13 December was set as the General Currie stood for five hours crowd.72 Realizing the situation date for all the Armies of Occupation taking the salutes from the soldiers was rapidly deteriorating, General to cross the Rhine. This was an of the 2nd Canadian Division.80 To Plumer ordered a small contingent occasion of great significance, more the infantry’s relief, their heavy packs of British cavalry and armoured so than the crossing of the German were being carried in trucks. cars to enter Cologne and seize frontier.77 As S.D. MacGowan wrote It took three more days of short strategic points on 6 December.73 in New Brunswick’s Fighting 26th: marches for all units to reach their General Plumer also ordered the final areas of responsibility. Most 28th Brigade Group – including the For the Canadians, it was one of units were in place by 16 December, Royal Newfoundland Regiment – to the high points during the ravaging just hours before the armistice was set move to the suburbs of Cologne by war and they were determined to to expire. At long last, the Canadian rail. Thus, the first elements of the parade at their best. It was a symbolic Corps’ long march was over. British Army reached the Rhine on triumphant ending of the conflict, a The focus now turned to 6 December 1918, unheralded and proud and well-disciplined victor planning for the defence of the without much fanfare.74 versus the humbled enemy. This Cologne bridgehead. Lieutenant-
General Plumer takes the salut as troops of the 1st Canadian Division cross the Rhine at Cologne on 13 December 1918.
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in divisional reserve. In support of the infantry, two brigades of heavy artillery took up positions on the high ground near Rosrath and Hangelar respectively. The remaining three brigades of heavy artillery were assigned to counter- battery work and were positioned at Altenrath, Walsdorf, and an area near Rolandseck.83 Finally, two battalions of the Canadian Machine Gun Corps (CMGC) were located in an intermediate area, between the outpost line and the main line of resistance. The 1st and 2nd Canadian Motor Machine Gun Brigades (CMMGB) remained in corps reserve. Not only did the occupation troops have to defend the bridgehead, but they also faced the daunting prospect of governing the people in their areas.84 Because no one could foresee with certainty whether hostilities might be renewed, martial law was declared and the military forces took direct responsibility for preserving law and order. The army commanders drastically reduced the civil liberties of the German population, but still followed all the provisions of the Hague Convention.85 General Plumer adopted a
Map drawn by Mike Bechthold ©2012 Mike by Map drawn policy of minimal interference in his guidelines for the administration of population. Civilian institutions were General Currie and his staff received Currie also incorporated a variety to continue; civilian authorities – the directives from both Marshal Foch of geographical features into the German police and courts – would and General Plumer, but the details of Canadian Corps’ defence scheme. enforce local laws and those passed the deployment were left to Currie.81 Each divisional area had the by the military government. Yet, the Foch and Plumer instructed the corps following defensive features: an British Army’s presence was clearly commanders to keep the damage outpost line – to control all exits established by a new layer of courts of local property to a minimum, to and approaches to and from the imposed upon the German people. not advance past the 30 kilometre perimeter; a main line of resistance Summary courts and courts martial perimeter, and to deploy forces to – composed of defended localities were established and staffed by the facilitate reinforcement from west (if available) sited on the main military authorities for transgressions to east. Furthermore, owing to the tactical features of the area; and a against orders issued by the military dense population in the bridgehead, support line, also based on defended government, or for offences against General Plumer decided that it was localities. The defences featured the military authority’s personnel or necessary to locate the majority of infantry, artillery and machine gun property. The penalties could be stiff: the Canadian Corps forces east of positions. Each brigade posted one fines of up to 5,000 marks, prison, or the Rhine. The exception to this battalion on the outpost line; two death. principle was a force necessary battalions in the main and support The rules imposed on the German to hold the left bank.82 General lines; and, one battalion was held people were necessarily strict, to https://scholars.wlu.ca/cmh/vol21/iss2/214 10 : The Canadian Corps’ Long March Logistics, Discipline, and the Occupation of the Rhineland
Right: Canadian troops adopted the Scheumberg Palace in Bonn as their headquarters. Below right: Scene during a performance in Bonn by the See Toos – the 2nd Canadian Division Concert Party.
control people’s movements, prevent espionage, and encourage respectful behaviour towards the British Army.
