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diff --git a/old/64101-0.txt b/old/64101-0.txt deleted file mode 100644 index fabc39f..0000000 --- a/old/64101-0.txt +++ /dev/null @@ -1,19623 +0,0 @@ -The Project Gutenberg eBook, Nova Scotia's Part in the Great War, by -Various, Edited by M. S. Hunt - - -This eBook is for the use of anyone anywhere in the United States and most -other parts of the world at no cost and with almost no restrictions -whatsoever. You may copy it, give it away or re-use it under the terms of -the Project Gutenberg License included with this eBook or online at -www.gutenberg.org. If you are not located in the United States, you'll have -to check the laws of the country where you are located before using this ebook. - - - - -Title: Nova Scotia's Part in the Great War - - -Author: Various - -Editor: M. S. Hunt - -Release Date: December 22, 2020 [eBook #64101] - -Language: English - -Character set encoding: UTF-8 - - -***START OF THE PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK NOVA SCOTIA'S PART IN THE GREAT -WAR*** - - -E-text prepared by Richard Tonsing and the Online Distributed Proofreading -Team (http://www.pgdp.net) from page images generously made available by -Internet Archive (https://archive.org) - - - -Note: Project Gutenberg also has an HTML version of this - file which includes the original illustrations. - See 64101-h.htm or 64101-h.zip: - (http://www.gutenberg.org/files/64101/64101-h/64101-h.htm) - or - (http://www.gutenberg.org/files/64101/64101-h.zip) - - - Images of the original pages are available through - Internet Archive. See - https://archive.org/details/novascotia00huntuoft - - -Transcriber’s note: - - Text enclosed by underscores is in italics (_italics_). - - - - - -[Illustration: - - ARMS GRANTED TO THE COLONY OF NOVA SCOTIA - BY KING CHARLES I] - - -[Illustration: - - HIS HONOUR THE HONOURABLE McCALLUM GRANT, LL.D. - - Lieut.-Governor of Nova Scotia.] - - -NOVA SCOTIA’S PART IN THE GREAT WAR - -Compiled and Edited - -by - -M. S. HUNT - -(Captain R.O.) - -Illustrated from Half-Tones - - -[Illustration] - - - - - - -Halifax, Nova Scotia: -The Nova Scotia Veteran Publishing Co., Limited -1920 -All Rights Reserved - -Copyright, Canada, 1920, by -M. S. Hunt. - - - - - To - - The Immortal Memory - - of - - Our Fallen Comrades - - - - - PREFACE - - -Two years have passed since the last gun was fired in the Great War on -the Western Front and hitherto no attempt has been made to place before -the people of Nova Scotia a comprehensive history of the various -Military Units and Patriotic Organizations which won for the Province -imperishable fame. - -Anyone who makes an impartial investigation of Nova Scotia’s response to -the call of duty will concede that the sturdy little Province by the sea -achieved an enviable record. In some respects it surpassed the other -Provinces of the Dominion in promoting the successful conclusion of the -great conflict—not only by the number of splendid troops it supplied in -proportion to its population, both for Overseas and Home Service, but -also because it had in its capital city, Halifax, the Naval Base of the -British Empire on the Atlantic Coast, and from its spacious harbor sent -many hundreds of ships Overseas laden with Canadian and Allied troops -and received them after the Armistice when they were employed in -returning the victors to their homes. From Nova Scotia ports, chiefly -Halifax and Sydney, were also shipped munitions, supplies and equipment -required by the Army in the field. The appreciation of the troops and -their dependants on their return from Overseas of the welcome given them -by the representatives of the citizens of Halifax, and the comforts and -kindnesses bestowed upon them, has been attested by many grateful -letters received from homes scattered over the North American continent. -The patriotic work of the Nova Scotia Branch of the Red Cross Society, -with its country auxiliaries, was magnificent. All other patriotic -societies and organizations gave equally valuable service. In fact, Nova -Scotia played a role in the conduct of the war which will redound to her -glory for all time. May the same sense of unity and spirit of -self-devotion, which characterized her people during the war, be -retained undiminished and be used wisely in time of peace. - -In giving a review of each of the Military Units which were mobilized or -organized in Nova Scotia for service in the Great War, narrative has -been adhered to as far as possible. Official war records were consulted -in so far as they were available, but a great deal of information had to -be gathered from personal war diaries and interviews. The book contains -as complete a history of Nova Scotia’s part in the Great War as could be -compressed into a single handy library volume. And it has several unique -features. It contains many engraved portraits of Nova Scotian officers -who made the supreme sacrifice, of officers commanding Units, leaders of -patriotic organizations, and groups of special persons and events, and a -reproduction of the authentic Nova Scotia Coat of Arms, granted by -Charles I—all of which will be of great interest to readers of this -history. - -Before closing this preface special recognition should be made of J. D. -Logan, M.A. (Dalhousie Univ.), Ph.D. (Harvard Univ.), formerly Sergeant -in the 85th Battalion, Nova Scotia Highlanders, for his patient, keen, -and thorough reading of the entire manuscript, with important -alterations and corrections. - -I am also deeply indebted to Major J. G. Johnstone, R.O., for his -indefatigable assistance in the compilation of this volume. - -For information and assistance my thanks are also due to: Colonel W. E. -Thompson, Colonel Thos. Cantley, Lt.-Col. S. G. Robertson, C.B.E., -Lt.-Col. H. Flowers, Lt.-Col. Joseph Hayes, D.S.O., Lt.-Col. D. H. -Sutherland, Lt.-Col. R. B. Simmons, Lt.-Col. A. W. Duffus, Lt.-Col. T. -M. Seeley, Lt.-Col. J. L. McKinnon, Lt.-Col. E. C. Dean, Major C. E. -McLaughlin, Major G. B. Cutten, Acadia Univ., Major A. A. Sturley, Univ. -of King’s College, Major J. F. Taylor, Major M. D. McKeigan, Major W. G. -McRae, Major D. A. McKinnon, D.S.O., Major P. O. Soulis, Capt. G. C. -McElhinney, M.C., Capt. Angus L. McDonald, Hon. Capt. Clarence McKinnon, -Capt. B. M. Beckwith, Capt. F. G. Kingdon, Capt. G. T. Shaw, Lieut. W. -H. Whidden, Dr. H. P. McPherson, St. Francis Xavier University, -Professor Fraser Harris, Medical School, Dalhousie University, Principal -F. H. Sexton, Nova Scotia Technical College, Mr. A. A. Campbell, Mr. F. -A. Crowell, Mr. McI. Miller, Mr. Stuart McCawley, Mr. Wilfred Hearn, Mr. -J. McL. Fraser, Mr. J. A. Walker. - - M. S. HUNT, - Capt. R.O. - - HALIFAX, N.S. - ARMISTICE DAY, 1920. - - - - - CONTENTS - - - PAGE - NOVA SCOTIA’S COAT OF ARMS (Granted by Charles I) i - - PORTRAIT of His Honour the Honourable McCallum Grant, LL.D., - Lieutenant-Governor of Nova Scotia iv - - DEDICATION vii - - PREFACE ix - - PORTRAIT of Sir Robert Borden, Premier of Canada, during the War xiii - - PORTRAIT of the Honourable George Henry Murray, Premier of Nova - Scotia xvi - - - CHAPTER - I. Headquarters Military District No. 6 1 - - II. 6th Canadian Mounted Rifles 9 - - III. 9th Siege Battery 22 - - IV. 10th Siege Battery 28 - - V. 17th Field Battery 31 - - VI. 23rd and 24th Field Batteries 41 - - VII. 36th Field Battery 43 - - VIII. 14th Brigade, C.F.A. 56 - - IX. Royal Canadian Regiment 58 - - X. 17th Battalion 65 - - XI. 25th Battalion 70 - - XII. 40th Battalion 92 - - XIII. 64th Battalion 95 - - XIV. 85th Battalion and Band 99 - - XV. 106th Battalion 116 - - XVI. 112th Battalion 119 - - XVII. 185th Battalion 122 - - XVIII. 193rd Battalion 130 - - XIX. 219th Battalion 133 - - XX. 246th Battalion 146 - - XXI. 2nd Construction Battalion 148 - - XXII. Forestry Corps 154 - - XXIII. No. 6 District Depot 157 - - XXIV. Canadian Army Service Corps 161 - - XXV. Canadian Ordnance Corps 173 - - XXVI. Canadian Army Medical Corps 177 - - XXVII. Canadian Army Dental Corps 226 - - XXVIII. Canadian Army Pay Corps 231 - - XXIX. Royal Canadian Garrison Artillery 236 - - XXX. Canadian Engineers 242 - - XXXI. Militia Units on Home Service 243 - - XXXII. 1st Regiment Canadian Garrison Artillery 245 - - XXXIII. 11th Brigade, C.F.A., and Composite Artillery Company 250 - - XXXIV. 63rd Regiment 253 - - XXXV. 66th Regiment 259 - - XXXVI. 94th Regiment 263 - - XXXVII. Composite Battalion 268 - - XXXVIII. Depot Battalion 272 - - XXXIX. “B” Unit, M.H.C.C. 275 - - XL. University of Acadia College 280 - - XLI. University of Dalhousie College 282 - - XLII. University of King’s College 289 - - XLIII. University of St. Francis Xavier’s College 294 - - XLIV. Presbyterian College, Pine Hill 296 - - XLV. Recruiting in Nova Scotia 300 - - XLVI. Ocean Transport 305 - - XLVII. Munitions 311 - - XLVIII. Demobilization 322 - - XLIX. Vocational Training 330 - - L. Patriotic Fund 345 - - LI. Victory Loan 347 - - LII. Red Cross Society; and Willing War Workers, Green Feather - Society and Catholic Ladies Society 350 - - LIII. Knights of Columbus 370 - - LIV. Young Men’s Christian Association 377 - - LV. Halifax Citizens’ Reception Committee 381 - - LVI. Creche at Pier 2 386 - - LVII. St. Matthew’s Church 394 - - - SPECIAL SKETCHES, with Portraits 399 - - “FELT DAWN”—A Literary Appreciation of a phrase in McCrae’s poem, - “In Flanders Fields” 436 - -[Illustration: - - SIR ROBERT LAIRD BORDEN, - - Premier of Canada during the Great War.] - -[Illustration: - - HON. G. H. MURRAY, - - Premier of Nova Scotia during the Great War.] - - - - - Nova Scotia’s Part in the Great War - - - - - CHAPTER I - _HEADQUARTERS MILITARY DISTRICT No. 6._ - - -Upon the opening of the World War the following were the principal Staff -Officers at Halifax, the headquarters of Military District No. 6:— - -Col. R. W. Rutherford, G.O.C.; Col. W. W. Humphrey, A.O.C.; Major R. J. -Hayter, G.S.O.; Major A. H. W. Powell, D.A.A. & Q.M.G.; Major W. -Gibsone, D.A.A. & Q.M.G. Fortress. - -Military District No. 6 then embraced the Maritime Provinces, but later -in the war, when Compulsory Service came into force, New Brunswick was -made into a separate District, No. 7. - -The aforementioned Staff bore the brunt of this sudden change from peace -to war, and met and overcame the resultant many new problems with great -credit to themselves. - -The sudden deluge of work included the calling out and recruiting up to -strength of the Halifax City Regiments, viz.: 1st Regiment Canadian -Artillery, 63rd Regiment Halifax Rifles, and 66th Regiment Princess -Louise Fusiliers, as part of the War Garrison of Halifax; supplementing -this Garrison later by a Regiment styled the Composite Regiment, called -up by Companies from other Militia Regiments in Nova Scotia and from the -82nd in P. E. Island; calling out the 94th Argyll Highlanders to guard -the cable and wireless stations at North Sydney, Marconi, Louisburg, and -Canso, and detachments of Artillery from the P.E.I. Heavy Brigade to -protect the Harbors of North Sydney and Canso; the provision of guards -for the wireless station at Newcastle, N.B., for the International -Bridge at St. Leonard’s and Vanceboro, and the calling out of the 3rd -Regiment Canadian Artillery and the 62nd Regiment Infantry for the -defence of St. John, N.B. - -This meant that the immediate necessities of war called upon the -Maritime Provinces to furnish, equip and train and keep supplied some -3,000 officers and men, of whom almost 2,600 were supplied by the -Province of Nova Scotia; and of these more than 1,500 men from the City -of Halifax. - -This accounts for the fact that in the mobilization of troops for the -first contingent at Valcartier there were not so many men reported there -for duty from the City of Halifax or from rural Cape Breton as might -have been expected. The officers and men, though keen to enter this -larger sphere, were compelled to do this guard and garrison work, and -were only relieved and permitted to join Overseas Battalions as new men -could be found willing to take their places. - -In addition to equipping this force the further pressing duty upon the -H. Q. Staff was the working out of a system of recruiting to take care -of the thousands of young men anxious to get into the Overseas -Battalions as they were authorized, and to train these men and officers. - -The first change in H.Q. Staff came in December, 1914, when Major W. E. -Thompson was called in from his Regiment, the 63rd Halifax Rifles, then -doing duty on McNab’s Island, to take over the work of Inspector of -Outposts and Detachments throughout the District, with the rank of -Lieut.-Colonel. - -This officer succeeded, upon the retirement of Colonel Humphrey in -March, 1915, to the appointment of Assistant Adjutant-General and -Officer in charge of Administration. He remained at H.Q. throughout the -war and until October 1, 1919, having succeeded to the command of the -District in December, 1918, upon the retirement of Major-General -Lessard. He was promoted full Colonel in May, 1916, and during the -summer of that year he acted as Commandant at Aldershot Camp in addition -to doing his work as A.A.G. - -Every officer at H.Q. was continually on the watch for an opportunity of -proceeding overseas. The chance came first to Major Hayter, who was -offered the position of Brigade Major at Valcartier and was permitted to -accept in September, 1914. A careful, most painstaking officer, always -at work, always thinking about his work, he left his impress; and at -Valcartier, in England, and in France the same qualities marked his -value. His great modesty may have somewhat retarded his promotion, -though he won the rank of Brigadier-General before the war closed. - -For some time the work of G.S.O. was rather perfunctorily performed by -officers awaiting their chance to go overseas and was not again severely -faced till it was taken on by Major A. N. Jones on his being invalided -home from France after service with the 25th Battalion. He carried on -till his health broke down in January, 1917, when Major Soulis acted -temporarily till the arrival of Col. W. R. Lang, who arrived in this -station with General Lessard, remaining till May, 1918, when he was -succeeded by Major W. G. Haggarty. - -There was a bit of a struggle between Major Gibsone and Colonel Thompson -for the command of the 40th Battalion, the second Overseas Battalion to -be raised in this District, but the prize fell to the former, and his -place was taken by Major R. B. Willis, who filled the duties of D.A.A. -and Q.M.G. Fortress for the balance of the war with great credit. - -Early in 1915 Major Powell was promoted to the rank of Lieut.-Colonel. -His special work was responsibility for recruiting and the organizing, -officering and equipping of Units for Overseas Service. He brought great -energy and ability to this work, and when New Brunswick was converted -into a separate District he was detailed to that District as A.A.G., -February, 1916. - -Lieut.-Colonel Powell was succeeded by Lieut.-Colonel B. R. Armstrong, -of St. John, N.B., who came out with his Regiment, the 3rd C.A., at St. -John upon the outbreak of the war, and who in addition to this command -was the representative of the Officer Commanding the District in New -Brunswick, and had a special supervision over recruiting in that -Province. He carried on the duties of D.A.A. and Q.M.G. for District No. -6 till demobilized in September, 1919. - -His work was of a very high order, his grasp of details was unusual, and -his knowledge of shipping and business affairs was of great assistance, -particularly in connection with the very important work of transporting, -embarking and disembarking troops. - -This latter work assumed such dimensions that it was found necessary to -provide him with an assistant. Major W. D. Tait served in this capacity -for a time till he assumed command of McGill Heavy Battery for service -Overseas, when, in June, 1916, he was succeeded by Major P. O. Soulis, -who came out on the outbreak of war with his Regiment, the 1st C.A. - -Major Soulis was given the special department of Statistics and -Documents, and the supervision of all embarkations and disembarkations. -The combination of these two officers made this most important work -proceed so smoothly that hundreds of thousands of men went through this -port with the bulk of the citizens not realizing that anything unusual -was going on. - -It should be mentioned, however, in this connection, that the work of -H.Q. could not have met with the success it did, were it not for the -very efficient executive work of Major A. P. Lomas, the executive head -of the Department of Transport and Supplies during the rush-time of this -most important work. Nor could the work of H.Q. have met with success in -this matter had it not been for the energy and co-operation which the -Clearing Services Command, represented here first by Lieut.-Colonel H. -F. Adams and later by Lieut.-Colonel Cram, brought to its work of -passing troops going and coming through its depot at Pier 2. - -When after Compulsory Service came into operation the necessity became -evident for an officer to be detailed to give exclusive attention to the -compilation and care of soldiers’ documents, the choice most naturally -fell upon Major Soulis. He made a close study of the work, and his -system met with so much approval that many of his ideas were adopted by -Militia Headquarters and were put into general operation. Major Soulis -continued to hold the appointment of District Record Officer till -demobilized in July, 1919. - -Both Colonel Armstrong and Major Soulis were South African Veterans, the -former having lost a foot in action there, and the latter having been -mentioned in despatches. - -In December, 1914, Colonel Rutherford was promoted to the rank of -Brigadier-General, and in October, 1915, was given his step to -Major-General. He was an officer of much more than ordinary attainments, -and filled well the office of General Officer Commanding, always -carrying the confidence and respect of his Staff. A noticeable increase -in defective hearing shown during a conference of General Officers at -Ottawa led Militia H.Q. to bring about his retirement, and in November, -1915, he was succeeded by Major-General Thomas Benson. - -[Illustration: - - HEADQUARTERS STAFF, M.D. 6.] - -General Benson brought a long training in military affairs, a broad -outlook, an attractive personality, and good judgment to cope with the -many questions arising in the District. He gave up his command in -February, 1918, to the regret of his Staff and of citizens who had been -wont to do business at Military Headquarters. He was given leave till -July 1st of that year, and his valuable services were recognized by -investment with the order of C.M.G. - -General Benson’s successor was Major-General T. L. Lessard, who retained -command till December 28, 1918, when he was succeeded by Colonel W. E. -Thompson. - -The work done by the Garrison at Halifax during the war was most -arduous, exacting and valuable. From August 7, 1914, when Canada entered -the war till final demobilization, the work was kept up continuously, -and upon the strictest laws of military discipline. - -Only such officers whose places could be filled by volunteers were -permitted to proceed Overseas, and no man was relieved for this broader -field of action unless there was a man ready to take his place. This -being so, it was the exception for an officer once on the Staff or for -any well-trained officer of the Units out, particularly of the -Artillery, or for good non-commissioned officers and specialists to get -a chance for Overseas. They all knew that should the war terminate -without their getting over they would for the rest of their lives be -compelled to explain that they were not permitted to go and felt keenly -how flat such an explanation would fall. They had, however, the -consolation that they were doing a necessary and valuable work and were -buoyed up with the hope their chance would yet come; and if not, the -State would at least recognize their voluntary services as at least -equal to the services of those, many of whom were draftees, who had not -proceeded further than England or St. Lucia. Up to the time of writing, -however, no such recognition has been forthcoming. - -The above sets out in most skeletonized form the ordinary duties of H.Q. -consequent on the Country being at war, and the Port of Halifax being -the only port of embarkation and disembarkation for Canadian troops and -supplies of war during the most strenuous months of the year. - -In addition were the extra responsibilities of caring for troops -awaiting embarkation. These troops were not only Canadians but also -troops from United States, Australia, New Zealand and some 50,000 -laborers from China. - -When a contingent passed through the port, either coming in or going -out, from illness or other causes some were left behind, and these had -to be cared for, often taxing the facilities of the barracks and -hospitals to their utmost. In the summer of 1918 when we encamped at -Aldershot, some 5,000 United States troops and a whole shipload was -suddenly disembarked at Sydney suffering from the “flu.” - -The temporary derelicts from Canadian troops passing through the City of -Halifax were taken care of by being attached to the Composite Battalion, -under Lieut.-Col. H. L. Chipman. When ready for Overseas these were -attached to another unit going through. The records show the number of -such exceeded 10,000 men. Lieut.-Colonel Chipman deserves special -mention for his splendid administration of the Composite Battalion and -for his wise handling of many difficult problems not to be met in an -ordinary Garrison Battalion. - -Again, the awful catastrophe which befell the City of Halifax on -December 6, 1917, when a ship loaded with high explosives exploded in -the harbor, spreading death and devastation broadcast, placed a great -burden upon the Garrison and proved its great value in a sudden -emergency. Every officer and man of every Military Unit and Department, -with all the military facilities of the Garrison were rushed into the -work of removing the dead and wounded, fighting fires, preparing -shelters, transporting and feeding the destitute, doing police duty and -the hundred and one things that came to the hands of a willing, -well-trained body of troops. - -The Ordnance, under Lieut.-Col. Arthur Panet, opened wide its doors, and -one of the first orders issued from H.Q. was for every available man of -the 63rd from McNab’s and the 66th from York and also every artilleryman -of the 1st C.A. from the forts to be rushed to the city and, proceeding -to the devastated area by way of the Ordnance Yard, for each to carry -with him a blanket for the wounded and destitute. This order was fully -carried out, Col. Panet, though himself wounded, travelling continuously -to and from the area of most suffering to see that as many as possible -were cared for. - -Major H. P. Lomas, then at the head of the Department of Supplies and -Transport, met the necessities of the sufferers with the same breadth of -judgment, bigness of heart and broad interpretation of regulations which -marked his most successful administration throughout the war of this the -essentially business department of the Service. - -Elsewhere in this publication will be found articles dealing with -specific work done in this District during the war, so that in this -article it is only attempted to give a general idea of who sat at -Headquarters during these strenuous times and a general idea of the work -they were called upon to originate and supervise; and it must be borne -in mind as the detail of this specific work is studied and admired or -condemned, the responsibility and the direction was always with that -often maligned, seldom praised or congratulated, but nevertheless -patient, long-suffering, faithful, headquarters. - -This article cannot properly close, however, without mention of the -other heads of Departments in addition to those specially mentioned -above because of their close association with the matters dealt with, -who so heartily and with such great self-sacrifice performed their -various duties, each in their turn: - -Lieut.-Col. J. A. Grant, Lieut.-Col. McKelvie Bell, and Col. H. S. -Jaques as Assistant Directors of Medical Service. - -Lieut.-Colonel Houliston, Lieut.-Colonel Benoit, Lieut.-Colonel Van -Tuyl, and Major Pringle, Commanding the Royal Canadian Engineers. - -Lieut.-Colonel Dean, Assistant Director of Transport and Supplies. - -Col. S. J. R. Sircom (Brig.-General upon Retirement), Assistant Director -of Pay Services. - -Col. J. F. Macdonald, Senior Ordnance Officer. - -Major J. A. Proudfoot, District Signalling Officer. - -Lieut.-Col. H. F. Adams and Lieut.-Colonel Cram, Clearing Services -Command. - - - - - CHAPTER II. - _THE 6th CANADIAN MOUNTED RIFLES._ - - -The 6th Canadian Mounted Rifles was recruited from the different -Maritime Provinces Militia Cavalry Regiments—“A” Squadron from the 8th -P.L.F. (headquarters Sackville, N.B.), and 36th P.E.I. Light Horse -(headquarters Charlottetown, P.E.I.); “B” Squadron from the 28th N.B. -Dragoon Guards (headquarters St. John, N.B.), and “C” Squadron from the -14th King’s Canadian Hussars (headquarters Canning, Nova Scotia). - -The establishment of officers and warrant officers consisted of the -following: - -O.C., Lieut.-Col. R. H. Ryan, South African, Russian-Japanese, -American-Mexican Wars; 2nd I.C., Lieut.-Col. A. E. Ings, Militia Long -Service Medal; Capt. and Adj., Capt. B. W. Roscoe (later Capt. J. W. -Long); Q.M., Major R. A. March; O.M., Major Colin Macintosh; Chaplain, -Capt. G. A. Kuhring; M.O., Capt. F. A. R. Gow; Sig. Off., Capt. H. R. -Emmerson; Asst. Adj., Lieut. E. M. Arnold; Vet. Off., Lieut. J. S. Roy; -R.S.M., L. W. Long. - -_“A” Squadron_—O.C., Major A. J. Markham; 2nd I.C., Capt. B. W. Roscoe; -Lieut. A. T. Ganong, Lieut. G. N. D. Otty, Lieut. G. R. Barnes, Lieut. -W. D. Atkinson, Sqd. Sgt.-Major N. Dawes. - -_“B” Squadron_—Major C. H. McLean; 2nd I.C., Capt. M. A. Scovil; Lieut. -E. J. Mooney, Lieut. E. A. Thomas, Lieut. H. S. Everitt, Lieut. Geo. -Morrisey, Sqd. Sgt.-Major J. M. Lamb. - -_“C” Squadron_—Major T. A. Lydiard; 2nd I.C., Capt. J. C. Gray; Lieut. -H. H. Pineo, Lieut. J. P. Knowlton, Lieut. W. J. Brown, Lieut. H. L. -Bowness, Lieut. B. M. Beckwith, Sqd. Sgt.-Major George Gill. - -Colonel Ryan and many of the officers and other ranks had volunteered at -the outbreak of the war but owing to the expected necessity for the -employment of mounted troops in the Maritime Provinces (the 14th K.C.H. -having actually received orders for mobilization) their services were -not accepted. It was also intimated to Colonel Ryan, who was at -Valcartier, when the First Division was mobilized, that in the event of -the Maritime Province Cavalry not being mobilized as Militia Units for -home service he would be permitted to raise a Cavalry Regiment from -these Units and would be given command thereof, owing to his previous -service and experience in the field. - -Accordingly Colonel Ryan returned to Nova Scotia and in December, 1915, -received orders to recruit the Regiment. - - - AT AMHERST, N.S. - -The Regiment was mobilized at Amherst, N.S., mobilization dating from -March 17, 1915. - -The period during which the Regiment was quartered at Amherst was spent -in perfecting the organization, taking on recruits and training the -latter, owing to restrictions being largely confined to setting-up -exercises, arm drill and route marching with inspections by various -Generals. - -While at Amherst a draft of two hundred volunteers was sent as -reinforcements to the Infantry Regiments in England to make up for the -losses sustained by the Canadians in the Second Battle of Ypres. These -were replaced by new recruits. - - - AT VALCARTIER CAMP. - -In May, 1915, the Regiment was moved to Valcartier, being brigaded with -the 4th and 5th C.M.R.’s, under command of Colonel (later -Brigadier-General) C. A. Smart. - -Training at Valcartier was intensive and performed on foot, as horses -had not been received, the Cavalry formation being however retained. -Here the Unit received instruction in musketry and rather prided -themselves in their ability in this line. - -While at Valcartier and also when at Amherst they were asked if they -would volunteer to serve as dismounted troops, and the answer was always -that “we will serve in any way we are needed.” - - - IN ENGLAND. - -The 6th C.M.R. left Valcartier early in July for England, embarking at -Quebec on the slow South American cold storage boat _Herschel_. -Naturally the accommodations were not of the best, as there were six -hundred men and four hundred horses on a boat without practically any -passenger accommodation. Their eleven days’ voyage ended at Devonport, -where they got a great reception. At Exeter they were met at the station -by the good ladies of that town and given bags of food and fruit, and -had their water bottles filled with hot coffee and tea. Many times since -has this been spoken of in grateful words by the men, who were hungry -and cold from the long train journey. On arrival at Camp in Dibgate they -found themselves once more camping in the sand. As active service in -Egypt had been spoken of, the Unit thought the authorities must be -trying to accustom it to its future surroundings. - -While at Dibgate the Unit received a draft of officers and men from the -8th C.M.R., under command of Lieut. T. D. Johnstone (later Capt. in -Command of “B” Co., 5th C.M.R., wounded): second in command, Lieut. H. -N. Bate (transferred to R.C.D.’s, when Regiment was broken up). Many of -the men who had been sick, owing to the strenuous training, had been -transferred to hospital, and when convalescent were sent to the Cavalry -Reserve Depot. These had been replaced by the draft of men from the 8th. - - - IN FRANCE—PLOEGSTEERTE—MESSINES. - -The Regiment proceeded to France on October 24, 1915, the Brigade being -attached to General Seely’s Cavalry Division, operating as Corps Troops -in the areas of Ploegsteerte and Messines. - -The following officers and warrant officers went to France with the -Regiment and saw service at Ploegsteerte and Messines during the fall -and early winter months of 1915. - -O.C., Lieut.-Colonel Shaw (later O.C. 1st C.M.R., killed in action June -2, 1916). - -2nd I.C., Lieut.-Colonel Ings: Adjt., Capt. J. W. Long: Q.M., Major R. -A. March (later to 4th C.M.R. Battalion); P.M., Major C. McIntosh (later -to Can. Artillery); M.O., Capt. F. A. R. Gow (later to Can. Artillery); -Sig. Officer, Capt. H. R. Emmerson (later Major 219th Infantry -Battalion); Vet. Officer, Lieut. J. A. Roy (later to Fort Garry Horse). - -_“A” Squadron_-Major A. J. Markham (later to Fort Garry Horse), Capt. B. -W. Roscoe, Lieuts. A. T. Ganong, G. N. D. Otty, G. R. Barnes, T. D. -Johnstone; Sqd. Sgt.-Major N. Dawes. - -_“B” Squadron_—Major C. H. McLean, Capt. M. A. Scovil, Lieuts. E. J. -Mooney, E. A. Thomas, H. S. Everett, George Morrisey; Sqd. Sgt.-Major J. -M. Lamb (all later to 4th C.M.R. Regt.). - -_“C” Squadron_—Major T. A. Lydiard (later to R.C. Dragoons), Capt. J. C. -Gray, Lieuts. H. H. Pineo, J. P. Knowlton, B. M. Beckwith, H. N. Bate; -Sqd. Sgt.-Major Geo. Gill, D.C.M., later R.S.M. 5th C.M.R. - -Lieut.-Colonel Ryan transferred to the Artillery, in which he served -with distinction to the end of the war being decorated for conspicuous -gallantry in the field. - - - REORGANIZED AS INFANTRY. - -The Division was withdrawn from the trenches in December, 1915, and -orders were subsequently received that the 1st and 2nd C.M.R. Brigade -should be reorganized into the 8th Canadian Infantry Brigade, consisting -of 1st, 2nd, 4th and 5th Battalions of Mounted Rifles. The junior -Regiments in each Brigade, namely the 3rd and 6th C.M.R., were split up -between the two senior Regiments, thus forming four Infantry Regiments. - -The ostensible reason for this was the necessity of relieving infantry -in trenches and the unsuitability of the cavalry formation for that -purpose. The change in formation necessitated the transfer to England of -officers of senior rank. - -The command of the reorganized Brigade was assumed by Brig.-Gen. V. A. -S. Williams on January 1, 1916, and training in infantry drill and -tactics was gone at in dead earnest by all ranks. - -This training continued both in the line and out and the Brigade -occupied the Ploegsteerte area until March, 1916, when it was moved to -the Ypres Sector as part of the newly-formed 3rd Division, commanded by -General Mercer, and took over the Hooge-Hill 60 Sector. - -The disposal of the various Squadrons of the 6th C.M.R. was as follows: - -“A” and “C” Squadrons were formed into “D” Company of the 5th C.M.R. -Battalion, the company officers and warrant officers being: - -Captain B. W. Roscoe (later Major, D.S.O., 2nd I.C. 5th C.M.R. -Battalion, wounded June 3, 1916, at Sanctuary Wood); 2nd I.C., Captain -H. H. Pineo (later killed in action at Mt. Sorrell, Ypres Sector, July, -1916); Lieuts. A. T. Ganong, G. N. D. Otty, G. R. Barnes; Lieut. J. P. -Knowlton (later to record office at Rouen, and received promotion there -to Captain); C.S.M. George Gill (later R.S.M. 5th C.M.R. Battalion); “B” -Squadron was formed into “D” Company of the 4th C.M.R. Battalion, the -company officers and warrant officers being: Major C. H. McLean (later -2nd I.C. 4th C.M.R. Battalion); Capt. M. A. Scovil; Lieut. George -Morrisey. - - - SANCTUARY WOOD. - -The first serious engagement in which the Brigade was concerned was the -Battle of Sanctuary Wood, which began June 2, 1916. - -The disposition of the Brigade was: 1st and 4th C.M.R., front line and -close support; 5th C.M.R., Battalion H.Q. and three Companies in support -at Maple Copse; one Company in reserve at Zillebeke Bund; 2nd C.M.R. in -Brigade reserve near Poperinghe. - -The morning of June 2nd was clear with good visibility. About 8 a.m. the -Hun started a heavy bombardment, which grew in intensity, and -information was received that an attack was in progress on the sector -held by the 7th and 8th Brigades. The bombardment continued unabatingly, -and about twelve o’clock mines were seen to be blown. The whole of the -area held by the two Brigades was being systematically and furiously -shelled, and communication with the forward area was impossible. - -About 2 p.m. Captain Roscoe received orders to reinforce with his -Company, the remainder of the Battalion at Maple Copse. There was no -route specified, the officer conveying the order remarking that he hoped -they would get through. - -The only other officer with the Company at this time was Lieut. G. N. D. -Otty, but it developed that the N.C.O.’s had the requisite requirements -of leadership and judgment. The Company, led by Captain Roscoe, advanced -to the support of the remainder of the Battalion, and in full view of -the enemy, through an extremely heavy barrage of fire, reached Maple -Copse with few casualties, reporting to Lieut.-Colonel G. H. Baker, then -commanding the Battalion. - -Orders were then received to connect up with the 7th Brigade on the -left, to dig in and hold the Copse to the last. Then it was that the -N.C.O.’s showed those qualities of leadership and judgment, which later -were to be recognized in a substantial manner. - -C.S.M. George Gill, with twenty men was ordered to occupy and hold a -strong point whose garrison had been killed. This he did with great -bravery, showing much skill in defending the position. Sgts. George -Chase, H. McGarry and T. W. Martin led detachments through the Copse and -dug in on the edge next the enemy. Lieutenant Otty was absolutely -fearless in assisting in the disposition of the Company, refusing to -avail himself of anything that looked like shelter. He remarked to the -Company Commander that if he was to be killed that would happen and that -his men were his first consideration. Unfortunately he was hit and -killed within a short time after arrival at the Copse. - -The enemy made several ineffectual attempts to break through the line, -and at each repulse his artillery fire became more severe. There was -absolutely no shelter from his fire, and the Copse was like an inferno. -The Company held the position, and were reinforced the next morning by -the 2nd C.M.R.’s. After this things quieted down and the remnants of the -Company marched out that night. - -At the roll-call on relief only one officer (Lieutenant Barnes) and -twenty men answered their names, the remainder of the Company which went -into action 130 strong, having been either killed or wounded. - -Captain Roscoe had been wounded on the morning of June 3rd, after the -2nd C.M.R.’s had arrived, and the command of the Company was taken over -by Lieutenant Barnes, who was the Battalion Bombing Officer, and with -his bombers had been active in the defence of the position. Lieutenant -Barnes made several very daring patrols, practically between the posts -of the enemy, who had attempted to push down hill in the long grass. It -was through his efforts that the Unit was able to concentrate its rifle -fire on the dangerous places and dislodge several machine guns. -Lieutenant Barnes afterward got the M.C. for his work on this occasion. - -The Battalion, reduced to some 300 all ranks, moved into rest billets, -and the losses were filled by a large draft of officers and other ranks -from England. - -In the reorganization of the Battalion Major D. C. Draper (later -Brigadier-General Commanding the Brigade) became O.C. (Lieut.-Colonel -Baker having been killed in the engagement); Captain Roscoe was promoted -to be second in command, awarded the D.S.O. for his work on the occasion -and mentioned in despatches. The command of “D” Company was taken over -by Lieut. H. H. Pineo (later promoted Captain), with Lieutenant Barnes, -2nd I.C. - -Sergt. Harold McGarry was promoted to C.S.M. in place of George Gill, -who was awarded the D.C.M. and promoted to be Regtl. Sgt.-Major for his -meritorious services and bravery evinced during the battle. Sergt. Geo. -Chase, who was severely wounded, was awarded the Military Medal and -slated for a commission. - -The 4th C.M.R. Battalion also lost heavily in the battle, and “D” -Company of that unit thereafter practically lost its identify as a -Maritime Province Company, owing to the casualties suffered. - -The command of the Brigade was taken over by Brig.-General J. H. -Elmsley, D.S.O. (afterward Major-General), replacing General Williams, -taken prisoner in the battle, while the command of the Division devolved -upon Major-General Lipsett, D.S.O. (later killed in action), the -Divisional Commander, General Mercer having been killed during the -action. - -The Brigade, and incidentally the Company, under the new command had -another very strenuous period of training, and after an initiation trip -for the new men the whole Company moved up again to take their place in -the line. While in training they had the benefit of the advice of a -C.S.M. from the Welsh Guards, which was a great help, especially to the -N.C.O.’s. This training showed later on the Somme. - - - THE BLUFF—MOUNT SORELL LINE. - -On the first trip in after the June fight, the Unit took over the line -on Mount Sorell. The first night in, the Hun started his regular trench -mortar strafe. One of the first of these landed on the signallers’ -dugout, next company headquarters, and buried the men on duty there. -Captain Pineo and Lieutenant Barnes, together with some of the men, -started in to dig them out. At that time they could still hear the men -groaning. Almost immediately afterward the Hun threw over another trench -mortar. The men saw it coming by the trail of sparks, and all scattered -up and down the trench. Captain Pineo was struck and instantly killed. -The work of rescuing the men who had been buried need not have been -performed by him. It was his anxiety for his men that cost him his life. -Lieutenant Barnes at once took over the command of the Company. Word was -here received that the Hun had dug some mines under the trench occupied -by the Company, and to be on the lookout. During the night a party who -were digging out in front uncovered a mine sap and on pulling up some -planks from the roof saw a man with a lighted candle passing under the -lines. Explosives were immediately obtained and the sap blown. This -evidently put the “wind up” the Hun for he blew the remaining mines, -some of which were hardly clear of his wire. - - - AT THE SOMME. - -Shortly after this the Unit left for the Somme, arriving in Albert on -September 1st, after a long, hard march, and severe training. They moved -up in support and were selected as one of the two Companies to be first -over the top. In this engagement, owing to previous officer casualties, -the sergeants had to lead Platoons. The attack on September 15th between -Moquet Farm and Courcellette was the first occasion in which the Tanks -were used. The Unit had wonderful success on this day, losing very few -men in the attack. Afterward, out of one hundred and twenty, forty were -killed and sixty wounded, holding the trench. Lieutenant Barnes was -awarded the bar to the M.C. and his majority for his work on this -occasion. No one could speak too highly of the way in which he led his -men, and it was largely due to his dash that the attack was so -successful. Mention should be made here of Sergeant Lowther, who was -left behind with a party of ten men to garrison the trench until -relieved by incoming troops. He lost a leg and several of the men were -killed and wounded before the relief was accomplished. Sergeant Lowther -was awarded the M.M. Sergt.-Major McGarry, who had been recommended for -a commission, was killed in this action. - -The Unit’s next attack was on October 2nd when “D” Company was in -support. The objective was Regina Trench, strongly held by two divisions -of German Marines, who had just been brought from Ostend to try and stop -the Canadians. This was one of the stiffest hand-to-hand fights the -Company ever had, and naturally the casualties were very heavy. Several -times the Company managed to bomb several hundred yards of trench clear, -but each time the Hun would come back with reinforcements. At daybreak, -with bombs and ammunition completely exhausted, the few survivors were -forced to withdraw to the jumping-off trench. Every officer engaged was -either killed or wounded. Sergt.-Major Holmes, who led the Company on -this occasion, after the officers were knocked out, was awarded the M.M. -Captain Beckwith, who had been detailed as O.C. of the 8th L.T.M. -Battery, and had joined the Company for this occasion was wounded in the -face. His leadership and energy were of great assistance, and it was -largely due to him and his battery who were carrying ammunition that the -Company was able to hold on as long as it did. - -The remainder of the time at the Somme was spent in relieving and -holding front-line positions. The Battalion was complimented by the Army -Commander for its fine work while at the Somme, a personal visit being -paid by him to Battalion Headquarters for that purpose. - -In addition to the decorations mentioned as being won here, many of the -officers of the Battalion were cited for bravery and gallantry in the -field. Sergeant T. W. Martin was awarded the M.M. and slated for a -commission for a daring reconnaissance of the enemy line under artillery -fire. - - - ON THE VIMY FRONT. - -The Unit’s next move was to the Vimy front, where it was soon apparent -that preparations were being made for a terrific onslaught on the Hun. -Some time was spent here in assisting in the work of preparation, after -which the Unit was withdrawn with the rest of the Brigade for a period -of intensive training in attack over a taped layout of the enemy -trenches. The Unit was then moved up to its part of the line, being in -close support to the 4th C.M.R. Battalion. - -The Battle of Vimy Ridge will live in history as the great achievement -of the war, owing to the position being considered impregnable and the -fact that it was captured with inconsequential losses, mainly due to a -well considered plan of attack, absolute co-operation between all -branches of the service and thoroughness of preparation. - -The Company carried on with the usual steadiness during the engagement -and rendered valuable assistance, its losses being negligible. - - - ON THE DOUAI PLAIN. - -For some time after the capture of Vimy Ridge it was found impossible to -bring up the artillery within range, as the Hun had retired to a line on -the outskirts of Lens and Douai. The Company, with the rest of the -Battalion, pushed over the Ridge and were in position as a sacrifice -Battalion to fight to the last man, in the event of a counter attack -being launched to retake the Ridge. Trenches were constructed, deepened -and strengthened, but the expected did not happen, and finally the guns -were able to get up within range, from which time ordinary trench -routine was resumed. - -During a tour in the trenches on this front a raid was attempted by the -Hun on the Company front. It was unsuccessful, the enemy being repulsed -with heavy loss. - -Lieutenant Holmes was awarded the M.C. for his work on this occasion, -displaying great coolness and gallantry in holding off single-handed, -until reinforced, a party of Huns. - -The Battalion at this time was under the command of Major Roscoe, -D.S.O., who the day following the attempted raid received a message from -the Divisional Commander complimenting the Battalion on their steadiness -during the attack. A few days after the Brigade was withdrawn from this -sector. - -The Company, which up until now had been practically all Maritime -Province men, under the new reinforcement scheme drew their men from -Quebec, and for a while the Company was made up almost entirely of -French-Canadians. After Passchendaele, during which the Company gave its -usual assistance to the Battalion, the wounded men began to come back as -well as some of the N.C.O.’s who had been granted commissions, and once -again it became a Maritime Province Company. It was at Passchendaele -that Capt. L. C. Eaton was killed, just before going over the top. - -In the winter of 1917 the Unit moved back to their old front at Vimy. In -March, 1918, the Battalion put on a raid of 250 men. Lieutenants Gillis -and Young of the old “D” Company took part in this, and were both -awarded the M.C. for their work. Gillis in particular had done some very -fine work during the second attack on the Somme. He had come back from -hospital with an unhealed wound in his arm, and although it was too late -for him to secure a rifle and the necessary equipment, he took a -pick-axe handle and joined his Company in going over the top. He brought -back the prisoners, sixty in all, taken on that occasion. - -After a pleasant spring spent in reinforcing different parts of the -line, in August the Unit once again took the road south for Amiens. The -work done by the Company during this attack was spectacular. One of -their accomplishments was the capture of a 5.9 Battery in action at -point-blank range. One of the old 6th men was awarded the D.C.M. for his -work on this occasion and Lieutenant Barnstead was awarded the Croix de -Guerre for his leadership. - -Lieutenant Smith was very seriously wounded during the next scrap in -front of Arras, called the Second Battle of Arras. He had been a -stretcher-bearer-Sergeant with the old Company and was awarded a -commission in the spring of 1917. He was given the M. C. for his work at -Arras in the taking of Monchy. He afterwards died of wounds in London. -His work all the time he had been with the Battalion had been -exceptional and the award of his M.C. was very popular. - -The next fight was for Cambrai, which as far as this Company was -concerned consisted of a hunt for Huns through the ruins, collecting -souvenirs by the way. The Company had a brush with the Bosche on the -other side of the town, but they were merely scouts left behind and -pulled out as soon as fired upon. The Company was sitting down having -dinner when the English troops came through. As there had been no -barrage they did not know that the town had been taken. From here the -Company went to Valenciennes and then on to Mons. Lieutenant Gillis was -wounded at Valenciennes and invalided to England. - -[Illustration: - - CAPT. L. C. EATON.] - -[Illustration: - - CAPT. H. H. PINEO.] - -[Illustration: - - LIEUT. G. N. D. OTTY.] - -[Illustration: - - LIEUT. GEO. MORRISEY.] - -The following other ranks of the 6th C.M.R. Regiment, who went to “D” -Company of the 5th. obtained commissions with the Battalion for -gallantry and devotion to duty on the field: J. W. Lewis, M.C. (later -Capt. 8th Bgd. Light Trench Mortars); L. C. Eaton (later Capt. O. C. “D” -Company, killed at Passchendaele); A. C. Wiswell, wounded June 2, 1916 -(later Div. Bombing Officer, Bramshott); W. O. Barnstead, Croix de -Guerre; C. G. Dunham, M.C., wounded June 2, 1916; H. A. Smith, M.C., -died of wounds received at Monchy, Aug. 28, 1918; L. J. Young, M.C., -wounded June 2, 1916, and at Monchy, Aug. 28, 1918; A. E. Gillis, M.C., -wounded three times; A. H. Weldon, wounded June 2. 1916; T. W. Martin, -M.M., wounded Aug. 9th at Vimy; W. J. Holmes, M.C., M.M., wounded at -Lens, 1916; F. I. Andrews, M.M., wounded June 2, 1916, and November, -1918; Gordon Campbell, wounded twice; C. W. McArthur, M.M., wounded -twice; A. H. Whidden, wounded June, 1916; A. Desbrisay, wounded June, -1916, died since returning home. - -Cadets undergoing training when Armistice was signed: Duncan Chisholm, -Campbell McLellan, Wm. H. Graham, M.M., J. A. Cameron, D.C.M., Walter -Anderson, D.C.M. - -The following were gazetted to other Regiments: A. Rogers, N. Rogers, D. -B. Holman, Stuart Roy, B. Elliott, Geo. Morrison. - -“B” Squadron and Headquarters, 6th C.M.R.’s, went to the 4th C.M.R. -Battalion and formed „ D „ Company of that Battalion under the command -of Major C. H. McLean, D.S.O (later 2nd i/c 4th C.M.R.’s); Capt. M. A. -Scovil, 2nd i/c (seriously wounded and taken prisoner June 2, 1916). -Lieut. H. S. Everett, bombing officer 4th C.M.R., was wounded at -Sanctuary Wood, May, 1916. Lieut. E. A. Thomas was killed in action at -Sanctuary Wood. Lieut. Geo. Morrisey, Intelligence Officer of 4th -C.M.R., was killed in action June 2nd, 1916, while attempting to save a -comrade’s life. - -The following N.C.O.’s received commissions from the 4th for gallantry -and devotion in the field: C. W. Hicks, wounded June 2, 1916 (afterwards -bombing officer, 34th Reserve, Seaford). J. H. Craigie, gazetted to the -Imperial Infantry; N. McKenzie, commission with the 85th N.S. -Highlanders; J. O. Spinney, commission with the 52nd Battalion; H. B. -Fenis, Lieutenant R.A.F.; J. J. Rowland, 4th C.M.R.; J. H. Harris, Depot -Battalion, St John; W. C. Wetmore, 236th Battalion. - - - - - CHAPTER III. - _9th CANADIAN SIEGE BATTERY, C.E.F._ - - -The 9th Canadian Siege Battery was composed of officers and men -belonging to the Royal Canadian Garrison Artillery. Most of the N.C.O/s -and men came from Nos. 1 and 2 Companies, R.C.G.A., at Halifax, N.S. A -small number came from No. 5 Company at Esquimalt, B.C. All the officers -of the original Battery came from the strength of the R.C.G.A. at -Halifax. - -For months the R.C.G.A. had been mobilized in the Forts for the defence -of Halifax; and because the defence of these Forts was a prime -necessity, and no other troops being available, it was impossible, in -the view of Headquarters, to relieve the R.C.G.A. for service Overseas. - -The possibility of an attack from German ships at first kept up -excitement, but as the War progressed this soon diminished and the men -looked down from the Forts at transport after transport bearing troops -Overseas. These were trying days for men keen themselves to go, and it -was difficult to make them believe, as they were constantly told, that -their duty was here. Volunteers for Overseas were asked for more than -once but nothing happened. - -Eventually during the summer of 1916 a definite proposal, made by -Lieut.-Col. S. A. Heward, then acting C.R.C.A. at the Citadel, to raise -a Siege Battery from the R.C.G.A. was granted, on the understanding that -men to replace those taken away should be found and trained. This was -soon done, and the Battery sailed for England on Sept. 27, 1916. - -After a long delay in England the Battery was equipped with six-inch -howitzers, and landed in France on March 22nd. The subsequent moves of -the Battery after its arrival at the Front is best set forth by the -following list of Battery positions:—Mont St. Eloy—Battle of Arras or -Vimy Ridge; Hill 131 (Cabaret Rouge): Angres; Hill 70; Frizenberg -Ridge—Battle of Passchendaele; Thelus; Calonne; Maroc; Petit Vimy; Les -Tilluels; Souciiez; Lievin; Villers Cagnicourt—Battle of Canal du Nord; -Barrelle Wood; Sauchy Lestree—Battle of Cambrai; Blecourt; Bantiguy; -Marquette; Escaudain; Wavrechain-sous-Denain—Battle of Valenciennes; -Herin; Valenciennes; St. Saulve; Onnaing; Mons. - -During the incessant fighting of all this period it is not known which -will be considered as major operations, but the Battle of Arras or Vimy -Ridge, Hill 70, Passchendaele, Canal du Nord, Cambrai and Valenciennes -will be considered as such as far as the Canadian Corps is concerned, -and in all of which the 9th C.S.B. did its part. - -After the Battle of Vimy Ridge, the Group Commander showed his -appreciation of the work of the Battery by a special letter of -recognition for good work done. It had been a very strenuous time. The -Battery arrived there only on April 5th. The position was in an open -muddy field. There was not much time to get ready. Gun platforms were -constructed and camouflage erected, ready to move the guns in at night. -All material, as well as the ammunition, had to be carried a long -distance. For three nights there was no sleep, but guns were registered -on April 7th and the Battery took part in the bombardment on that and -succeeding days. - -After Vimy the Battery moved forward to a position between Angres and -Cité du Caumont. It had a long and memorable stay here during the -protracted fighting round Lens. The position was a very forward one for -a six-inch Battery, and the Hun machine guns at night seemed very near. -Our infantry front line at first was rather uncertain just here and -German snipers and posts used to occupy empty houses at night not very -far from the Battery. It was a good position. The guns were just behind -a hill which screened their flash and were well concealed from aeroplane -observation. The men off duty had good deep Hun dugouts, some 600 yards -in rear. But the place was shelled continually. - -The Battery had wonderful luck, shells day after day dropping all round -the guns and B. C. Post. Funk pits were soon constructed near the guns -for men to take cover when necessary. It was during one of these -enforced cessations of fire that a little episode occurred. The No. 1, -on looking out, saw an old gunner (Gunner Forde) calmly sitting on the -trail of his gun and quietly using most abusive and lurid language -against the enemy. On being asked by him why he did not obey the order -to take cover, he said, “There is not a blankety blank Hun living who -will make me take cover.” It then transpired that he had habitually -stayed behind in this manner on such occasions. - -One of the chief dangers was from splinters. In trying to get our guns -many of the Hun shells exploded on the top of the ridge in front of -them, which sent showers of splinters for 800 yards, so that the daily -relief going and coming from dugouts to guns had an anxious time. During -the stay at Angres many other batteries came to the locality, but did -not stay long, leaving for sunnier climes. - -It was during one of these visits that the first decoration was awarded -to the 9th C.S.B., Gunner Makin getting the M.M. for pulling some -gunners belonging to another battery out of the debris in which they had -been buried by hostile shell fire. But many others deserved a decoration -as well as he and were frequently recommended for it. - -In May the Battery had their most unlucky day, one chance shell killing -seven and wounding six. - -It was in June that a Staff Officer informed the Battery that for the -time it had been in France it had (_a_) fired more rounds than any other -Battery, (_b_) had received more shelling than any other Battery, and -(_c_) was the most advanced Battery on the front. - -In October the Battery left Lens area for the North with the Canadian -Corps, which was to relieve the Australians in the operations against -Passchendaele. It remained in the Ypres Salient till Dec. 13th. The -Battery relieved three R.G.A. Batteries in turn, going further forward -each time. By a merciful providence the ground was soft, and in -consequence many enemy shells were “duds”; otherwise nothing could have -prevented heavy casualties. Constant shelling and bombing; the enemy’s -aeroplanes everywhere; ours not in sight. - -The Ypres Salient is the abomination of desolation—one big graveyard. A -peculiarly depressing place, nothing can describe it; it has to be felt. -A complimentary letter was published from 2nd Division describing the -Heavy Artillery’s work in the taking of Passchendaele as the “perfection -of Heavy Artillery barrage.” - -The Battery moved South again, and for the first time in eight months -went into rest at Ham-en-Artois, arriving at that place on Dec. 15th. It -seemed almost too good to be true. Jan. 11th found the Battery back in -the line again at Petit Vimy. Then followed uneventful moves to Calonne -(Feb. 3rd) and Maroc, where there were good cellars for the men. - -About this time there was a change in Brigade Commanders. On the new one -asking the former one which was the best Battery in the Brigade, the 9th -was given a reputation it might well be proud of. - -On Feb. 25th the Battery was back again at Petit Vimy position with one -section in rear near Les Tilluels. Preparation for the expected Hun -offensive was the order of the day. Successive defensive systems were -prepared. Batteries were issued with Lewis Guns and were ordered to wire -their positions. Many battery positions were prepared and camouflaged. -It was hard work for the men who had heavy days and nights of firing to -carry out at the same time. Again the Battery found itself the most -advanced in the Brigade, and was always being called upon to fire on the -most distant target in consequence. In case of a successful Hun attack -the position would have been impossible to get out of with the steep -Vimy Ridge immediately in rear and all the roads registered and under -observation by day. It seemed that the role of the Battery, under such -circumstances, was that of a sacrifice Battery. Gradually the infantry -in front were drawn in until the line was held by little more than -machine gun posts. The field guns took up positions behind and one woke -up one night to the unusual sound of our own field artillery shells -passing over our heads. - -The G.O.C. paid the Battery a visit after a worse than usual “strafe,” -but he found the men with their “tails up.” He said they were doing good -work and that was why they were being kept in that position. Three -distinct times was the B. C. confidentially warned that the attack was -expected on the morrow and three times nothing unusual happened. - -March 21st passed and the Huns’ great attack which was to last nine -terrible days commenced. It was to the south of us, and not till the -28th did it reach our neighborhood. But Arras remained firm, and there -was no advance worth speaking about on our front. At 3 a.m. the enemy -started shelling the Battery with gas. He attacked persistently with -heavy gun fire till 12 noon and again in the afternoon. At night every -half hour he put down bursts of harassing fire and concentrations, but -the fire of the Battery was kept up in spite of it and gas. The next day -the enemy continued his tactics; not a half hour but Battery, billets, -roads and railway received his attention. Two of the signallers (Dickey -and West) did noble work in repairing our telephone line, nearly a mile, -through a regular barrage of high explosive and gas, their job being -made more difficult by some defensive wire entanglements which had been -recently placed over our line. - -Now succeeded several months when the enemy’s chief energies were -directed to other parts of the Front, and the British Army was -recovering from its wounds, filling up its ranks and organizing for the -coming glorious advance which was to end the war. During these months -the Battery had positions at Souchez and Lievin, neither of these being -pleasant spots, but where life was more or less normal; that is, daily -and nightly tasks of firing, sometimes counter battery shoots, sometimes -destructive shoots, or harassing fire, to all of which the Hun replied -in kind. At Lievin he gave us two bad gas bombardments, but the results, -had he known them, would have been bitterly disappointing to him, to -such an extent had we been educated by this time in anti-gas measures. -At Villers Cagnicourt Chère was some heavy firing and obstinate fighting -before the enemy was driven across the Canal du Nord. At Barelle Wood -the Battery was a day, and at Sauchy Lestree, during the fight for -Cambrai, which was very severe, several days were spent. At this place -the Huns’ night bombers were very active. - -But it was now moving warfare in earnest. Blecourt and Batigny were hot -places for a day or two. At Marquette and Escaydain a night only was -spent in each. Wavrechain-sous-Denain was easy. At Herin the Battery -took part in the very fine artillery preparation for the taking of -Valenciennes, and at St. Saulve on Nov. 4th it had its last casualty of -one man killed. - -During all this moving warfare, conditions were a great contrast to the -previous trench warfare. Guns sometimes took up positions in fields -almost untouched by shell-fire. The laborious gun pit was nearly -unknown. The woods and trees were no longer shot to pieces, and -occasionally one walked into billets to find cut flowers still fresh on -the window sill, or table, left there by the retiring Hun the day before -or by its civil occupants who had been forced to leave with him. - - - 9th CANADIAN SIEGE BATTERY. - -Authority for organization. H.Q. 1–36–129. Names of original officers -with rank: Major (Lieut.-Col.) S. A. Heward, Capt. H. R. N. Cobbett, -Lieut. D. W. McKeen, Lieut. D. A. MacKenzie, Lieut. W. E. B. Starr, -Lieut. C. B. Thackray, all of R.C.A. - -Reinforcements: Lieut. E. S. Hoare, Lieut. H. R. Gunter, Lieut. R. -Cruit, Capt. C. MacKay, Lieut. M. A. Wilson. Lieut. E. T. Chesley, Capt. -J. E. Lean, Lieut. T. S. Millar, Lieut, W. A. F. Fairchild, Lieut. F. C. -Harding, Capt. H. T. Seaman, Major W. G. Scully, all of C.G.A.; Lieut. -Warren (Portuguese Interpreter); Lieut. P. Moyara, Portuguese troops; -Lieut. J. C. Fraser, C.G.A. - -Numerical strength: Officers, 6; W. O. and S. Sergeants, 8; other ranks, -144. Total all ranks, 158. - -Date of sailing for Overseas: 27th September, 1916. - -Date of return to Canada: May 9th, 1919. - -Commissions: Gunners Young and S. Smith to R.O.C. training school for -commissions. - -Honors: Military Cross, 2: Dist. Conduct Medal, 2; M.S.M., 3: Military -Medal, 13; mentioned in despatches, 3. - -Total number of battle casualties: Officer, 1; other ranks, 67; total, -68. - - - - - CHAPTER IV. - _THE 10th SIEGE BATTERY._ - - -The proposal to recruit a purely Nova Scotian Artillery Unit originated -when four young officers had just completed their training with the -Royal School of Artillery at Halifax. These young officers were: Lieuts. -Wm. Henry L. Doane, 1st R.C.A.; Frederick H. Palmer, 1st R.C.A.; Robert -Parker Freeman, 1st R.C.A.; Robert Edward Jamieson, 1st R.C.A. - -The proposal was laid before Major J. M. Slayter, R.C.A., and after -discussion he agreed to undertake to obtain the necessary authority and -to take over, at any rate temporarily, the work of the Battery, if such -was approved. - -On August 1, 1916, authority was applied for from the General Officer -Commanding Military District No. 6 for leave to raise a Battery of Siege -in Halifax for service Overseas. On August 12, 1916, the organization of -No. 10 Draft Siege Artillery Battery was approved, and on October 1, -1916, authority was received from headquarters for the appointment of -the following officers: Major J. M. Slayter, R.C.A. (in Command); -Lieuts. Wm. H. L. Doane. 1st R.C.A.; F. H. Palmer, 1st R.C.A.; R. P. -Freeman, 1st R.C.A.; R. E. Jamieson, 1st R.C.A. - -Barrack accommodation was found for the proposed Battery in South -Barracks, and at once the work of active recruiting was taken up. By the -end of November, 1916, the Battery was raised to a strength of -eighty-five officers and men. Preliminary examinations were completed -and as quickly as the men completed their preliminary training, they -were passed on to Instructional Courses to qualify as Battery -Commanders, Assistants, Signalling and Gun Laying, and all the various -specialties that go to make up a Siege Battery. On December 11, 1916, -Lieut. W. H. L. Doane was promoted to fill the vacancy of Captain in the -Battery. This completed the establishment of officers. - -In accordance with orders received on December 16, 1916, Lieut. Crosby -and fifty other ranks were warned to hold themselves in readiness to -proceed Overseas. They embarked on the _S.S. Scandinavian_ on January -23, 1917. Recruiting continued steadily and on March 26, 1917, Capt. W. -H. L. Doane with fifty other ranks proceeded Overseas on the _S.S. -Missinabie_. - -Capt. F. H. Palmer being now the senior Lieutenant of the Battery was -promoted to Captain, March 27, 1917. On April 12, 1917, Lieut. M. B. -Archibald, 1st R.C.S., and Lieut. R. D. Lacon, 1st R.C.A., were -appointed to the Battery. Lieut. R. P. Freeman and fifty other ranks -were warned on May 17, 1917, to hold themselves in readiness to proceed -Overseas. They sailed on the _Olympic_ on the 28th of May. - -On November 5, 1917, warning was received that three officers and two -hundred N.C.O.’s and men would proceed Overseas. As the Military Service -Act was now about to become law, organizations which had previously -handled voluntary recruiting would now completely change their -character. Ample man power being available, it would only be necessary -to outfit and start preliminary training of men raised under the Act. - -In view of this the Draft embarked for Overseas service on November 23, -1917, on the _S.S. Metagama_, consisting of Major J. M. Slayter, Captain -Palmer and one hundred and fifty N.C.O.’s and men. Lieutenant Archibald -and fifty other ranks proceeded Overseas on the _S.S. Olympic_. -Lieutenant Lacon, and some forty men, the latest joined recruits, were -left in Halifax to carry on the Depot under the Military Service Act. - -As the personnel of the detachment who made up this sailing were of an -exceptionally high character, and had had considerable training in -specialties, it was hoped that they might be retained as a Battery for -service Overseas. - -On arrival at Witley, Surrey, England, it was found that there were such -heavy demands for reinforcements for Batteries and Brigades already -authorized, that it would be impossible to retain the organization as it -landed at Witley. Specialists were sent for extra courses, and as these -were completed were drafted very largely to the newly-formed 10th, 11th -and 12th Siege Batteries, and to the 3rd Brigade of the C.G.A. - -The Depot of the 10th Siege Battery at Halifax continued under Major -George Oland, with Lieutenant Lacon, Lieutenant McNair and Lieutenant -Baird, sending forward drafts and having raised and equipped and sent -forward some ten officers and about eight hundred N.C.O.’s and men. The -Depot at Halifax was finally absorbed after the Armistice in the 6th -Artillery Depot. - -These are the bare facts as taken from records, which do not signalize -the splendid self-sacrificing work of such officers as Captains W. H. L. -Doane, R. P. Freeman, F. H. Palmer, and R. E. Jamieson; and such -N.C.O.’s as Jenkins, Fultz and Holmes. - -From beginning to end this Unit was marked by the high standard of the -men that it drew, the remarkable lack of crime of even the pettiest -sort, and the earnestness and whole-hearted manner in which all ranks -endeavored to qualify themselves for their duties Overseas. - - - - - CHAPTER V. - _17th BATTERY (6th BATTERY, C.F.A.)_ - - - BY WILFRED HEARN SYDNEY. - -The 17th Battery had the unique distinction of being the only combatant -Militia Unit in Nova Scotia to be accepted as a Unit of the Canadian -Expeditionary Force for service Overseas in the First Canadian -Contingent. On the day that war was declared between Great Britain and -Germany, the Department of Militia and Defence wired its acceptance of -Lieut.-Colonel H. G. McLeod’s offer of the 17th Battery, C.F.A., as a -Unit for service Overseas. - -The mobilization of the Battery was purely a matter of selection, for -many more than the required number applied for enlistment. On August 28, -1914, the Battery left Sydney with the full war strength of 141 officers -and men, four guns and 123 horses. The trip to Valcartier was -uneventful. Shortly after our arrival there we were disappointed to hear -that the Unit would have to be split in order that the new war -establishment of six-gun Batteries might be completed. The right section -of the 17th was to be amalgamated with the 19th Battery from Moncton and -Woodstock, while the left section went with the 21st Battery of -Westmount, Montreal. Thus Major McLeod was to command the new 6th -Battery, C.E.F., keeping with him Capt. J. Geo. Piercey, while Capt. J. -A. MacDonald, our own “Johnnie Angus,” was lost to us, and went to the -new 5th Battery in the same Brigade. - -The two weeks spent in Valcartier Camp were pleasant. The getting used -to military routine, drill and ceremonials was not at that early date a -hardship. The novelty had not even begun to wear off then. The reviews -held by Sir Sam Hughes first and His Royal Highness the Duke of -Connaught subsequently, had a certain amount of pleasure for all of us, -despite adverse weather conditions. Yet it was not without a certain -degree of impatience that we awaited the word to set sail for England. - -Eventually, after many false alarms, the word came, and we donned full -marching order to set out for Quebec and the waiting transports. What a -memorable sight was that Armada congregated at Gaspe Bay! Thirty-three -of our largest ocean greyhounds in full steam, ready and anxious to -hasten to the assistance of our Mother Country in her hour of need. The -order was signalled from the flagship to set out—last letters of -farewell were hurried aboard waiting tenders, a lingering last look was -taken at the shores of Canada, and the First Canadian Contingent bade -farewell to the peaceful land of the Maple Leaf and set its gaze to the -East where lay discord and strife. - -Ocean trips generally are never very much out of the ordinary, and with -the exception of one or two submarine scares, absolutely without -foundation, we steamed our uneventful, out-of-the-way course to Merry -England—and war. The monotony was relieved by routine, athletic -competitions and musical entertainments. It was in the organization of -the latter that the popular Canadian composer of present times, Gitz -Rice, closely related to the Cape Breton Rices, Brent and Walter, first -secured prominence in musical circles. However, if the trip was -uninspiring, such could not be said of our reception at Plymouth. Bands -playing, throngs cheering, the shores of the city blocked with thousands -of people—England certainly did its duty that day in welcoming to its -shores her Canadian sons. - -Disembarkation lasted a week, but finally the “Old 17th” landed at -Devonport and were soon en route for Salisbury Plains. Detrained at -Amesbury we were greeted with a downpour of rain, and it was very little -else we saw in the weather line during the whole of our stay on that -historic plain. Mud, mud, mud, and then more mud; drill, drill, drill, -and then more drill, sums up Salisbury Plains, relieved only by brief -leaves to London and provincial towns. How we cursed the mud! Finally, -however, we were moved into comfortable quarters at Urchfont, where we -enjoyed real English hospitality and good cheer. Even the Plains had its -pleasant side, though. Our first Christmas away from home was spent -there, and royally did Major McLeod and his fellow officers endeavor to -give us a real Christmas. - -We spent about a month at Urchfont before the call came for which we had -been impatiently waiting. On February 8th, 1915, we left for France. -Embarking at Avonmouth we set out for the scene of war. The Allies at -that time were being pressed from all sides. The Bases of Calais, -Boulogne, and Rouen were seriously threatened. So it was to St. Nazair, -a port in the Bay of Biscay, that the Canadians were sent. On February -13th we first set foot in France; on the 16th we detrained within -hearing of the guns, at Hazebrouck, marching further in to billets at -Borre. - -From Borre the 6th Battery moved up into action and took its first -position at Fleurbaix on March 1st. The first round was fired into the -German front line by Captain Tom Kitchen, then Bombardier, and we took -it as a good omen that the second round was observed to have sent our -enemy’s field kitchen skyward. While at Fleurbaix the Battery played its -part in the mix-up of March 10th at Neuve Chapelle, and it was in this -same position we underwent our baptism of fire—fortunately with no -serious casualties. - -On March 29th, the Brigade to which the 6th Battery was attached, was -withdrawn to rest—billets at Watou. It was here, on Easter Sunday, that -the first intimation of the hardship and danger to be expected at Ypres -was given us by our Commanding Officer, Col. J. J. Creelman. The Easter -Service was conducted by Rev. Canon Almon, and a feeling of intensity -was apparent as he impressed upon us the sad fact, that of those who -heard him that day, many would, before long, make that greatest -sacrifice. And so indeed it proved. Yet when, on April 18th, we first -caught a glimpse of the city of Ypres, then with a population of about -twenty thousand, with its shops, estaminets and business places -generally in full swing, it was hard indeed for us to believe that our -padre could be correct. Little did we foresee that in four short days -this city, beautiful, even after its first bombardment, would be a mass -of ruins, its population fleeing to safety with a miserable handful of -personal belongings, its Cathedral and historic Cloth Hall and -invaluable treasures forever lost to posterity. Yet such was to happen. - -The bombardment of the Second Battle of Ypres commenced on the 21st, and -on the 22nd the Hun let loose his devilish fumes of poison gas. The -French to our left fell back, exposing our flank, leaving a gap of over -a mile. Our own boys held, but at what a price! Reinforcements from our -own reserves were hurriedly sent up, and all that was left of our First -Division was spread over the whole of a three-mile front. But they held -on for that day and the next. On the 23rd, from our position near St. -Julien, we took part in what I firmly believe to have been the most -dramatic action that the Battery was engaged in during its stay in -France and Flanders. Our infantry had fallen back to reform for a -counter-attack. The enemy advanced after them at a range of about 1,200 -yards from our guns. Two of our latter were immediately switched to the -left at an angle of 45° from their original line of fire. The remaining -two were galloped over clear country under heavy shell fire to take up a -new position. - -With approximately only 100 rounds of ammunition, exposed to the -heaviest shell fire, we waited until the enemy were sufficiently -advanced to come under our “open sights” so that every round might -count. So on they came until 600 yards separated us. The order came for -us to retire. This Major McLeod ignored, but instead gave the word to -open fire. The 7th Battalion charged at the same time, with the remnants -of the Kilty Brigade. Round after round we poured into the still -oncoming enemy until at last they were held and finally swept back -through Langemarck wood. Three new positions were taken up by the -Battery that night, and finally we were settled at Indian Hill, near -Wieltje, and to the side of Potijze. What a hell-hole it was! Our -casualties were fast mounting up, both among the personnel and horses, -and unfortunately a number of these were deaths. On May 1st we took up a -position on the banks of the Yser Canal, and remained there until the -Division was withdrawn for reorganization at Hinges. - -On May 19th we were again, as part of the “Flying 7th Division” hustled -into hot action at Festubert, and in the following month at Givenchy. It -was at the latter place that a gun from the 6th Battery was placed in -action in the front line trench, a “stunt” subsequently acknowledged by -the General Officer Commanding. From the “Orchard Position” at Givenchy -the Old 17th was sent into action at Neuve Eglise, where for a long time -they enjoyed comparative peace, with only occasional casualties, and -nothing more than “raiding” work, which was first commenced on this -front, to relieve the monotony. It was while here that the 2nd and 3rd -Divisions came over and the Canadians became an Army Corps. It was here, -too, that we lost our Major. - -[Illustration: - - LT.