Here is a sampling of information on the Borden Battery.

At the moment I have about 2000 pages of

research notes on both this battery and the 1st Canadian Motor Machine Gun Brigade which
absorbed it on 8 June 1918.
The 1st Canadian Motor Machine Gun Brigade [from the original "Canadian Automobile Machine
Gun Brigade No. 1] began recruiting on 11 August 1914 and was formed on 2 September 1914.
From its inception, it was totally mobile and hence functionally independent but always tied to higher
units and therefore not "independent". However, for the majority of action on the Western Front, and
given the static nature of the situation, the Brigade functioned more as a co-ordinated machine gun
barrage unit and anti-air craft unit but with its own transport.
There were three original batteries, the Eaton Motor Machine Gun Battery, the Yukon Motor Machine
Gun Battery and the Borden Motor Machine Gun Battery. The Borden Battery was also known as the
Holland Battery as it was commanded by Major Edward Holland VC. Sir Sam Hughes named the
Holland Battery the Borden Battery in honour of the current Canadian Prime Minister - Sir
Robert Borden.
Later, these three batteries were merged with 1st Canadian Motor Machine Gun Brigade (A and B
batteries) to form the 1st Canadian Motor Machine Gun Brigade. The Borden Battery became known
officially as "C" Battery, however, the members always referred to themselves as the Borden Battery.
Here is an excerpt from their war diary which outlines one reason for their esprit de corps .
Tue., Sep 25, 1917 BARLIN, FRANCE
Fine
A General Holiday was declared as the Canadian Corps Rifle and MG. Competition is being held at
PERNES this date. Two teams from the 1st C.M.MG. Brig. being entered.
The results were everything that could be desired. One Gun Team consisted of #45600, Sergt. H.
Lewis, 1st C.M. MG. Bgde. with #476344, Pte. J.J. Richardson, #862579, Pte. J.A. Henderson,
#919834, Pte. G.W. Kirkup of this Battery, and #910851 Pte. R.C. Spence of the Eaton Motor MG.
Battery completing the Team.
The Gun Team was successful in finishing first place, and won the Canadian Machine Gun Corps
Shield proving themselves the Premier Machine Gunners of the Canadian Corps.
The other Brigade Team finished in third place.
--- signed W. C. Nicholson, Capt.,OC
==================================================
During the chaos of the Kaiserschlacht [Operation Michael], the 1st Canadian Motor Machine Gun
Brigade [1CMMGB] was dispatched from the Vimy to the Amiens Sector on 6 hours notice and

functioned independently along 3 sections of the front under the very loose direction/lack of direction
of General Gough's Headquarters from 23 March 1918 until it is brought in to provide some
communication, transport and firepower for Carey's Force during the final stand in front of VillersBrettoneux. During this period the 1CMMGB suffered 50 percent casualties with some batteries
such as Borden Battery suffering 93% casualties on 24 March 1918 as part of a hold at all
costs action on the west side of Clery-sur-Somme when this 56-man battery blocked the
advance of a German division.

==================================================
In Michael Holden's masters thesis [University of New Brunswick ] and a presented paper [Source:
http://www.cda-cdai....2003/holden.htm] he outlined the following:
"On 14 May, the Motors received instructions, which stated that the brigades were to be engaged the
following day in Tactical Training carried out under Corps Orders. The live fire drills were designed
to teach the men of 1 and 2CMMGB to think and operate in an open warfare setting. The first day
witnessed a relatively simple mobile flanking and pincer movement. The first group created a
diversionary head-on attack from the north while other motor machine gun batteries paired with half
squads of cavalry from the Canadian Light Horse (CLH) and the Canadian Corps Cyclists Battalion
(CCCB) moved in on the position from the east and west. The movements were carried out efficiently
and the objective taken very quickly. The following day, the Motors were engaged in another tactical
training scheme that required the men to move into a position as if to fill a gap until a replacement
infantry brigade could be moved into the line.
On the 21st of May the tactical scheme changed slightly. Some of the Canadians, including the
Motors, now represented enemy forces on the attack against a railway line. The change was effected
in order to give the men the semblance of opposition and to help the units along the learning curve,
with respect to the observation of offensive operations. There were small communication and initial
cooperation problems but overall the general exercise was deemed successful.
It is important to understand how the CMMGBs trained during summer 1918 because it had a direct
influence on their success during the Hundred Days. In May 1CMMGB and 2CMMGB had been
involved in two open warfare tactical schemes. The first, the pincer movement was relatively easy.
While the assault on the railway proved a little more difficult, it must be remembered that as of 1 May,
the Motors doubled in size. Naturally, the brigades felt some growing pains'. Nonetheless, the
exercise proved to be very useful. On the 17th of June the CMMGBs fought in a large tactical
scheme, this time on the Allied side.
In this latest exercise the Canadian Corps with an attached mobile force, part of which was
comprised by the 1stCMMGB, was sent to reinforce the Allied (British) line and keep the enemy from

