The 4th Canadian Mounted Rifles - ElectricCanadian.com

OnApril62 4TH CANADIAN MOUNTED RIFLESDuff, who subsequently was granted a commission, didvaluable work in trying to form a liaison with the battalion on his left. He exposed himself on several occasions to get information for his Battalion.General Lipsett, in forwarding the report of the operations to the Corps, complimented the Battalion: Ithink this operation was well carried out, the men gainedtheir objective in tunnel under railway and held it all day.In my opinion a great deal of credit is due to the mannerin which the operation was planned arid to the gallantrydisplayed by all ranks who took part. The men hadfinally to be withdrawn because they were in an absolutely1isolated position.April 24 The night following this operation, the Battalion1917handed over to details of the P. P. C. L. I. and 49th Battalion, returning to the back area at Villers-au-Bois.They spent a comfortable week in huts, where theyre-equipped, had baths, and were paid. More reinforce3>ments arrived which made the number received duringthe month, seven officers and 312 other ranks. This restThe enemy had beenbrought them to the end of April.completely driven from the Ridge, and was still beingA review* of the month reveals thepressed vigorously.effectiveness of the Battalion, although acting on such asmall frontage. The casualties were not too severe,considering what was accomplished.!May 3rd Lieutenant-General Sir Julian Byng sentthe following message to all units of the Canadian Corps:The brilliant operations during the past month, culminating in thecapture of Arleux and Fresnoy, seem to give me the opportunity of expressing to all ranks the pride I feel in commanding the Canadian Corps.Since the 9th April, when the offensive against Vimy Ridge began,till the morning of May 3rd, when Fresnoy was captured and consolidated, it has been one series of successes only obtained by troops whosecourage, discipline and initiative stand pre-eminent. New villages havepassed into our hands. Eight German Divisions have been met and defeated. Over 5,000 prisoners have been captured and booty, oom-* 253 prisoners were taken, including three officers, one a colonel, four machinegunsand three trench mortars were captured.t Casualties during the month of April: three officers killed, one died ofwounds, and six wounded. Forty-eight men killed, 175 wounded and twelvemissing.