-COL. G. H. MCLEOD.] - -Major McLeod was of the type of officer most beloved by the Canadian -rank and file. Quick, alert, a thoroughly skilled Artillery Officer, he -surely would have forced early recognition from headquarters had he been -spared to attain it. Terrible was the blow to his “boys,” when his body -was found in a small pond not many rods from the gun position. His was -not even the glory of the death from bullet or shrapnel. Yet his duty -had been well done, to his God, to his country, to his fellow officers -and men. This brief outline of the Old 17th would be even more -inadequate were the writer to omit this humble tribute to a dear friend -and beloved Commanding Officer. - -Christmas, 1915, was spent at Neuve Eglise, and again we had to thank -our officers for providing the usual Christmas trimmings. Conditions -were not as they had been in England, and, unfortunately, many of the -old faces were missing. Such were the fortunes of war, and we who had -been raw recruits one short year before were beginning to look at things -as philosophic veterans. - -In the latter part of January the Battery was withdrawn to Caestre for a -brief rest, being relieved by one of the Units of the 2nd Division. -Early in February we went to Lederzeele, and about March 20th found -ourselves in action once more at Neuve Eglise. Just about this time -rumors, hitherto vague, became more certain that the Battery was once -more to move Ypresward. Rumor became a definite fact on April 4th, and -we found ourselves in position at Railway dugouts, a trifle to the south -of Ypres City. Here we remained in complete quiet until the 20th, when -in the Hill 60 scrap we received our first taste of gas shells. - -It was during the month of May that the organization of three Howitzer -Batteries was undertaken and sub-sections from all the Batteries in the -Division were utilized to form these Batteries, and subsection “C” was -separated from the 6th to help form the D, 48th Battery of 4.5’s. The -complete organization of this Battery had not been consummated before -the German hordes again attacked in force, this time at Soisele Hill and -Sanctuary Wood. All sub-sections reported back to their own Batteries -for duty, and the 6th Battery again played its important part in the -Third Battle of Ypres. On the morning of June 13th the Canadians -counter-attacked and regained the ground lost in the 2nd of June scrap. - -The remainder of the month of June was passed quietly in the Ypres -Salient, as was also the month of July, with the exception of a little -excitement at “The Dump.” About the middle of August the Battery went -into billets for rest and tactical drill at Polin Cove and on the 26th -entrained at Audruicq for the Somme. - -On detraining at Aix la Chateau on the 27th, the Battery, after one -day’s forced march, went into action at Mesnel on the 28th. On September -3rd the Old 17th supported the attack of an Imperial Corps on Thiepval, -which was unsuccessful. We then moved into position at La Boiselle on -ground won from the enemy during the fighting there in the early part of -July. Glad we were to see at long last ground won from the Hun. -Seemingly we were now engaged in driving him back, steadily and surely. -The Germans were retreating—the end of the war was in sight—so we -thought. - -On September 15th the attack on Courcellette was commenced. Who of us -that were there can easily forget the glory of that early sunlit -September morning! The writer was fortunate enough to be one of a party -of Artillery Signallers to “go over” with the second “wave” of infantry -and was forward when the signal—dropped from one of our air craft—came -to advance. The intensity of the bombardment was overwhelming. It was -impossible to hear the loudest shout of the man adjoining you. We were -all frantic—cheering, yelling, jumping up and down in our excitement. It -was pandemonium let loose with a vengeance—and we were winning. We were -advancing. The Sugar Refinery was reached and our Battery was advanced. -Courcellette was taken by the 25th and 26th Battalions—and again we were -moved forward until we were practically within two hundred yards of -where the German front line had been on the morning of the 15th. This -position—Pozieres Wood—had been won by the Australians at a terrible -cost some weeks before. - -From the 15th until the 26th of September we were kept busy -consolidating the ground won from the enemy. On the 26th we were again -called upon to take part in a glorious action which won Thiepval for us. -We were also successful in our first attack on Regina Trench. Such heavy -action was not successfully won without our paying the price, however, -and the 6th Battery of October, 1916, little resembled the Old 17th that -left Valcartier in September, 1914. Heavy had been the toll of lives and -casualties. - -It was on October 20th that the last remaining gun brought from Sydney, -was condemned after firing 20,010 rounds of ammunition. From this on, -the writer (having been wounded at the Somme sufficiently to keep him -out of action for the remainder of the war) must depend, not on personal -observation, but on information derived from divers sources. - -Early in November Desire Support Trench was taken, and a little later on -in the same month our wagon lines were again situated at Albert. The -march along Bouzincourt, Varennes, Raincheva, Frevent, St. Pol, St. -Michel and Marquay was uneventful. On the 30th the Battery stopped at -Pernes, for a well-earned rest. Our 1916 Christmas dinner was held here, -and mighty well was it celebrated. On January 6th we started out for -Bruay, Ruitz, Hersin to Fosse 10 and finally into action at Bully -Grenay. - -On February 13th the first landing of the Canadians in France was -suitably celebrated at noon, by the firing of “Battery cheers” and -“Brigade cheers.” From then on is merely a series of names, Hersin Wagon -Lines, Maisnil-les-Ruitz, Camblain l’Abbe, until the E2 position behind -Neuville St. Vaast. On the 25th the Battery was again changed from a -four to a six-gun Unit. From Neuville St. Vaast the Old 17th went to -Vimy. Who will forget Bentata Tunnel? Who will forget the morning of the -13th when two guns of the old Battery went to form the composite Battery -at Bois Carre, to the right of Thelus? On the night of the 16th the -Battery went over the Ridge, and from there on the story of the 6th is -the same as that of the other Nova Scotia Units that took part at Vimy. -From Vimy to late in July was uneventful. On the 22nd of that month our -wagon lines were established at Les Brebis. On the 23rd we went into -action behind Loos Crassier. Things remained quiet until August 15th -when the Hill 70 scrap for Lens commenced. On September 9th we were at -Lievin, and remained in that vicinity for about one month. - -Around October 1st a move was made to Boyeffles, where the wagon line -was established. On the 6th the Battery took up a position behind the -cemetery at Lievin, where we remained for some time. On the 24th of -October we were again en route for Ypres, our old hunting ground, via -Bethune, Morbecque and Godewaersvelde. On the 29th our wagon lines were -settled at a spot just south of St. Julien, and on the 1st of November -we took up a position, which shall ever be consecrated in memory of our -First Canadian Contingent, for the Passchendaele show. On the 23rd we -were again en route south, via Bailleul, Strazeele, Haverskerque and -Vendin-les-Bethune. On November 26th the Battery was again at the Old -Lievin cemetery. Christmas Day, 1917, was celebrated at Haillicourt. - -On January 24th the Battery took up a position behind Loos Crassier, -where they remained in comparative quietness until March 22nd, when a -new position behind the double Crassier was taken. On the 29th we went -into action at Ronville Dump between Arras and Achicourt, and from there -to the Old Mill at Achicourt on April 1st. On the 8th we were out at -Anzin, on the 9th at Musketry Valley position, in front of St. Laurent -Blangy. The Battery was withdrawn for rest at Hermanville on May 25th, -and on June 1st was inspected with the other Batteries in the Brigade by -the Corps Commander. On the 10th Divisional Sports were held, in which -the old Battery won its quota of prizes. - -On July 15th we went into action at St. Laurent Blangy, and on the 24th -were back again at Achicourt—Old Windmill position. August the 1st saw -the Unit at Berlincourt, and on the 3rd they entrained at Frevent for -Amiens. We detrained the following day at Prouzel and left for Bois de -Boves. On August 5th we took up a position at Bois de Gentelles, and on -the 8th took part in the “kick off” for the Amiens show with a night -position in front of Cayeux. From the 9th until the 16th is simply a -sequence of names that spells the hardest action; Caix Valley, -Warvillers, Le Quesnoy, Warvillers. On August 21st the Battery was en -route back to Saleux, via Cayeux, Domart and Boves Wood, where they -entrained for Aubigny and Dainville Wood. - -The “kick off” for the Drocourt-Queant line came on September 2nd. On -the 3rd our position was taken up just east of Villers Cagnicourt, and -on the 6th the 6th Battery was at Bainville on rest, where they remained -for about three weeks. On the 26th the Battery went into action at -Buissy, and on the 27th took part in the attack on Canal du Nord and -Cambrai. The Old 17th had the honor to be the first Battery to cross the -Canal at Inchy, and immediately after took up position just east of the -Canal beyond Inchy. - -October was merely a repetition of names. The Battery took part in the -general rout of the enemy, until November 7th found them at Crespin, in -action for the last time. On November the 10th the last round was fired -from the Battery in this position by Gunner Malcolm MacDonald of “B” -subsection, the very same subsection that fired the first round on March -1, 1915. - -At 11 a.m. of November 11th hostilities ceased and the fighting was -finished. The “Old 17th,” however, marched into Germany as part of the -Army of Occupation and completed the work that the original had set out -to do. Very few, however, of the original members were left by that -time. Yet those of us, who were unable to share in the glorious hour of -Victory, were recompensed by knowing that our successors nobly carried -on in our places equally as well as, if not better than, we ourselves -could have done. The Battery embarked at Southampton on _S.S. Olympic_, -and arrived at Halifax on April 21, 1919. It was demobilized the same -day and consequently its home city, Sydney, was deprived of the pleasure -of welcoming it as a Unit. - - - CASUALTIES. - - Officers: Killed 5 - Died 2 - —— - 7 - Other ranks: Killed 19 - Died of wounds 13 - Died 2 - —— 34 - —— - 41 - - - HONORS AND AWARDS. - - D.S.O. 3 - M.C. 10 - D.C.M. 4 - M.M. 28 - Bar to M.M. 1 - M.S.M. 1 - Croix de Guerre 1 - Despatches 12 - - - - - CHAPTER VI. - _23rd AND 24th FIELD BATTERIES._ - - -[Illustration: - - LT.-COL. T. M. SEELEY.] - -In November, 1914, Lieut.-Col. T. M. Seeley, of Yarmouth, N.S. (O.C. -11th Brigade, C.F.A.), was commissioned to organize the 23rd Battery of -Field Artillery, to represent the Maritime Provinces in the 6th -Artillery Brigade, C.E.F. The temporary headquarters were at -Fredericton, N.B., but recruits were to be drawn from any part of the -Maritime Provinces. Many were furnished by the 3rd, 4th and 11th -Brigades of the Militia Artillery. An important factor in the new Unit -was a group of twenty-five or thirty students who joined from the -University of New Brunswick and other universities. - -The recruiting proceeded at such a rate that Lieut.-Col. Seeley soon -found himself with fifty or sixty men over strength. He appealed to -headquarters for authority to have a second Battery formed, which was -granted. Lieut.-Col. B. A. Ingraham, R.O., of Sydney, C.B., was -commissioned to organize the 24th Battery, also at Fredericton. He took -over the surplus from the 23rd, and in addition brought a large -detachment of fine men from Cape Breton. - -These Batteries trained side by side until February 18, 1915, when they -were mobilized with the 21st Battery of Kingston and the 22nd Battery of -Montreal, and sent Overseas February 22nd on _S.S. Megantic_, under -Lieut.-Col. E. W. Rathburn. - -The Mayor of Fredericton, the Premier of New Brunswick, the Earl and -Countess of Ashburnham, and the citizens generally were very kind to the -artillerymen during their sojourn in Fredericton. - -Just previous to sailing there were several changes made in the -personnel of the officers. Lieut.-Colonel Seeley was detailed to -organization duty in Canada, and Major J. K. MacKay was placed in -command of the 23rd Battery. On sailing the staff was: Major MacKay, -O.C.; Capt. E. A. Chisholm; Lieuts. J. E. Read and J. N. McEachern. The -Staff of the 24th Battery was: Lieut.-Colonel Ingraham, O.C.; Capt. A. -T. MacKay (of P.E.I.); Lieuts. G. St. C. A. Perrin and O. Mowatt. - -Arriving in England the Batteries received a brief training at -Shorncliffe, after which they were drafted to the Second Brigade, -C.F.A., and Divisional Ammunition Column in France. A large proportion -of the N.C.O.’s and men of these Batteries won commissions and -distinctions on the field. - - - - - CHAPTER VII. - _THE 36th BATTERY, C.F.A._ - - - BY MAJOR D. A. MACKINNON, D.S.O. - -[Illustration: - - MAJ. D. A. MACKINNON D. S. O.] - -The 36th Battery was formed in Sydney in September, 1915, Major Walter -Crowe being the organizer and leading spirit in it. The rush of -applications for positions in the Battery was so great that over one -hundred had to be turned away. Major Crowe selected his men with great -care; and the subsequent achievements of the Battery is evidence that -his judgment was good. To Major Crowe must be given a great deal of -credit for the splendid record which the Battery achieved Overseas. He -remained with it as its Commanding Officer and supervised nearly all its -early training, took it Overseas in March, 1916, but on account of being -very much over age could not accompany the Battery to France; so the -command was given to Major D. A. MacKinnon, of Charlottetown, P.E.I. - -The Battery arrived in France on July 14th, 1916, and was almost -immediately placed in action on the Ypres Salient, which was a very -“hot” spot. They were in action only twenty-four hours when they -received quite a heavy shelling from the enemy. They remained in this -position for about a month, firing day and night, and their quick -response to all calls from the infantry was remarked upon. The next move -was to Kemmel, which was a nice quiet spot, and the boys enjoyed -themselves very much while in that vicinity. Early in October the march -for the Somme commenced. It occupied a week; and about the 12th of -October the Battery went into action about one thousand yards in the -rear of Courcellette. They received considerable shelling but returned -one hundred rounds for every one they got. After the Battle of Regina -Trench they moved forward in front of Martinpuich, with the expectation -of another great battle which never materialized. While in this position -they were constantly shelled, the discomforts were terrible, mud and -rain preventing any kind of decent accommodation; but the gunners were -better off than the drivers at the wagon lines; there the mud was two -feet deep, and the trials and sufferings almost unendurable. Nearly all -the ammunition had to be carried to the guns by packing it on horses’ -and mules’ backs, taking it up over trails, inasmuch as the roads were -death traps, on account of enemy fire. Notwithstanding this the Battery -kept up its reputation for activity, having fired on several occasions -well over one thousand rounds in a few hours. They were highly -complimented for their splendid concealment and for the brave way in -which they carried on under very discouraging difficulties. On the 20th -of November the Division pulled out of the Somme, greatly to the relief -of all. - -A week’s tramp to the Ecuri Front commenced, the first two days being -teeming rain and bitter cold. It was during this march that Sergt. Sam -Wilson, one of the most popular men in the Battery, contracted pneumonia -and died in a few days, mourned by all. During the following months the -Battery stayed in position doing garrison duty, but in February they -were forced to leave and made three shifts of positions in three days. -The bitter cold, it being the coldest winter in forty years, and the -shortage of fodder for the horses, coupled with the hard work which so -much moving entailed, caused the death of a great many horses and mules. -The hardships of the drivers were also particularly severe, shelter was -at a premium, and the winter of 1916 and 1917 will ever remain as a very -disagreeable memory. - -Early in March preparations commenced for the Battle of Vimy Ridge, the -drivers being constantly employed at night hauling vast quantities of -ammunition to forward points. The month was very rainy with high winds, -and all night the men would be exposed to the rain and winds and return -at daybreak tired and exhausted, cold and wet to the skin. The -sufferings which they experienced that winter, and the grim -determination with which they carried through their duties will never be -forgotten. On the 25th of March the 36th was changed to a six-gun -Battery, absorbing one-half of the 29th Battery. It was a splendid -consolidation, the newcomers proving very excellent gunners and drivers, -and brave men. About the 1st of April, 1917, the Battery moved forward -to a little hollow near the Arras road, facing Vimy Ridge. Rude pits had -to be constructed for the guns, and these they soon fashioned into a -home for the Battery. The Batteries were as thick as flies in this -hollow, and we had neighbors on all sides of us. The 2nd of April saw -everybody registering on targets in the enemy lines, and one had almost -to crawl about to prevent being hit by our own guns. As the enemy had -observation of this position they very quickly began to use it, shelling -the area with gas and high explosives. It was a most uncomfortable -position, and had the battle been delayed a few days longer and the -enemy been given a chance to get more heavy artillery, there is no doubt -that they would have given us a bad time. - -The Battle of Vimy Ridge started at 5 o’clock, April 9th. It was the -biggest battle we had ever been engaged in, and every one was quite -interested to see how it would pan out. It was a great success, and we -quickly got orders to move our position forward so as to be able to -range on the retreating enemy. This was accomplished very speedily. The -battle practically ended on April 10th, and no further move was made -forward. On the 14th we took our guns down into the village of Vimy -being, we believed, one of the first Batteries to enter that much -shelled village. We were lucky in getting in and lucky in getting our -teams out, as the roads were shelled most terrifically. It was three -weeks after that before we could bring a wagon of any description down -the roads to the Battery. All ammunition and supplies had to be brought -on pack horses and mules along trails leading over the ridges, but by -the exercise of great care they managed to keep up our ammunition -supplies and prevent casualties. - -The first two weeks which followed in our position were memorable for -the amount of gas which the enemy hurled at us. We wore our masks -practically all night. Thanks to a sufficient gas drill and gas -protection our casualties were slight. With the energy and resource -which characterized our boys they set to work and built a position which -was the envy of all. It was so constructed that it was impossible to -detect it by aeroplane or other observation. Speaking tubes connected -all the gun-pits with the command post, and each pit had a tunnel -leading into the other; so that if one was severely bombarded, an escape -could be made through the other. The walls of the pits were nicely -decorated with captured German material, and the appearance was such as -to strike an inspecting officer most favorably. The greatest attention -was paid to strengthening each defence, as the shelling was intense both -by day and night. It was lucky that all these precautions were taken; -for on the 24th of June, just as the Battery had completed firing a -trial barrage, the enemy opened up with four batteries of heavy -artillery. The bombardment was terrific, and almost all varieties of -shell were used, including armor-piercing shell, which went down ten -feet in the ground and then exploded. It was marvelous that there was -anything left of the Battery, the whole position was covered with shell -holes. One of the shells passed through the shelter in which Corpl. John -McVicar, of Sydney, was with his gun detachment. The shock instantly -killed Corporal McVicar and dazed some of the others. At the same time -others had become casualties. The day will be long remembered as one -which inflicted great sorrow on the remaining members of the Battery. -While we were in this position Corporal Jack and Gunner Wheatley were -also wounded, and there were several regrettable casualties among the -drivers at the wagon lines. - -[Illustration: - - CAPT. F. H. TINGLEY, M.C.] - -Early in July the Battery moved to a forward position near Vimy and, -while there, was subjected to another terrific bombardment in which they -had nearly one thousand rounds of ammunition destroyed. Several of the -officers had close calls, and those who are alive will never forget the -experience. About the 31st of July the Battery moved to Hill 70, and -took up a position behind the double crassier. They constructed a good -position in a very short time. The place was alive with Canadian Field -Batteries, and it did not take the Hun long to discover the fact. Nearly -all the Batteries were silent; that is, they were not to do any firing -until a battle commenced, but the 36th and a few others were selected to -do all the firing, including the heavy task of demolishing the wire in -the German trenches, so that our infantry could get through. This the -Battery did to the entire satisfaction of the infantry, although it was -at quite a heavy cost to themselves, as they were constantly shelled day -and night, and the position was a most trying one. The battle, which -took place about the 14th of August, was one of the bloodiest of the -whole war. The Hill was the key to Lens, and the Hun determined to -retake it at all costs. In one day there were fourteen counter attacks -made by the Hun, and on every occasion the field artillery responded, -instantly killing many thousands of Germans. The work of the 36th -throughout this engagement was commented on and needs no mention here. -In one day they brought up from the ammunition dump and fired over five -thousand rounds of ammunition. For two weeks the gunners had practically -no rest, while the drivers that could be spared from the wagon lines -came up and assisted in getting ammunition ready. So active had the -Battery become that the Hun determined to destroy it and made several -attempts but without success. However on the night of the 24th of -August, while the Battery was firing an S.O.S., in response to a call -from the infantry, they were subjected to a very intense shelling with a -new gas, afterwards known as mustard gas. This gas is very much of the -nature of sulphuric acid, and the burns made by it are very similar. In -a short time several men were struck by the shells, some wounded and -some killed; others going to the assistance of their suffering comrades -got the gas on their hands and were terribly burned. It was an awful -night, and some very gallant deeds were done. The returns next day -showed three killed, three officers and twenty-five others gassed. Some -of the men who were gassed on that occasion never recovered from it. The -effects will be with them as long as they live. It was a very bad night -for the Canadian Artillery. Other Batteries suffered, some even more -severely, but they received unstinted praise for the gallant way they -stuck to their guns. Besides the above, the Battery suffered a great -many other casualties while in the Hill 70 Sector. In addition to -Lieutenants Teed and Fleet being gassed, Lieutenant Longworth was -severely wounded. On the night of the 29th of August we were relieved by -a British Battery, but the relief could not be completed in quiet, the -Hun shelling the position very severely with gas. - -We were all pleased to leave that vicinity, and our next position was on -the Vimy Front, which was nice and quiet; and everybody had a very -pleasant time until the 10th of October, when the Canadian Corps marched -to Passchendaele, a trek that was undertaken with anything but light -hearts, for its reputation as a death trap was known to all. On the 21st -of October we took over from an English Battery, who were in a very bad -way, having been practically shot to pieces. Everything was in very bad -shape, only two guns being in action; but with great courage the boys -set to work and very soon had the best position in the Salient. They -protected their guns and themselves by the use of sand bags; and in that -way saved many valuable lives. Conditions were such as to be almost -impossible of description. The mud was up to one’s knees, and the place -seemed to be nothing but shell holes filled with water. The enemy had -perfect observation on us from the village of Passchendaele. On the 24th -of October we registered our guns on its church, and the battle started -on the 26th. During the progress of the battle we were severely shelled, -Gunner Ira Stewart, of Charlottetown, being instantly killed. All the -gunners carried on very heroically notwithstanding the shelling, and the -day ended with a great victory for the Canadians. - -A few days later we had moved forward to a position in front of Kansas -Cross, and in a short time had prepared a very fine position considering -the materials at hand. The artillery programme was a very extensive one, -firing starting at 5 o’clock in the morning and continuing at intervals -several times through the day and night. The daily expenditure of the -Battery ran well over one thousand rounds, and this had to be -transported by pack mules a distance of eight miles from the ammunition -dump. While on their way to the guns they were subjected to scattered -shelling and to bombing by overhead planes. At night they got no rest -either at the guns, or the wagon lines, heavy bombing planes circling -over the area and dropping their contents indiscriminately. The -casualties of the Canadians in these terrible battles are well known, -their sufferings are beyond description. No words of mine can adequately -portray the courage, fortitude, cheerfulness and devotion to duty -exemplified by the officers and men of the 36th Battery in the terrible -battles which culminated in the capture of Passchendaele Ridge. Among -the officers it would be unfair to particularize, for all did their part -nobly; but I believe that I could speak of Lieut. Andrew Livingstone’s -three weeks’ experience as a forward officer as being the most awful of -the lot. Words could not picture the things he saw and what he went -through. To Lieut. Chas. Shrieve, of Digby, I always gave the greatest -credit for the resourcefulness he displayed in building the positions. -For his gallant conduct he was awarded the Military Cross. Lieutenant -Teed had previously received the same decoration for similar conduct at -Hill 70. - -On the 14th of November the most awful experience the Battery ever had -was encountered. The night before the enemy had attempted a counter -attack but the signal from the infantry had met with such instant -response from the field artillery that his ranks were practically -decimated. In retaliation he turned every gun he could command on the -Batteries of field artillery in front of Kansas Cross. There were -probably twenty English and Canadian Batteries within an area of three -hundred yards; and on these at 1.30 in the afternoon was placed a -bombardment that for intensity has probably never been excelled. Guns -and ammunition were blown up at every volley, one entire Battery being -wiped out, with all its personnel. The 36th received their share of the -shelling, their dugouts being blown up and the gunners and officers -buried beneath them. They had, however, suffered very few casualties -considering the terrible ordeal passed through; but those who were -placed at the guns on that day will never forget the experience. - -On the 21st of November they moved out of Passchendaele, the Hun -shelling the position just as they were leaving, and the succeeding -Battery being practically annihilated within a few days. A period of -recuperation ensued, which did much to recover the morale of the -Battery. In January they moved down into the Vimy Front, suffering the -ordinary run of casualties, but without any very serious troubles. On -the 21st of March, 1918, the Hun put on his famous offensive, and it was -feared that he would attempt to take Vimy Ridge. As there was very -little chance of getting the guns out if he broke through our infantry -lines, it was decided to move the Batteries from the plain to the top of -the Ridge, where they were put for defensive purposes. The 36th Battery -was selected as a sacrifice Battery and were left in their position in -front of Vimy. Their task was to harass the enemy as much as possible, -their daily expenditure of ammunition running from a thousand to two -thousand rounds. This activity of one Battery did not escape the alert -attention of the Hun; and on the 28th of March, when he made his famous -attack on Arras, a little to the south of Vimy, he took on the 36th -Battery in great style. In three hours it was estimated by observers on -the Ridge that over two thousand-rounds were fired into the Battery. -Guns and dugouts were blown up and a tremendous lot of damage done. Some -brave deeds were carried out by members of the Battery, and among the -decorations received for this affair were Military Medals by Sergeant -Cashen, of Sydney, and Signaller MacKenzie and Bombardier Peter Laforte. -All the members of the Battery acted most heroically. That night orders -were given to retire the Battery from this untenable position, and in -the new one they carried on with much more comfort. - -About the 1st of May the Battery went into training for open warfare, -and remained in training until July when they went into the line for a -few weeks. On the 28th of July they were drawn from the line, and on the -first of August started on the famous march to Amiens. The greatest -secrecy was maintained regarding the destination of the Canadians, and -it was not until the night of the 4th of August that we knew our -destination. The nights of the 5th, 6th and 7th were utilized in -bringing up thousands of rounds of ammunition and getting ready for the -big battle which started on the 8th. The Battle of Amiens was the -hand-writing on the wall, so General Ludendorff has told us. On that day -the 36th Battery occupied six positions, giving the most splendid aid to -our glorious infantry. At half past four in the afternoon a German -aeroplane swooped down on the Battery and killed several horses, wounded -some of the men and Lieutenant Manning. The casualties would have been -greater but for the bravery and coolness of the machine gunners, who -poured a constant volley into the Hun and actually killed him, his plane -crashing in a few minutes. - -The Battle of Amiens continued for several days with constant advances. -On the night of the 13th we were ordered to place three thousand rounds -of ammunition in an advanced position for another Battery. Sergt. J. W. -Boutillier was given charge of the unloading. While waiting for the -arrival of the ammunition his party was subjected to heavy shell fire. -Sergeant Boutillier and Sergeant Swift were killed and several others -were wounded. Sergeant Boutillier was one of the most outstanding men in -the entire Battery and his loss was very keenly felt. For his bravery on -this occasion Corpl. A. J. McGillivary was awarded the Croix de Guerre. - -[Illustration: - - LIEUT. D. L. TEED, M.C.] - -On the 19th of August the Battery started on its march for the Battle of -Arras, arriving at Arras on the night of the 23rd of August and going -into position that same night. The night of the 24th was utilized in -bringing up ammunition. On the 25th they rested. On the morning of the -26th the famous Battle of Arras opened. It was a day full of stirring -incidents, the 36th Battery suffered severe casualties. The following -days were very busy, the Battery constantly moving into new positions, -shelling the enemy, and being shelled in return. On the morning of -September 1st orders were received to cut wire on the Hindenburg line, -and to expend upwards of four thousand rounds for that purpose. The -position which the 36th Battery occupied was a very exposed one, and -under observation by balloons and other means. The Battery had about -completed one task when the enemy started to shell us very severely. At -first the rounds fell short. Lieutenant Teed was at the telephone, and -thinking that I did not receive the orders at the guns ran down to shout -an order to No. 2 gun in charge of Sergeant McKay. Just as he got there -an enemy shell landed, instantly killing Sergeant McKay, Gunner John -Cornfoot and Lieutenant Teed. These were three of our very best, and the -blow was one of the saddest in the 36th Battery’s whole experience. -Lieut. Lionel Teed was from St. John, and had been with the Battery from -its commencement. He was a brave officer, an extremely clever one, and -loved by all. Sergeant McKay and Jack Cornfoot were also very popular. -The wire cutting was completed. Notwithstanding the shelling the brave -boys of the 36th carried on as though nothing had happened. The battle -which took place the next day broke the Hindenburg line, the strongest -trench fortification ever utilized in warfare. - -A succession of moves forward was then made. The Batteries kept close -behind the infantry in their pursuit of the Hun. On the 14th a halt was -made, and the Batteries transferred to another section of the Front. -They took up a position in the village of Sudemont, which was a very -“hot” place, being almost constantly under shell fire. A number of -casualties occurred when we were in this position, notably Corpl. John -McSween, who lost a leg, and Sergeant Philpott and others. On the 17th -the Battery started for the Battle of Cambrai, arriving in that sector -on the evening of the 18th. The nights of the 19th and 20th were used in -bringing up ammunition to a position in the little town of Inchy, where -a battery position had been selected. The ammunition could only be drawn -up under the greatest difficulties, for the roads were under heavy shell -fire. Some very gallant deeds were done by the drivers and those in -charge of them. For one particularly gallant exploit Corpl. A. Morrison -received the D.C.M. - -[Illustration: - - CAPT. CHAS. D. SHRIEVE, M.C.] - -The morning of the 21st was beautiful and the battle was wonderfully -successful. Before ten o’clock thousands of yards of enemy territory had -been penetrated and Bourlon Wood captured. The enemy field artillery -recovered and shelled us vigorously, and we suffered several casualties. -The battle continued for several days, with constant gain of territory -for us. On the night of the 28th, while Lieutenant Livingstone was -unloading ammunition, his drivers and the gunners were subjected to -heavy shell fire and we had many regrettable casualties; among the -drivers, Frank Hughes, of Charlottetown, and Driver George McDonald, of -Sydney. George was one of the most wonderful guides in France, and his -loss was a severe one. The next few days saw several moves of positions, -and on the 5th of October the 36th Battery was in a position at -Raillencourt. On the evening of October 7th orders were issued for the -Battery to move up to a position in the rear of St. Olle. The six guns -with ammunition and ammunition wagons arrived at the position and were -starting to unlimber when a volley of German shells landed directly in -them. The casualties were terrific, over 50 per cent. of those present -being killed or wounded together with twenty horses. The whole thing -occupied only a few minutes, but it saddened a great many hearts. Lieut. -Chas. Shrieve was shot through the chest and died instantly. Captain -Craig was severely wounded through the hip. Lieutenant Livingstone was -wounded in two places and his ankle broken. Twenty-eight N.C.O.’s and -men were killed or wounded. Among the killed was the very popular -Bombardier John Drysdale. The blow was a demoralizing one, but the -undaunted courage of the remaining members of the 36th was equal to the -task. Within three hours the guns had been transferred to new positions, -and lines of fire laid out, and the Battery ready for action. - -The Hill 70 gas episode and the shelling received the night of October -the 7th were two of the worst experiences that any Battery had ever been -called upon to endure, but the brave boys of the 36th met both with -unflinching courage and proved themselves worthy of all the encomiums -which had been bestowed upon them. For gallant work on this occasion -several members of the Battery were decorated. On the 10th of October -Cambrai was captured, the 36th Battery doing its share to make the -battle a success. - -[Illustration: - - LT. F. J. LONGWORTH, M.C.] - -From Cambrai they moved northward again, occupying various positions -with various degrees of fortune until November 1st, when the march -towards Mons commenced. This was one long succession of triumphs, -culminating in the capture of the celebrated city on the morning of the -11th of November. On the afternoon of the 10th we were in position at -Je-Mappes, about one thousand yards from Mons. At 3.30 in the afternoon -orders were received to fire on the railway at Mons, and while engaged -in doing that several enemy shells were fired into the Battery, one of -which instantly killed Lieut. Fred Longworth, of Charlottetown, and -wounded Sergeant Dickson and several others. Sergeant Dickson received -thirty-two wounds but managed to pull through. On the morning of the -11th at 6.30 word was received that the Armistice was signed, and a -March-Past was ordered to take place in the City of Mons. There was -great rejoicing at the good news, inasmuch as the suffering of the last -three months was beginning to tell on the remaining members of the “Old -Guard.” - -I cannot close this account of the doings of the 36th Battery without -making reference to the wonderful qualities which the officers, N.C.O.’s -and men displayed. It was easy to command a Battery like the 36th. They -were everything that could be desired. Loyal, brave and good-humored, -with the greatest devotion to duty, they cannot be too highly praised by -me. Every man was a hero and every man deserved decorations many times -over. I feel that it is but fitting that I should here mention the fact, -when speaking about decorations, that the 36th Battery received a very -large share of them, including one D.S.O., two Croix de Guerre, eight -Military Crosses, one bar for Military Cross, ten D.C.M.’s and twenty -Military Medals. - -On November 21, 1918, Major D. A. MacKinnon, who commanded the 36th -Battery from its arrival in France on July 14, 1916, and who took part -with the Battery in all its battles, was granted sick leave to Canada. - -The loss of so many brave officers and brave men had been a severe shock -to him, and his nerves became greatly unstrung. It was with sincere -regret that he parted with the boys after nearly three years of -strenuous fighting. The Battery, after a short stay in Belgium, was -transferred to England, demobilizing in March, 1919. On the 36th -Battery’s return to Sydney, N.S., they were tendered a most notable -reception. - - - LIST OF OFFICERS WHO SERVED WITH THE 36th BATTERY IN FRANCE, WITH - DECORATIONS RECEIVED. - - Major D. A. MacKinnon, Distinguished Service Order and - Charlottetown, P.E.I. Croix de Guerre. - - Capt. F. H. Tingley (killed), Moncton Military Cross. - - Capt. A. L. Anderson, Toronto Military Cross and Bar. - - Lieut. D. L. Teed (killed), St. Military Cross. - John, N.B. - - Lieut. C. D. Shrieve (killed), Military Cross. - Digby, N.S. - - Lieut. R. Fleet, Montreal Military Cross. - - Lieut. F. J. Longworth (killed), Military Cross. - Charlottetown - - Lieut. J. W. L. Harris, Moncton, Military Cross. - N.B. - - Lieut. A. B. Manning, Toronto Military Cross. - - Lieut. A. Livingstone, Sydney, N.S. Military Cross. - - Lieut. I. Alexander, Fredericton, Military Cross. - N.B. - - Lieut. J. O’Grady, Winnipeg - - - - - CHAPTER VIII. - _14th BRIGADE, C.F.A._ - - -[Illustration: - - LT.-COL. J. L. M‘KINNON.] - -The 14th Brigade, C.F.A., was organized in the spring of 1916 and was -part of the 4th Division Artillery, which trained at Petawawa in the -summer of 1916. The 14th Brigade, under the command of Lieut.-Colonel -John L. McKinnon, of Halifax, N.S., was composed of the following Units: -Headquarters, 7 officers, 40 men, recruited in Nova Scotia. Batteries, -55th and 56th, recruited in Guelph, Ont.; 58th, recruited in New -Brunswick; 66th, recruited in Montreal. Brigade Ammunition Column, 3 -officers, 120 men, recruited in Nova Scotia. - -In addition to the O.C., Lieutenant-Colonel McKinnon, the following -other Nova Scotia officers proceeded Overseas with this Brigade: Capt. -G. C. Oland, Halifax, Adjutant; Capt. C. V. Trites, Liverpool, Medical -Officer, both attached to Brigade Headquarters; Major S. C. Oland, in -command of 66th Battery; Lieut. J. Vickery, 58th Battery; Brigade -Ammunition Column, Capt. F. S. Burns, Lieut. Herbert Stairs, Lieut. W. -M. Ray, Lieut. T. D. Farquahar. - -The 4th Divisional Artillery, consisting of the 12th, 13th, 14th and -15th Brigades, and Divisional Ammunition Column, left Canada on -September 11, 1916, and completed training in England. - -In the fall of 1916 the Imperial authorities for the Imperial Army -adopted the formation of six-gun Batteries instead of four-gun -Batteries, reducing Brigades in each Division. The Canadian authorities -followed in January, 1917, and from the 1st, 2nd and 3rd Divisions in -France a new 4th Divisional Artillery was reconstituted, and the old 4th -Divisional Artillery became 5th Divisional Artillery, which later became -Corps Artillery. - -On the formation of the Nova Scotia Regimental Depot, Lieutenant-Colonel -McKinnon was given command and was later appointed Deputy Judge Advocate -General, Canadian Forces Overseas. - - - - - CHAPTER IX. - _THE ROYAL CANADIAN REGIMENT._ - - -The Royal Canadian Regiment was raised on December 21, 1883, as a Unit -of the new Canadian Permanent Force, for the instruction of the Canadian -Militia by establishing schools of instruction for officers and -non-commissioned officers, and by the formation of a nucleus of officers -and non-commissioned officer instructors to assist at the various -Militia Camps. The Regiment was first known as the “Infantry School -Corps.” - -In 1885 “C” Company, stationed at Toronto, joined a mixed force of -Militia under the command of Lieut.-Col. W. D. Otter, which marched -across the ice along the North Shore of Lake Superior to the Northwest, -to suppress the rebellion of the half-breeds, under the leadership of -Louis Riel. The Company took part in the action of Fish Creek and the -relief of Battleford on April 24th, and in the action of Cut Knife Hill -on May 2nd. It also took part in the pursuit of Chief Big Bear during -June and July. It remained in garrison at Battleford from July until -October, when it returned to Toronto. This was the first occasion on -which Canadian troops had conducted active operations and brought them -to a successful conclusion without the aid of Imperial troops. - -In 1892 the name of the Regiment was changed to the “Canadian Regiment -Infantry,” and the following year Queen Victoria approved of the -Regiment becoming a Royal Regiment, known as the “Royal Canadian -Regiment of Canadian Infantry,” and granted permission for her Imperial -Cypher, V.R.I., with the Imperial Crown, to be worn as a badge. - -In 1899, on the outbreak of the South African War, a second (Special -Service) Battalion was raised under the command of Lieut.-Colonel W. D. -Otter, and sailed on October 30, 1899, in the _S.S. Sardinian_, arriving -at Cape Town on November 30th. In addition to minor skirmishes the -Battalion took part in the following actions while in South Africa: - - Paardeberg 27th February, 1900 - Poplar Grove 7th March, 1900 - Dreifontein 10th March, 1900 - Israel’s Poort 25th April, 1900 - Hont’s Nek 1st May, 1900 - Zano River 16th May, 1900 - Doorn Kop 29th May, 1900 - Pretoria 4th June, 1900 - -The casualties in South Africa were thirty-nine killed, twenty-eight -died of disease, one hundred and twenty-three wounded. - -The Battalion was represented at the annexation ceremony at Pretoria on -October 25th by a party specially selected, and on November 7th it -embarked at Cape Town for Southampton, arriving on November 29th. The -Battalion was inspected by Her Majesty Queen Victoria at Windsor Castle, -when she addressed them and thanked them for their services. This was -the last official inspection made by the Queen before her death. - -On December 11th the Battalion embarked at Liverpool and sailed for -Canada, arriving at Halifax on December 23rd, where it was disbanded. - -During the South African War the name of the Regiment was changed to the -“Royal Canadian Regiment of Infantry.” His Majesty King George, then -Duke of York, presented colors to the Regiment at Toronto on October 11, -1901, during his tour of the British Empire. - -A 3rd (Garrison) Battalion of the Regiment was raised at Halifax to -release the 1st Battalion Leinster Regiment (Royal Canadians) for -service elsewhere. This Battalion was brought to a high state of -efficiency and formed the greater part of the Garrison in the Fortress -at Halifax. It was, however, disbanded shortly after being relieved by -an Imperial Regiment, the 5th Battalion Royal Garrison Regiment, in -September, 1902. - -In 1902 the name of the Regiment was once again changed, becoming known -by its present distinctive title of “The Royal Canadian Regiment.” - -In 1904, a special banner, given by His Majesty King Edward VII to -commemorate the Regiment’s services in South Africa, was presented at -Ottawa on October 4th by His Excellency the Governor-General, Lord -Minto. - -Imperial troops having been withdrawn and the defence of Canada taken -over by local troops, the Regiment moved to Halifax, the establishment -being raised to ten companies. - -On the outbreak of the European War in August, 1914, the Regiment was -mobilized at Halifax, occupying the various forts. It was brought up to -war strength by a draft of four hundred volunteers, men from the newly -formed Camp at Valcartier, for the Expeditionary Force then being -raised. Being trained regular troops, and the only ones available for -service Overseas, the Regiment, under the command of Lieut.-Colonel A. -O. Fages, was sent to Bermuda on September 9th to relieve the 2nd -Battalion Lincolnshire Regiment, and were the first Canadian troops to -go abroad. In August of the following year, the Regiment having been -relieved by the 38th Battalion, C.E.F., proceeded, under the command of -Lieut.-Colonel Carpenter, to France, via England, where it was rearmed -and re-equipped. It landed at Boulogne, under the command of Lieut.-Col. -A. H. Macdonell, D.S.O., on October 31st, and on moving up the line -immediately became Corps Troops to the Canadian Corps under -Lieut.-General Sir A. E. H. Alderson, K.C.B. It went into the trenches -for the first time with the First Canadian Division, opposite Messines. - -At the beginning of 1916 it was one of the Battalions composing the 7th -Canadian Infantry Brigade under Brigadier-General A. C. Macdonell, -C.M.G., D.S.O., of the newly formed 3rd Canadian Division, under -Major-General Mercer, C.B. The Brigade consisted of the Royal Canadian -Regiment, Princess Patricia’s Canadian Light Infantry, 42nd Battalion -(Royal Highlanders of Canada) and 49th Battalion (Edmonton Regiment), -and, later, the 7th Canadian Machine Gun Company. The Regiment went into -the line with the Brigade at Wulvergham, moving afterward to Kemmel and -then to Ypres. - -The Regiment’s first general action was that of the German attack on -June 2nd to June 5th on Sanctuary Wood and Hooge, in the Ypres Salient. -Here the Regiment, under Lieut.-Col. C. H. Hill, distinguished itself by -its steadiness under the heaviest concentration of hostile artillery and -trench mortar fire which up to that date had ever been brought to bear -on British troops. By its rifle and machine gun fire the attempted -infantry assaults against its lines were frustrated, and it was -virtually the action of the machine guns, assisted by the 7th Canadian -Machine Gun Company, that prevented a great disaster to the whole Ypres -Salient. These guns had been unable to get away after being relieved on -account of dawn breaking. On June 5th the Germans blew up three very -large mines at Hooge, annihilating the Garrison. The guns, which were -some distance in the rear, immediately mounted, fully exposed, on the -Menin Road, and by their coolly directed fire threw back the German -Infantry, thus preventing them from swamping our line and outflanking it -both north and south on the Menin Road. The action of June 2nd to 5th -exemplified the value of long training. The older men who had been in -the Regiment for years, and who were considered as almost past their -day, came to the fore wonderfully by their steadiness and discipline. -This was shown particularly when during the hostile infantry attacks and -intense shelling they remained cool and steady and withheld their fire, -only letting forth their perfect deluge of bullets when a good target -appeared. This encouraged and gave added confidence to the younger men. -It was certainly the old soldier’s day. - -Between June and August some extremely gallant trench raids and -expeditions were carried out by the Regiment. One raid carried out was -discovered by the enemy before starting, and came under intense fire -from rifles, bombs and machine guns at close quarters. In spite of this -the party rushed forward and inflicted heavy losses upon the enemy, but -every man except one was wounded. Two officers and some men came out -into the open and worked for two hours under fire collecting and -bringing in the wounded. - -In September the Regiment moved south with the Canadian Corps under -Lieut.-General Sir Julian H. G. Byng, K.C.B., K.C.M.G., M.V.O., to the -Somme, where until November they took part in very severe fighting at -Courcellette, Regina Trench, and elsewhere. - -The Battalion performed a very difficult feat on September 15th, when it -came up from reserve and occupied a line just after dusk over absolutely -strange ground, made unrecognizable by shell fire, and in so doing was -obliged to change front twice. They occupied their position on time. -Again, on September 16th, two Companies went forward to attack an enemy -trench over open ground, in full view of the enemy, in face of deadly -rifle and machine gun fire, starting at a distance of over 800 yards and -being practically wiped out when less than 50 yards from the enemy’s -trench. - -On October 8th, at Regina Trench, the R.C.R. and one other Battalion -were the only Canadian Battalions to capture and for the time hold -objectives. There by its gallantry and determination the Battalion held -on throughout the day outflanked and unsupported. A Battalion of German -Marines was threatening the left, which necessitated a change of front. -This was successfully accomplished. The enemy charged the position on -three separate occasions, but were driven back with heavy loss each -time. This, however, was accomplished only by heavy loss to the -Battalion, for, when relieved, it mustered only one officer and -eighty-one other ranks; in one Company only five men remained. - -On leaving the Somme area the Regiment was so depleted that it was -obliged to reorganize. The fighting had been of the bitterest -hand-to-hand kind. - -The following order was published on leaving the area: - - “7th Canadian Infantry Brigade. - - “This Brigade has just finished a series of operations of which - every member may be justly proud. - - “The performance of the 15th September, 1916, when the R.C.R. - P.P.C.L.I., 42nd and 49th Battalions, went into an unknown area on - four and a half hours’ notice, in broad daylight, and under heavy - shelling, reached and jumped off on time, not from prepared assembly - trenches, but from a battered trench captured that morning, and, - changing direction twice, captured and held three different - objectives, together with some three hundred prisoners, has been - characterized as one of the finest accomplishments by any Brigade in - the war. - - “No one as time goes on can fail to be more and more impressed with - the extent to which each arm of the military machine is dependent - upon others for ultimate and lasting success; a Brigade may do - better than ever before, and still fail to gain their objective, - owing to another arm not having fully accomplished its task. - - “The attack on September 16th, 1916, adds to, rather than dims, the - glory. Both the R.C.R. and the 42nd Battalion (R.H.C.) knew the - barrage had failed, that the Zollern Trench was fully manned, and - that the chances of success were slight. Notwithstanding, the - attacking companies of these Battalions did their duty, knowing that - the attack of the 9th Canadian Infantry Brigade, timed for 6.30 - p.m., depended entirely on their capturing their objective. They - thrust the attack home gallantly and well, but, under the - circumstances, with the odds so heavily against them, it was - impossible to make good the Zollern Trench. - - “On the 8th October, 1916, Regina Trench was not battered in nor the - wire cut, but we all have good reason to be proud of the performance - of our Battalions that day—the R.C.R. and 49th Battalion for their - attack, the P.P.C.L.I. for their good work in the vacated front - line, and the 42nd Battalion (R.H.C.) for cheerfully going in again - to take over the defence of the line, although they had been - withdrawn a few hours before and were desperately tired. The Machine - Gun Company also comes in for its share of the well-earned praise - for its excellent barrage work and support of the Infantry. - - “We all feel particularly proud of the splendid work of the R.C.R. - in driving through to their objective and holding it so long against - odds. No one could have done better and few so well. - - “A. C. MACDONELL, Brig.-Gen., - “Comd’g. 7th Canadian Infantry Brigade. - - “15–10–16.” - -In November the Battalion moved north again to Neuville St. Vaast, -nothing of much importance happening with the exception of raids. These -commenced after Christmas and became almost a daily occurrence. Daring -deeds of all degrees were performed by all ranks, with the result that -the Battalion was morally and actually master of the situation and owned -“No Man’s Land.” - -On April 9, 1917, the Battle of Vimy Ridge commenced. This was one of -the most perfectly planned actions that has ever occurred. Every man -knew exactly what he had to do and how to do it, and where he was to go. -The strong ridge which the Germans had held and fortified to the best of -their ability fell into our hands with comparative ease. Many trophies -were captured by the Regiment, and all their objectives were taken -without any delay or hitch of any kind. This was accomplished in bitter -weather and mud knee deep; the ground captured was held intact in spite -of the furious and continued attacks launched by the enemy to wrest our -gains from us. - -After Vimy the Regiment took part in the following major actions:—Avion, -June, 1917; Hill 70, July, 1917; Passchendaele, October and November, -1917 (in the latter period eleven hostile attacks were successfully -repelled); Amiens, 1918, where the Regiment was on the extreme right -successfully operating with the French; Monchy, August, 1918; Cambrai, -where Lieut. M. F. Gregg won his V.C.; Forêt de Raisines, Valenciennes; -and last, but not least, the dramatic capture of the world famous Mons. -The credit for the first to enter Mons has been claimed by the 42nd -Battalion. This is a moot point, and is probably due to the fact that a -Company of the Royal Canadian Regiment was detached to the 42nd and -entered the City from the S.E. The indubitable fact remains that Lieut. -W. M. King of the R.C.R. was the first to reach the square, where he was -received by the Mayor at the Town Hall with his platoon, and where he -signed the Golden Book of Mons, which was given by King Albert to the -City on his departure in 1914. - -The Regiment returned to Canada and the C.E.F. personnel was demobilized -at Halifax on 10th March, 1919. - -The following distinctions and awards were gained by the Regiment in the -war of 1914–18:— - - V.C. 1 - G.B.E. 1 - C.M.G. 4 - C.B.E. 1 - D.S.O. 11 - O.B.E. 5 - M.C. 37 - Bar to M.C. 5 - D.F.C. 1 - D.C.M. 24 - Bar to D.C.M. 1 - M.M. 128 - Bar to M.M. 10 - M.S.M. 10 - Foreign Decorations. 15 - Mentions. 35 - Commissions from the ranks: - Lieut.-Colonel. 1 - Major. 5 - Captain. 14 - Lieutenant. 28 - 2nd Lieutenant. 4 - - - - - CHAPTER X. - _THE 17th BATTALION, C.E.F._ - - -When war clouds lowered on the European horizon in July, 1914, it would -have been strange had the men of Pictou County, Nova Scotia, not been -among the first to recognize their duty to civilization and the Empire. - -[Illustration: - - LIEUT.-COL. STRUAN G. ROBERTSON.] - -On July 31, 1914, the officer commanding the 78th Regiment Pictou -Highlanders wired the then Minister of Militia of Canada that his -Regiment was ready for service, and received a reply, dated August 1, -1914, expressing the Minister’s thanks for the patriotic offer. On -August 8th orders were received by wire from the Adjutant-General, -Ottawa, as follows: “It is notified for information that not more than -125 men with officers will be accepted from each rural Regiment.” This -order limited volunteering in Nova Scotian rural corps at once to that -number. - -On August 20, 1914, 135 officers, non-commissioned officers and other -ranks left New Glasgow for Valcartier, being joined at Truro by a full -quota of officers, non-commissioned officers and other ranks of the 76th -Colchester Rifles and small detachments of the 63rd and 66th Halifax -Regiments, a Company from the 75th Lunenburg Regiment under -Lieut.-Colonel Andrews, and one from 69th. Passing through Cumberland -County the Nova Scotian contingent was further augmented by a roll of -officers, non-commissioned officers and men, up to the strength -authorized, from the 93rd Cumberland Regiment, with their O.C., -Lieut.-Colonel Murray, making in all a total of some five hundred -officers, non-commissioned officers and other ranks. - -Had each of the seven Nova Scotia Regiments of Militia been able to send -the number authorized the contingent would have been little short of -strength as a Regiment. Ottawa had apparently overlooked the fact that -both the Halifax Regiments and the 94th of Cape Breton were on garrison -duty, making it difficult for them to recruit beyond their then -imperative needs or part with the number required. - -It was then proposed by the officers on board the troop train that steps -be taken to form a Nova Scotian Battalion, so that all might serve -together. The three senior officers of the contingent, Lieut.-Colonels -Andrews, Cameron and Murray asked Lieut.-Col. S. G. Robertson to -undertake the organization and ask that he be given command. Although he -had specialized as far as possible in Staff work and felt his services -would be of more value in that line than in Regimental duty, the request -was difficult of refusal and the proposal was accepted. - -From the time of arrival in Valcartier the Nova Scotians remained -together until a wire was received from the Minister authorizing the -organization of the Battalion. Unfortunately an excessive advertising of -the Unit by a too friendly press in Halifax aroused Provincial -jealousies and no doubt made fulfilment of the authorization difficult. -It undoubtedly made it appear to outsiders that the Nova Scotian -officers were doing a lot of advertising, an opinion that was far from -the truth. Time dragged on; a few officers and men losing heart joined -other Battalions; but their number was small and all had the best -reasons for doing so. In most cases it meant promotion. - -Shortly before the day of sailing, the raising of two new Units was -authorized by Headquarters, to be numbered the 17th and 18th Battalions; -and the personnel of the officers was published, which included one, if -not two, of the senior Nova Scotian officers. Recruiting, however, -showed that there were no available rank and file apart from the Nova -Scotians, who, however, absolutely refused to join without their own -officers. As all prospect of a Nova Scotian Battalion seemed to have -vanished, therefore in order to get the men to join one of the new -Units, after consultation with the men Lieut.-Colonel Robertson offered -his services as Paymaster in that Unit. - -Hardly had his services been accepted by the Officer Commanding than the -Premier arrived in Camp and called a meeting of the Nova Scotian -officers for the following morning. At the meeting two proposals were -made to the officers, who were asked to consider them and report their -decision at a later hour. The proposals were to go then as a half -Battalion or remain behind to be properly organized and sail later. The -meeting of officers decided without dissent that to remain until -properly organized was the only course open, in view of the shortness of -time and lack of so much that was necessary. - -On this report being made to the Premier he stated that it had been -decided to send us as a Battalion with the First Contingent, to allow us -to recruit as far as possible and if necessary to send drafts later to -complete our establishment. The colors of the Battalion were then -presented by Lady Borden, with appropriate ceremony. - -Within three days sufficient men had been recruited in Cape Breton, -Pictou, Colchester and Cumberland Counties practically to complete the -strength of a Regiment. - -The Premier was no longer in Camp, and transport was refused. Possibly, -the momentarily expected sailing of the First Contingent made it -impractical, and the Battalion sailed from Quebec on September 30, 1914, -with a full strength of officers and non-commissioned officers and 773 -other ranks, unbrigaded under strength and under-equipped, but with -hearts burning with loyalty, on board the _S.S. Ruthenia_. - -Just one hundred and twenty-nine years before the ancestors of many of -these men had been disbanded from the 82nd Highlanders in Halifax and -given grants of land comprising 20,000 acres in Pictou County. The -Regiment had been raised in Perthshire by Col. Alexander Robertson of -Struan, then Chief of Clan Donnachie, and was commanded by him. Now -commanded by one of the same race and family they were returning to do -their part in the world’s tragedy. - -The nominal roll of officers was as follows: Lieut.-Col. Struan G. -Robertson; Majors, Daniel D. Cameron and Daniel Murray; Adjutant, Capt. -Charles E. Bent; Asst.-Adjutant, Lieut. L. Ray Cutten. - -Captains: W. H. Allen, L. C. Bentley, W. B. Coulter, Alex. Watson, D. C. -Sheppard, W. Forbes, Thos. Curwen Reid. - -Lieutenants: G. W. Harris, F. M. Bentley, F. M. McDonald, J. E. -Christie, E. W. Mingo, C. J. Groggett, J. M. Gillis, Bruce Donald, A. N. -Peerless, R. E. Russell, G. A. Ross, G. E. C. Eager, Norman McKee, J. R. -Bell, Alister Fraser, Arthur Hunt Chute, B. J. Walker, A. Marlow. - -Paymaster, Hon. Capt. Arthur McKay; Quartermaster, Hon. Capt. Robert -McMeekin; Medical Officer, Capt. H. Morrell; Chaplain, Paul Goforth; -Transport Officer, C. Hamilton Catty. - -For five months the Battalion saw service on Salisbury Plain as a Unit. -No drafts arrived to bring the Battalion up to strength, but it was -attached to one Brigade after another. Some one has said that the ardor -of the Highlander springs from internal sentiment, and that the only -thing his spirit cannot brook is disappointment. - -It has ever been seemingly fated that governments failed to appreciate -this characteristic of Scottish soldiers. Broken faith, real or -supposed, caused rebellion in even the Black Watch in 1743. In 1795, -when it was proposed to break up the Cameron Highlanders by drafting, -their Colonel told the Duke of York, then O. in C., “To draft the 79th -is more than you or your Royal father dare do!” The Duke of York -replied: “The King, my father, will certainly send the Regiment to the -West Indies.” Colonel Cameron thereupon losing his temper warmly -rejoined: “You may tell the King, your father, from me, that he may send -us to h—l if he likes, and Ell go at the head of them, but he daurna -draft us.” - -Attempts were made to draft the men of the 17th but as they had been -enlisted over three months the Army Act made such procedure illegal, -unless voluntary, and the protest of the Officer Commanding, after -threatened proceedings, was effectual. - -Four Battalions of the First Canadian Contingent, including the 17th, -were then made into Reserve Battalions, and the non-commissioned -officers and other ranks were drafted into the First Division to make up -for the wastage suffered during its sojourn on Salisbury Plain, which -then through sickness, desertion and the obtaining of commissions in the -Imperial Forces was equivalent to about ten per cent. of the original -total strength of the First Contingent. - -As a Reserve Battalion the 17th served throughout the War and -practically all Nova Scotian Infantry Drafts passed at one time or -another through its ranks. From it were drawn the drafts for the -Highland Brigade 1st Division, and latterly those for Nova Scotia -Infantry Units in the Field. As a Reserve it outlived many of its -enemies. - -Of the gallant hearts that left Nova Scotia in August, 1914, many have -paid the price and sleep their last sleep on alien soil. - - “And, when the last Great Bugle Call - _O’er Vimy sounding, throbs_, - When the last grim joke is entered - In the big black book of Jobs, - _And Belgic battlefields give up_ - Their victims to the air, - I shouldn’t like to be the man - _That played those men unfair_.” - - - - - CHAPTER XI. - _THE 25th BATTALION._ - - - BY CAPT. G. C. M‘ELHENNY. - -In endeavoring to write this brief account of the organization, training -and operations of the first Battalion of Nova Scotians to be raised and -equipped in their own Province and also the first from these “the -sea-girt hills and vales,” which have contributed more than their quota -of soldiers, sailors, statesmen, educators and men of affairs in the -past, to man the trenches in France and Flanders, the writer regrets and -wishes it understood that he is not writing from personal observations, -inasmuch as (and this is what he regrets) he was not a member of the -25th Battalion until the spring of 1917. The substance, then, of the -following is compiled from the War Diary of the 25th Canadian Infantry -Battalion, and is submitted to the publishers of this volume at their -request and with the fullest appreciation of the writer’s inability to -do justice to the task of chronicling four and a half years of any -Battalion’s history, least of all the splendid story of the indomitable -courage and tenacious striving toward an ideal which were the -predominant features of this, in several respects, an unique Battalion -in the Canadian Corps. - -There are many omissions in the following narrative which the writer -regrets are imperative in order to make it of sufficient brevity to -allow of its publication in this volume. The nominal roll of officers is -as issued by the Department of Militia and Defence on the Battalion’s -sailing from Halifax on May 20, 1915. The summary of decorations awarded -was provided by the Adjutant-General, Canadian Militia, Ottawa, and does -not include the medals won by General Hilliam, C.B., and several other -officers and some other ranks when with Units other than the 25th -Battalion. - -It will be interesting to note in the list of original 2nd Division -officers who marched across the Rhine at Bonn on December 13, 1918, that -only two were commissioned officers on September 15, 1915. They are -Major A. W. P. Weston and Lieut. G. M. McNeil, M.C. There were -ninety-six other ranks with the Battalion on both the above-mentioned -dates. - -In the narrative there are many points on which the writer would like to -dilate at some length—more especially on some of the deeds of heroism in -the different actions. Of these deeds, practically in the earlier days -(1915 and 1916), more went unrecognized outside the Battalion than the -sum of all the decorations won by the Battalion. To mention more than -the few that fit into the narrative is obviously not feasible. - -One thing that cheered the 25th Battalion through all their long service -in France was the pipe band under Pipe-Major Carson. Major J. W. Logan -was responsible for the organization and equipment of this fine band. -There was nothing better in the armies in France. - -In pursuance of the Canadian Government’s scheme to raise a Second -Division for service Overseas, Lieut.-Col. G. A. Lecain (69th Regiment), -of Roundhill, Annapolis County, was authorized to mobilize the 25th -Battalion, Canadian Infantry, in Nova Scotia (October, 1914). -Lieut.-Colonel Lecain established headquarters at the Armories, Halifax, -and opened recruiting offices in Sydney, Amherst, New Glasgow, Truro and -Yarmouth. Recruiting commenced late in October, 1914. The official -nominal roll of officers who received appointments to the Battalion is -published here and to them is due the credit of the splendid -organization and training which enabled these sons of New Scotland to -rank second to none with the flower of the British Armies. Mention -should also be made of the fine non-commissioned officers of the -Battalion and those loaned by the Permanent Force, who attended to the -details of training with most commendable zeal. - -[Illustration: - - LIEUT.-COL. G. A. LECAIN.] - -It should be remembered that this was Nova Scotia’s first attempt at -recruiting and organizing a full Battalion for service in the Great War, -and the facilities for the proper fulfilment of such a task were far -from perfect. In view of this then Nova Scotians should be, and, I -think, are, unanimous in their praise of Lieut.-Colonel Lecain and all -ranks of his Battalion for his organizing and so quickly training a Unit -which, though many times decimated and only a skeleton of a Battalion -left, quickly and smoothly absorbed its reinforcements and carried on -with renewed energy and greater deeds toward the high ideal of service -for home and humanity. - -The writer has often had it suggested to him that it was a pity the -deeds of the 25th Battalion were not better known by the people at home. -The reply to such a suggestion, on behalf of the Battalion is this: The -reputation of the 25th Battalion was safe in the hands of our comrades -throughout the Canadian Corps, and our exploits in raiding were the -marvel of two armies. These exploits and deeds with their inevitable -accompaniment of blood and death were not fit subjects to press-agent -into the already overwrought family circles, which were possibly in -receipt of one of those missiles of despair and death—an “official -telegram from Ottawa.” We gloried in the encomiums of the Brigade, -Divisional, Corps and Army Commanders, and still more in the hearty -praise of our comrades in the “Y” or the canteens or estaminets. But no -one thought of sending an account home. And why? Well, there were a good -many Bills, and Jocks, and Toms and so on, who “went west” in that -scrap. And what’s the use of making it realistic to Mary and Nora and -Bessie? “No, Pard, we would rather not.” - -And there we will leave it and endeavor to adhere to a resolution to -make this brief sketch statistically correct. - -Before Christmas Day, 1914, the Battalion was at full strength and had -the authorized ten per cent. reserve in training in the Armories at -Halifax and later on the Common. In April the people of Nova Scotia -presented the Battalion with two fine field kitchens and $2,500, the -ceremony taking place at the Provincial Building, in front of the whole -Battalion on parade and a vast concourse of people. - -As evidence of the fine spirit which animated the whole Battalion -the-following is copied from the official War Diary: “A University -Reinforcement Company of the P.P.C.L.I. arrived in the city to embark -for England, and the 25th Battalion was called on to supply seven men to -bring it up to strength. The Battalion was formed up on the Common and -an invitation extended for any who wished to go Overseas at once in this -draft to take one pace forward. The whole Battalion, to a man, stepped -forward making it necessary to search the records and select seven -ex-imperial service men. Privates Aldridge, Baker, Conroy, Cumberland, -Erickson, Kehoe and Leonard were selected.” - -On sailing for England aboard _H.M.T.S. Saxonia_ (Captain Charles, R.N.) -on May 20, 1915, Haligonians and many from other points in the Province -witnessed many a moving spectacle as bright countenances fought the -dimming influence of heavy hearts as they wished the boys of the 25th -Godspeed on their journey, and victory in the fight; leaving their safe -return or immortalization in the hands of the Creator who deals justly -and well in all things. With the 25th Battalion on board the _Saxonia_ -were those gallant sons of Quebec, the 22nd Battalion. No account of the -doings of the 25th Battalion could do justice to its purpose without -paying tribute to those noble French-Canadians who were continually -associated with the 25th Battalion from embarkation at Halifax on May -20, 1915, to debarkation at the same port on May 16, 1919. Surely there -is a lesson for our politicians and religious bigots in the close -co-operation which marked the attitude of these two Battalions toward -each other throughout the period of their association. Our brave -comrades of the 22nd Battalion showed us that the French-Canadian was -not only generous in sympathy but quick to collaborate with his fellow -Canadians of British descent on the broad principle of national welfare. -In battle, in sports, or in argument over the estaminet tables, proof of -the whole-hearted camaraderie between the 22nd and 25th Battalions was -daily evident and fostered by both Units. - -The _Saxonia_ docked at Devonport on May 29, 1915, and her valuable -human cargo took trains for Westenhanger, in Kent County, where they -detrained in the middle of the night and marched to East Sandling Camp, -in the Shorncliffe area, to which the 2nd Canadian Division had been -assigned for the period of their intensive training. - -While this training was being carried out the Battalion took part in -Divisional Reviews by H.M. the King, Earl Kitchener, Lieut-General Sir -Sam Hughes and General Steele, as well as one in honor of the visit to -the area by the Premier of Canada, Sir Robert Borden, and Brigade and -Training Inspectors. The 25th Battalion was now a Unit of the 5th -(Eastern Canada) Brigade, 2nd Canadian Division, which consisted of four -Battalions and details (22nd, 24th, 25th and 26th) drawn from Quebec, -Montreal, Nova Scotia and New Brunswick. The Brigade Commander was -Lieut.-Colonel (now Major-General) Sir David Watson, and Major-General -R. W. Turner, V.C., was Divisional Commander. - -After three and a half months of eight hours’ training per day, with -four hours of practice in night operations’ frequently, the 2nd Division -was ordered to France. The 25th Battalion proceeded by boat from -Folkestone to Boulogne on the night of September 15, 1915, and by train -on the following day from Pont de Brieques, a few kilometres from -Boulogne, to a small station near St. Omer. From here to the front line -was the first real test of the Battalion’s _morale_ and physical -condition. Marching for five days with new (Kitchener’s) boots over -French and Belgian cobblestone roads, the Battalion relieved the King’s -Own Regiment on the night of the 22nd–23rd of September, 1915, the first -Nova Scotia Battalion to face the Hun as a Unit. And not a man had -dropped out in the gruelling grind of the last four days. The writer has -been told, unofficially, that this was a record for the Division, and -though it has never been confirmed, neither has it been denied. - -The first few tours in the front lines were spent in the H and I -trenches, Kemmel Sector of the Ypres Salient, where the Hun was very -active in mining operations. During the Battalion’s second tour, which -extended over six days, Fritz blew one large and three smaller mines on -“B” Company, which killed twelve and wounded twenty, leaving a crater 65 -feet by 35 feet and 25 feet deep. This resulted in no advantage to the -enemy, inasmuch as the charge was situated so that it must have done -considerable damage to his trenches, and the crater was promptly -garrisoned by Nova Scotians. - -[Illustration: - - BRIG.-GEN. E. HILLIAM, C.B., C.M.G., D.S.O.] - -Late in October, 1915, Major E. Hilliam, a 1st Division officer, -succeeded Lieut.-Colonel Lecain in command of the Battalion; and, under -his soldierly guidance, the 25th began to make the Bosche sit up and -notice his surroundings. Under Major (as O.C., Lieut.-Colonel) Hilliam’s -guidance the Battalion became expert in the little tricks which worried -the enemy and made trench life more interesting. Notable among the many -episodes which added spice to the daily routine was a raid on the Hun -trenches by Lieutenant (now Lieut.-Colonel) Wise, and the stalking of a -German patrol in No Man’s Land by Corporal (now Captain) “Ernie” -Canning, which resulted in the capture of one of their number and the -gaining of much information. The small garrison of thirty-five 25th -Battalion men, under Lieutenants Morgan, Johnstone and McNeil, holding -Nos. 1 and 4 craters at St. Eloi in April, 1915, gave the attacking -company of Huns a sample of the unbeatable stuff they are made of. - -In April the 25th Battalion took over the line at St. Eloi where they -remained about six weeks. This was beyond a doubt the most trying -experience which the Battalion had to that time or has since been called -upon to endure. There were no front line trenches. Five mine craters had -to be occupied, since the front line trenches were all destroyed, and -the men had to occupy most exposed positions. Every hole and every -remnant remaining of a trench were used as the only possible cover, and -mud, muck and water prevailed. Under continually heavy and harrowing -fire and attacks the Battalion endured, though at the price of the loss -of hundreds of its personnel. The German artillery fire in the Ypres -Salient was the heaviest of the War. With enemy artillery on three -sides, the situation may better be imagined than described. One crater -that was occupied by the Battalion was attacked no less than five times -between dusk and dawn in one night alone, but the crater was held. When -the garrison was relieved there were not enough men left to bring out -the wounded and a relief party had to be sent in for that purpose. On -this front all intercommunication was impossible and isolated parties -held the lines. The Battalion was highly commended by the higher command -for their excellent work on this front. - -The Battalion spent 339 days on the Belgian Front, of which 164 days -were spent in actual front line trenches. Many good officers and men -were killed or wounded. Among the former was Lieutenant Douglas, who was -killed while fighting with the 6th (Western) Brigade in the craters of -St. Eloi. Lieutenant Douglas was Battalion Machine Gun Officer and had -been loaned with the machine gun section to the 6th Brigade during the -furious onslaughts which the Hun was making on the craters. The men with -Lieutenant Douglas were all killed excepting five who were captured. - -Besides the Kemmel and St. Eloi Sectors, the 25th Battalion were engaged -at Vierstraat, Ploegsteerte, Hill 60, Hooge and Messines. And it was -here, also, that the Battalion obtained “Robert the Bruce,” mascot and -veteran of three years’ service in the land of his birth. It would be -hard for one to see the immense, sleek goat now on the farm of Major -Matheson at Baddeck and endeavor to imagine the same animal, two weeks -old, hardly bigger than a cat, feeding from a bottle in the hands of -Pipe-Major Carson in the kitchen of the band’s billet in Locre. But they -are one and the same animal. The members of the band bought him from the -“Madame” of the house for two francs (40c.), and trained him to “swank” -in front of the pipe band, eat cigarettes, drink beer, and demand his -blanket at “lights out.” He added many other traits and tricks to his -repertoire before the Battalion was disbanded, and many a would-be -possessor of our mascot has felt the force of his “butt” sufficiently to -make them all leave “Robert the Bruce” strictly to his own Battalion. - -The 25th Battalion played a leading part in the assault at Courcellette -on September 15, 1916. The whole Corps welcomed the relief from the -ground-hog tactics of the fray in Belgium and looked forward with keen -anticipation to their participation in open warfare tactics on the Somme -in Picardy. - -The troops marched a good portion of the long distance from Hazebrouck -to Albert. The 25th Battalion spent a few days on the way in rehearsing -practices in formations for advancing and assaulting and arrived in the -brickfields of Albert where the whole Division and units of the 1st and -3rd Divisions were massed under tarpaulins and corrugated iron, a few -days in advance of September 15, 1916. - -The plan of attack on the immediate front of Courcellette was for the -4th (Ontario) Brigade to open the attack on the morning of the fifteenth -(15th) and clear the ground in front of Courcellette and on the -sixteenth (16th) the 5th Brigade would carry on the attack into the -town. The 4th Brigade had their objectives cleared and consolidated so -early in the day that the Divisional Commander decided to put the 5th -Brigade over the top at 6 o’clock in the afternoon. Brig.