All civilian rail, road and pedestrian Museum 19930065-863 Canadian War traffic from the occupied territory to Germany (or any other country) was denied. Postal and telegraph communications were permitted, but heavily censored. But of all the new rules and regulations German citizens probably most hated two – a dusk to dawn curfew (1900 to 0600 hours) and the requirement of men to tip their cap to Allied officers.86 Over time, however, the rules were relaxed. Limits on movement within Allied territory were eased and the curfew was pushed back to midnight.87 To most Germans’ relief, the requirement to remove hats in the presence of occupation troops ended 88 on 1 January 1919. Museum 19930065-819 Canadian War The system of administration imposed upon the German public was effective and did not burden the average Canadian soldier. Most military work associated with garrison duty was minimal, Boredom and idleness became found, the officers were loath to take routine and boring. Patrol and guard a serious issue. Officers recognized on extra responsibilities.92 duty were the most common tasks this and numerous education and Most coveted by the troops were assigned to the Canadian Corps. entertainment programs were day passes to Cologne or Bonn. In the The chief annoyance was restricting offered.90 At some levels of command, cities, Canadian soldiers could enjoy civilian movements between support for the educational scheme the baths, the cinema and the shops. occupied territories and those still was strong. Canadian Corps HQ At the battalion level, sightseeing under German control. The lack encouraged brigadiers and senior trips were organized to Cologne, of interpreters and a population non-commissioned officers (NCOs) Bonn, the Drachenfels and Coblenz.93 unfamiliar with the rules caused to give their “personal attention” to Tickets to a performance of the “See many headaches for the soldiers on establishing a system of education Toos” concert party were popular; the outpost line. Smuggling was also a and to arrange suitable hours for free tickets to the opera were not.94 concern as a thriving black market for lectures and classes.91 The battalions The YMCA established canteen luxury goods and foodstuffs tempted were greatly assisted in their services, clubs, reading rooms and some Germans to sneak contraband educational efforts by the Khaki several theatres all of which were through Canadian lines. The busiest University of Canada. Initially, the greatly enjoyed.95 Canadian soldiers, however, proved educational scheme met with some Canadian Corps HQ had to be the engineers, who repaired and resistance below the corps level of promised to look after the comforts constructed roads, bridges, sanitary command. Battalion officers were of their soldiers and on paper they facilities, and gun emplacements.89 sceptical and when teachers were did so.96 In reality the troops were
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Large crowds came out to watch the “Sports Day” held on 18 January 1919 on the Bonn University grounds between soldiers of the 2nd Canadian Division and the US 42nd Division.
Ferguson of his compliance with the order, Currie wrote:
To receive the order that Cologne was out of bounds to Canadians would Canadian War Museum 19930065-952 Canadian War not have hurt, and I would have appreciated the Military Governor giving me privately his reasons for so doing, but to state that owing largely confined to the small towns in and inhabitants, but the discipline of to continued misbehaviour the which they were billeted, and these the Canadian forces and the fairness Canadian Troops were to be confined offered little scope for diversion. The of their behaviour were gratefully to the Canadian Corps Area can be YMCA resources were limited and acknowledged by the townspeople.100 considered nothing short of insulting. often could not reach the majority The desire of Prime Minister Borden The only people who are confined in of soldiers scattered throughout the and General Currie for an incident- an area with pickets guarding all bridgehead. The brigades tried to free occupation would not be met. exits are criminals awaiting trial or organize concert parties, but largely Canadian soldiers still managed to serving their sentence, and I submit without success. Some battalions find trouble. The most infamous event the Canadian Corps does not deserve arranged sightseeing trips and other occurred in Cologne on the evening this treatment. … The wording of this excursions to urban centres, but the of 26 December and resulted in the order is most bitterly resented, and I majority did not.97 For entertainment, Canadian Corps being temporarily consider it should be withdrawn.103 Canada’s soldiers were largely left to barred from the city. The exact nature their own devices. of the incident is unknown,101 but the In a meeting on 27 December, Currie After the regular fatigues had following morning Canadian Corps put the matter before Plumer, finished, sports became the prime HQ received a telegram from General demanding nothing less than a full pastime. Nearby fields were converted Sir Charles Ferguson, the British area apology from Ferguson. Plumer into soccer pitches and baseball military governor: tried