In Flanders Fields – My Grandfather’s War Part 5 – November 1 to 7 1918 – The Pursuit to Mons

By Joe Corrigan

As we commemorate the 100th anniversary of the armistice to end World War 1, we look back on the final days of the Canadian Corp’s involvement in the fighting leading up to the liberation of the Belgian city of Mons. The Corps had been in almost continuous action over the “100 Days Campaign” and, despite retreating, the Germans remained a formidable enemy. This is a brief summary of the individual battles Canadian's engaged in over those final days:

Battle of Valenciennes and the Capture of Moot Houy – November 1-2, 1918

The action began with the Germans holding the City of Valenciennes and a stronghold in the town of Marly, slightly to the south. The Canadian Corps advanced on these two positions inflicting 800 fatal casualties and capturing 1,800 troops for the loss of 80 killed and 300 wounded. Among those killed was Sergeant Hugh Cairns of the 46th Battalion (South Saskatchewan Regiment) of the Canadian 4th Division. For his actions in the assault on Marly, Cairns received the Victoria Cross, the last one awarded to a Canadian soldier during the war. His citation read as follows:

“For most conspicuous bravery before Valenciennes on 1st November, 1918 when a machine gun opened fire on his platoon. Without a moment’s hesitation Serjt. Cairns seized a Lewis gun (light machine gun) and single handed, in the face of direct fire, rushed the post, killed the crew of five, and captured the gun. Later, when the line was held up by machine gun fire, he again rushed forward, killing 12 enemy and capturing 18 and two guns.
Subsequently, when the advance was held up by machine guns and field guns, although wounded, he led a small party to outflank them, killing many, forcing about 50 to surrender and capturing all the guns.

After consolidation he went with a battle patrol to exploit Marly and forced 60 enemy to surrender. Whilst disarming the party he was severely wounded. Nevertheless, he opened fire and inflicted heavy losses. Finally he was rushed by about 20 enemy and collapsed from weakness and loss of blood.

Throughout the operation he showed the highest degree of valour, and his leadership greatly contributed to the success of the attack. He died on 2nd November from his wounds.”

(London Gazette, No. 31155, 31 January 1919)

The following day fighting continued. By nightfall the 4th Division had advanced to the Village of St. Saulve, about 1.5 kilometers east of Valenciennes while the 3rd Division had managed to pull even with them despite facing stiff German opposition. By the end of the day’s fighting on November 3rd, 1918, 4th Division patrols had penetrated to the Estreux-Onnaing road about 5 kilometers to the east of Valenciennes. By now, news came of the fact that Germany’s ally Austria had signed an armistice and was out of the war. Coming closely on the heels of a similar announcements about the Ottoman Empire and Bulgaria it meant that Germany was now alone. The end of the war was clearly in sight. It was now no longer a matter of if but when. The situation in Germany was coming to a climax as well with the navy in mutiny and signs of revolution among the populous.  

Map of the final advance- Cambrai to Mons

Battle of the Sambre – November 4, 1918
The battle began with the 4th Division’s artillery barrage in preparation for an attack on the German position east of the Aunelle River. To the north, the 3rd Division’s assault on the mining town of Vicq met with strong opposition. Canadian troops gained a foothold but were driven back by intense German machine gun and artillery fire.

Passage of the Grande Honnelle – November 5-7, 1918
Heavy fighting continued on November 5th culminating in the 4th Division taking the village of Quarouble. Other units were halted by strong German defenses situated in a large mining slag heap west of the Aunelle River. The 3rd Division was finally able to secure the town of Vicq. The 4th Division gained control of the Petit and Grande Honnelle River along its entire front on the 6th. In the north, the village of Crespin was taken along with crossings at the Aunelle and Honnelle Rivers. November 7th saw the 3rd Division occupy the villages of La Croix and Hensies north of the main road. At the southern end of the Canadian Corps section of the front line, the 2nd Division advanced 5 kilometers to take the village of Elouges.  

Photos courtesy of the Vimy Foundation's Armistice 18 100th anniversary commemoration display at Victoria Hall in Cobourg

Pvt. Charles O'Connor

Charles O’Connor was serving at this time with the 15th Battalion (48th Highlanders of Canada) which was in the battle order of the Canadian Corps’ 1st Division. Lacking specific information about where the 1st Division was engaged during this period, one can only assume that they were in reserve playing a supporting role as the 2nd, 3rd, and 4th Divisions took the lead in these assaults. Our next installment will cover the period from November 8th to 11th and the final battle outside of the Belgium city of mons.  
  
For more background on this period in time check out The Great War YouTube episode links below:
November 1, 1918:  https://youtu.be/aPMkcNAeMhQ
November 8, 1918:  https://youtu.be/RyKzKPurZqQ

For an understanding of the events leading up to and immediately after the armistice on November 11th, check out this You Tube link from the Simple History series:
https://youtu.be/vr4JU7C8yDE 

Joe Corrigan was the Museum Manager at Lang Pioneer Village from February of 2003 until his retirement in May of 2018. He has been a lifelong student of history. His specific areas of interest are Canadian and world political, military and sports history with a particular focus on biographical works.