Just an introduction, from a new member, about my work on the Great War 1914-1918. Both my grandfathers served in the Great War, each first in the Canadian Expeditionary Force (as Privates) and later each in the British Army (as Officers). Apparently trench life was not in the works for these UK born lads, but they gave it a shot and both did their time in the trenches. I will tell you more about them later in the post.
In searching their records I first started in the UK as I did not know about their CEF service. Then I had to track them back to Canada and I got totally lost in all the Divisions, Brigades and Battalions. On a challenge from a fellow CEF and GWF member, I undertook to put together the structure of the CEF from 1914 to 1918. Although only 2 years old this March (2008) the
MATRIX has grown to include not only the original Summary Sheets of all the units but also many of the pages for the individual units. Much more has been added into the "Matrix Utilities", which includes everything from the CEF Battle Maps on Google Earth to a fine collection of Cap Badges.
Come visit the Matrix here:
Canadian Expeditionary Force Study Group - Matrix Project
If you are not familiar with the CEF, take a quick ride on the Navigation Chart. I would really like to also hear back from any counterparts in the other COLONIES if there are similar projects to this, as it would be nice to tie them all together.
Be sure also to take a quick stop by at the Matrix Utilities as there is a nice collection of everything for everyone interested in Military Research:
The Matrix Utilities - What You Need to Know about the CEF
My favourite project was to put together a FLUID ORBAT (Order of Battle) for the Canadian Forces from 1914 to 1918. Everyone said it could not be done, so that made me just more determined to get it done. It isn't perfect and it may not be 100% complete, but it sure has a lot more than anything else I have ever found. Comments and critiques welcome, new information anticipated:
The CEF Fluid ORBAT Project 1914-1918
You also might like how we tied this together for our 2007 Vimy Ridge Project:
VIMY RIDGE - 90 YEARS LATER - The War Diaries of the Units
Well so much for the Great War, back to that other war,
Richard of Canada
Grandfather Laughton in the Great War Grandfather Kennedy in the Great War