to laugh off the incident, but diamonds.98 Inter-company and the matter was so serious to Currie inter-battalion soccer matches were Owing to continued misbehaviour that he threatened to take the matter scheduled. The largest organized of Canadian troops they will be directly to Field Marshal Sir Douglas sporting event by far was held on 18 confined to the Canadian Corps Area Haig.104 Ferguson’s apology arrived January – an interdivisional Sports from 27th inst inclusive except when the next day and the reputation of Day between 2nd Canadian Division on duty. The Canadian Corps will the Canadian Corps, while battered, and 42nd American Division.99 As piquet all exits from their area and remained intact. with the education scheme and other in particular the entrance into the Despite the best efforts of the entertainments, sports events were town of Cologne which is placed out corps’ leadership to maintain strict designed to keep soldiers busy and of bounds to Canadians.102 discipline, some serious breaches out of trouble. of conduct happened and a small The system of military Essentially, General Ferguson had number of Canadians faced court administration coupled with the turned the entire Canadian Corps martial. A survey of the infantry official and unofficial distractions Area into a prison camp. General battalion and brigade courts martial for the soldiers proved generally Currie was furious because the records for the 1st and 2nd Canadian effective. No major clashes between Canadians’ reputation had been Divisions from 11 November 1918 the Canadian military and the German called into question. He responded to 31 January 1919 reveals that 20 public occurred and daily life went with a letter to General Plumer, the soldiers were formally charged.105 on much as always. There was little ultimate authority in the British The three most frequent charges were friendliness between the soldiers sector. After assuring General disobeying a superior officer, being https://scholars.wlu.ca/cmh/vol21/iss2/216 12 : The Canadian Corps’ Long March Logistics, Discipline, and the Occupation of the Rhineland
absent without leave (AWOL) and prevailed. The Canadian Corps divisions be released for this drunkenness. Twenty cases is not a would return by units from England, purpose. GHQ desire 3rd Division large number considering the number where many of the men wanted to go in January – this owing to of soldiers involved – approximately leave to visit friends and family railway situation – and 1st Division 50,000. It is likely that two factors before returning to Canada.110 The in February.111 were to account for the low number question remained, however, which of courts martial. First, the soldiers of of Canada’s four divisions would be Currie would have preferred to send the Canadian Corps were engaged in sent home first. the divisions home based on the order active service in unfamiliar territory On 16 December, the Canadian in which they had arrived in Europe, during a state of apprehended war. Corps received some good news. Just yet, it was impossible to have the 1st Second, the educational scheme, as 1st and 2nd Canadian Divisions Canadian Division concentrated near entertainments, sports and other had established themselves in the the French coast in time for it to leave distractions were somewhat effective. bridgehead, General Currie received in January. Thus, Currie reluctantly Furthermore the 20 court martial the following telegram asking his arranged for 3rd Canadian Division cases were related to the maintenance views: to be demobilized first.112 These of discipline, and had little to do with demobilization plans were possible the German population. For example, War Office order GHQ [to] dispatch because by late December the on 9 December Private George Auger 400 men daily this month, 17,500 in logistics network in Western Europe of the 27th Canadian Battalion was January and 20,000 each succeeding was in much better repair and under convicted of disobeying a superior month, and that two Canadian less pressure. Thus the 1st Canadian officer. His crime was taking seven biscuits instead of four from an offered plate and refusing to give them back.106 On 20 December 1918, Private Eugene Bisonnett of the 29th Battalion was convicted of disobeying the lawful command of a superior officer. He had refused to wash the company cook wagon when ordered.107 These two cases and many others demonstrate the benign nature 108
of most of the crimes prosecuted. Museum 19930065-869 Canadian War Anything exotic in the experience of occupying German territory soon lost its appeal and demobilization plans quickly became the soldiers’ focus. The Canadian government, for sake of administrative expediency and lower costs, wanted to break up units and repatriate individuals based on length of service and marital status.109 That policy, Currie warned, would quickly break down discipline and morale in the corps, and greatly hamper support services. Currie
Above right: Soldiers of the 13th Canadian Infantry Battalion cheer as they board a train to start the long journey home. Canadian War Museum 19930065-865 Canadian War Right: A pipe band leads the 15th Canadian Infantry Battalion to the train station as they depart Germany.
