Private March had served in the Naval Reserve in
Newfoundland. His pay sheet shows that in November 1914 he was serving
with the 20th Regiment (Halton Rifles) guarding armouries.
Private March attested to "D" Company of the 20th Infantry Battalion (2nd Division, 4th
Infantry Brigade) on November 9, 1916. While in France he took
the Pigeon Training Course (used for messengers). In 1917 he had
temporary assignments to the Canadian Corps Reinforcement Camp (CCRC).
It appears to be related to "dental issues", but no
details are available. Private March returned to the 20th
Battalion on March 19, 1918.
Private March was killed in action on October 10, 1918 during
"Canada's 100 Days". During September and October 1918
the Canadian's were crossing the Canal du Nord, heading through
Cambrai, in the first highly mobile action of the Great War.
On October 10, 1918 the 20th Battalion was at
Escaudoeuvres and attacked the enemy at Naves, as reported in
the daily
war diary. "D" Coy of the 20th, March's company, was north of
the railway as
reported. Casualties were initially reported as light, 2
killed and 10 wounded (March may have been one of those reported
killed), however over the 10th and into the 11th the casualty
count grew. The battalion orders are reported here
for October 10, 1918.
This was one of the first battles to see the combined action
of the infantry, the quick moving cavalry, the intense fire
power of the Canadian Motor Machine Gun Corps and the
tanks. Truly a day in history.