gaining high ground. The mobile force left its transports, and proceeded to dig in. The Motors used
direct and overhead fire to prevent the enemy from establishing a footing in the northern side of a
densely wooded area. They were also successful in moving their guns by foot to foil the enemys
advance on the southern edge of the woods. The defence of the woods finished by mid-day, and the
scheme indicated next that a gap had been created to the North and the brigade might be used to
great advantage in that location. Consequently, the men quickly returned to their vehicles and
prepared for action. The fictitious gap was never deemed to have required CMMGB assistance. The
orders were designed to provide an opportunity for the brigade to practice preparation for redeployment.
During July the units took time to learn tactical collaboration with the recently attached sections of 6inch trench mortars, and practiced using autocars to draw fire and allow the accompanying troops to
identify the location of machine guns and points of resistance
A number of lessons were derived from the July exercises. It was found that the use of motor cyclists
for scouting and liaison was deficient. During the intra-brigade exercise, defenders did not make
proper use of outposts or attached troops to screen and protect the machine gun nests; snipers and
enemy patrols had encroached too easily. It was decided that future instruction would revolve around
these points. However, this training never occurred. The men were ordered into GHQ reserve and
were told that they might be called on to support either the French First Army or the British Fourth
Army on the Amiens Front."
"During allied advances beginning on 8 August 1918 wireless became the primary communications
for the Canadian Corps. The deep penetrating Canadian Independent Force (based on the Machine
Gun Brigade) found that wireless was all that it required. During the 11 days of action Canadians
passed 1,400 wireless messages."
[SOURCE: http://www.forces.gc...ory/chap3_e.htm]

===================================================================
The Canadian Expeditionary Force established several "Independent Forces" during the latter part of
the Great War. Here are some edited excerpts from a 1926 summary of operations of units
associated with the 1st Canadian Motor Machine Gun Brigade.
In this case, these "Independent Forces" were intended to exploit any breaks in the German line
during the Last One Hundred Days. The forces were totally mobile and were in direct communication
with both Headquarters and overhead aircraft via spark wireless communication. One might say the
forefunner of a "Blitzkreig" formation.
The formation of a mobile force for use in offensive operations had been under consideration and it

was decided to organize a "Canadian Independent Force". This force came into effect on 2nd
August, 1918, and was composed of the following units:H.Q., Canadian Machine Gun Corps.
1st Canadian Motor Machine Gun Brigade.
2nd Canadian Motor Machine Gun Brigade.
Canadian Cyclist Battalion.
5th Canadian Trench Mortar Section.
1 Corps Wireless Section.
Canadian Motor Machine Gun Mechanical Transport Co.
The force itself was sub-divided as under:H.Q., the Commander; two staff officers, etc.; wireless section; 10 motor cyclists.
Armoured Car Detachment: 4 armoured auto-cars (two from each M.M.G. Bde - 16 guns); 1 platoon
cyclists; 10 motor cyclists.
Trench Mortar Section; 2 lorries each containing 1-6" Newton trench mortar.
No. 1 Group (1st Cdn. M.M.G.Bde.): 5 motor machine gun batteries (40 guns); 2 platoons cyclists; 20
motor cyclists.
No. 2 Group (2nd Cdn. M.M.G.Bde.): 5 motor machine gun batteries (40 guns); 2 platoons cyclists;
20 motor cyclists.
No. 3 Group (Cyclist Bn.): 2 armoured auto-cars (one each from the M.M.G. Bdes.); 4 platoons
cyclists; 10 motor cyclists.
Supply Section: ration lorry; ammunition lorry; water lorry; fuel and oil lorry; first aid lorries (2); 5
motor cyclists.