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Field Marshal Sir Douglas Haig talks to officers of the 2nd Canadian Division Headquarters in Germany while Lieutenant-General Currie looks on.
Germany largely because shipping and, in Canada, rail capacity was unavailable for a quick repatriation Canadian War Museum 19930065-682 Canadian War in November 1918, which delayed the Canadian Corps’ demobilization plans. The British Army selected the corps for garrison duty precisely because it was available and Canadian.115 What the British Army Division began withdrawing from Their Belgian hosts had grown weary needed in the aftermath of the First the Rhineland on 7 January and 2nd of soldiers, even their liberators, as World War was time – time to Canadian Division on 19 January. their country had been continuously demobilize its conscripted soldiers, Officially, Canada’s commitment to occupied since 1914. The soldiers reorganize, and occupy Germany the occupation ended on 26 January of the Canadian Corps did not with an all-volunteer force.116 The 1919 as command of the Cologne want to stop in Belgium, but would Canadian Corps, as well as other bridgehead was handed over to X have preferred to carry on straight colonial forces, thus, in a small way, Corps at 1600 hours. through to England and Canada. relieved some of the burdens on the There is little doubt that Canada’s Their sojourn in Germany had ended British Army. soldiers were anxious to get home as and their duties were complete. All The most important factor quickly as possible. John A. Cooper that was left was to return to Canada. affecting the Canadian advance to wrote: For that trip home, however, the the Rhineland was logistics. The Canadian soldiers would have to wait difficulties of supply forced 3rd and We were not glad to come, we a few more months. 4th Canadian Divisions to remain in were not anxious to stay, we were Belgium and when the pack trains not sorry to go. Of course it is an * * * * * failed to arrive, soldiers went hungry. honour to the Canadian Corps to They marched on muddy roads, in have crossed the Rhine. It will be he Canadian presence in the worn-out boots, without the chance memorable in the history of some TRhineland lasted for only a brief to shower. Still, discipline could not units. Nevertheless, as individuals period – a span of eight weeks from slip. Professional comportment and we would just as soon have passed 4 December 1918 to 6 February appearance was essential to maintain up the honour.113 1919. Actual garrison duties lasted the reputation of the corps and the only three to five weeks. Despite its country in a high-profile assignment Currie as well noted the troops’ brevity, the march to and occupation that signalled Canada’s increasing desire to leave: “They are very of the Rhineland was a historic role in international affairs. Overall anxious to get home…We all want to occasion for the Canadian Corps. the court martial records indicate get away from [the occupation] and Never before had they marched so good behaviour on the part of the are very glad that early in January far, approximately four hundred troops, albeit with some notable we are to be moved.”114 Some soldiers kilometres. This was the first time any exceptions. had enjoyed their time in Germany. British colony been asked to occupy Upon the conclusion of the It had the effect of rounding off the home territory of a European First World War, Canadian soldiers their experience, establishing enemy. Yet, Canadian involvement in desired nothing more than a quick awareness that the German Army Germany was something of a fluke, a return home. Yet, there was a sense had actually been defeated and that product of the unique circumstances of satisfaction when they learned they themselves had taken part in existing in the aftermath of the First they were to occupy Germany, a that accomplishment. There may World War. role that visibly recognized the have been a tinge of regret when the The divisions of the Canadian part of Canada’s citizen soldiers in Canadian Corps returned to Belgium. Corps were available for duties in defeating the Germans. Despite the https://scholars.wlu.ca/cmh/vol21/iss2/218 14 : The Canadian Corps’ Long March Logistics, Discipline, and the Occupation of the Rhineland