-General -MacDonnell (5th Brigade) divided the town evenly, pointed out the -objectives to Lieut.-Colonel Tremblay (22nd Battalion) and -Lieut.-Colonel Hilliam, explained that the other two Battalions would be -in support and reserve and sent the Quebecers and Nova Scotians to it. -Both Battalions were led in person by their commanding officers, who set -a fine example of leadership and courage to officers and men. The 25th -and 22nd Battalions established their line well to the east of the -ruined town and maintained their positions in the face of fierce -counter-attacks until relieved a few days later. - -This operation, brilliant as it was in execution, cost the Battalion -some of its most capable officers and men. Lieut.-Colonel Hilliam was -wounded in the hand, but refused to leave the line until his Battalion -was relieved. He was in evidence everywhere throughout the attack with -his long stick cheering his men and by his energy and daring urging them -to their best endeavors. In his report to the G.O.C., 5th Brigade, he -praised the work of officers and men very highly, and closed with the -words, “General, I have the honor of commanding the finest body of men I -have ever seen.” - -Three Company Commanders, Major Tupper (“A” Company), Major Brooks (“D” -Company), and Capt. John Stairs (“C” Company), were killed, and the O.C. -“B” Company, Major Flowers, was severely wounded. The Adjutant, Captain -Dicky, Lieutenants Hobkirk, Howson, Craig and Doane were killed. The -wounded included Capt. J. D. McNeil, Major Nutter, Lieutenants Wetmore, -Ryan, DeYoung and Dennis Stairs. - -Before I pass from the doings of the Battalion on the Somme, it is -necessary, in order to do justice to the narrative, to record the loss -of one of the bravest and most capable officers of the Battalion and one -who gave great promise as a fearless and resourceful fighter for high -ideals. I refer to Lieut. L. H. Johnstone, who led the 25th Battalion in -the fruitless and bloody attack on Regina Trench, October 1st, 1916. -While gallantly leading those men into a veritable hell of machine gun -and shell fire, the “Iron Duke,” as he was nicknamed by the gallant men -he was leading, fell to rise no more. - -[Illustration: - - CAPT. L. H. JOHNSTONE.] - -[Illustration: - - MAJOR J. H. TUPPER.] - -[Illustration: - - LIEUT. CHAS. H. HOBKIRK.] - -[Illustration: - - LIEUT. C. E. HOWSON.] - -[Illustration: - - CAPT. FRASER CRAIG.] - -[Illustration: - - CAPT. W. E. E. DOANE.] - -When the Battalion finally moved from the Somme area to be reinforced -and recuperated there were less than one hundred of the original -crusaders who marched so gaily from Flanders less than one month -previously. Though they had received a hard drubbing they made the old -nickname of “Herring-choker” one to be respected as long as memory lives -and histories are written. Theirs was not the attitude of the torn and -mangled dog with its tail between its legs. With reinforcements, which -arrived while the remnants of the Battalion rested a few days at -Bertrincourt, near Albert, they were transported to Hersin, and -immediately went into the line at Bully-Grenay, on the Lens Front, -where, with a pugnacity which is typical of the breed, they stirred up a -quiet sector until it became the most frequently raided and most heavily -shelled of their experience. - -The first raid on this front, and one of the most successful, was the -enterprise, on Christmas Eve, 1916, directed by Capt. W. A. Cameron and -carried out by an officer and twenty men from each Company. The -objective took in a point in the enemy lines known as the “Pope’s Nose,” -owing to the peculiar twist in the trench which brought it to within -fifteen yards of our line. Each party was successful in gaining entrance -to the Hun trenches. In fact, two of the parties encountered no -opposition, for Fritz had fled for cover. But the party from “D” -Company, under Lieut. (now Capt.) W. A. Livingstone, found their -objective strongly manned and the men were able to get in some splendid -bayonet and Mills bomb work. They saved seven specimens of German Kultur -to tell our Intelligence Staff what they knew about the situation on the -other side of No Man’s Land. - -Captain Cameron, Lieutenants Livingstone and Morris received Military -Crosses in recognition of their energy and personal gallantry in the -above affair. - -Lieut.-Colonel Hilliam, D.S.O., was promoted to the rank of -Brigadier-General and appointed to the command of the 10th Infantry -Brigade, 4th Canadian Division, in January, 1917. The Battalion at -having their C.O. selected for a higher command recognized that no -promotion in the Allied Forces was more deserved; but regret at the -Battalion’s loss was expressed by all ranks. The effects of his -soldierly training and administration of the Battalion remained with -them throughout the War. - -In the attack on Vimy Ridge, Easter Monday, April 9, 1917, the 25th -Battalion was led by Major J. A. Delancey, M.C., until that brave -officer was killed, after which Major (now Colonel) A. O. Blois, of -Halifax (who had enlisted as a private in the 40th Battalion, been -appointed to a commission in the 64th Battalion, transferred a subaltern -to the 25th Battalion and had progressed at that date through the -Adjutancy of the Battalion to the rank of Major), took command, and -organized and consolidated the objectives which had all been secured by -ten o’clock and were extended later in the day. - -[Illustration: - - LIEUT. J. HALLISEY.] - -[Illustration: - - CAPT. J. H. WALLACE.] - -Two of the Battalion pipers played the boys over the top that wintry -morning, and although the German band and our own artillery drowned the -skirling notes of the pibroch, our lads were fired with the spirit which -prompted these two noble musicians to volunteer and insist on -accompanying the Battalion through the muck and mire, the death and -destruction which was let loose on that fateful day. They were awarded -Military Medals for their splendid example of self-sacrificing disregard -for personal safety. - -Lieutenant Hallisey, of Truro, was killed while proceeding to the -“jumping off” position. Several officers were wounded, and the -casualties among the N.C.O.’s and men were very heavy. The death of -R.S.M. “Dad” Henchcliffe, M.C., father of all the N.C.O.’s and men in -the Battalion, was particularly regrettable; for he was a very efficient -warrant officer and a friend to all. - -[Illustration: - - LIEUT.-COL. “STAN” BAULD.] - -Lieut.-Colonel Bauld commanded the Battalion at the taking of Fresnoy -and Arleux late in February. While these were only local affairs and -confined to a narrow front, they were the cause of some very severe -casualties. “D” and “C” Companies suffered very severely at Arleux. -Captain Weare, M.C., was severely shell-shocked, Lieutenants Bell and -Wallace, two very promising young officers, were killed, and scores of -our men caught in the wire, in the darkness, were literally shot to -pieces. - -Shortly after this affair, two officers’ batmen from “C” Company went -astray in the darkness with their officers’ rations and strayed into the -enemy lines. Their whereabouts was a matter of conjecture until the -publication of the roll of prisoners of war. In the thirty-eight months -during which the 25th Battalion was in contact with the flower of the -German War Lord’s Legions, only eight of our men were captured alive. -The five machine-gunners have already been noted. They were detached -from the Battalion at the time of their capture. The two mentioned above -were the victims of a dark night and unfamiliar recently captured -ground. The eighth man to be captured was taken on the Mericourt Sector -early in 1918 during a raid by a party of three officers and ninety Huns -on a thinly held portion of the sector. We also succeeded in capturing -one of the raiding party who was unfortunate enough to get into our wire -entanglements. A great deal of information was gleaned from the captive -regarding the training and composition of the raiding party. The man who -was captured by the enemy had only joined the Battalion a few days -previously. So what information the German Intelligence Staff gleaned -from him must have been purely family affairs. - -Early in July, 1917, Lieut.-Colonel Bauld obtained leave of absence to -visit his home, and the command of the Battalion devolved on Major -Blois, D.S.O., who commanded the 25th, until he in turn was granted -leave to Canada in May, 1918. - -[Illustration: - - COL. A. G. BLOIS, D.S.O.] - -The 25th Battalion played a glorious part in the Battle of Hill 70 on -August 15, 1917. The boys went over the top from the shell-holes of No -Man’s Land in front of Cité St. Laurent. “A” Company, in the first wave, -secured the Hun front line. “B” Company was through them as soon as the -creeping barrage permitted and clinched the support line, while “D” -Company carried on to the limits of the town. The 24th Battalion then -pushed on our positions 600 yards farther to the trench “Nun’s Alley.” -Considering the amount of ground gained and the nature of the fighting, -in ruined streets and over demolished buildings, the casualties were -very light on the 15th. But the Hun artillery promptly laid down a -barrage to cover his counter-attacks, which fell behind the front line -and completely churned up the debris formerly known as Cité St. Laurent, -where the 25th Battalion was endeavoring to establish a defensive -position. The counter-attacks of the Bosche gradually weakened, and by -the 18th had ceased; but his artillery strafing grew more intense as the -days passed, causing many casualties. - -On the night of August 19–20, the 25th Battalion moved from their -positions in Cité St. Laurent to the comparative peace and quiet of the -front line. At daybreak the 6th Brigade on our immediate right were to -attack and tighten the pressure already exercised on Lens. The Hun also -divulged his reason for the systematic and furious shelling of our -positions during the past six days when he launched an attack in force -on the 6th Brigade and extending into our right (“D” Company’s front). -The O.C. “D” Company, being in an advanced position and close to our own -artillery barrage line, was ordered to place his men under cover, which -he did, leaving only sentries at the entrances to shelters. - -[Illustration: - - CAPT. OWEN C. DAUPHINEE.] - -Zero hour for the 6th Brigade’s and the German attack coincided and both -were demoralized by the intensity of the artillery fire they encountered -before the assembly positions could be cleared. The result was that -neither the 6th Brigade nor the Prussians opposite them left their -trenches. But the artillery was not so active on the Front of our “D” -Company, with the result that the Huns were throwing grenades down on -our dugout steps before our men realized that they were trapped. -Lieutenant Dauphinee was killed in a gallant attempt to clear the -entrance to the dugout in which the whole Company was sheltered. Captain -W. A. Livingstone, M.C., O.C. “D” Company, managed to force his way out -by another entrance, and with a Lewis Gun spitting .303 bullets from his -shoulder, he managed to clear the trench of those who escaped his -fusilade. But the trench was literally filled with corpses from the -attacking hordes. Nor was the situation normal as yet. A party of Huns -had got in on the right of our boundary, and Lieutenant Spurr and -Sergeant Jordan, after expelling them, organized the survivors of the -Company of a Western Battalion, who had lost all their officers and were -in a precarious condition. The boys of “D” Company, reinforced by a -platoon from “B” Company, which had been led up through the intense -shelling by Lieutenant Bell, were busy all day repelling bombing parties -which stubbornly attempted to force their way into our lines at the -Battalion boundary-the junction of Nun’s Alley and Commotion Trenches. - -Captain Livingstone, whose work on this day merited the Victoria Cross, -was severely wounded in the chest and collapsed immediately after he had -cleared the Huns from his trenches, and Lieutenant Spurr commanded his -company until relieved by a company of the Royal Canadian Regiment at -night. Great credit is due Lieutenants Gibbons and Bell for their skill -and judgment in rallying our boys and organizing the defences. The -coolness of Sergeant Jordan saved the situation on the immediate right, -when he rallied the overwrought survivors of the Western Battalion. -Corporal Boudreau, Company Sergt.-Major Bragg, Corporal Veniot, and -Sergt. “Dan” Fraser also distinguished themselves in inflicting -punishment on the Hun and by their heroic conduct throughout the day. -Company Sergt.-Major Bragg and Sergeant Jordan were awarded -Distinguished Conduct Medals for their services on this occasion. -Captain Livingstone, M.C., was awarded a bar, and Lieutenant Spurr, the -Military Cross. - -At Passchendaele, on November 10, 1917, the 5th Infantry Brigade was -given the post of honor as a successful assaulting Brigade. The 1st, 3rd -and 4th Divisions and the 4th Brigade of the 2nd Division had been -engaged in nibbling here and there at the Hun positions and had at -length captured most of the Passchendaele Ridge. But the ruined town -still remained in German hands. On the morning of the 6th November the -26th Battalion attacked and captured the ruins to the eastern limits of -the town and after holding their gains for four days the 5th Brigade was -withdrawn from the Passchendaele Sector, and returned to Lens. - -The 2nd Canadian Division remained in the Lens-Mericourt Sectors until -the latter part of February, 1918. The only notable occurrence, other -than the loss of one man to the Huns, as previously noted, was the -stealth raid led by Lieut. P. R. Phillips, of Barrington, assisted by a -covering party under Lieut. Max MacRae, of Westville. The raiding party -of only five crawled over the Lens-Arras Road and made their way among -the battered houses of Lens to one of the buildings of Fosse 3 and -destroyed a dugout full of “Heinies,” bringing the sentry who was on -duty at the entrance into our lines. The prisoner proved to be a very -observant chap and a great deal of information was gleaned from him. -When questioned as to the great offensive which our Staff expected -daily, he said no attack would be made on the Canadians. Fritz had -probably had his fill of attacking Canucks when he broke his head on -them in the First Battle of Ypres, at St. Eloi and the Barrier. - -The 2nd Division had completed ten days.of what was to be a months’ rest -when the long-expected Hun offensive broke away south on the British -right on March 21st. The 25th Battalion had only started their syllabus -of training and recreation when they were ordered south. The northern -limits of this effort of the Hun was marked by the southern boundary of -the Canadian Corps’ front, and here the 2nd Division took over the -completely disorganized line of the Imperial troops. The sector was -known as the Mercatel-Neuville Vetasse Sector. Here the 25th Battalion -was engaged three months in punishing the German Division opposite. Each -period of six days spent in the front line was marked by a raid on the -enemy outposts, and sometimes our boys penetrated three-quarters of a -mile into the Hun lines. So completely terrorized was Fritz by the -vigorous onslaughts which occurred almost nightly and several times in -broad daylight that no resistance was offered in most cases, and at -length the news was gleaned from some of the last prisoners that the -whole Division had to be withdrawn for re-equipment. - -[Illustration: - - LIEUT.-COL. J. WISE, D.S.O., M.C., CROIX DE GUERRE.] - -The 25th Battalion established themselves as the “Master Raiders” of the -Canadian Corps, and were called on for some officers and -non-commissioned officers to instruct the famous Guards Division in the -new and most effective art of keeping Fritz worried. Six of the raids -conducted on this front were led by one officer, Lieut. (now Major) Max -MacRae, every one of which netted prisoners, besides machine guns and -documents. Among the other officers taking part in these raids were -Captains Anderson and Holmes, Lieutenants Lounsbury, Hawes, Bell, -Johnstone, Holly, Burchell, Spurr, and Wright. It was here that the -Battalion established its record of successful raids and became known -throughout the 1st and the 4th Armies as the “Raiding Battalion,” -putting on about thirty raids in this sector. - -Lieut.-Colonel (now Colonel) Blois, D.S.O., was granted leave to Canada -and handed the Battalion over to Major (now Lieut.-Colonel) Wise in May, -1918. - -At the battle of Amiens, August 8, 1918, when the Canadian Corps was -first launched into the grand offensive which broke the German morale -and brought them begging for peace, the 25th Battalion was on the left -of the Canadian Corps and in touch with the dashing Australian Corps on -their left. The attack, like that of nearly two years previous at -Courcellette, was made with the 4th Brigade taking Villers, Brettonneux, -and Marcelcave on the Amiens-Roye Railway, and a considerable stretch of -country to the right of those towns. The plans were so well guarded and -the assemblage of troops, guns, etc., so effectively concealed, that the -enemy was utterly stunned at the suddenness of the attack and the speed -with which it was pushed. - -After the 4th Brigade had established their line in front of Marcelcave -the 5th Brigade carried on the attack through Wiencourt and -Guillaucourt. The 25th Battalion encountered considerable opposition in -a small wood south of Wiencourt; and it was there that most of the -casualties occurred. Lieut. J. W. Holly, of St. John, was killed by -machine-gun fire, and thirteen other officers were wounded in ousting -the Huns from this wood. - -[Illustration: - - CAPT. N. H. WETMORE.] - -At Guillaucourt, Lieut.-Colonel Wise, who was the first to arrive at the -objective, fell, severely wounded by a sniper’s bullet. The Adjutant, -Capt. N. H. Wetmore, utterly disregarding his own safety, sprang to his -O.C.’s assistance and became the target for a better directed bullet -from the same sniper and fell, never to rise again. - -Major Day, second in command, who had been acting as a Brigade liaison -officer during the attack, immediately assumed command of the Battalion -and directed it in the advance on the following day when the towns of -Vrely and Meharicourt were taken. After having advanced twelve miles in -two days, the 2nd Division gave place to the 4th, who carried on to the -outskirts of Hallu. This attack was certainly the most successful in -which the 25th Battalion had thus far been engaged. An immense area of -beautiful country with some important towns had been taken from the Hun, -with surprisingly few casualties. - -After a few days in the line in front of Hallu, the Battalion was moved -to Berneville, near Arras, where the details were left behind and we -were into it again—over Telegraph Hill and down the eastern slope to the -Cojuel River on August 26th—a distance of four miles—fighting all the -way; then across the dried-up bed of the stream on the 27th to Cherisy -and past the Sensee River to the heights beyond; and then a tightening -up of the Hun resistance, which meant a fruitless hammering at the -strongly wired positions in front of Upton Wood and “the Crow’s Nest” on -the 28th. - -The 2nd Division had not rested since the 5th of August, and had -penetrated to great depths in the enemy’s lines on two fronts. The tired -troops could accomplish no more. The writer can testify that men -actually fell asleep on their feet on the night of the 28th–29th of -August, when a counter-attack was imminent. The state of mind of men -when so thoroughly exhausted as our boys were at the end of the third -day, is one that cares not what may happen to a body so completely worn -out. It is then that sentiment—love of home, Battalion pride, and the -shame of weakness—asserts itself and supports a man when everything -tangible is wobbling. - -[Illustration: - - CAPT. M. L. TUPPER.] - -“C” Company lost a splendid officer when Capt. M. L. Tupper was killed. -A relative of Major J. H. Tupper, who “paid the price” at Courcellette -in 1916, he had shown a fearlessness in the face of the enemy and a -conscientiousness in all his duties which well merited his appointment -as O.C. “C” Company. - -The Battalion had a respite of two days at Hautes Avesnes, on the -Arras-St. Pol Road, over the anniversary of the landing in France and -the Battle of Courcellette, September 15th, and was then continuously in -the forward area until after the fall of Cambrai on October 9, 1918, -engaging the Hun in the Inchy-Moeuvres and the Marcomg Switch Sectors, -and clearing the Hun from the towns of Eseadoeueres and Ievuy, on the -northern outskirts of Cambrai. “B” Company, under Lieutenant (now Major) -MacRae, M.C. (two bars), did splendid work at Inchy on the 21st and 22nd -September, when they captured seven machine guns, killing the crews and -straightening out a kink in our line. - -In this wonderful last hundred days of the War, when the Hun had to be -dislodged from the positions he had been preparing since his first check -at the Marne in 1914, the deeds of valor which were enacted daily and -hourly were too numerous to refer to here at any length. But mention may -be made of some of the more notable recipients of War Decorations -awarded officers, N.C.O.’s and men, who served with the 25th Battalion. - -First in the list must come Lieut.-Colonel (now Brig.-General) Hilliam, -who won the D.S.O. and two bars for personal gallantry in the field and -was mentioned in despatches four times. He was also invested with the -insignia of a Companion of the Bath (C.B.) and that of a Companion of -the Order of St. Michael and St. George (C.M.G.). Another officer who -carries two rows of medals on his breast is Major G. McL. Matheson, -D.S.O., M.C., and M.M. Lieut.-Colonel Wise wears the D.S.O. and the -M.C., with the French Croix de Guerre. Lieut. M. M. Jordan wears the -M.C., D.C.M. and Bar. - -Capt. Max MacRae was awarded the Military Cross three times. Company -Sergt.-Major Dauphinee and Corporal Leggett each were awarded the -Military Medal three times. Regimental Sergt.-Major Hurley was awarded -the Military Cross, D.C.M. and French Croix de Guerre. Company -Sergt.-Major Boudreau received the Croix de Virtute (Roumanian) besides -the D.C.M., M.M. and Bar. Private Mickarek won the Russian Cross of St. -George. And many officers and men won Military Crosses, D.C.M.’s, M.M.’s -and Bars. A summary of the Battalion’s record of awards is given further -below. - -The last occasion on which the 25th Battalion was in hostile contact -with the Hun was at the storming of Elouges, a mining town near Mons, on -November 8, 1918. The casualties, though very light, only eleven men -being killed, included some of the originals who had seen the thing -through to this ringing down of the curtain. Some eleven, including -Company Sergt.-Major George Vincent, D.C.M., Corpl. John Morrison and -“Billie” Roberts, who had weathered the storm only to be swept over at -the harbor’s mouth, lie asleep in the little civilian cemetery at -Elouges, where their graves will be guarded and cared for by the -grateful people of the town, who welcomed the Battalion as liberators. - -The boys of the Battalion were enjoying their “lionization” by the -populace at Mons when the news was received at 9 a.m. on November 11, -1918, that we had but two hours more of hostilities when the Armistice -would become effective. - -The remaining three days were given over to celebrating what had been -fought for, and prayed for during the last four years—_Victory_. A -Thanksgiving Service was held in the little chapel in the town, -conducted by the brave chaplain who had stuck to us through the “Last -Hundred Days”—Capt. A. J. MacDonald. And the local pastor addressed us -in an impassioned Address of Thanks in French, out of which the writer -distinguished only the oft-repeated phrase, “Merci beaucoup, nos -liberateurs.” - -On November 19, 1918, the Battalion started on the long march to the -Rhine. We crossed the German border near St. Vith at 10.08 a.m., -December 5th, with the Union Jack flying at the head of the column. At -10.47 a.m., December 13th, the Battalion crossed the Rhine at Bonn and -proceeded to the “Cologne Bridgehead Outpost Line,” where we had the -satisfaction of telling the Hun how he should act and also the pleasure -of enforcing our instructions on him. - -After six weeks on the Rhine, during which all ranks had an opportunity -of visiting the famous cities of Cologne, Bonn and Coblenz, the -Battalion returned to Belgium and went into billets at Arvelais, near -Namur. On April 5, 1919, we started for Havre, and on the night of the -9th embarked on the old _Prince Arthur_, formerly of the Boston-Yarmouth -service, and on the morning of the 10th arrived at Southampton and -proceeded by train to Witley Camp in Surrey, where, after a month’s -sojourn awaiting documents from the Record Office, we sailed from -Southampton on the _Olympic_, May 10, 1919. - -On board were the whole 5th Brigade and the 29th Battalion, 6th Brigade. -After an uneventful though pleasant voyage, and to the accompaniment of -the music of several bands and the shrill whistles of factories, boats -and auto horns on both sides of Halifax Harbor, the _Olympic_ docked at -Pier 2; and after a farewell to the 22nd, 24th, 26th and 29th we lined -up for our march to the Armories, which triumphal procession, to the -writer, seemed to be but a part of a great dream, as the memory of the -exile from home now seems but an hallucination. - - - TOTAL NUMBER OF DECORATIONS WON IN THE WAR BY OFFICERS AND OTHER RANKS - OF THE 25TH BATTALION, NOVA SCOTIA REGIMENT. - - Decoration. Other - Officers. Ranks. - D.S.O. 5 - M.C. 37 2 - 2nd Bar to M.C. 1 - Bar to M.C. 6 - D.C.M. 27 - Bar to D.C.M. 2 - M.M. 156 - Bar to M.M. 25 - 2nd Bar to M.M. 2 - M.S.M. 8 - Croix de Guerre 3 5 - Russian Cross of St. George 1 - Croix de Virtute Militata (Roumania) 1 - Medaille Barbatie si Credinta, 3rd Class (Roumania) 1 - —— ——— - Total 51 230 - Mentioned in Despatches, officers, 17; other ranks, 15. - - - LIST OF ORIGINAL OFFICERS OF THE 25TH BATTALION. - - Lieut.-Col. Lecain, G. A., O.C. Roundhill, Ann. Co. 69th Regt. - „ Sponagle, J. A., M.D. Middleton, N.S. C.A.M.C. - Major Bauld, D. S., “D” Co. Halifax 66th Regt. - „ Conrad, W. H., 2nd Comd. „ 63rd „ - „ Jones, A. N., “A” Co. „ C.F.A. - „ McKenzie, J. G., “B” Co. Westville 78th Regt. - „ MacRae, D. A., “C” Co. Baddeck 94th „ - „ McKenzie, L. H., Adjt. Stellarton 78th „ - „ Weston, A. W. P., Jr. Maj. Halifax 66th „ - Hon. Capt. Graham, E. E., Chap. Arcadia C.M.R. - Capt. Holt, C. W. Amherst 93rd Regt. - „ Logan, J. W., “C” Co. Halifax 63rd „ - Hon. Capt. McPherson, D., Chap. Sydney Mines, C.B. - Capt. Margeson, J. W., Paymaster Bridgewater 75th „ - „ Medcalfe, W. B., “B” Co. Halifax 66th „ - „ Purney, W. P., “D” Co. Liverpool 68th „ - „ Tupper, J. H., “A” Co. Bridgetown 69th „ - „ Whitford, W. L., “D” Co. Chester 75th „ - Lieut. Brooks, E. J., “A” Co. Falmouth - „ Bullock, L. N. B., “D” Co. Halifax 63rd „ - „ Cameron, W. A., “A” Co. St. John, N.B. - „ Delancey, J. A., “M.G.” Middleton 93rd „ - „ Eville, C. K., “B” Co. Halifax 81st „ - „ Grant, J. W., “B” Co. Amherst S.A. - „ Grant, J. A., “B” Co. Halifax 63rd Regt. - „ Johnstone, L. H., “C” Co. Sydney 81st „ - „ Longley, H. G., “Trpt.” Paradise 69th „ - „ Macaloney, C. W. Halifax - „ Morgan, E., “D” Co. Bear River 69th „ - „ Mosher, C. M. Mahone Bay 75th „ - „ Murphy, V. P., “D” Co. New Ross 75th „ - „ McKay, K. L., “A” Co. Inverness 94th „ - „ McKinnon, D., “A” Co. Woodbine 94th „ - „ McLeod, H. A., “B” Co. Salt Springs, Pic. Co. 78th „ - „ McNiel, G. M., “A” Co. Iona 94th „ - „ McNiel, J. D., “C” Co. Whitney Pier S.A. - „ Newnham, T. F., “Qmst.” Halifax R.C.G.A. - „ Roberts, G. E., “C” Co. „ - „ Smith, B. H. „ 66th Regt. - „ Stairs, J. C., “A” Co. „ 66th „ - „ Tanner, F. I., “C” Co. Pictou C.F.A. - „ Young, G. R. Kentville C.M.R. - 67001 R.S.M. Miles, H. F. Halifax R.C.R. - -Strength of Unit on proceeding to France on Sept. 15th, 1915. - - Officers. Other Ranks. - 32 1,000 - -Reinforcements after coming to France. - - Officers. Other Ranks. - 231 3,829 - -Wounded and sick to England. - - Officers. Other Ranks. - 156 2,557 - -Killed in action and died in hospital. - - Officers. Other Ranks. - 32 686 - - Missing. Prisoners. Transferred. - Off. O.Rs. Off. O.Rs. Off. O.Rs. - 2 64 8 37 682 - - - - - CHAPTER XII. - _THE 40th BATTALION._ - - -The 40th Battalion was authorized January 1, 1915, under the command of -Lieut.-Col. W. H. Gibsone (R.C.R.). As the men were recruited, -detachments were formed at McNab’s Island, Halifax, Sydney, Glace Bay, -North Sydney, Truro, Amherst, New Glasgow, Yarmouth, Lunenburg, -Kentville and Digby. - -The Battalion was finally mobilized at Aldershot Camp, N.S., on May 11, -1915. Lieut.-Colonel Gibsone proceeded direct to France to become A.A.G. -of the 3rd Canadian Division, which was then in process of formation. At -Aldershot Camp, N.S., the 40th was first inspected by the Duke of -Connaught and Brig.-General H. M. McLean, who commented on their -splendid showing. On June 21st, under the command of Lieut.-Col. A. G. -Vincent, the 40th Battalion moved to Valcartier Camp, Quebec. Before -leaving for Valcartier two drafts were despatched, one of twenty-five -men to the 25th Battalion, and another of 250 men and five officers to -England, as reinforcements. - -At Valcartier strenuous work by all ranks drew special mention of the -40th by Major-General Sir Sam Hughes at a General Review of the Camp a -week before sailing. The Battalion was also inspected later at -Valcartier by the Duke of Connaught and also by Sir Robert Borden. A -week before sailing a third call was made for reinforcements, and again -five officers and 250 N.C.O.’s and men, all picked, were despatched to -England. - -Notwithstanding this great drain, on October 18, 1915, the 40th sailed -from Quebec on the _S.S. Saxonia_, with a strength of 1,143 all ranks, -under the command of Lieut.-Col. A. G. Vincent and the following -officers: - - Major C. A. Andrews, Second in Command. - Major J. C. Ditmars. - Capt. J. S. Legge, Adjutant. - Lieut. H. Fisher, Q.M. - Lieut. G. M. Sylvester, Assistant Adjutant. - Lieut. A. W. Cunningham, Sig. Officer. - Lieut. H. St. C. Jones, M.G. Officer. - Major Geo. Wood, Chaplain. - Capt. E. Douglas, Medical Officer. - Capt. G. H. Gillis, Paymaster. - - Major A. G. Nutter, O.C. “A” Company. - Capt. W. E. Doane, Second in Command. - Lieut. Geo. Campbell. - Lieut. G. W. Anderson. - Lieut. P. W. Freeman. - Lieut. A. S. Allen. - Lieut. J. Harley. - - Capt. C. R. Chisholm, O.C. “B” Company. - Capt. H. P. Bell, Second in Command. - Lieut. Mc.I. McLeod. - Lieut. J. D. McIntyre. - Lieut. W. W. Pickup. - Lieut. H. H. Heal. - - Capt. A. M. Ross, O.C. “C” Company. - Capt. G. W. Dwyer, Second in Command. - Lieut. G. B. Murray. - Lieut. A. S. Churchill. - Lieut. C. E. Little. - Lieut. L. W. Ormand. - Lieut: D. H. MacKenzie. - - Capt. W. Letcher, O.C. “D” Company. - Capt. E. R. Dennis, Second in Command. - Lieut. B. F. Davidson. - Lieut. F. P. H. Layton. - Lieut. R. Jago. - Lieut. L. W. W. Slacke. - Lieut. F. G. Robertson. - Lieut. A. Anderson. - -On October 29, 1915, after an uneventful voyage the Battalion landed at -Plymouth and proceeded to Bramshott Camp, being the first Canadian -Infantry Battalion to enter that Camp, where they took over quarters -from the Royal Irish Rifles. At Bramshott the 40th joined part of the -then contemplated 9th Brigade of the 3rd Canadian Division, which was -under the command of General Lord Brooke. - -Owing to the heavy demand for reinforcements, following the disastrous -action of June 2, 1916 (the Third Battle of Ypres), the Battalion was -moved to East Sandling to become the 40th Reserve Battalion, where -drafts were despatched to nearly every Unit in the Canadian Corps. After -many moves the 40th absorbed the remnants of the 64th, 104th, 106th and -112th Battalions, and finally returned to Bramshott to become the 26th -Reserve Battalion, and was finally absorbed by the 17th Reserve -Battalion. - -[Illustration: - - CAPT. E. E. DENNIS - (killed in action at Vimy Ridge. April 5, 1917).] - -The 40th Battalion has the distinction that practically every officer -and man of the original Battalion saw service in France. Ten of the -officers were killed in action, viz.: - - Capt. A. M. Ross. - Capt. W. E. Doane. - Capt. E. R. Dennis. - Lieut. G. H. Campbell. - Lieut. W. W. Pickup (Major). - Lieut. G. M. Sylvester. - Lieut. A. Allen (Capt.). - Lieut. F. P. H. Layton. - Lieut. H. Fisher. - Lieut. A. S. Churchill. - -In addition, nineteen were, wounded. Twelve received the M.C., one the -D.F.C. Several were promoted and mentioned in despatches for valuable -service. It would be a long list to give the names of the N.C.O.’s and -men of the original 40th who gave their lives. Several were promoted to -commissioned rank in the Field and many others were decorated for valor. -Wherever they went they acquitted themselves in such a manner that -although never to cross the Channel as a Unit, the 40th always received -honorable mention in every fighting Unit in the Canadian Corps. - - - - - CHAPTER XIII. - _THE 64th BATTALION, C.E.F._ - - -The 64th Battalion was authorized in June, 1915, and mobilized at -Sussex, N.B., August 15th, 1915. It was originally intended that this -should be a Highland Battalion raised in Nova Scotia, New Brunswick and -Prince Edward Island; and having this in view, the officers were -selected from the three provinces proportionately. - -When the Unit started to recruit, owing to New Brunswick and Prince -Edward Island being still busy completing the 55th Battalion, all the -recruits came from Nova Scotia, and eventually, when New Brunswick and -Prince Edward Island began sending their quota, the ranks swelled to -over 2,300, whereas the strength of a Battalion was only about 1,100 all -ranks. - -[Illustration: - - LIEUT.-COL. H. MONTGOMERY CAMPBELL.] - -[Illustration: - - CAPT. G. H. MAXWELL - (killed in action).] - -[Illustration: - - LIEUT. H. M. CAMPBELL - (killed in action).] - -The 104th Battalion was then authorized as a New Brunswick Battalion, -and all the New Brunswick men with some of the officers were transferred -to the new Unit. - -Lieut.-Col. H. Montgomery Campbell, late 8th Hussars and Commanding -Officer 11th Infantry Brigade, Military District No. 6, was appointed -Commanding Officer 64th Battalion. - -The Battalion organized and trained for ten weeks at Sussex, and early -in November moved to Halifax, where at Pier No. 2 it went into winter -quarters, continuing training till finally sailing on the 31st of March, -1916, for Liverpool on the _S.S. Adriatic_. - -The following officers proceeded overseas with the Unit: - - O.C., Lieut.-Col. H. Montgomery Campbell Formerly 8th Hussars, N.B. - Second in Command, Major H. Flowers „ 1st C.G.A., N.S. - Junior Major, Major G. H. Maxwell „ 1st C.G.A., N.S. - - Company Commanders— - - Major Angus W. McArthur „ 78th Regt., N.S. - Major G. Guy McLaughlin „ 67th Regt., N.B. - Major Guy L. Mott „ 81st Regt., N.S. - Major Francis L. Stephens „ 66th Regt., N.S. - - Captains— - - Anglin, Gerald C. „ O.T.C., N.B. - Barbour, Roydon McF. „ O.T.C., N.B. - Bowron, Edward H. „ 78th Regt., N.S. - Fairweather, Frank R. „ 62nd Regt., N.B. - - Lieutenants— - - Blois, Arthur O. „ 66th Regt., N.S. - Campbell, Herbert M. „ 81st Regt., N.S. - Curren, Reginald H. „ 14th K.C.H., N.S. - Flowers, Eric P. „ 1st C.G.A., N.S. - Gale, John R. „ 62nd, N.B. - Guildford, David A. „ 1st C.G.A., N.B. - Gunn, James D. „ 69th, N.S. - Henry, John D. „ 8th Hussars, N.B. - Hobkirk, Charles H. „ 71st, N.B. - Keswick, Robert McL. „ 73rd, N.B. - McKay, Reary „ O.T.C., N.B. - McLean, James D. „ O.T.C., N.B. - McCleave, Harry A. „ 76th, N.S. - Murray, Ralph M. „ 74th, N.B. - O’Leary, Harry „ 73rd, N.B. - Perks, Arthur J. „ 66th, N.S. - Rogers, William M. „ 63rd, N.S. - Russell, Bernard W. „ C.F.A. N.S. - Watt, William L. „ 73rd, N.B. - Wetmore, Norman H. „ O.T.C., N.B. - Winslow, Donald B. „ C.F.A., N.B. - - Adjutant, Captain J. Hutton Wallace „ 81st, N.S. - Medical Officer, Capt. Arthur C. Jost „ C.A.M.C., N.S. - Quartermaster, Captain Samuel S. Wright „ R.C.G.A., N.S. - - Chaplains— - - Hon. Capt., Rev. Wm. Fowler Parker „ N.B. - Hon. Capt., Rev. Father Patrick McQuillan „ N.S. - - Paymaster, Hon. Capt. Robert M. Hope „ C.F.A., N.B. - -On arrival in England, April 9th, the Battalion moved to Bramshott, -where it remained for four weeks. It then moved to Otterpool for -preliminary musketry, proceeding to Lidd for the final training in that -branch. During the stay at Otterpool the Battalion was attached to the -6th Training Brigade, being inspected by Major-General Sir Sam Steele, -together with the 63rd, 66th and 69th Battalions. After the inspection -Major-General Steele informed the troops that they were fully equal to -any troops he had ever inspected, but that owing to certain exigencies -of the war it was impracticable to send them to the Front as Units. Next -day the drafting commenced and 198 were sent to the A.S.C. - -[Illustration: - - CAPT. F. FAIRWEATHER - (killed in action).] - -[Illustration: - - LIEUT. REARY MCKAY - (killed in action).] - -[Illustration: - - LIEUT. H. A. M‘CLEAVE - (killed in action).] - -After one week at Lidd an order was received to send to Shorncliffe all -those who had completed musketry. Five hundred other ranks in charge of -Captain Fairweather moved out of camp at 5 a.m. The next week was spent -completing musketry, and on the following Sunday the remainder of the -Battalion moved back to Otterpool. Other drafts were almost immediately -called for of both officers and men. - -On July 3rd the last move was made to Caesar’s Camp near Folkestone. The -remainder of the Battalion was handed over to the 40th Reserve, and the -64th for all practical purposes ceased to exist. The O.C. and Staff were -employed in winding up the affairs of the Unit, the other remaining -officers being ordered to hold themselves in readiness to proceed to -France. - -Every officer of this Unit eventually proceeded to France. Of the -thirty-nine officers the following paid the supreme sacrifice, namely: -Major G. H. Maxwell, Capt. Frank Fairweather, Capt. J. Hutton Wallace, -Lieut. Herbert M. Campbell, Lieut. C. H. Hobkirk, Lieut. Reary McKay, -Lieut. N. H. Wetmore, Lieut. H. A. McCleave—eight in all. Of the -remainder twenty-four were wounded, only seven escaping the casualty -list. - -This Battalion was undoubtedly one of the best trained Battalions -leaving Canada. Many of its N.C.O.’s finally reached the Commissioned -Ranks, and the Units in France were always pleased to get a detachment -of 64th men. - - - - - CHAPTER XIV. - _THE 85th BATTALION, NOVA SCOTIA HIGHLANDERS, AND THE 85th BATTALION - BAND._ - - -The first distinctly Highland Battalion to be organized in Nova Scotia -for active service Overseas in the late War was the 85th Battalion, Nova -Scotia Highlanders. The Battalion was authorized at Ottawa on September -14, 1915, with the appointment of Lieut.-Colonel Allison H. Borden as -Commanding Officer. Headquarters for organization and mobilization were -first established at the Military Camp, Aldershot, N.S., on September -23, 1915. Recruiting proceeded rapidly, the idea of a distinctly Nova -Scotia Highland Battalion having fired with enthusiasm the people of the -Province, who, true to their ancestral Highland spirit, were found “deas -gu cath” (ready for fight). The success of the recruiting drew an order -from Ottawa for Battalion Headquarters to be transferred to Halifax, and -for the Battalion to be mobilized in full strength and stationed in the -Armories. Mobilization resulted on October 14, 1915, with the 85th -Battalion 200 over strength. On that day occurred the first parade of -the Battalion—a memorably impressive scene and event, by virtue of its -contrasts in personnel; for in all ranks were officers and men who came -from every walk of life, professional and industrial and commercial, -with farmers and manufacturers amongst the officers, while clergymen, -college professors, and teachers paraded shoulder to shoulder in the -rank - -[Illustration: - - LIEUT.-COL. A. H. BORDEN, D.S.O.] - -The 85th Battalion has the distinction of being the senior, and, as it -were, the parent Unit of the Nova Scotia Highland Brigade. But with the -Brigade as such this chapter is not concerned. Its story has been told -incidentally in connection with the other Units which made up the -Brigade. It will suffice to remark, however, that this magnificent body -of fighting men—“the very flower of Nova Scotia’s manhood”—after being -noted by the military leaders and authorities in England “as the finest -body of troops sent over from Canada,” was, under the exigencies of -military supervision, finally broken up in England, and reorganized into -two Battalions, the 85th Battalion, Nova Scotia Highlanders, and the -185th Battalion, Cape Breton Highlanders. The latter Battalion—“siol nan -gaisgeach mora”—became a splendid Unit in the so-called Fifth Division, -but was denied the privilege and glory of seeing service in France as a -Unit. The record of their compatriots, “D” Company of the 85th -Battalion, at Virny and Passchendaele, a most glorious record, is -sufficient proof that had the 185th Battalion, Cape Breton Highlanders, -got to France as a Unit, the name not only of Nova Scotia Province but -also of the Island of Cape Breton would to-day be shining with still -greater glory than that which they now possess for brilliant military -achievement in the late War. As it was, however, the records of -individual officers and men of the 185th Battalion who had transferred -to the 85th and other Units on the 185th being broken up just before the -initial drive of 1918, were such as to give a noble name not only to -themselves individually, but also to the 185th Battalion and Cape Breton -Island, where this splendid Unit of fighting men was recruited. - -Reverting now to the 85th Battalion as such, after due training, and -many inexplicable disappointments in earlier sailing for Overseas, the -85th Battalion, and the other Units of the Nova Scotia Highland Brigade, -broke camp on October 11, 1916, and sailed for England on October 13, -1916, aboard H.M. Transport _Olympic_. The 85th and the Nova Scotia -Highland Brigade disembarked at Liverpool on October 19, 1916, and -immediately entrained for Witley Camp, Surrey, arriving in Camp the same -evening. Following the breaking up of the Nova Scotia Highland Brigade, -and the reorganization of the 85th, the Battalion sailed for France on -February 10, 1917, going into training for service in the Field at Gouy -Servins, Bouvigny, and Bouvigny Wood, from which quarters the Battalion -moved up to Music Hall Line, in the reserves, to take part as “a working -Unit” in the Battle of Vimy Ridge (April 9, 1917). - -Including Vimy, the 85th Battalion was in the following -engagements—Vimy, April 9 to 14, 1917; “The Triangle,” June 20, 1917; -Ontario Trench, June 26, 1917; Eleu dit Leauvette and the Horse Shoe, -June 28, 1917; Lens, July to October, 1917; Passchendaele, October 28 to -November 2, 1917; Arleux, June, 1918; Fompoux, July, 1918; Amiens, -August 8 to 11, 1918; Arras (Drocourt-Queant Line), September 2 to 5, -1918; Cambrai (Bourlon), September 25 to October 2, 1918; Valenciennes, -November, 1918; Quievrechain, November, 1918; Honnelle River. November, -1918. - -What the Battalion did after the signing of the Armistice is of no -military significance. It returned from France to England on May 1, -1919, took part in the Great March of Triumph through London on May 3, -1919; sailed from England for Canada on May 31, 1919; and arrived at -Halifax on June 8. 1919, and two days later marched through the City of -Halifax, which was _en fête_ to give the Unit a memorably joyous welcome -home. It was not, however, a welcome from the city, but from the whole -Province, and it is estimated that 60,000 outside visitors—friends and -relatives—of the returned victors must have been present among the -citizens of Halifax to witness the home-coming parade of the 85th -Battalion, Nova Scotia Highlanders. A week later (June 15, 1919), a -remnant company of the Battalion fell in at Grafton Park, Halifax, and -headed by the Royal Canadian Regiment Band, marched with its King’s and -Regimental Colors to Government House, where the colors were deposited -in the presence of His Honor Lieutenant-Governor Grant, Colonel W. E. -Thompson, D.O.C., M.D. No. 6, and Staff. On the occasion Lieut.-Col. -James Layton Ralston, C.M.G., D.S.O., with Bar, Commanding the 85th, -read an address of farewell to the officers and N.C.O.’s and men -assembled—and thus the history of the 85th Battalion, Nova Scotia -Highlanders, as a fighting Unit, came to an end. - -In the proper places there will be explicit observations on the -achievements of the Battalion, individual officers, N.C.O.’s and men on -the Field. In the meantime, following is a summary of the honors and -awards (259 in total) that belong to the Battalion:— - - C.M.G. 1 - D.S.O. 4 - Bar to D.S.O. 1 - M.C. 34 - Bar to M.C. 3 - D.C.M. 15 - M.S.M. 4 - M.M. 166 - Bar to M.M. 12 - Croix de Guerre 5 - Mentioned in Despatches twice 4 - Mentioned in Despatches-Officers 0 - Mentioned in Despatches-Warrant Officers 1 - ——— - Total 259 - -The first “big show” or engagement in which the 85th Battalion took part -was that of Vimy Ridge. Theirs was not at first an envious situation. -The Battalion had been substituted for another in the 12th Brigade, but -the actual taking over did not ensue till after the Battle of Vimy -Ridge. For that engagement the 85th was attached to the 11th Brigade, -commanded by Brigadier-General Odlum. For the Battle of Vimy Ridge the -85th moved into position in the reserves, and was to serve as “a working -Unit,” that is, to follow up the troops in action, and to carry -ammunition, build dugouts, keep up communication trenches, clear wire -entanglements, and in general, as the phrase is, “to mop up.” The 85th, -of course, could be called on, as they were, to fight in an emergency. -But they were regarded as “green troops,” and it was not considered -likely by the authorities that the Battalion would be efficient and -steady under slaughterous fire. As a matter of fact, all the while -between the Battalion’s arrival at Gouy Servins till the Unit moved out -from quarters into the reserve at Music Hall Line for their part in the -Battle of Vimy Ridge, the Commanding Officer, Lieut.-Col. A. H. Borden, -the Second in Command, Lieut.-Col. E. C. Phinney, the Adjutant, Major J. -L. Ralston, and Assistant Adjutant, Lieut. A. T. Croft, had been -preparing the Battalion as much for a fighting Unit as for a working -Unit—having had the German lines at Vimy all taped out to scale, and -having trained the Unit in every detail of the coming operation, until -all ranks knew the precise “lay” of the Vimy Front and how the fighting -Units as such would operate in action. Thus considered, the 85th -Battalion was not a Unit of “green troops” in the ordinary acceptance of -the phrase. They were “ready for fight”—and unexpectedly they got their -chance, and achieved to their immortal glory. - -The Battle of Vimy Ridge opened in the early morn of Easter Monday, -April 9, 1917. At first it was all clear gain for the Canadians. But, at -last, toward the evening, word kept coming back that the Canadian -advance was being held up, that Hill 145 remained untaken, that it was a -“nasty critical situation,” because the enfilading of the Huns would -destroy attacking troops totally, and that if Hill 145 were not somehow -taken, the engagement would fail. Where were there fresh troops who -could be sent in to take Hill 145? It is understood that Colonel -Hilliam, commanding the 25th Battalion, Nova Scotia’s invincible “Shock -Troops,” recommended that the 85th Battalion be selected for the feat. -He assured Brigadier Odlum that even if they were “green troops” they -would be steady under fire. The die was cast. Orders came from -headquarters that two Companies of the 85th were to go into the line at -sundown and assault Hill 145. Lieut.-Col. Borden, Commanding Officer, -selected “C” and “D” Companies, and placed Capt. Percival W. Anderson in -command, with Capt. Harvey E. Crowell in command of “C” Company. - -[Illustration: - - LIEUT.-COL. E. C. PHINNEY.] - -At zero hour “C” Company went over the top, followed immediately by “D” -Company, but, for good reasons, without the usual barrage. The 85th had -_dared_. The question now was on the part of the Units that had been -held up, Would the 85th also _DO_? From the moment the Companies went -over the top, they proceeded on to their objective, the crest of Hill -145, with the precision and steadiness of inured troops. There is no -necessity to describe the assault in detail. But when the Huns first saw -the 85th Companies going over the top, they were amazed. As the -Companies proceeded forward, steady and indomitable in spite of the gun -fire and the hail of bullets from concealed nests of machine guns, the -while themselves wreaking destruction on the Bosche, the Germans became -alarmed. And when the 85th Companies still kept on, in the same spirit, -and with the same effectiveness, the Huns became disconcerted, and at -last ignominiously turned and “beat it,” leaving Hill 145—the Huns’ -“pivotal strategic stronghold”—in possession of the 85th Companies and -the Canadian Corps. The clearing up of the Ridge and the advance of the -85th Companies to the Lens-Arras Road need not detain us. On the morning -of April 14, 1917, the Battalion was relieved by the Royal Sussex, and -marched back to rest quarters at Bouvigny Huts. - -There were many acts of heroism on the part of officers, N.C.O.’s and -men during the first day of the Vimy Ridge “show” and on later days. One -phrase might be applied to summarize the conduct of the Commanding -Officer (Lieutenant-Colonel Borden), the Second in Command -(Lieutenant-Colonel Phinney), and the Adjutant, Major J. L. Ralston, who -had the task of consolidating the line after the taking of the Ridge; -not only were they all the time “cool, calm and collected,” but the -three showed distinct military genius. Outstanding was the conduct of -Capt. Percival W. Anderson, who, amongst other exploits, single-handed -performed a deed of heroism which won for him the Military Cross (it -should have been the V.C.). One of the men in the patrols suffered a bad -wound. His groans were heard in “No Man’s Land,” but he lay where the -whole field was raked by rifle and machine-gun fire. Captain Anderson -would not ask or command any of his men to attempt a rescue, but went -out himself and carried the wounded man back to safety. This splendid -soldier and officer was killed at the Battle of Passchendaele, his death -profoundly regretted; for he knew no fear, and he was a superb officer -and leader of men, a splendid example of the Cape Breton Highlander. - -The list of those who turned exploits and won awards at Vimy is too long -to admit of detailed accounts. But specially to be mentioned are Capt. -H. E. Crowell, Capt. H. B. Clarke, Chaplain, and later Transport Officer -(acting); Lieuts. H. C. Verner (“Hell-Fire” Verner), Douglas Graham, -Hugh A. Crawley, F. C. Manning; and amongst the privates and -N.C.O.’s—Pte. C. A. McLeod, Pte. H. C. Steeves, Pte. A. J. Murphy, Pte. -J. S. Westlake, Pte. L. M. Gates, Pte. K. Manoles, Pte. J. C. Taylor, -Pte. C. J. Doucette, Runners, Ptes. W. E. Stackhouse, W. W. Pearson and -G. B. Peck; Lance-Corporal A. F. MacAree, Lance-Corporal V. M. Lindsay, -Lance-Corporal H. W. Hardy, Corporal C. D. Reid, and Sergt. W. U. -Martel. - -The courage, pluck, indomitableness and resourcefulness of the officers, -N.C.O.’s and men of the 85th Battalion at the Battle of Vimy Ridge were -instanced not to glorify the Battalion, but to show forth the kind of -“stuff” that was the spirit of the Unit. The same kind of spirit was -shown in all subsequent engagements—“The Triangle,” Ontario Trench, Eleu -dit Leauvette and the Horse Shoe and around Lens, up to Passchendaele. -The outstanding phase of the long Battle of Passchendaele (October 28 to -November 2, 1917) was the recapturing of the front line by “D” Company -(Cape Bretoners), commanded by Captain Ross M. MacKenzie—another “saving -of the day,” as at Vimy, by the 85th Battalion. The 85th was, as -decided, to be in the line for a day before going over the top. However, -before that move, “D” Company was to take over the whole Battalion -frontage, the other Companies to remain at the rear. A Western Canadian -Unit was in the line, and just as “D” Company reached the line for the -relief of the Western Battalion, the Huns launched a violent and -destructive counter-attack. Captain MacKenzie and “D” Company saw that -the Western Battalion was falling back, and the Huns advancing in great -force. It was a critical situation, and Captain MacKenzie at once -offered himself and his Company to reinforce the retiring Unit. The -offer was gladly accepted. Captain MacKenzie ordered his Company to drop -all kit, and to fix bayonets and advance in true Highland fashion. With -huzzas they made for the enemy—dashing upon the Huns with such a rush -and momentum, that the Huns became bewildered, next were seized with -panic, broke, and “beat it.” The situation was saved, and the line -recaptured shortly by continued advance to the position from which the -Western Battalion was forced to retire. But that advance was costly in -casualties, for it was covered by enemy machine guns and snipers’ posts. -Then it was that the ancient fighting spirit of his Gaelic ancestors -shone brilliantly in Captain MacKenzie, and he became the Gaelic Hero -Cuchullain in the fight and in death. MacKenzie was shot through the -abdomen—some say he was literally riddled—with machine gun bullets, and -he fell. But he struggled to his feet and kept on with his Company, -bleeding to death, and commanded his men, encouraging them, until he -dropped exhausted into a shell hole. Even then, though undone, he would -not be attended to, but kept encouraging his Company. Eventually he -permitted himself to be placed on a stretcher, and while being borne -away, he died—like Cuchullain too, unconquerable in death. There were -many other individual examples of heroism on that day and during the -days that followed at Passchendaele. But the slaughter was awful: and -while the engagement added fresh glory to the 85th Battalion, and is a -memorial to the living, it is to be regarded as an apotheosis of all -85th officers, non-commissioned officers and men who fell at that -mysteriously ordered engagement—Major P. W. Anderson, M.C., Capts. John -M. Hensley, E. R. Clayton, M.C., and Ross M. MacKenzie, Lieuts. Walter -U. Martel, M.M., Frank O. Hutchison, Angus D. MacDonald, Norman C. -Christie, Alexander D. Fraser, Fred J. Anderson, John R. MacFarlane, W. -H. Murr and R. Salisman, and the 123 privates and non-commissioned -officers. It was for their bravery and resourcefulness and -indomitableness—their sheer invincibility—at Passchendaele that the 85th -Battalion won from the other Units in the Canadian Corps and the -Imperials the noteworthy, if slangy, complimentary epithet, “The Never -Fails.” - -[Illustration: - - LIEUT. A. D. FRASER.] - -[Illustration: - - MAJOR P. W. ANDERSON.] - -[Illustration: - - CAPT. ROSS MACKENZIE.] - -[Illustration: - - LIEUT. A. D. MACDONALD.] - -[Illustration: - - LIEUT. J. R. MACFARLANE.] - -[Illustration: - - LIEUT. N. C. CHRISTIE.] - -[Illustration: - - CAPT. JOHN M. HENSLEY.] - -From Passchendaele to the signing of the Armistice would furnish only -repetitions of the records of the 85th Battalion in action. It was all a -most honorable and glorious record, quite worthy to stand beside that of -Canadian Units which had seen longer service. It would not do, however, -to bring this summary narrative to a close without mentioning the -characteristics of the outstanding officers, but for whom the 85th would -not have been a reality, or would not have achieved so splendidly. -First, let it be remembered perennially that all honor and distinction -belongs to Lieut.-Col. Allison H. Borden for conceiving the idea of a -distinctly Nova Scotia Highland Battalion, and, later, a distinctly Nova -Scotia Highland Brigade. As an officer he always displayed vision and -decision, great gifts for organization; and in the Field he was a -gallant and resourceful soldier, to whom the loss of men in action was -felt as a poignant personal loss. He was awarded the Distinguished -Service Order. But posterity will gratefully remember him and honor his -name as the Organizer and Commanding Officer of the 85th Battalion, Nova -Scotia Highlanders, and the Organizer and Brigadier of the Nova Scotia -Highland Brigade. Lieut.-Col. Earle C. Phinney was a young officer, and, -in turn, filled several positions from Adjutant to Commanding Officer in -Canada and in England, and had the honor of taking the 85th to France, -where, though he had voluntarily reverted to Second in Command, he was -temporarily in Command till the arrival of Lieut.-Colonel Borden. He -made a record at Vimy for coolness and resourcefulness in the Field. In -a later engagement he was wounded, and was eventually invalided home. -Lieut.-Col. J. L. Ralston, who brought the 85th home, as Commanding -Officer, also served as Adjutant and as Commanding Officer in the Field. -He was his officers’ and men’s ideal of “the splendid soldier,” intrepid -and indomitable, and always resourceful. He was wounded several times: -and was awarded the D.S.O. and Bar to the D.S.O., and honored by the -King with the C.M.G. Lieut.-Col. Joseph Hayes was unique as an officer. -He was the M.O. of the Battalion, and a more humane and intrepid M.O. -there was not in the Canadian Corps. Though several years past the age -limit, he never missed a day from the line from Vimy to Passchendaele, -and did much to keep up the morale and fighting spirit of the officers -and men of the 85th. In a phrase, Lieut.-Col. Joseph Hayes was a gallant -officer, a genuinely brave soldier, and a humane and kind medical expert -in the line. The hygiene of the Battalion, which was a record in the -Canadian Corps, was due to Colonel Hayes’ rigorous supervision of camp -and line sanitation and his meticulous care of the person, food and -potables of the officers and men. He was awarded the D.S.O. It is -impossible to make a “Homeric Catalogue” of the character and deeds of -all the other officers. Suffice it to say that they all were good men -and true. The Battalion had the distinction of having Sir Robert Borden, -Premier of Canada, as Honorary Colonel. - -[Illustration: - - LIEUT.-COL. J. L. RALSTON, C.M.G., D.S.O.] - - * * * * * - - Killed in Action while serving with the 85th in France and Flanders - -[Illustration: - - LIEUT. O’DONOHUE.] - -[Illustration: - - LIEUT. G. F. CANN.] - -[Illustration: - - LIEUT. J. HOLLAND.] - -[Illustration: - - MAJOR IVAN RALSTON.] - -[Illustration: - - LIEUT. GEO. T. LYE.] - -[Illustration: - - LIEUT. ERIC LANE.] - -[Illustration: - - CAPT. A. M‘KINNON.] - -[Illustration: - - LIEUT. N. L. CHIPMAN.] - -[Illustration: - - LIEUT. CYRIL A. EVANS.] - -[Illustration: - - CAPT. W. T. RUGGLES. - Died after return to Canada.] - -[Illustration: - - LIEUTENANT THURBER.] - -[Illustration: - - CAPT. T. M. M‘LEAN.] - -[Illustration: - - LIEUT. F. C. MANNING.] - -[Illustration: - - CAPT. M. W. M‘KINNON.] - -[Illustration: - - LIEUT. J. O. M‘LEOD.] - - - _85th BATTALION BRASS AND REED BAND._ - -The literary and the musical professions were well represented in the -personnel of the 85th Battalion—by one historian, two poets, and a brass -and wood-wind band, an organization of instrumentalists that gave the -Battalion additional and peculiar distinction and glory. Lieut.-Colonel -Hayes in England and France acted as a free-lance war correspondent and, -on arrival home, set to work to prepare the History of the 85th -Battalion. He produced an illustrated work of nearly 400 pages—a most -readable volume, the first history of any Nova Scotia fighting Unit that -had taken part in the late War. It was hurriedly prepared, under very -difficult conditions, but despite a minimum of slight and inevitable -discrepancies or omissions—every history from Thucydides to John Richard -Green has these—it is a well-written and accurate work, a genuine -monument to the literary acumen and devotion of that versatile and -gallant officer, Lieut.-Col. Joseph Hayes. The two poets were the late -Lieut. Frederick C. Manning, a brilliant alumnus of Acadia University, -whose “Poems” were posthumously published. They are excellent poems, -both in conception and in craftsmanship, and go to prove how great a -wastage of brain power and rare spirit was caused by the late War. The -other poet was Sergt. J. D. Logan, an alumnus of Harvard University. He -was a free-lance war correspondent at the Front. He published two -volumes of war poems—“Insulters of Death and Other Poems of the Great -Departure” (1916), and “The New Apocalypse and Other Poems of Days and -Deeds in France” (1919), besides a series of magazine articles on -special phases of the War, a series entitled “From Vimy to -Passchendaele” (1918), and before sailing for Overseas a pamphlet on the -85th Band (“Canada’s Champion Regimental Band”). All this is mentioned -to show that military training for active warfare and actual warfare do -not necessarily kill the finer spirit of men or turn soldiers from human -beings into brutes. But the chief aesthetic glory of the 85th Battalion -was its extraordinary fine marching and symphonic band. Following are -the salient facts in its history. - -The band was the descendant of the old Albion Mines (Stellarton) Band, -established in the ’40’s of the last century, and having a continuous -history of nearly three-quarters of a century to date. It was for years -the regimental band of the 78th Pictou Highlanders. Lieut.-Colonel -Borden, commanding the 85th, asked Lieut. Dan. Mooney, bandmaster of the -Stellarton or 78th Band, to organize a band for the 85th. The original -personnel of the 85th Band, the personnel which went Overseas with the -Battalion, was: Lieut. Dan. Mooney, Bandmaster; Sergt. J. C. Profitt, -Corpls. W. D. MacLeod and Alex. Myers, Ptes. A. H. MacDougall, R. H. -Roy, Ronald MacDougall, E. B. Mitchell (did not sail), R. Y. Geddes, C. -A. MacDonald, A. J. Fraser, T. R. Roy, J. W. Henderson, T. B. Davidson -(died in France), C. W. Appleton, H. P. Barnes, F. T. Freeman, J. J. -Gray, T. Mason, C. A. (“Chud”) MacDonald, A. R. MacDonald, A. A. -MacDougall, J. R. Munro, H. H. Murray, C. E. Purves, G. A. Rackham, W. -D. Jamieson, F. A. Ryan, W. P. Cameron, Joseph Smith, James Roy, D. W. -Cameron, W. E. Gallagher, F. D. Mooney, A. F. Gallant, W. Dunn (did not -sail, died later), Sergt. J. D. Logan. - -This band was distinguished in musicianship by _versatility_, -_virtuosity_ and _brilliancy_. It had acquired a notable reputation for -these qualities in Canada, and when Overseas, in England, where it was -in demand by towns near Camp Witley, for social functions of a -semi-military or war-propaganda nature. The Director of Musical -Services, who came to Camp Witley, to hear and conduct the band at -rehearsal said of it, in writing: “_It is the best band that has come -Overseas from Canada_,” and remarked specially on its precision in -attack, its unanimity, its dynamic qualities and nuancing, and its -brilliancy. - -Now, bands in camp and rest quarters are regarded as good for the morale -of Units, but generally were considered as impedimenta (or superfluous -baggage) with a Unit active in the Field. But the officers and men of -the 85th were insistent in their outspoken demand—“We want our band.” -The problem was how to keep the band from being broken up, and how to -get the bandsmen, with their instruments, into France. It was achieved -by the characteristic resourcefulness of the Commanding Officer and -officers. When the 85th crossed to France the band was not on the -establishment. The bandsmen, however, were brought over on the strength -as fighting men, and the instruments came along too, somehow -mysteriously, as part of the Quartermaster’s stores (Capt. Robert -Donaldson was Quartermaster—and a kinder and more resourceful -Quartermaster there was not in the Canadian Corps). The bandsmen and -their instruments being in France, their fixed place on the -establishment of the Battalion was finally adjusted by the authorities. - -The fame of this band soon spread throughout the 4th Division and the -Canadian Corps, and into England; and it became a matter of perpetual -demand for the 85th Band to be present and to play at concert parties -and at parades and other functions of the Division and Brigade. This was -due more particularly to the versatility of the band in _soloists_ and a -_group of entertainers_ amongst the personnel, who formed a concert -party by themselves. It is without question that Thomas Roy, euphonium -soloist; Percival Barnes, piccolo and flute soloist; R. MacDougall and -D. W. Cameron, cornet soloists; J. C. Profitt and Alex. Myers, clarinet -soloists; Alex. (“Attell”) MacDougall, trombone soloist, and the -trombone quartet (A. MacDougall, J. J. Gray, C. E. Purves, and James -Roy) were as expert instrumentalists as the trained ear could wish to -hear. They earned for the band its name for virtuosity and brilliancy. -The group of entertainers comprised H. H. Murray, George Rackham, Frank -(“Hunk”) A. Ryan, C. W. Appleton and Ronald MacDougall. Murray was vocal -soloist, with band accompaniment, having a rounded cantabile baritone. -He was also “the lead” in the theatrical entertainment, sketches and -vaudeville, with Rackham as foil. Ryan, Appleton and R. MacDougall were -step dancers, and Ryan was noted for his eccentric dancing specialties. -The group, assisted by the other members of the band, also produced “The -Old Homestead,” in costume, at the Front. - -On the day of the Great March of Triumph through London, May 3, 1919, -the 85th Band made a distinct popular “hit” with the Londoners. The -Director of Musical Services, noted the fact in the following official -communication: - - “Argyll House, - “London, W.I., - “May 5th, 1919. - - “To— - ”LT.-COL. G. S. HARRINGTON, - “Deputy Minister, O.M.F.C., - “34 Grosvenor St., W.I. - - “SIR,—I have the honor to bring to your notice the musical report of - the bands marching through London:— - - “‘The 85th Battalion Band, thirty performers, under Lieutenant - Mooney, Bandmaster. This famous marching band has been sadly - depleted by war losses, but gave a fine, spirited performance, which - was much admired.’ - - “I have the honor to be, - “Sir, - “Your Obedient Servant, - ”JASPER VALE-LANE, - “Musical Director.” - -It should be noted that the band was considerably augmented when in -France; and that one member, T. B. Davidson, died, while Ben. Hichens -and H. Luscomb were killed in action. It should also be noted that the -85th returned officers and men organized, under the name “The 85th -Clansmen,” and “The 85th Memory Club,” to perpetuate the name of the -Battalion and the memory of the fallen by reunions on the days of the -engagements in which the Battalion took part.—L. - - - - - CHAPTER XV. - _106th BATTALION, C.E.F._ - - -[Illustration: - - LIEUT.-COL. R. INNES.] - -The 106th Battalion, Nova Scotia Rifles, was authorized on November 8, -1915, and recruiting commenced at once. Being the first Rifle Battalion -recruited in the Maritime Provinces, it appealed strongly to the members -of the various rifle clubs and was soon up to strength. - -The standards of the Battalion were high. Regimental schools for the -training of non-commissioned officers were established. The motto of the -Battalion was “None So Reliable,” and all ranks sought to make the -Battalion worthy to bear such a name. - -Headquarters were established at Truro, where two Companies were -stationed; the other two Companies were stationed at Springhill and -Truro. - -[Illustration: - - LIEUT. W. R. M‘ASKILL - (killed in action).] - -[Illustration: - - LIEUT. R. H. SAWLER - (killed in action).] - -[Illustration: - - LIEUT. A. H. WALKER - (killed in action).] - -[Illustration: - - LIEUT. A. M. O’BRIEN - (killed in action).] - -[Illustration: - - LIEUT. P. A. FULTON - (killed in action).] - - - LIST OF OFFICERS. - - Lieut.-Col. Robert Innes O.C. - Major O. G. Heard Second in Command. - Capt. C. M. Williams Adjutant. - Capt. G. M. Bryce Quartermaster. - Capt. E. L. Miller Paymaster. - Capt. W. L. Muir Medical Officer. - Hon. Capt. G. McL. Dix Chaplain. - [1]Lieut. H. C. Dawson Assistant Adjutant. - Lieut. S. D. Morrison Signalling Officer. - Lieut. R. Flemming Machine Gun Officer. - Lieut. J. T. Arenburg Bandmaster. - [1]Lieut. W. R. McAskill Base Detail. - - “A” Company. - [1]Major E. W. Joy O.C. - Capt. C. B. McMullen Second in Command. - [1]Lieut. J. F. Hallisey - [1]Lieut. P. A. Fulton - Lieut. W. R. Cox - Lieut. F. S. Huntley - - “B” Company. - Major W. J. H. Moxom O.C. - Capt. F. D. Dodsworth Second in Command. - [1]Lieut. A. M. O’Brien - Lieut. M. McRae - [1]Lieut. A. H. Walker - Lieut. F. V. Burgess - - “C” Company. - Major J. A. McPherson O.C. - Capt. E. J. Lounsberg Second in Command. - Lieut. H. A. Allum - [1]Lieut. R. H. Sawler - [1]Lieut. C. E. Howson - Lieut. G. R. Harrison - - “D” Company. - Major J. R. Maxwell O.C. - Capt. T. C. King Second in Command. - Lieut. W. J. Brothers - Lieut. M. J. Dryden - Lieut. W. A. Livingstone - Lieut. G. C. McDermid - -The Battalion left Canada July 15, 1916, and encamped at Lower Dibgate, -Shorncliffe, England. There it met the fate of many other Canadian -Units, by being broken up into drafts to reinforce Battalions in the -Field. - - - - - CHAPTER XVI. - _112th BATTALION, C.E.F._ - - -Authority for the recruiting of the 112th Battalion, with headquarters -in the historic town of Windsor, N.S., was granted in November, 1915. -Its personnel was composed of officers and men drawn chiefly from the -western part of Nova Scotia, embracing the counties of Halifax, Hants, -Kings, Annapolis, Digby, Yarmouth, Shelburne, Queens and Lunenburg. -Recruiting progressed with unique rapidity and by the middle of April, -1916, the Battalion was at full strength. Over 1,500 men applied for -enlistment, and of these about 300 were found medically unfit. The -significance of this achievement will be seen when it is considered that -it was accomplished without the aid of any extensive recruiting -campaign, but by the united effort of each officer and man. - -In the early days of the Unit each county was allowed to keep a -detachment, providing it numbered fifty men or more, who trained in -their own locality until finally mobilized in Windsor in May, 1916. -There the Battalion encamped on the hill of Fort Edward, where it was -subjected to a rigorous training, and the progress made elicited much -praise from Major-General Sir Sam Hughes, then Minister of Militia, who -inspected the Unit about the beginning of July, 1916. The period of -training at Windsor was one of keen enjoyment to all concerned. Its -discipline was stern, its experience was at times hard, but the life was -altogether wholesome and profitable, which was evidenced by the -improvement in the bearing and appearance of the Unit during its short -stay at Windsor. - -The Battalion was commanded by Lieut.-Col. H. B. Tremaine. The other -officers were: Majors W. F. D. Brennan, second in command; T. M. Seely, -M. S. Parker, T. A. Mulock; Capts. R. W. Churchill, O. G. Dauphinee -(killed in action), R. T. Christie, J. Flemming (Adjutant), E. S. Spurr, -M.C. (killed in action), M. P. Titus (Quartermaster), H. A. MacDonald -(Paymaster), John St. C. McKay (Medical Officer), C. R. Cumming -(Chaplain), G. R. Martell (Chaplain), Lieuts. J. T. Probert, M.C. -(killed in action), R. S. Parsons, W. D. Comstock, J. W. Hughes, J. K. -Swanson (killed in action), W. G. Foster (killed in action), G. M. Hebb -(killed in action), A. M. Parsons, M.C., R. M. Morris, M.C., R. B. -Logan, A. H. Creighton, P. L. Wilcox, J. W. G. Lardner, W. P. Harmon, W. -H. Smith, J. C. Lithgow, R. W. Dill, E. W. Bell, C. C. Morash, M. L. -Tupper (killed in action), W. J. Sangster, L. E. Langley (killed in -action), R. Henshaw, R. M. McGregor (killed in action), O. H. Lunham, G. -W. Banks, A. T. E. Crosby, H. L. Gates. - -[Illustration: - - LIEUT. WM. GORE FOSTER.] - -Capt. G. R. Martell, Rector of Christchurch, Windsor, N.S., and Chaplain -of the Battalion throughout its organization, did splendid work in -recruiting and was beloved by all ranks. Owing to his inability to -proceed Overseas, the Rev. Charles R. Cummings was appointed Chaplain -and held the position until transferred to hospital duty in England -preparatory to proceeding to the Chaplain Services in France in January, -1917. Captain Martell died in June, 1918. - -Colors for the 112th Battalion were made by Mrs. Annie Pratt, of -Windsor, Nova Scotia, and were presented to the Battalion by Mrs. -Tremaine, wife of the Commanding Officer, on Friday afternoon, July 21, -1916. The Battalion was formed up in mass in front of the bandstand at -Victoria Park, Windsor, and addresses were delivered by the Chaplain, -Mayor Roach, and others. The next day the colors were deposited in -Christchurch, Windsor, where the officers and men attended divine -service. - -The 112th Battalion embarked at Halifax, July 23, 1916, on _H.M.T. -Olympic_, and arrived at Liverpool on July 31st. Here it entrained and -proceeded to Oxney Farm near Bramshott. The Unit remained there for -about three weeks, after which it moved to Bramshott on the departure of -the 4th Division for France. In Bramshott the Battalion was put through -very intensive training, and on October 5th the first draft of 122 other -ranks left for France to reinforce the 25th Battalion. On October 10th, -212 other ranks and on October 29th, 40 other ranks were sent to the -25th Battalion, all of whom proved to be a very welcome acquisition to -that famous Unit. Other drafts found their way to the Royal Canadian -Regiment. Most of the officers were detailed to special schools in -various parts of England for a time, after which they were gradually -absorbed by the Battalions already at the Front. At one time it was -expected that the Battalion would become a Forestry Unit and be sent to -France, but for some reason this did not eventuate, and the Battalion -was gradually depleted until the remnant was finally merged into the -26th Canadian Reserve Battalion in February, 1917. - - - - - CHAPTER XVII. - _THE 185th BATTALION (CAPE BRETON HIGHLANDERS)._ - - - BY CAPT. ANGUS L. M‘DONALD. - -[Illustration: - - LIEUT.-COL. F. P. DAY.] - -It is a difficult task indeed to compress a history of the 185th -Battalion into the space allotted for the purpose in this book. It is a -difficult task, because, if we exclude those Battalions that saw active -service as complete Units, the history of the 185th is longer than that -of any other Nova Scotia Battalion. It is a difficult task because, -through this long association and through the high standard of -efficiency to which the Battalion attained, there grew up between all -ranks a spirit of pride in their Unit and of affectionate regard for -each other, which may be fairly said to be almost unique, and which -deserves a monument much grander and more enduring than this sketch can -hope to raise. - -The origin of the 185th may be said to be in the 85th Nova Scotia -Highland Battalion, recruited by Lieut.-Col. A. H. Borden in the autumn -of 1915. The enthusiasm with which the people of Nova Scotia hailed the -advent of the 85th Battalion engendered the more ambitious idea of a -Nova Scotia Highland Brigade, and in the months of February and March, -1916, there was conducted in Nova Scotia a recruiting campaign for the -raising of three additional Battalions, to form, with the 85th, a -complete Brigade. The remarkable success of that campaign is now part of -our Nova Scotian history. - -The Island of Cape Breton was given the task of raising a Battalion, to -be known as the 185th and to be under the command of Lieut.