For the Battle of the Drocourt-Quant Line: 2nd - 3rd September, 1918, Brutinel's Brigade (consisting
of 1st and 2nd Canadian Motor Machine Gun Brigades and the Canadian Corps Cyclist Battalion)
was withdrawn into Corps Reserve on the 30th August for reorganization. Next day the following
units were added to the brigade which was to be re-grouped into the Canadian Independent Force
(under control of Brig. Genl. R. Brutinel, C.M.G., D.S.O.) for future operations:10th Royal Hussars.
Canadian Light Infantry Horse (less 1 1/2 squadrons).
Six heavy armoured cars (17th Tank Battalion).
30th Battery (8th Army Brigade, C.F.A.)
Two sections, medium trench mortars, (5th C.D.A.).
One wireless detachment.
One supply column.

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------SOURCE: NARRATIVES COVERING OPERATIONS OF The 1st Canadian Motor Machine Gun
Brigade, the Canadian Independent Force, the Composite Brigade and Brutinel's Brigade During
1918:- Historical Section, General Staff. OTTAWA, Canada September, 1926. [p. 10 and p. 30]

==================================================
SAMPLE OF BORDEN MOTOR MACHINE GUN BATTERY
- NAMED IN HONOUR OF CANADIAN PRIME MINISTER BORDEN
Thu., Dec 10, 1914, MONTREAL, CANADA
This unit was given orders to mobilize in Montreal, Que. on Dec. 10, 1914 and to be known as
Bordens Armoured Battery. The establishment to be six officers, one warrant officer, one Sergeant
Major, eight Sergeants, nine Corporals and forty five privates making a strength of sixty officers and
men. This included twenty-two artificers.
The following officers were appointed
Major E.J. Holland V.C. in command Nov. 1 - 14
Capt P.A.G. McCarthy 2nd ,, ,, Dec. 16 - 14
Lt. W.F. Battersby ,, 16 - 14
,, J.H. Rattray ,, ,, ,,
,, J. R. Ryan Jan. 9 15
,, C.B. Grier ,, 22 15
Later by orders from Headquarters, Ottawa the Warrant-officer was struck off the establishment and
one more allowed under Lieutenant.
---signed E.J. Holland, Major, O.C. Borden's Armoured Battery.

Sat., Sep 4, 1915 SHORNCLIFFE, ENGLAND

This unit was issued with 18 old SCOTT TRI-CARS which had been used and abused for many
months by the R.N.A.S. and there was also issued 5 STUDEBAKER BOX BODY CARS (load
capacity 1500 lbs) and 9 new TRIUMPH MOTOR CYCLES.
---signed by E.J. Holland, Major, O.C., Borden's Motor Machine Gun Battery.

Mon., Sep 6 to
Sat., Sep 11, 1915 SHORNCLIFFE, ENGLAND
The unit was drilled with the MOTOR VEHICLES making road runs and repairing and tuning up the
old SCOTT CARS.
---signed by E.J. Holland, Major, O.C., Borden's Motor Machine Gun Battery.