hard marches, short rations and an 13. War Diary, 3rd Canadian Division, November 1918, LAC, RG 9, III D3, 9 February 1919, LAC, RG 9, III D3, vol.4818, G.333. indifferent German public, Canadian vol.4855. 34. War Diary, 2nd Canadian Division soldiers considered it an honour to be 14. Retention of Dominion Troops in Armies AA&QMG, 21 November 1918, LAC, RG part of the Army of Occupation. The of Occupation - Draft Minutes of the 9, III D3, vol.4850. Imperial War Cabinet, LAC, MG 11, 35. War Diary, Canadian Corps AA&QMG, Canadian Corps’ brief commitment CO537, 12 December 1918, vol.1122. 9 December 1918, LAC, RG 9, III D3, in the Rhineland was a mark of 15. Canadian Overseas Demobilization vol.4822, 615QA. distinction, one to be remembered Committee: First Interim Report, LAC, 36. War Diary, Canadian Corps General Staff, MG 30, E 46, vol.12. 21 November 1918, RG 9, III D3, vol.1811, for many years to come. 16. “Sir R. Borden to the Canadian Corps,” G.369/19-13. London Times, 23 November 1918, p.23. 37. Edmonds, The Occupation of the Rhineland, 17. Donald Creighton, Canada’s First Century p.18. (Toronto: Macmillan of Canada, 1970), 38. Lieutenant-General Sir Arthur Currie, Notes p.156. “Interim Report on the Operations of the 18. War Diary, Canadian Corps AA&QMG, Canadian Corps during the Year 1918,” 17 November 1918, LAC, RG 9, III D3, in Report of the Ministry, Overseas Military . 1 Captain Stair Gillon, The Story of the vol.4822. Forces of Canada, 1918 (London: Ministry, 29th Division: A Record of Gallant Deeds 19. Patrick Michael Ryan, “Supplying the Overseas Military Forces of Canada, (London: Thomas Nelson and Sons, Ltd., Materiel Battle: Combined Logistics in 1919), p.189. 1925), pp.220-1. the Canadian Corps, 1915-1918” (master’s 39. War Diary, Canadian Corps General Staff, 2. War Diary, 2nd Canadian Division thesis, Carleton University, 2005), p.96. 23 November 1918, LAC, RG 9, III D3, General Staff, 11 November 1918, Library 20. John D. Conrad, “Canadian Corps vol.4818, G.388/19-13, Operation Order and Archives Canada [LAC], LAC, RG 9, Logistics during the Last Hundred Days, No.262. III D3, vol.4847; War Diary, 3rd Canadian August-November 1918,” Canadian Army 40. War Diary, 1st Canadian Battalion, 27 Division General Staff, 11 November Journal 8, no.2 (Summer 2005), p.93. November 1918, LAC, RG 9, III D3, 1918, LAC, RG 9, III D3, vol.4855. 21. Ryan, “Supplying the Materiel Battle,” vol.4913. 3. The Americans are included in all p.98. 41. War Diary, 1st Canadian Battalion, 18 references to the Allies, even though 22. Conrad, “Supplying the Materiel Battle,” November 1918, LAC, RG 9, III-D3, they were not technically part of the p.95. vol.4913. Occasionally, extra trucks were Entente Cordiale of 1907, but rather, as 23. Ian M. Brown, “Not Glamorous, But available to carry the soldiers’ packs. President Woodrow Wilson proclaimed, Effective: The Canadian Corps and the However, for most of the march the men an “associated power.” Set Piece Attack, 1917-1918,” The Journal of had to carry their packs. 4. The four occupying powers were Military History 58, no.3 (July 1994), p.439. 42. All first class and most second class roads Belgium, Britain (including several of 24. Major S.S. Lawson, “MT during the Last had been allotted to the artillery and the self-governing dominions), the United 100 days,” p.2. transport brigades. States and France. 