-Col. F. P. -Day (then Major Day) of the 85th Battalion. Though Cape Breton had -already given men to the colors, in numbers far in excess of her due -proportion, nevertheless, the prospect of seeing active service with a -Unit distinctly and entirely Cape Breton, so fired the imagination of -the young men of the Island that in three weeks the Battalion was -recruited to full strength. - -The system of recruiting employed was well calculated to obtain the best -results. First, the officers were selected. Some of them were Cape -Bretoners, serving with the 85th Battalion, a few came from the -Officers’ Training Corps of the Colleges, but the majority were drawn -from the 94th, the Cape Breton Militia Unit. These officers were sent -out into their own native districts to recruit men for their own -Companies or Platoons, and the assurance was given that men from the -same locality would be placed together in the same Company, Platoon, or -Section as the case might be, and under an officer from that locality. -That assurance was kept sacredly. - -The motto selected for the Battalion was the same as that of the -85th—“Siol Na Fear Fearail”—“Seed of Manly Men.” That motto was highly -appropriate, for the ranks of the Battalion were in large part filled by -descendants of Highlanders—those manly men who peopled Cape Breton in -late 18th and early 19th centuries. To the Highland element in the -population of Cape Breton the 185th made its greatest appeal, for the -promise had been given that the Battalion should wear Highland garb, and -the prospect of joining a Unit which should be clad in that picturesque -and historic dress undoubtedly touched the Highland imagination. But the -other races did not lag behind. The French, Irish and English elements -were well represented, and there were not a few recruits of Italian and -Russian extraction. - -“A” Company of the 185th came from the counties of Inverness, Victoria -and Richmond; “B” Company from Glace Bay and New Waterford; “C” Company -from North Sydney and Sydney Mines; and “D” Company from Sydney. -Broughton, eighteen miles from Sydney, was chosen as a mobilization -centre, and there the Battalion assembled during the first week of -April, 1916. - -At Broughton, three bands, Pipe, Brass and Bugle were organized. The -citizens of Glace Bay, the Royal Cape Breton Yacht Club, the “Green -Feather” Societies of North Sydney and Sydney Mines, and Mr. Thomas -Cantley, of New Glasgow, each presented four pipes and three drums to -the Battalion. Money for the purchase of instruments for the Brass Band -was subscribed by the citizens of Sydney. For the Regimental March, the -stirring Highland air, “A Hundred Pipers,” was chosen. - -Broughton did not offer a suitable ground for advanced training; and so -on May 26th, 1916, the Battalion entrained for Aldershot, N.S., where -the Highland Brigade was to spend the summer of 1916, under the command -of Lieut.-Col. A. H. Borden, who had recruited and commanded the 85th -Battalion. The other Battalions of the Brigade were the 85th, 193rd and -the 219th. During the summer the Brigade was reviewed by H.R.H. the Duke -of Connaught, Governor-General of Canada; by Sir Sam Hughes, Canadian -Minister of Militia; by Major-General Lessard, Inspector-General for -Canada. It was twice reviewed by Sir Robert Borden, Prime Minister of -Canada. On the last visit of Sir Robert Borden, he was accompanied by -Lady Borden, who presented colors to the Battalion. The colors are of -beautiful design, rich material and elegant workmanship. They were -received on behalf of the Battalion by Major Harrington and Lieutenants -Purves and Livingstone, and were blessed by Capt. Michael Gillis, Roman -Catholic Chaplain to the Battalion. (The colors were taken to England -with the Battalion and after the War were returned to Canada, deposited -in the Cape Breton County Court House at Sydney.) - -On October 4th the Battalion underwent successfully at the hands of -Major-General Lessard its last inspection in Canada. Preparations for -embarking for England were begun and on October 11th the 185th bade -good-bye to Aldershot and entrained for Halifax. That evening they -marched on board “His Majesty’s Transport, 2810,” the war-time -designation of the great steamship _Olympic_. - -At five o’clock on the evening of October 13th the _Olympic_ steamed out -of Halifax Harbor, bearing the Nova Scotia Highland Brigade, surely the -most precious cargo that Nova Scotia ever entrusted to the mighty -Atlantic. The docks at Halifax were thronged on that day with thousands -of people from all parts of Nova Scotia who had come to say good-bye—in -many cases unfortunately a last good-bye—to relatives and friends. Nova -Scotia loves her own, sorrows over their departure from her bosom, and -watches their fortunes under foreign skies with a fond eye and an -anxious heart. I was told in London that, after any battle in which -Canadian troops had taken part, there were more enquiries at Canadian -Headquarters in London, from Nova Scotians, than from people of any -other Province of Canada. I could well believe this to have been so, for -in Nova Scotia character, friendship and loyalty to kith and kin are -outstanding characteristics. - -The officers of the 185th at the time of sailing for England were as -follows: - - Honorary Colonel Col. D. H. MacDougall. - Officer Commanding Lieut.-Col. Frank P. Day. - Second in Command Major J. G. Johnstone. - Adjutant Capt. R. C. Jackson. - Medical Officer Capt. J. A. Munro. - Paymaster Capt. R. MacDougall. - Quartermaster Capt. J. T. Malone. - Protestant Chaplain Capt. A. J. MacDonald. - R. C. Chaplain Capt. Michael Gillis. - Machine Gun Officer Lieut. J. A. Holland. - - “A” Company— - Officer Commanding Capt. J. MacIsaac. - Second in Command Capt. A. L. Macdonald. - Lieutenants H. N. Price, John MacKenzie, J. D. - MacKenzie, E. M. Johnstone. - - “B” Company— - Officer Commanding Major G. S. Harrington. - Second in Command Capt. A. J. MacInnis. - Lieutenants C. MacLeod, W. F. Carroll, J. A. - McKinnon, J. H. MacIvor. - - “C” Company— - Officer Commanding Capt. W. W. Nicholson. - Second in Command Capt. Alex. MacDonald. - Lieutenants T. D. A. Purves, D. N. MacDonald, - L. G. MacCorrison. - - “D” Company— - Officer Commanding Major J. W. Maddin. - Second in Command Capt. C. W. Sutherland. - Lieutenants A. M. Fraser, D. M. Wiswell, G. D. - Crowell, D. Livingstone. - -The voyage from Halifax to Liverpool was made in a little over five -days. The Battalion disembarked on the morning of October 19th, the Pipe -Band playing the men down the gangway. Immediately the train was taken -to Witley Camp, which was reached after a journey of eight hours. Here -the Battalion settled down to work as part of the 12th Canadian Infantry -Training Brigade, which name replaced the old name, “Nova Scotia -Highland Brigade.” - -In early December there came tidings which nearly every Canadian -Battalion that ever went to England had grown to dread. The Battalion -was called on to supply a draft of 192 men for France. The other -Battalions of the Brigade had received similar orders, the total number -of men required from the Brigade being 800. The call for these drafts -seemed to spell the disruption of the Brigade, notwithstanding promises -to the contrary in Canada. The strongest protests were made by officers -of the Brigade, but to no avail. On December 5th the drafts set out for -Southampton whence they were to embark for Havre. The 185th sent 20 men -to the 42nd (Montreal) Battalion, and 172 men to the 73rd Battalion, -also of Montreal. - -Each Battalion of the Brigade had now been considerably reduced in -strength, and the Canadian authorities in England decided to amalgamate -the 219th with the 85th Battalion, and the 193rd with the 185th -Battalion. Officers and men in any one of these four Units who were not -physically fit were sent to the 17th Nova Scotia Reserve Battalion at -Bramshott. The Nova Scotia Highland Brigade was no more, and the hope in -every heart now was that the two Battalions—85th and 185th—which -constituted what was left of that Brigade, might reach France as Units. - -After the amalgamation of the 193rd, the officers of the 185th were as -follows:— - - Officer Commanding Lieut.-Col. F. P. Day. - Second in Command Lieut.-Col. R. J. S. Langford. - Adjutant Major J. W. MacDonald. - Medical Officer Capt. J. A. Munro. - Quartermaster Capt. F. C. Baird. - Paymaster Capt. R. MacDougall. - Assistant Adjutant Lieut. W. E. Macdonald. - Machine Gun Officer Lieut. J. A. Holland. - Musketry Officer Lieut. D. M. Wiswell. - Scout Officer Lieut. H. N. Price. - Bombing Officer Lieut. J. D. MacKenzie. - - “A” Company— - Officer Commanding Capt. J. MacIsaac. - Second in Command Capt. A. L. Macdonald. - Lieutenants John MacKenzie, E. M. Johnstone, T. - E. Logan, C. J. Markham. - - “B” Company— - Officer Commanding Major J. P. LeGallais. - Second in Command Capt. F. B. Schurman. - Lieutenants J. A. McKinnon, J. H. MacIvor, J. - Soy, P. T. Andrews, H. A. - Dickson, A. D. Baxter. - - “C” Company— - Officer Commanding Capt. W. W. Nicholson. - Second in Command Capt. Alex. Macdonald. - Lieutenants D. J. MacGillivray, H. F. Orman, L. - G. MacCorrison, H. D. Cunningham, - D. Livingstone. - - “D” Company— - Officer Commanding Capt. R. C. Jackson. - Second in Command Capt. C. W. Sutherland. - Lieutenants A. M. Fraser, J. O. MacLeod, J. J. - Murray, G. D. Crowell, H. C. - Lowther. - -About this time the Battalion received permission to use as its official -name, “185th Canadian Infantry Battalion (Cape Breton Highlanders),” -instead of “185th Canadian Infantry Battalion,” as before. - -In the spring of 1917, the 5th Canadian Division was organized at Witley -Camp, under the command of Major-General Garnet Hughes, who had already -won high distinction in France. The 185th was given a place in that -Division. The Division was assured that it would be sent to France, and -in that hope it set to work with such earnestness that in the summer of -1917 it was regarded as one of the most efficient Divisions that had -ever trained in England. The 185th by hard and persevering work had won -the reputation of being unexcelled, and by many unbiased observers it -was regarded as unequalled, in the whole Division. Certainly, the -Battalion was often specially complimented by Inspecting Officers and -was often singled out for particular honor. At the great Dominion Day -Parade in London, in 1917, the Guard of Honor for the Colors was drawn -from the 185th. Again and again its teams won from other Battalion teams -in competitions in Musketry, Bayonet Fighting, Physical Training, Drill -and Machine Gun Work. - -From the first the men had looked forward eagerly to the day when kilts -would be issued to the Battalion. Their wish was realized in August, -1917, when kilts of the Argyll and Sutherland tartan were authorized to -be worn, and sufficient kilts were sent to the Quartermaster to clothe -the whole Battalion. - -Reference has been made already to the promise given to the 5th Division -that it would go to France intact. That promise was repeated several -times, and the hope that it would be kept was the only ground on which -men could be induced to remain contentedly in England. But no phrase has -done better service during the War than the phrase “military -exigencies,” and it was invoked once again to justify the disbanding of -the 5th Division in February, 1918. - -Coincident with the breakup of the Division came the order to the 185th -to furnish a draft of two officers and one hundred men to each of the -three Nova Scotian Battalions in France—the 25th, 85th and R.C.R. All -the men at once volunteered. Sergeants reverted to the rank of private -in order to get to France more quickly; Colonels reverted and became -Majors; Majors became Captains and Captains Subalterns. The drafts for -France were finally selected, and the rest of the Battalion was ordered -to be sent to Bramshott, to be absorbed by the 17th Reserve. On February -23rd the Battalion paraded for the last time, the drafts for France -stood fast, the draft for Bramshott swung out on the London-Portsmouth -Road, the pipers played their last march, and the 185th passed out of -existence as an Overseas Unit forever. - -It is idle now to lament its unhappy fate, or to deplore the peculiar -policy that was pursued toward it and other Battalions of the 5th -Division, but Cape Bretoners everywhere will always have difficulty in -restraining a regretful sigh over the lot of their own and only -Battalion. Let it always be remembered, however, that through no fault -of its own did the 185th fail to reach France as a Unit. It kept faith -with the people of Cape Breton, and it established a standard which any -Battalion might be proud to emulate. - -But though there never fell to this Battalion the supreme honor of -battle or the glory of triumph, its individual members went forth to -war, stronger in training, in discipline, in comradeship and in spirit -from their association with the Cape Breton Highlanders. Every officer -of the Battalion saw service in some theatre of war, and five of them -now sleep on the field of honor—Lieutenants Fraser, Holland, MacIvor, -Livingstone and J. O. MacLeod. Nearly every other officer of the -Battalion has been wounded, and several have been decorated for bravery. -Of the men it is enough to say that incomplete returns show that 136 of -them fell in action. On their graves may the turf lie lightly. Truer -hearts or more gallant spirits never fought for any cause, and to them -we may be sure that every Cape Breton tongue will apply with heartfelt -sincerity the words that have been chosen for the crosses that will mark -the graves of British soldiers buried in France—“Their Name Liveth -Forevermore.” - -[Illustration: - - LIEUT. A. FRASER - (killed in action).] - -[Illustration: - - LIEUT. J. H. M‘IVOR - (killed in action).] - -[Illustration: - - LIEUT. D. LIVINGSTONE - (killed in action).] - -[Illustration: - - CAPT. JOHN T. MALONE - (died on active service).] - - - - - CHAPTER XVIII. - _THE 193rd BATTALION._ - - -The 193rd Battalion was authorized on January 27, 1916, and John -Stanfield, M.P. for Colchester, in the Dominion House of Commons, was -gazetted Lieut.-Colonel and appointed Commanding Officer. - -[Illustration: - - LIEUT.-COL. JOHN STANFIELD.] - -For a few weeks following this date the 193rd Battalion was not regarded -as a Highland Brigade Battalion, but on February 23, 1916, -Lieut.-Colonel Stanfield was officially notified that the 193rd had been -selected as one of the Brigade Units. - -Organization for recruiting had already been effected, and the 193rd -was in a position to join in the Brigade campaign at once. The -territory of the Battalion embraced the six Eastern Counties of the -Mainland—Cumberland, Colchester, Hants, Pictou, Antigonish and -Guysboro, with headquarters at Truro. Within one month the Battalion -was over strength. - -On March 24th Capt. J. L. Ralston, of the 85th Battalion, reported for -duty as Acting Adjutant. His assistance was invaluable and counted for -much in these early days of organization. Capt. J. Welsford MacDonald -relieved him on April 7th and was appointed Adjutant. He was later -succeeded by Capt. F. B. Schurman. - -In February Lieut.-Colonel Stanfield had asked for the services of Capt. -R. J. S. Langford, of the Royal Canadian Regiment, Halifax. On April -18th Captain Langford was attached to the 193rd, with the rank of Major, -was appointed second in command and took over the duties of officer in -charge of training. The high standard of efficiency to which the -Battalion later attained was brought about by Major Langford’s -enthusiastic and unremitting efforts. - -[Illustration: - - LIEUT. “TOMMY” LOGAN. - Killed in action.] - -The mobilization of the Battalions of the Highland Brigade at Camp -Aldershot in May, 1916, is dealt with elsewhere in this volume. The -193rd arrived in Camp 300 men over strength. - -Early in September the Brigadier, Lieut.-Colonel Borden, left for -England, and was succeeded in the command of the Brigade by -Lieut.-Colonel Stanfield. Major Langford took over the command of the -Battalion with the rank of Lieut.-Colonel. - -On September 26th, Lady Borden, wife of the Premier of Canada, presented -King’s and Regimental Colors to the four Battalions of the Brigade. The -distinctive color selected by the 193rd was “Royal Blue.” - -The Battalion embarked on the _Olympic_, October 12th. The officers at -that time were: - - Lieut.-Col. R. J. S. Langford O.C - Major J. P. LeGallais Second in Command. - Capt. F. B. Schurman Adjutant. - Capt. F. C. Baird Quartermaster. - Capt. C. S. McArthur Paymaster. - Capt. E. D. McLean Medical Officer. - Capt. J. F. Tupper Chaplain. - - “A” COMPANY—Major A. T. McLean, Company Commander; Capt. C. A. Good, - Second in Command; Lieuts. H. F. Orman, D. J. McGillivray P. - Andrews, H. A. Dickson. - - “B” Company—Capt. R. K. Smith, Company Commander; Capt. R. G. McKay, - Second in Command; Lieuts. N. C. Christie, J. M. Soy, H. C. Lowther, - C. F. Wetmore. - - “C” COMPANY—Major A. A. Sturley, Company Commander; Capt. A. B. - Todd, Second in Command; Lieuts. H. DeW. Cunningham, H. B. Potter, - J. A. Ross, C. J. Markham. - - “D” COMPANY—Major J. W. MacDonald, Company Commander; Capt. G. - McQuarrie, Second in Command; Lieuts. J. O. McLeod, W. E. McDonald, - T. E. Logan, J. J. Murray. - -A few weeks after arrival at Witley Camp, Lieut.-Colonel Borden returned -from the Front and resumed command of the Brigade. Lieut.-Colonel -Stanfield, owing to ill-health, was invalided back to Canada. When the -Brigade was broken up in December, 1916, the following officers, with -300 other ranks, were transferred to the 185th Battalion: Lieut.-Colonel -R. J. S. Langford, Major J. P. LeGallais, Major J. W. MacDonald, Capt. -F. B. Schurman, Capt. F. C. Baird, Lieuts. H. F. Orman, D. J. -McGillivray, P. Andrews, H. A. Dickson, J. M. Soy, H. DeW. Cunningham, -C. J. Markham, J. O. McLeod, W. E. McDonald, J. J. Murray. - -The remainder marched to Bramshott, where they were absorbed early in -January, 1917, by the 17th Reserve Battalion, and used as reinforcements -to the Nova Scotian Battalions in the Field. - - - - - CHAPTER XIX. - _219th BATTALION, C.E.F._ - - -[Illustration: - - LIEUT.-COL. W. H. MUIRHEAD.] - -In the limited space allowed for this article it is necessary to omit -references to the stirring events which marked the recruiting of the -Battalions of the Nova Scotia Highland Brigade, the 185th in Cape -Breton, the 193rd in Pictou, Colchester, Cumberland and Hants Counties, -and the 219th in Halifax and the Western Counties of the Province. Each -contributed to the popular enthusiasm, and through the agency of the -press any unusual success in one part was heralded throughout the -Province and bore fruit in distant sections. - -In Halifax and the Western Counties, while there were many agencies at -work, too numerous to mention, they naturally centred around the -extraordinary series of meetings addressed by Colonel Borden and Captain -Cutten, when, accompanied by the 85th Band, they made their historic -tour, commencing at Lunenburg on February 26, 1916, and ending at -Wolfville on March 12th. They touched at all the chief points on the -Halifax and South Western Railway and returned by the Dominion Atlantic -as far as Wolfville. While active recruiting in many places had preceded -and prepared for their arrival, the extraordinary enthusiasm aroused by -their speeches and by the martial strains of the band formed an epoch in -each community. - -Recruits enrolled were billeted in their own towns, and detachments -marched into Camp Aldershot on June 1st from Lunenburg, Mahone Bay, -Bridgewater, Lockport, Caledonia, Shelburne, Clarke’s Harbor, -Barrington, Yarmouth, Weymouth, Trenton, Digby, Bear River, Annapolis, -Berwick, Bridgetown, Kentville, Wolfville, Dartmouth and Halifax. - -The first Battalion orders on record were issued on March 6th by Major -E. C. Phinney, who had been placed in temporary command of the 219th. -Lieut. C. Holland was appointed Acting Adjutant. For some time the -orders were chiefly concerned with the large accessions to the strength -of the Battalion, daily reported, as the result of Colonel Borden’s -successful tour, and the formation of the various detachments. These -recruits were now arranged in four companies, “A” in Halifax, “B” -comprising the territory from Mahone Bay to Clarke’s Harbor, “C” from -Yarmouth to Bear River, and “D” from Annapolis to Wolfville. - -The first public parade of “A” Company was on May 27th to St. Matthew’s -Church to attend the memorial service for Lieutenant Campbell, who had -been killed in action, and who was the son of Mr. G. S. Campbell, one of -the most active spirits in the recruiting campaign. - -In the history of the 219th there is a humorous distinction between the -first funeral procession and the first actual funeral of one of its -members. One night in the early spring a fire occurred in a house in -Barrington Street. Unfortunately the inmates could not be extricated in -time, and some fatalities resulted. The charred remains of one body was -identified as that of Metrofan Meik, a Russian recruit in the 219th. The -funeral took place from St. Mary’s Cathedral. A firing party was -furnished by “C” Company of the 85th. The Last Post was sounded and full -military honors paid to the dead. Next morning who should report in the -orderly room but Metrofan himself, very much alive and feeling greatly -the better for his leave, which had now expired. Who it was that was -buried with military honors has never been discovered to this hour. - -The first actual funeral of a soldier in the 219th took place on May -2nd, from the Military Hospital in Halifax. The deceased was Private -Edwards, a native of England. The services were conducted by Hon. -Captain MacKinnon. - -It was on Wednesday, February 23rd, that a letter came from Ottawa -authorizing the formation of the 219th and granting permission to -appoint Major E. C. Phinney, of the 85th as temporary O.C. It was he who -had the task of organizing the 219th, and the manner in which he -accomplished this is a fine tribute to his executive ability. For the -first few days he was assisted by Lieut. C. Holland, who acted as -Adjutant. In the beginning of April a rumor was in circulation that the -Highland Brigade was not to materialize and that the 85th was to proceed -immediately Overseas. Rather than miss this opportunity of going to the -Front, Major Phinney relinquished his position as Commanding Officer of -the 219th and went back to his former position in the 85th. - -On April 8th Lieut.-Col. N. H. Parsons became temporary C.O. of the -219th. He planned a tour of inspection, but his purpose was frustrated -by a serious illness. Lieutenant Holland, who afterwards became Staff -Captain in the Nova Scotia Highland Brigade, was succeeded as Acting -Adjutant by Lieut. John S. Roper. He along with Major Rudland and -Lieutenant Wylie had been one of a Military Committee to assist in the -formation of the Battalion. He remained Adjutant throughout its whole -history. - -By May 4th Colonel Parsons felt sufficiently recovered to proceed with -his tour of inspection, and during his absence the duties of command -devolved on Major H. D. Creighton. But the atmosphere was surcharged -with uncertainty and the Battalion was beginning to suffer for want of a -permanent head. Lieut.-Col. Parsons returned to the 85th, and, with him, -Major Creighton. At last on May 5th, Lieut.-Col. W. H. Muirhead assumed -command. Immediately the unrest ceased, and the Battalion settled itself -to the business of training. - -On the outbreak of the War Colonel Muirhead went at once to the new camp -at Valcartier and was given an appointment on the Divisional -Headquarters Staff. But being unmarried and anxious to take his part in -the actual fighting, he transferred to the Royal Canadian Dragoons -before the First Canadian Contingent sailed, reverting to the rank of -Lieutenant. Early in May, 1915, he crossed to France in the Canadian -Cavalry Brigade, which included, with the Dragoons, the Strathcona Horse -and the 2nd King Edward Horse. For nine months he was in the trenches, -and witnessed some of the fiercest fighting of the War. - -In Canada the idea was gaining ground that new troops should be -instructed in the latest methods of warfare, and this could only be done -by bringing some of the officers from the Front. Colonel Muirhead was -subsequently appointed second in command of the 112th, which was -recruiting at the time, and he returned in January, 1916. As above -stated he took over the 219th on May 5th. His keen intelligence, long -familiarity with business methods, together with the stern experience he -had known at the Front, fitted him in quite an exceptional manner for -the command and training of a Battalion. - -The Battalions at Camp Aldershot were arranged in order of seniority. -Nearest to Aldershot Station was placed the 85th, and then in order the -185th, 193rd and 219th. Beyond the lines of the 219th were quartered the -97th, “The American Legion,” made up of men from the United States, who -had come to take their share in the fight for the freedom of the world. - -Later in the season the waste land beyond the 97th was cleared and -became the home of the 246th, the reserve Unit of the Brigade. It might -be of interest to mention that the Nova Scotia Highland Brigade wore -Balmoral caps with feathers. The feathers were dark gray, but each one -of them had a distinctive coloring. In the 85th, it was red; in the -185th, green; in the 193rd, blue; and in the 219th, purple. - -Naturally changes took place in the personnel of the officers of the -219th, especially late in the season, when the 246th was formed. But the -following list represents with fair accuracy the situation during most -of the summer: - - Officer Commanding Lieut.-Col. W. H. Muirhead. - Second in Command Major M. E. Roscoe. - Adjutant Lieut. J. S. Roper. - Quartermaster Major F. W. W. Doane. - Paymaster Hon. Capt. H. D. Henry. - Medical Officer Capt. D. P. Churchill. - Chaplain Hon. Capt. C. MacKinnon. - - “A” COMPANY—Major J. Rudland, Company Commander; Capt. H. A. Kent, - Second in Command (Capt. Kent, after going Overseas, became Company - Commander of “C” Company); Lieuts. V. G. Rae, E. R. Clayton, A. D. - Macdonald, R. D. Graham. - - “B” COMPANY—Capt. M. C. Denton, Company Commander; Capt. E. C. - Miller, Second in Command (after going Overseas Capt. Miller became - Company Commander); Lieuts. W. M. L. Robertson, J. Belyea, A. C. - King, E. J. Hallett. - - “C” COMPANY—Major A. K. Van Horne, Company Commander; (after going - Overseas, Captain Kent); Lieut. G. D. Blackadar, Second in Command - (after going Overseas, Capt. H. E. Crowell); Lieuts. H. E. Crowell, - N. L. Chipman, W. J. Wright, Kenneth Campbell, who went over in a - draft during the summer. - - “D” COMPANY—Capt. G. H. Cutten, Company Commander; Capt. W. Noblett, - Second in Command (Capt. Cutten became Major in the 246th and Capt., - afterwards Major, H. K. Emerson, recently returned from the front, - took command of “D” Company); Lieuts. A. D. Borden, J. P. McFarlane, - J. C. M. Vereker and E. R. Power. - -In addition to these officers were Lieut. H. A. Love in charge of -Signalling Section, and Lieut. W. L. Black of the Machine Gun Section. - -During the summer Hon. Captain Father O’Sullivan was added. He was -employed most of the time in raising the “Purple Feather Fund,” and -spent only a week or two in camp. - -The Battalion was fortunate in its Sergeant-Major, A. S. Ward, who -blended a strict sense of duty with a genial disposition and secured -alike the approbation of the officers and the respect of the men. - -The Camp had not been long established at Aldershot when it was honored -by a visit from Sir Sam Hughes, the Minister of Militia. On June 11th, -at 6 a.m. the Brigade was paraded. Although there had only been a few -days of united training, the impression produced upon the Minister was -quite noticeable, and ever afterwards he showed a kindly appreciation of -the Nova Scotia Highlanders. - -On August 9th the Camp was honored by another distinguished visitor, Sir -Robert Borden, the Premier of Canada, who was accompanied by the Hon. -David MacKeen, the Lieut.-Governor of Nova Scotia. The March Past was -excellent, and the Premier, a native of the Province, was pleased to -speak words of heartfelt appreciation and encouragement. Another -inspection was made on August 15th, but this was more of a formal -military character and lacked the general significance of the previous -reviews. - -The red-letter days of the Brigade’s whole history at Aldershot were -Friday the 25th and Saturday the 26th of August. On Friday the Camp was -thrown open to the public, who flocked thither from every part of the -Province. The resources of the railway were taxed to the utmost. Fully -eight thousand people visited the grounds and witnessed the March Past. -They were relatives of “the boys,” and nothing revealed more clearly how -tenderly the thought of the Province centred about the rows of white -tents, where the flower of its manhood was encamped. By a happy thought -the Camp Commandant, Col. W. E. Thompson, added to the ordinary review -exercises a short march in column of route, so the men would pass -immediately in front of their many friends. - -[Illustration: - - H.R.H. THE DUKE OF CONNAUGHT INSPECTING THE HIGHLAND BRIGADE AT - ALDERSHOT CAMP, SEPTEMBER, 1916.] - -On Saturday morning Field-Marshall His Royal Highness the Duke of -Connaught arrived. Exhilarated by the enthusiasm of the previous day, -the Brigade excelled itself in its manoeuvres, and especially in the -March Past. His Royal Highness, who was too fine a soldier to be guilty -of a meaningless expression, declared that he had not inspected anything -finer in the Dominion of Canada. - -One other function completes the tale of reviews. It was the -presentation of colors by Lady Borden to the four Battalions on Monday, -September 25th. No little practice was necessary for the involved -movements connected with the ceremony. Once again the weather was -propitious; the sunbeams kissed the silken colors as they were unfurled -to the breeze, and rousing cheers greeted the declaration of the Premier -that they would shortly be sent over the seas. - -That afternoon a competition was commenced between the various platoons -of the Brigade, which resulted in the award going to the “thirteenth -platoon” of the 219th, and as a sign that they had won, they were -permitted to wear their feathers with the edge trimmed. - -On Friday, September 26th, a message arrived ordering the Brigade to be -ready to go Overseas in six days, and cancelling all leave for officers -and men. The announcement of this approaching embarkation would by -itself have been sensational enough, but when it came accompanied by an -order that no one should have the privilege of seeing his home again, -the men were fairly stunned. All had counted on a “farewell” leave. At -first everyone seemed paralyzed. Then their resolution took shape. It -was not in the Colonel’s power to grant leave but, though a strict -disciplinarian, he understood the situation and felt a deep sympathy for -the men, and determined that his attitude should be as lenient as -possible. The men were resolute to see their homes, many of which were -in the vicinity of the Camp. Every effort was made to stop them. Cordons -with fixed bayonets were placed around the station at Kentville. But all -to no purpose. The majority simply rose and went. They hired motor cars, -mounted horses, or even walked. For a moment there was a sense of alarm -and humiliation, which quickly changed to confidence and pride as the -men came streaming back, satisfied that they had seen their friends and -ready to do their duty in facing the foe. This unauthorized farewell -furlough was not confined to the 219th but was general in the 185th and -the 193rd as well. - -[Illustration] - -The six days’ warning was, of course, a mere preliminary measure but -definite orders at last arrived for the 219th to march out on the 12th -of October at 5 a.m. Never did Halifax seem lovelier than in the bright -autumn air as the Battalion marched along Barrington Street and up -Spring Garden Road and through South Park Street to the Common, where a -vast company of friends and well-wishers had congregated to say -good-bye. Ranks were broken and the soldiers mingled freely with the -people. The “Fall In” sounded, the band struck up a lively air, and the -march was resumed until the gates of the docks closed behind the last -file. Opportunities of further adieus were granted in the afternoon -within the limit of the dock, and then for the final time the troops -climbed the long gangways to the decks of the transport. - -All night the _Olympic_ lay at the pier. On Friday afternoon she moved -up to Bedford Basin. Life belts were passed out and alarms practised. -During the afternoon, when rumors that we were doomed to several days’ -detention in the basin were at their height, the anchor was quietly -raised and almost noiselessly the ship began to glide down the harbor. -But the movement was quickly noticed on shore, and the tooting of tugs -and the cheering of the crowds that rushed to the pier heads showed that -the “boys” had not been forgotten by their friends. The shades of night -were gathering in as Cape Sambro fell astern, and the twinkle of its -kindly light was Nova Scotia’s farewell. Betting in New York had run as -high as twenty to one that the _Olympic_ would be sunk because the -notorious German submarine U53, which had committed serious depredations -off Nantucket, was reported to be in the vicinity. Whatever anxiety may -have been felt by those on the bridge, seemed not in the slightest -degree to have reached the troops below, who had a confidence in the -British seamanship that was almost sublime. - -On Tuesday night two destroyers picked up the ship and acted as -consorts. Wednesday morning the coast of Ireland was in view, and -Wednesday evening anchor was dropped in the Mersey, the voyage having -been completed in four days and nineteen hours. We sailed on a Friday, -and the thirteenth at that, but war has exploded the superstitions of -the world along with many other things. - -Two or three hours were required for the disembarkation. Eight trains -were required for the whole Brigade, and they were started at various -intervals of time. The last two carried the 219th. It was nearly -midnight when the train drew into the siding at Milford Station and, -resuming their packs, the men began their two miles’ march into Camp. - -Witley Camp was situated on Witley Common, a sandy tract covered with -scattered pines, known as Scotch fir, and with few houses in the -vicinity. Milford Village was a mile and a half away, and Godalming -three miles. The nearest town was Guildford, eight miles off. The county -was Surrey, and the landscape among the most picturesque in all England. - -After the first cold snap that greeted the troops on their arrival, -milder conditions prevailed; the air became balmy; the fresh, full -foliage on the trees, and the fragrance of the flowers still in bloom -seemed to carry summer into December. But as November drew into December -cold mists settled into the valley where Witley Camp lay, and caused an -acrid chill that seemed to eat into the marrow of the bone. Influenza -(known as “flu” or “grippe”) invaded the Camp. The sick parade in the -morning increased by leaps and bounds; the general hospital at Bramshott -and the sick detention hut of the Brigade were filled and could take no -more. A special hut in the Battalion lines was secured and in a few days -crowded out, and even the spare accommodation in the medical room was -covered with bed boards on which lay fevered and coughing men. December -will remain to the troops at Witley Camp something of a nightmare. - -No one as yet seriously believed, or at least publicly announced, that -the Highland Brigade would not be held together. Had not the Minister of -Militia plighted his word to that effect? Had it not been a promise to -the men when they enlisted? Towards the end of November, however, -sinister rumors began to filter through and culminated on the 30th -November in the call for the first draft for France. Immediately the -Camp was in a hubbub of excitement, for the draft required 800 men from -the Brigade, and this obviously meant its dismemberment. All reasonable -means that might avert the blow were employed, but the order was -explicit. No officers were to go except those in charge of drafts, and -they were to return from France whenever their duty was accomplished. -All non-commissioned officers chosen were to revert to the rank of -private. Ultimately 115 went from the 219th under the command of -Lieutenant King. The Brigadier addressed a few parting words, and to the -strains of martial music and the skirl of the pipes the proud lads -marched away leaving a thoughtful Camp behind. What was to be the fate -of those who remained? Rumor again became busy, hope revived and old -predictions were renewed, when once more with dramatic swiftness the axe -fell and when it accomplished its business the Highland Brigade was no -more. No one could have attempted to parry the blow more resolutely than -the Brigadier. He felt keenly the pledges that had been given and the -injustice to Nova Scotia; and his efforts were not without a measure of -success. Two Battalions of the four were preserved, the 85th and the -185th. Into the 85th some 350 men, nearly all the Lieutenants and Major -Rudland, were drafted from the 219th. A large number from the 193rd were -put into the 185th. The 85th received orders to prepare at once to go -Overseas, though this was not actually accomplished until February 10th. -The 185th was “slated” for the Fifth Division, and it was to remain in -Witley Camp. The remainder of the Highland Brigade were to proceed to -Bramshott Camp. It was in the last week of December that the large -draft, carefully selected and splendidly fit, changed their feathers -from purple to red and went over to the lines of the 85th. The officers -packed their kits and the happy fellowship of the Mess Room, that had -lasted from the happy days of concentration in sunny Aldershot, was -dissolved, alas, never in its completeness to reassemble again. - -Between five and six hundred of the 219th Battalion still remained. Kits -and trunks were packed, adieus paid, our temporary English home broken -up, and promptly at 12 o’clock Saturday, December 30th; the Purple -Feather ranks, now varied with blue and green and red feathers, moved -off headed by the 85th Band. The Battalion settled down in a pleasant -part of the Bramshott Camp, on the brow of a hill overlooking the -picturesque dale through which flowed a streamlet gathered from the -meadows of Haslemere, Shottermill and Hammer. It was the country of -George Eliot and of Tennyson’s later years. Many travellers had come to -it, but never any on so strange an errand. - -Presently there appeared in Camp the Old 17th. It had been the first -Nova Scotian Unit sent Overseas. Apart from its Commanding Officer, -Lieut.-Colonel Cameron, it possessed hardly any Nova Scotians; it was -officered and its ranks were filled almost exclusively by Western -Canadians. This Battalion, like the famous Minotaur, had fed on the -remnants of many others in its time. Would the Highland Brigade succumb -to the usual fate or would it prove an indigestible morsel? - -At the commencement of 1917 a change of policy was inaugurated affecting -all the Canadian Camps in England. Witley was reserved for the Fifth -Division. In the others the Training Brigades became reserve ones, which -would have a full strength of 8,000 each, and each Reserve Battalion -(2,000 in strength) would have some definite fighting Unit at the Front -to which it would send reinforcements whenever required. The 17th was -made a Reserve Battalion in the 5th Reserve Brigade; it was to reinforce -the 25th and 85th and to be distinctively Nova Scotian; it was ordered -to take over the 219th and 193rd. Officially the whale swallowed Jonah, -but in the curious and unscriptural sequel Jonah took over the control -of the whale from the inside. This second transformation was undoubtedly -due to the fact that the 17th Reserve was to become a Nova Scotian Unit -and naturally Nova Scotians assumed the dominant role; and these were to -be found in the ranks of the Highland Brigade. But it was also due to a -stubborn and persistent _esprit de corps_ that had always characterized -the 219th. - -The formal transference took place on January 23rd, and that date marks -the end of the 219th as a distinct military Unit, and forms a fitting -close to this article. It has been the story of a splendid Battalion -into which the Western Counties of Nova Scotia poured their best manhood -with unstinted patriotism. It represents the finest sacrifice ever made -by the loyal enthusiasm of that part of the Province. Fisherman, farmer, -lumberman, student, minister, lawyer, doctor drilled side by side in a -spirit of comradeship seldom excelled. - -It is not given to this bloodless narrative to trace to the field of -battle the brave men that filled the ranks, but in the tale of their -Battalions they will be found to have played their part in the defence -of civilization bravely and well, and to have left to their country the -legacy of an imperishable example. - - - - - CHAPTER XX. - _246th BATTALION, C.E.F._ - - -The 246th Battalion was authorized in August, 1916, as a Reserve Unit to -supply reinforcements to the Nova Scotia Highland Brigade. It was -organized at Camp Aldershot a short time before the Brigade embarked for -Overseas, and to it were transferred officers and other ranks who, from -various causes, were temporarily unfit for service at the Front. Each -Battalion of the Brigade was represented by one Company, “A” Company, -the 85th Battalion; “B” Company, 185th Battalion; “C” Company, 193rd -Battalion, and “D” Company, 219th Battalion. - -The officers were: - - Lieut.-Col. N. H. Parsons Officer Commanding. - Major G. B. Cutten Second in Command. - Major H. H. Bligh Company Commander. - Major H. D. Creighton Company Commander. - Major M. A. McKay Company Commander. - Major W. G. McRae Company Commander. - Capt. A. McKinnon - Capt. G. E. Roberts - Capt. J. Armitage Adjutant. - Capt. L. L. Titus Quartermaster. - Capt. A. C. Wilson Medical Officer. - Capt. C. W. Corey Chaplain. - Capt. F. Robertson Paymaster. - Lieut. R. V. Harris Asst. Adjutant. - - Lieuts. F. J. McCharles, A. T. E. Crosby, E. S. H. Lane, H. F. - Lockhart, H. L. McInnes, A. W. Rogers, W. B. Ross, E. C. Shields, C. - E. Smith, H. R. Theakston, W. M. Bligh, C. E. Baker, G. D. - Blackadar, R. S. Edwards, N. Rogers, J. S. Roy. - -A detachment of the 246th under the command of Major H. D. Creighton was -sent to Trenton to guard the Nova Scotia Steel Company’s plant at that -point, and was later relieved by a detachment from the Composite -Battalion. - -During the autumn and winter months recruiting became very difficult, -and when the necessity for compulsory service became evident it was -decided to discontinue organization and send the Battalion Overseas in -drafts. The first draft, under the command of Lieuts C. E. Baker and W. -M. Bligh, embarked in March, 1917, and on June 1st a further draft of -230 men and the following officers were sent Overseas: - -Lieut.-Col. N. H. Parsons; Major M. A. McKay; Capt. A. McKinnon, Capt. -L. L. Titus, Lieuts. A. T. E. Crosby, R. S. Edwards, E. S. H. Lane, H. -F. Lockhart, H. L. McInnes, A. W. Rogers, W. B. Ross, E. C. Shields, C. -E. Smith. - -On arrival in England the draft proceeded to Bramshott, where one half -of the men were sent to the 185th Battalion, then training at Witley -with the 5th Division. The remainder together with the officers were -absorbed by the 17th Reserve Battalion. - -The remainder of the strength left in Canada was transferred to Labor, -Forestry, Special Service and other Units, the majority eventually going -Overseas. - - - - - CHAPTER XXI. - _NO. 2 CONSTRUCTION BATTALION._ - - -No. 2 Construction Battalion was authorized on July 5, 1916. Mr. D. H. -Sutherland, of River John, N.S., a well-known railroad contractor, who -had enlisted in the 193rd Overseas Battalion, was given command of this -Unit with the rank of Lieut.-Colonel. - -[Illustration: - - LIEUT.-COL. D. H. SUTHERLAND.] - -An Infantry Battalion was not deemed advisable as the population was not -sufficient to send the necessary reinforcements; therefore a -Construction Battalion was authorized to represent the colored citizens -of Canada, who were demanding that their race should be represented in -the C.E.F. by a Unit composed of their own people. - -The colored citizens of Canada are settled principally in the Provinces -of Nova Scotia and Ontario, although of late years a great many have -settled in Western Canada. Out of a total population in Canada of -20,000, including men, women and children, Nova Scotia has 7,000; -Ontario 5,000; New Brunswick 1,000, and the remainder of the colored -population are settled in Western Canada. It is estimated that 200 -colored men were engaged in coal mines in Nova Scotia, and therefore not -eligible to enlist. The number of men who enlisted in No. 2 Construction -from Nova Scotia was 500, so that of the men available in Nova Scotia, -the colored citizens sent Overseas in No. 2 Construction Battalion fully -10 per cent. of their population as volunteers. - -Recruiting was carried on simultaneously wherever the colored population -were located. A detachment of sixty men, under command of Capt. W. A. -McConnell, was raised at Toronto and latterly joined the detachment at -Windsor, Out., under the command of Capt. A. J. Gayfer. The Ontario -recruits in all numbered 350. About fifty recruits volunteered from -Western Canada. The headquarters was first located at Pictou, N.S., and -later transferred to Truro, where more barracks room was available. - -No. 2 Construction Battalion was the only volunteer Unit to engage in -war-work before proceeding Overseas. A Company of 250 men, under command -of Capt. Kenneth A. Morrison, was employed during the months of January, -February and part of March lifting rails from the Grand Trunk sidings at -Moncton, Nappadogan and Edmundston, N.B., to be shipped Overseas for the -Western Front. - -Following is a list of officers of this Unit: - - D. H. Sutherland Lieut-Colonel and O.C. - Kenneth A. Morrison Capt. and Second in Command. - John Sidney Davie Capt. and Adjutant. - Walter Adam McConnell Captain. - George Peter McLaren Captain. - A. J. Gayfer Captain. - James Stuart Grant Captain and Paymaster. - David Anderson Captain and Quartermaster. - Russell R. McLean Lieutenant. - James Bertram Hayes Lieutenant. - Roderick Livingstone Lieutenant. - Halton Fyles Lieutenant. - William L. Young Lieutenant. - L. Bruce Young Lieutenant. - Isaac Logan Banhill Lieutenant. - Attached Officers Capt. Dan. Murray, Medical Officer. - Hon. Capt. William A. White, Chaplain. - -Mr. Harry B. McLean, of the Cook Construction Company, and Wheaton -Bros., presented the Unit with a set of band instruments. Mr. Andrew -Wheaton also assisted the Unit financially. Mr. H. B. McLean was -appointed Honorary Lieutenant-Colonel on account of his interest in and -assistance to the Battalion. - -The Unit embarked at Halifax, March 25, 1917, on board the troopship -_Southland_; in all there were 3,500 troops on board. The ship was in -command of Captain Morehouse, and the troops in command of Lieut.-Col. -D. H. Sutherland. The convoy arrived at Liverpool April 8th. During the -passage great precautions were taken to guard against enemy submarines. -No lights were shown, no bugles blown and a constant watch was kept day -and night for floating mines and submarines. This period was the worst -in the history of submarine warfare, as more ships were sunk during the -week April 1 to April 8, 1917, than at any time during the War. - -The Unit entrained at Liverpool Sunday noon, April 8th, and left for -Seaford, travelling by special troop train through a very picturesque -country. Arriving at Seaford the Unit was escorted by a British band to -our Camp under canvas, about two miles from the depot. All troops -arriving from Canada at this time were segregated ten days, to avoid the -introduction of contagious diseases. The Unit was taken on the strength -of the Canadian forces at Seaford, under command of Col. G. S. Gardiner. - -Before proceeding to France, it was necessary for any Unit to have the -full quota of men in accordance to the establishment of the Unit. As No. -2 Construction was 300 under strength, the Unit was reorganized into a -Construction Company of 506 men and ten officers. As there was no -provision on the establishment for a Lieutenant-Colonel, Lieut.-Col. -Sutherland, Officer Commanding, reverted to the rank of Major to proceed -to France in command of the Unit. - -While at Seaford, from April 8 to May 17, 1917, the Unit was detailed -into working parties and employed in building trenches for the troops in -training and in building and repairing roads within the bounds of the -Canadian command. Permanent air picket was detailed about May 1st, to be -in readiness in the event of air raids, which were of frequent -occurrence. During the Sports’ Day Competition among the Canadian Forces -at Seaford, the members of No. 2 Construction won a silver cup presented -for competition by the British Y.M.C.A. - -The Unit was ordered to France on May 17th, and entrained at Seaford at -2 a.m., May 17th, arriving at Folkestone and proceeding direct to the -Channel troopship at the pier. The crossing occupied two hours. The -Channel boats carrying troops were well escorted by British destroyers -on port and starboard sides, while the _Silver Queen_, a small-sized -dirigible airship, escorted our troopship overhead to sight for enemy -submarines. Arriving at Boulogne at 3 p.m. the Unit was escorted to a -rest camp; twenty-four hours later, on May 18th, the Unit entrained at -Boulogne and travelled by special troop train by Etaples, Paris, Dijon, -Dole, Mouchard and arrived at our destination, La Joux, Jour Mountains, -on May 21st. - -The Unit was attached to No. 5 District, Canadian Forestry Corps, under -command of Lieut.-Col. Geo. Johnson. There were four Forestry Companies -consisting of 170 men, 40 teams, logging and sawmill outfit, located -within one-half mile radius from No. 2 Construction Company’s Camp. The -officers and men of No. 2 Construction were detailed into working -parties and paraded daily to assist in the logging, milling and shipping -operations of the Forestry Corps. - -The officers were employed as follows: - -Major Sutherland was in command of the Unit and kept a general -supervision over the different working parties. - -Capt. J. S. Grant was employed as officer in charge of shipping for No. -5 District, and all lumber sawn by the four Companies was shipped at La -Joux Station by No. 2 Construction men. A detachment of fifty men, under -command of Lieut. H. Fyles, assisted No. 22 Company, C.F.C., in logging -and in the construction of a narrow gauge railway to transport saw-logs -to the mill. The roads were kept in repair by Capt. David Anderson, No. -2 Construction, with a party of 100 men. A road plant consisting of a -rock crusher, steam drill, motor lorries and steam roller, was employed, -and the roads were kept in a good state of repair where the heavy -traffic demanded the best roads possible. - -The water to supply the Camp had to be pumped to an elevation of 1,500 -feet by means of force pumps in relay. Lieut. Bertram Hayes was officer -in charge of pumping stations and water lines. Capt. R. Livingstone was -Transport Officer for No. 5 District, assisted by Lieut. Russell McLean, -both of No. 2 Construction Company. - -On December 30, 1917, Capt. K. A. Morrison left La Joux for Alencon, in -command of 180 other ranks to report to the O.C. No. 1 District, C.F.C.; -Lieut. S. Hood was Adjutant of this detachment. Fifty other ranks were -despatched to 37th Company, C.F.C., near Peronne. - -A few items, as follows, taken from the War Diary of this Unit July 1, -1918, will be of interest: - -Dominion Day celebrated by the eleven Forestry Companies and No. 2 -Construction Company, composing No. 5 District, in field sports held at -Chapois. The four Companies from La Joux, namely, No. 22, 40, 50 and No. -2 Construction paraded to the grounds under the command of Major -Sutherland. During the day, the band of this Company, by their excellent -music, greatly assisted in entertaining the crowd and making the holiday -a success. - -July 7, 1918: Camp inspected by Lieut.-General Sir Richard Turner, V.C., -accompanied by Major-General A. MacDougall, G.O.C. Canadian Forestry -Corps, and Lieut.-Colonel Johnson, O.C. Jura Group. The interior economy -and general tidiness were favorably commented upon. - -July 13, 1918: Hon. Capt. W. A. White, Chaplain, returns from visiting -the Alencon detachment. - -July 14, 1918: Sunday, no work. The Mayor of Salins invited the -Canadians in this district to send a detachment to Salins to take part -in a review in which American and French troops were participating. -Major Sutherland represented Lieut.-Col. G. M. Strong, D.S.O., O.C. No. -5 District, C.F.C., who was absent on duty, and acted as reviewing -officer of the Allied Troops at Salins, in commemorating the National -Day and to do honor to the French Republic. The band of this Company, -under the leadership of Sergt. G. W. Stewart, played the National Anthem -and a programme and greatly assisted in making the event a memorable -one. - -July 15, 1918: Camp inspected by General Bouillard, Commanding 7th Army -Division, French, and Lieut.-Col. G. Johnson, O.C. Jura Group. - -April 3, 1918: The following telegram sent to the D.T.O., C.F.C., -France, from the O.C. No. 2 Construction Company: - -“Will you please recommend my Unit which is organized for construction -work for transfer to Western Front.” - -In April, 1918, Colonel Strong, D.S.O., O.C. No. 5 District, C.F.C., -recommended that No. 2 Construction Company be given the establishment -of a Battalion. This recommendation was approved by the G.O.C., General -White, and General MacDougall, but held up for lack of reinforcements. - -Shortly after the Armistice, orders were received for this Unit to -report at the General Base Depot, Etaples. The Unit left La Joux, -December 4th. One hundred and fifty Russian soldiers, who had been -attached to No. 2 Construction Company during 1918, were taken over by -No. 40 Company, C.F.C. No. 2 Construction arrived at Etaples December -7th, and was joined by the detachment from Alencon and fifty men from -37th Company, C.F.C. The Unit sailed from Boulogne, December 14th, with -600 attached troops, under command of Major Sutherland, and arrived at -Bramshott Camp. The Unit was attached to the Nova Scotia Regimental -Depot, and from there dispersed to the several military camps -representing the various military districts in Canada, to which the men -would be forwarded for demobilization. The different drafts composing -this Unit sailed the latter part of January, 1919, for Halifax. - -A letter was received by Major Sutherland from Major-General MacDougall -conveying the thanks of the Canadian Forestry Corps to the officers and -men of this Unit for their valuable and faithful services while attached -for duty and discipline, to the Canadian Forestry Corps. - - - - - CHAPTER XXII. - _THE CANADIAN FORESTRY CORPS._ - - -On February 15, 1916, the Colonial Secretary cabled to the -Governor-General of Canada, H.R.H. the Duke of Connaught, the following -message: - - “H.M. Government would be grateful if the Canadian Government would - assist in the production of timber for war purposes. Owing to the - very serious shortage of freight for munitions, food, forage and - other essentials, which is a matter of the gravest concern to H.M. - Government, it is impossible to continue to import Canadian timber - on a sufficiently large scale to meet war requirements, and - arrangements must therefore be made for felling and converting - English forests. - - “Chief difficulty is finding sufficient skilled labor, fellers, - haulers and sawyers. One thousand five hundred men are urgently - needed, and H.M. Government would suggest that a Battalion of - lumbermen might be formed of specially listed men to undertake - exploitations of forests of this country. If proposal commends - itself to Canadian Government, would beg very early action. Suggest - that men be enlisted into Canadian Expeditionary Force and - despatched in small companies under competent supervision. - Government is aware that lumber season is now in progress, but feel - sure that men would enlist even at sacrifice of present employment - if the reason of appeal were made known to them. Incidence of cost - will be arranged as agreeable to Canadian Government.” - -A further cable was sent on February 29th. So quickly did the Canadian -authorities make up their minds, that on March 1, 1916, a cable was sent -stating that the Battalion asked for would be provided with the least -possible delay. The raising of Units in this Corps exemplified the -readiness of the Canadian Government to assist in the most unexpected -direction. - -The 224th Battalion, under Lieut.-Colonel McDougall, arrived in England, -April 28, 1916, and the 230th, 238th and 242nd Battalions followed -within six months. - -Nova Scotia’s quota in this branch of the Service was about 525 officers -and men, known as the Nova Scotia Forestry Draft, composed of three -Companies with a personnel of officers as follows: - -_Staff._—Major M. C. Denton, Officer Commanding; Major E. J. Stehlen, -Second in Command; Capt. J. G. Pierce, Adjutant. - -_“A” Company._—Capt. M. D. McKeigan, O.C.; Lieut. A. Roy, Lieut. Parker -McDonald, Lieut. David Neal. - -_“B” Company._—Capt. G. D. Blackader, O.C.; Lieut. N. P. McKenzie, -Lieut. C. B. McDougall, Lieut. C. F. Kinney. - -[Illustration: - - MAJOR M. C. DENTON, - Forestry Corps.] - -_“C” Company._—Capt. H. B. Verge, O.C.; Lieut. George Harding, Lieut R. -S. Shreve, Lieut. W. V. R. Winters. - -Authorization for this Unit was granted in March, 1917. Recruiting and -organization work began immediately by Companies, under the direct -supervision of the Company Commanders in the various counties as -follows: “A” Company in Pictou, Cape Breton, Victoria and Inverness; “B” -Company in Halifax, Cumberland, Colchester and Prince Edward Island; and -“C” Company in Shelburne, Queens, Lunenburg, Yarmouth and Digby; “A” and -“B” Companies mobilized at Truro; “C” Company at Yarmouth; and on May -29th all Companies proceeded to Aldershot to complete the work of -organization, after which they embarked on the White Star Line Transport -_Justicia_, and arrived in England, July 4, 1916. - -The Base Depot for the Corps was at Smith’s Lawn, Sunningdale, -Berkshire, within the confines of Windsor Great Park. This site was -given to the Corps by His Majesty the King in December, 1916. - -About the middle of August the entire draft was broken up, a portion of -the officers and men were absorbed into other Forestry Units, operating -in England, Scotland and the South of France. Officers that were not -disposed of in this manner transferred to the Flying Corps, Canadian -Railway Troops, Infantry and Labor Battalions, subsequently getting over -to France. - -It is difficult to conceive the multitude of ways in which timber was -used for war purposes. At the Front, the Army very largely walked on -timber, lorries drove on timber, railways, light and heavy, required -huge numbers of sleepers or ties. Underground no less than above ground -was timber used for dugouts, and all the complicated contrivances -connected with trench warfare. From huts to ammunition boxes, from -duckboards to stakes for barbed wire entanglements, the uses of timber -ranged. The general specifications for a Company’s operation in this -Corps was the production of Sawn Lumber, Fuelwood, Pickets, Hurdles, -Fascines, Faggots, Continuous Rivetting and Parry Sticks. - -In order to save time, and for other reasons, it was arranged that -Canadians should bring with them their own machinery and equipment of -the kind to which they were accustomed, with the necessary modifications -to adapt it to the conditions in Britain and France. The work of the -Forestry Corps was thus not only of the utmost assistance in meeting the -need of timber for the War, and in saving tonnage, but was of permanent -value in that it has knit more closely together the people of Great -Britain, with their compatriots scattered throughout Canada. - - - - - CHAPTER XXIII. - _NO. 6 DISTRICT DEPOT._ - - -During the early part of 1918 when the Germans were making their last -great drive, few people realized that preparations were already made for -the demobilization of the Canadian Corps. These preparations were due to -the foresight of Headquarters Staff. Accordingly when the organization -of No. 6 District Depot was completed on the 18th of April, 1918, a -District Depot was established in each Military District of Canada, each -Depot being designated by the number of the Military District in which -the Depot was situated. - -Lieut.-Col. B. W. Roscoe, D.S.O., was first appointed Officer -Commanding, and he had under him a small but efficient Staff, with Capt. -J. S. Davies, M.C., as Adjutant, headquarters being at Leith House, -Hollis Street, Halifax. - -The functions of District Depots at first were many. Besides carrying -out ordinary discharges, all personnel in the different hospitals had to -be looked after, and in addition to this all casualties who became fit -for further service were allotted to the different Service Companies and -Battalions in the District and to their own Units Overseas. - -No. 6 District Depot differed from the other Depots in so far that it -had an Embarkation Casualty Section which handled all casualties, on -embarkation; that is to say, when troops were proceeding Overseas from -the different districts of Canada, who for various reasons could not -embark at the appointed time, they were taken on the strength of No. 6 -District Depot and forwarded by some future sailing. - -This work was carried on by Lieut.-Colonel Roscoe until June, 1918, when -Lieut.-Col. D. A. MacRae, 25th Battalion, was appointed Officer -Commanding, with Capt. G. T. Shaw, 31st Battalion, as Adjutant, -headquarters being removed to Wellington Barracks. - -From this time on the work began to increase owing to the great number -of men returning from England to be demobilized. Demobilization went on -very rapidly, and when the Armistice suddenly came it was realized that -more speedily to carry out demobilization No. 6 District Depot would -have to be enlarged. With this in view two Dispersal Stations known as -“A” and “B” were added to the Depot, these Dispersal Stations being -situated in Charlottetown and Halifax, and commanded by Major J. S. -Stanley and Major J. G. Johnstone, respectively. To these officers was -allotted the greater part of the organization of their respective -stations which was carried on in such a manner that great credit was -reflected upon the Depot as well as upon the officers commanding. - -Everything was now in readiness to handle very speedily troops arriving -for demobilization, so that when the first complete Unit, the Royal -Canadian Regiment, arrived at the Port of Halifax early in March, 1919, -it was demobilized in less than a day. This was made possible by the -hard work of the Officer Commanding Dispersal Station B, Major J. G. -Johnstone. - -This work was kept up by the stations throughout Canada until late in -July, 1919, when it was found that the Canadian Corps had practically -been demobilized. At first it was thought it would take two years to -complete demobilization of our forces, but the whole work was carried on -so speedily that the feat was practically accomplished in six months. -This in itself speaks well of the splendid organization of the Depots. - -No. 6 Depot, besides demobilizing the Maritime troops, demobilized a -great number of troops from other districts, viz., the Cavalry Brigade, -Engineer and Forestry Units, Railway Troops and several Hospital Units. -The work of No. 6 Depot was highly praised by Gen. John Hughes during -his tour of inspection, when he stated that No. 6 District was one of -the best organized throughout Canada. - -One will realize the immense amount of work done by No. 6 District Depot -by the results obtained; that is to say, the total number of discharges -from April 18, 1918, until the latter part of May 1920, were one -thousand five hundred and seventy-eighty (1,578) officers and -twenty-seven thousand eight hundred and ninety-six other ranks (27,896), -made up as shown in the table below: - - Reasons. Other - Officers. Ranks. - 1. _Medically Unfit._ - (_a_) Disability due to or aggravated by - service 76 2,983 - (_b_) Requiring further medical treatment of - long duration or vocational education 38 507 - - 2. _Demobilisation._ - All discharged other than above 1,462 24,299 - - 3. _Struck off Strength._ - Deaths 2 17 - 1,578 27,896 - ————— —————— - Transferred to other Districts 8 58 - -It will be very gratifying to Nova Scotians to know that the whole Staff -of No. 6 District Depot were made up of Nova Scotia officer ranks, all -of whom saw service at the Front, and it is sure when the records of the -District Depots are compared that No. 6 District Depot will be well to -the forefront. - -Officers on strength No. 6 District Depot when organized: - - Officer Commanding Lieut.-Col. W. B. Roscoe, D.S.O C.M.R.’s. - Second in Command Major A. B. Bucknell 15th L.H. - Adjutant Capt. J. L. Davie, M.C 21st Bn. - Assistant Adjutant Lieut. J. A. Ross 85th Bn. - Quartermaster Capt. A. A. Clark 139th Bn. - - _June, 1918._ - - Officer Commanding Lieut.-Col. D. A. MacRae 25th Bn. - Second in Command Major J. L. Davie, M.C. 31st Bn. - Adjutant Capt. G. T. Shaw 21st Bn. - Assistant Adjutant Lieut. A. F. Ferguson 10th R.R.T. - Quartermaster Capt. A. A. Clark 139th Bn. - Records Officer Lieut. B. E. Elliott C.E. - - _Leave and Furlough Section._ - - Officer Commanding Capt. M. S. Hunt 5th Bn. - Second in Command Lieut. J. Harley 25th Bn. - - _Details Company._ - - Officer Commanding Capt. F. A. Ladd 7th Bn. - - _Casualty Company._ - - Officer Commanding Major L. D. V. Chipman 13th Bn. - Company Officers Capt. A. G. Foster 7th Bn. - Lieut. W. H. Whidden Composite Bn. - Lieut. H. A. Crawley 85th Bn. - Lieut. A. A. Crawley R.C.G.A. - - _Discharge Section._ - - Officer Commanding Capt. R. W. Dill 25th Bn. - Section Officers Capt. J. A. Gunn 13th Bn. - Capt. F. A. MacAloney R.A.F. - Capt. W. Fisher 25th Bn. - Lieut. G. W. Banks 38th Bn. - Lieut. I. C. Banks Composite Bn. - - _Hospital Section._ - - Officer Commanding Major J. A. Mackenzie 85th Bn. - Section Officer Capt F. T. DeWolfe C.G.A. - - _Dispersal Station “A,” Charlottetown._ - - Officer Commanding Major J. W. Stanley C.G.A. - Second in Command Capt. J. S. Bagnell C.G.A. - Company Officers Lieut. R. Richie C.G.A. - Lieut. H. E. McEachern 50th Bn. - Lieut. J. McDonald C.G.A. - Lieut. J. White C.G.A. - - _Dispersal Station “B,” Halifax._ - - Officer Commanding Major J. G. Johnstone 85th Bn. - Second in Command Capt. M. S. Hunt 5th Bn. - Company Officers Capt. R. L. Billman C.G.A. - Lieut. J. Bonner 85th Bn. - Lieut. B. E. Nicks 13th Bn. - Lieut. J. H. E. Jones C.E. - - - - - CHAPTER XXIV. - _THE ARMY SERVICE CORPS._ - - -In the lexicon of the Army Service Corps, the word “impossible” does not -exist. It was this spirit, insistently inculcated since the organization -of the Corps in 1902, that made the accomplishment of the seemingly -“impossible” possible by the Canadian Army Service Corps in the Maritime -Provinces when the Kaiser let roar his terrorizing thunderbolts in -August, 1914. - -[Illustration: - - LIEUT.-COL. E. C. DEAN.] - -Blatant glory has seldom perched on the escutcheon of this hard-worked -Corps, but, on the other hand, the capable work of the Army Service -Corps has frequently been the means of attracting this coy bird to a -resting place on the banner of many a Unit whose prowess fills the pages -of history. - -Briefly, it is the efficient service of the Army Service Corps that -makes possible the achievement of great things by the army. - -It is impossible to record the history of the Canadian Army Service -Corps in the Maritime Provinces throughout the duration of the Great -War—and after—without beginning at the basis of the structure, namely, -No. 4 Detachment of the Canadian Permanent Army Service Corps, now known -as No. 6 Detachment of the Royal Canadian Army Service Corps, having its -headquarters at Halifax. - -On August 4, 1914, No. 4 Detachment was officered by five officers of -the Canadian Permanent Army Service Corps, two attached officers of the -Active Militia, and one officer of the Imperial Army Service Corps, -attached. The Detachment was administered by Major E. C. Dean, who was -attached to the Staff of Military District No. 6 as an Assistant -Director of Supplies and Transport (now Lieut.-Colonel E. C. Dean, -Senior Supply and Transport Officer, attached to the Staff of M.D. No. -6). He was also Commandant of the Canadian Army Service Corps School of -Training. In command of the Detachment was Major R. O. Marks, an officer -of the Imperial Army Service Corps, temporarily loaned to the Canadian -Sister Corps. He was also Adjutant of the School of Training. The other -officers of the Permanent Force were Lieut. H. O. Lawson (now Major -Lawson, Senior Supply and Transport Officer, M.D. No. 3, Kingston, -Ontario); Lieut. Keith MacDougall (now Major MacDougall, in charge of -No. 6 Detachment, R.C.A.S.C.); Lieut. J. A. Gwynne (who proceeded -Overseas as Adjutant of the Second Divisional Train); and Lieut., now -Capt., George Simms, District Barracks Officer—a most efficient, -hard-working officer, whose capability went a long way towards making -possible the quartering and comfort of many thousands of troops in the -Maritime Provinces. The splendid services rendered by this officer—his -absolute devotion to his arduous duties, his zeal and tireless efforts -in behalf of the C.E.F., and, at the same time, his careful supervision -of all matters pertaining to the financial interests of the public -purse—are well worthy of recognition. - -The two attached officers of the Active Militia were Lieut. (now Major) -H. R. Hendy, of Esquimalt, B.C., and Capt. H. J. B. Keating, of No. 6 -Company, Canadian Army Service Corps. Captain Keating is now stationed -at Quebec. - -The rank and file of the Detachment numbered less than fifty—scarcely -sufficient to care for the needs of Halifax Garrison in peace time. The -available transport comprised about a half-dozen horses, two time-worn -Ford passenger cars, two steamboats, and a “dumb” lighter. Practically -the whole of the land transport was carried out by horses and wagons -under a civilian contractor—Mr. George E. VanBuskirk. - -The Supply Depot, including grocery store, bakery, and meat shop, was -located within the confines of Glacis Barracks—the headquarters of the -Army Service Corps at Halifax—in a small brick building which, under the -regime of the Imperials, had been used as a school for the senior -children of Imperial soldiers in garrison at Halifax. Under peace -conditions this building was inadequate for the purposes for which it -was used, and, needless to say, under war demands its continuance as -such was out of the question. All flour, bread, groceries, meat, and -other supplies, had to be taken in and out of one small door. - -To meet war requirements, the garrison gymnasium—situated about fifty -feet from the old senior school building—was taken over and converted -into an ideal Supply Depot. The former grocery store was then opened up -to enlarge the bakery, which was modernized by the introduction of -electrically-operated machinery and new and enlarged ovens. The meat -shop was also improved, the chill room enlarged and modernized by the -addition of a “trolley” system for the expeditious handling of meat. -Thus in a short time the handicap with which the Army Service Corps -labored at the outbreak of war was quickly overcome. - -The most serious difficulty, however, which had to be combatted was that -of obtaining sufficient men to carry out the increased work thrown upon -this Corps by the sudden strengthening of Halifax Garrison, and the -calling out of troops to guard various points in the Maritime Provinces. -This was a real and trying hardship. The other Permanent Force Units -forming Halifax Garrison could not spare men to assist the Army Service -Corps, as every man was needed within his own Unit. The problem was -partly solved by calling up a number of non-commissioned officers and -men of No. 8 Company, Canadian Army Service Corps, commanded by Capt. F. -W. Wickwire, with headquarters at Kentville, N.S. No. 7 Company, -commanded by Major A. L. Massie, with headquarters at St. John, also -supplied a few. Later on Lieut.-Col. I. W. Videto, commanding the 63rd -Halifax Rifles, and Lieut.-Col. A. King, commanding the 66th Princess -Louise Fusiliers, very generously loaned a number of splendid men, whose -ready adaptability made it possible for the Army Service Corps to “carry -on.” As time advanced enlistments made the Corps more or less -self-sustaining, but the fact remains that never throughout the duration -of the War were sufficient men actually enlisted in this branch of the -Service to render it independent of other Units. This condition was -probably due to the fact that the possibility of getting Overseas was -greater by enlisting in other Units. - -Mention has been made of Nos. 7 and 8 Companies of the Canadian Army -Service Corps. Both these Companies played important parts in the Great -World War, at home and abroad. Major Massie took Overseas the Second -Divisional Train, and all the officers and practically the whole of the -rank and file of No. 7 Company accompanied him. Captain Wickwire, of No. -8 Company, after a short period as Deputy Assistant Director of Supply -and Transport, M.D. No. 6, also went over to France with this Train, and -rendered very efficient service with it in the fighting zone. - -The strengthening of the Garrison of Halifax made possible the -fulfilment of the plans of defence, which had long since been carefully -laid down. This, and the summoning of troops for guard purposes at -various points in Nova Scotia and New Brunswick, threw a vast amount of -work on the Army Service Corps, for not only had these troops, scattered -over a wide area throughout the three Provinces, to be housed, and their -daily wants in the matter of food, water, light, fuel, straw for -bedding, transport and necessary services arranged for, but it was also -required, following a preconceived plan, to provide for them against the -possibility of their being cut off from their source of supply. To do -justice to the amount of labor involved in the organization and -administration of this task would require a volume greater in size than -this one, so all that can be done is to give a brief outline of the -general scheme followed. - -When the Royal Canadian Regiment, with its supporting artillery, were -ordered to garrison points in the Island of Cape Breton and Canso, they -left Halifax self-sustaining for fourteen days; that is, they carried -with them reserve rations sufficient for fourteen days for all ranks. In -addition they carried rations for current consumption sufficient for all -ranks for a further fourteen days, but minus meat, butter and bread. -Lieut. J. A. Gwynne, of the Army Service Corps, and one clerk, -accompanied the Regiment to Sydney to make necessary supply and other -arrangements. The tasks this officer had to attend to may be judged when -it is known that he had to make contracts, and to arrange to supply the -wants of troops located at nine different points, covering a frontage of -about fifty miles, and requiring travel by train, steamship, street car -and automobile to reach the various posts. So capably was the duty -performed that the troops had never to go without a meal, their rations -being arranged with practically the regularity which prevailed in -Halifax under peace conditions. When Lieutenant Gwynne was summoned for -service Overseas, he was replaced at Sydney by Lieut. Horace -Westmoreland. Later on this officer went to France as Transport Officer -of the Royal Canadian Regiment, being replaced at Sydney by Lieut. Cecil -Sircom. These three officers belonged to the Permanent Force, and -received their training at Halifax. - -As the Supply and Transport Officer at Sydney found it impossible to -give any attention to the troops stationed at Canso, the work there -incidental to the Army Service Corps was performed by the Officer -Commanding the Guard, who received the necessary instructions by -telegram and telephone from the Assistant Director of Supplies and -Transport at Halifax, an Army Service Corps’ Clerk being sent to Canso -to attend to the necessary accounting. - -An incident might here be related as exemplifying the difficulties that -had to be overcome from time to time by the Army Service Corps. Certain -heavy guns had to be transported from Prince Edward Island to points in -Nova Scotia. Every effort was put forth to obtain the services of a ship -capable of carrying these guns, but without success. Finally, after a -delay of several days, Lieut.-Colonel Arthur Peake telephoned from -Charlottetown to Halifax to say that a ship was then approaching -Charlottetown Harbor which might be suitable. The A.D. of S. & T. at -Halifax instructed him to approach the captain of this vessel and -explain to him the situation, and if he was not agreeable to undertaking -the task of transporting these guns, Colonel Peake was to commandeer the -ship and move the artillery to the places directed. Whether it was -Colonel Peake’s persuasiveness or his war-like demeanor that had the -desired effect cannot be stated with certainty. Time was spent only in -removing sufficient of the ship’s cargo to make it possible to load the -guns, which were then transported with despatch. Meanwhile other -arrangements had been made by the Army Service Corps to carry these guns -to the points in Nova Scotia where they were required. - -The troops forming the actual defence force of Halifax and environments -were supplied on the same basis as those sent to Cape Breton, so that in -the event of necessity they could sustain themselves for fourteen days, -and by the addition of tinned meat and biscuit, the period could be -extended another fourteen days. - -Meanwhile troops had been summoned for the defence of St. John, N.B., -which necessitated calling out a portion of No. 7 Company of the -Canadian Army Service Corps, under the command of Major A. L. Massie. -This detachment took up its headquarters in the Armories, and from there -efficiently ministered to the wants of the troops on duty and in -training at St. John and adjoining points. Lieut. J. Key, who had been -trained at Halifax, was sent to St. John to take up the duties as -District Barrack Officer, carrying out these duties very satisfactorily. -Lieut. Arthur Biggar, who was also trained at Halifax, was despatched to -St. John as Officer in Charge of Supplies, a position he filled very -creditably until called for duty in France. The troops doing duty at St. -John and adjacent points were also rationed on the same basis as were -those on duty at Halifax, Cape Breton, and other points. - -It will be remembered that early in the War a Capt. Von Weghorn, an -officer of the Prussian Army, startled the civilized world by an attempt -to destroy the International railway bridge spanning the St. Lacroix -River, between McAdam Junction, on the Canadian side, and Vanceboro, on -the United States’ side. A suitcase filled with dynamite was placed -between the piers of the northeast corner of the bridge on the Canadian -side. The attempt failed, the bridge being only slightly damaged and -traffic not delayed. It was considered expedient, however, to place an -armed guard on this bridge on the Canadian side. To Lieut.