Sun., Sep 12 &

Mon., Sep 13, 1915 SHORNCLIFFE, ENGLAND
This unit was ordered to leave SHORNCLIFFE KENT ENG. for SOUTHAMPTON by MOTOR
ROUTE which it proceeded to do making very poor time on account of the condition of the SCOTT
CARS. The unit was only able to get as far as HASTINGS the first day and there had to SCRAP 2
of the SCOTT CARS as they had not sufficient power to carry them up the grades encountered
necessitating towing or pushing up the hills. We Bivouacked at HASTINGS for the night of the 12th
13th SEPT. leaving HASTINGS at 6 A.M. SEPT. 13th and arriving at SOUTHAMPTON at 5.30 P.M.
SEPT 13th just in time to miss the boat for Le HAVRE. The trip from SHORNCLIFFE to Le HAVRE
was unsatisfactory in every way owing to the fact hat these old SCOTT machines had been so worn
out before being turned over to us that they would make but a few miles at a time without some
repairing requiring to be done such as BROKEN CHAINS, LEAKING GASOLINE TANKS,
CARBURETTERS AND MAGNETOS out of order. To sum up the machines were in such condition
that the unit could not be kept self contained and mobile and taking many hours more than should
have been taken and in consequence of which we arrived too late at SOUTHAMPTON to take the
boat that night as ordered and had to go to a rest camp for the night.
I wish to record here that the 5 STUDEBAKER CARS issued to this unit were too light for the work
required of them and gave no end of trouble during the journey, they could not carry 1500 lbs. and
make the hills met with on the ordinary ENGLISH ROAD. We were forced to requisition for a 3 TON
TRUCK to carry the surplus Machine Gun Ammunition and spare men and equipment which the
STUDEBAKER CARS were supposed to carry and the inability of the SCOTT TRI-Cars to carry their
quota of ammunition as they were not fitted with COLT AMMUNITION BOXES added to the
necessity of the 3 TON TRUCK.
---signed by E.J. Holland, Major, O.C., Borden's Motor Machine Gun Battery.

Sat, Mar 23, 1918 VERDREL - VILLERS-BRETONNEUX, FRANCE

Fine
Battery left Camp about 5.30 AM. in convoy with the Canadian Corps Motor Machine Gun Brigade
and proceeded to VILLERS-BRETONNEUX by way of St. Pol, Doullens and Amiens arriving about 5
p.m.
At 9.30 p.m. Orders were received to Stand by and at 11.30 p.m. Battery moved off and proceeded
to CORBIE, under Command of Capt. W. C. Nicholson, M.C., Lieut. F.G. Waldron and Lieut. R.H.A.
West. On arrival at CORBIE, about Midnight Capt. Nicholson reported to the 7th Corps.
--- signed Lieut. F. P. OReilly, MC, O.C.

Capt. Nicholson called up Lieut. Inch who had been back from the line with the men and the
armoured cars. Inch was to try and get a message back to headquarters asking for immediate
reinforcements. The message ran.

0. C. CDN CORPS MMG BDE

CIO 7th CORPS
Battery in position (sheet 62c) H5a 5050. 1 am in command of both machine-guns and infantry. We
have only four guns left which are being manned; others captured or out of (action) order. Capt.
Holland wounded. Lieuts. West and Waldron killed. Lieut. Snyder killed, wounded or prisoner. All my
NCOs in Borden (C) Battery casualties except one. I have only six men left. B Battery has two
NCOs, six ORs and one officer left. Both our flanks are in the air and we are being shelled by all
calibres, snipers and machine-guns are busy. Enemy took Clery this a.m. about 9.30 and we are
fairly well consolidated in an old trench 1000 yards west of the village. Here the infantry are being
relieved tonight but no word of relief for us. Enemy aircraft are active. We have only one tripod left.
Troops broke and ran this a.m. Great difficulty to rally them. One motorcycle blown up. Cars intact,
also solos. Supply of ammunition short. No bombs or flares.
Weather good. Strong east wind. Very misty and many grass fires make it smoky, observation poor
as consequence.
No support troops in evidence. Men in fair shape considering all but would heartily appreciate a rest.
Cars at Maricourt cross roads. Presence of Motor cars and our men undoubtedly saved situation
somewhat. Capt. Holland did mighty fine work.
W.D. Nicholson Capt.
O.C. Borden M.M.G. Balleo,
3.55 p. in. 24-3 - / 8
by dispatch rider
Am trying to get in touch with Brigade but no answer yet DMGG and staff probably captured.
W.C.N.

Sun, Mar 24, 1918 VILLERS-BRETONNEUX, FRANCE

Fine.
About 2 a.m. Battery proceeded to MARICOURT and came under the Orders of the 21st Division
arriving there about 6 a.m. Orders were received to proceed to CLERY, and from there at 7.15 a.m.
arrived at Support Line in H.4.C. Sheet 62 (c ) at 8 a.m.