25. Lawson, “MT during the Last 100 days,” 43. War Diary, 2nd Canadian Division 5. The 1st and 2nd Canadian Divisions were pp.2-3. AA&QMG, 26 November 1918, LAC, RG formally transferred to Second British 26. “1st Canadian Division Report on 9, III D3, vol.4850. Army on 12 November 1918. Colonel the Administrative Arrangements for 44. John A. Cooper, “From Mons to the Rhine W.W. Murray, The History of the 2nd Bourlon Wood & Combrai Operations. with Canada’s Army,” Toronto Daily Star, Canadian Battalion in the Great War 1914- September 27th to October 5th 1918,” 25 January 1918. (The report was filed 8 1919 (Ottawa: Mortimer Ltd., 1947), p.323. “Gun and Howitzer Ammunition,” December 1918.) 6. There are a number of other reasons September 1918, 7, LAC, RG III D2 45. Edmonds, The Occupation of the Rhineland, for the occupation of the Rhineland: to vol.4793, file 45. Appendix I, pp.327-34. The Armistice compel German diplomats to negotiate 27. “Administrative Orders and Instructions was renewed on 18 December 1918, 16 in good faith at the upcoming peace for the March to the Rhine,” War Diary, January 1919 and 17 February 1919, each conference, to secure France’s border, and 1st Canadian Division AA&QMG, 17 time extending the military occupation of to demonstrate to the German public that November 1918, LAC, RG 9, III D3, Germany. their country lost the war. vol.4840, SAQ 52-1700. 46. Edmonds, The Occupation of the Rhineland, 7. War Diary, Canadian Corps General Staff, 28. “Administrative Instructions Issued in p.86. 11 November 1918, LAC, RG 9, III D3, Connection with the March of the 2nd 47. Colonel A.L. Barry, Batman to Brigadier vol.4818.11, G.141/19-13. Canadian Division to the Rhine,” War (Newcastle, 1965), p.68. 8. Shane Schreiber, Shock Army of the British Diary, 2nd Canadian Division AA&QMG, 48. Major J.A. Cooper, History of Operations of Empire: The Canadian Corps in the Last 100 15 November 1918, RG 9, III D3, vol.4850, the Fourth Canadian Infantry Brigade 1915- Days of the Great War (Westport: Praeger AQS4-33. 1919 (London: Charles and Son, 1919), Publishers, 1997), p.139. 29. Sir James Edmonds, The Occupation of p.43. 9. War Diary, Canadian Corps General Staff, the Rhineland 1918-1929, Facsimile Ed. 49. War Diary, 2nd Canadian Divisional 9-11 November 1918, LAC, RG 9, III D3, (London: Her Majesty’s Stationary Office, Mechanical Transport Company, 14 April vol.4818. 1987), p.13. 1918 – 30 April 1919, LAC, RG9, III D3, 10. Desmond Morton, A Peculiar Kind of 30. “Proceedings of a Conference Held vol.5022. Politics: Canada’s Overseas Ministry in the at Canadian Corps Headquarters 50. War Diary, 1st Canadian Division First World War (Toronto: University of Valenciennes 12th November 1918,” AA&QMG, 30 November 1918, LAC, Toronto Press, 1982), p.204. War Diary, Canadian Corps General Staff, RG9, III D3, vol.4840. 11. General Sir Arthur Currie, as quoted by LAC, RG 9, III D3, vol.4818, G177/19-13. 51. War Diary, 1st Canadian Division General Fred James in “Report from Cologne and 31. “Special Order of the Day,” War Diary, Staff, 30 November 1918, LAC, RG 9, III Bonn,” 23 December 1918, LAC, MG 26, Canadian Corps AA&QMG, 25 November D3, vol.4837. H, vol.103. 1918, LAC, RG 9, III D3, vol.4822. 52. War Diary, 2nd Canadian Division 12. Jeffrey R. Rivard, “Bringing the Boys 32. War Diary, 6th Canadian Infantry General Staff, 1 December 1918, LAC, RG Home: A Study of Demobilization Policy Brigade, 18 November 1918, LAC, RG 9, 9, III D3, vol.4847. after the First and Second World Wars” III D3, vol.4891. 53. John A. Cooper, Toronto Daily Star, 28 (master’s thesis, University of New 33. Messages and Signals, War Diary, January 1919, p.3. (The report was filed Brunswick, 1999), pp.31-2. Canadian Corps General Staff, 20 11 December 1918.)