-Col. E. C. -Dean, A.D. of S. & T., M.D. No. 6, fell the duty of making the necessary -supply and other arrangements for this guard. - -A similar guard was placed over the new railway bridge spanning the St. -John River at St. Leonards. - -Guards were also established over the Marconi Wireless Towers at -Newcastle, N.B., and Barrington Passage, the latter under command of -Lieut.-Col. T. M. Seeley. These guards required the usual attention on -the part of the Army Service Corps. To maintain the guard at Barrington -Passage was a cause of anxiety, as it was stationed at a point some -miles off the main road, in the midst of a wilderness, and could be -reached only in good weather, as the road leading to the Wireless -Station from the main highway was-well, simply impossible. - -Permanent guards were also maintained at Louisburg, Glace Bay, Whitney -Pier, Sydney, North Sydney, Sydney Mines, Cranberry Head, Chapel Hill, -Canso and various other places. - -Incidentally troops were gathering at Valcartier to form the First -Contingent and the quota from the Maritime Provinces had to be -transported to the place of rendezvous. The manner of the arrangement of -this transportation was unique. Recruiting was being carried on in -practically every city, town, village and hamlet in the Maritime -Provinces. Movements were made when it was known that sufficient numbers -of men had been recruited to justify sending them forward. On the A.D. -of S. and T. rested the task of making train arrangements to get these -recruits to Valcartier. It was done in this manner: Instructions were -sent to various recruiting centres to have certain numbers of recruits -entrain on a certain train on a certain day. Thus, for instance, the -first lot might entrain at Louisburg, and others along the line as far -as Sydney; probably some would be brought over from Sydney Mines and -North Sydney to Sydney. At the latter place two, three or four special -coaches would be attached to a regular train, and as this train -proceeded towards Truro, the number of recruits would be augmented, -until on its arrival at Truro it might have from two to three hundred on -board. Meanwhile, a sufficient number would be run up from Halifax, and -a special train would then be made up at Truro and run to Levis, P.Q., -where a transfer would be made for Quebec and Valcartier. At other times -Moncton would be made the point at which a special train would be made -up, in which case St. John supplied the completing quota to make up the -train load of 500 or thereabouts. It must be borne in mind, however, -that the whole movement was planned ahead of time, and the transport -scheme carried out on a definite plan. - -Obviously it was impossible to send out transport warrants to cover the -movement of these various groups, so an arrangement was made whereby the -railway authorities agreed to accept temporary interim receipts from -officers or non-commissioned officers in charge of these groups, on the -presentation of a telegram or letter of instruction from either the A.D. -of S. & T. or any other Staff officer. These receipts were issued in -duplicate, one copy of which was kept by the ticket agent and the other -mailed to the A.D. of S. & T. Upon receipt of the latter, covering -transport warrants were mailed to the ticket agents concerned. By this -means some thousands of troops were moved expeditiously from the -Maritime Provinces to Valcartier. - -New Units of the Canadian Expeditionary Force were forming in various -parts of the Maritime Provinces, and it behooved the Army Service Corps -to quarter them, arrange for supplies, water, light, land -transportation, barrack equipment, and a thousand and one details -incidental to the requirements of newly-formed military organizations, -and of which only a trained soldier has the faintest conception. These -new Units, or in some cases reinforcements, were scattered throughout -the length and breadth of the three Provinces, at such places in Nova -Scotia as: Halifax, Windsor, Truro, Pictou, New Glasgow, Antigonish, -Sydney, North Sydney, Sydney Mines, Broughton, Glace Bay and Amherst. - -When the Malleable Iron Works at Amherst, were converted into a domicile -for the involuntary reception and entertainment of adherents of the -doctrines of the Kaiser and his admirers, a small detachment of the Army -Service Corps was sent there to attend to their well-being. The late -Capt. P. F. Keating was in command of this detachment which had also to -look after the needs of the recruits quartered in Amherst. Captain -Keating was trained at Halifax and later proceeded Overseas in command -of No. 4 Company of the Third Divisional Train. This Company was -recruited at Halifax, having its headquarters in the old Medical College -Building at the corner of College and Carlton Streets. - -Shortly after the outbreak of war, Canadian horses began to find their -way Overseas. In the first winter of the War the number shipped from the -Port of Halifax was something like 17,000. On the Army Service Corps -rested the duty of embarking these animals. The absence of forewarning -of train loads of horses being en route for Halifax was sometimes the -cause of great anxiety. At five o’clock one Easter Sunday morning a -telephone message from a railway official conveyed the tidings that -there were three train loads of horses in the freight yards consigned to -the Assistant Director of Supplies and Transport. As this was the first -intimation received of the movement of these horses, naturally no -arrangements had been made for their reception, and as the ships by -which they were to be conveyed Overseas were not in the harbor, it -became necessary to arrange for their disentrainment without loss of -time. Mr. M. McF. Hall, Secretary of the Halifax Exhibition, was called -out of bed by telephone, the situation explained to him, and -arrangements completed to detrain and stable the horses at the -Exhibition Grounds. Every available man of the Army Service Corps was -aroused from bed and marched to the Exhibition Grounds, there to care -for these horses instead of proceeding to church to take part in Easter -Sunday Service. Later, a detachment of artillerymen was told off to take -on the responsibility of these horses. At least on two other occasions -consignments of horses reached Halifax under similar circumstances. - -Another “job” of the Army Service Corps at Halifax was to receive, -account for and send forward Overseas thousands upon thousands of -parcels of “comforts” for the troops at the Front, these parcels coming -from all parts of Canada, comprising everything in size from an envelope -containing a handkerchief to packing cases and barrels of comforts of -every description. Every parcel received was given a number, registered, -and then despatched Overseas. - -Arrangements for the embarkation of complete Units and reinforcements of -troops during the early part of the War also fell to the lot of the Army -Service Corps, the A.D. of S. & T. being the responsible officer. He had -a most capable and efficient assistant in the person of Capt. S. A. -Doane, of Army Service Corps, whose knowledge of steamship matters is -unsurpassed, and who carried out practically all the details incidental -to the embarkation of troops at Halifax. - -The Barrack Services under Capt. George Simms was a hard-worked branch, -the pressure on which did not cease until long after peace had been -declared. - -It is worthy of mention that throughout the War thousands of contracts -for supplies were made and carried out by the Army Service Corps in the -Maritime Provinces, involving the expenditure of millions of dollars, -the accounting for which was also one of the many duties of the Army -Service Corps, yet not in a single instance was there the breath of -scandal discernible, a single transaction questioned, or a suggestion of -deviation from the ethical pathway of rectitude. Truly a glorious record -and heritage for the Canadian Army Service Corps in the Maritime -Provinces, with headquarters in the Metropolis of Nova Scotia. - -The statement has been made that at the outbreak of the Great World War -there were stationed at Halifax eight officers of the Army Service -Corps. Most of these were soon cleared out and proceeded Overseas. Major -Marks, Lieutenants Lawson and MacDougall were summoned to Valcartier and -accompanied the First Contingent. Lieut.-Colonel Dean was called to take -command of the First Divisional Train, but as his services at Halifax -could not then be spared, he was not permitted to go. Later on he was -given the command of the Second Divisional Train, but again he was held -back, Major A. L. Massie of St. John being given the command. Col. W. A. -Simson, a Nova Scotian, was placed in command of the First Divisional -Train, which proved to be the “first” Train in more senses than one, -inasmuch as it was conceded to be the best Train in France, barring -none. - -On the establishment of an Army Service Corps Training School at -Toronto, Capt. H. R. Hendy, of Halifax, was appointed Adjutant. On -proceeding Overseas, he was replaced by Capt. Cecil R. Sircom. Both of -these officers received their training at Halifax, as did also upwards -of one hundred officers, all of whom “made good” in Flanders Fields, -bringing credit to themselves, the Army Service Corps and the Metropolis -of Nova Scotia, where they were trained. - -Among Nova Scotia officers of the Army Service Corps who were trained at -Halifax and saw service at the Front were: Capt. G. A. Redford, of New -Glasgow; Lieut. D. A. Starr, of Halifax; Capt. “Ted” Foster, of Bedford; -Capt. G. W. Underwood, of New Glasgow; Capt. Walter Taylor, of Halifax, -who transferred his affections to the Army Medical Corps; Lieut. Frank -S. Brennan, of Halifax, later transferred to the Flying Corps; Lieut. A. -B. Dewberry, of Halifax. In addition Lieut. L. Pierce, of No. 8 Company, -saw service in France, while Lieuts. J. A. Rose, G. H. Applegate, W. J. -V. Tweedie, H. S. Crowe and F. D. Doyle, also of No. 8 Company, all Nova -Scotians, performed meritorious service in Canada. Lieut. J. G. Ryan, of -Kentville, received his training at Halifax and filled many important -appointments at Sydney, Amherst, Aldershot, Ottawa and elsewhere. -Physical unfitness rendered him unable to partake in the campaign -Overseas. - -The Headquarters Company of the Fourth Divisional Train was organized at -Halifax, the 200 members being recruited almost entirely from Nova -Scotia. The Train was mobilized and trained at Halifax. It was commanded -by Lieut.-Col. E. C. Dean, who took it Overseas. Of this Unit a Canadian -officer in high position in England said it was one of the best trained -bodies of men that Canada had contributed to the Great War. - -On the departure Overseas of Lieut.-Colonel Dean, the duties of A.D. of -S. & T. were taken over by Major A. P. Lomas, of No. 6 Company of the -Army Service Corps. This officer very efficiently administered the Army -Service Corps affairs in the Maritime Provinces for nearly three years, -and rendered the British Empire invaluable service. He was ably seconded -by Major E. E. Wood, who commanded the local C.P.A.S.C., now developed -into a Company of upwards of 200 men, having about fifty horses and -forty motor vehicles. - -The Permanent Detachment of the Army Service Corps at Halifax -contributed very materially in personnel to the various Army Service -Corps Units proceeding Overseas, the Detachment being made up largely of -Nova Scotians. The training and disciplining these men received at -Halifax had the effect of leavening the Overseas Units with which they -became associated. - -When the casualties began to return from France, they came in ship -loads, about ninety per cent. returning through the Port of Halifax. -Sometimes as many as three vessels a week arrived. Most of the -well-known big ships were engaged in bringing home these war-scarred -veterans, among the number being the _Olympic_, _Aquitania_ and -_Mauretania_. In this work the Army Service Corps played an important -part, as they made all train, berthing and feeding arrangements, as well -as issuing all ranks with the necessary tickets for transportation. The -Army Service Corps worked out each train “consist,” gave the completed -train schedules to the railroad officials, who made up the trains in -accordance therewith. - -Lieut.-Col. E. C. Dean, who had just returned from France, was appointed -Chief Transport Officer. Other Army Service Corps officers employed on -this important work were: Major F. W. Wickwire (who later succeeded -Colonel Dean as Chief Transport Officer), Capt. S. A. Doane, Lieut. Ken. -Love, Capt. L. Prickler, and Lieut. George H. Edgar. Also assisting were -eighty train conducting officers, one of whom was placed in charge of -each troop train to look after the comforts of the men, see that they -were properly fed, and that the train was run through to its destination -without undue delay. - -Troops were disembarked at the rate of 1,000 under one hour: the -_Olympic_ and _Aquitania_, each carrying 5,500, were cleared in five -hours. About twelve to fourteen trains on an average were required to -despatch this number of men homeward, and the fact that over a quarter -of a million men were thus entrained, ticketed, berthed and fed en route -without a single mishap or complaint serves to illustrate the almost -perfect system that prevailed. Troops were entrained at the rate of -1,000 an hour, which meant that a troop train departed every half hour, -which may be considered quick work even from a railroad standpoint. - -Though he was not connected with the military in any way, at the same -time a word of praise is due Mr. Ernie Cameron, now Superintendent of -the Dining and Sleeping Car Department of the Canadian National Railways -at Halifax, for the very able, efficient co-operation he gave the -military authorities in making up trains, providing most excellent meals -for the men en route and in many ways doing his bit to make the -home-coming of the warriors a happy one. - -The Maritime Provinces, and Nova Scotia in particular, may justly be -proud of the part played in the Great War by their sons who wore the -badges of the Army Service Corps. The highly creditable achievements of -this organization—a Unit usually little heard of, but which accomplishes -big things—has shed lustre on the names of the three Provinces down by -the sounding sea. - - - - - CHAPTER XXV. - _THE CANADIAN ORDNANCE CORPS._ - - -On the outbreak of hostilities the Canadian Ordnance Corps had a -strength of four officers, fifty-five other ranks and thirteen -civilians. It was very soon apparent that the Ordnance Depot would have -to be kept working twenty-four hours per diem. All ranks therefore were -immediately placed under canvas within the Depot, and shifts arranged so -that work of the Ordnance Depot could be continued the whole period of -twenty-four hours. - -The armament of the Fortress and the Royal Canadian Engineer Defence -electric lights were immediately equipped up to war scale. All fighting -equipment necessary for the Royal Canadian Regiment, the 63rd and 66th -Regiments, and 1st Regiment Canadian Garrison Artillery was immediately -issued. Companies of the 94th and 78th Regiments were later clothed and -equipped for duty at various strategic points in Nova Scotia. - -With the manning of all Forts it became necessary to place a highly -trained mechanic, known as an Armament Artificer, in each, to keep all -guns and machinery in repair, and ready for immediate action. These were -provided by the Canadian Ordnance Corps. - -As soon as the Camp opened at Valcartier, it fell to the lot of the -Canadian Ordnance Corps at Halifax to ship forward the bulk of the -stores for equipping the Units being mobilized at Valcartier. Day after -day, night after night, it was one continuous loading of cars to rush -forward to Valcartier Camp. Special efforts were made to complete the -17th Battery, C.F.A., Sydney, with clothing and equipment before -proceeding to Valcartier. - -Prior to the departure of the 1st Division from Valcartier, an advance -party from the Canadian Ordnance Corps was being sent to England to -prepare for the arrival of the Canadians in England. Conductor J. D. -Pitman and three non-commissioned officers and men left Halifax with -seventy minutes notice and proceeded to England as part of the Canadian -Ordnance Corps advance party. The party were each in possession of a -haversack and water bottle as their kit. Conductor Pitman received -promotion to the rank of Major, and held Staff appointments on the -various Divisions in France, finally being made Chief Ordnance Officer, -Canadian Overseas Military Forces, and was awarded the D.S.O. - -As the Imperial Government was, during the early stage of the War, -urgently in need of guns and ammunition, all guns and ammunition which -could be spared from this district were immediately shipped away direct -to the Royal Arsenal at Woolwich. - -Two Armament Artificers also left Halifax to proceed with the Canadian -Artillery Brigades of the 1st Division, and of these two, Armament -Q.M.S. Smith, it is regretted, after having greatly distinguished -himself in action, died of the result of wounds. - -In October, 1915, the Halifax Detachment of the Canadian Ordnance Corps -sent Overseas a nucleus of an Ordnance Mobile Workshop required by the -Canadian Corps for the inspection, repair and upkeep of guns and -vehicles of all kinds in the Field. This Unit was placed under the -command of Major A. S. Buttenshaw, Inspector of Ordnance Machinery. This -officer was afterwards Chief Inspector of Ordnance Machinery, Canadian -Forces, and was awarded the D.S.O. Other ranks of the Detachment were -moved away from time to time Overseas as ordered from Ottawa. Owing to -the enormous amount of work required in the clothing and equipping of -C.E.F. Units in the district, it was necessary to more than treble the -Staff, recruits enlisting being trained for their duties by the few -permanent men who, though much against their own wishes, were kept in -Halifax, and even then all ranks were working day and night. The -explosion which occurred in Halifax, December, 1917, also added to the -work, various temporary hospitals being equipped by the Canadian -Ordnance Corps. - -In August, 1918, one officer and nine other ranks of the Halifax -Detachment, C.O.C., were ordered to Vancouver as part of the Siberian -Expeditionary Force. Several cars were loaded at Halifax with stores for -this force and sent forward. The Halifax Detachment, with Ordnance men -from other districts, arrived in Russia at Vladivostock and at once -opened up a complete Ordnance Depot, where work was carried on in the -usual smooth manner. - -Several hundred thousand tons of ammunition, arms, equipment and -clothing have been handled by the Canadian Ordnance Corps at Halifax -during the period of the War, both coming from and going to England. The -Ordnance Workshops at Halifax carried out an enormous amount of repair -work, and in addition manufactured large quantities of military stores -which were unable to be purchased. Tradesmen enlisting in the C.E.F. in -various parts of Canada, such as wheelers, blacksmiths, saddlers and -armorers, who were required to accompany troops Overseas, were sent to -the Canadian Ordnance Corps, Halifax, for training. The Ordnance -Department was also called upon to carry out all repairs and testing of -ammunition for the Naval Services, both Imperial and Canadian, in -addition to that of the Land Service. This work has to be done by -experts, and necessitates very long hours, as certain cordite tests have -to run continually day and night for several days at a time. - -Since the War, all the equipment, including ammunition, for the new -Reorganized Active Militia, is being handled at Halifax and reshipped to -the various military points in Canada. - -The following officers and senior warrant officers of Canadian Ordnance -Corps have served with No. 6 Detachment, Canadian Ordnance Corps, during -various periods of the War:— - -Colonel J. F. MacDonald; Lieut.-Colonels A. H. Panet and M. C. Gillin; -Majors A. S. Buttenshaw, D.S.O., and J. D. Pitman, D.S.O.; Captains E. -M. Cartmer, J. H. MacQueen, S. V. Cooke, A. M. Simons, J. N. Gibson, and -R. N. C. Bishop; Lieut. G. E. J. Ball; Conductors J. A. Villard, E. V. -Hessian, A. Bentley, D.C.M., and A. Lable. - -In recognition of services rendered during War 1914–1918, His Majesty -the King has graciously approved the grant of the title “Royal” to the -Canadian Permanent Ordnance Corps, and hereafter this Corps is permitted -to bear the designation of “The Royal Canadian Ordnance Corps.” - -[Illustration: - - LIEUT.-COL. JOSEPH HAYES, D.S.O., C.A.M.C., - - Twice mentioned in dispatches; M.O., 85th Infantry Battalion, 30–10–15 - to 19–12–17; M.O., 4th Divisional Train, 19–12–17 to 14–4–18; - S.M.O., Central Group, C.F.C., 15–5–18 to 1–1–19; O.C., No. 2 - Canadian Stationary Hospital, 7–1–19 to 17–5–19. Author of “The 85th - in France and Flanders.”] - - - - - CHAPTER XXVI. - _NOVA SCOTIA MEDICAL SERVICES IN THE GREAT WAR._ - - - BY LIEUT.-COL. JOSEPH HAYES, D.S.O., C.A.M.C. - - “Men whisper that our arm is weak, - Men say our blood is cold, - And that our hearts no longer speak - That clarion note of old; - But let the spear and sword draw near - The sleeping lion’s den, - Our Island shore shall start once more - To life with armèd men.” - -The medical men of this Province were no less ardent in their desire to -serve their country in the War than all the other professions, trades -and callings. It was a contagion in the air that got into the blood. -Sooner or later everybody got it and responded to it according to their -own notion of service or opportunity. Medical men were needed at home as -well as abroad. There were recruits to be examined and young soldiers in -training requiring medical and surgical attention and the country could -not be stripped of medical service. No sooner were Units formed than -there was a clamor for medical appointments. Some medical men even -joined the combatant ranks, although they were soon returned to the -medical service owing to the demand for medical officers. Also many Nova -Scotia medical men went direct to England, or were already abroad, and -joined up with the Royal Army Medical Corps. Many of these, with many -regimental medical officers, owing to their isolation from the great -body of medical men associated with Canadian Hospitals, will be -overlooked in narratives of the doings of the medical fraternity. - -Before describing in detail the medical work done by Nova Scotians -during the War, it will be useful to give a brief outline of the -activities of the Medical Service in war. - -Medical attention is required all the way from the recruiting and -training camps at home, and those in England and France and along the -lines of communication, up to the front areas and fighting Units in the -firing line, No Man’s Land and the hand-to-hand encounter in the enemy -trenches. But perhaps the function of the Medical Service which calls -for the greatest vigilance and most thorough care is the prevention and -control of epidemic and contagious diseases. - -The most strenuous efforts of the Medical Services are exerted to rescue -the man who is wounded in action, and to give him such prompt attention -as will prevent him, as far as possible, from bleeding to death or dying -from shock or exposure and to hasten him to a place where the best -surgical skill can be exercised to save his life and limbs. - -The primary aid is under the direction of the Regimental Medical Officer -who is assisted by sixteen stretcher-bearers and two orderlies whom it -is his duty to keep in a constant state of efficiency by careful -training, as unskilled men, during active operations, are constantly -being added from the ranks to make up wastage. One Nova Scotia Regiment -lost thirty-three per cent. of its stretcher-bearers in two hours in the -Vimy Ridge engagement. - -This little coterie goes into the trenches with the Unit. The Regimental -Medical Officer selects a Regimental Aid Post (R.A.P.) well to the front -and as far as possible out of the direct line of enemy fire, so that the -wounded may be safely cared for and promptly evacuated. The -stretcher-bearers are detailed four to each Company, and these go with -their Companies into action and accompany them wherever they go. They -are the most exposed men in an engagement; for while the combatants may -advance in rushes and seek shelter as they go, the stretcher-bearer is -constantly exposed, going back and forth to the relief of the wounded. -As a result of the efficiency these men attain, their dressings, applied -on the battle-field during action, often can go untouched until they -reach the hospital. - -At the Regimental Aid Post further treatment is given by the Regimental -Medical Officer, food and hot tea or coffee are given and the wounded -are rolled in blankets and made as comfortable as possible before being -sent out. All cases are tagged, usually a white tag showing the man’s -name, number, Regiment, the nature of his injury, and any special -treatment or remedies that may have been given. In dangerous cases a red -tag is used, which secures the right of way in rapid evacuation and -immediate attention. - -As soon as casualties are ready for evacuation from the R.A.P. they are -handed over to the Bearer Section of a Field Ambulance to be carried to -their Advanced Dressing Station. As it is practically never possible to -establish the Main Dressing Station sufficiently far forward to convey -stretcher cases to it in one relay, and at the same time have it -accessible to motor ambulances, light railways and other means of rapid -evacuation, Advanced Dressing Stations are set up as near the front as -can be evacuated to the Main Dressing Station by horsed ambulances with -reasonable safety by day as well as by night. The evacuation of the -wounded up to this point must usually be done at night on account of -enemy observation; though the walking wounded are often able to take -advantage of lulls in the hostile fire and make their way out during the -day. Usually arrows are put up along the route pointing the direction -for “walking wounded.” - -The Main Dressing Station of the Field Ambulance is provided with -facilities for attending to cases requiring immediate operation as the -only means of saving life. It must be remembered that this Unit is on -the field of actual operations and within reach of the direct fire of -the enemy. The sick and wounded are here sorted, classified and -evacuated as soon as possible to the Casualty Clearing Station (C.C.S.). -The few mild cases that can be returned to the line or sent to near-by -rest camps after twenty-four or forty-eight hours are held at the Field -Ambulance, it being necessary to conserve, as much as possible, the -man-power for the line. - -The Casualty Clearing Station affords the next relief. This is the first -Unit completely equipped for urgent, formal major operations, and some -have X-ray apparatus and electrically-heated operating tables. Although -cases are not carried to a finality of treatment, and are only kept -until fit to move after relief is given, practically all wounds are -dressed at the C.C.S. After emergent operations wounds are often packed -with dressings and hurried on to a general hospital in the Lines of -Communication. It must be remembered that these Units are within range -of enemy guns and liable to get short notice from the enemy, by -concentrated high explosive shell-fire, to vacate, or they may have to -advance with the advance of their own troops. Constant action is -therefore necessary to maintain rooms for the steady stream of wounded -which they must always be prepared to handle. It is only the most urgent -operations that are performed, such as wounds of the abdomen, chest and -brain, or such wounds as are liable to become hopeless through infection -or complications before reaching the base. The C.C.S. is usually located -at a rail head and has access to ambulance trains for evacuation. These -trains are wonderfully equipped with an emergency operating room, -kitchen, dining room for up-patients and Staff sleeping berths, -dispensary, medical officers, nurses and orderlies. - -Now comes the first real hospital treatment. All along the coast of -France and at suitable places were hospital centres such as Calais, St. -Omer, Le Treport, Le Havre, Rouen, Etaples and Boulogne, with General -and Stationary and Special Hospitals. These centres were under an -A.D.M.S., who was informed usually twice daily by the different -hospitals what empty beds were available. From this information convoys -(hospital trains) were dispatched from the C.C.S. to the different -hospitals. These were notified by telegraph of the approximate time of -arrival so that ample provision could be made to transfer by motor -ambulance the patients from the train, on arrival, to the hospital. - -These hospitals were all splendidly equipped with X-ray departments and -pathological laboratories, and were well staffed with medical and -surgical specialists, highly trained nurses and orderlies. When -satisfactory progress had been made here, patients were transferred to -England to similar, though more highly specialized, hospitals and -convalescent homes, and finally, where necessary, were invalided home to -Canada. - -The difference between a General and a Stationary Hospital was only in -size, the former being primarily about twice the size of the latter. - -Nova Scotia contributed its quota to all these varied services, -including three complete Medical Units. - - - NO. 1 CANADIAN CASUALTY CLEARING STATION. - -[Illustration: - - COL. F. L. S. FORD, C.M.G.] - -The first Nova Scotia Unit to be accepted and mobilized for Overseas -Service with the First Contingent was a Medical Unit, No. 2 Clearing -Hospital, which had recently returned from annual training at Sussex, -N.B. Its headquarters was at Halifax and its Commanding Officer Major F. -L. S. Ford, who afterwards became Colonel Ford, C.M.G., and was three -times mentioned in Sir Douglas Haig’s despatches. - -This Unit afterwards became No. 1 Canadian Casualty Clearing Station and -had a most brilliant record, going through the whole war service of the -Canadian Corps. - -Immediately after Great Britain entered the War on August 4, 1914, Major -Ford telegraphed to Ottawa offering his Unit for Active Service, and on -August 10th its mobilization was ordered at Liverpool, N.S. On August -12th a recruiting meeting occurred in the Town Hall, Liverpool, which -was one of the first, if not the first, public recruiting meeting held -in Canada. This meeting was addressed by Major Ford, the mayor of the -town, and a number of other citizens. There was a great deal of -enthusiasm, and then and there the Unit was recruited up to peace-time -strength, and in a few days orders were received to entrain on August -20, 1914, for Valcartier Training Camp, via Halifax. - -When the people of Queens County saw this first draft of the flower of -their young manhood march away in the King’s uniform for service on the -battle-fields of Europe, they felt that the War was a real thing and had -already reached their erst-while quiet, peaceful homes. The send-off was -appropriate to the occasion and the people were proud of their noble -sons who so promptly responded to the call of Empire and bore themselves -splendidly as they marched away amidst the acclaim of their friends and -comrades. - -This Unit had always been recruited principally from Queens and -Annapolis Counties, but had members on its strength from all over the -Maritime Provinces and during the period of Active Service had on its -roll men from all parts of Canada. - -At 11 a.m., August 22nd, the Unit arrived at Valcartier with six -officers and forty-one other ranks, who were soon mixed up in the moil -and swirl and grind of military training in that big Camp with some -thirty thousand others. - -The officers, N.C.O.’s and men who went to Valcartier from Liverpool -were: Major F. S. L. Ford, Commanding Officer; Capt. H. T. M. McKinnon, -Capt. C. Harold Dickson, Capt. G. B. Peat, Lieut. H. A. Pickup, Q.M., -Lieut. G. W. McKeen, Staff-Sergt. F. Burnett, Staff-Sergt. E. Dexter, -Staff-Sergt. E. Hunt, Q.M.S. R. Robar, Staff-Sergt. R. Brown, Sergt. J. -Fiendel, Sergt. McLeod; Privates—A. Crouse, J. Gardine, L. Keating, P. -Joudrey, A. Morris, N. Neily, M. Reid, L. Frost, W. Joudrey, W. Murray, -H. Harnish, E. Conrad, G. McGill, H. Rafuse, C. Fraser, C. Holden, E. -McGowan, C. Robart, W. Bernadine, J. Hallett, W. O’Reilly, H. Oickle, C. -Jollimore, S. White, A. Trefry, B. Smith, A. Joudrey, L. Brooks, H. -Lantz, J. Downer, G. Conrod, R. Bell. - -On arrival at Valcartier this Unit took over No. 2 Camp Hospital, and -carried on as a Field Hospital. The Staff was kept pretty busy with the -usual run of camp sickness among new recruits, camp diarrhœa, acute -indigestion, fevers, camp accidents, and the usual P.U.O.’s and N.Y.D.’s -thrown in. - -While at Valcartier, the O.C., Major Ford, was gazetted Lieut.-Colonel. -Capt. G. W. O. Downsley, Capt. C. E. Cooper Cole, and forty other ranks -of No. 1 Clearing Hospital of Toronto were taken on the strength as well -as Major H. A. Chisholm, Capt. R. H. McDonald and Capt. J. M. Stewart. -Lieut. G. W. McKeen was transferred as Medical Officer to an Army -Service Corps and Captain Cole was retransferred to No. 2 General -Hospital. - -At 4.30 p.m., September 25th, the Unit left by train for Quebec and -embarked on the _S.S. Megantic_ at 6 p.m. The other Units to embark on -this ship were: The 15th Canadian Battalion (48th Highlanders), -Lieut.-Col. John Currie; The 1st Divisional Ammunition Column, -Lieut.-Col. J. Penhole; No. 1 Canadian Field Ambulance, Lieut.-Col. A. -E. Ross. - -After lying in the stream for five days the ship weighed anchor at 10.30 -p.m. on September 30th and proceeded down the St. Lawrence River to the -rendezvous in Gaspé Bay, for there were thirty-one troopships in this -grand fleet which was to convey the Canadian Army of thirty thousand -safely over the ocean to Old Mother England. - -As the good ship _Megantic_ glided quietly down the river the stars -shone brightly, the silvery moon was high in the heavens, and the clear -frosty tang of early autumn was in the air. As the shimmering waters of -this great river glistened and danced in the moonlight all nature seemed -to have an air of serene quietude and universal confidence. The scene -might have been committed to canvas as an emblem of peace; but this was -a first stage in the great adventure of war, the fullest bitterness of -which many of that gay company were destined to taste. - -At 3 p.m., October 3, 1914, this great flotilla weighed anchor and put -to sea, led by _H.M.S. Eclipse_, immediately followed by the _Megantic_, -containing the first Nova Scotia Medical Unit. There were a number of -torpedo boat destroyers, and among the battleships were the _Queen Mary_ -and the _Glory_. After an uneventful voyage of eleven days this great -flotilla arrived at Plymouth on October 14th. The reception given the -Canadian Contingent everywhere was wonderful. The sentiment back of it -all seemed to reach every heart. A splendid army of sturdy Anglo-Saxons -from a new and great country had come three thousand miles over the seas -to join the forces of the Mother Land within two months from the time -she had entered the War. - -After lying in the stream for two days the _Megantic_ docked and on -October 16th the 1st Canadian Casualty Clearing Station disembarked and -marched midst cheering throngs through the streets of Plymouth together -with the other Units, and entrained for the land of winter slush and mud -at Salisbury Plains. At 2 a.m. on a pitch dark October morning the Unit -detrained at Patney and Chirton Station and marched to West Down North, -where they arrived tired and weary after a sleepless night and a long -march, at 7.30 a.m., October 17th. - -Major H. A. Chisholm was called for duty to the office of the A.D.M.S. -Canadians shortly after arrival. Major Chisholm belonged to Antigonish, -and was a member of the Permanent Army Medical Corps. He had a -distinguished career Overseas and attained the rank of Colonel and was -mentioned in despatches and awarded the honors of C.M.G. and D.S.O. He -also held the important positions of D.A.D.M.S. 1st Canadian Division; -A.D.M.S. 4th Division; A.D.M.S. attached to the office of the D.G.M.S. -Canadians, London, and D.D.M.S., O.M.F.C., London. - -The unusually heavy autumn rains of 1914 converted the rolling downs of -Salisbury Plains into seas of mud, through which the Unit wallowed and -bathed and boated in its efforts to follow field training. The troops -were all under canvas at this time. - -Lord Astor, then Major Astor, had a palatial residence and spacious -grounds at Cliveden, near Taplow, Bucks, the grounds of which he offered -for hospital purposes. In December No. 1 Canadian C.C.S. was sent to -Cliveden to establish a hospital, and for six weeks the entire personnel -was busy in these preparations. This hospital, established by No. 1 -Canadian Casualty Clearing Hospital of Nova Scotia, ultimately developed -into the great Duchess of Connaught Hospital, afterwards officially -known as No. 15 Canadian General Hospital, upon which thousands of -Canadians, Australians, New Zealanders, South Africans and other -Britishers can look back with grateful memories for the skilful and -successful treatment and great kindness for which this hospital became -noted. - -A Casualty Clearing Station is a field unit, and consequently when the -1st Canadian Division was ordered to France this Unit received a move -order and preceded the Division to France, landing at Le Havre at 10 -a.m., February 3, 1915, on _S.S. Huanchaco_ from Southampton. On the -same ship was another Canadian Hospital Unit—No. 1 Canadian Stationary, -commanded by Lieut.-Col. Lorn Drum (now Colonel Lorn Drum, C.B.E., -Inspector of Military Hospitals for Canada). These, however, were not -the first Canadian Units in France, as they were preceded in November, -1914, by a No. 2 Canadian Stationary Hospital, which was commanded in -its last days in France and brought back to Canada by the writer. This -was really the first Canadian Unit of any description to function in -France as a Unit and the only one in France in 1914. - -After some six weeks’ stay at Le Havre the Unit was transferred to -Boulogne, where it arrived at 9.45 a.m., February 26, 1915. - -Motion was usually rapid in France and changes made at short notice. -Within a week this Unit had orders to proceed from Boulogne to First -Army Headquarters at the Town of Aire-Sur-La-Lys, where it arrived -Saturday morning, March 6th. On arrival the Unit was assigned to Fort -Gassion, which had been a French prison before the War but was now -occupied by British troops as a rest camp, and there was also a Motor -Ambulance Convoy billeted there. The work assigned to No. 1 C.C.S. was -to take over this old prison and make it immediately ready for the -reception of patients. - -The old buildings were filthy and in a dilapidated condition, and -required a great deal of work to prepare them for patients, and all the -equipment had to be unpacked and placed. The whole Unit went to work -with diligence and determination and within forty-eight hours they -brought order out of chaos and on Monday morning admitted and -comfortably housed fifty patients. - -The Battle of Neuve Chapelle was in progress and was the source of most -of the patients during the week. - -Heroic work was done by the six nursing sisters who had been attached to -and had come over to France with this Unit. They were:—Vivian Tremaine, -M.V.O., R.R.C., Frances M. Frew, M. U. Riverin, Amy Howard, Minnie -Follette. - -Nursing Sister Follette, of Great Village, Colchester County, afterwards -lost her life with the sinking of the hospital ship _Llandovery Castle_ -by the Germans. - -No. 1 Canadian C.C.S. was the only Canadian Unit in action during the -Battle of Neuve Chapelle. It was one of six C.C.S.’s attached to the -First Army. Before the War was over there were sixteen. This Unit showed -such prompt action and capacity that it received the special -commendation of Major-General Sir W. G. MacPherson, Director Medical -Services, First Army, and in June the O.C., Lieut.-Colonel Ford, was -awarded the C.M.G., the first awarded to Canadians in France. - -During this engagement Capts. C. H. Dickson and G. W. O. Downsley and a -party of twelve orderlies were hastily sent to Merville to assist a -British C.C.S., and at the Second Battle of Ypres, Captain Downsley and -Captain J. M. Stewart, of Halifax, with Nursing Sister Follette and -twelve orderlies were assigned to duty at Hazebrouck to assist another -British C.C.S. - -There was heavy fighting throughout the summer of 1915 in the Bethune -Sector, and No. 1 Canadian C.C.S. did a lot of heavy and trying work, -and in addition detailed a section under Major W. T. M. McKinnon and -Captain C. H. Dickson for duty with No. 2 British C.C.S., which was -located at the Village of Choques. - -This Unit continued its headquarters at Aire, and in May, June and -September took its full share in the herculean task of evacuating the -wounded from Festubert, Givenchy and Loos. During the battle of Loos -over sixty thousand casualties were evacuated from the British Front by -the various clearing stations in four days. - -One of the outstanding distinctions of No. 1 Canadian C.C.S. is that, -when His Majesty King George V was seriously injured near Bethune in -August, 1915, by his horse falling and rolling over on him, one of the -nursing sisters of this Unit, V. A. Tremaine, was selected by the -Director Medical Services of the 1st Imperial Army for personal -attendance upon the King. His Majesty was cared for in a chateau near -Aire until he was able to be moved to England. Sister Tremaine and a -second nurse who had been selected, Nursing Sister E. K. Ward, -Q.A.I.M.N.S. Territorials, accompanied the Royal patient and nursed His -Majesty through convalescence at Buckingham Palace. - -When Sister Tremaine finished her duties the King conferred upon her the -M.V.O. and personally presented her with the insignia of that Order and -made a personal gift of an exquisite brooch of gold and enamel set with -diamonds. Her Majesty the Queen gave her autograph copies of the royal -photographs. - -The Unit continued to operate at Aire until January, 1916, when it was -transferred to Bailleul and opened up in a very fine pavilion of the -Asylum for the Insane. This splendid building was subsequently destroyed -by German shell fire and bombs. The Unit saw much strenuous work here, -and had its first experience with gassed cases. Sixty of these out of -eight hundred died within the first twenty-four hours after being -brought in. - -Major Edward Archibald, of No. 3 (McGill) Canadian General Hospital, was -attached to the Unit as a surgical specialist, and Major W. A. McLean, -of Glace Bay, N.S., was transferred from No. 1 Canadian General Hospital -as his assistant, and afterwards succeeded Major Archibald. Major McLean -was killed during the summer of 1917 while at work in a C.C.S. in the -northern sector of the British line. He was considered one of the most -brilliant surgeons in the British Army. - -In June, 1916, Colonel Ford was appointed Deputy Assistant Director of -Medical Services of the Canadian Corps and Lieut.-Col. T. W. H. Young -succeeded to the command. Later Colonel Young was succeeded by Major C. -H. Dickson, who was promoted to the rank of Lieut.-Colonel. - -There was a great deal of activity on the Arras Front in the early -spring of 1917, and preparations were being made for the drive for Vimy -Ridge. At this time the Unit was transferred to Aubigny, behind Arras. -Under the energetic administration of Lieut.-Colonel Dickson this Unit -was very much increased in strength and did valuable work during the -Battle of Vimy Ridge and throughout the operations on the Arras Front. - -In the summer of 1917 the Unit was again moved to a position near -Nieuport and arrived just as the Germans had broken through and made a -nasty salient in the British line. Amidst this confusion, uncertainty -and fierce fighting, the Commanding Officer, Colonel Dickson, quickly -located his Unit and did such splendid work in the evacuation of the -wounded that he was mentioned in despatches and awarded the D.S.O. - -The Unit remained at Nieuport for a few weeks only when the position -became untenable for hospital purposes, owing to almost constant -shelling and nightly bombing. Lieut.-Colonel Dickson was called to -London for Staff duty, the command was taken over by Lieut.-Colonel A. -G. H. Bennett, O.B.E., and the Unit was transferred again to the -Arras-Vimy Front. - -During those anxious days of the early spring and summer of 1918, while -the Germans battered themselves hopelessly against the impenetrable wall -of steel erected by the Canadians along the Arras Front this Unit did -fine work in caring for and clearing the seriously sick and wounded and -also got many casualties from that memorable drive of the Germans -against the 5th British Army in March, 1918, as all the Ambulance and -C.C.S. Units in that area were quickly put out of commission. - -When preparations were made for the final victorious Canadian drive -which commenced at Amiens on August 8, 1918, this Unit was moved to that -sector and followed the Canadian Corps through those strenuous days to -final victory and accompanied the 1st Canadian Division on its -victorious march into Germany. At Bonn No. 1 Canadian Stationary -Hospital took over the famous St. Martin’s Hospital, which was located -on one of the loftiest hills in Bonn, and but two weeks before had dukes -and scions of the leading aristocracy of Germany as patients, for it had -been one of the most exclusive hospitals in Germany. Now it became the -haven of the sick Canadian Tommy. - -It seemed like the realization of a fantastic dream to the medical Staff -and nursing sisters, as well as the rank and file, to find themselves in -a modern and well-equipped hospital with luxurious appointments and -surroundings, as compared with four long years of mud and mire under -canvas, in huts, and often broken-down buildings on the edge of the -battle-fields of the Somme, Ypres, Vimy, Passchendaele, Amiens, Bourlon, -Cambrai and Valenciennes, Mons, and then glorious victory. - -The following is an incomplete list of the battle casualties of this -Unit:— - - - KILLED IN ACTION. - -Major Walter Maclean; Nursing Sisters Mae B. Sampson and Minnie -Follette, both killed on Hospital Ship _Llandovery Castle_; Pte Proctor, -Pte. Vere Mason. - - - WOUNDED. - -Lieut.-Col. F. S. L. Ford, seriously, by piece of bombshell (fracture -base of skull); Capt. E. C. C. Cole, seriously; Capt. R. H. MacDonald, -Sergeant M. Neilly, seriously. - - - NO. 7 CANADIAN STATIONARY HOSPITAL. - - (Dalhousie Unit.) - -Dalhousie University was early inspired with patriotic fervor. Within a -month after the outbreak of war between Great Britain and Germany, -Dalhousie University offered to the Government the personnel of a -Casualty Clearing Station. This offer was renewed in the spring of 1915. -It was not known until later that this type of Unit was not in demand, -and it was decided to offer the personnel of a Stationary Hospital. - -[Illustration: - - COL. JOHN STEWART, C.B.E.] - -So anxious was Dalhousie to have a definite, tangible part in the more -strenuous service of the nation in this great struggle, that a -delegation was sent to Ottawa on August 13, 1915, representing the -Governors and Faculty of the University. So well were the claims of -Dalhousie presented that the offer was now accepted of a Stationary -Hospital, to be known officially as “No. 7 Canadian Stationary -Hospital.” Definite authority for this was received on September 27, -1915. - -When it came to the selection of a Commanding Officer everybody turned -instinctively to that great outstanding factotum in Medicine and Surgery -in Nova Scotia, Dr. John Stewart, whose name inspired enthusiasm, -confidence and respect. - -Halifax was taxed to its utmost in supplying accommodation for troops. -All the old military barracks were full, the Armories were occupied by -infantry Battalions, the sheds on No. 2 Pier were also occupied, and -there was consequently some delay in finding accommodation for the -mobilization and training of this Hospital Unit. Dalhousie University -came to the rescue and gave the old Medical College building on the -corner of Robie and College Streets, and Principal Kaulbach, of the -Maritime Business College, gave the use of the dining room and kitchen -of the Business College restaurant as a mess room. By November 1st the -old Medical College had been converted into an adequate barracks and -orderly room. - -The selection of the medical and nursing personnel and the recruiting of -other ranks then commenced in earnest and the response was wonderful. -For a Stationary Hospital only twelve medical officers and twenty-seven -nursing sisters were required: but thirty medical men and eighty nurses -applied. The material was all so excellent that it was a delicate and -difficult task to select. Preference was given, however, to Dalhousie -graduates and those connected with the University; and among the nurses -preference was given to graduates of the two outstanding Nova Scotia -nurses’ training hospitals, the Victoria General Hospital, Halifax, and -St. Joseph’s Hospital, Glace Bay, as these were the only general -hospitals in the Province with the necessary number of beds to meet the -requirements of the Military Service in the matter of training. - -Just before orders were received to proceed Overseas in the latter part -of December, 1915, the Unit was inspected by General Benson, G.O.C. of -this Military District, Colonel A. H. Powell, D.A.A. & Q.M.G., and -Colonel Grant, A.D.M.S. These officers were very generous in their -praises of what the Unit had already accomplished in the way of training -and establishing a snappy military organization. Their sturdy Commanding -Officer, with his sixty-seven years of youth, had shown his magnificent -qualities of body as well as mind and character. When Colonel Stewart -set the pace on their route marches the youngest and most athletic had -to let himself out. Colonel Grant, the A.D.M.S., referred to the -splendid work already done in the service by members of the Staff, and -mentioned particularly the work done by Major E. V. Hogan as Chief of -Surgery at Cogswell Street Military Hospital and Major L. M. Murray as -Chief of Medicine; and also expressed his regret at losing his Deputy, -Capt. F. V. Woodbury, but congratulated the Unit on what it had gained -thereby. - -The time set for leaving Halifax for Overseas was December 31, 1915, via -St. John, N.B. The departure at one time of so many professional men and -women, who stood high in the confidence of the people of Halifax and -Nova Scotia, was a poignant reminder of the serious proportions assumed -by the Great War. - -On the evening of the last day of 1915, when Dalhousie Unit entrained at -North Street Depot, a large concourse of people were assembled, not only -of Halifax but from many other parts of the Province. The bands of the -1st Canadian Artillery and 63rd Rifles, as well as the pipers, joined -the citizens of Nova Scotia in a fitting farewell. Their train pulled -out amidst music and cheers. - -The Unit arrived at St. John at 6 a.m., New Year’s Day, and went aboard -His Majesty’s Troopship _Metagama_. At noon the officers were -entertained at luncheon by the medical profession of St. John at the -Royal Hotel. The Unit sailed at 9 o’clock on the evening of January 1, -1916, with several other Units, with Col. H. C. Bickford as Officer -Commanding troops. - -Sea voyages are pretty much alike. There are those who like their beer -and poker, or bridge, and those who like to laze and read and sleep and -sleep and read and laze, or sit and think, or simply sit, while others -wish they had taken the advice of the poet—“Praise the sea but keep on -land.” A convoy of torpedo boat destroyers was met at noon on the eighth -day out, and at 3 a.m. on January 10th the Unit landed at Plymouth and -disembarked at 9 a.m. - -The personnel on arriving in England was as follows: O.C., Lieut.-Col. -John Stewart; Majors E. V. Hogan and L. M. Murray; Captains M. A. -MacAulay, V. N. MacKay, K. A. MacKenzie, E. K. Maclellan, S. J. -MacLennan, D. A. MacLeod, J. A. Murray, John Rankine, Frank V. Woodbury, -Karl F. Woodbury (Dental Officer), Lieut. S. R. Balcom, Dispenser; -Lieut. Walter Taylor, Quartermaster; Miss L. M. Hubley, Matron, and -twenty-six Nursing Sisters; one hundred and twenty-three N.C.O.’s and -men. - -The officers, non-commissioned officers and men entrained at once for -Shorncliffe, where they arrived in the evening, while the matron and -nursing sisters proceeded to London and were temporarily quartered at -Bonnington Hotel. They were afterwards distributed for duty between the -hospitals at Westcliffe, Moore Barracks and Ramsgate. - -On the 11th the Unit was inspected by Lieut.-Col. F. W. E. Wilson, of -Niagara, Ontario, A.D.M.S. Shorncliffe area. - -Billets were secured and the medical officers were employed on medical -boards or as medical officers to various Units in the training camps, -while the non-commissioned officers and men were assigned to various -duties. - -On January 17th Capt. F. V. Woodbury was stricken with that dread -disease among troops, cerebro-spinal meningitis. For some days there was -great anxiety on his account, but he made a rapid and complete recovery. - -On February 5th Colonel Stewart, O.C. of No. 7 Canadian Stationary -Hospital, was given command of Shorncliffe Military Hospital, with the -forty subsidiary hospitals of the Dover area, in succession to -Lieut.-Col. R. J. Blanchard, No. 3 C.C.S., of Winnipeg. He immediately -recalled the nursing sisters and reassembled his Unit, and with his -reorganized Staff manned Shorncliffe Military General Hospital and the -Helena Hospital for officers. The Shorncliffe Hospital alone had 800 -beds, and altogether there were some 10,000 beds in the hospitals taken -over. Colonel Stewart and his Staff had a pretty busy time administering -the hospitals of this large area. Sir Frederic Eve visited these -hospitals periodically. - -During this time there were some changes in personnel: Corpls. G. S. -Mitchell and Eric Grant left to take commissions; Capt. S. J. MacLennan -went to Westcliffe Eye and Ear Hospital. Capt. E. Douglas joined the -Unit during the latter part of the period here and sixteen other ranks -were taken on strength. - -There was much excitement and anticipation when it was announced that -the Unit was to proceed to France. The impression got abroad somehow -that the Unit was to go direct to the Arras and Somme areas, where they -would be in close contact with actual warfare. This was the source of a -good deal of enthusiasm. The Unit left Shorncliffe and proceeded to -Southampton on Sunday, June 18, 1916, embarked there on the _City of -Benares_ and landed at Le Havre the same day. On arrival the Unit -received orders to take over the Hotel des Emigrants at Le Havre from -No. 2 Imperial General Hospital, which contained 400 beds. This was -somewhat disappointing to the men after their anticipations of -proceeding at once to the Front. However, all ranks settled down to -steady work, and in a few weeks orders were received to establish a -subsidiary tented hospital Unit at Harfleur, about six miles from Le -Havre, to consist of 400 additional beds. This meant that the existing -Staff had to man two hospitals of the same size, thus bringing a very -heavy strain on the entire personnel, especially the nursing sisters and -other ranks. Major L. M. Murray was placed in charge of the Harfleur -Division. - -The main hospital was used for German wounded prisoners being sent back -from the forward areas and for local sick from various Imperial Units at -Le Havre. The subsidiary hospital was used for camp sick and accidents -from the Canadian Base and several Imperial Units. - -As soon as these extensions were completed and in operation an urgent -request was sent in for more men. Eventually a much larger number were -sent than were required of P.B. men. (Permanent Base men are those who -are no longer fit for service in the front areas.) These were with the -Unit only a few days when orders were received to despatch to hospitals -in another area a draft larger in number than the one received. This -took away several old members of the Unit and left it shorter handed -than ever, but the Unit “carried on” and did its work under -difficulties. - -Constant changes were taking place in the staff. Capt. J. M. Stewart, -nephew of the O.C., came to the Unit shortly after arrival in France -from No. 1 C.C.S., and in August, 1916, Capt. F. V. Woodbury, Capt. M. -A. MacAulay, Capt. John Rankine and Capt. Edgar Douglas were posted to -other duties. Capt. E. K. Maclellan was posted to another hospital in -March, 1917. Numerous officers from other parts of Canada were detailed -for duty with this Unit from time to time. One of the most popular of -these was Captain Ireland, of Ontario, who afterwards received the M.C. -and was killed in action. - -On December 31, 1916, the hospital at Le Havre was handed over to the -Royal Army Medical Corps and the personnel of Dalhousie Unit, which had -been carrying on there, marched to Harfleur and joined the balance of -the Unit. Once more the whole Unit was united and experienced a very -general sense of satisfaction. Ample provision had been made for -quarters, mess, dental offices and orderly room. - -In January and February, 1917, the weather was very severe, with steady, -keen frost and a good deal of snow, “But,” as Colonel Stewart puts it, -“the bitterest memories are the indescribable mud, deep, tenacious and -slippery.” As spring approached it looked as if the summer were to be -spent in the beautiful Lezard Valley, in which Harfleur was situated, -and consequently potatoes and other vegetables were planted, shrubs set -out and other work done with a view to beautifying the grounds. It was -beginning to seem quite like home here. All the troops coming to France -en route to the Front came through this base, and many Nova Scotians -were met and old acquaintances renewed. Also a good many Nova Scotia -boys trickled in to the hospital, and when they did they were lavished -with attention, and all the nurses and orderlies wanted to wait on them, -and the pipers, too, would manage to make themselves heard and many a -lad’s eye was made brighter when he heard again the skirl o’ the pipes. - -There was no abiding place in France, and it was just as one got nicely -settled down that he had to move, and at this very time the Unit got -orders to proceed to the front areas and take over a hospital at Arques, -which is a suburb of the City of St. Omer. Headed by the pipers the Unit -marched off to the station Saturday evening, May 12th, but did not -entrain until daylight the next morning when a special train was -provided for the Unit and its hospital equipment. - -The hospital at Harfleur was taken over by a Welsh Unit, the 40th -Stationary Hospital, R.A.M.C. - -The route was through Yvetot, Amiens, Abbeville and over the Somme, past -the former battle-field of Crecy, through Boulogne and Calais to St. -Omer and to the little suburban town of Arques, which was reached at 2 -a.m., May 14, 1917. The rumble of the artillery could now be plainly -heard, and the eastern sky was aflicker with the flashings of guns. The -Unit was now within thirty miles of the trenches. A noble old French -Chateau with spacious grounds, and a canal running through them, was to -be the domicile of the hospital. This same chateau had been occupied by -the Duke of Wellington after the campaign of Waterloo. - -Tents were pitched on the grounds to supply the additional -accommodations required, and the hospital equipment was soon unpacked -and placed; but there was considerable delay in getting the necessary -supplies for the erection of kitchens, bath houses, pavilions, and -material for other necessary alterations and accommodations. - -The first convoy was received on June 8th and consisted of wounded -German prisoners of war. There were 13 officers and 379 other ranks. -This was a large order for the first while not yet completely ready, and -tested the resourcefulness and agility of the Unit. They rose to the -occasion and handled the situation with great skill. Many of the men -were only slightly wounded, and were soon discharged to prison camps. - -From this time on everybody was kept busy. Wounded came by ambulances, -hospital trains and hospital barges down the canal. There were Imperial, -Canadian, Australian, New Zealand, East Indian and Portuguese troops. - -Dominion Day, 1917, will long be remembered by the inhabitants of St. -Omer and vicinity. The Unit engaged a large field and advertised an -athletic meet, and sent invitations to all the Units in the area. They -all responded, for when July 1st came, bright and sunny, the whole -countryside turned out, including the civilian population. A splendid -programme of sports was carried out, and No. 7 carried off a goodly -share of the honors. In the shade of the trees of the chateau grounds in -the evening tables were spread and the Unit sat down to a “family party” -and enjoyed a season of conviviality and good fellowship. - -The next afternoon all patients who were able to be up, or to be carried -out, were given a special tea on the lawn in honor of Dominion Day. -While this was going on His Majesty the King with H.R.H. the Prince of -Wales paid the Unit a surprise visit. His Majesty was particularly -gracious in his felicitations to patients and Staff, by all of whom the -honor of this visit was greatly appreciated. - -During the summer the enemy aeroplanes were very active in bombing raids -on the back areas, especially on moonlight nights. The first real -bombing raid this Unit experienced was on September 30th. Enemy -aeroplanes came over this area in great force shortly after sundown and -began dropping numerous bombs. The loud swish of the bombs coming -through the air followed by the fearful crash of the explosion was -terrifying; but everybody, nursing sisters and all, “stood to” at their -post of duty. Although No. 7 escaped there were serious casualties. Four -men were killed and several wounded at the British Hospital just across -the river, and four nursing sisters and sixteen men were killed at the -Scottish Hospital in St. Omer, only two miles distant. - -On October 8th H.R.H. the Duke of Connaught visited and inspected the -Unit. - -The first word of the terrific explosion at Halifax was received on -December 8th, and many anxious days were spent awaiting definite word -and to know just what had happened. - -The Commanding Officer, Lieut.-Colonel Stewart, was called to the higher -and more important duties of Surgical Consultant to hospitals in England -and left the Unit, greatly to the regret of the entire personnel, on -Thursday, March 7, 1918. The command of the Unit was taken over by Major -E. V. Hogan, who was promoted to the rank of Lieut.-Colonel. - -March and April, 1918, brought still more busy days to the Dalhousie -Unit. Being so near the Front they received a very large number of -wounded, many straight from the field of battle. Although this hospital -had only 400 beds it frequently had 800 severely wounded soldiers to -look after. - -The final titanic struggles of 1918 had been ushered in when the fate of -the world hung in a balance and men spoke hoarsely and with bated breath -of the possible outcome. The Germans had smashed through the Fifth -British Army in front of Cambrai and then hurled themselves against the -Canadians on the Arras Front, only to be checked and beaten off. Then -they sought a more vulnerable sector and attacked the Portuguese on the -Bailleul Front. The Portuguese troops gave way and the enemy rapidly -advanced towards Aire and got within less than three miles of this -strategic point and were able to put shells into St. Omer, Arques and -all sections of that hospital area, so that shelling became more or less -constant and bombing raids were a nightly occurrence. There were a -number of casualties among patients and Staff at some of the hospitals. -Word was hourly expected that Aire had been taken and that the Germans -were marching on Hazebrouck and St. Omer. It was therefore considered -that this area was no longer tenable for hospital purposes and orders -were issued for all hospitals to evacuate at once. Dalhousie Unit -entrained on April 18th for Etaples. - -The Unit had received orders to promptly open up a large tent hospital -at Etaples; but these orders were subsequently cancelled, greatly to the -disappointment of the Staff, and the entire personnel was posted to -various other hospitals in that area. - -The Germans seemed to have acquired a special fancy for bombing and -shooting up hospital areas, and on May 18th subjected Etaples to a very -severe aerial bombardment by sixty planes. Casualties among officers, -nursing sisters and men amounted to over a thousand. Dalhousie Unit lost -two men killed—Pte. F. W. Laidlaw and Pte. Takanayagi (Jap.)—and two -others wounded, including the Commanding Officer, Lieut.-Col. E. V. -Hogan, and Pte. W. G. O’Tulle. - -Etaples had been a large hospital centre, but was now abandoned as such -and the various hospitals were withdrawn to other places. The Dalhousie -Unit was moved to Rouen, which was the largest base hospital centre in -France. Here the officers and personnel were distributed and attached to -various British Hospitals and had a further enriched experience, as -there were very many casualties constantly coming in direct from the -field of battle, owing to the demoralization of the hospital service in -the front areas during the period of the German drive. Most of the -nursing sisters had been allowed to go on leave, and some were sent to -England. - -A special Canadian Hospital was to be established at Camiers, between -Etaples and Boulogne, and Dalhousie Unit was ordered, in September, -1918, to reassemble and proceed to Camiers and take over a hospital of -1,000 beds at a site formerly occupied by No. 42 British Stationary -Hospital. In the five months that followed this hospital was crowded and -the patients were all Canadians. - -It was during this period that the Armistice came with its relaxing -influences, its glorious sweets of victory, and happy dreams of home. -Christmas also brought its good-cheer and was most pleasantly celebrated -by the patients as well as the Staff with a splendid Christmas dinner -and other festivities. - -Early in February, 1919, the Unit received orders to hand over to the -Nova Scotia sister Unit, No. 9 Canadian Stationary Hospital—the St. -Francis Xavier Unit—and proceed to Le Havre en route to England and -Canada. The Unit sailed from Le Havre on March 17, 1919, for -Southampton, arriving there in the afternoon. The stay in England lasted -only a month, but this was ample time for all the members of the Unit to -visit different parts of the British Isles. - -During its service the Dalhousie Unit treated some 60,000 sick and -wounded, 10,000 in England and 50,000 in France. - -On April 17, 1919, a happy group of Nova Scotians assembled on the docks -at Liverpool and boarded the good ship _Belgic_ with 3,500 other -Canadian troops for Home, Sweet Home. On April 23rd that goodly company -landed in Halifax and were greeted by a people proud of their noble sons -returned with the laurels of victory. That happy group of Nova Scotians -now assembled on the pier at Halifax and were given an ovation and -cheered to the echo as they marched through the streets to the Armories -to be demobilized. These were they who had gone in the honored name of -Old Dalhousie. Well did they guard the honor of that name, and long may -Dalhousie and Nova Scotia be proud of the record and deeds of the -Dalhousie Unit. - -The following casualties occurred among the members of the Unit: - -_Killed in Action_: Ptes. Wm. Beck, B. E. Fraser, J. F. McLellan, Horace -Grant, S. J. Dick, F. W. Laidlaw, Sergt. F. J. Howley, Ptes. J. C. -Sutherland, P. L. Findlay, C. P. Wright, C. J. A. Guymer, Takanayagi -(Jap.). - -_Died from Service Disability_: Pte. C. J. McCarthy. - -_Wounded_: Lieut.-Col. E. V. Hogan, C.B.E.; Major D. A. MacLeod, Ptes. -W. H. Chase, F. F. Choote, Dawson (twice), Bugler J. E. Doyle (twice), -Sergt. P. D. MacDonald, Pte. W. G. O’Tulle (twice), Sergt. F. H. Pond. - -The following Nova Scotia medical officers were at different times -attached to the Dalhousie Unit: Gerald Grant, M.C.; J. M. Stewart, A. E. -Mackintosh, A. H. McKinnon, F. B. Day, J. A. Munro, E. D. McLean, E. D. -Douglas, M.C.; J. E. Ellis, Seymour MacKenzie, K. Blackadar, A. M. -Covert, A. Ellis, J. I. O’Connell, Andrew Love, W. H. McDonald. - -The following received commissions in the Field: H. B. Archibald, Wm -Beck (killed in flying), R.F.C., G. Dawson, M.C. (wounded and awarded -M.C.), Geo. Edgar (awarded commission, Embarkation Officer in Halifax), -C. W. Holland, A. R. McPherson, W. H. Pool, D. H. Sutherland, M.C., J. -D. Vair, Horace Grant, G. Wright, M.C., C. C. Armstrong, H. C. Lewis, C. -F. Moriarity, J. C. Sutherland (killed), P. R. Tingley, A. W. Webber, C. -Glennister, C. E. White, C. P. Wright, G. C. Beazley, J. F. McLellan, -M.M., G. H. Morrison, H. B. Titus, T. H. Whelpley, C. J. A. Guymer, D. -H. Windsor. - -Promotions and Awards: Lieut.-Col. John Stewart became Colonel and -received the C.B.E., and later was Surgical Consultant to Canadian -Hospitals in England. - -Major E. V. Hogan assumed command of the hospital on the promotion of -Colonel Stewart. He was promoted to the rank of Lieutenant-Colonel, -received the C.B.E. and was wounded in the Etaples raid. - -Major L. M. Murray became heart specialist to Special Canadian Heart -Hospital at Bushey Park. - -Capt. M. A. MacAulay, promoted to Major, left the Unit and was in -command of various Units and Field Ambulances. After his return home was -in command of Cogswell Street Military Hospital. - -Capt. V. N. MacKay, promoted to Major and was retained in England for -special laboratory work. - -Capt. K. A. MacKenzie, promoted to Major on leaving the Unit at Arques -in the summer of 1917 and was detailed for duty at Colchester Heart -Hospital as Heart Specialist. Subsequently he became Officer in charge -of Medicine at Bramshott Military Hospital. - -Capt. E. K. Maclellan, promoted to Major, afterwards returning to Canada -where he became Officer in charge of Pine Hill Military Hospital, and -later President Standing Medical Board. In winter of 1917, Acting -Officer in charge Surgical Service No. 12 Canadian General Hospital. - -Capt. S. J. MacLennan, transferred to Westcliffe Eye and Ear Hospital, -on arrival in England, for special duty. Invalided home from England. - -Capt. D. A. MacLeod, mentioned in dispatches, wounded at Passchendaele -in September, 1918, promoted to Major, and on return to Canada became -Registrar at Camp Hill Military Hospital. - -Capt. J. A. Murray, promoted to Major, and on return to England from -France in summer of 1917 became Officer in charge of Clarence House -Canadian Convalescent Hospital. - -Capt. John Rankine, left Unit in summer of 1916 and went as Medical -Officer to No. 1 Entrenching Battalion. Was attached to No. 4 Field -Ambulance, returning to Canada for duty in the fall of 1917. - -Capt. Frank V. Woodbury went to one of the Entrenching Battalions and -was later attached to the Staff of the 3rd Division, recalled to England -for Staff duty. Received promotion to Majority and subsequently promoted -to rank of Lieutenant-Colonel. - -Capt. Karl F. Woodbury served continuously and returned to Canada with -the Unit, with much credit to himself and the Unit, as Dental Officer. - -Lieut. S. R. Balcom returned to England in July, 1917, became -Quartermaster No. 12 General Hospital and promoted to Captain. He -returned to Canada and took over duties as Officer in charge of Medical -Stores, Military District No. 6. - -Lieut, and Quartermaster Walter Taylor, promoted to Captain, served -continuously with the Unit until recalled home at the time of the -Halifax explosion in December, 1917, having had three children killed in -the explosion and losing his property. Later became Quartermaster -Cogswell Street Hospital. - -Matron L. M. Hubley served continuously with the Unit until April, 1918, -subsequently attached for duty to No. 3 General Hospital and No. 8 -Stationary Hospital, and Westcliffe Eye and Ear Hospital, returning to -Canada, March, 1919. On returning to Canada she was employed as Matron -of Cogswell Street Military Hospital. In December, 1916, Matron Hubley -was awarded the Royal Red Cross, 1st Class. - -Nursing Sister S. A. Archard served continuously with the Unit, with the -exception of a short time at a Forestry Corps Hospital. She was awarded -the Royal Red Cross, 2nd Class. - -Nursing Sister R. S. Calder, invalided to England in October, 1916, -served with Canadian Hospitals in England during the rest of the War and -was awarded the Royal Red Cross, 2nd Class. - -Nursing Sister E. A. Cooke served continuously with the Unit in England -and France, returning home with the Unit. She was mentioned in -dispatches and was awarded the Medal of Queen Elizabeth of Belgium. - -Nursing Sister A. M. Johnston, mentioned in dispatches. - -Nursing Sister MacDonald, mentioned in dispatches and awarded the Royal -Red Cross, 2nd Class. - -Nursing Sister F. A. Rice, awarded Royal Red Cross, 2nd Class. - -Sergt.-Major G. T. Brown, recalled to England in June, 1917, receiving a -commission as Quartermaster of C.A.M.C. General Depot, later being -promoted to captain’s rank and receiving the O.B.E. - -Sergt. P. D. MacDonald was transferred to the R.C.R. and was wounded in -action. - -Sergt. F. J. Howley received a commission in service. While home on -leave was killed in the Halifax explosion. - -Sergt. A. F. McGregor, recalled from Shorncliffe to Canada to complete -medical studies at McGill. On graduating received commission and later -served again Overseas. He was promoted to Captain. - -Sergt. F. H. Pond obtained commission with an Infantry Battalion and was -severely wounded and invalided to Canada. - -Sergt. T. H. Robinson succeeded Sergt.-Major G. T. Brown, being promoted -to warrant officer. - -Sergt. C. G. Sutherland, recalled from Shorncliffe to Canada to complete -medical studies at McGill. On graduating received commission and later -served again Overseas, having been promoted to Captain. - -Corpl. E. McN. Grant left Unit in Shorncliffe, receiving commission in -13th Battalion. Later invalided to Canada. - -Corpl. G. S. Mitchell promoted to Captain, later became Chaplain of the -Unit. Invalided to Canada in October, 1917. - -Bugler J. E. Doyle, transferred to No. 1 Field Ambulance, promoted to -Sergeant, wounded twice and awarded D.C.M. - - - NO. 9 CANADIAN STATIONARY HOSPITAL - - (St. Francis Xavier College Unit). - -With characteristic enterprise St. Francis Xavier College decided, as -the War went on, that it should stand side by side with other -Universities of Canada in direct representation. In the autumn of 1915 -the President and Governors offered a Medical Unit for Overseas. This -seemed the most fitting service for a great Christian and humanitarian -institution, and it was understood that hospitals were in demand. - -Dr. H. P. MacPherson, President of the University, took the matter up -direct with the Government of Canada, and in April, 1916, authority was -given for the acceptance of No. 9 Canadian Stationary Hospital from St. -Francis Xavier. - -[Illustration: - - LIEUT.-COL. R. C. M‘LEOD.] - -This announcement was received with great enthusiasm, and it was decided -not to send the Unit away empty-handed. A subscription list was opened -and friends of the University were given an opportunity to subscribe to -a fund to provide for some special equipment and to organize a band. The -response was most generous, and in a very short time an ample amount of -money was secured. Besides private subscriptions, liberal donations were -received from the Red Cross, Daughters of the Empire, Knights of -Columbus and other societies. - -Busy days followed in selecting the personnel and organizing the Unit. -No recruiting campaign was necessary. The loyal sons of St. Francis and -daughters of Antigonish, and many others everywhere, were offering their -services. As the brokers would say: “The stock was over-subscribed.” And -it was a matter of selection. - -The command was given to Lieut.-Col. Roderick C. McLeod, who had already -enlisted in the C.E.F. and was daily expecting orders to proceed -Overseas. Colonel McLeod was a graduate of St. Francis Xavier and had -attained a wide reputation as a successful medical practitioner of North -Sydney. He was a man of a most genial personality and beloved by all who -knew him. His appointment to the command of this Unit was hailed with -universal satisfaction. - -Colonel McLeod was assisted in the work of organization by Major H. E. -Kendall as second in command, an outstanding surgeon of Cape Breton; and -Major J. S. Carruthers, an energetic Militia officer, was appointed -adjutant. - -The enthusiasm among nurses for service in this Unit was remarkable. -Applications poured in from every Province in Canada and from many parts -of the United States, by mail and telegraph. Miss S. C. MacIsaac, a -graduate of Mt. St. Bernard Convent, of Antigonish, was chosen as -Matron. Miss MacIsaac was trained as a nurse at St. Joseph’s Hospital, -Glace Bay, in which institution she had charge of the operating room for -three years. She had taken a post-graduate course at Mercy Hospital, -Chicago, and when war broke out she was Assistant Matron at Mt. Zion -Hospital, San Francisco. Miss MacIsaac therefore came to her new, -important and strenuous post well qualified. - -The organization of the Unit was completed at the University Town of -Antigonish, the seat of the mother College, St. Francis Xavier. The -college authorities and citizens of Antigonish vied with each other in -extending an enthusiastic reception to the volunteers as they came, and -everything was done to make their stay pleasant. - -Orders were issued from headquarters for the Unit to mobilize at Halifax -in the spring of 1916. The officers took the C.A.M.C. Training Course at -Cogswell Street Military Hospital, and the nursing sisters were also -posted there, and faithful work was done in a general course of -preliminary training. - -The original personnel was as follows: - -Lieut.