News from David Sloan on behalf of 10th Field Battery Association in Niagara, Ontario
Soldiers from the 10th Field Battery, Royal Canadian Artillery (in the Niagara, Ontario region) will stand on the same ground that the same military unit refused to retreat from 100 years ago, to the day and time.
One hundred years ago, these young and brave Canadians put on a brave face for the camera before going over the top and facing one of the most butherous killing floors which was World War One
On a sunny April 22, 1915 at approximately 5pm, German forces preceded their attack on the Allies front line near St. Julien Belgium with a deadly and frightening weapon, poisonous chlorine gas. It was the first large scale use of chemical weapons in warfare.
Unfortunately it was not the only time.
The initial attack was against the French Divisions in the northern trenches of the Ypres Salient. The French were forced back creating a breach in the front line. The 1st Canadian Division next to them soon came under attack. The 10th Field Battery, consisted of gunners from St. Catharines and the Niagara area. They were in a most dangerous position as they were the closest artillery to the advancing enemy. At times, within 200 meters.
The 10th Battery gunners engaged the enemy over open sites for over four hours but did not retreat or give ground. This stand made a valuable contribution towards halting the enemy advance until reinforcements could arrive.
Since 1921, The Battle at St. Julien has been commemorated by the 10th Field Battery and the people of St. Catharines. This year the 10th Field Battery Association has organized a trip to this same location 100 years later to remember and honour the bravery of these men from St. Catharines and the Niagara area.
The group will consist of several gunners currently serving with the 10th Battery, 56th Field Regiment, Royal Canadian Artillery. They will be accompanied by members of the Association on a week-long tour of World War 1 battle sites including the Vimy Ridge Memorial.
Contact Information: Neil O’Farrell, President, 10th Field Battery Association, cell: 289-219-0803
Since 1923, the primary objective of the 10th Field Battery Association is to promote good will and keep close ties with all members of 10th Battery, past and present. It is a volunteer association of citizens of St. Catharines, Niagara and Canada. Most are former gunners who served in Canada’s military.
(Niagara At Large invites any and all of you willing to share your real first and last name to share your views on this post.)
Niagara At Large 
I’ve heard of the Somme, Ypres, Passchendaele & Vimy Ridge but never this battle. Thank you for enlightening us.
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One thing about Canadians, they never drop their rifles and run for cover, it has to be their DNA , I also remember many of our native peoples also went to the front, while we were once noted as peacekeepers, when it comes to war we fight like hell.No wonder we made a great Country called Canada!!
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