A heavy smoke Barrage was blowing from the East, but not evident hostile activity. Two guns were
placed in CLERY Village under command of Lieut. R.H.A. West, shortly after the Enemy broke
through on our left flank, and overran the Village. One [of] our guns was blown up and the crew of
the other completely killed or wounded, one officer, one N.C.O. and one man remained, they
managed to save a Tripod.
The remaining Guns were placed on the MARICOURT-CLERY Road, in an old shallow Trench with
no wire in front. This trench was on the forward slope of the Ridge, observation was good, and as
good targets were constantly presenting themselves our Guns created great havoc.
We held this Trench until 1 p.m. during which time our Casualties were exceptionally severe. Lieut.
F.G. Waldron and Lieut. R.H.A. West were killed by enemy snipers, they being very active, causing
many casualties.
Our Guns kept up harassing fire until our Supply of Ammunition became exceedingly low. There
being a Trench 50 yds. to the rear, behind a strong line, the Guns were withdrawn to this stronger
line. Casualties were continually being received during the whole Afternoon until at 5 p.m. we had
only 3 guns (1 out of action) Capt. W. C. Nicholson, one N.C.O. and two men.
We had been reinforced about 11.30 oclock by the 15th Ches[h]ires, 35th Division, and we arranged
with them that we should hold the line until 8 p.m., but the Enemy attacked in force on our left flank,
and at the same time on our front in mass. We were compelled to withdraw, but not before we had
poured a terrible fire into the close Enemy Ranks.
While proceeding down the Road near Hemp Dump Capt. W. C. Nicholson was hit in the arm by a
ricochet, and forced to leave the Line.
The remainder of the Battery, Sergt. A. Peek and two other Ranks [Pte. Mercer and Pte. Findlayson]
were instructed to report to D.M.G.C. 35th Div., and were then given instructions to return to Brigade
H.Qs VILLERS-BRETONNEUX arriving about 3 a.m. 25th inst.
During the later part of the afternoon 8 O.R.s, who had been assisting out wounded, attached
themselves to B Battery, and were joined later by 13 O.R.s under Sergt. C.D. Salkeld, who had
arrived as Reinforcements. The Party rested at BRAY overnight.
--- signed Lieut. F. P. OReilly, MC, O.C.

Mon., Mar 25, 1918 HBECOURT, FRANCE

Fine

Details attached to B Battery in the line, went into Action during the day patrolling the Roads in
Armoured Cars.
At about 5.30 p.m. Orders were received to move Head Qrtns to HBECOURT, leaving at 6 p.m.
and arriving at HBECOURT about 8.30 p.m.
--- signed Lieut. F. P. OReilly, MC, O.C.

Wed., Apr 3, 1918 HBECOURT, FRANCE

Fine
Battery in the line, One Gun Crew doing out post duty in front of the Front line was knocked out by
Shell Fire slightly wounding Sergt. C.D. Salkeld and Pte. R. W. Mercer.
Orders were received to withdraw Battery and return to HBECOURT, arriving there early in the
morning of the 4th inst.
--- signed Lieut. F. P. OReilly, MC, O.C.

Thu., Apr 4, 1918 HBECOURT, FRANCE

Rain
Battery Cleaning Guns and fighting equipment.
At about 5 p.m. Orders were received from OC. Canadian Corps M.M.G. Bde. that 6 Guns were to
proceed to the line, 2 Guns remaining in reserve at HBECOURT.
Lieut. A.E. Millward in command of Six Guns left Camp at 5.30 p.m. and reported to Capt. H.F.
Meurling, M.C. who was in command of Group.
Battery Taking up Battle positions at O 30c 75 75 Sheet 62D.
--- signed Lieut. F. P. OReilly, MC, O.C.

Fri., Apr 5, 1918 HBECOURT, FRANCE

Rain.
Battery in the line - 10 minute Barrages were put over at Dusk and Dawn.
About 3 p.m. Brigade Head Quarters moved to DURY, details of this Battery arriving there about 5.30
p.m.
--- signed Lieut. F. P. OReilly, MC, O.C.