4th Canadian Division

4th Canadian Division
Active	1916-1919
Country	Canada
Allegiance	British Empire
Branch	Canadian Expeditionary Force
Type	Infantry
Commanders
Current commander	n/a
Notable commanders	David Watson

The Canadian Corps - 4th Canadian Division – World War I:

The 4th Canadian Division was formed in the Britain in April 1916 from several existing units and others scheduled to arrive shortly thereafter. Under the command of Major-General David Watson, the Division embarked for France in August of that year where they served both in France and in Flanders until Armistice Day. The 4th Canadian Division was a part of the Canadian Corps in the Battle of Vimy Ridge, which attacked and defeated the Germans, driving them from the ridge. As a result the Canadians became known as masters of offensive warfare and an elite fighting force.

In the Battle of Vimy Ridge, the 4th Canadian Division was given the job of capturing Hill 145, the highest and most important feature of Vimy Ridge. However, when they attempted to capture the hill, they were hampered by fire from the "Pimple", which was the other prominent height at Vimy Ridge. To capture Hill 145, forces which were supposed to attack the Pimple were redeployed and captured Hill 145.

Infantry Units

10th Canadian Brigade:

• 44th (Manitoba) Battalion Canadian Infantry. April 1916 - November 11, 1918. (Re-designated New Brunswick in August 1918);
• 46th (South Saskatchewan) Battalion Canadian Infantry. April 1916 - November 11, 1918;
• 47th (British Columbia) Battalion Canadian Infantry. April 1916 - November 11, 1918. (Re-designated West Ontario in February 1918);
• 50th (Calgary) Battalion Canadian Infantry. April 1916 - November 11, 1918.

11th Canadian Brigade:

• 54th (Kootenay) Battalion Canadian Infantry. April 1916 - November 11, 1918;
• 75th (Mississauga) Battalion Canadian Infantry. April 1916 - November 11, 1918;
• 87th (Canadian Grenadier) Battalion Canadian Infantry. June 1916 - November 11, 1918 (transferred from 12th Canadian Brigade);
• 102nd (North British Columbia) Battalion Canadian Infantry. April 1916 - November 11, 1918.

12th Canadian Brigade:

• 38th (Ottawa) Battalion Canadian Infantry. June 1916 - November 11, 1918;
• 51st (Edmonton) Battalion Canadian Infantry. April 1916 - November 13, 1916 (Became the 51st Garrison Battalion);
• 72nd (Seaforth Highlanders) Battalion Canadian Infantry. April 1916 - November 11, 1918;
• 73rd (Royal Highlanders) Battalion Canadian Infantry. April 1916 - April 19, 1917 (disbanded);
• 78th (Winnipeg Grenadier) Battalion Canadian Infantry. April 1916 - November 11, 1918;
• 85th (Nova Scotia Highlanders) Battalion Canadian Infantry. April 1917 - November 11, 1918;
• 87th (Canadian Grenadier) Battalion Canadian Infantry. April 1916 - June 1916. (transferred to 11th Canadian Brigade).

Pioneers:

• 67th (Western Scot) Pioneer Battalion Canadian Infantry. September 1, 1916 - November 11, 1918;

Battles and Engagements on the Western Front

1916:

• Battle of Le Transloy - October 1–17
• Battle of the Ancre Heights - October 17-November 11, (capture of the Regina Trench)
• Battle of the Ancre - November 13–18

1917:

• Battle of Vimy Ridge - April 9–14
• Affairs South of the Souchez River - June 3–25
• Capture of Avion - June 26–29
• Battle of Hill 70 - August 15–25
• Second Battle of Passchendaele - October 26 – November 10

1918:

• Battle of Amiens - August 9–11
• Actions round Damery - August 15–17
• Battle of Drocourt-Quéant - September 2–3
• Battle of the Canal du Nord September 27 – October 1
• Battle of Valenciennes 1–2 November 1–2, (capture of Mont Houy)
• Passage of the Grande Honelle - November 5–7

External links

• Battle of Vimy Ridge, April 1917