-Col. Roderick C. MacLeod, Commanding Officer; Major Henry E. -Kendall, Second in Command; Major J. Stewart Carruthers, Adjutant. - -Medical Officers: Capts. Alex. R. Campbell, J. F. Ellis, T. A. -Lebbetter, A. H. MacKinnon, J. I. O’Connell, L. D. Densmore, Hon. Capt. -J. L. Johnson, Capts. R. MacCuish, J. A. McCourt, L. J. Violette, Hon. -Lieut. Leo F. Fry. - -Nursing Sisters: Emma Ella Barry, Laura Emily Campbell, Sarah Catherine -Chisholm, Monica Connell, Isabel Helen Dawson, Helena Margaret Ellis, -Florence Mary Kelly, Nellie King, Annie MacDonald, Annie Helen -MacDonald, Catharine Chisholm MacDonald, Catharine Eileen MacDonald, -Catharine Tulloch MacDonald, Jessie MacDonald, Minnie Frances MacDonald, -Flora MacDougall, Mary MacGrath, Sadie Catharine MacIsaac (Matron), -Christena Mary MacKenzie, Dora MacKenzie, Annie Tremaine MacLeod, -Marcella Agnes O’Brien, Catharine Regina Shea, Edith Alexander Thompson, -Mary S. Walsh, Anna Teresa Young. - -The Unit was not long in receiving orders to proceed Overseas, and on -June 19, 1916, set sail per _S.S. Missinabie_. After ten days’ sail on -typical summer seas a landing was made at Liverpool. Here the jolly -family group was divided and the officers and men were sent to -Shorncliffe and attached for instruction and duty to Shorncliffe -Military Hospital, while the matron and nursing sisters entrained for -London, where they were detailed, by the Matron-in-Chief, for duty to -various hospitals in England. - -[Illustration: - - CAPT. K. A. M‘CUISH.] - -This was a sort of a period of orphanage; but in exactly three months, -September 29, 1916, the Unit was again reassembled for the purpose of -taking over the Bramshott Military Hospital, No. 12 Canadian General -Hospital, which served the large military training camps of Bramshott -and Witley. This was a splendid experience and training for the entire -personnel. A great deal of excellent work was done. The Medical Division -was taken charge of by Major Charles Hunter, of Winnipeg, and Major H. -E. Kendall was in charge of the Surgical Division, assisted by Capt. K. -A. McCuish. - -While acting as the Medical Officer of the 5th C.M.R.’s Captain McCuish -received wounds at Passchendaele, from which he died. He was buried in -the Military Cemetery at Remi Siding, near Poperinghe, Belgium, in a -hero’s grave, and now “sleeps where poppies grow in Flanders fields.” - -The winter of 1917 taxed the capacity of the hospital to the utmost, as -well as the endurance of the Staff, owing to a very severe outbreak of -influenza in the Bramshott area. The splendid manner in which the Unit -rose to the great demands made upon it and coped with the serious -condition that arose, called for special commendation from Major-General -Foster, Director-General of the Canadian Medical Services. - -Here the first great sorrow came to the Unit in the illness and death of -their beloved Commanding Officer, Lieut.-Colonel MacLeod. He contracted -anthrax poisoning, from which he died January 4, 1917. With military -honors and amidst a large concourse of sorrowing comrades he was laid to -rest in the cemetery at Bramshott. - -Command of the Unit was taken by Major H. E. Kendall, who was promoted -to the rank of Lieut.-Colonel. Lieut.-Colonel Gilmore of Toronto took -charge of the surgical section. - -The spring of 1917 was a very hard period, as was also the fall of 1917. -The damp and chilly English climate was very trying to new Canadian -troops, and there was a large amount of sickness. A good many battle -casualties were also received from France. - -A call came from France for more Canadian hospitals, and No. 9 Canadian -Stationary Hospital was selected. The Unit was ordered to proceed to -France, and sailed from Folkestone in December, 1917, landing at -Boulogne the same day with the following officers: Lieut.-Col. H. E. -Kendall, Officer Commanding; Major Charles Hunter, Major Adair, -Quartermaster; Capt. J. Williams, Pathologist; Capt. H. L. Reazin, Capt. -J. W. Lord, Capt. Andrew Love, Capt. W. F. MacIsaac, Capt. A. F. -Slayter, Capt. D. A. Webb, Capt. J. Wilfred, Hon. Capt. J. O. Ralston, -Chaplain; Hon. Capt. P. White, Chaplain. - -Major Adair was subsequently Quartermaster at No. 3 Canadian General -Hospital at Boulogne, where he died suddenly of uræmia following -influenza in the spring of 1919. - -On arrival in Boulogne the Unit received orders to proceed to -Longuenesse, near St. Omer, and open a hospital of four hundred beds. -Here everything was found to be in readiness. There were hutted wards of -corrugated iron, wooden administration buildings complete in every -detail and ready for occupation. There was an excellent, well-lighted, -well-ventilated and thoroughly-equipped operating room. The quarters -provided for officers, nursing sisters and men were all that could be -desired. - -It was only a few days before the Unit was ready to carry on, and early -in January, 1918, the first convoy was received, consisting of over one -hundred wounded soldiers from the Front. Excellent and steady work then -continued. - -In February instructions were received from headquarters to enlarge the -hospital to nine hundred beds. With willing hands and enthusiastic -workers this was soon completed, and during the month of March a great -many surgical cases were dealt with. Capt. A. Loos and Capt. A. F. -Slater were the surgical specialists at this time. On account of the -large number of surgical cases application was made for assistants. -Capt. T. MacGregor, a noted Scotch surgeon of Glasgow, was sent for -temporary duty. The officer in charge of the Medical Division was Capt. -H. L. Reazin, a successful and well-known practitioner of Toronto. - -During the spring of 1918 the St. Francis Hospital Unit carried on under -precisely the same conditions of harassing shell fire and nightly -bombing as described in connection with the Dalhousie Medical Unit. - -The nursing sisters and hospital Staff displayed great courage all -through these trying times, remaining at their posts in the operating -room and hospital wards. No pen can describe the nerve-testing and -nerve-wracking experience of hearing the swish through the air of those -terrible and deadly bombs, then the terrific explosions and rocking and -trembling of the earth which meant destruction and death to many. The -way those splendid young women carried themselves was magnificent. -Without a quiver or the slightest hesitation they kept right along with -their work and soothed and encouraged and ministered to their patients. -They were the same living contradiction here as elsewhere to all logical -relations, and the harmony of things. They would jump up on the -operating table and scream at the suggestion of a mouse or trench rat; -but would go out into the storm and darkness and fire to give a drink of -water to a wounded soldier. - -The Unit was making preparations to still further expand the bed -capacity of the hospital when orders were issued for all hospitals in -the area to evacuate at once. The wounded were sent by ambulance trains -to the base, the equipment was packed up, and on April 19th the Unit -moved to Etaples, which is a fishing village about twenty miles from -Boulogne. It was a large hospital area and there were 25,000 available -beds. - -On the outskirts of the town near the village of Le Faux a site was -provided for the St. Francis Unit. The nursing sisters were detailed for -duty to No. 1 Canadian General Hospital and No. 7 Canadian General -Hospital. The officers and men were under canvas. - -The Unit was under instructions to open a tent hospital of 600 beds, and -the work was progressing rapidly when that terrible air raid came at 10 -o’clock in the evening of May 18th and continued for nearly two hours. -The casualties were very heavy and every hospital suffered. A number of -live bombs dropped within the small area occupied by the St. Francis -Unit. Two men were instantly killed and thirteen wounded. The killed -were Sergeants MacMillen and Taylor. They were buried in the Military -Cemetery at Etaples. Seventeen hospital marquees of the Unit were -destroyed during this raid. It was fortunate that the Unit had not -commenced receiving patients. - -[Illustration: - - COL. R. ST. JOHN MACDONALD.] - -One of the medical officers, Capt W. F. MacIsaac, of Antigonish, was -badly wounded, and succumbed to his injuries in No. 1 Canadian General -Hospital on June 3rd. He was a young man of brilliant attainments, -exemplary character and a promising young surgeon. He too was buried in -the Military Cemetery at Etaples. The whole Unit was in attendance at -the funeral. - -Since a large part of the hospital equipment was destroyed it was -decided to move the Unit to another area. All the railways were -congested and every other means of transportation taxed to the utmost; -consequently no means of moving the equipment could be obtained, and it -remained packed for several months. Most of the officers and men were -detailed for duty to other hospitals. - -Lieut.-Col. H. E. Kendall was recalled for duty to England on August 28, -1918, and command of the Unit fell to Major R. St. J. MacDonald, who had -been posted to the Unit a few months previously. - -The Unit was instructed to be in readiness to open up a Convalescent -Hospital for the Canadian Corps. But before this was carried out the -Germans made an unconditional surrender which they were allowed to call -an Armistice. - -Hopes were now high for an early, in fact, immediate return home, and -this became the all-absorbing topic of conversation. - -Capt. A. Sterling, Capt. S. MacKenzie, Capt. G. Zwicker, Capt. G. -Phillips and Capt. S. Whitehouse arrived from England on November 20th -and joined the Unit. Capt. Sterling had gone Overseas as a combatant -officer with the R.C.R.’s and saw considerable fighting. Owing to the -scarcity of medical officers in the summer of 1917 he was asked to -transfer to the Medical Corps, which he did, and was posted to the -Canadian Special Hospital at Etching Hill, where he remained until -joining No. 9 Canadian Stationary. - -Major S. L. Walker was posted to this Unit on November 25, 1918, and was -afterwards promoted to the rank of Lieut.-Colonel. He had been on active -service with various Units since the spring of 1915. Colonel Walker was -an excellent administrative officer and added strength to the Staff as -second in command. - -The Unit received instructions to take over the special hospital at -Camiers from the Dalhousie Unit, which had received orders to proceed to -England en route to Canada. This change took place on February 8, 1919, -and St. Francis Unit took over the hospital with 900 patients. - -In a short time the number of patients increased to 1,100 and St. -Francis Unit had the honor of being raised to the status of a General -Hospital. This gave an opportunity for some well-merited promotions -among the officers, non-commissioned officers and men. - -At this time the Staff was as follows: - - Col. R. St. John MacDonald Officer Commanding. - Lieut.-Col. S. L. Walker Second in Command. - Major H. G. Murray In charge Medical Division. - Major A. Sterling In charge Surgical Division. - Major R. F. Slater Registrar and Paymaster. - Major J. R. MacRae - Major G. S. Gordon - Major S. Sprague - Hon. Capt. H. E. Law Quartermaster. - Hon. Capt. A. E. Hagar Chaplain. - Capt. S. P. H. Morlatt Dental Officer. - Capt. F. Hinds Dental Officer. - Capt. J. F. Elkerton - Capt. J. D. MacDonald - Capt. W. M. MacDonald - Capt. A. R. Campbell - Capt. G. Phillips - Capt. S. Whitehouse - Capt. G. Zwicker - -The stay at Camiers was made more pleasant for the personnel and -patients by the attention paid to recreation and amusements. A baseball -league was formed for the area and many good games were played, in which -there was a great deal of enthusiastic interest. There was also much -interest taken in tennis and quoits. A moving-picture theatre was -constructed and equipped by the Canadian Y.M.C.A., under Capt. A. E. -Hagar, which was an unfailing source of pleasure to the patients and -personnel. The Y.M.C.A. also established a canteen and furnished a -reading room. The Red Cross too, through its representative, Major F. -Murphy, contributed very largely to the success of the Unit by providing -comforts for the patients and a large amount of sporting equipment. - -A thrill of pleasant anticipation ran through the Unit when on May 20th -orders were received that the patients were to be evacuated at once with -a view to demobilization and return to Canada. As soon as the patients -were evacuated no time was lost in turning the hospital equipment and -supplies in to Ordnance Stores. This was completed on May 28th and on -May 30th the Unit moved to Boulogne, crossed to Folkestone the same -afternoon and arrived at Witley Camp, Surrey, the next day. - -After a very pleasant month in England, occupied mostly with -leave-taking and renewing old acquaintances, the Unit proceeded to -Southampton and embarked on the _S.S. Olympic_ for Halifax on July 2nd, -together with No. 7 Canadian General Hospital (Queens) and No. 4 -Canadian General Hospital (Toronto). - -On July 8th at 6 p.m., after a voyage of only six days, these happy -home-comers were docked at Halifax. The Unit was met by representatives -of St. Francis Xavier College, whose name it had the honor of bearing, -led by Dr. J. J. Tompkins. Dr. Tompkins invited the officers, -non-commissioned officers and men to a reception as well as farewell -banquet at the “Green Lantern.” Other guests present were Governor -Grant, Hon. R. E. Faulkner, Hon. Senator Crosby, Col. John Stewart, -Lieut.-Col. E. V. Hogan and John Neville. After an excellent supper the -Unit was welcomed home in a very happy manner by Dr. Tompkins, Governor -Grant and others. Col. R. St. J. MacDonald and Lieut.-Col. S. L. Walker -replied on behalf of the Unit. - -The following morning, July 9th, the Unit was demobilized after over -three years’ service Overseas. - -The entire personnel had changed since leaving Halifax for Overseas, and -on demobilization was as follows: - - Col. R. St. J. MacDonald. - Lieut.-Col. S. L. Walker. - Major A. Sterling. - Major H. G. Murray. - Major G. S. Gordon. - Major A. F. Slater. - Hon. Capt. A. E. Hagar, Chaplain. - Hon. Capt. F. Kelley, Chaplain. - Capt. A. H. Haugh. - Capt. J. D. MacDonald. - Capt. W. M. MacDonald. - Capt. G. Zwicker. - Capt. G. Phillips. - Capt. S. Whitehouse. - Capt. W. H. P. Lavell. - Capt. W. B. Surleton. - Capt. M. MacKay. - Capt. J. MacBeth. - Capt. S. P. H. Morlatt. - -Following is a list of honors received by original members of No. 9 -Canadian Stationary Hospital, as far as can be ascertained at the moment -of writing: - - Lieut.-Col. R. St. John MacDonald Mentioned in dispatches. - Capt. A. R. Campbell M.C. - Capt. L. D. Densmore M.C. - Matron S. C. MacIsaac Mentioned for valuable services, - 20–10–17; R.R.C., 2nd class, - 1–1–19; R.R.C., 1st class, 31–7–19. - Nursing Sister F. Kelley R.R.C., 2nd class. - Nursing Sister C. E. Chisholm Mention, 20–12–18; mention, 11–7–19. - Nursing Sister Annie MacDonald Mentioned for valuable services, - 20–10–17. - Nursing Sister C. M. MacKenzie Mentioned for valuable services, - 20–10–17. Mentioned for valuable - services, 9–9–19. - Nursing Sister C. R. Shea Medaille Militaire des Invalides. - - - MISCELLANEOUS MEDICAL SERVICES. - -Less than half the Nova Scotia medical men who went Overseas served with -the Nova Scotia Medical Units. This narrative would therefore be very -incomplete without reference to the major portion. - -Many of these had distinguished service with the Royal Army Medical -Corps (R.A.M.C.) and with other Canadian and Imperial Hospitals, as well -as with the fighting Units as Regimental Medical Officers and other -general and special duties. - -Be it said to the honor of Nova Scotia that the organizing and directing -genius of the Canadian Army Medical Service was supplied by two Nova -Scotians, Major-Gen. Guy Carleton Jones, C.M.G., who was born in Nova -Scotia and practised his profession in Halifax, and Major-Gen. G. L. -Foster, C.B., who was born in Nova Scotia and also practised his -profession in Halifax. - -General Jones went Overseas with the First Canadian Contingent as -A.D.M.S. and shortly after arrival in England was made Director of -Medical Services, Canadian Expeditionary Force, with headquarters in -London, which he organized and administered with great ability until he -was made Medical Inspector, Canadian Expeditionary Force, in 1917. Later -he became D.M.S. in charge of hospitals in Canada. - -General Foster succeeded General Jones as D.M.S. Canadian Expeditionary -Force and later was made D.G.M.S., O.M.F.C., and successfully carried on -the duties of that high and difficult office until the end of the War -and the demobilization of the Canadian Army. - -Another outstanding Nova Scotia Medical Officer was Lieut.-Col. H. M. -Jacques. When the First Contingent left, Colonel Jacques became Acting -D.G.M.S., Ottawa. He was A.D.M.S. 2nd Canadian Division in France; he -was three times mentioned for distinguished service in Sir Douglas -Haig’s dispatches and was promoted to the full rank of Colonel and -awarded the D.S.O. and Bar for distinguished and gallant service in -action. - -The nursing service has also brought great credit to Nova Scotia, and it -is a further honor to the Province that the Canadian Army Nursing -Service was under the direction of a Nova Scotian. The Matron-in-Chief -was Miss Margaret C. MacDonald, of Bailey Brook. She was mentioned for -distinguished services and awarded the R.R.C. She had seen active -service in the Spanish-American War and was selected to accompany the -Second Canadian Contingent to South Africa. - -The following is a synopsis of the Military Services of Nova Scotia -medical men not previously mentioned, as far as can be obtained. It has -been impossible to get a complete authentic record, and although every -medical man on the Medical Register for the Province, who was known to -have been in the military service, was written to personally for -information, only thirty replies were received to 150 letters. The list -is therefore liable to some errors and omissions. - - - MILITARY MEDICAL SERVICE OVERSEAS. - -ARCHIBALD, MAJOR THOMAS DICKSON—Went to England as a combatant officer -with the 8th Canadian Mounted Rifles in 1916. On this being broken up, a -Canadian Cavalry Field Ambulance was formed, which Captain Archibald -joined as a Medical Officer. He was in the Somme fighting, was two years -in France, and was promoted to the rank of Major. - -ATLEE, MAJOR H. BENGE.—Enlisted in R.A.M.C. in London, England, -November, 1914. Appointed Medical Officer, Royal Munster Fusiliers. -Served in Gallipoli, the Suvla Bay expedition, No. 19 British Hospital, -Alexandra, Egypt, the 69th Ambulance, Salonika. Was awarded the M.C. and -promoted to the rank of Major. - -BAULD, LIEUT.-COLONEL W. A. G., D.S.O.—Enlisted 1914. Demobilized June, -1919. Served in England, France and Salonika. Twice mentioned in -despatches. Awarded D.S.O. - -BARRACLOUGH, CAPT. WILLIAM—Enlisted C.A.M.C. 20–12–16. Demobilized -12–12–19. Served in Canada 20–12–16 to 23–3–17, England 27–3–17 to -15–6–18, France 15–6–18 to 19–5–19. Was Neurological Specialist in Camp -Hill Hospital, Halifax, 27–5–19 to 12–12–19. - -BARSS, CAPT. G. A.—Enlisted Captain R.A.M.C. in England 29–8–15. Posted -to Durham Light Infantry, with which he went to France in January, 1916. -Served also with Scots Guards. Mentioned twice in dispatches for -services in the Somme, 1916, and Cambrai, 1917. Demobilized 29–8–18. - -BLACKADAR, CAPT. K. K.—Enlisted 5–1–17. Demobilized 21–7–19. Served in -Canada, England and France. - -BLACKETT, CAPT. ARTHUR E.—Enlisted Capt. C.A.M.C. 9–8–15. Demobilized -23–6–19. Served in Canada 9–8–15 to 18–6–16, England 18–6–16 to 4–5–17 -and 2–9–18 to 18–1–19, France 4–5–17 to 2–9–18. - -BORDEN, CAPT. R. F.—Enlisted 1–7–16. Demobilized 27–4–19. Served in -Canada, England and France. - -BURGESS, CAPT. HARRY C.—Served Overseas. No particulars available. - -BURNS, CAPT. ARTHUR S.—Enlisted 19–2–16. Demobilized 23–12–19. Served in -Canada, England and France. - -CAMPBELL, CAPT. DONALD ST. C.—Captain C.A.M.C. Enlisted 23–12–16. -Demobilized 29–12–19. Served in Canada, England and France. - -CAMPBELL, CAPT. JOHN G. D.—Enlisted 26–12–16. Demobilized 29–11–19. -Served in Canada, England and France. - -CARRUTHERS, LIEUT.-COL. J. S.—Enlisted 30–6–15. Returned 26–1–19. Served -in Canada, England and France. - -CHISHOLM, CAPT. JAMES STANLEY—Enlisted 8–5–15. Demobilized 30–9–19. -Served in Canada, England and France. - -CHURCHILL, CAPT. L. P.—Enlisted 15–2–16. Demobilized 11–3–19. Served in -Canada, England and France. M.O. 219th Battalion. Served in France with -5th Field Ambulance, 3rd British General Hospital, 47th British General -Hospital, 7th Canadian General Hospital, 1st Canadian Mounted Rifles and -R.C.R. Awarded M.C. for gallant services at Battle of Arras. - -COCHRANE, CAPT. WILFRED N.—Enlisted 13–11–16. Demobilized 1–1–19. Served -in England and France; in France with No. 7 Canadian Stationary Hospital -(Dalhousie Unit), 8th Canadian Field Ambulance and 3rd Division Train. - -COCK, MAJOR J. L.—Enlisted 9–3–15. Demobilized 12–1–20. Served in -Canada, England and France. - -COFFIN, CAPT. WILLIAM V.—Overseas Service. No particulars available. - -COLLIE, CAPT. JOHN R. M.—Overseas Service in the Navy. No particulars -available. - -COVERT, CAPT. ARCHIBALD N.—Enlisted 7–3–20. Demobilized 12–6–19. Served -in Canada, England and France. - -CREIGHTON, MAJOR THOMAS MCCULLY.—Was in England when war broke out and -enlisted in the British Navy July 30, 1914. Was posted to _H.M.S. -Argonaut_, transferred to Hospital Ship _China_ and went to Salonika. -Later joined the Army and went to France. On returning to England became -D.A.D.M.S. Demobilized September, 1919. - -CROLL, LIEUT.-COL. ANDREW—Enlisted 1–4–15. Demobilized 4–11–18. Served -in Canada, England and three years in France. - -CURRY, MAJOR WILFRED A.—Enlisted in R.A.M.C. in England. Had three -years’ service in France as Surgical Specialist to No. 44 C.C.S. and No. -34 C.C.S. On returning to England was attached to Shepherd’s Bush -Orthopædic Hospital, London. On demobilization was appointed Orthopædic -Specialist to Department of Soldiers’ Civil Re-establishment for Nova -Scotia and Prince Edward Island. - -DAVIDSON, CAPT. VICTOR DAVID.—Overseas Service. No particulars -available. - -DAY, CAPT. FREDERICK B., M.C.—Enlisted 5–10–15. Demobilized 30–4–19. -Service in Canada, England and France. In France served with No. 7 -Canadian Stationary Hospital, 13th Field Ambulance. In trenches as M.O. -54th Canadian Infantry Battalion until wounded twice by shrapnel. -Awarded M.C. for gallant services in action. - -DOBSON, CAPT. WM. L.—Enlisted 16–9–17. Demobilized 25–7–19. Served in -Canada and England. - -DONOVAN, CAPT. OSCAR C.—Enlisted 11–19–15. Demobilized 25–2–20. Served -in Canada, England and France. Was a Surgical Specialist in France, and -after returning to England was attached to Shepherd’s Bush Orthopædic -Hospital, London. Was awarded the Croix de Guerre by the French. - -DOUGLAS, MAJOR EDGAR, M.C.—Enlisted 17–8–14. Demobilized 29–9–19. Served -in Canada, England and three years in France. In France served with No. -7 Canadian Stationary Hospital, No. 1 Canadian C.C.S., No. 11 C.C.S., -R.A.M.C., 4th Canadian Field Ambulance, No. 13 Canadian Field Ambulance. -Was wounded in head and hand at Lens, and wounded in left shoulder at -Passchendaele. Awarded M.C. for gallant service at Lens. - -DOULL, CAPT. JAMES ANGUS, M.C., Croix de Guerre—Served in England and -France. Particulars not available. - -DWYER, CAPT. THOMAS R.—Enlisted 12–5–17. Demobilized 10–11–19. Served in -Canada and England. - -DYAS, CAPT. ALEX. D.—Enlisted 10–8–16. Demobilized 8–10–19. Served in -Canada, England and France as Ear, Nose and Throat Specialist. Wounded -by shrapnel at Arras. - -EAGAR, MAJOR WILLIAM H.—Service in Canada, England and France as X-ray -Specialist. - -EATON, CAPT. PERRY B.—Enlisted 13–3–17. Demobilized 11–9–19. Served in -Canada and England. - -FREEMAN, CAPT. E. H.—Enlisted 11–5–15. Demobilized 31–1–19. Served in -England, France, Salonika, Palestine and Egypt. - -FREEMAN, CAPT. NELSON P.—Enlisted 1–10–16. Demobilized 15–6–18. Served -in Canada and England. Invalided home with paralysis, one side. - -GASS, CAPT. CHAS. L.—Served Overseas. Particulars not available. - -GITTLESON, CAPT. PHILIP M.—Served Overseas. No particulars available. - -GODFREY, CAPT. HARRY M.—Overseas. No particulars available. - -GODFREY, CAPT. ALEX. T.—Enlisted 22–10–16. Demobilized 4–6–18. Served in -Canada and England. - -GOUTHRO, CAPT. H. P.—Enlisted 26–11–16. Demobilized 12–1–20. Served in -Canada, England and France. - -GOW, MAJOR F. A. R.—Enlisted 14–10–14. Demobilized 15–5–20. Served in -Canada, England and France. 1914–15 Star. - -GRANT, CAPT GERALD W.—Enlisted 7–11–16. Demobilized 15–7–19. Served in -Canada, England and France. Awarded M.C. for gallantry in action, and -the 1915 Star. - -GREEN, CAPT. FREDERICK WILLIAM—Served Overseas. No particulars -available. - -HAYES, LIEUT.-COL. JOSEPH, D.S.O.—Enlisted 24–9–15. Demobilized 16–5–19. -Served in Canada, England and France. Served in France with 85th -Canadian Infantry Battalion, 4th Divisional Train, No. 10 British -General Hospital, Facture Detention Hospital, S.M.O. Central Group -C.F.C., O.C. No. 2 Canadian Stationary Hospital. Was twice mentioned in -dispatches and awarded D.S.O. - -HART, CAPT. EDWARD C.—Served Overseas. No particulars available. - -HEAL, JAMES G. F.—Served Overseas. Particulars not available. - -HEMMEON, MAJOR JAMES A. M.—Enlisted 1–3–16. Demobilized 6–8–19. Served -in Canada, England and France. - -HENDERSON, CAPT. CHARLES S.—Enlisted 18–4–18. Demobilized 12–1–20. -Served in Canada 18–4–18 to 7–12–18 and 1–9–19 to 12–1–20, and in -England 7–12–18 to 21–8–19. - -HINES, CAPT. ARTHUR—Enlisted 31–5–16. Demobilized 31–8–19. Served in -Canada, England and two years in France. Was awarded M.C. for gallantry -in Battle of Amiens, August 8th, 1918. - -JOST, MAJOR ARTHUR C.—Enlisted 6–3–16. Demobilized 1–8–19. Served in -Canada and England. On demobilization held the temporary rank of -Lieut.-Colonel. - -JOHNSON, CAPT. ARTHUR M.—Highfield House, Bury, England. Served -Overseas. No particulars available. - -JOHNSON, CAPT. JAMES MACGREGOR, Highfield House, Bury, England. Served -Overseas. No particulars available. - -JOHNSON, STEPHEN R.—Served Overseas. Particulars not available. - -KEAY, CAPT. THOMAS—Enlisted 24–1–17. Demobilized 11–7–19. Served in -Canada, England and France. - -KENNEDY, CAPT. GEORGE B.—Enlisted 7–16–15. Demobilized 12–6–19. -Transferred from C.A.M.C. to R.A.M.C., July, 1915. Served in Canada, -England, Malta (in St. Andrew’s Hospital), Fort Manuel, France, April, -1916, with 77th Field Ambulance, No. 16 General Hospital, 5th Field -Ambulance, 3rd Cavalry Field Ambulance, No. 2 Stationary Hospital, No. -223 Brigade, R.F.A., No. 7 Stationary Hospital, Boulogne, etc. - -KENNEDY, CAPT. WILLIAM F.—Enlisted 18–8–18. Demobilized 1–3–20. Served -in Canada, England and France in various arms of the Service. - -KENNY, CAPT. W. F.—Enlisted 28–6–15. Demobilized 28–2–20. Served in -Canada, England and France. - -LYONS, CAPT, JAMES N.—Served Overseas. No particulars available. - -MACAULAY, CAPT. DANIEL A.—Enlisted August, 1918. Demobilized 5–3–19. -Served in Canada, England and France. - -MCAULAY, MAJOR MURDOCK A.—Enlisted August, 1915. Demobilized on -disbanding of C.E.F., but continued in service of C.A.M.C. as O.C. -Cogswell Street Military Hospital, Halifax. Also served in England and -France. - -MACKASEY, CAPT. WM, P.—Served 31 months in the R.A.M.C. Was on service -in England 6–9–15. Demobilized in Canada 4–5–20. Africa 1916. Chief -Surgeon on Ambulance Ship in the Mediterranean. - -MEECH, CAPT. LLOYD R, M.C.—Served Overseas and was awarded the M.C. for -gallant services. No particulars available. - -MILLAR, MAJOR J. ROSS—M.O. German Prisoners of War Camp at Amherst, -March, 1915. Joined R.A.M.C. July, 1915, and proceeded to England. -Joined No. 2 British General Hospital, France, in September, 1915. -Posted to No. 37 C.C.S. in November, 1915. Sent to Italian Front with -No. 37 C.C.S. in November, 1917. Transferred as Surgical Specialist to -No. 9 C.C.S., January, 1918. In charge Advanced Operating Centre, Asiago -Plateau. On returning to England assigned to duty with Shepherd’s Bush -Orthopædic Hospital, London. On returning to Canada was appointed -Orthopædic Specialist to D.S.C.R. for Nova Scotia and Prince Edward -Island, which position he resigned to resume private practice. - -MORRIS, LIEUT.-COL. CLARENCE H.—Enlisted August, 1914. Demobilized -11–11–19. Served in Canada, also England, 5–10–14 to 1–1–15; France -1–1–15 to 1–8–15; Gallipoli 5–12–15 to 5–2–16; Egypt 5–2–16 to 6–2–17; -Macedonia 15–4–17 to 17–10–17. Mentioned in Sir Ian Hamilton’s -dispatches, November, 1915. On return to Canada was O.C. Camp Hill -Hospital, Halifax, and later D.A.D.M.S., M.D. No. 6. - -MORTON, CAPT. LEWIS M.—Enlisted 11–10–15. Demobilized 28–8–19. Served in -Canada, England and France. - -MUIR, CAPT. WALTER H.—Enlisted 16–11–15. Demobilized 13–12–19. Served in -Canada, England and France. Joined Staff of No. 7 Canadian General -Hospital in France at Etaples 7–8–17. Sent to forward areas 28–8–17 for -duty with No. 5 Canadian Field Ambulance. M.O. 6th Brigade Canadian -Field Artillery 14–4–18. Was in all the activities of 2nd Division from -Passchendaele to the Rhine. - -MUNRO, CAPT. JOHN A.—Enlisted 15–2–16. Demobilized 31–3–19. Served in -Canada, England and France. - -MURRAY, CAPT. DAN.—Enlisted 26–2–17. Demobilized 1–8–19. Served in -Canada, England and France. - -MURRAY, CAPT. DUNCAN.—Enlisted 4–11–16. Demobilized 13–6–19. Served in -Canada, England and France. - -MCCURDY, CAPT. DEXTER S.—Enlisted 23–12–16. Demobilized, 12–7–19. Served -in Canada, England and France. - -MACDONALD, LIEUT.-COL. T. HOWARD—Enlisted 1914. Served in England and -France. He was appointed O.C. of the ill-fated Hospital Ship _Llandovery -Castle_, on her last voyage, on which he was drowned. - -MACDONALD, CAPT. NATHANIEL—Enlisted October, 1915. Demobilized 28–12–18. -Served in Canada, England and France. Was mentioned in Sir Douglas -Haig’s dispatches. - -MACDONALD, CAPT. JOHN CLYDE—Served Overseas. No particulars available. - -MACDONALD, MAJOR P. W. S.—Enlisted early in 1915. Served in Canada, -England and France. Was on D.M.S. Staff, London. Died of influenza in -England. - -MACDONALD, MAJOR WILLIAM HENRY—Enlisted 25–9–16. Demobilized, 4–6–19. -Served in England on Surgical Staff, Kitchener Military Hospital. Went -to France 10–10–17 and joined No. 7 Canadian Stationary Hospital as -Second in Command. Surgical Specialist Staff of No. 3 Canadian C.C.S., -4–1–18 to 14–8–18. On Surgical Teams No. 19 and No. 38, British C.C.S., -and No. 32 British Stationary Hospital. Was in retreat of 5th Army and -escaped with small surgical outfit. - -MACDONALD, CAPT. WILFRED M.—Enlisted February, 1917. Continued in -C.A.M.C. after dispersal of C.E.F. Served in Canada, England and France. - -MACINTOSH, CAPT. ARTHUR E.—Enlisted 30–6–15. Demobilized 15–7–19. Served -in Canada, England and France. Served in France with No. 7 Canadian -Stationary Hospital. - -MCKAY, CAPT. JOHN ST. C.—Enlisted 25–11–15. Demobilized 13–6–19. Served -in Canada, England and France. - -MCKAY, CAPT. MURDOCK—Enlisted 4–1–17. Demobilized 12–7–19. Served in -Canada, England and France. - -MacKENZIE, CAPT. SEYMOUR G.—Enlisted 12–11–17. Demobilized 28–8–19. -Served in Canada, England and France. - -MACKINNON, CAPT. HUGH A.—Enlisted 3–5–16. Demobilized 15–7–19. Served in -Canada, England and France. - -MCLARREN, CAPT. PHILIP D.—Enlisted 30–5–17. Demobilized 12–1–20. Served -in Canada, England and France. - -MACLEAN, CAPT. E. D.—Enlisted 14–2–18. Demobilized 21–2–19. Served in -Canada, England and France. Went to England with the Highland Brigade. -On going to France was attached to No. 7 Canadian Stationary Hospital. - -MCLEOD, CAPT. JOHN KNOX—Enlisted 25–5–17. Demobilized 31–5–19. Served in -Canada, England and France. On returning to Canada was appointed O.C. -Ross Moxham Hospital, Sydney. - -O’NEIL, MAJOR FREEMAN—Enlisted April, 1914. Demobilized 15–7–19. Served -in England 18–11–18 to 4–5–19; France 19–6–19 to 30–6–19. - -MCRAE, CAPT. DUNCAN R.—Overseas. No particulars available. - -MACRITCHIE, CAPT. JOHN JAMES—Overseas. No particulars available. - -PARKS, CAPT. JOHN E.—Enlisted 20–7–15. Demobilized 15–6–19. Served in -Canada, England and France. - -PARKER, CAPT. VERNON H. T.—Enlisted 31–3–17. Demobilized 26–8–19. Served -in Canada, England and France. - -PATTON, CAPT. WELDON W.—Overseas. No particulars available. - -PENNINGTON, CAPT. JOHN W.—Overseas. No particulars available. - -POTTER, COL. JACOB L.—Canadian Permanent Army Medical Corps. At outbreak -of War was A.D.M.S., Military District No. 3. Called to office of -D.G.M.S., Ottawa. Became acting D.G.M.S. and afterwards Deputy D.G.M.S. -Went to Siberia with the Canadian Stationary Hospital. - -PORTER, CAPT. SYDNEY E.—Enlisted 30–7–17. Demobilized 31–5–19. Served in -Canada and England. - -PATRICK, CAPT. IVAN YOUNG—Enlisted 19–4–18. Demobilized 21–7–19. Served -in Canada and England. - -PEAKE, CAPT. EDGAR P.—Enlisted 3–7–17. Demobilized 31–7–19. Served in -Canada, England and France. - -PICKUP, CAPT. WILLIAM A.—Enlisted 16–7–14. Demobilized 1–7–17. Served in -Canada, England and France. - -ROBBINS, CAPT. WELTON H.—Enlisted 15–9–17. Demobilized 25–11–9. Served -in Canada, England and France. - -SLAYTER, MAJOR JOHN HOWARD—Enlisted 8–6–16. Demobilized 21–11–19. Served -in Canada, England and France. Awarded M.B.E. - -SPARROW, CAPT. CECIL J.—Enlisted 6–9–15. Demobilized –7–18. Served in -Canada, France and the Balkans. - -SPONAGLE, LIEUT.-COL. J. A.—Enlisted 20–11–14 as M.O. 25th Infantry -Battalion, which proceeded Overseas 20–5–15. Was M.O. 1st Canadian -Divisional Train in France. Went through Battles of Lens and -Passchendaele with this Unit. In England held numerous important -appointments—among them: Pensions and Claims Board; O.C. of C.A.M.C. -Training Depot; Duchess Connaught Canadian Red Cross Hospital; O.C. -Canadian Hospital, Hillingdon House, Uxbridge. Had twenty-seven years’ -previous experience in the Canadian Militia. Received Colonial Auxiliary -Forces Officers’ Decoration for long service. Was demobilized February -16, 1920. - -SUTHERLAND, CAPT. COLIN G.—Enlisted 1–6–17. Demobilized 9–6–19. Served -in Canada and England. - -SUTHERLAND, MAJOR ROBERT H.—Enlisted 5–8–14. Demobilized 21–7–19. Served -in Canada, England, Egypt and Salonika with No. 1 Canadian Stationary -Hospital. - -TRITES, CAPT. CHARLES B.—Enlisted 18–4–16. Demobilized 5–5–19. Served in -Canada, England and France. - -WHITMAN, CAPT. GEO. W.—Overseas service. No particulars available. - -WILSON, CAPT. ARTHUR A. C.—Served in Canada and England. - -WISWELL, CAPT. GORDON B.—Enlisted October, 1915. Demobilized 6–2–19. -Served in Canada, England and France. Was awarded M.C. for gallant -service in action and was mentioned in dispatches. - -WYLDE, CAPT. CHARLES F.—Served Overseas. No particulars available. - -ZWICKER, CAPT. W. D.—Enlisted 24–1–17. Demobilized 12–1–20. Served in -Canada, England and France. - - - MILITARY MEDICAL SERVICE IN NOVA SCOTIA. - -Capts. W. B. Almon, Hugh O. Blauvelt, William J. Barton, Thomas I. -Byrne, Barry H. Calkin, Allister Calder, Michael J. Carney, Prof. John -Cameron, George M. Campbell, John L. Churchill, Major James R. Corston, -Capts. Allan R. Cunningham. John A. Davis, Lieut. David Drury, Capts. -Charles S. Elliott, Guy S. Goodwin, John W. Gannon, W. H. Hattie, B. A. -LeBlanc, Roy D. Lindsay, Vernon L. Miller, Major Ernest F. Miller, Capt. -Angus M. Morton, Major Leander R. Morse, Capt. John A. Murdoch, Major -Donald McDonald, Capt. Dan. F. McInnis, Lieut. Joseph W. McKay, Capts. -Donald J. MacKenzie, John M. McLean, Majors Geo. J. McNally, A. G. -Nichols, Lieut.-Col. Albert A. Schaffner, Capt. W. H. Schwartz, Lieut. -Sieniewicz, Major Dugald Stewart, Lieut. Clarence W. Thorne, Capt. -Solomon J. Turel, Major Philip Weatherbe, Major H. B. Webster. - - - NURSING SERVICE. - -In connection with the Nova Scotia Hospital Units reference has been -made to only a few Nova Scotia nurses. No account of the humanitarian -service of the medical organization in the Great War should fail to give -prominence to the noble work of the nursing sisters. What they have done -to lighten the weary hours of the wounded, war-sick and homesick soldier -has been stamped indelibly on hundreds of thousands of hearts throughout -the world. - -Every effort has been made to get a complete list of all the Nova Scotia -nurses who served in the Great War and where they served. The nearest -approach to it is an official list of nurses who either enlisted or were -demobilized in Nova Scotia at the headquarters of No. 6 Military -District. This has been supplemented by submitting the list, for -revision, to some thirty active service nurses and also a number of -Medical Officers. Even now there will undoubtedly be some omissions and -errors. - - - MILITARY SERVICE OF NURSES ENLISTED OR DEMOBILIZED IN NOVA SCOTIA. - - - _England, France and Salonika._ - - Clarke, Catherine Parker. - Condon, Margaret. - McKenzie, Elizabeth Margaret. - MacIntosh, Mary Catherine. - McKay, Alice Lettie. - - - _England and Salonika._ - - Brennan, Emily Lorraine. - - - _England, France and Russia._ - - Cotton, Dorothy M., R.R.C. - - - _England and France._ - - Archard, Sarah Ann, A.R.R.C. - Allan, Ann Doctor, R.R.C. - Arbuckle, M. B. - Benvie, Ada. - Black, Amy Isabel. - Bayers, Gladys Fuller. - Beers, Vivian Gertrude. - Cameron, Josephine Christine. - Connell, Monica. - Cooke, Elizabeth Ann; mentioned in dispatches. - -Nova Scotia was as prominent in the Nursing as in the Medical Service, -and is said to have contributed during the War more Matrons in France -than any other individual Province in the Dominion. It gave the -Matron-in-Chief of the Canadian Forces, Miss Margaret C. MacDonald, -R.R.C., M.M. des I (French Army). Miss MacDonald had previously seen -active service in the Spanish-American War and the South African War. - -The other Nova Scotia nurses who were Matrons in France during the war -were: Miss Georgina Pope, R.R.C. (Senior Matron in Canada), who went -with the Canadian Contingent to the South African War as Matron; Miss -Harriett Graham, R.R.C.; Miss L. M. Hubley, R.R.C.; Miss K. C. -MacLatchy, R.R.C.; Miss S. C. MacIsaac, R.R.C.; Miss Elizabeth B. Ross, -R.R.C.; Miss A. C. Strong, R.R.C. - - Calder, Jennie Squair, A.R.R.C. - Cameron, Annie May. - Campbell, Laura Emily. - Chisholm, Christena Elizabeth; mentioned in dispatches. - Chisholm, Sarah Catherine. - Churchill, Sarah. - Davidson, Jessie Ann. - Dawson, Isabel Helen. - Dempsey, Mary Catharine. - Doyle, Elizabeth C. (Mrs.) - Drew, Margaret Currie. - Duthie, Edna Craig. - Edgecombe, Lillian Grace. - Ellis, Helena Margaret. - Etherington, Ethel B. - Fitzgerald, Lillian Mary. - Follette, Minnie (drowned _Llandovery Castle_). - Fraser, Annie Margaret. - - Fraser, Edith Morrow. - Fraser, Pearl (drowned _Llandovery Castle_). - Genders, Sarah Elizabeth. - Gillan, Ina Gertrude. - Gordon, Eleanor McLaren, A.R.R.C. - Graham, Harriet M. (Matron), R.R.C. - Gray, Dorothy Louise, R.R.C. - Gray, Marguerite Olive. - Guild, Effie Jean. - Gunn, Mary Catharine. - Haliburton, Marion Frances. - Hazard, Mary Elizabeth. - Howard, Alice Maud. - Hubley, Laura May (Matron), R.R.C. - Irwin, Eliza Blanche. - Johnstone, Alice May; mentioned in dispatches. - Johnstone, Margaret A., R.R.C. - Kelly, F. M., R.R.C. - Kendall, Helen Mary. - King, Hazel Mary. - Lamplaugh, Mary Edith, R.R.C. - Landells, Margaret Jane. - Lynch, Mary Theresa; Belgian decoration. - MacAulay, Lorinda. - MacDonald, Annie; mentioned in dispatches. - MacDonald, Annie Belle; French decoration. - MacDonald, Annie Helen. - MacDonald, Catherine Chisholm. - MacDonald, Catherine Tulloch. - MacDonald, Helen Catherine. - MacDonald, Hilda Havergill. - MacDonald, Janet MacGregor, R.R.C. - MacDonald, Jessie Belle. - MacDonald, Jessie Helen. - MacDonald, Louise, A.R.R.C. - MacDonald, Margaret, A.R.R.C. - MacDonald, Margaret Clothilda (Pr. Matron, C.E.F.), R.R.C. (Florence - Nightingale decoration). - MacDonald, Mary Margaret. - MacDonald, Mary Simpson. - MacDonald, Minnie Frances. - MacDougall. Annie Claire. - McCuish, Elizabeth Margaret. - McDonald, Catharine Eileen. - McDonald, Nellie Elizabeth. - McDougald, Flora. - McDougald, Margaret; French decoration. - McGrath, Mary. - McInnis, Florence Louise. - McIsaac, Sarah Catherine (Matron), R.R.C. - McKay, Helen Barbara, A.R.R.C. - McKeel, Theadora, R.R.C. - McKenzie, Charlotte. - McKenzie, Christina Mary. - McKenzie, Dora. - McKenzie, Margaret Eliza. - McKenzie, Minnie Hannah. - McKinnon, Euphemia. - McLatchey, Katherine O. (Matron), R.R.C. - McLean, Catherine. - McLean, Elizabeth Isobel. - McLean, Marguerite. - McLean, Mary Rachael. - McLeod, Annie Tremaine. - McLeod, Winifred G. - McLeod, Isabella Gordon. - McLeod, Margaret Christena. - McNeill, Mary Belle. - Moreshead, Eleanor Gorrill. - Mosher, Eva Maud. - Mulcahy, Grace. - Mutch, Florence Sarah. - Myers, Olga. - Nicholson, Elsie Sarah. - O’Brien, Marcella Agnes. - Paget, Catherine White. - Paton, Florence May. - Patton, Mary Steele. - Pidgeon, L., R.R.C.; mentioned in dispatches. - Pope, Georgina, (Matron), R.R.C. - Rice, Frances Augusta. A.R.R.C. - Richardson, Edith Louise. - Rose, Lenora E. - Ross, Elizabeth Belle (Matron), R.R.C. - Schurman, Winifred Dobson; French decoration. - Shannahan, Mary Catherine. - Shea, C. R. - Smith, Sarah Catharine. - Stevens, Louise Myrtle. - Strong, A. C. (Matron), R.R.C. - Stuart, Evelyn Mary. - Tait, Mary. - Thomas, Lalia E. - Thompson, Wilhelmine Irene. - Thompson, Edith Alexandra. - Urquhart, Lottie. - Veits, Caroline Winifred. - Walsh, M. S. - Walters, Emma Jane. - - Watson, Mabel Margaret. - Watson, Maud. - Waugh, Belle. - Waughan, Belle. - White, Catherine M. - White, Helen St. Clair. - White, Katherine Elizabeth. - Williams, Maysie Ellen. - Young, Anna Teresa. - Young, Rose Olga. - - - _England._ - - Anderson, Minerva Blanche. - Bain, Margaret Winnifred. - Barnes, Ellen Caroline. - Bentley, Olla May. - Clarke, Edith Esther. - Campbell, Annie May. - Campbell, D. - Coates, Dora Evelyn. - Cameron, Elizabeth Vena. - Cameron, Mary Lillian. - Cameron, Sarah Belle. - Colter, Bessie Long. - Connors, Florence Marguerite. - Cray, Bertha Geraldine. - Currie, Alice Margaret. - Desmond, Mary. - Davies, Margaret Emily. - DeWolfe, Annie Clark. - Dunlop, Laura Alice. - Ellis, Marion Dean. - Fife, Lillian Jessie. - Fraser, Lavinia Flora. - Fraser, Flora Mathilda. - Harrison, Eunice Knapp. - Hallisey, Catherine Martina. - Hillcoat, Anna Rebecca. - Hubley, Jennie Mable. - Hartling, Mabel. - Howard, Mary Munroe. - Jennex, Lenna (died). - Layton, Adrianna R. - LeDrew, Annie May. - Mack, Beatrice Helena. - Mombourquette, Katherine. - Morrison, Daisy Dean. - Mutch, Helen Frances. - Murray, Ann Elizabeth. - Murray, Emma Blanche. - McCarthy, May Charlotte. - McCuish, Harriet Mary. - MacDonald, Jessie. - MacDonald, Georgina Emily. - MacDonald, Margaret Catherine. - McInnes, Dorothy Jean. - MacIntosh, Margaret Isabel. - McLeod, Sadie Isabel. - McLean, Sadie Ethel. - McNeill, Margaret Blanche. - Morrison, Myrtilla Grey. - Morrison, Jean Augusta. - Payne, Sarah. - Smith, Mabel Eliza. - Sedgewick, F. M. - Skerry, Annie Adelaide. - Stewart, Margaret Wood. - Stevens, Annie Jane. - Thompson, Ethel Elaine. - Torr, Alice. - Tout, Dora Olivia. - Urquhart, Lottie. - - - _Canada._ - - Anderson, Roberta. - Andrews, Edith. - Barnaby, Agnes Gertrude. - Bearisto, Mary Kier. - Bissett, Barbara Beatrice. - Boland, Florence. - Bauld, Muriel. - Burton, Mary Elizabeth. - Campbell, Jean Marion. - Cook, Gertrude Pauline. - Coolen, Anasthasia Muriel. - Coolen, Mary Ellen. - Davies, Edith Maria. - Doull, Jessie Cameron. - Dunbar, Lillian Campbell. - Farry, Lucy. - Fitzgerald, Edith Maria. - Fraser, Florence Amelia. - Fraser, Frances Margaret. - Gates, Sarah Gladys. - Gilchrist, Marion L. - Gillis, Christine Anna. - Graves, Laura May. - Haverstock, Laura Grace. - Hayden, Mary Josephine. - Holloway, Eva. - Hunt, Minnie Hannah. - Hunt, Myrtle C. (died). - Keith, Gertrude. - Kennedy, Margaret. - LaPierre, Mary Ann. - Larking, Nora Evelyn. - - Jarvis, Jessie (died). - LeJeune, Mary. - Lester, Olla Dell. - Logan, Caroline. - Manning, Myra Ayer. - Mills, Ethel Rosamund. - Morrison, Anna May. - McCrea, Theresa Ann. - MacDonald, Evangeline. - MacDonald, Harriet Helen. - MacDonnell, Mary Elizabeth. - McInnis, Ellephallie Carrie. - McKenzie, Helen Gertrude. - McKinnon, Ruth. - McLean, Josephine. - McManus, Laura. - McManus, Lila Theresa. - McNeill, Mary Eleanor. - O’Callaghan, Mary. - O’Leary, Catherine. - Prest, Violet Ella. - Ross, Vivian Russell. - Schaffner, Marion Parker. - Schaffner, Muriel Campbell. - Steeves, Ina Maud. - Sullivan, Mary Margaret. - Sutherland, Roberta. - Talbot, Frances Elizabeth. - Trivett, Jean Dorothy. - Urquhart, Susan Hope. - Whidden, Mary. - Young, Josephine M. - - - _Military Service—No Particulars Available._ - - Benjamin, Vera Louise. - Christie, Freda Hope. - Fraser, Elda Jean. - Fvfe, Hannah G. - Harrison, Jena Augusta. - Hill, Eliza Victoria. - Jones, Helen. - Kelley, Margaret Neill. - Mosher, Lydia T. - MacDonald, Anna Bula. - McKenzie, Jean Annie. - McLeod, Marion. - Perry, H. H. - Purcell, Mary Louise. - - - - - CHAPTER XXVII. - _THE CANADIAN ARMY DENTAL CORPS._ - - -That Dental Services are a necessity in the army is one of the many -lessons taught us by the War and it has been amply proved that the -Canadian Army Dental Corps was responsible for placing at least 10 per -cent of the Canadian and British troops at the Front who, but for the -excellent dental services provided, would not have been there. - -[Illustration: - - LIEUT.-COL. B. L. NEILLY.] - -Members of the dental profession in Nova Scotia were among the first to -offer their services, and in August, 1914, three of them, Drs. B. L. -Neilly, F. W. Bruce Kelly and H. L. Mitchener, were on duty at -Valcartier Camp. Drs. Neilly and Kelly proceeded Overseas and were the -first dental surgeons at the Front. So far as can be learned these were -the only dental surgeons with the Canadian troops at that date, Captain -Bentley of Ontario reporting early in September. - -For eight years previous to the War a Committee of the Canadian Dental -Association on “Dental Services in the Army” repeatedly approached the -Federal Government with regard to a definite Army Dental Association to -be administered by the Medical Services or otherwise, but were finally -informed that the organization then existing, which consisted of -twenty-six Dental Officers attached to the Army Medical Corps as -Honorary Captains and Lieutenants, was quite satisfactory. - -On the outbreak of the War members of the profession throughout Canada, -realizing the necessity of dental services for recruits, voluntarily -provided dental treatment for thousands of men who, otherwise, could not -have been accepted. - -The attention of the Minister of Militia, Sir Sam Hughes, was directed -to the importance and value of this work by Generals Fotheringham, -Lessard, Loggie and others as well as by a sub-committee of civilian -dentists from Toronto, who proceeded to Ottawa early in 1915 under the -direction of Dr. George Kerr Thomson of Halifax, Chairman of the -Canadian Dental Association’s Committee on “Dental Services in the -Army,” with the result that the Minister immediately issued orders for a -Dental organization, similar to that of the Medical, but entirely -separate. - -To this action by the Minister is due the fact that Canada was the first -country in the world to organize an Army Dental Corps separate and -distinct from other military organizations. Dr. Thomson was first -recommended by the Toronto Committee and the dental profession for -Director of Dental Services, but Dr. Armstrong of Ottawa received the -appointment, and in June, 1915, proceeded Overseas with thirty-five -officers, thirty-five N.C.O.’s and thirty-five privates. This -organization was increased from time to time until there were over one -thousand Dental Officers and other ranks on duty Overseas. - -It was realized that while it was necessary to provide dental services -for men Overseas, it was even more important that they be made dentally -fit before sailing; and in October, 1915, the Home Service organization -was authorized with a Director at Ottawa and an Assistant Director in -each Military District together with a strength of one officer, N.C.O. -and private for each 1,000 men. This necessitated an organization of at -least sixty of all ranks in Military District No. 6, which at that time -included New Brunswick, Prince Edward Island and Nova Scotia. - -Members of the dental profession in the three provinces responded -notably to the call of duty, and, while it does not come within the -scope of this history to mention the services of men in other provinces, -it is desirable to put on record great appreciation of the excellent -services rendered by members of the dental profession in New Brunswick -and Prince Edward Island who were on duty in Military District No. 6. -One of the most prominent practitioners in St. John, N.B., Dr. James M. -Magee, ex-President of the Canadian Dental Association and Dominion -Dental Council and a member of the Nova Scotia Dental Association, who, -before the War, was attached as Honorary Captain to the Army Medical -Corps, was one of the first to join the Home Service organization in -Military District No. 6. - -[Illustration: - - OFFICERS OF THE C.A.D.C., M.D. 6.] - -Major Thomson was appointed A.D.D.S., Military District No. 6, on -November 1st, 1915. During his absence at Valcartier Camp in the summer -of 1916, Captain Magee acted as A.D.D.S. in Military District No. 6 and -later was appointed A.D.D.S. of Military District No. 7 when New -Brunswick became a separate Military District. - -The C.A.D.C. in Military District No. 6 was administered on a most -economical and business-like basis, and at the Camp Hill Army Dental -Surgery, one of the finest and best equipped in the world, many -thousands of men were made dentally fit, not only before going Overseas, -but also on their return to Canada, when a great many of them needed -extensive restorative dental appliances. - -For several weeks after the great explosion, which occurred on December -6, 1917, the Staff of the Camp Hill Dental Surgery rendered services and -co-operated with the medical officers, part of the dental surgery being -used as an operating room for the eye specialists. Some of the dental -officers on duty were severely but not seriously injured, and during the -first thirty-six hours after the explosion rendered valuable first aid -to the injured, with whom Camp Hill was overcrowded. - -In 1916, at Aldershot Camp, two appendicitis operations were -successfully performed in the Camp Dental Surgery, which was completed -long before the Camp Hospital. These cases would probably have proved -fatal had it not been for the foresight of the dental Staff in -expediting the construction of this dental surgery. - -Through the efforts of Dean Frank Woodbury arrangements were carried out -by the Dental Faculty of Dalhousie University for rendering dental -services to the men of the navy before the work was performed by the -Dental Corps. - -The following is a list of dental officers who served Overseas and at -home: - -CANADA.—Major G. K. Thomson, Major H. E. Mann, Capts. H. L. Mitchener, -H. G. Dunbar, W. W. Woodbury, G. Tingley, J. M. Magee, A. G. Wicks, J. -E. Sewell, J. B. Brown, J. E. Blanchard, F. C. Bonnell, I. K. Farrar, F. -A. Godsoe, F. E. Burden, W. H. Steeves, L. O’Leary (Q.M.), J. E. Jewett, -A. Gasson, R. I. Robertson, F. W. Johnson, H. S. Allen, G. R. Smith, F. -T. Bowness, Y. E. Gaudet, McIntyre, F. G. Mann, F. W. Barbour, R. I. -Irving, Lieuts. A. J. Cormier, H. Adamson, Guy Stultz, L. M. Finigan, A. -K. Wade, A. J. Couglin, F. W. LeFugery, A. B. Crowe, H. C. McIntosh, -Regtl. Sergt.-Majors, F. E. Fahie, I. K. Jackson, F. B. Miller, -Quartermaster Sergts. J. M. Blanchard, Laurie Blanchard, L. H. Jenkins, -G. Sommers, Staff Sergts. A. H, Churchill, J. H. McLaughlin, E. S. -Dexter, Sergts. A. W. Allen, L. M. Withrow, C. W. Burgoyne, Staff -Sergts. E. E. Hatfield, Neil Flannery, F. H. Phinney, Sergts. J. L. -Sears, R. H. Wilby, Cox, C. R. McLellan, R. C. Wall, J. St. C. Smith, C. -E. Cantelope, T. Ranford, W. Hazelwood, Percy Rennels, W. R. Gunn, -Quartermaster Sergt. L. McGuire, Company Quartermaster Sergt. W. H. D. -Bence. - -OVERSEAS.—Lieut.-Col. B. L. Neilly, Major F. W. B. Kelly, Major C. E. -McLaughlin, Capts. R. J. McMeekin, Karl Woodbury, C. D. Desbrisay, S. S. -Harvie, E. A. Randall, H. Clay, E. S. Millett, H. O. Harding, Arthur -Viets, T. E. Robins, R. W. Frank, W. R. Fraser, Karl Damon, Otto Nase, -J. P. Gallagher, J. McDonald, McNeil, W. R. Wilkes, R. C. Crosby, E. A. -Randall, K. C. Dobson, H. C. McDonald, Staff Sergts. J. E. Fraser, C. -Garrett, R. B. Horton, Sergts. S. W. Hatfield, C. A. S. Carlow, H. O. -Lord, F. A. McGarrigle, G. Lowine, Phillips, G. A. Barter, W. Dyer, -Raymond King, W. Joy, J. McLean, McGibbon, J. L. Rogers, I. D. S. Ross, -G. E. McDonald, H. E. Grey, V. D. Crowe, Collier, Jones, Butterworth, -Doucette, Quartermaster Sergt. Richards. - - - - - CHAPTER XXVIII. - _CANADIAN ARMY PAY CORPS._ - - -Before the outbreak of the War in 1914 the Canadian Army Pay Corps had -only sufficient Staff to deal with the small permanent force, of which -it was an integral part. When the Canadian Expeditionary Force was -organized, and troops mobilized for home defence, the C.A.P.C. was -called upon to undergo the same strain and expansion demanded of every -branch of the service. Outside of the army little is known of the -responsibilities suddenly thrust upon this department. It had to deal -with all finances, pay, separation allowance, assigned pay, civilian -employees, tradesmen’s accounts, etc., and, as will be seen by the -statement at the end of this article, No. 6 Detachment stationed at -Halifax alone disbursed $53,357,388.08 between August, 1914, and July, -1920. - -In August, 1914, No. 6 Detachment, whose territory at that time -included New Brunswick and Prince Edward Island, as well as Nova -Scotia, consisted of the following officers and non-commissioned -officers: Lieut.-Col. S. J. R. Sircom (now retired with rank of -Brigadier-General), Capt. J. L. Regan, Sergt.-Major J. Turner, -Quartermaster Sergt. G. H. Saunders, Staff Sergt. G. T. Allum, Staff -Sergt. C. A. Chew, Staff Sergt. B. A. Spink, Sergt. E. R. Kelly, -Sergt. A. V. Chase, Sergt. W. A. Coyne, Sergt. F. A. Chew. - -This Staff was increased until at one time 14 officers and 120 -non-commissioned officers and men were employed. Some of these served in -No. 6 Detachment throughout the whole period of the War. Others were -transferred to various Units, went Overseas, or took their discharge. - -Every soldier, from a Tommy to a full-fledged General, will admit that -as far as organization and administration were concerned the Canadian -Army Pay Corps was beyond criticism. As soon as a man enlisted he -received his pay regularly, no matter where he was—in Canada or in -England, in the Field, in hospital or on furlough; and when he returned -to Canada for demobilization the cheque for balance of pay due was -handed to him on the day he was discharged. In addition to this monies -were forwarded to his dependants on account of Separation Allowance, and -assigned pay, settlement made for clothing and equipment, which he -purchased from stores on repayment, for Victory Bonds which he purchased -during his services, remittances to his friends and other payments. - -All this entailed an enormous amount of work. Ledger sheets had to be -kept up to date, pay books checked up, remittances looked after, cheques -written, documents made up and sent along with the soldier from one -place to another until he finally returned to Canada, bearing with him -like documents from England. Every officer, non-commissioned officer and -man knows the amount of detail work which this involved. - -[Illustration: - - BRIG.-GEN. S. J. R. SIRCOM.] - -Of the original Staff, Col. S. J. R. Sircom, affectionately known to the -troops in this district as the “Grand Old Man,” endeared himself to all -ranks with whom he came in contact by his urbanity and kindly -consideration. Colonel Sircom commenced his military career early in -life. He joined the Halifax Garrison Artillery as a 2nd Lieutenant in -1878, and the 63rd Regiment, Halifax Rifles, in 1885. He transferred to -the Militia Staff with the rank of Major in 1905, and on January 1, -1907, was appointed to the C.A.P.C. with the rank of Lieutenant-Colonel, -and became Paymaster of the 6th Divisional area. He was promoted to the -rank of Colonel on May 24, 1916. He proceeded to London as a -representative of the Paymaster-General the latter part of 1918, and on -his return from Overseas was retired to Pension with the rank of -Brigadier-General. - -[Illustration: - - COL. J. L. REGAN, C.M.G.] - -Capt. J. L. Regan proceeded Overseas with the First Contingent as -assistant to Col. W. R. Ward, then Chief Paymaster Canadian -Expeditionary Force. Captain Regan was largely responsible for the -organization of the Canadian Pay Services in France and England. He was -later promoted to the rank of Colonel and appointed Deputy -Paymaster-General. He was awarded the C.M.G., and on his return to -Canada became Director of Pay Services at Ottawa. - -Quartermaster Sergt. J. Turner transferred to the Highland Brigade as -Captain and Quartermaster. He was seriously injured in the Halifax -explosion and is now invalided to Pension. Staff Sergeant G. T. Allum, -now Sergeant-Major, is retired to Pension. Quartermaster Sergeant G. H. -Saunders was promoted to the rank of Captain. Captain Saunders remained -with No. 6 Detachment during the whole period of the War, and the -admirable manner in which this Unit met all demands upon it, -particularly during the trying months of demobilization, was largely due -to his energy, efficiency and foresight. - -Staff Sergts. C. A. Chew and B. A. Spink proceeded Overseas and both -returned with the rank of Captain. The former was discharged to Pension; -the latter is employed at Militia Headquarters. Staff Sergt. A. V. Chase -went Overseas with the Clearing Services Command and returned with the -rank of Captain. He will be remembered by all returning officers and men -who passed through or had dealings with the Clearing Depot, Halifax, as -a very efficient officer. Sergt. W. A. Coyne proceeded Overseas as -Captain Clearing Services Command and is now struck off strength. Sergt. -F. A. Chew proceeded Overseas with the 25th Battalion, returned as a -Captain in the C.A.P.C., and is now struck off strength to Pension. - -Capt. G. C. Sircom, son of Brigadier-General S. J. R. Sircom, after -return from Overseas, was employed in the Pay Office, and now has a -commission in the Permanent Army Pay Corps. - -[Illustration: - - LIEUT.-COL. J.A.C. MOWBRAY, O.B.E.] - -Lieut.-Col. J. A. C. Mowbray, when war was declared, offered his -services and was detailed as Paymaster to the 2nd Brigade, C.F.A., -proceeding Overseas with that Unit. After serving in France for about -one year he was recalled to London to fill a post in the Pay Office -Headquarters. He became Deputy Assistant Paymaster-General, was awarded -the O.B.E., and later was transferred to Canada to fill his present -position, which is designated as Senior Pay Officer for Nova Scotia. - -The following are a few of the officers who did good work in this -Division during the War, either before proceeding Overseas or returning -from Overseas on demobilization or as Paymasters of Units:—Major J. -Taylor, Major M. H. Morrison, Major R. H. Humphrey, Major J. D. Murphy, -Major Colin MacIntosh, Capt. H. Powis Herbert, Capt. G. C. Milsom, Capt. -W. W. Brignell, Capt. C. S. Simpson, Capt. R. Bartholomew, Capt. H. A. -MacDonald, Capt. J. L. Melanson, Capt. R. H. Hardwicke, Capt. A. A. -Cameron, Capt. Tait Scott, Capt. H. W. Ireland, Capt. Walter Ruggles, -Capt. W. C. L. Bauld, Capt. R. MacDougall, Lieut. H. S. Major, Lieut. W. -E. McDonald, Lieut. H. A. Allum, Lieut. H. S. Simpson, Lieut. W. J. -O’Donnell. - -To show the vast amount of work carried out by this Detachment the -following statement of monthly expenditure is appended. This does not -include disbursements for clothing and equipment, horses, transports, -camp supplies, wagons, etc., but purely pay and allowance of troops and -their upkeep. Considering the amount of cash handled it is satisfactory -to know that not one cent was lost to the public by misappropriation or -otherwise. - - - CANADIAN ARMY PAY CORPS - - 1914. 1915. 1916. 1917. - - Jan. $482,294 94 $896,549 00 $666,896 18 - Feb. 470,046 71 976,053 25 644,126 11 - Mar. 662,605 50 1,153,944 98 675,447 01 - Supp. 287,295 99 868,515 21 5,506 91 - Apr. 573,994 33 926,836 11 747,234 96 - May 589,433 57 1,140,637 41 691,321 20 - June 460,883 20 1,269,057 73 679,157 80 - July 421,362 69 928,319 09 579,265 37 - Aug. $161,021 38 418,878 19 911,739 50 571,727 69 - Sept. 314,031 19 447,655 00 849,942 58 550,065 71 - Oct. 307,412 29 533,383 39 819,436 00 745,190 00 - Nov. 342,922 32 602,738 82 752,020 66 697,784 22 - Dec. 459,147 34 867,574 05 683,957 09 535,004 98 - ————————————— ————————————— —————————————— ————————————— - Total. $1,584,534 52 $6,818,146 38 $12,177,008 61 $7,788,728 14 - - 1918. 1919. 1920. - - Jan. $557,736 27 $683,909 27 $657,541 08 - Feb. 518,971 86 872,284 08 402,801 20 - Mar. 726,882 97 1,176,278 36 347,439 80 - Supp. 18,643 78 26,683 87 60,765 01 - Apr. 700,400 20 1,113,762 96 142,518 83 - May 600,590 53 1,208,976 54 121,399 76 - June 745,238 77 1,378,733 64 145,981 25 - July 940,247 42 1,596,356 84 132,327 77 - Aug. 709,107 18 1,638,684 02 - Sept. 595,238 78 1,505,466 80 - Oct. 614,166 48 1,727,033 48 - Nov. 610,452 05 1,178,085 30 - Dec. 671,840 28 862,424 00 - ————————————— —————————————— ————————————— - Total. $8,009,516 57 $14,968,679 16 $2,010,774 70 - - - Summary. - - 1914 $1,584,534 52 - 1915 6,818,146 38 - 1916 12,177,008 61 - 1917 7,788,728 14 - 1918 8,009,516 57 - 1919 14,968,679 16 - 1920 2,010,774 70 - ——————— - Total expenditure to July, 1920 $53,357,388 08 - - - - - CHAPTER XXIX. - _THE ROYAL CANADIAN GARRISON ARTILLERY._ - - -Lord Kitchener once remarked—in reply to a question—“The Front is where -a soldier is ordered to be.” In accordance with this, those men whose -duties necessitated their being retained in connection with the Coast -Defences, were made to abide by the decision of those responsible for -the strategy of the defence of Canadian shores. - -After the War, the Permanent Force, of which the R.C.G.A. form a part, -are the only persons in uniform; and the imputation of not being an -Overseas Unit is not a good advertisement to attract recruits. Moreover, -the imputation is not only unjust, but untrue, as the following will -show: - -In July, 1914, relations between the British Empire and the Central -Powers were very strained, and on July 30th, four days before the War -was officially declared, the R.C.G.A. were ordered to man the most -important forts as a precaution, since it is an axiom in naval warfare -that, if possible, a surprise attack is the first and best declaration -of war. - -On August 5th Fortress Orders contained the following:—“War having -broken out with Germany, the Halifax Defence Scheme comes into force -herewith.” - -On the 6th August, the 1st Regiment, C.G.A., mobilized and proceeded to -the Forts to complete the manning, since the R.C.G.A. alone were too few -in number completely to man more than the two largest forts. - -The first portion of the annual training for the year had just been -completed, and one can truthfully say that Halifax was as well able to -repel a raid as any other fortress in the Empire at that period. - -It was thought by most people in the early days of the War that the War -would last only a few months, and the personnel of the Defences had to -find accommodation where they could, until well on into the winter; for -coast forts in peace time are not provided with accommodation for -lengthy occupation; consequently, both officers and men had a far from -comfortable time until wooden huts were constructed. - -None of the Artillery Units allotted to the Fortress were for any length -of time up to full strength, so that barely sufficient men were -available to form the necessary reliefs for the guns. - -Night and day, all through the War, from July 30th, 1914, until after -the signing of the Armistice, November 11, 1919, enough men to work the -guns had to be near them and alert, while on each gun was a sentry, who -was relieved every hour, and whose duty was to watch seawards for the -approach of any hostile craft. Not a very arduous task at first sight, -but enough to make most men long to be Overseas after a few months of -it. - -Fortunately the Germans were not very enterprising, and considered that -the presence of the Coast Defences was too great a risk to run, so that -Halifax did not have to go through the horrors of a bombardment as well -as the explosion, though, had the city been undefended, it would, no -doubt, like several English towns, have received a few shells from time -to time. - -In March, 1915, the 3rd Regiment, C.G.A., from St. John, N.B., came for -training, as St. John was about to be fortified, and a portion of this -Unit was retained to reinforce the Units already doing duty in the -Forts. In April, 1915, No. 4 Company, P.E.I., C.G.A., came for training. -Some of these men had already been on duty with heavy field guns at -Canso and Sydney. When trained they remained in Halifax, sending drafts -Overseas from time to time, and proved themselves efficient gunners. - -In June, 1915, a number of N.C.O.’s and men sailed for the Front, but -all efforts of others to do so were in vain, though several N.C.O.’s and -men took their fate in their own hands and stowed away on transports -conveying infantry. Some of these got as far as France, but discipline -had to be maintained, and all were brought back. This incident will show -that the men of the R.C.G.A. did not remain in Halifax from choice. - -In July, 1916, authority was at last obtained for the R.C.G.A. to form a -Siege Battery, and this was quickly done; in it were some of the best -N.C.O.’s and men in the Corps, and the whole Battery were of splendid -physique. This Battery left for Overseas in September, 1916, under the -command of Major S. A. Heward, R.C.A. It arrived in France on the 22nd -March, 1917, and took part in many big fights, including Vimy Ridge, -Hill 70, Passchendaele, Cambrai and Mons. Men of a Siege Battery get -plenty of heavy work and little chance of heroic deeds as individuals, -but the Battery has to its credit the following decorations:—Military -Cross, 2; Distinguished Conduct Medal, 2; Military Medals, 16; -Meritorious Service Medals, 3; while several other officers from the -R.C.A. in Halifax were awarded the D.S.O. and M.C. - -As soon as the Battery left for Overseas, preparations for raising -another were immediately made, and those officers and men Who were -unable to go in the previous one vied with each other to get a place in -this, but it was not authorized, and drafts only were found as -reinforcements to the one already authorized. Moreover, it was deemed -advisable that certain specially trained officers and men were essential -for the efficient working of the Home Defence, and these could not go, -even in drafts, unless they had others to replace them. - -It takes some time to make an artilleryman, particularly a garrison -gunner, who is expected to know every type of gun from a light field -piece to the heaviest coast defence gun, or siege howitzer, all of which -form part of the armament of a coast fortress, so that, although no -doubt if the War had lasted long enough all would eventually have been -replaced, these men had to remain. - -A number of R.C.A. officers went over in charge of drafts of the -R.C.G.A. or other Units. - -The 1st Regiment, C.G.A., sent over many officers and men in drafts to -infantry units and to an Ammunition Column. - -The P.E.I. C.G.A. Detachment also formed an Ammunition Column. - -Early in 1915 the British Government decided to re-arm St. Lucia, and -the Units at Halifax, with some additional personnel from Esquimalt and -Quebec, were called upon to furnish men for this purpose. The first -draft went in March, 1915. They had to mount the guns (some of which -were of French pattern and quite strange to them), and generally -organize the defences. - -In the autumn of 1917 and spring of 1918 the enemy submarines raided the -Atlantic coasts of the United States and Canada, and it was very -essential that the important port of Sydney, N.S., should be more -strongly defended, so new guns of heavier calibre were sent from Halifax -and mounted there. This necessitated additional men, and drafts from -Toronto and British Columbia were detailed for this purpose. - -These men, some of them called under the Military Service Act, were an -exceptionally good type and quickly made efficient specialists and -gunners. Some were sent for training as officers and would have relieved -those officers in the Forts who had been unable to get away. -Unfortunately for them the Armistice was declared and hostilities -ceased, so that this scheme did not materialize, though some of these -men obtained probationers’ certificates. - -An important branch of the R.C.G.A. in Halifax is the Royal School of -Artillery (Coast Defence and Siege) and this School, the only Siege -Artillery School in Canada, was responsible for the training of most of -the Siege Artillery Officers and Specialists, as well as several -Batteries and Drafts that went Overseas after the First Contingent. - -In addition to this, a gun practice at Halifax, Sydney and St. John was -carried out under the supervision of the R.S.A. Staff, while courses for -officers and specialists, Coast Defence Artillery, were also given. - -The establishment of Instructors was one officer and three other ranks, -but as one N.C.O. Instructor was stationed at St. John, this was -increased by a N.C.O. from the 1st Regiment, C.G.A. Officers from the -C.G.A. were attached as assistants for varying periods. - -In June, 1915, the I.G., now Lieut.-Col. W. G. Beeman, D.S.O., R.C.A., -went Overseas, and in 1916 his successor, Major H. R. N. Cobbett, -R.C.A., went over with No. 9 Siege Battery. In 1918 one Warrant Officer -Instructor was permitted to go; he was immediately appointed Instructor -at the Canadian School of Gunnery, Witley, England, and it was only with -great difficulty that he managed to reach France, where he again was -utilized as an Instructor. - -The rest of the Staff felt most keenly the fact that they had to be -retained in Canada, as their position after the War, when dealing with -classes who had seen Overseas service, would not be at all enviable. It -was very unfortunate that arrangements had not been made to replace -them, so that they might go to the Front even for a short time, because -although it is a fact that good teachers are born, not made, there is a -tendency to think that anyone with long experience in the fighting line -must be a good instructor. - -Officers from all parts of Canada took courses at the R.S.A., and it -speaks well for the training which they received that on reaching -England further training, other than three weeks’ at Lydd, was -considered unnecessary in most cases, and at Lydd these officers usually -took first place in the examinations held there. - -Many of them, who were unable to get positions in the C.E.F., were given -commissions in the British Artillery, and in several cases commanded -Batteries. - -Owing to the smallness of Staff and limited demand for siege artillery -the actual numbers trained were not as large as those in other Artillery -Schools, but with small classes the training was naturally very -thorough. - -Among the Units trained may be mentioned:— - - - Coast Defence. - - 1st Regiment, C.G.A - 3rd Regiment, C.G.A. - P.E.I., C.G.A. - Drafts from Toronto and B.C. - And 10 courses for officers and specialists lasting two months each. - - - Siege. - - 2nd Montreal H’y B’t’y. - McGill Siege B’t’y and Drafts. - 3rd C.G.A. Siege B’t’y and Drafts. - Halifax (10th) B’t’y and Drafts. - And 9 courses for officers and specialists lasting two months each. - -Total number trained by R.S.A., exclusive of Batteries: - - Coast Defence. Siege - Officers. Men. Officers. Men. - 190 301 122 258 - - - SUMMARY OF PERSONNEL WHO WENT OVERSEAS. - - - R.C.G.A. - Officers. Other Ranks. Sphere of Operations. - 13 288 Western Front. - 60 To St. Lucia. - 1 36 To C.E.F., Siberia. - 8 British Mission, Siberia. - —— ——— - Total 22 384 - - 1st Regiment, C.G.A. - Officers. Other Ranks. Sphere of Operations. - 48 625 Western Front and St. Lucia. - - P.E.I. C.G.A. - Officers. Other Ranks. Sphere of Operations. - -3 110 Western Front. - -On mobilization these units had: - - Officers. O.R. - R.C.G.A. 17 336 - 1st Regt., C.G.A. 20 230 - 4 Coy., P.E.I. C.G.A. 3 72 - —— ——— - Total 40 638 - -Altogether about 80 officers and 1,500 N.C.O.’s and men of the Artillery -Units (including 10th Siege Battery) stationed in Halifax were sent -Overseas, and the majority of those mobilized in 1914 who did not go -were unable to do so either through being specialists, over age or low -category. - -When it is realized that these Corps had great difficulty in obtaining -recruits, owing to the fear that men would be retained for Home Service, -the numbers shown are considered very creditable. - - - - - CHAPTER XXX. - _THE CANADIAN ENGINEERS._ - - -The Corps of Canadian Engineers has no local connection with any -Province in the same way that Infantry Regiments and Battalions have. At -the end of the War in France it consisted of some twelve Battalions, -together with other small Engineering Units with Administrative Staffs, -etc., which Units were recruited from all parts of Canada, and no -particular Engineering Unit was sent from the Province of Nova Scotia. - -A great many individual officers and men were sent to the Engineers from -this Province, and did very excellent work, but were posted to various -Overseas Units, hence the impossibility of describing particularly the -work and services of Nova Scotia Sappers. - -As far as service in Canada is concerned the defence of the Fortress of -Halifax was a very important matter, and the services of a very large -number of officers and other ranks of the R.C.E. Permanent Force and -Canadian Engineers, Active Militia, were employed at this Fortress -throughout the War. Their strenuous duties and long hours in connection -with the continual operation of electric lights and maintenance of -fortifications were carried out untiringly and most conscientiously. - -Practically every officer and other rank in these two Corps not only -volunteered for Overseas service, but also took very strenuous measures -to get to France, by hook or by crook, and a great many of them were -successful. Others unfortunately were retained in Halifax for the -defence of that Fortress. - - - - - CHAPTER XXXI. - _MILITIA UNITS ON HOME SERVICE._ - - -The following memorandum was prepared to bring to the attention of the -Minister of Militia and Militia Council some facts and figures -respecting the services of the Militia of Canada _in Canada_, and -particularly the Fortress of Halifax, Nova Scotia, and the Atlantic -Seaboard, who although they repeatedly volunteered for Overseas were not -allowed to go because their duties were held to be supremely important -by those in authority. - -1st—Halifax has always been a Military and Naval Station of the Empire, -and confidential instructions have always been in existence and a -comprehensive scheme of defence in the hands of officers commanding -Units, to be put in force immediately on declaration of war. Therefore, -the following Halifax Fortress Order was issued by the G.O.C. M.D. No. -6, August 5, 1914: - -No. 681. “War having broken out with Germany the Halifax defence scheme -comes into effect forthwith.” - -In accordance with this order all Halifax Units were immediately -mobilized and remained on duty in defence of Halifax practically for the -duration of the War. The 94th Regiment was also mobilized for the -defence of the Canso cable station, Cape Breton wireless station, etc., -and other detachments were placed on active service at various points in -the district. - -2nd—The importance of Halifax as a Military and Naval Station in British -North America in the eyes of the Imperial and Canadian authorities is -borne out by the following facts: - - (_a_) The immense amount of money spent in fortifications. - - (_b_) The inauguration of an examination service, whereby all - vessels were examined before being allowed to enter the harbor. - - (_c_) Halifax was the examination port for North America, and at - times there were upwards of 200 large ocean-going vessels lying at - anchor in the harbor. - - (_d_) The manning of the Port War Signal Station, by which all - British and Allied warships were passed in under secret signals and - codes. - - (_e_) All guns in the various forts were kept loaded, and the crews - were kept standing by day and night, ready for instant action. - - (_f_) The infantry continually patrolled the coast, guarding the - approaches to the city, and protecting cable landings and wireless - stations. - - (_g_) When orders were issued to reduce the strength of the defences - in September, 1914, the British Admiral on the Station informed - Headquarters that if this order were carried out he would withdraw - his fleet and mine the harbor, which would mean closing the harbor - to all shipping. - - (_h_) A Hydroplane Station was established, and patrolled the coast - daily during the latter part of the War. - - (_i_) Owing to the protection afforded by the defences of Halifax, - the authorities were enabled to dispatch from this port in the - vicinity of 300,000 Canadian troops, in addition to many thousand - Colonial and Allied troops, including Australians, New Zealanders, - Bermudians, Fiji Islanders, Americans, and some 50,000 Chinese labor - troops. - - (_j_) By means of its defence Halifax afforded shelter for a large - number of merchant vessels that were driven in by German raiders - early in the War. - -It should also be noted that submarines were frequently in the vicinity -of the harbor, and on one notable occasion a large oil tanker was sunk -two hours after she left her pier, and several fishing vessels were sunk -off the coast, and other large transports and cargo vessels were driven -ashore at the entrance of the harbor. The transport _City of Vienna_ -became a total wreck. Preparations were made and orders issued to -provide against possible landing parties from German raiders. Stringent -orders were issued providing for the screening of all lights in the city -and prosecutions were issued for neglecting to carry out this order. - -The foregoing is enumerated with the object of showing the importance of -Halifax Harbor as a War Station and the necessity of having it properly -defended by maintaining the Garrison at full strength. - - - - - CHAPTER XXXII. - _THE FIRST REGIMENT CANADIAN GARRISON ARTILLERY._ - - -This Unit was organized in 1869 for the purpose of assisting the Regular -Forces of the Garrison of Halifax in manning the Forts. The Regiment has -always been at a high state of efficiency, due to the superior class of -men it has been able to attract to its ranks. - -[Illustration: - - LIEUT.-COL. A. W. DUFFUS.] - -From the date of its organization the Regiment has been commanded by -many prominent citizens. The following is the list in order of service: -Lieut.