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54. H.R.N Clyne, Vancouver’s 29th 78. S. Douglas MacGowan, New Brunswick’s 97. John A. Cooper, “Canadians Restless (Vancouver: Tobin’s Tigers Association, Fighting 26th: A History of the 26th in Hun Territory,” Toronto Daily Star, 4 1964), pp.97-101. New Brunswick Battalion, C.E.F., 1914- February 1919, 10. (The report was filed 55. Hugh MacIntyre Urquhart, History of the 1919 (Saint John: Neptune Publishing 31 December 1918.) 16th Battalion (The Canadian Scottish) CEF Company Limited, 1994), p.317. 98. Weatherbe, From the Rideau to the Rhine 1914-1919 (Toronto: Macmillan Company 79. War Diary, 1st Canadian Division General and Back, p.467. of Canada Ltd., 1932), p.326. Staff, 12 December 1918, LAC, RG 9, III 99. War Diary, 2nd Canadian Division 56. G.W.L. Nicholson, Canadian Expeditionary D3, vol.4837, G.3-105/8, Operation Order General Staff, 18 January 1919, LAC, RG Force 1914-1919: Official History of the No. 316. 9, III D3, vol.4847. Canadian Army in the First World War 80. War Diary, 2nd Canadian Division 100. Major John Ewing, The History of the 9th (Ottawa: Queen’s Printer and Controller AA&QMG, 11 December 1918, LAC, RG (Scottish) Division (London: John Murray, of Stationary, 1962), p.526. 9, III D3, vol.4850, AQS5/1865. 1921), p.387. 57. War Diary, 2nd Canadian Division 81. War Diary of the Canadian Corps General 101. N.M. Christie, ed., Letters of Agar Adamson AA&QMG, 15 November 1918, LAC, RG Staff, 13 December 1918, LAC, RG 9, III 1914-1919 (Nepean: CEF Books, 1997), 9, III D3, vol.4850, AQS6-34. D3, vol.4818, G.O.83/10. Letter to Mabel, 1 January 1919, p.357, 58. Currie, Interim Report, p.191. 82. Edmonds, The Occupation of the Rhineland, 102. War Diary, Canadian Corps AA&QMG, 59. John A. Cooper, Toronto Daily Star, 25 p.97. 27 December 1918, LAC, RG 9, III D3, January 1919. (The report was filed 8 83. Sir Arthur Currie Papers, LAC, MG 30, vol.4822, A.105-504. December 1918.) E 100, vol.38, Canadian Corps Defence 103. War Diary, Canadian Corps AA&QMG, 60. Charles F. Horne and Walter F. Austin, Scheme: Cologne Bridgehead – Germany 27 December 1918, LAC, RG 9, III D3, eds., Source Records of the Great War – Appendix B: Canadian Corps Heavy vol.4822, A.105-504. 1919, vol.VII (Indianapolis: The American Artillery Defence Scheme of the Occupied 104. Daniel Dancocks, Sir Arthur Currie: A Legion, 1930), p.15. Area East of the Rhine, 2 January 1919. Biography (Toronto: Methuen, 1985), 61. R.C. Fetherstonhaugh, The Royal Montreal 84. Ernst Fraenkel, Military Occupation and p.183. Regiment 14th Battalion, C.E.F. 1914-1925 the Rule of Law: Occupation Government in 105. Ministry of Overseas Military Forces (Montreal: The Gazette Printing Co. the Rhineland, 1918-1923 (London: Oxford Canada Court Martial Records, LAC, RG Limited, 1927), p.272. University Press, 1944), p.7. 150, vols. 1-684. 62. A Burgomeister is roughly the equivalent 85. Fraenkel, Military Occupation and the Rule 106. Ministry of Overseas Military Forces of a town or city mayor, one who is of Law, p.8. Canada Court Martial Records, LAC, RG appointed by the central government. He 86. “British Establish Rigid Martial Law in 150, file 649- A -12845. is the chief civil official. the City of Cologne,” Halifax Morning 107. Ministry of Overseas Military Forces 63. “Wenn de Feind Kommt,” Kölnische Chronicle, 12 December 1918, p.2. Canada Court Martial Records, LAC, RG Zeitung, 21 November 1918, Evening 87. War Diary, 1st Canadian Division 150, file 649- B – 41288. Edition, 2. AA&QMG, 15 December 1918, LAC, 108. Ministry of Overseas Military Forces 64. “To the Rhine: British Troops in RG 9, III D3, vol.4840, A.Q.50-268; War Canada Court Martial Records, LAC, RG Germany,” London Times, 4 December Diary, 1st Canadian Division AA&QMG, 150, file 649- C – 17871. 