Épehy

Battle of Épehy. German prisoners being marched back, near Épehy. 18 September 1918.
Credit: Imperial War Museum, “The Hundred Days Offensive, August-November 1918” ©IWM (Q 11335).

First World War

Date

18 September 1918

Geographical parameters

St. Quentin (exclusive) – Beauvois – Cartigny – Manancourt: thence by the southern edge of Havrincourt Wood to Villers Plouich

Context

A battle honour formally entitled the “Battle of Épehy” and itself being part of “The Battles of the Hindenburg Line”.^{Footnote 1}

Description

In mid-September the Allies were advancing eastward with a series of consecutive blows against the German lines. South of the main Canadian effort the British Fourth Army started an offensive on 18 September with British and Australian infantry, supported by tanks, attacking the village of Épehy. The attack went in a heavy rain which hindered the tank/infantry cooperation but did not stop it. The advance continued through the day and night until the objective was obtained and secured.

The 6th Battalion Canadian Railway Troops (formerly the 128th Battalion, Canadian Expeditionary Force) supported the British advance in this campaign.

Awarded to:

Currently serving units

• The Algonquin Regiment
  Award to the 228th Canadian Infantry Battalion, CEF (GO 5/31) and The Algonquin Regiment (GO 88/31).