-Col. A. G. Jones (late Lieutenant-Governor of Nova Scotia), -Lieut.-Col. Wm. Creighton, Lieut.-Col. George Mitchell, Lieut.-Col. -Thomas Mowbray, Lieut.-Col. A. E. Curren, Lieut.-Col. F. H. Oxley, -Lieut.-Col. A. G. Hesslein, Lieut.-Col. H. Flowers, and, in 1914, at the -outbreak of war, by Lieut.-Col. J. A. Marshall, followed at the -completion of his term of service by Lieut.-Col. A. W. Duffus, who -commanded up to the cessation of hostilities. - -On August 3, 1914, Capts. A. N. Jones, S. C. Oland, and George Brew were -detailed for duty at the examination Battery. On August 4th the -Commanding Officer received orders to mobilize, and on August 6th the -Regiment was detailed to and occupied its various posts in the Batteries -of the Fortress of Halifax. All officers and men in the city reported -for duty: those absent were summoned by wire and letter, and joined the -Unit within a few days. - -The following officers remained with the Unit during the War, but did -not proceed Overseas, because the Department at Ottawa claimed their -services could not be dispensed with: - -Lieut.-Col. J. A. Marshall, Lieut.-Col. A. W. Duffus, Major A. M. Bauld -(Q.M.), Capts. J. M. Allen (Adjt.), W. C. Bauld (P.M.), L. J. Donaldson -(Chaplain), Major H. E. Gates, Major P. O. Soulis (transferred to H.Q. -M.D. No. 6), Capts. C. Churchill, A. F. Haliburton, L. L. Harrison, -Lieuts. O. A. M. Wilson, G. B. Isnor, W. J. O’Connell, J. E. Rutledge, -A. H. Thomson, Leo Esther, G. W. Carmichael, W. E. Forsythe, C. R. -Hoben, H. C. Frame, P. L. Whitman, D. A. Forsythe, R. M. Fielding, F. A. -Grant, W. E. Stewart, E. K. Fielding, H. H. Miller, W. Mitchell, A. J. -Haliburton, C. H. Crosby, F. S. Thomson. - -The Department of Militia and Defence at first ruled that no officer or -man of the Fortress could proceed Overseas, as his services were -required here and he could not be spared. Later on this ruling was -somewhat modified and officers and men were relieved as soon as they -could be replaced by new men and permitted to join various Units. Many, -however, were not accorded this privilege, much to their chagrin. - -Six hundred and twenty-five men and the following officers were -permitted to go Overseas at various times and with various Units and -branches of the service, taking any chance that offered rather than -remain at home: - -Lieut.-Col. E. V. Hogan, Major G. H. Maxwell, Major J. L. MacKinnon (now -Lieut.-Colonel), Major A. N. Jones, Capts. L. N. Seaman, E. L. Miller, -S. C. Oland, G. M. Brew, F. S. Burns, G. B. Oland, G. A. Medcalf, P. B. -Stairs, Lieuts. J. R. Curry, W. M. Ray, F. B. Sharp, G. A. Gaherty, R. -W. Churchill, D. J. Maxwell, E. P. Flowers, D. A. Guildford, E. A. Bell, -H. R. D. Lacon, R. F. B. Campbell, T. DeW. Farquhar, H. M. Stairs, E. S. -Thomson, F. H. Palmer, R. P. Freeman, C. H. Coll, J. D. Smith, W. P. -Potter, F. G. Hayden, H. W. L. Doane, W. M. Marshall, A. G. Wooten, H. -St. G. S. DeCarteret, E. G. Dickie, A. E. Horne, R. G. Crosby, F. M. -Blackett, R G. McAloney, W. R. Harris, M. B. Archibald, H. B. Bell, T. -H. Whelpley, O. R. Crowell. - -And from the Reserve of Officers, Lieut.-Col. H. Flowers and Major -Allister Fraser, M.C. Of these Major G. H. Maxwell, Capt. Philip B. -Stairs, Lieuts. E. G. Dickie and R. G. MacAloney made the supreme -sacrifice. - -[Illustration: - - OFFICERS OF THE 1ST REGIMENT, C.G.A.] - -It is impossible to give a list of the many non-commissioned officers -and men who were a credit to their Regiment on the fields of Flanders. -Their records appear with the records of the Units in which they served. - -It is supposed by many that the troops of the Garrison lived in -comparative luxury, whereas the contrary was the case. Many hardships -were undergone and, apart from the fact that the Hun raiders gave -Halifax a wide berth, knowing that an attack would mean a waste of -ammunition, which could not be replaced this side of Zeebrugge, -conditions generally were often not so good as in France, owing to the -severity of our climate. The casements in which the men were supposed to -be quartered in time of war were entirely unfit for occupation as, owing -to long disuse, they were in a very damp and unsanitary condition. The -Unit was, therefore, placed under canvas, and it was late in December -before any attempt was made to provide proper and suitable winter -quarters. Owing to a fine distinction made between the Militia and -Overseas forces, which only an army man can understand, the men were not -provided with a full kit, even boots being denied them until many of -them were actually barefoot. Underclothing and other necessaries had to -be purchased by the men themselves, until at last the responsible -authorities awakened to the fact that there was a real war on. - -About August 16, 1914, the first Canadian Contingent commenced -mobilizing at Valcartier, and orders were received calling for -volunteers from the Garrison. The 1st C.A. were to provide one officer -and twenty-five other ranks. Capt. George M. Brew proceeded to -Valcartier with the draft, and on arrival was told he was not wanted and -ordered to return to Halifax. This officer was so disappointed that he -resigned his commission and travelled to England at his own expense, -where he joined a Unit of the Imperial artillery and served with it -during the greater part of the War. - -In September, 1914, it was considered unnecessary to keep the Units on -garrison duty at full strength, and a reduction was proposed. The naval -authorities, however, insisted that a fully garrisoned fortress was -necessary as a protection for the Naval Base, and no reduction was made. -Later on the artillery forces were increased. All of which shows the -importance placed on the Fortress by the Imperial authorities during war -time. - -From time to time the Commanding Officer offered the services of the -Unit for Overseas, and asked permission to form Batteries of heavy and -field artillery, but without result. Small detachments were allowed to -volunteer as emergencies arose, such as artillery Units being short of -men, on account of casualties occurring, while passing through Halifax, -and then only on condition that men were found to replace them. It was -not until 1917 that permission was given to form an ammunition column, -and immediately on its completion a second one. - -Much might be written of happenings during the war period which, while -of interest to the officers, non-commissioned officers and men, were all -in the day’s work and of no historical value. It is sufficient to say -that this Unit with the other Units of the Garrison performed their -duties well and satisfactorily. - - - - - CHAPTER XXXIII. - _THE 11th BRIGADE, C.F.A., AND COMPOSITE ARTILLERY COMPANY._ - - -The 11th Brigade was the junior Artillery Brigade of the 6th Military -District. It comprised in addition to the Headquarters Staff, the 27th -(Digby) Battery, the 28th (Pictou) Battery and the 29th (Yarmouth) -Battery. Although the Brigade was not ordered out on active service, it -contributed possibly more than its original strength in personnel to the -prosecution of the Great War. Almost the first day of the War the -Commanding Officer (Lieut.-Col. T. M. Seeley, of Yarmouth, N.S.) wired -the offer of services to headquarters and the Battery officers busied -themselves with looking to the details of organization. - -Capt. F. W. Pickles, O.C. 29th Battery (Yarmouth), joined the 17th -Battery of Sydney, one of the first Units on the march, with a -detachment of eighteen non-commissioned officers and men from his -Battery. Subsequently every artillery Unit and many of the Infantry -Battalions had on their strength representatives of the 11th Brigade. -This was made possible largely by the untiring efforts of a few senior -officers, who for some good reason or other, were unable to proceed -Overseas. Prominent among these were Majors H. S. Hamilton, of Pictou; -D. C. McKay, of Digby, and A. K. Van Horne, of Yarmouth. - -The services of the officers of the 11th Brigade, summarily put, were: -Lieut.-Col. T. M. Seeley, O.C., was successful in organizing the 23rd -Battery, C.E.F.; a Company for guard duty at Barrington Passage, Radio -Station, and a Company in the 112th Battalion, C.E.F., under Colonel -Tremaine, with which the latter crossed the Atlantic. Capt. A. A. -Durkee, Adjutant of the Brigade, organized at Valcartier the first -Ammunition Unit in the C.E.F., and proceeded Overseas with the First -Contingent. He was early at the Front, and was promoted to Major and -Lieut.-Colonel, and commanded, in turn, a Brigade Ammunition Column, a -Battery, and a Brigade of Artillery. He was mentioned in dispatches and -was awarded the D.S.O. Lieut.-Col. Durkee is also a South African War -veteran. Capt. V. F. Connor, C.A.M.C., was on duty through the greater -part of the War, and rendered valuable service at the time of the great -explosion in Halifax, December, 1917. - -The 27th Battery contributed to the C.E.F. Capt. Glidden Campbell, of -Weymouth, who went over with the 85th Battalion, and who was awarded the -M.C.; Lieuts. C. D. Shreve, M.C., killed in action in the artillery; K. -V. Schurman and H. A. Marshall. - -The 28th Battery had to its credit in the C.E.F., Major J. K. McKay, of -Pictou, who went over in command of the 23rd Battery, C.E.F. He -commanded a Battery and a Brigade of Artillery at the Front, being -latterly promoted to the rank of Lieut.-Colonel. He was severely wounded -and received the D.S.O. From the 28th, Lieuts. C. E. Churchill, H. P. -MacKeen, J. E. Read, J. D. Hickman, H. P. MacKenzie, and possibly -others, entered the C.E.F. Capt. V. C. Johnson, Corps Reserve, was -Overseas. - -The 29th Battery furnished (in addition to Adjutant Durkee, already -mentioned) Capt. F. W. Pickles, who commanded a section of a Divisional -Ammunition Column at the Front; Lieut. Ralph P. Harding, who rose to the -command of a Battery, with the rank of Major, and returned with the M.C. -and the D.S.O.; Lieuts. W. Arthur Porter, G. St. C. A. Perrin, E. J. -Vickery, G. O. Rogers, E. J. Stekelin, who became Major; H. E. Crowell, -who became Major; S. C. Hood, Jr., who became Captain, and M. B. Davis. -The 29th Battery claims the honor of having had in its membership at one -time Brig.-General W. O. H. Dodds, C.M.G., D.S.O., now of Montreal. - - - Composite Artillery Company - -In April, 1915, detachments from the 27th Battery (Digby) and the 29th -Battery (Yarmouth) and No. 1 Siege Company (Mahone), were assembled at -Yarmouth, under Lieut.-Col. T. M. Seeley, for preliminary training, and -in May following proceeded to Barrington Passage for guard duty at the -Radio Station. Among their duties was the construction of a road three -miles long through a very difficult country. Practically the whole -strength of this Company transferred to Overseas Units. Officers, in -addition to the O.C: Capt. W. T. Ernst, and Lieut. C. Melvin. - - - - - CHAPTER XXXIV. - _THE 63rd REGIMENT HALIFAX RIFLES._ - - -The 63rd Regiment, Halifax Rifles, was first organized as a Regiment in -1860, under the title of “The Halifax Volunteer Battalion.” The -Volunteer Companies which then composed the Regiment had previously been -acting as independent bodies. The first Colonel was Sir Willian Fenwick -Williams, of Kars, and on March 16, 1860, Capt. William Chearnley (late -of H.M. 8th King’s Regiment of Foot), who was in command of the Chebucto -Greys, was by an order from Adjutant-General’s Office appointed Captain -Commanding the Halifax Volunteer Battalion. This was the official date -of the organization of the Unit, better known as the 63rd Halifax -Rifles. - -The Companies comprising the Regiment at its formation were the Scottish -Rifles, Chebucto Greys, Mayflower Rifles, Halifax Rifles, Irish Rifles, -and Dartmouth Rifles. In 1862 the Dartmouth Engineers joined the -Regiment, which mustered seven Companies. - -On November 10, 1862, the Halifax City Council presented the Regiment -with its first set of colors. The presentation was made by the wife of -the Mayor, Mrs. P. C. Hill. On the same date, Lady Mulgrave, wife of the -Governor of Nova Scotia, in the name of the ladies of the City of -Halifax, presented the Regiment with a silver bugle, which was to be -shot for each year. This bugle is still in the possession of the -Regiment. - -In January, 1865, Captain Chearnley was appointed Lieut.-Colonel and the -Battalion reorganized, two of the Companies, the Irish Rifles and -Dartmouth Engineers, disbanding. The Halifax Rifles, which was double -strength, took the place of the Irish Rifles—the muster now being six -Companies. This Regiment had its first call for service in 1866, doing -garrison duty during the alarm caused by the Fenian Raids into Canada. -The service lasted from June 6th to July 31st. - -In 1868 the Regiment was transferred from the Volunteer Force to the -Active Militia, and was officially designated as the Halifax Volunteer -Battalion of Rifles, and on May 13, 1870, the Militia Department having -been regularly organized, the name changed to the 63rd Battalion of -Rifles, and later to 63rd Regiment, Halifax Rifles, which name it -retained up to and during the late Great War. - -Successive Commanding Officers were as follows: Lieut.-Col. Chearnley, -1865 to 1871; Lieut.-Col. Andrew MacKinlay, 1871 to 1872; Lieut.-Colonel -Pallister, 1872 to 1879; Lieut.-Col. J. W. Mackintosh, 1879 to 1890; -Lieut.-Col. J. D. Walsh, 1890 to 1892; Lieut.-Col. T. J. Egan, 1892 to -1898; Lieut.-Col. John Crane, 1898 to 1903; Lieut.-Col. J. T. Twining, -1903 to 1908; Lieut.-Col. C. A. Gunning, 1908 to 1913; Lieut.-Col. I. W. -Vidito, 1913 to 1917; Lieut.-Col. C. A. Mumford, 1917 until demobilized -1918. - -The 63rd furnished 109 officers and men for service during the Northwest -Rebellion. Major Walsh was in command, with Capts. Hechler, Cunningham -and Fortune and Lieutenants Silver, James, Twining, McKie, Fletcher and -Fiske. Captain Corbin was appointed Quartermaster of the Provisional -Battalion. They entrained for the West on April 4, 1885, and returned to -Halifax and rejoined their Unit July 24 of the same year. The Regiment -also furnished sixty-one officers, non-commissioned officers and men for -service in the South African War. - -On the declaration of the Great War, August 4, 1914, the 63rd Regiment, -Halifax Rifles was ordered out for service in defence of the Fortress of -Halifax. One hundred men under the command of Capt. H. N. Clarke, with -Capt. J, W. Logan, Lieut. E. R. Dennis and Lieut. F. H. M. Jones, -proceeded at once to Wellington Barracks, and the remainder of the Unit -was at once mobilized and proceeded under command to the various war -stations assigned to it. - -By August 5, 1914, the mobilization of the Unit being completed, the -Regiment paraded in full strength under Lieut.-Col. I. W. Vidito, with -Major W. E. Thompson Second in Command, and Capt. D. R. Turnbull, -Adjutant, and proceeded to their new quarters, Wellington Barracks, -where the Composite Company under Capt. H. N. Clarke was absorbed, the -officers and men rejoining their old Companies. - -On August 12th “B” Company proceeded to McNab’s Island under the command -of Capt. C. A. Mumford, with Lieuts. C. N. Bennett and W. E. Doane. “D” -Company, under Capt. H. F. Adams and Lieut. C. J. Roche, proceeded to -York Redoubt. On August 18th “G” and “H” Companies proceeded to the -Eastern Camp Site, Dartmouth. These two Companies were under the command -of Major W. H. Conrod. “G” Company (Capt. E. A. Vossnack, Lieuts. G. S. -Kinley and G. C. Sircom) occupied York Farm; “H” Company (Capt. H. N. -Clarke and Lieuts. E. C. Phinney and J. W. Grant) occupied Kuhn’s Farm. -On August 25th “D” Company under Capt. H. F. Adams moved from York -Redoubt to Camperdown, and on the same date “A” Company (Capt. F. C. -Kingdon, Lieut. R. C. McDonald); “C” Company (Capt. H. G. DeWolfe, -Lieut. H. J. Stech) and “F” Company (Capt. J. W. Logan, Lieuts. G. M. -Sylvester and F. H. Jones) moved to McNab’s Island. “E” Company (Capt. -E. K. McKay, Lieuts. O. Vossnack and E. R. Dennis) moved to Lawlor’s -Island. The last four Companies were under the command of Major W. E. -Thompson. On August 30th headquarters and regimental details moved to -McNab’s Island. - -Immediately on arrival at their stations each Company started the work -of digging trenches, placing wire entanglements, constructing -blockhouses, dugouts, etc. The men were driven at top speed at this -work, officers and men working all day as well as doing picquet duty at -night. - -During the early days of the War H.M. ship _Suffolk_, then engaged in -hunting for the enemy cruiser _Karlsruhe_, called at Halifax in urgent -need of coal, and was coaled in record time by the 63rd Regiment. - -On August 22nd the first Overseas draft was called for and twenty-four -non-commissioned officers and men under command of Lieuts. A. F. Major -and G. L. Stairs, proceeded to Valcartier Camp. On November 25, 1914, -forty-eight non-commissioned officers and men were transferred to the -25th Battalion, C.E.F., which was then being organized, and on December -6th Major W. H. Conrod, Lieuts. L. N. B. Bullock, G. C. Sircom and J. A. -Grant were transferred to that Battalion. - -Major W. E. Thompson was called in by Headquarters Military District No. -6 in December, 1914, to take over the work of Inspector of Outposts and -Detachments throughout the district, with the rank of Lieut.-Colonel. - -On May 20, 1915, Capt. Wm. Taylor, Lieuts. C. J. Roche and J. A. -Watters, with thirty-three other ranks proceeded to Jamaica on military -duty. On August 13, 1915, thirty-six other ranks were transferred to the -40th Battalion, then in training at Valcartier. In September, 1915, an -Overseas Company was formed to which officers and men given permission -to go Overseas were attached for training. From this time, all drafts -from the 63rd for Overseas Units were taken from this Company. - -An Overseas draft of 100 other ranks with Lieuts. W. D. Simpson, H. D. -Hilton and C. D. Llwyd were struck off the strength of the 63rd Regiment -on February 25, 1916. - -Major H. F. Adams was appointed Officer Commanding Discharge Depot, -Halifax, from July 1, 1916. A draft of eighty-eight other ranks under -command of Lieuts. H. A. Creighton and Benj. Taylor embarked for -Overseas on July 15, 1916. The Regiment was inspected by Field-Marshall -H.R.H. Duke of Connaught on August 24, 1916. - -The 63rd was placed on a four Company basis from November 1, 1917. The -Company officers were: “A” Company, Capt. F. C. Kingdon, Lieuts. J. A. -Watters, H. V. Wier, G. W. Churchill, H. S. Holloway. “B” Company, -Capts. H. J. Steck, D. W. Kennedy, Lieuts. F. A. Taylor, C. S. Innes, H. -R. McCaughin, G. R. Forbes. “C” Company, Capts. E. Ricketts, G. S. -Kinley, Lieuts. T. L. Parkman, J. E. Milsom, C. N. Innes. “D” Company, -Capts. O. F. Vossnack, W. Taylor, Lieuts. E. G. McMinn, W. R. R. Tayler, -H. H. Irwin. - -Lieut.-Col. I. W. Vidito was transferred to the Reserve of Officers on -July 1, 1917, and was succeeded in the command of the Regiment by -Lieut.-Col. C. A. Mumford. On the morning of December 6, 1917, five -officers and 143 other ranks were detailed for relief work following the -explosion at Halifax. On April 16, 1918, the 6th Battalion Canadian -Garrison Regiment was authorized, and in May the 63rd Regiment was -relieved from duty. The following named officers were transferred to the -6th Battalion: Lieut.-Col. C. A. Mumford, Capts. E. Ricketts, H. J. -Steck, E. K. McKay, G. S. Kinley, Lieuts. H. V. Wier, J. A. Watters, E. -G. McMinn, G. W. Churchill, J. E. Milsom, H. R. McCoughin, G. R. Forbes, -R. J. Colwell. - -The undermentioned officers were transferred to the 1st Nova Scotia -Depot Battalion: Lieuts. H. A. Wilson, W. R. R. Tayler, H. S. Holloway, -Majors A. R. McCleave and H. N. Clarke, Capts. F. C. Kingdon, J. D. -Monoghan and Lieut. T. Parkman were relieved from active service. - -On the organization of the First Canadian Contingent the Regiment -volunteered for service Overseas, but much to the disappointment of all -ranks had to continue its allotted duties in the defence of the Fortress -of Halifax. Owing to the heavy demands on the Ordnance Department for -clothing and equipment needed by troops preparing for embarkation the -requirements of troops on Home Service could not be met until late in -1914, and for some time clothing was patched with flour sacks or any -other material available, and worn out soles of boots were reinforced -with shingles. In spite of all discouragements the 63rd faithfully -performed the tasks assigned it, and when at last it was permitted to -send drafts Overseas it became the ambition of all ranks to obtain a -transfer to the Overseas Company. Altogether the Regiment supplied 70 -officers and 815 other ranks for service at the Front. - -The following is a list of officers who served with the Regiment at -various times during the War. Those who went Overseas are marked *: -*Lieut. A. B. Anderson; Capt. H. F. Adams (now Lieut.-Col. R. O.); -*Lieut. A. A. Allenback; *Lieut. W. B. Arthur; *Lieut. H. P. Bell -(Captain C.E.F.); *Lieut. C. W. Bennett (killed in action); *Lieut. L. -N. B. Bullock (D.S.O. and Bar—Lieut.-Colonel C.E.F.); *Lieut. F. A. -Brewster (M.C.); *Lieut. G. A. Campbell (killed in action); *Major W. H. -Conrod; *Major H. N. Clarke; Lieut. J. H. Congdon; Lieut. G. W. -Churchill; *Lieut. W. L. Coleman; Lieut. H. J. Crosskill; *Lieut. R. J. -Colwell; *Lieut. T. F. Campbell; *Lieut. C. H. Colwell; *Lieut. A. H. -Creighton; *Lieut. H. A. Creighton; *Lieut. B. Currie (Captain C.E.F.); -Capt. H. G. DeWolf; Lieut. W. H. Dennis; *Lieut. E. R. Dennis (M.C., -killed in action); *Major F. W. W. Doane; *Lieut. H. W. L. Doane; -*Lieut. W. E. E. Doane (killed in action); *Lieut. S. Downer; *Lieut. J. -S. Davie (M.C., Major C.E.F.); Lieut. R. F. Davison; *Lieut. A. C. -Delacroix; *Lieut. E. R. Eddy; Lieut. R. G. Forbes; *Lieut. W. G. Foster -(killed in action); *Lieut. P. W. Freeman; Lieut. L. A. Gastonquay; -*Lieut. G. H. Gillis (D.F.C., Captain C.E.F.); *Lieut. J. A. Grant; -*Lieut. W. P. Grant; *Lieut. R. J. Harris (died); *Lieut. J. A. Harris; -*Lieut. H. E. Hilton (killed in action); *Lieut. H. S. Holloway; *Lieut. -W. A. Hendry; *Lieut. E. J. Hallett (M.C.); *Lieut. E. A. Hartling; -Lieut. H. H. Irwin; *Lieut. C. S. Innes; *Lieut. Colin Innes; *Lieut. F. -H. Jones (M.C.); Capt. R. J. Huston; *Lieut. A. E. Jubien; Capt. F. C. -Kingdon; *Lieut. A. L. A. Kane; Lieut. D. W. Kennedy; Lieut. A. W. -Kidner; *Lieut. G. S. Kinley (Captain C.E.F.); *Lieut. G. H. Keeler -(M.C.); Lieut. J. H. LeBlanc; *Lieut. C. D. Llwyd (M.C., killed in -action); *Major J. W. Logan; *Lieut. G. R. Leslie; *Lieut. O. W. -Lingham; *Lieut. A T. Lewis (M.C., Captain C.E.F.); *Lieut. A. F. Major -(killed in action); Lieut J. E. Milson; Capt. R. A. Milson; Lieut.-Col. -C. A. Mumford; Lieut. J. D. Monaghan; Capt. A. R. McCleave; Capt. E. K. -McKay; *Lieut. R. C. McDonald; Lieut.-Col. J. W. McMillan (Chaplain); -*Lieut. Geo. O. McDonald (drowned); Lieut. E. J. McMinn; Lieut. H. R. -McCoughin; *Lieut. A. T. McDonald (Major C.E.F.); Lieut. T. L. Parkman; -*Lieut. P. R. Phillips (M.C.); *Lieut. E. C. Phinney (Lieut.-Col. -C.E.F.); *Lieut. G. C. Pickford; Capt. E. Ricketts; *Lieut. C. Roche -(killed in action); Lieut. G. B. Robertson; *Lieut. W. M. Rogers; -*Lieut. J. S. Roy; *Lieut. C. E. Scarfe; *Lieut. W. D. Simpson; *Lieut. -G. C. Sircom; *Lieut. W. J. Stairs; *Lieut. G. L. Stairs (killed in -action); Lieut. H. J. Stech; *Lieut. E. S. Smith; *Lieut. G. M. -Sylvester (killed in action); *Lieut. B. A. Taylor (killed in action); -*Major W. E. Thompson (Colonel D.O.C., Military District No. 6); Capt. -W. Taylor; Lieut. J. F. Taylor; Lieut. F. A. Taylor; Capt. D. R. -Turnbull; *Lieut. W. R. R. Tayler, Lieut.-Col. I. W. Vidito; Capt. E. A. -Vossnack; Capt. O. F. Vossnack; Lieut. J. A. Watters; Lieut. H. V. Wier; -*Lieut. H. A. Wilson; Lieut. P. J. Webb; Lieut. R. E. Wellard; Lieut. H. -H. Westbrooke; Lieut. A. B. West. - - - - - CHAPTER XXXV. - _THE 66th REGIMENT PRINCESS LOUISE FUSILIERS._ - - -[Illustration: - - LIEUT.-COL. A. KING.] - -Following Great Britain’s declaration of war against Germany on August -4, 1914, the 66th Regiment, Princess Louise Fusiliers, immediately -paraded at the Halifax Armories and the same evening sent an advanced -party of four officers and one hundred other ranks in command of Capt. -D. S. Bauld to Wellington Barracks, where the balance of the Unit under -its Commanding Officer, Lieut.-Col. H. L. Chipman, followed, and -established its headquarters on August 7, 1914. Preparations were -immediately made to place the 66th Regiment on a war footing, and -excitement ran high because it was felt by all ranks that, this being -one of the oldest Units in the Province, the 66th Regiment would be -among the first to see real service; but the fact that it was never sent -Overseas caused in the later years of the War a feeling of bitter -disappointment, particularly among those who were destined to carry on -tame and unattractive garrison duty throughout the War. - -The “Halifax Defence Scheme” unfortunately condemned it to this -uninteresting work, and although the Regiment repeatedly volunteered for -service Overseas its requests were ignored. The defence of Halifax was -altogether a thankless task, and the often repeated assurance that the -Regiment was performing the duties required of it brought little -consolation to the officers and men whose sole ambition was to join -their comrades in the Field. - -The personnel of the officers who turned out with the Regiment at the -time of the declaration of war was as follows:— - - Lieut.-Col. H. L. Chipman Officer Commanding. - Major and Bt. Lieut.-Col. A. King Senior Major. - Major R. B. Simmonds Junior Major and Acting Adjutant. - Capt. F. L. Stephen Acting Quartermaster. - Lieut.-Col. M. A. Curry Medical Officer. - Lieut.-Col. W. J. Armitage Chaplain. - Major R. H. Humphrey Paymaster. - - _Company Officers._ - - Capts. A. W. Weston, G. W. Murray, J. McFatridge, D. S. Bauld, H. - H. Bligh, R. W. Frost, C. E. Dowden, J. R. Glazbrook; Lieuts. W. - B. Medcalfe, G. W. Stairs, G. H. Liddell, C. A. Fages, J. C. - Stairs, J. R. Simmonds, G. Dwyer, W. C. Borrett, J. H. Crosskill, - B. H. Smith, R. F. Studd, F. H. Marr, F. R. Heuston, D. Stairs, G. - E. Creighton, L. E. VanBuskirk. - -Later two officers reported for duty from the Corps Reserve, and during -the period of the War twenty-five additional officers were granted -commissions in the Regiment. The Regiment at the outbreak of the War was -on an eight Company basis, and it was not until December 6, 1915, that -the double Company system was adopted. - -The first move of importance was the sending of a detachment, on August -11, 1914, of four Companies, B, E, F and G, and the Regimental Machine -Gun Section, all under command of Major R. B. Simmonds, to Chain and -Long Lakes, with instructions to prepare a system of trenches, -blockhouses, etc., and arrange generally for the defence of Halifax City -from any possible attack from the West. This force was designated the -“Chain Lakes Detachment,” and with interchanges of officers and other -ranks remained on duty at this post until January 15, 1917, when it -proceeded to York Redoubt. - -The headquarters of the Regiment was moved from Wellington Barracks to -York Redoubt on August 29, 1914, and remained there until the -demobilization of the Unit on May 1, 1918. In January, 1915, -Lieut.-Colonel Chipman was seconded from the Regiment and took over -command of the Composite Battalion, which had been organized for -garrison duty, and Lieut.-Col. A. King was gazetted O.C. 66th Regiment, -and continued so until the Unit was relieved from active service in May, -1918. - -About December 1, 1915, authority was granted for the Regiment to -organize a reinforcing draft, five officers and two hundred and fifty -other ranks. The South Barracks on Sackville Street were immediately -taken over, and recruiting and organization work in connection with the -draft was proceeded with. The draft finally sailed for England on -January 22, 1916. This draft was commanded by Capt. R. F. Studd, the -other officers accompanying it being Lieuts. T. F. Morrison, W. K. -Fraser, L. J. Atkinson, and W. S. Fielding. - -During the War the 66th Regiment was inspected by His Royal Highness the -Duke of Connaught, His Excellency the Duke of Devonshire, Major-General -Gwatkin, Chief of the Canadian General Staff, Major-General Lessard, -Inspector-General of Eastern Canada, and by many other distinguished -soldiers, and was at all times most highly complimented on its excellent -state of efficiency. - -[Illustration: - - LIEUT.-COL. R. B. SIMMONDS.] - -This Unit played a prominent part in the relief work following the great -explosion of December 6, 1917, which devastated a large portion of the -City of Halifax, caused the loss of some seventeen hundred lives and -entailed untold suffering among so many families for months following. -Lieut.-Col. R. B. Simmonds was in command of all military and naval -relief parties engaged in rescue work in the devastated area, and later -was placed in charge of a committee to procure relief for dependants of -all men who were serving at home or Overseas. It was the duty of this -committee to find food, clothing and shelter for the families of all -soldiers who had suffered in the explosion. A large number of mechanics -were placed under the direction of this committee and the work of relief -practically completed by May 1, 1918. That the duties of this committee -were all carried out it might be mentioned that it effected practically -permanent repairs to over one hundred and sixty houses, besides looking -after the needs of many suffering families, for which it was -complimented by the Minister of Militia and received the thanks of the -Halifax Relief Commission. - -Notwithstanding that the Regiment was kept in Canada, it was, -nevertheless, called upon to perform various and arduous duties at all -times. That the Regiment also assisted in a very tangible way in winning -the War is proved by the fact that the 66th Regiment, Princess Louise -Fusiliers sent fifty-four officers and eight hundred and fifty men to -swell the ranks of various Overseas Units of the Canadian Expeditionary -Force, a large number of whom are now sleeping their last sleep in the -fields of Flanders, having upheld the honor of their Regiment and proved -their belief in its motto, “Fideliter.” - - - - - CHAPTER XXXVI. - _94th VICTORIA REGIMENT, ARGYLL HIGHLANDERS._ - - -Much has been written of what was done by Canadian Units in France and -Belgium, but little has been said of the Units compelled to remain on -home service, which had to content themselves with performing garrison -duties and supplying reinforcements to the army in the Field. - -The 94th Victoria Regiment, Argyll Highlanders, with Headquarters at -Baddeck, Cape Breton, was at the commencement of hostilities perhaps the -most distinctively Highland Battalion in the forces of the Empire, -inasmuch as the Gaelic language was the mother tongue of eighty per -cent. of its personnel. As a rural Battalion it is recognized as having -sent more officers and men Overseas than any other similar Unit in -Eastern Canada. All its original members, excepting those over age or -physically unfit, were transferred to C.E.F. Units; many of them paid -the supreme sacrifice, and a number of them were decorated for -distinguished service. - -At 9.30 a.m., August 4, 1914, the Officer Commanding the Battalion, -Lieut.-Col. J. D. McRae, received mobilization orders. The marching-out -strength, including the Canso detachment, was 377 all ranks. The eight -Companies were commanded by the officers, and proceeded to their -different stations, on the dates named below: - - “A” Co., Capt. D. P. McRae, Whitney Pier, Sydney 7th Aug. - “B” Co., Capt. D. A. McRae; Marconi Towers, Glace Bay 6th „ - “C” Co., Capt. A. J. McNeil, North Sydney 5th „ - “D” Co., Capt. M. A. McLeod, Marconi Towers, Glace Bay 6th „ - “E” Co., Capt. M. D. McKeigan, Louisburg 5th „ - “F” Co., Capt. R. Y. McKenzie, Lloyd’s Cove, Sydney Mines 7th „ - “G” Co., Capt. J. G. Johnstone, Canso 5th „ - “H” Co., Capt. W. D. McKenzie, Sydney 7th „ - Regimental Staff to Headquarters, 33 Charlotte St., Sydney 7th „ - - - _Regimental Staff._ - - Lieut.-Col. J. D. McRae Officer Commanding. - Major J. S. McLean Second in Command. - Major A. D. McRae Junior Major. - Capt. W. G. McRae Adjutant. - Lieut. A. J. McInnis Instructor of Musketry. - Lieut. G. M. McNeil Signalling Officer. - Major M. A. J. McDonald Quartermaster. - Major Dan McDonald Medical Officer. - Capt. M. H. Morrison Paymaster. - - - _Lieutenants._ - - “A” Co., P. W. Anderson and J. A. Kiley. - “B” Co., W. W. Nicholson and F. J. McCharles. - “C” Co., A. J. McDonald and J. A. McDonald. - “D” Co., N. J. McDonald and A. N. McKenzie. - “E” Co., J. L. McKinnon and D. McKenzie. - “F” Co., D. McKinnon and D. McKenzie. - “G” Co., K. L. McKay and J. McIsaac. - “H” Co., A. McKinnon and J. D. McRae. - -Captain C. C. McIntosh was Chaplain of the Unit, but was not called out -for service with it. - -During the years 1914 to 1918 the following officers, sixty in all. were -transferred to C.E.F. Units: - - - _Majors._ - - M. W. Morrison and J. G. Johnstone. - - - _Captains._ - - D. A. McRae. - K. L. McKay. - M. D. McKeigan. - J. McIsaac. - W. G. McRae. - W. W. Nicholson. - D. McKinnon. - A. McKinnon. - - - _Lieutenants._ - - A. J. McInnis. - G. M. McNiel. - J. D. McIntyre. - W. J. Brothers. - C. McDermid. - G. B. Morley. - J. W. Maddin. - J. H. McIvor. - C. F. Gallant. - A. E. Wilcox. - S. Schoefield. - J. A. McDonald. - David Neil. - P. W. Anderson. - J. D. McNiel. - D. H. McKenzie. - L. G. McCorrison. - J. A. McKinnon. - J. A. Rankin. - C. Campbell. - A. W. McLean. - W. A. Livingstone. - T. D. A. Purves. - R. A. Pertus. - G. D. Crowell. - C. R. McKenzie. - W. E. Beaton. - M. J. Dryden. - Alex. McDonald. - A. H. Walker. - C. Holland. - R. Flemming. - W. R. McAskill. - A. M. Fraser. - S. D. Morrison. - C. W. Sutherland. - D. N. McDonald. - W. H. McConell. - B. Campbell. - F. J. McCharles. - J. A. Holland. - M. W. McKinnon. - H. C. Verner. - T. C. King. - R. M. McDonald. - M. J. McRae. - A. S. Henry. - D. S. Carey. - J. B. Fraser. - Theodore Chisholm. - -From a total of 344 other ranks who came out with the Battalion at the -commencement of the War, 311 volunteered for service Overseas. It took -time to train a sufficient number of recruits to replace these men, but -within six months all had been transferred to C.E.F. Units and were on -their way to France. Altogether the Battalion during its period of -service sent 3,632 men to the Front, and it was a difficult matter at -all times to retain a sufficient number of men to perform the necessary -duties. - -The eight Companies of the Battalion were called upon to perform -Garrison Guard and Outpost duties at important shipping points, wireless -and cable stations, not only in Cape Breton but also at Canso. For -defence purposes the troops at Marconi Towers, Glace Bay, Louisburg and -Canso erected blockhouses and wire entanglements, built redoubts and dug -trenches, in addition to carrying into effect a syllabus of training -designed better to fit the men for their more strenuous work with the -Expeditionary Force. - -The Battalion was demobilized June 29, 1918, and the following officers -were transferred to “F” Company, 6th Battalion, Canadian Garrison -Regiment, who assumed the duties previously performed by the 94th:— - - - Capt. A. J. McNiel. - - - _Lieutenants._ - - J. A. McDonald. - L. E. McDonald. - J. D. McRae. - A. J. McDonald. - Dan McKenzie. - Bert Campbell. - J. R. Fraser. - -Major M. J. McDonald, Quartermaster, was employed as the representative -of the A.D. of S. & T. in Cape Breton, and Major D. McDonald, Medical -Officer, was attached to the A.D.M.S., Military District No. 6. The -undermentioned officers were relieved from duty and returned to their -homes:— - - Lieut.-Col. A. D. McRae. - Major W. G. McRae. - Major J. Darke (attached from 4th P.E.I. Heavy Battery). - Capts. D. P. McRae, D. McKenzie, J. A. Kiley, J. L. McKinnon. - Lieuts. S. A. Reeves, J. D. Aucoin. - -N.C.O.’s and men in Class 1 of the Military Service Act, and those who -were willing to be transferred, were handed over to “F” Company, 6th -Battalion, C.E.F., for duty in Cape Breton. - -The following 94th officers transferred to C.E.F. Units were awarded -decorations:— - - Major P. W. Anderson Military Cross. - Major M. D. McKeigan French Croix de Guerre. - Capt. W. A. Livingstone Military Cross and Bar. - Capt. G. B. Morley Military Cross. - Lieut. G. M. McNeil Military Cross. - Lieut. W. E. Beaton Military Cross. - Lieut. A. S. Henry Military Cross. - Lieut. J. D. McIntyre Military Cross. - Lieut. A. E. Wilcox Military Medal. - -The following officers were killed in action or died of wounds:— - - Major P. W. Anderson, M.C. - Capt. M. W. McKinnon. - Capt. W. E. Beaton, M.C. - Capt. Aubrey McKinnon. - Lieutenants A. H. Walker, W. R. McAskill, J. A. McDonald, J. H. McIvor, - J. A. Holland, A. M. Fraser, R. A. Pertus. - -It is impossible at the present time to obtain a nominal roll of the -N.C.O.’s and men who fell on the field of honor. The list is a long one, -and in many Cape Breton homes, mothers, wives, sisters and sweethearts -mourn with proud resignation the lads who will not return. Neither is it -possible to obtain a complete list of decorations awarded. The summary -that follows has been compiled from incomplete, unofficial sources: - - D.S.O. 1 - M.C. 14 - Bar to M.C. 2 - D.C.M. 15 - M.M. 79 - Bar to M.M. 10 - M.S.M. 4 - Despatches 3 - Croix de Guerre 2 - -The undermentioned N.C.O.’s and men obtained commissions: - - Sergt. G. McL. Matheson (Major, 25th Bn.) D.S.O., M.C., M.M., - Despatches. - Pte. Jas. A. Anderson (Capt., 85th Bn.) M.C. - Corp. C. J. Oram (Lieut., 25th Bn.) M.C. - Corp. D. A. Livingstone (Lieut., 25th Bn.) M.M. - Corp. K. Morrison (Lieut., Can. Eng.) M.M. and Bar. - Pte. Thos. Toone (Lieut., Can. Eng.) M.C., D.C.M., M.M. - C. S.-M. R. Roberts (Lieut., 25th Bn.) D.C.M. - Pte. J. R. Burchell (Capt., 85th Bn.) M.C. and Bar. - Pte. H. N. McNeil (Capt., 85th Bn.) M.C. - Pte. W. V. McKinnon (Lieut., 25th Bn.) M.M. - Pte. M. Gray (Capt., Can. Eng.) M.C., M.M. - - - _94th VICTORIA REGIMENT, ARGYLL HIGHLANDERS_ - -Under the reorganization scheme of the Canadian Militia the 94th -Regiment is wiped off the slate and is succeeded by the 1st Battalion, -Cape Breton Highlanders (85th Battalion, C.E.F.). The officers, N.C.O.’s -and men of the old Regiment, who served in it for years before the -fateful summer of 1914, cannot view its passing without a certain -measure of sadness and regret. The spirit of comradeship that existed -among all ranks encouraged them to carry on through many difficulties in -years of peace and enabled them at a few hours’ notice to proceed in -full strength to their allotted stations, on the declaration of war. - -Inspired by the Regiment’s ancient motto, “Dileas d’on Bhrataich” (“True -to the Flag”), every man who was physically fit, and many who were not, -volunteered for service Overseas. They did their duty nobly and gave -their country a full and overflowing measure of splendid service. The -memory of our comrades whose mortal remains sleep in the stricken fields -of France and Flanders will be held in affectionate recollection as long -as life lasts. Of them the soldier poet of Nova Scotia, Dr. J. D. Logan, -a sergeant of the 85th Battalion, who served with many officers and men -transferred to that Unit from the 94th, writes: - - “They gave the All that men can give; - They gave themselves that men might live, - They are Christ’s heroes. Lo, on their brows Love’s diadem! - O God of Righteous Battles, let it be well with them.” - - - - - CHAPTER XXXVII. - _THE COMPOSITE BATTALION._ - - -The Composite Battalion was formed at Halifax from Companies drawn from -the Militia Regiments of Nova Scotia, New Brunswick and Prince Edward -Island to replace the Royal Canadian Regiment, which was transferred to -Bermuda shortly after the outbreak of hostilities. - -[Illustration: - - LIEUT.-COL. H. L. CHIPMAN.] - -Companies consisting of three officers and fifty-six other ranks were -supplied by the 67th, 69th, 71st, 74th, 75th, 76th, 82nd and 93rd -Regiments, and arrived at Halifax on September 8th and 9th, 1914, taking -over at once garrison duties from the 66th Regiment, P.L.F., which -proceeded to York Redoubt for outpost duty. - -The following guards were furnished: Quarter Guard, Wellington Barracks; -Gun Wharf; King’s Wharf; Lumber Yard; Station Hospital; Grain Elevator; -North Ordnance; Dry Dock; Richmond Pier and Rockhead Hospital. Weekly -Guards were also mounted at Fort Clarence, Fort Cambridge, Fort Ogilvie -and Point Pleasant Battery. - -The Battalion was commanded by Lieut.-Col. A. E. Carpenter, R.C.R., with -Capt. M. E. Roscoe as Adjutant: - -The Company officers were:—“A” Company (67th Regiment)—Capt. C. G. -McLaughlin, later transferred to 64th Battalion, C.E.F.; Lieut. C. -Rideout, 145th Battalion, C.E.F.; Lieut. C. E. Williams, 55th Battalion, -C.E.F. “B” Company (69th Regiment)—Major Whitman, resigned and replaced -by Capt. M. S. Parker, 112th Battalion, C.E.F.; Lieut. S. McNeil; Lieut. -J. C. Willett, 165th Battalion, C.E.F. “C” Company (71st Regiment)—Capt. -H. Woodbridge, 55th Battalion, C.E.F.; Lieut. C. A. Good, R.F.C.; Lieut. -B. Wade, resigned and replaced by Lieut. F. Fitzpatrick, 55th Battalion, -C.E.F. “D” Company (74th Regiment)—Capt. S. S. Wetmore, 55th Battalion, -C.E.F.; Lieut. J. A. Sproul, resigned; Lieut. M. P. Gillis, 112th -Battalion, C.E.F. “E” Company (75th Regiment)—Capt. W. L. Whitford, 25th -Battalion, C.E.F.; Capt. A. Berringer, resigned; Lieut. C. C. Morash, -112th Battalion, C.E.F. “F” Company (76th Regiment)—Capt. H. Dickie, -resigned and replaced by Capt. W. H. J. Moxsom, 106th Battalion, C.E.F.; -Lieut. O. G. Heard, 106th Battalion, C.E.F.; Lieut. C. Major, 40th -Battalion, C.E.F. “G” Company (82nd Regiment)—Major F. Boulter, later -transferred to 105th Battalion, C.E.F.; Lieut. A. McLeod, 105th -Battalion, C.E.F.; Lieut. G. E. Full, 40th Battalion, C.E.F. “H” Company -(93rd Regiment)—Major G. R. Oulton; Capt. J. N. McDonald, 106th -Battalion, C.E.F.; Lieut. D. Anderson. - -In addition to the duties already enumerated, Guard was mounted over -prisoners of war at the Citadel and at the Detention Barracks, Melville -Island. The prisoners were German officers and men captured on the high -seas, with a sprinkling of civilians, some of whom were found on -captured ships; others were residents of Canada whom it was found -necessary to intern. - -In March, 1915, the Interment Station at Amherst was opened, and two and -one-half Companies under command of Major G. R. Oulton, with Capt. J. N. -McDonald, Lieuts. Davidson and Sproul, were sent there, and were -replaced by one Company from each of the following Regiments:—78th -Regiment—Capt. J. A. McKenzie, later transferred to 85th Battalion, -C.E.F.; Capt. J. R. Maxwell, 106th Battalion, C.E.F. 81st Regiment—Capt. -E. S. Doering; Lieut. J. H. Wallace, 64th Battalion, C.E.F., killed in -action; Lieut. W. W. Slack, 40th Battalion, C.E.F. 93rd Regiment—Capt. -J. A. McPherson, 106th Battalion, C.E.F.; Lieut. P. Boucher, 165th -Battalion, C.E.F. - -Lieut. E. W. Joy reported for duty to replace Lieut. C. S. Major, -transferred to 40th Battalion, and assumed the duties of Fortress -Intelligence Officer. Other officers on duty were Major F. S. Heffernan -(93rd), Quartermaster; Lieut. Keith Rogers (C.S.C.), Signalling Officer; -and Lieut. R. Innes (81st), Musketry Instructor, afterwards O.C. 106th -Battalion. - -Previous to July, 1916, each Company Commander had his own account with -the District Paymaster and was responsible for all payments to his -officers and men. When the Battalion was recognized as a Unit it was -allowed a Paymaster. Capt. H. B. Verge received the appointment and -retained it until transferred to the Nova Scotia Forestry Battalion in -June, 1917, when Capt. W. S. Brignell took over his duties. - -The Battalion suffered considerably in the explosion of December 6, -1917, losing six men killed and 87 per cent. of the N.C.O.’s and men -injured. One officer and two N.C.O.’s died in hospital from injuries -received. The more serious injuries were received by men on guard at -Richmond Pier, North Ordnance and Dry Dock. All the men killed, -excepting one, who was killed in the barrack room, were members of these -Guards. A snowstorm with high wind which raged for thirty-six hours -after the explosion made the barracks almost untenable, as windows and -doors were gone and no fires could be laid until the chimneys were -inspected. The morale of the men was good during this period. Many -N.C.O.’s and men had their families living near the barracks, a large -number of whom were killed and injured. - -The first draft of one hundred men from the Composite Battalion was sent -Overseas in January, 1916, under command of Lieuts. W. S. Brown and O. -Thorne. A second draft of fifty-six men, under command of Lieut. W. R. -Clark, sailed on June 26, 1916. A number of men were transferred to the -R.C.R. Base Depot from time to time and were included in Overseas drafts -sent by that Unit. - -When the Military Service Act came in force in 1918, 125 men in the -Composite Battalion, who came under its provisions, were sent Overseas. -The remainder were transferred to the 6th Battalion, Canadian Garrison -Regiment. All the senior officers were transferred to their Militia -Units, with the exception of Major J. E. Morse, who was transferred to -the 6th Battalion, C.G.R. The junior officers were transferred to the -Depot Battalion, 1st Nova Scotia Regiment, excepting Lieut. W. H. -Whidden and Lieut. I. C. Banks, who were taken on the strength of No. 6 -District Depot and appointed respectively O.C. Casualty Company and -Discharge Section. - -The following officers were on duty when the Unit was -disbanded:—Lieut.-Col. H. L. Chipman, Officer Commanding; Major G. R. -Oulton, Second in Command; Major E. K. Eaton, R.C.R., Adjutant; Lieut. -W. B. Arthur, Assistant Adjutant; Capt. W. W. Brignell, Paymaster; Major -F. S. Heffernan, Quartermaster; Major D. G. Mossmain, O.C. “A” Company; -Major F. Boulter, O.C. “B” Company; Major J. E. Morse, O.C. “C” Company; -Capt. G. L. Whidden, O.C. “D” Company; Capt. S. L. McNiel, Lieut. W. L. -Coleman, Lieut. R. J. Colwell, Lieut. H. C. Crosby, Lieut. C. McLellan, -Lieut. J. R. Campbell, Lieut. W. E. Mitchell, Lieut. W. H. Whidden, -Lieut. I. C. Banks. - -Other officers who had served with the Battalion in 1916 and 1917 were -as follows:—Lieut. C. A. Vaughan, later transferred to 106th and -resigned; Capt. A. Stirling, 145th; Lieut. W. Ross, 38th Battalion; -Lieut. S. Rogers, R.C.R.; Lieut. St. C. Stayner, unattached; Lieut. S. -Bradford, R.F.C.; Lieut. H. F. Arthur, R.N.A.S.; Lieut. R. Asher, R.F.C. - -The following officers of the R.C.R. also served: As Adjutant, Lieut. G. -L. P. Grant Suttie, who replaced Capt. M. E. Roscoe, transferred to the -219th Battalion, being later relieved by Capt. V. W. S. Heron, who in -turn was relieved by Major Eaton. - - - - - CHAPTER XXXVIII. - _THE 1st DEPOT BATTALION NOVA SCOTIA REGIMENT._ - - -[Illustration: - - LIEUT.-COL. H. FLOWERS.] - -This Unit was authorized on September 25, 1917, for the purpose of -looking after the draftees under the Military Service Act. Lieut.-Col. -H. Flowers, formerly of the 64th and 25th Battalions, C.E.F., was -appointed to command, with Lieut.-Col. D. S. Bauld, 25th, Second in -Command. The original officers of this Unit were all officers with -service at the Front in France, invalided home, and unable to return on -account of various disabilities. It was due to this experience that they -were able to handle this Unit, which eventually reached the proportions -of a Brigade with credit to the Province of Nova Scotia and themselves. - -The strength of a Battalion is roughly 1,000 all ranks, and at times the -strength of the 1st Depot Battalion, Nova Scotia Regiment, reached over -5,000. - -The original senior officers were: - - Major F. L. Stephens 64th and 14th - Major O. G. Heard 106th and 87th. - Major W. McPherson 112th and 87th. - Major G. L. Mott 64th and 13th. - Major Stanley C.F.A. - -Later the following were attached: - - Major Inman 105th. - Major W. Grant 25th. - Lieut.-Col. N. H. Parsons 246th. - Adjutant, Captain Simpson 85th. - Paymaster, Capt. Geo. Farish 25th. - Quartermaster, Capt. W. St.C. Ingraham 25th. - -From time to time new officers who had not seen Overseas service were -attached, and these were sent Overseas with drafts as soon as they could -be gotten ready. - -The real work of the Unit commenced about February 1, 1918, because -quarters for mobilization were not available earlier, on account of the -destruction of property caused by the Halifax explosion in December, -1917. The work was carried on at the Armories, Halifax, under most -trying conditions. “A” Company was quartered at Charlottetown to take -care of the Prince Edward Island draftees, and remained there doing this -work until demobilized. “B” Company was moved to Amherst early in March, -1918, remaining there until May 16th, when it joined the Battalion at -Aldershot, Nova Scotia, the Companies in barracks at Halifax having -moved to Aldershot on May 13th. - -From that date the work of the Unit was extremely strenuous. Draftees -were ordered in at the rate of 250 daily, and the Camp soon assumed the -appearance of a Brigade. The men were medically examined, inoculated, -vaccinated, and their dental troubles administered to. They were -clothed, trained, and when they had become sufficiently expert to form -fours, were equipped and sent to England to complete the training so -well begun here. - -This Unit dealt with all men coming under the Military Service Act, who -were either ordered to report or were arrested for some default under -the Act, and in this way about 14,000 men passed through the files of -the Unit. Of course, there was considerable shrinkage, because many did -not come up to the necessary physical standard, and because others -became casualties. In all some 5,000 recruits were sent Overseas. - -The largest draft was one of 1,700. This draft paraded at 8 p.m. on -August 3, 1918; the roll was called, documents checked, etc. The men -were then dismissed and ordered to parade and entrain at 4.30 a.m. on -August 4th. Every man of the 1,700 answered the roll call but one. He -was late for parade but in time to entrain. His excuse was that he had -been married after being dismissed the night previous. Under the -circumstances the O.C. forgave his tardiness. This was the last draft to -be sent. The War in Europe began to take on a more cheerful aspect; the -farmers and fishermen were required for harvesting, etc., and some leave -was given. - -In September the Unit moved back to the Halifax Common for winter -quarters. November 11th the Armistice was signed, and almost immediately -the welcome order to demobilize was received. By March, 1919, all the -affairs of the Unit were a matter of history. - - - - - CHAPTER XXXIX. - _“B” UNIT, M.H.C.C._ - - -In the spring of 1915, when the casualties of the Canadian Overseas -Forces commenced returning to Canada, the best methods of dealing with -them had to be considered. The first men to return were not for medical -treatment. They were dealt with by the Discharge Depots at Halifax and -Quebec. At these points the men received their discharge from the army, -their tickets to their homes, a suit of civilian clothes, and the -balance of pay due to them. - -Towards the fall of 1915 the sick and wounded commenced returning, at -first in small numbers; and they were also dealt with by the Discharge -Depots. Those not requiring further medical treatment were discharged -and sent to their homes, with three months’ pay, paid in three monthly -instalments. Those who required further medical treatment were also -discharged, but were sent to the Convalescent Home nearest to their -homes. These Convalescent Homes were small, and most of them were placed -at the disposal of the Government by private individuals. They were all -equipped by the Red Cross, I.O.D.E., and other local societies organized -throughout Canada by the women of Canada. In the autumn of 1915 the -Military Hospitals Commission was created, with authority to accept and -administer these Homes. The powers of this Commission were almost -unlimited as to their control, administration, and creation of Hospitals -and Convalescent Homes for the treatment of Canada’s troops returning -from Overseas. - -In the spring of 1916 the sick and wounded returned in great numbers, -and the Military Hospitals Commission having foreseen this, was well -prepared to receive them, having provided large Hospital and -Convalescent Home accommodation throughout Canada from coast to coast. - -The question now before the Government was how were the men to be kept -under discipline in these Hospitals and Convalescent Homes when the men -were no longer soldiers, having received their discharge from the army -when passing through the Discharge Depots at ports of arrival. It was -finally decided that those who required further medical treatment would -not receive their discharge on arrival, but would be forwarded to the -Hospital or Convalescent Home nearest to their homes and these men would -receive their discharge from the army when their medical treatment was -brought to a finality. - -[Illustration: - - MAJOR J. F. TAYLOR.] - -To take charge of the administration and discipline of these men, in the -various Hospitals and Homes throughout the country, the Military -Hospitals Commission Command was created in June, 1916, “B” Unit being -the Unit charged with the administration of the Hospitals and Homes -throughout the Maritime Provinces. The Officer Commanding this Unit -during the whole period of its existence—two years—was Major J. F. -Taylor, of Halifax, an officer who had done excellent service in the Pay -Branch, and who was selected to command the Maritime Province Unit on -account of his tact and business knowledge. Major Taylor organized and -administered the affairs of “B” Unit in a highly efficient manner at all -times, showing great sympathy to the men under his command. Owing to his -great tact and business ability, the Unit was second to none in Canada. - -The duties performed by “B” Unit were manifold. Military discipline was -adopted to a certain extent in all M.H.C.C. Institutions, but had to be -administered with regard to circumstances. The officers saw only the -aftermath of the terrible cataclysm enacted “over there,” and their -hearts were absorbed in the work of repairing broken humanity. - -The personnel of the Staff of “B” Unit on March 1, 1917, was as follows: - - Major J. F. Taylor Officer Commanding. - Capt. C. M. Mosher Adjutant. - Capt. F. A. R. Gow Medical Officer. - Captain Clarke Quartermaster. - Capt. A. A. Peachy Paymaster. - -On November 1, 1917, Capt. C. M. Mosher resigned as Adjutant and Capt. -Walter Whitford was appointed to that office and carried on until “B” -Unit was dissolved. In November, 1917, Capt. H. C. Sircom, a returned -officer, was appointed Paymaster to succeed Capt. Peachy, who had been -transferred to the Discharge Depot Command. - -The Hospitals and Convalescent Homes that were turned over to “B” Unit -by the Military Hospital Commission consisted of the following:— - - The Parks Convalescent Hospital St. John, N.B. - Ross Convalescent Hospital Sydney, N.S. - Clayton Convalescent Home Halifax, N.S. - Dalton Sanitarium North Wiltshire, P.E.I. - -Ross Military Convalescent Home was presented to the M.H.C.C. by -Commander and Mrs. J. K. L. Ross, of Sydney, C.B., on June 1, 1915. - -[Illustration: - - CAPT. WALTER WHITFORD.] - -The personnel in each of these Hospitals were transferred to the -M.H.C.C., and, with the exception of a few minor transfers, carried on -in the same efficient manner that had characterized them from the -organization of the M.H.C.C. By constructing and taking over other large -buildings, the M.H.C.C. soon made adequate arrangements for dealing with -the large number of soldiers returning from Overseas. Pier 2 having been -taken over by the Militia Department for a Clearing Hospital, it was -transferred to the M.H.C.C., February 15, 1917. Necessary alterations -delayed the opening of this Hospital until April 1, 1917. Its worth as a -Hospital was well demonstrated both while under the command of the -M.H.C.C. and later under the command of the Clearing Services. - -Pine Hill Presbyterian Theological College, Halifax, was taken over by -the M.H.C.C. as a Convalescent Hospital on March 1, 1917, and Capt. M. -S. Hunt was placed in charge, with Major Philip Weatherbe, Senior -Medical Officer, and Capt. John Cameron, Resident Medical Officer. Capt. -Dexter McCurdy was also a member of the Medical Staff but was -transferred on Overseas service in August, 1918. This Hospital, situated -as it was, on the shores of the Northwest Arm, Halifax, proved a great -boon to the returned convalescent soldiers. Its location adjoining Point -Pleasant Park was an ideal one for the care and comfort of convalescent -soldiers. There was an abundance of pure air, shady trees, and pleasant -walks, and though quite removed from Halifax City and its noisy traffic, -it was still sufficiently near to permit men able to walk to get a tram -car running into the city, where they could enjoy a few hours with -friends at a theatre or elsewhere. At the rear of the Home the waters of -the Northwest Arm gave the men ample opportunity for boating, bathing -and various other water sports, of which they took full advantage during -the summer months. It is the unanimous opinion of the returned soldiers -that Pine Hill was the _Ideal_ Convalescent Hospital in Nova Scotia. - -In May, 1917, the Moxham Convalescent Hospital at Sydney, C.B., was -opened, with Major F. O’Neil in command. Major O’Neil who had been in -command of the Ross Convalescent Home from December, 1916, was an -efficient officer and discharged his duties in a very satisfactory -manner. - -During the latter part of July, 1916, an arrangement was made with Dr. -F. A. Miller, of the Kentville Sanitarium, to deal with tuberculosis -patients; for a great number of the men returning from Overseas were -pronounced tubercular. Within a very few days Kentville Sanitarium was -full of patients, and although from time to time large additions were -built to the Sanitarium, it was always taxed to its utmost capacity. In -fact during the summer of 1917, many hospital tents were erected on the -Sanitarium grounds, for the accommodation of tubercular patients, and -when autumn with its cold winds became too severe, many patients had to -be sent to their own homes, to be treated until room was available at -the Sanitarium, when they were recalled. Great credit is due to Dr. -Miller for the splendid manner in which he dealt with the patients under -his control. Capt. A. G. Forster, a returned officer, was in charge of -Administration and Discipline of the Kentville Sanitarium and was a -conscientious, hard-working officer. - -On July 1, 1917, “B” Unit had on its strength 1,886 officers and other -ranks all receiving medical treatment. About 50 per cent. of this number -were out-patients, with home leave. These men were recalled to the -Hospital from time to time as their physical condition demanded. - -About this time New Brunswick became a separate Military District, and -it was decided to organize a separate M.H.C.C. Unit for New Brunswick. -This was accordingly done, and the transfer of men and documents was -completed in July, 1917. - -In the early spring of 1917 construction work was begun on a -Convalescent Hospital at Camp Hill, Halifax, and by October 1, 1917, the -building was completed sufficiently to receive patients. This hospital -was fitted up with all modern medical appliances and proved a Godsend to -the people of Halifax, when on December 6, 1917, the city was shocked by -the terrific explosion. - -At the opening of Camp Hill Hospital, Lieutenant Blackwood was placed in -charge by the M.H.C.C. and Major (now Lieut.-Col.) C. Morris was Senior -Medical Officer. An efficient Staff was soon organized which carried on -until the Hospital was transferred to the A.M.C. on December 6, 1917. -Immediately after the explosion all patients able to walk were given -home leave and the Hospital and Staff complete was turned over to the -Medical Relief Commission for the purpose of dealing with the sufferers -of the explosion. - -The writer of this article has visited Casualty Clearing Hospitals in -Flanders on “Clearing Day” but never has he seen such human suffering as -he saw at Camp Hill Hospital when he walked into the Hospital at 4 p.m. -on December 6, 1917. The Hospital at Pier 2, also the offices of the -M.H.C.C. were destroyed by the explosion. The Hospital was quickly -rebuilt, but the offices were removed to Leith House, Hollis Street, -Halifax, and these offices were retained until the Unit was disbanded. - -On March 31, 1918, the Military Hospitals Commission Command was -disbanded by an Order-in-Council. The military end of the work was taken -over by No. 6 District Depot, and the civilian end by the D.S.C.R. Final -transfer of all equipment and records, etc., of the M.H.C.C. to No. 6 -District Depot was effected on April 18, 1918. - - - - - CHAPTER XL. - _ACADIA UNIVERSITY AND THE WAR._ - - -In common with other universities in the Empire, Acadia emptied her -halls when the call to duty came. Her ideals had always been those -directly opposed to war, but to carry out these ideals, it was necessary -to participate in it. Between six and seven hundred Acadia men and women -enlisted. There was no definite Unit formed by the Acadia men, but they -were found in all departments of the service. Sixty were in the Nova -Scotia Highland Brigade, mostly in “D” Company, 219th Battalion; and -their Platoon, number 13, won the Brigade trophy for efficiency. Ten -students left Acadia at one time with the 4th Universities Company -Reinforcements, Princess Patricia Canadian Light Infantry. The -attendance at the University was cut down to about one half, -notwithstanding the fact that the number of young women remained -constant. The Freshman class was unusually large, but as soon as the age -of eighteen was reached, practically no fit man remained. Of the Acadia -students, sixty-three lost their lives in service, sixty-two young men -and one young woman. - -We have no definite figures concerning honors, but about eighty were -conferred on Acadia men, one of which was the coveted Victoria Cross, -the only one awarded to a college man in the Maritime Provinces, and, in -fact, the only one awarded to a Maritime Province Unit. One of our -Acadia men had the distinction of being the youngest Lieutenant-Colonel -in the British Army, commanding the 10th Alberta when twenty-six years -of age. He received the D.S.O. and two Bars, the Military Cross, was -five times mentioned in dispatches, and was recommended for the Victoria -Cross. The only colored chaplain in the British Army was an Acadia man. -In addition to those who enlisted in the Canadian Expeditionary Force, -we had a number who enlisted with the Americans, and still others who -enlisted with the British, all of whom gave splendid account of -themselves. - -When the War broke out, there was a branch of the C.O.T.C. at Acadia, -but it went out of business early because practically every member -enlisted. The officer in charge of the C.O.T.C. for Military District -No. 6 told me that a larger number of C.O.T.C. men went from Acadia than -from any other Maritime University. Since the War, many students have -returned to the University to complete their work, and, without -exception, they are making excellent records. Acadia has offered one -year’s free tuition to returned men, being the only university in Canada -to do that. - -In 1919, the returned men at Acadia met, and, after consultation, -decided that something should be done in the way of a Memorial for those -who had given their lives in the War. The suggestion was made that this -memorial should take the form of a Gymnasium, typifying the splendid -physical condition, the manly vigor, and sporting spirit of the boys who -went Overseas. - -In 1914 our Gymnasium had been destroyed by fire, and a committee of -eight young men had been appointed to raise funds for a new Gymnasium. -Of these eight, six had dropped the burden of responsibility of the -Gymnasium and had gone to war, one of whom was killed at Passchendaele. -It seemed most fitting that their work should be carried out by those -who were left, and the next of kin of all those who had given their -lives were consulted, and agreed to the proposal. - -As a result, this Gymnasium is now in process of construction, and will -be a building in every way suitable as a Memorial for those boys who -have fallen. On May 26, 1920, General Sir Arthur W. Currie, G.C.M.G., -K.C.B., D.S.O., formerly Commander of the Canadian Corps in France, laid -the corner stone of the new Gymnasium and delivered an address on that -occasion. - -While we feel that Acadia’s part in the War was no more than it should -have been, we are justly proud of the willing sacrifice, the ready -response, and the splendid record made by our Acadia men. - - - - - CHAPTER XLI. - _DALHOUSIE UNIVERSITY AND THE WAR._ - - -The activities of Dalhousie University in connection with the Great War -may be considered under the following headings, (1) The Activities of -the C.O.T.C.; (2) The Dalhousie University Stationary Hospital No. 7, -C.E.F.; (3) Activities of the Staff; (4) Independent Undergraduate -Enlistment. - -THE OFFICERS’ TRAINING CORPS.—Great Britain was forced to declare war on -Germany on August 4, 1914; so that when the University session of 1914 -opened, it was under war conditions. The earliest corporate war effort -of Dalhousie University was a mass meeting in the Law Library, held on -October 16, 1914, for the purpose of taking steps to form an O.T.C. The -chair was taken by Earle C. Phinney, at that time President of the -Council of Students. The meeting, which was most enthusiastic, was -addressed by President Mackenzie, G. S. Campbell, Chairman of the Board -of Governors, and by Major W. E. Thompson, Secretary of the Board. It -was ultimately agreed to ask Major Thompson to organize an O.T.C.; and -all those willing to co-operate were invited to sign the roll. -Ninety-two names were given in at once on the conclusion of the meeting; -of these, five were whole-time Professors. Drill began at once in the -South End Rink, Sergeant-Major Graham of the Permanent Staff being -instructor. - -Some of the original officers were: - - Major W. E. Thompson, O.C. - Capt. D. Fraser Harris, Adjutant. - Capt. Murray MacNeill. - Capt. D. A. MacRae. - Capt. George Henderson. - Capt. A. W. Cogswell. - -Each was in command of a Platoon. - -Alumni and business men interested were permitted to join, and there was -so much activity in the autumn of 1914 that by the middle of December -the Corps was ready to be inspected by General Sir Sam Hughes, Minister -of Militia. The inspection took place on December 18th in the South End -Skating Rink. The maximum strength during the first winter session was -close on 200. On May 4, 1915, the Corps was inspected by General -Rutherford, commanding the Garrison. Lectures continued well on into the -summer of 1915. - -By the session of 1916 Professor John Cameron, of London, had been -appointed to the Campbell Memorial Chair of Anatomy in Dalhousie -University, and having had a considerable amount of military experience -both with the Volunteer Artillery in Scotland and with Infantry -Volunteers in England, was well qualified to take command of the O.T.C., -Major Thompson, as Lieutenant-Colonel, having been appointed to the -Headquarters Staff as A.A.G. of Military District No. 6. This Professor -Cameron did with the rank of Major, and retained the command and gave -most of the systematic instruction during the remainder of the existence -of the Corps. By arrangement with Colonel Papineau, commanding the -R.S.I., candidates for commissions were examined at Wellington Barracks. -In this way a considerable number of members of the O.T.C. obtained -commissions and were enabled to proceed Overseas with the various Units -which were being formed as the War progressed. No less than seven -officers who had passed through the D.U.C.O.T.C. went Overseas with the -219th Battalion of the Nova Scotia Highland Brigade. Practically every -able-bodied male student was a member of the O.T.C. during the first -winter session; and no less than twenty-five members of it were students -from the affiliated Presbyterian College at Pine Hill. - -The session of 1916–17 was a very strenuous one. Drill took place in the -evenings at the newly-erected Market Building at the head of Duke -Street, Major Cameron superintending the drill and also giving lectures -either there or in the rooms of the Board of Trade. During each winter -firing practice was systematically carried out at the miniature ranges -erected in the Engineering Laboratory of the Technical College. In -March, 1917, the Corps was inspected in the Market Building by Major -Cooper of the R.S.I. The O.T.C. is still in existence ready to become -active again as soon as the University is in possession of a drill hall. - -STATIONARY HOSPITAL UNIT.—The origin of No. 7 Stationary Hospital was -the desire of the Medical Faculty of the University to serve their -country in the Great War. Early in September, 1914, an offer was made to -provide the personnel of a Casualty Clearing Station; this offer was -renewed in the spring of 1915, but the Federal Government was not at -that time in a position to accept it. - -It was very generally felt that the only School of Medicine in the -Maritime Provinces ought to have a representation on the Canadian -Expeditionary Force. Those who were the most active in renewing the -offer were Major George M. Campbell, Major C. V. Hogan, and Capts. J. R. -Corston, M. A. MacAulay, L. M. Murray and F. V. Woodbury. The Government -accepted the offer on September 27, 1915. On November 1st, the old -Medical College building was occupied as rooms for headquarters, and -enlistment and training began. On December 16th the Unit was inspected -by General Benson, G.O.C., and by Col. J. A. Grant, A.D.M.S., Military -District No. 6. On December 31st the Hospital sailed from St. John, -N.B., on _H.M.S. Metagama_, arriving at Plymouth on January 10, 1916. On -February 5th the Unit took over Shorncliffe Military Hospital, and on -June 18, 1916, embarked for France. - -The personnel of the Dalhousie Hospital Unit was made up as follows: -O.C., Lieut.-Colonel John Stewart, Majors E. V. Hogan and L. M. Murray, -Capts. M. A. MacAulay, V. N. MacKay, K. A. MacKenzie, E. K. MacLellan, -S. J. MacLennan, D. A. MacLeod, J. A. Murray, John Rankine, Frank V. -Woodbury, Karl F. Woodbury, Lieut. S. R. Halcom, Lieut, and -Quartermaster Walter Taylor. The Matron was Miss L. M. Hubley, and there -were twenty-six nursing sisters. Of all other ranks there were one -hundred and twenty-three men. Sixteen additional men were taken on at -Shorncliffe, England. - -The Unit arrived home from active service early in the morning of St. -George’s Day, 1919, on the _S.S. Belgic_; in the evening they were -entertained at dinner at the Green Lantern in Halifax. Col. John Stewart -who returned a little later was entertained at a dinner given in his -honor on June 20, 1919. - -ACTIVITIES OF THE STAFF: I. _The Faculty of Arts and Science._—The only -full-time Professor in the Senate to go Overseas on active service was -Professor James Eadie Todd, M.A., who saw service with the B.E.F. in -India and in Mesopotamia. Professor Todd, who remained with the troops -until the end of the War, did not return to Dalhousie University. -Professor Howard Murray, LL.D., during the first year of the War, was a -member of the O.T.C. Professor MacNeill during the first year of the War -had command of a Platoon in the O.T.C. Professor J. N. Finlayson, M.Sc., -entered the O.T.C. at its formation and qualified for a commission in -the infantry. Mr. J. W. Logan, M.A., went Overseas as Captain in the -25th Canadian Infantry Battalion, attained his majority in June, 1916, -and.saw service in France until the end of the War. The Rev. H. A. Kent, -M.A., D.D., having passed through the O.T.C. obtained his Captain’s -commission on March 1, 1916, and went Overseas as a combatant in the -219th Battalion of the Nova Scotia Highlanders. Captain Kent saw service -until September, 1917, when he was transferred to the Chaplain Service, -in which he acted as Adjutant. He was also engaged in educational work -in London until he returned to Canada in May, 1919. Mr. Harry Dean, -Examiner in Music, had command of a Platoon in the O.T.C., and qualified -for a commission in the infantry. - -II. _The Faculty of Law._—The Dean of the Faculty of Law, Professor D. -A. MacRae, Ph.D., joined the O.T.C. and had command of a Platoon during -the first session. Mr. John E. Read, B.C.L. (Oxon.), B.A. (Dal.), Rhodes -Scholar, Lecturer on Real Property, enlisted in the 25th Battalion in -November, 1914, but was immediately transferred to the Canadian Field -Artillery, and took an officer’s training course at the Royal School of -Artillery, Kingston. In February, 1915, Mr. Read joined the 23rd Battery -of the C.F.A. at Fredericton and immediately proceeded Overseas. In July -he was transferred to the Divisional Artillery (1st Canadian Division) -and served in the 4th, 8th and 26th Batteries as Lieutenant, being -promoted to the rank of Captain in July, 1916, on his transference to -the 27th Battery. While Captain Read was Acting-Major he was wounded in -January, 1917. From May, 1917, to March, 1918, he was Senior Gunnery -Instructor at the Canadian School of Gunnery, being invalided to Canada -in April, 1918. Captain Read was mentioned in Sir Douglas Haig’s -dispatches in June, 1917. - -III. _Faculty of Medicine._—After Professor Cameron relinquished the -command of the O.T.C. he reverted to the rank of Captain, and entering -the C.A.M.C. became Resident Physician of the Military Hospital which -had been installed in the Presbyterian College at Pine Hill, Halifax. - -Professor A. G. Nicholls, who attained the rank of Major, entered the -C.A.M.C. as Captain and discharged the duties of Chief Bacteriologist, -Serologist and Sanitary Officer for the Halifax Garrison. Dr. W. H. -Hattie, with rank of Captain, saw service with the C.A.M.C. in Halifax. -Professor Fraser Harris, with rank of Captain, acted as Adjutant to the -O.T.C. as long as that Corps remained in activity. The governors could -not see their way to granting his request for leave of absence for -Overseas service. Besides addressing recruiting meetings, Professor -Harris gave courses of instruction in First Aid, under the auspices of -the St. John Ambulance Association, to large classes of men, both in the -service and to civilians, to women students and to cadets. - -The following members of the Staff gave their services in the C.A.M.C. -in connection with the Halifax Garrison: Colonels George M. Campbell and -M. A. Curry; Capts. W. Bruce Almon, M. J. Carney, J. S. Corston, J. F. -Lawlor, G. A. Macintosh, Philip Weatherbe and Hugh Schwartz. - -IV. _The Faculty of Dentistry._—Although the health of the Dean of this -Faculty, Dr. Frank Woodbury, precluded him from entering military -service, both his sons were able to go Overseas. The elder, Frank -Valentine, who at the outbreak of the War was already acting D.A.D.M.S. -in Military District No. 6, with the rank of Captain, was immediately -mobilized. This appointment he resigned to become Adjutant in the No. 7 -Stationary Hospital, C.E.F., in 1915. - -In August, 1916, Captain Woodbury was appointed to No. 3 Canadian -Intrenching Battalion, and in August, 1916, proceeded to the Front at -Ypres with that Unit. Later he was posted to the 9th Canadian Field -Ambulance, and saw service at Ypres, on the Somme, at Vimy and at Loos. -Having been promoted, Major Woodbury was recalled to headquarters at -London for Staff duty. He was ultimately appointed A.D.M.S. with the -rank of Lieutenant-Colonel, returning to Ottawa for duty in November, -1919. - -Dr. A. W. Cogswell, Professor of Dental Pathology and Therapeutics, -joined the O.T.C. in November, 1914, and as Captain had command of a -Platoon. - -Dr. George Kerr Thomson, Professor of Crown and Bridgework and Ceramics -and Oral Hygiene, at the outbreak of the War, held the rank of Captain -in the 63rd Halifax Rifles. Later he was transferred to the C.A.D.C. and -appointed Assistant Director of Dental Services in Military District No. -6. When, early in 1915, Sir Sam Hughes ordered the organization of the -C.A.D.C. Major Thomson was made First Director of Dental Services. In -1916 the Dental Services at Valcartier Camp were organized by Major -Thomson with the assistance of Captain F. H. Bradley of Military -District No. 4. Dr. W. W. Woodbury, Professor of Orthodontia, who had -been appointed Captain in the C.A.D.C. in May, 1918, proceeded to -Aldershot Camp, where as A.D.D.S. for the Camp he had charge of all the -Dental Services there. In October, 1918, Dr. Woodbury was posted for -special duty at McNab’s Island, where he remained until January, 1919, -when he was appointed to Camp Hill Hospital, to superintend the dental -treatment of returned soldiers. He remained at this centre until general -demobilization on November 15, 1919. - -_Undergraduate Enlistment._—From the very first hour of the War, the -attention of the undergraduates had been directed to joining the -Canadian Expeditionary Force. Up to the date of the Armistice five -hundred and eighty members of the University had enlisted for military -or naval service, either Overseas or in Canada. Of these, sixty-seven -are known to have lost their lives, and forty-four to have received -decorations for distinguished service. Of those who were decorated, five -lost their lives. The decorations are as follows: - - D.S.O. 3 - D.C.M. 3, 1 with Bar - O.B.E. 2 - M.M. 4 - M.C. 32, 2 with Bar - Croix de Guerre 1 - -These do not include decorations awarded to members of the Staff. - -The names of those winning the D.S.O. are: John Keeller MacKay of Pictou -(Law ’13–’15), Colonel and O.C. 22nd Battalion 6th Howitzer Brigade, -B.E.F. J. Layton Ralston (Law ’02–’03) Amherst, Colonel and O.C. of the -85th Battalion, C.E.F. Barry Wentworth Roscoe, of Kentville (LL.B. ’04), -Major 5th C.M.R., C.E.F. - -At the outbreak of the War the University had on its books 398 students, -of whom 90 were women. Of the 308 male students of the session 1914–15 -by the end of the session practically every third man had enlisted for -military service. - -So many students left the Presbyterian Theological College, Pine Hill, -Halifax, as to make it only the shadow of its former self. In the -session of 1914–15 as many as twenty-five students from Pine Hill were -drilling with the O.T.C.; thirteen men from this College ultimately saw -service Overseas. - -Of students of Engineering in the session of 1914–15, twenty-one were -enrolled in the O.T.C. - -Of Law students twenty-two were on the roll of the O.T.C. during the -first session. - -One cannot write of what Dalhousie University did in the War without a -few words as to what she suffered. The only son of the Chairman of the -Board of Governors, Mr. G. S. Campbell, LL.D., Lieut. George Henderson -Campbell, was killed near Ypres in May, 1916. He had graduated B.A. in -the previous May, and was within only two days of his 21st birthday. Two -Rhodes Scholars lost their lives in the Great War, namely: Walter -Melville Billman (B.A. ’13), Lieut. 