147 forced to retreat, and the Canadians were unable to close gaps along the front until the 24th. The 13th Battalion was relieved on the 25th, having endured the worst of the gas attack. The Canadians in the Ypres Salient settled into a routine of trench warfare. From June to October of 1915, the 13th Battalion was stationed in the border area between France and Belgium in the vicinity of Ploegsteert. During this period, the troops conducted local patrols and the occasional raid. Most of the casualties were due to enemy artillery and sniper fire. On 19 October 1915, the 13th Battalion War Diary contains the following entry: weather clear and fine except for mist in the morning. Our guns were active all day shelling the enemy trenches and behind the lines. Our heavy howitzer batteries opened fire on LA PETITE DOUVE FARM—one of the shells failed to burst. Hostile aeroplane was observed flying at a great height to the North. It was shelled and retired to the East. Three allied aeroplanes patrolled enemy lines during the day— two of these were moderately shelled. Heavy wheeled transport was heard behind enemy lines. CASUALTIES: Capt. C. H. Crowdy—killed in action along with Capt. L. Currie, 42nd Battalion, while about 2 days in 16th Battalion lines making investigations. Buried with Military honours in ARMENTIERES. A photograph of Canadian troops during the attack, (22 April 1915).
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