1918. (The report was filed 1 December 23 December 1918, LAC, RG 9, III D3, 109. Those with dependents would have 1918.) vol.4840, A.Q. 58-260. priority over those who did not. 65. Barry, Batman to Brigadier, p.75. 88. Edmonds, The Occupation of the Rhineland, Nicholson, Canadian Expeditionary Force, 66. Currie, Interim Report, p.191. p.113. p.528. 67. War Diary, 1st Canadian Division General 89. K. Weatherbe, From the Rideau to the 110. Currie, Interim Report, p.187. Staff, 5 December 1918, LAC, RG 9, III D3, Rhine and Back: The 6th Field Company and 111. Edmonds, The Occupation of the Rhineland, vol.4837. Battalion, Canadian Engineers, in the Great p.106. 68. Edmonds, The Occupation of the Rhineland, War. A Narrative (Toronto: Hunter-Rose, 112. Report of the Ministry, Overseas Military p.90. 1928), p.466. Forces of Canada, p.518. 69. David G. Williamson, The British in 90. Charles W. Bishop, The Canadian YMCA 113. John A. Cooper, “Canadians Not Sorry to Germany 1918-1930: The Reluctant in the Great War (Canada: The National Be Leaving Germany,” Toronto Daily Star, Occupiers (Oxford: Berg Publishers Council of Young Men’s Christian 6 February 1919, 10. (The report was filed Limited, 1991), p.18. Associations of Canada, 1924), p.287. 9 January 1919) 70. “Städtische Nachrichten,” Kölnische 91. War Diary, 1st Canadian Division General 114. General Arthur Currie to Sir Edward Zeitung, 3 December 1918, evening Staff, 11 December 1918, LAC, RG 9, III Kemp, 1 January 1919, Sir Edward Kemp edition. D3, vol.4837, G.7-250/4. Papers, LAC, MG 27, II D9, vol.133. 71. “Nearing Cologne,” London Times, 6 92. John A. Cooper, “Canadians Restless 115. MacMillan 42. December 1918. in Hun Territory,” Toronto Daily Star, 4 116. “British Home Army to be Sent to the 72. “Order has been Restored in Cologne,” February 1919, 10. (The report was filed Rhine,” New York Times, 30 January 1918. Halifax Morning Chronicle, 7 December 31 December 1918.) 1918. 93. War Diary, 2nd Canadian Division 73. Williamson, The British in Germany 1918- AA&QMG, 22 December 1918, LAC, RG 1930, p.18. 9, III D3, vol.4850. The Drachenfels are Chris Hyland is a high school teacher 74. “Städtische Nachrichten,” Kölnische low lying mountains that feature the ruins from Vancouver, British Columbia. He Zeitung, 6 December 1918, Evening of a large castle. received his master’s degree from the Edition. 94. The “See Toos” were a performance University of New Brunswick in 2007. 75. War Diary, Canadian Corps General Staff, group of soldiers from the 2nd Canadian He has spent the last few years teaching 11 December 1918, LAC, RG 9, III D3, Division. They were famous, offering English as a second language at Dankook vol.4818. their show of war comedy and drama University near Seoul, South Korea. 76. War Diary, 1st Canadian Division General to audiences in London and Paris. His current research interests include Staff, 9 December 1918, LAC, RG 9, III However, their primary function was the studying the relationship between the D3, vol.4837; War Diary, 2nd Canadian entertainment of the troops. Canadian military and the public schools Division General Staff, 9 December 1918, 95. Bishop, The Canadian YMCA in the Great of Canada as well as the Canadian Corp’s LAC, RG 9, III D3, vol.4847. War, p.292. activities in 1918 and 1919. He will begin 77. Nicholson, Canadian Expeditionary Force, 96. War Diary, Canadian Corps AA&QMG, his doctorate program at the University p.527. 21 November 1918, LAC, RG 9, III D3, of Calgary in the fall of 2012. vol.4822, GHQ 12466. https://scholars.wlu.ca/cmh/vol21/iss2/220 16