1st Middlesex Regiment, B.E.F.; and -Harry Austin MacCleave (B.A. ’16), Lieut. 13th Montreal Highlanders, -C.E.F. While the accidental death of the young, the healthy and the -brave is always a poignant sorrow, the passing of those who are also the -finest products of the academic culture of their day is a catastrophe of -the first magnitude. - - - - - CHAPTER XLII. - _KING’S COLLEGE AND KING’S COLLEGE SCHOOL IN THE WAR._ - - -The University of King’s College at Windsor, N.S., has always been small -in numbers, but always big in the spirit it has displayed and in the -type of men it has fostered. - -It was founded in 1789—the oldest University in the British Dominions -beyond the Seas—by United Empire Loyalists, by men who readily gave up -all they possessed in a material sense rather than forsake their -allegiance to an ideal. It is not surprising then that at all times -there have been King’s men ready to answer the King’s call and that the -names of men such as Inglis and Welsford are held in special reverence -by their _Alma Mater_. - -The spirit of loyal service and sacrifice that has actuated King’s men -was at once evident in her sons when the Great Call came in 1914, and -King’s has every reason to be proud of her record of loyalty and -devotion in the Great War. More than four hundred of her sons were at -the King’s side during that fierce struggle for freedom. - -In 1914 there were at least twelve King’s men, including seven Generals, -holding commissions in the Imperial Army and the Canadian Permanent -Forces. - -Fourteen volunteers sailed with the First Contingent of the Canadian -Expeditionary Force, four of whom were killed in action. The first -King’s man to make the Great Sacrifice was Capt. G. L. B. Concanon, who -was killed in the Dardanelles Campaign while serving with the 2nd -Battalion of Australian Infantry. - -In the Second Contingent were some thirty-five students and graduates of -the College and a number of “Old Boys” of the School. - -Amongst the notable enlistments from College during the War were the -nine who volunteered for service in the Cycle Corps of the 2nd -Contingent, and some twenty, mostly students, who enlisted together in -the 193rd Battalion, Nova Scotia Highland Brigade. This latter -represented an enlistment of about 50 per cent. of the student body then -in residence at King’s College and included one of her Professors. - -During the period of the War the largest number of male students in -attendance at King’s College was forty-eight, and this number was -reduced to a few physically unfit men in 1917, and yet sixty-seven -students actually enlisted from the College, and ten of them made the -supreme sacrifice. In all twenty-three King’s men fell in action on the -Field of Honor. - -So reduced was the student body that when the Military Service Act came -into effect there was not one physically fit student left to come under -the provisions of that Act. - -Early in 1915 a contingent of the Canadian Officers’ Training Corps was -organized at King’s College under Professor Sturley as Officer -Commanding, and did very useful work not only amongst the students at -College, but also amongst the young men of Windsor, the seat of King’s -College. Its active life, however was short, for within about twelve -months of its organization practically the whole of the personnel of the -Corps had enlisted for Overseas Service. - -Amongst the honors gained by King’s men during the War were: - - O. B. Jones D.S.O. - J. P. Silver D.S.O., C.B.E. - C. Hill D.S.O. - C. R. E. Willets D.S.O. - H. A. Kaulback O.B.E. - A. E. Andrew M.C. - G. D. Campbell M.C. - R. H. Morris M.C. - C. V. Strong M.C. - C. Campbell M.C. - W. G. Ernst M.C. and Bar. - G. B. Murray M.C. - R. H. Tait M.C. - D. L. Teed M.C. - P. L. Parlee D.C.M. - W. E. Warburton D.C.M. - G. L. Jones D.C.M. - C. Blanchard M.M. - T. W. Maynard M.M. - H. R. Poole Legion of Honor. - R. H. Stewart Order of St. George of Russia. - G. F. Mason Croix de Guerre. - -Of the many who distinguished themselves by gallant service, whether -officially recognized or not, the record of a few of the younger -generation must suffice as typical of all. - -Two of the first students to enlist were Edward Jeffery and George -Mason. They enlisted together in the ranks of the First Contingent, 17th -Battalion, and went over to France together with the 14th Battalion, 1st -Canadian Division. For sixteen months they fought side by side—all -through the terrible winter of 1914–1915 in the Ypres Salient—and came -through that fiery ordeal unscathed. They returned to England together -for their commissions, training together at Crowborough. Mason returned -to France almost immediately after the course, but Jeffery was taken ill -and was operated on for appendicitis; and it was not till April, 1918, -that he was again sent to France. In June, 1918, he joined his new -Battalion, 16th Canadian Scottish, and found himself posted to a Company -commanded by Mason, now a Captain. So they were together again in -France. On the night of the 26th September Jeffery received his first -wound, but it proved fatal, and the next day he was laid to rest at -Ligny St. Frochel, near St. Pol. Only four days later, on October 1st, -his great chum followed, and so these two, who for four long years had -borne the burden and strife of the Great War with what seemed charmed -lives, were reunited once more in that land where there is no more -parting and no more strife. - -Arthur Leigh Collett, B.A., had left King’s for Oxford as a Rhodes -Scholar, but at once forsook his work at Oxford and enlisted in the -Imperial Army. He served in France as a Lieutenant with the 8th -Gloucesters, and in the autumn of 1915, in the Battle of Messines Ridge -he was reported missing and later believed killed. Others from his -Battalion reported missing at the same time were later reported as -prisoners of war in Germany. There is little doubt that Collett fought -gallantly facing the odds and choosing to meet death rather than to -cease for a moment, while life lasted, from striving for the ideals of -justice and righteousness. - -A. B. C. Hilbert was one of the most popular students and one of the -best athletes at King’s. Enlisting with the Cycle Corps he transferred -to the Royal Naval Air Service on reaching England. In July, 1917, he -wrote: “I am at present resting after a twenty-two weeks’ illness due to -a little ducking I got in the North Sea. I am flying again in August.” -In October came the news that he had fallen a second time in the North -Sea, and now there he rests with many other gallant sons of Britain. - -Of the others who enlisted with him in the Cycle Corps, Turnbull and -McCormick rest in soldiers’ graves in Flanders; Crawford died in -hospital ere he saw the foe; Foster and Parlee are back with us at -King’s, and though Parlee has lost a leg, his breast is adorned with -that proud emblem of bravery, the Distinguished Conduct Medal; Brittain -has recovered from his serious wounds and is serving the King of Peace; -Harley, Hallett and the rest are giving the same good account of -themselves that they always gave as loyal sons of King’s. - -George Stewart Burchell was one of that little band who enlisted -together with the 193rd Battalion, Nova Scotia Highland Brigade, and -joined the 85th Battalion in France. He was one of the most promising of -the younger sons of King’s, a clever, manly, gentlemanly young fellow. -He fought for the cause of liberty and right and now rests in a -soldier’s grave in France. - -In the records of the King’s College Advance Movement is the entry, -“George Stewart Burchell, killed at the Front, his pay at his request, -$100.” May King’s never cease to honor the memory of this loyal and -gallant son. - -W. B. Ernst enlisted as a private in the 193rd Battalion, rose to the -rank of Captain in the 85th Battalion, and was awarded the Military -Cross and Bar. Ernst has not rested on his laurels, and since his return -here has shown that in the field of scholarship, too, he will take no -second place, and has captured the Rhodes Scholarship from the Province -of Nova Scotia. King’s will ever have reason to be proud of the records -of Ernst, so affectionately known as “Bill.” - -Of others whom King’s will always delight to honor may be mentioned -Capt. D. L. Teed, M.C., and Gunner L. Wilkinson, who fell gallantly -serving their guns, Lieut. W. E. Warburton, D.CM., rewarded for his -bravery in the Dardanelles, Lieut.-Col. C. R. E. Willets, D.S.O., the -gallant and popular Commanding Officer of the R.C.R. in France, and now -commanding the famous “Princess Pats,” Cecil Blanchard, M.M., who was -too young to enlist except as a bugler, but not too young to show that -he came of loyal fighting stock; and the Campbell brothers, six of whom -saw active service, and two of whom, Colin and Kenneth, lie “out there,” -somewhere in France. - -Though these records are brief and unworthy may they suffice to show -that the true spirit of King’s still lives in her sons, and that they, -as of old, have upheld nobly her best traditions and realized in some -measure her ideals of service, - - _“DEO, LEGI, REGI, GREGI.”_ - - - - - CHAPTER XLIII. - _ST. FRANCIS XAVIER UNIVERSITY AND THE WAR._ - - -In the Great War students, past and present, of St. Francis Xavier -University served in every branch of the Forces of Canada, and in the -armies and navies of Great Britain, France and America. But it is the -especial pride of St. Francis Xavier to have furnished a complete Unit, -if a small one, of the Canadian Expeditionary Forces. The Unit was -officially known as No. 9 Stationary Hospital, C.A.M.C. - -This Unit was organized in November, 1915, and was for some time -quartered in the University itself. It left Canada for the United -Kingdom in June, 1916, and proceeded to France in November of the -following year. Till April, 1918, it was stationed at St. Omer, but the -great German offensive of that spring made necessary its withdrawal to -Etaples, where it became part of the hospital system of the main British -base. - -In the notorious bombardment of May 18, 1918, No. 9 was the first -hospital to be attacked, and suffered severely. Its premises were -completely destroyed, and more than forty per cent. of its personnel -became casualties. Towards the end of 1918, the status of the St. -Francis Xavier Unit was raised to that of a General Hospital. It -returned to Canada in July, 1919, and upon the reorganization of the -Military Forces of Canada, was preserved as an integral part of the -Active Militia. - -More than three hundred and fifty Xavierians joined the colors. -Thirty-three were killed, or died on active service. The following -decorations were won by students or alumni of the University: - - C.M.G. 1 - D.S.O. 4 - M.C. 11 - First Bar, M.C. 1 - Second Bar, M.C. 1 - O.B.E. 1 - D.C.M. 3 - M.M. 5 - M.S.M. 1 - -Three professors of the Faculty of the University saw active service in -the Canadian, Imperial and American Forces respectively; two were -severely wounded and one received the Military Cross. - -In Canada during the War St. Francis Xavier took a becoming part in the -forefront of every patriotic activity. A contingent of the Canadian -Officers’ Training Corps was gazetted in April, 1915. Training had -hardly been begun when the Corps lost the majority of its officers by -enlistment and with the numbers of students continually dwindling—at one -commencement a single individual presented himself for graduation—it -became impossible to continue parades. - -In every branch of war work pursued in the neighborhood of Antigonish, -the locale of the University, the lead was taken by members of the Staff -of St. Francis Xavier. The chairman of the local committee for the -Patriotic Fund, the Antigonish County Organizer of the Victory Loan -Campaign, and the Director of the re-establishment activities of the -Knights of Columbus over a wide area of Eastern Nova Scotia, were -professors of the University. In connection with the patriotic work of -the Knights of Columbus, it may be mentioned St. Francis Xavier did its -full share in the launching of the Dominion-wide campaign, which made it -possible for this body to perform its splendid services to our troops at -the scene of war. In brief in St. Francis Xavier, as in all the -universities of the land, it was the aim of all compelled to “carry on” -at home to become, by patriotic endeavor and sacrifice, not unworthy of -those who went from it to fight their country’s and the Empire’s -battles. - - _Editor’s Note._—No. 9 Stationary Hospital Unit is more fully dealt - with in Chapter xxvi. - - - - - CHAPTER XLIV. - _THE PRESBYTERIAN COLLEGE AND THE GREAT WAR._ - - -Ministers of the Gospel are the avowed ambassadors of the Prince of -Peace; and it is so constantly their task to allay the passions of the -human heart and to preach universal love, particularly in their appeals -for foreign missions, that many people felt that their ideal was at -variance with the spirit of war and were prepared to find students for -the ministry offering for other forms of patriotic service than fighting -in the line. The extraordinary response of theological colleges and of -sons of the manse all over the Empire showed how mistaken this idea had -been. The message of the Cross and the call to self-sacrifice had quite -the opposite effect. Young men who were going to be preachers -experienced a new sense of responsibility; they knew that they could not -consistently call others to a life of service and suffering, if they -were not prepared themselves to lead the way. This is the attitude that -prevailed among the students at Pine Hill, which is the oldest -Presbyterian Theological College in Canada, and which will celebrate in -1920 its centenary. - -The intensity of this conviction surprised every one on the parade -ground of the South End Rink, Halifax, when Col. W. E. Thompson -organized the O.T.C. of Dalhousie University. The large majority of the -students in residence at Pine Hill were there. The Divinity classes open -late, and thus many had been in the city only a few days when this call -came in the beginning of November, 1914. Colonel Thompson has on several -public occasions paid a fine tribute to these theological men; and they -in return frankly acknowledge how much they were moved by the frank and -earnest appeal of the Colonel himself. - -The O.T.C. was but a voluntary and preliminary phase of the grave -decision; but it had a most stimulating effect, and nearly all the -students who joined its ranks found themselves ultimately in active -service. Right on the heels of the O.T.C. came the formation of a small -Cycle Corps Unit, to which three from Pine Hill were admitted, the first -to enlist for Overseas. This Unit was almost entirely made up of -students, and its advent in Halifax was celebrated by a dinner given in -the residence at Pine Hill. The dining hall was crowded. Colonel -Thompson and Colonel Grant, A.D.M.S., spoke; the impression made was -very deep; and probably at that hour a large number made up their minds -to join the colors. The impression was intensified by the dramatic -announcement in the course of the dinner of the splendid sea victory at -Falkland Islands, the news of which had just come over the wire. - -Before the year was out there came an urgent appeal for an Ambulance -Corps, and fifteen responded. Few of them stayed long in the Army -Medical Corps after they got across, but asked for transfers to fighting -units, in which they played their part nobly, and where some of them -laid down their lives. - -Early in 1915 the 6th Mounted Rifles were formed and eight more joined, -going to England in July. In the summer four others enlisted in the No. -7 Overseas Hospital (The Dalhousie) Unit; and in the winter, 1915–16, -five enlisted in the Nova Scotia Highland Brigade and five in the -artillery. By the second anniversary of the War the great bulk of the -Divinity students had entered the army, and most of these were already -Overseas. - -Below is given a list of the names and of the Units to which they were -eventually attached, and henceforward their history becomes identified -with their Units and is told elsewhere. There were forty-eight in all, -including the Principal and Professor H. A. Kent, who were ultimately on -the strength of the Chaplain Service. Two received the Military Cross -and one the Military Medal; seven paid the supreme sacrifice; and many -were wounded or gassed. All but seven of those who survived continued -their studies for the ministry on their return. - -Following is the roll of honor: - - John Ross, a Scotch lad, who, in the beginning of the War, joined - the fleet, and went down with the _Indefatigable_ in the Battle of - Jutland. - - Arthur P. MacIvor, from Cape Breton, joined the C.M.R., and was - killed at Mount Sorel, on June 2, 1916. - - Earl Lockerby, from P.E.I., in the 42nd R.H.C. Killed at - Courcellette, September, 1916. - - Ralph B. Clarke, B.A., from New Brunswick, joined the 26th, and was - killed at Courcellette, on September 17, 1916. - - Stephen Dick, from New Brunswick, joined C.F.A., and survived until - the final offensive in 1918. - - Lieut. Harold A. Smith, B.A., M.C., from Cape Breton; served in 5th - C.M.R.; wounded first on the Somme, and killed in May, 1918. - - Cyril Hyde, Lieutenant in the Royal Air Service; killed over the - German lines. - - - PINE HILL STUDENTS WHO SERVED OVERSEAS. - - (Those marked with an asterisk were killed.) - - - FACULTY. - - Capt. Principal C. Mackinnon, D.D., LL.D. Chaplain Service, O.M.P.C. - Capt. H. A. Kent, D.D. Chaplain Service, O.M.P.C. - - STUDENTS FOR THE MINISTRY. - - Lieut. B. C. Salter, B.A. 42nd R.H.C. - Lieut. D. A. Guildford, M.A. C.D.A. - *Earl Lockerby 42nd R.H.C. - *Lieut. R. B. Clarke, B.A. 26th Can. Infantry. - L. B. Campbell, B.A. 3rd Can. Field Ambulance. - Lieut. J. K. Murchison, B.A. R.F.A. - R. A. Patterson, B.A. C.A.M.C. - G. D. MacLeod, B.A. C.H.A. - D. J. Morrison. C.A.M.C. - P. B. Fox, B.A. C.A.M.G.C. - Capt. A. D. Archibald, B.A., M.C. 85th N.S. Highlanders. - Lieut. J. G. Paterson, B.A. R.F.A. - *Lieut. Cyril Hyde R.A.F. - Neil Macdonald 85th N.S. Highlanders. - Capt. Geo. Murray, M.C. 85th N.S. Highlanders. - Victor B. Walls C.A.M.C. - J. S. Nickerson, B.A. C.A.M.C. - Colin U. McNiven 25th Can. Infantry. - *J. S. Ross H.M.S. _Indefatigable_. - *A. P. McIvor, B.A. 5th C.M.R. - *Lieut. H. A. Smith, B.A., M.C. 5th C.M.R. - Lieut. McI. McLeod 5th C.M.R. - Norman A. MacKenzie 85th N.S. Highlanders. - D. P. MacLeod 4th C.M.R. - W. J. V. Tweedie 4th C.M.R. - Lieut. John Craigie B.E.F. - Capt. R. E. G. Roome R.F.A. - Cadet P. C. Lewis R.A.F. - Wm. Matheson 85th N.S. Highlanders. - J. D. MacLeod 13th R.H.C. - H. H. Blanchard, B.A., M.M. 85th N.S. Highlanders. - R. H. Scott 85th N.S. Highlanders. - Lieut. E. S. Smith, M.A. R.A.F. - Lieut. McLaren Keswick 25th Can. Infantry. - Neil M. Rattee, B.A. 7th Overseas Hospital. - John A. Nicholson, B.A. C.F.A. - Lieut. T. H. Whelpley 87th Can. Inf. G.G. - *Stephen J. Dick C.F.A. - A. M. Gillis 10th Siege Battery. - Lieut. A. E. Kerr R.A.F. - John Mackay 10th Can. Siege Battery. - A. B. Simpson 19th C.F.A. - D. F. Marshall, B.A. 15th R.H.C. - F. Yates 10th Can. Infantry. - J. S. Bonnell, B.A. 8th Siege Battery. - - - - - CHAPTER XLV. - _RECRUITING IN NOVA SCOTIA._ - - -The number of men of military age in Canada at the outbreak of the War -was approximately 1,720,000, and of this Nova Scotia’s quota was 53,500. -As the War progressed it was decided that Canada’s contribution would be -500,000 and Nova Scotia’s proportion 30,000, which was attained. - -At first no particular effort was made by the public to raise the -various Units, the matter being left entirely in the hands of the -Military. The 1st Field Ambulance and the 17th Field Battery proceeded -to Valcartier as Units, and thence Overseas with the First Division. The -17th, Nova Scotia’s first Battalion, to our lasting disgrace, was left -to paddle its own canoe to the rocks in Salisbury Plains, where it -eventually became the 17th Reserve Battalion, supplying reinforcements -to the Nova Scotia Units in the Field. - -The 25th was the first Battalion in which the public evinced any -interest. This was mainly recruited from Militia Units, a large -proportion coming from the Island of Cape Breton and from Halifax. The -40th Battalion and the 6th Canadian Mounted Rifles, authorized in -February, 1915, were recruited with comparative ease, the 40th entirely -from Nova Scotia and the 6th C.M.R. from the three Maritime Provinces. -At this time the 25th had not proceeded Overseas, and it was not until -May that this Battalion, which in France earned for itself the title of -the “Fighting 25th,” sailed from Halifax, taking as its final complement -part of the 40th Battalion. - -The 40th was then sent to Aldershot, N.S., for training, and was almost -immediately called upon to supply a draft of 5 officers and 250 men. -About this time recruiting slackened. The strength of the 40th dwindled, -due to casualties from sickness and other causes, and it seemed that -unless a special effort were made by the public this Unit would share -the fate of the 17th, or worse. Mr. G. S. Campbell, whose son was among -the officers of this Unit, brought back from Valcartier the news that -unless the Battalion was quickly brought up to strength it would be -absorbed into a Battalion of another Province, and Nova Scotia would -lose it. A strong Committee of prominent citizens was immediately -formed. Money for advertising was subscribed, and a campaign launched, -the effect of which never ceased during the period of the War. The 40th -was brought up to full strength, and in October proceeded Overseas. - -As a result of the efforts of this Committee it was thought by -Headquarters M.D. No. 6 that the work of recruiting throughout the -Province should be inspected and reported on. Lieut.-Col. H. Flowers was -selected to undertake this duty. Every important town in the Province -was visited except in Cape Breton, which was supplying many men through -the energetic work of the Rev. E. Watering Florence. The prominent -people in each town were induced to lend their assistance, forming such -organizations as they in their wisdom deemed best. All the assistance -that headquarters and the Halifax Committee could give was supplied at -the request of the other centres. - -This proved most successful and when the 64th was authorized in August, -1915, to be recruited from the three Maritime Provinces, so great was -the enthusiasm in Nova Scotia that in three weeks the full complement -was supplied by that Province alone, and later the men from New -Brunswick and Prince Edward Island became the nucleus for the 104th New -Brunswick Battalion. Lieut.-Colonel Flowers went to the 64th as Second -in Command, and Major W. B. A. Ritchie was appointed Officer in Charge -of Recruiting. He was followed in December, 1916, by Major G. B. Cutten, -of the Nova Scotia Highland Brigade. These officers were assisted by -Capt. F. W. Micklewright and Capt. F. T. DeWolfe. Apart from Capt. E. W. -Florence, Captain Micklewright probably recruited more men personally -than any other officer. - -The 64th Battalion being over strength, the 85th Battalion, Nova Scotia -Highlanders, authorized some time previously, was ordered to proceed -with recruiting. Numbers flocked to join its ranks. Men of responsible -positions and lucrative salaries offered their services. In less than a -month the Battalion was over strength and a large number of applicants -were turned away. - -In the gloomy closing days of 1915, when the withdrawal of the Gallipoli -Expedition was announced, and many cherished expectations were again -doomed to disappointment, the whole British Empire was profoundly -stirred, and began to take its grip with characteristic bulldog -tenacity. All its resources were demanded, every available man must go. -Consequently in January of 1916 the question was mooted, why should not -Nova Scotia give a whole Highland Brigade, and those who applied too -late for admission to the 85th be afforded another and more liberal -opportunity of going to the Front? Perhaps no idea ever suggested in the -Province was taken up with more hearty enthusiasm. - -During the first few weeks of 1916 organization was developed with great -assiduity. It was decided to make use of the popular 85th in the work of -recruiting. Every soldier who believed he could recruit another man was -given six days’ leave to do so; and if he succeeded in recruiting more -than one he was granted an additional six days. Officers who volunteered -to raise a Platoon were given charge of the territory in which it could -be recruited. The results were in some instances amazing. Lads who -seemed unlikely enough brought in recruits by the score. - -In preparation for this great “drive” a publicity campaign was organized -on an extensive scale. Pulpit, press and schoolroom were commandeered, -and gave themselves up generously to the work. Religious services were -arranged at which moral issues of the War were brought home forcibly to -the people. Military uniforms appeared in the pulpits and unwonted -martial strains, even from the bagpipes, were heard in sacred precincts. - -Perhaps the most unique feature of the campaign was the use made of the -public schools. The Union Jack was widely displayed. The children were -drilled in patriotic songs. Books were laid aside and mass meetings held -at which prominent citizens delivered addresses until to the -impressionable mind of the little children it was incredible that anyone -should stay at home. A letter was addressed by Lieut.-Colonel Borden to -the boys and girls of Nova Scotia. In simple language he explained the -meaning of the War, and converted every child into an irrepressible -recruiting agent among his big brothers at home, or in the circle of his -friends. - -When the country had thus been duly prepared, and public feeling was -running high, the master-stroke was given, which resulted in the raising -of “three Battalions in three weeks,” a feat unsurpassed in the -recruiting efforts of Canada. This was a series of meetings, held in -every town, village and country hall, crowded to the doors, and -characterized by the intense fervor of a religious revival. Notable -among those who took part in the campaign for the 193rd and 219th -Battalions were Lieut.-Colonel Borden, Lieut.-Colonel Guthrie (invalided -home from the Front), President Cutten of Acadia University, Dr. -Clarence McKinnon, and a score of other public men, who gladly gave time -and talent to the task. The band of the 85th Battalion accompanied the -speakers in their tour through the counties of Lunenburg, Queens, -Shelburne, Yarmouth, Annapolis, Digby, Kings, Pictou and Antigonish. - -Cape Breton had already contributed the 17th and 36th Batteries (the -latter Unit was raised in a single day), a large proportion of the 25th -and 40th Battalions, six hundred men to the 64th, three hundred men to -the 85th, three hundred men to the 106th, besides keeping at full -strength its Militia Regiment, the 94th Argyll Highlanders, which had -been on active service from the outbreak of the War. Not satisfied with -this the Island asked for and received authority to recruit a purely -Cape Breton Infantry Battalion, to be included in the Nova Scotia -Highland Brigade. Under the supervision of Major Gordon S. Harrington -(later appointed Deputy Overseas Minister and promoted to the rank of -Colonel) Cape Breton officers and men of the 83th Battalion returned to -their former homes and engaged in active recruiting. Meetings were held -in every town and village, and addresses made by Mayor Richardson, F. A. -Crowell, A. D. Gunn, D. A. Cameron, Dr. C. E. McMillan, Stuart McCawley, -the late D. A. Hearn, and many other prominent people. As a result of -their work, and in spite of the restrictions placed upon them by the -G.O.C. M.D. No. 6, who forbade the enlistment of employees of the -Dominion Coal Company and the Dominion Iron and Steel Company, the 185th -Battalion, Cape Breton Highlanders was recruited to full strength within -three weeks. - -In April, 1916, Mr. F. A. Crowell was requested to act as Chief -Recruiting Officer for the County of Cape Breton. In a civilian capacity -and without remuneration he accepted the position, and, assisted by -Lieutenant Chirgwin and Sergt. A. Johnstone of the 94th Regiment, -carried on the work until January, 1917. Up to the time the Military -Service Act came into force the Island of Cape Breton contributed over -seven thousand volunteers, including, in addition to the Units already -named, 100 men to the 246th Battalion, 200 men to the Composite -Battalion, besides a large number to the several Artillery Units -mobilized at Halifax, to the 165th, 169th and 239th Battalions, the Army -Service Corps, Forestry Units, Railway Troops and Army Medical Services, -with a lower record of rejection than in any other district in Canada—in -the case of the 185th only three per cent. - -It would have been impossible for the Chief Recruiting Officer and his -Staff of paid officers and men to have made the success they did had it -not been for the valuable services rendered by the voluntary recruiting -officers all over the Province. These men worked faithfully throughout -the War without remuneration, and not infrequently labored under -misrepresentation. - - - - - CHAPTER XLVI. - _OCEAN TRANSPORT._ - - -The importance of the work done in Military District No. 6 during the -period of the Great War is doubtless not realized by the public, other -than those who were directly interested in the work. Aside from Halifax -being a fortified port, and the Naval Base of the Atlantic Fleet during -the War, it was the point of embarkation of the Canadian troops for -Overseas, with the exception of the First Contingent, which was sent -Overseas from Quebec. Therefore the work, devolving on District No. 6, -in handling the enormous number of Canadian, American, Australian and -New Zealand troops that passed through here was a matter of considerable -responsibility and care, not only in checking the men going on board -ship, but also in providing accommodations, rations, etc., while they -were held ashore at Halifax from a day to three or four weeks, awaiting -the arrival of their transports. In addition it was necessary to make -preparations for emergencies, of which there were several, including -such things as the stranding of a troopship near the mouth of Halifax -Harbor, which necessitated the safe removal, landing and caring for the -troops by other than the regular methods. - -The detail work in connection with these duties was great and varied. -For instance, the Department at Ottawa would arrange the date for the -sailing of transports and the allotment of troops for each. The -Department would then notify this district accordingly. The troops -allotted to each ship would arrive by special trains, often before their -transport reached port. During this period of waiting many casualties -would occur, either through absentees, sickness, or from other causes, -necessitating extra accommodation at the local quarters or in hospital. -On the arrival of the ship these men would have to be checked on board -individually, all casualties accounted for, complete returns made out, -such as marching out state, lists of officers, inspection of all -documents, and many other details. After that particular ship was loaded -she would pull away from the pier and remain in harbor awaiting the -loading of the other transports. Very often these transports would lie -in the harbor for some days before sailing, awaiting the completion of -the convoy, a result being that additional casualties would occur daily -on each ship during that period. These had to be taken off the ship, in -turn, all documents corrected to date so that when the ship sailed from -the harbor an accurate record of every man on board was complete and -thus enabled the Government to check the proper charges of the Steamship -Companies for transportation. In the early stages of the War transports -to the number of forty would sail from Halifax in one convoy, but -towards the latter end of the War the Naval Authorities provided for -convoys not exceeding seventeen ships at one time. - -In all there were 284,455 Canadian troops embarked from Halifax. Some -50,000 Chinamen, and a large number of American troops also embarked -from this port. In addition, ships with New Zealanders and Australians -on board called at this port to join the convoys, and often were allowed -to land for route marches and given shore leave. This also entailed much -work on this district, due to the necessity of looking after casualties, -absentees, etc. - -Of all the casualties occurring during these embarkations a careful -record had to be kept, and in due course, that is, as soon as possible -after they became fit or were apprehended, they were sent Overseas on -later transports. - -Many complicated questions arose during this period, as, for instance, -men arriving on troop trains under arrest for misdemeanors of various -kinds, and thus necessitating this district dealing with such cases. - -Following is a summary of the Canadian troops that embarked at Halifax -during the war period:— - - Date. Ship. Embarked Halifax. Monthly Total. - 1915. - Jan. 8 Zeeland 346 - ————— 346 - Feb. 23 Megantic 40 - 23 Missinabie 13 - 28 Scandinavian 23 - ————— 76 - Mar. 6 Grampian 8 - 15 Northland 130 - 21 Corsican 40 - 22 Orduna - 26 Hesperian 15 - 26 Chaleur 68 - 28 Missinabie 321 - ————— 582 - Apr. 4 Scandinavian 12 - 6 Georgia 76 - 9 Chignecto 48 - 10 Metagama 641 - 12 Manchester Corporation 73 - 17 St. George 414 - 18 Northland 1,711 - 18 Grampian 1,660 - 24 Missinabie 440 - ————— 5,075 - May 2 Hesperian 154 - 20 Saxonia 2,282 - 20 Halifax 37 - ————— 2,473 - June 14 Herschell 523 - 15 Caledonia 1,833 - ————— 2,356 - Aug. 8 Italia 1,211 - 8 Caledonia 994 - 9 Metagama 1,615 - 26 Caledonia 1,087 - ————— 4,907 - Oct. 23 Lapland 2,319 - 27 Orduna 1,095 - ————— 3,414 - Nov. 19 Chignecto 88 - 22 Saxonia 2,494 - 23 California 1,909 - 27 Lapland 2,281 - ————— 6,772 - Dec. 3 Chaudiere 98 - 6 Orduna 1,121 - 8 Italia 430 - ————— 1,649 - 1916. - Jan. 22 Missinabie 1,591 - ————— 1,591 - Feb. 10 Caraquet 24 - ————— 24 - Mar. 13 Lapland 2,127 - 13 Baltic 2,606 - 30 Empress of Britain 3,542 - 31 Adriatic 2,440 - ————— 10,715 - Apr. 1 Olympic 5,787 - 18 Missinabie 1,717 - 21 Chaleur 20 - 23 Empress of Britain 4,020 - 24 Lapland 2,201 - 29 Olympic 5,583 - ————— 19,328 - May 6 Chignecto 61 - 12 Baltic 2,612 - 19 Adriatic 2,325 - 20 Empress of Britain 3,788 - 26 Grampian 692 - 31 Olympic 5,794 - ————— 15,272 - June 18 Empress of Britain 3,420 - 19 Missinabie 1,663 - 28 Olympic 5,755 - ————— 10,838 - July 8 Lapland 2,208 - 15 Empress of Britain 3,778 - 23 Olympic 5,290 - 28 Caraquet 162 - ————— 11,438 - Aug. 6 Scandinavian 1,351 - 7 Cameronia 1,430 - 8 Metagama 1,581 - 8 Scotian 1,235 - 14 Empress of Britain 3,704 - 15 Grampian 1,471 - 21 Olympic 5,109 - ————— 15,881 - Sept. 11 Scandinavian 1,396 - 11 Cameronia 1,412 - 12 Metagama 1,491 - 12 Northland 1,473 - 18 Olympic 5,486 - 23 Lapland 2,042 - 25 Southland 1,379 - 25 Corsican 1,426 - 26 Laconia 2,230 - 26 Tusconia 2,360 - ————— 20,695 - Oct. 2 California 1,1 61 - 3 Missinabie 1,708 - 3 Saxonia 2,417 - 11, 12 & 13 Olympic 5,988 - 17 Cameronia 1,401 - 17 Metagama 1,721 - 17 Northland 1,662 - 24 Grampian 1,673 - 25 Mauretania 3,089 - 25 & 26 Corsican 1,351 - 30 Lapland 2,196 - Oct. 31 Caronia 4,251 - 31 Empress of Britain 3,796 - ————— 32,414 - Nov. 1 Southland 1,700 - 13 Olympic 5,909 - 23 & 24 Mauretania 3,123 - 27 Metagama 1,609 - ————— 12,341 - Dec. 16 Olympic 5,999 - 27 Northland 36 - ————— 6,035 - 1917. - Jan. 23 Scandinavian 1,350 - 24 Canada 1,244 - 26 Grampian 1,525 - ————— 4,119 - Feb. 16 Southland 1,749 - 16 Missinabie 1,727 - ————— 3,476 - Mar. 4 Canada 1,241 - 4 Ansonia 1,049 - 25 Metagama 1,641 - 25 Lapland 1,637 - 25 Southland 892 - 26 Missinabie 1,595 - 26 Saxonia 2,357 - ————— 10,412 - Apr. 9 Carpathia 2,341 - 9 Canada 1,282 - 17 Scandinavian 1,194 - 18 Ansonia 1,102 - 18 Northland 1,572 - 18 Grampian 1,654 - 27 Olympic 5,605 - 30 Megantic 1,141 - ————— 15,891 - May 1 Metagama 1,696 - 3 Justicia 4,445 - 28 Olympic 5,823 - ————— 11,964 - June 22 Justicia 4,160 - ————— 4,160 - Aug. 6 Olympic 100 - 10 Grampian 1,500 - 11 Missinabie 1,402 - ————— 3,002 - Sept. 5 Megantic 1,854 - ————— 1,854 - Oct. 4 Metagama 1,276 - 20 Scandinavian 925 - ————— 2,201 - Nov. 20 Scotian 1,352 - 24 Megantic 1,637 - 27 Metagama 1,182 - ————— 4,171 - Dec. 21 Missinabie 1,700 - 21 Grampian 1,638 - 28 Canada 11 - ————— 3,349 - 1918. - Jan. 19 Kursk 50 - 27 Orita 320 - 28 Scandinavian 1,290 - ————— 1,660 - Feb. 5 Grampian 1,607 - 5 Missinabie 1,678 - 5 Canada 826 - 13 Lapland 1,815 - 21 Megantic 1,822 - 21 Meletia 1,830 - 21 Saxonia 2,138 - 28 Metagama 1,692 - 28 Kasmala 111 - ————— 13,519 - Mar. 1 Justicia 155 - 8 Scotian 23 - 8 Toloa 819 - 13 Chaleur 29 - 17 Saturnia 100 - 25 Missinabie 1,656 - 25 Scandinavian 1,293 - 25 Grampian 1,591 - ————— 5,666 - Apr. 9 Metagama 1,672 - 9 Tunisian 1,318 - 9 Ulua 949 - 17 Scotian 1,324 - 17 Toloa 1,108 - 17 Melita 1,906 - ————— 8,277 - May 11 Tierisias 1,252 - 11 Runic 394 - 16 Ajana 1,435 - 16 Valacia 1,020 - 23 C. of Marseilles 55 - ————— 4,156 - June 17 Pannonia 853 - 24 Wiamana 389 - 24 Gloucestershire 512 - 24 Ionic 27 - ————— 1,781 - July 2 Oxfordshire 390 - 3 Valacia 185 - ————— 575 - ——————— - Total 284,455 - - - - - CHAPTER XLVII. - _MUNITIONS._ - - -A brief history of the work of the Shell Committee, its organization, -and the part played by the Nova Scotia Steel and Coal Company in -producing munitions during the first two and a half years of the War. - -On September 8, 1915, Col. Alex Bertram, Thomas Cantley, and George W. -Watts were summoned by the Federal Minister of Militia, Sir Sam Hughes, -to Valcartier. On meeting the Minister he stated that the British -Secretary of State for War had advised the Canadian Government that the -War Office were desirous of having shrapnel shells made in Canada, that -the Canadian Government had decided to entrust the matter to a Committee -of Manufacturers, and had so advised the War Office. It was understood -that the advice of the Minister had been accepted, and that the names of -the three gentlemen above referred to had been approved by the War -Office as a Committee to carry on the work on their behalf. The men -above named were then asked to serve as such Committee, without -remuneration, which they agreed to do, and were requested to select one -of their number as Chairman. On the suggestion of Thos. Cantley, Colonel -Bertram was appointed Chairman, the Minister confirming the appointment -of the Committee by a memorandum initialed “For Action.” - -Later, Mr. E. Carnegie, of Welland, was added to the Committee, and at -their request the Minister agreed that Colonel Benson, Master General of -Ordnance; Colonel Lafferty, Superintendent of the Dominion Arsenal; and -Colonel Greville Harston, Inspector of Arms and Ammunition, should be -added as Technical Members. - -The first meeting was held the same evening (September 8th) at the -Chateau Frontenac, Quebec. The second meeting was held the following day -at the office of the Superintendent of the Dominion Arsenal. The -Committee were accorded the privilege of dissecting the manufacturing -costs of the various operations involved in making shells of this type -at the Dominion Arsenal, which at that time had an out-turn of about 200 -per day. - -From the data there available and their experience as manufacturers the -Committee advised the War Office that 200,000 shrapnel shells could be -produced by the Committee and supplied to the War Office at a price of -$8.30 for the 15–pounder, and $8.55 each for the 18–pounder. On this -information being cabled to London the Committee were at once instructed -to proceed with the order. - -[Illustration: - - COL. THOMAS CANTLEY.] - -After the order was in process of execution a contract was presented by -a representative of the War Office to the four civilian members, viz., -Messrs. Bertram, Cantley, Watt and Carnegie, under which contract they -were obligated to supply the War Office with these shells at the prices -stated. This contract was duly executed, the Honorable Minister of -Militia signing on behalf of and representing, the War Office, the -civilian members signing on their own behalf. - -While the first order was for 200,000 shells, additional orders were -placed by the War Office with the Committee at various times between -September, 1914, and November, 1915, aggregating in all $345,222,870.24. -The contract prices were in most cases named by the War Office. In some -cases the prices were the result of compromise arranged by cable between -the Committee and the War Office. In other cases the prices were those -suggested by the Committee and were accepted by the War Office. - -As already stated, every order was covered by a contract between the War -Office on the one hand and the four civilian members of the Committee on -the other, for the carrying out of which the civilian members were -collectively and individually responsible. When they resigned office a -statement, which was prepared and duly audited showing the total cost, -together with the surplus based on prices agreed upon and covered by -contracts between the War Office and the four civilian members, showed -that the contracts entered into amounted in all to $345,222,874.34. -Approximately 87½ per cent. of these orders were then completed, and the -surplus—the difference between the contract price and the cost of -production—was $42,097,584.57, less overhead charges, cost of -inspection, guages, etc., of $737,400.31. If 12½ per cent. be added to -this overhead charge to meet similar expenses incidental to the -completion of the contracts, $92,175.03 would require to be added, -making the total overhead expenditure $829,575.34, or a total net -surplus to the credit of the Committee on November 30, 1915, of -$41,268,009.23. The total overhead cost, covering inspection, cost of -guages, accounting, and office expense of the Committee, worked out -at .17, or less than one-fifth of one per cent. of contract prices. - -In this connection it may be stated that the prices paid by the War -Office to American makers in many cases were considerably higher than -those paid in Canada for shells and other material. In other cases, -where the prices were approximately the same, the volume of orders -entrusted to the United States makers were very much greater than the -corresponding orders placed with the Canadian Shell Committee, and the -American prices should have been considerably lower. Further, the orders -placed in the United States were entrusted to an agent, who is reported -to have received a handsome commission, whereas the services of the -Canadian Shell Committee were freely given. - -In the early stages the executive work of the Committee was carried on -by General Bertram, whose time was largely taken up in co-ordinating the -machining of parts, and the placing of orders for components among -Canadian manufacturers, while Thomas Cantley undertook to carry out -experiments, both chemical and physical, looking to the production of -open hearth basic steel to meet the specifications and tests called for -by the War Office. Experiments were also carried out later in regard to -steel discs, base plates, nose plugs, alloy steel armor plating, etc. -Later Colonel Bertram, Thos. Cantley and G. W. Watts collaborated in -fixing prices for component parts and machining and assembling of the -different size shells. Later they devised a complete system of records, -inspection sheets, transfer and shipping forms, store and stock forms, -and a complete system of accounting was worked out and inaugurated by -them. - -Late in September the Minister of Militia, on the suggestion of the -Committee, approved the appointment of David Carnegie as Ordnance -Adviser to the Committee, in view of the fact that he had had -considerable experience in munition work at Woolwich Arsenal. - -When the War Office first appealed to Canada for assistance in supplying -munitions, little was known of shell manufacturing in Canada. This being -the case the Canadian Government decided that a Committee of -Manufacturers could better serve the War Office than could the -Government through any of the Departments; and then followed the -formation of the Shell Committee as originally outlined. The Committee -had before them three problems: First, that of securing steel of the -requisite character; secondly, the forging of the steel into shell -bodies, together with the supply of other component parts, comprising -brass, copper, tin, zinc and antimony; and thirdly, the machining and -assembling of these various component parts. - -Up to the time that the request came from the War Office practically no -men in Canada, with the exception of those employed at the Dominion -Arsenal, knew anything about the manufacture of shells, or the material -required for same. The steel hitherto used at the Dominion Arsenal had -been supplied by the Crucible Steel Co. of America, and the War Office -had stipulated that only Acid Open Hearth Siemens-Martin steel could be -employed in shell forgings. As no Siemens-Martin steel was produced in -Canada, and if the War Office adhered to their stipulation in that -respect the entire steel supply would have to be obtained in the United -States, the American makers, feeling sure that this would be done, -promptly advanced their prices approximately forty per cent. - -At this juncture the Minister of Militia appealed to Thomas Cantley, -then President and General Manager of the Nova Scotia Steel and Coal -Co., as to whether the Scotia plant could not produce steel which would -meet not only the chemical but physical requirements of the War Office -shell specifications. He at once expressed the belief that they could do -so, and immediately proceeded to carry out exhaustive experiments, both -chemical and physical, which proved conclusively that the Scotia Company -could produce steel as called for by the War Office, and offered to -supply it at a price as low as the original price asked by the American -works, and indeed below the American price. Within a few days of receipt -of the first order by the Shell Committee from the War Office, the -Scotia Company supplied the Committee with steel for 200,000 shrapnel -shells. The difference in price paid to the Scotia Company and the price -asked by the American Co. for the steel supplied on this small order -amounted to over $40,000. - -As regards forging of shells, the cost of producing the various -component parts, the labor involved in finishing and assembling -these—the Committee were supplied with the cost of these various -operations as carried on at the Dominion Arsenal, but the difficulty -involved was that the work, having been done there by a class of machine -not in general use in Canada, and with the comparatively small order in -hand, manufacturers could not be found who would purchase and install -plant for this work and turn out shells within a reasonable time and -price. - -Manufacturers throughout the country were invited to visit the Dominion -Arsenal at Quebec, where they would be shown the various operations -involved, and given all information _re_ cost, methods employed, etc. -Quite a number responded to this invitation. Some offered to undertake -the work; others declined to undertake it on any basis whatever. - -Colonel Bertram volunteered that the John Bertram & Sons Co. would do a -certain amount of machining and assembling, and Thos. Cantley, through -his Company, the Nova Scotia Steel and Coal Co., undertook to supply the -steel and forgings, while Mr. Watt, of the Canadian General Electric -Company, agreed to make some of the component parts. Sir Thomas -Shaughnessy, on being appealed to by the Committee for assistance, -instructed the Superintendent of the Angus Shops to take on some of the -work, and generously promised that the Angus Shops would take up their -share of the enterprise. - -With the start made by these firms to encourage them, a few other -manufacturers were induced to take up a share of the work, and thus the -supply of components parts and machining of same for the first 200,000 -shells was finally placed, and this initial order was shipped complete -and to the entire satisfaction of the War Office some considerable time -before the contract date. - -So soon as the work involved in the first trial order had been accepted -by the manufacturers referred to, the Committee took up the organization -necessary for the co-ordinating of the work on a larger scale; and as -large orders were received in rapid succession from the War Office, -contracts were made with different manufacturers for component parts, -which were bought outright by the Committee. A full set of component -parts for each shell was supplied by the assembly contractors, by whom -these were finished and returned as completed shells, they being paid a -fixed price on the shells which were completed, and which passed all the -tests demanded by the War Office, and were certified as such by the -Government Inspection Bureau. The component parts before being accepted -by the Committee and delivered to the finishing contractors were -inspected and certified by the Committee’s inspectors. Any component -parts spoiled by the assembly manufacturers had to be paid for by them -at the actual cost of same. - -The first experiences of the forging and finishing contractors alike -were disappointing. It was an entirely new business to everybody engaged -in the work, and the usual initial difficulties were met and overcome -with varying success. - -It is safe to say that as far as the first order of 200,000 shells was -concerned, the companies engaged, either as makers of component parts or -as assembly contractors, received little, if any, profit for their work. -They had only the usual reward that comes to pioneers in any new work. - -When the new and larger orders came in, both the material and the work -were thrown open to competition. The Dominion Steel Corporation, the -Steel Company of Canada, and other smaller steel producers were asked to -supply steel and forgings. The same thing applied to manufacturing -establishments, which were in a position to supply other component parts -or to take on the work of machining and assembling. By the early part of -1915 the work was distributed throughout the entire Dominion. - -Those who had done the pioneering work, and who won their position -through dearly-bought experience, and by venturing in where others -lacked courage to do so, came under criticism from others who had not -hitherto undertaken any of the work. To overcome this difficulty and to -assure hearty co-operation in the production of the largest amount of -munitions possible, the Committee adopted the principle of naming a flat -price for each component part, as well as for the machining and -assembling of each size shell. - -All the orders placed thereafter, from time to time, were placed at a -uniform price, both for the component parts and for the finishing of the -shells. The instant effect of this was that the accumulated experience -of the pioneering firms was placed at the disposal of the other -manufacturers. Both forging and finishing shops were thrown open, their -methods of working and costs were fully explained, and shown to other -manufacturers. The newcomers thus saved the heavy cost of experimental -work. - -New methods, improvements of great value in connection with the -execution of the work, the outcome of the initiative adaptability of -Canadians, wrought a revolution in the methods of production. All these -improvements were in every case put within the reach of other -manufacturers. Many of these have been adopted, not only by Canadian -shell makers, but by shell makers in the United States and Great -Britain. - -During the organization period from September, 1914, to April, 1915, -more than one member of the Committee worked from ten to seventeen hours -per day, Sundays and holidays not excepted, and none of the members then -appointed received one dollar by way of remuneration. - -The part played by the New Glasgow works of the Nova Scotia Steel and -Coal Company in the Great War is an interesting one. At the beginning of -hostilities in August, 1914, there were only two Steel Companies in the -United States who had either the plant or experience to produce either -shells or armor plates, while none of the Canadian steel plants had any -experience whatever. - -The first production of munition material, by way of shells and shell -steel, was undertaken in Canada by the Shell Committee, and the story of -the experiments carried on in the early days of September, 1914, which -resulted in convincing the British War Office that basic steel, as made -in Canada, would meet all the requirements of both shrapnel and high -explosive shells, and which resulted in very large orders for munitions -coming to Canada, is well known to all Nova Scotians, and has become a -matter of history. - -Between October, 1914, when the Scotia plants produced 22,000 shell -forgings, and the signing of the Armistice, November 11, 1918, the New -Glasgow plant had made more than 15,000,000 shells—these ranging in size -from the 15–pounder shrapnel to 12–inch high explosive, the local plant -being the only one in Canada which made the latter size. The total -tonnage of forged shells produced at New Glasgow amounted in round -figures to 180,000 tons. In addition to this a very considerable tonnage -of shell and other munition steel was shipped to be worked up in other -shell forging establishments in Canada and Great Britain. A further -considerable tonnage was worked up into marine forgings. British -shipyards about this time experienced great difficulty in obtaining -heavy marine forgings to meet Lloyd’s specification and tests. The -Scotia forges had long been on Lloyd’s list as approved makers of Marine -Forgings. The British shipbuilders’ difficulty was now met by Scotia, -which supplied to various yards on the Clyde, the East Coast, and other -yards complete sets of marine forgings of all classes for both -mercantile and other vessels of large tonnage. The total quantity of -marine forgings supplied Great Britain since the outbreak of war -amounted to 9,000 tons. - -Most Nova Scotians are probably entirely ignorant of the considerable -amount of what might be called “research” and experimental work carried -out at the New Glasgow plant for the Government, and while this did not -produce the tangible results brought about in connection with the -manufacture of shells, not a little of the data and knowledge -accumulated, contributed in a very considerable degree to the successful -development of both the offensive and the defensive equipment of the -Allied forces. - -While this work was being done secrecy was essential, nothing was said -and but little known of the work carried on along these lines. Now that -the War is over the necessity for secrecy appears to be past. - -In February, 1919, the firm of William Beardmore and Co., of Glasgow, -Scotland, in their works magazine, told the story of the evolution and -development by them of bullet-proof material for the protection of -armored cars, trench shields, armor-plate for the celebrated “tanks,” -and other work of a like character. The story, as told by the Beardmore -people, in many important particulars runs on all fours with the -experiments and results obtained at New Glasgow during the latter weeks -of 1914 and the early part of 1915, when a series of exhaustive -experiments were carried out at New Glasgow, first in connection with -the production and testing of bullet-resisting steel plate. - -This matter was first brought to the attention of the writer by General -Sir Sam Hughes in connection with the shield shovel, of which a good -deal was heard during 1915 and 1916. This spade, as supplied by the -American makers, was formed with a sharp cutting edge, and a loophole -for a rifle, but had no handle. When deliveries began to be made by the -American manufacturers, a certain quantity was collected at random and -turned over to the writer for testing. This was carried out at the rifle -range, of the Fifth Royal Highlanders in the basement of the Bleury -Street Armory, Montreal. It was then found that while practically all -would stand Mark Six British Service Ammunition, they failed to -withstand the much greater impact of Mark Seven Ammunition. Mark Six had -a muzzle velocity of about 1,800 feet per second. Further investigation -showed that the difference in bullet resisting power in the plates -submitted was due to lack of uniformity. - -No handles had been supplied with the shovels, and no apparent effort -had been made by the manufacturers to supply one which was suitable. -Scotia’s engineers were asked to meet the difficulty, which they did, -and finally offered one which was adopted, weighed eight ounces, and was -secured by a single rivet passing through a square slotted hole in the -body of the shovel below the base of the tang. - -At this time the question of supplying our army with armored machine-gun -automobile trucks had become a pressing matter. The question had been -turned over to a Toronto Committee. Great delay was experienced in -securing sufficient suitable bullet-resisting plate, and serious -confusion resulted. The experiments in connection with the shovel had -thrown great doubt on the efficiency of the steel being supplied by the -Americans, and again the Scotia Company were asked to carry out tests -and advise as to the matter. - -From hints which had filtered through from the army in France and -Flanders it was known that the German Spitzer bullet was much more -effective than the British new Mark Seven, and while the armor-plating -contracted to be supplied by the Americans for these cars was guaranteed -to withstand Mark Seven British Ammunition at 300 yards, the rumors in -regard to the penetrating powers of the German Spitzer ammunition were -most disquieting, and could not be ignored. - -At that time the United States were neutral, but were making ammunition -for the Allies and others. By methods, which it is not necessary here to -refer to, or explain, the General Manager of the Scotia Company was able -to obtain a German Mauser Service Rifle, and by an expenditure out of -all proportion to the real value, 1,000 rounds of German Mauser Spitzer -service ammunition was also secured. An improvised range was set up on -the ice on the East River, Nova Scotia, at a point where, protected by -steep banks, firing tests could be carried out, when it was demonstrated -that .311 Spitzer German ammunition, which, carefully chronographed, -gave a muzzle velocity of 2,915 feet per second, easily penetrated the -armor plate which resisted Mark Seven British Ammunition fired from -either the Lee-Enfield or Ross Rifle. - -The effect, of course, was to call a halt to the manufacture of these -plates, and at the same time to push forward experiments then under way -in the production by the Scotia Company of bullet-resisting alloy armor -plates. Within a short time New Glasgow was able to offer the Department -of Militia alloy steel, heat-treated plates, not exceeding 3–16th of an -inch thick, which successfully withstood point-blank impact at one yard -from Mark 7 ammunition fired from the latest model Ross rifle. In one -case two shots had struck the plate within less than one-half inch of -each other, and they neither penetrated nor cracked the plate. - -Plates somewhat thicker were later supplied which withstood German -Mauser ammunition at point blank range, and the result given by these -plates when tested at the Proving Station in Toronto were so -satisfactory that the Artillery Proving Officers, after the tests, -placed them on exhibition outside the Camp, and later reported that the -men felt the utmost confidence with the protection afforded them by this -plating, which later was supplied and fitted to a proportion of the -machine-gun trucks then being equipped. Later the British Government -asked the Scotia Company to tender for similar protective plating for -armored trucks. - - - - - CHAPTER XLVIII. - _DEMOBILIZATION._ - - -Demobilization, following a war of such length and intensity as that of -the Four Years’ War from August, 1914, to November, 1918, is not a mere -problem of repatriation, it is a problem of reconstruction—a gigantic -one at that—desiderating the undivided efforts of every organization in -the nation and the assistance of every citizen. - -Consider for a moment what had happened in the industrial world. During -the four years of war, Governments were the chief employers of men, the -chief purchasers of raw materials, and the chief sources of revenue for -an overwhelmingly large portion of the population. To retain the ideals -of democracy Governments were given unlimited power—power which was -utilized in organizing practically the entire life of the belligerent -nations into a vast machine for turning out implements of war. Not only -was this war-time industry mobilized under unified control, but the -market for which its product was turned out could not be flooded. -Indeed, it continually called for greater and greater production -regardless of cost. The expansion of business, and the building up of a -huge army of war workers, the scarcity of labor and raw materials, the -shifting of markets, the meteoric rise of prices, the less rapid rise of -wages, Government control of prices, raw materials and exports, the -inflation of currency, the huge increase in national debts—these were -some of the phenomena which characterized the period. They justify the -assertion that a revolution in the economic and industrial life of the -nations had occurred. Even in Canada, remote from the scene of actual -strife, a generation’s changes were compressed into four short years. - -Then suddenly, on November the eleventh, the object for which the vast -war machine had been built up was attained. The necessity for its -existence vanished over-night, and the world found itself face to face -with the task of scrapping the industrial machine which had so -effectively served the requirements of war, and of rebuilding one which -would serve just as effectively the entirely different requirements of -peace. The new task was more difficult than the old, and had to be -accomplished in a much shorter period—a few months, instead of four -years. Again, the problems themselves were more delicate and intricate; -largely problems of human psychology, not of mechanics, requiring for -their solution not compulsion, but education, persuasion and -co-operation. The world has learned that it is much easier to make war -than to make peace. - -The early days of 1914 and 1915 were days of mobilization problems, and -they were problems indeed. The provision of arms, equipment and food had -to be undertaken on a scale unheard of before. It was necessary to -provide transportation for vast bodies of troops and great quantities of -stores, to say nothing of the construction of training camps, rifle -ranges, and all the paraphernalia of war. The human element, fresh and -easily responsive to patriotic appeal, presented few difficulties at -that time. - -There are, however, certain conditions inherent in military life which -go far towards unfitting the soldier for civilian occupation. Without -entering into a discussion of the reasons for these conditions, two of -them at least may be enumerated. In military life individual liberty is -impossible, but it is of supreme importance in civil life. Further, in -military life ambition or self-interest, which may be considered a -fundamental motive in human action, becomes of secondary importance. -Self-interest is, in fact, disciplined into complete abeyance. The -moment the soldier becomes a civilian the restraints upon his individual -liberty are more or less removed, and it is entirely in keeping with the -impulses of human nature if he should, for a time, go to the opposite -extreme. Then again, he finds it no easy task to awaken the ambition -lying dormant within him, and it frequently happens that it is only from -bitter experience that he learns it is necessary to rely, in the first -instance, upon himself. These two conditions alone emphasize how -different are the various problems of demobilization and mobilization. -The success or failure of the work of reconstruction depends, not so -much on the highly-developed organization as on the amount of personal -service, whole-hearted sympathy and understanding brought to the work by -those who, together with the soldier, must face the many obstacles -confronting him in the first stages of his return to citizenship. - -Without the active co-operation of the soldiers themselves the work of -reconstruction could not be a success. Undoubtedly our present -stability, in comparison with many other parts of Canada is, in a large -measure, due to the initiative and strength of purpose with which our -soldiers have met, and are meeting, the tasks of a humdrum every-day -life. It would, no doubt, be surprising to the average citizen were he -to know how many men in Nova Scotia have re-established themselves -without assistance from the Government. - -It was not until the closing days of 1915 and the return of casualties -gassed and wounded from Ypres, Festubert, and Givenchy, that the -problems of demobilization began to press for attention. The country was -sadly lacking in proper hospital accommodation and equipment, especially -for the treatment of surgical cases. The disabled man was finding it no -easy matter to re-establish himself and the provision of industrial -training or suitable employment for him was an urgent need. In many -other ways the necessity for a radical change made itself apparent. - -The actual work of getting the soldiers home and out of khaki was in the -hands of the Department of Militia and Defence; but the methods of peace -and war are as far removed as day and night, and it was soon recognized -that the re-absorption of returned soldiers into civil life, with the -least disturbance of economic conditions, could not be best performed by -an organization of the military type. The first step in the direction of -providing a suitable organization was taken when the Military Hospitals -Commission was formed in the same year. The duties of this Commission -eventually embraced almost every phase of the problem of demobilization, -from the provision of hospitals, convalescent homes and treatment, to -vocational re-education for those who, through a disability were unable -to return to their former occupation. - -Not all the emergencies were, of course, foreseen; and from time to time -changes for the better were made in the regulations. Shortly after the -formation of the Commission a conference of representatives from the -various Provincial Governments was called at Ottawa, and the suggestions -there adopted involved an extension of the work by the appointment of a -sub-committee of the Federal Commission in each Province, to assume the -responsibility of finding employment for discharged soldiers. - -Immediately following this conference the Returned Soldiers’ Employment -Committee of Nova Scotia, or, as it was afterwards known, the Nova -Scotia Returned Soldiers’ Commission, was appointed. The importance of -this work at the time could not be overestimated, for is not -reconstruction fundamentally a problem of employment and employment -conditions? This function, however, by no means exhausted the activities -of the Provincial Commission. On executive questions of a local nature -it was the advisory body of the Federal Commission at Ottawa, and its -scope was extended as the need arose, until it embraced practically all -matters dealing with returned men. On certain occasions the Commission -maintained an early and aggressive stand on problems which were not -merely of a local character, but which affected the economic life of the -Dominion. - -When the Military Hospitals Commission was formed, it was found -necessary to operate Interviewing Departments in conjunction with the -Clearing or Discharge Depots at Halifax, St. John and Quebec, in order -to secure information from which to compile records. Each returning -soldier on the ship’s nominal roll was questioned regarding his pre-war -occupation, his future prospects and intentions, as well as other -general information required. In the case of casualties the proceedings -of the last medical board were also secured. At Halifax a Staff of -returned men were engaged in this work under the supervision of W. B. -MacCoy, Secretary of the Provincial Commission. As the interviewing for -the whole of Canada was performed at the ports, it can be appreciated -what a vast amount of work this entailed, particularly when handling -hospital ships. The severely disabled men were, of course, unable to -visit the Interviewing Department. Consequently it was not possible to -proceed as rapidly as in the case of ordinary transports. - -Another detail of the disembarkation which involved a great deal of work -on the part of the Commission was that of notifying the next-of-kin of -returning soldiers. A copy of the Nominal Roll prepared on the voyage -across, was secured immediately after the ship had docked and the -Secretaries of the Returned Soldiers’ Commissions in the various other -Provinces were telegraphed a complete list of the men going forward with -the names and addresses of their relatives or friends. - -The Nova Scotia men were, of course, dealt with first, as in many cases -they would arrive home within a few hours. Their names were either -telegraphed or telephoned to the Secretaries of the Town Reception -Committees who, in turn, notified the relatives and aided in providing a -suitable reception. - -During the War, Nova Scotia was exceedingly fortunate in the matter of -employment. The number of unemployed soldiers seldom averaged more than -ten per cent., and was usually between two and seven per cent. However, -the abnormal conditions prevailing after the signing of the Armistice -rendered the number of placements by the Commission, for a time at -least, almost negligible. Numbers of men were suddenly thrown on the -labor market by the closing of war-time industries, while at the same -time our soldiers were being returned in thousands. This was by no means -the critical period. Many of the men returning after years of service -Overseas felt the need of a well-earned vacation more than they did of a -job, while those who had dependants and who were anxious, but unable, to -secure immediate employment, were temporarily provided for by the war -service gratuity. For the majority, the most anxious time arrived during -the succeeding fall and winter months. It is not the intention, however, -to deal with the employment activities of the Commission. Attention must -be confined to work of a more general nature. - -As previously stated, the country, particularly Nova Scotia, was sadly -lacking in hospital accommodation. In the spring and early summer of -1915, nearly all returned soldiers either came through the Port of -Quebec, or, if disembarked at Halifax, were forwarded to the Discharge -Depot there. Save in a few instances, such as severe casualties, these -men as soon as medically examined were given transportation to their -homes. Discharge Certificates were usually not issued for months after -their return, and a great deal of confusion resulted. Indeed, few of the -men were aware of their status, and it not infrequently happened that, -instead of the longed-for piece of parchment, they received a letter -from their Military District instructing them to report for duty,—this -after having perhaps accepted civilian employment. The uncertainty of -their future added to the difficulties of obtaining a satisfactory -position, for after a few experiences, employers generally hesitated to -engage a man who was not in possession of a certificate releasing him to -civilian duties. As time went on, too, pay complaints began to pour in -by the score, due no doubt to an antiquated system of handling -documents, and the poor working facilities afforded the District Pay -Staffs. - -About the end of the following year the Provincial Commission advised -the erection of a hospital, but although the officials of the Military -Hospitals Commission apparently concurred in the Provincial Commission’s -views, the conditions remained unchanged. Repeated reports were made by -the Secretary and concrete cases submitted, showing the necessity in -certain instances for providing treatment. The situation became so acute -that at a meeting of the local Commission, held on February 21, 1917, -certain members, feeling that the existing state of affairs might be -construed as reflecting upon them, tendered their resignations to the -Chairman. These resignations were, however, held in abeyance for a few -days, and a strongly-worded resolution was passed and forwarded to Sir -James Lougheed. Several days later a special meeting was called at the -request of the Director of the Military Hospitals Commission, at which -were present two officials of that body with full authority to take what -steps were deemed necessary in order to relieve the situation. The -writer, who has had access to the correspondence and records, can state -without fear of contradiction, that it was wholly due to the efforts of -the Provincial Commission that Camp Hill Hospital was erected in 1917. -Readers who are familiar with conditions both then and during the period -following the Halifax disaster must realize what a boon it was to have -had this splendid institution awaiting any and all emergencies. - -The subject of Vocational Training was one in which the Commission took -a deep interest from the very first. One of its early steps was to -institute a careful survey of all existing educational facilities -throughout Nova Scotia, which could be used for the re-education of -disabled men. The re-training of this class was of the utmost -importance, and the Commission successfully fought for the enactment of -several regulations tending to broaden the scope of the Vocational -Department. - -One of the most persistent efforts was made in the interest of the -physically fit “boy soldier.” Aside from the minor who had been -disabled, no provision existed whereby these young boys could be -afforded the opportunities of re-education or re-training. The need for -this was foreseen by the Provincial Office some two years before the -close of the War and no opportunity was lost in the furtherance of their -proposal to place them on the same footing as the disabled man. It was -most desirable to provide facilities for the education of these young -soldiers who enlisted in the Forces at an immature age. Their decision -was made at a time when they could not probably measure the consequences -of their act, and for this reason the public was responsible for any -disadvantages accruing to them. The years spent in the army were just -those during which they should have been fitting themselves to win a -position of self-support and independence; and it is not only an -advantage to themselves, but to the country, that they have been -assisted in preparing for the earning of a livelihood rather than having -been forced into the ranks of unskilled labor. The step taken by the -Government in the early part of last year was indeed satisfactory in -consideration of the initial and continuous efforts of the Provincial -Commission. - -The Soldier Settlement Act, passed in 1917, has proved to be one of the -most satisfactory measures of re-establishment provided by the -Government. As originally framed, however, it was of very little value -to a man who desired to go on the land in the Maritime Provinces. The -free grants provided by the Act were restricted to Dominion Lands, while -here any land of value for agricultural purposes is privately owned. -This was clearly placing under a handicap the Nova Scotian soldier who -wished to stay in his native Province, inasmuch as the maximum amount -which could be borrowed under the Act was only $2,500. The Provincial -Commission urged very strongly that the benefits to be derived should be -equally distributed and enjoyed by soldiers wishing to go on the land in -any Province. At the 1918 yearly meeting of Provincial Secretaries, held -at Ottawa, the other Provinces were unanimous in supporting the Maritime -representatives, and a resolution was passed petitioning the Federal -Government to extend the provisions of the Act. This was done some time -afterwards, and to-day we have in Nova Scotia some three hundred and -fifty farms producing, and as many soldiers re-established in this way. - -[Illustration: - - W. B. MACCOY, K.C.] - -The months which followed the erection of Camp Hill Hospital brought -many changes. The Military Hospitals Commission ceased and was succeeded -by the Department of Soldiers’ Civil Re-Establishment. New organizations -arose, and new methods were inaugurated in old ones to meet the -constantly increasing needs and changing problems. But space will not -permit to deal with all the phases of this many-sided and deeply -interesting work. At best details can only be touched upon, and the -three instances quoted of the Commission’s connection with the larger -problems of reconstruction by no means exhausts an interesting store of -past events. The part taken by W. B. MacCoy, K.C., Secretary of the -Commission, is deserving of the fullest public recognition. No man has -been more sincere or more zealous in safeguarding the interests of the -Nova Scotian soldiers. His work was not undertaken without a sacrifice, -but the appreciation of thousands of soldiers and dependants expressed -in the letters of thanks contained on the fyles of the Commission, and -in many other ways, has doubtless repaid him in full. - -Victory was the reward of loyalty and co-operation and the willingness -of each and every soldier to subjugate self in the welfare of the whole, -and play the game as best he could. Demobilization has required no less -devotion, energy, and co-operation than did the War itself and the -measure of success attained through the sympathy, tact, and ability -displayed by however humble a servant in the great work of -reconstruction will be reflected in the national life of Canada for the -next generation. - - - - - CHAPTER XLIX. - _VOCATIONAL TRAINING._ - - -The aftermath of the Great War, which virtually ended with the Armistice -on November 11, 1918, should be historically different from the social -and economic muddles and messes which have succeeded other prolonged -struggles. Human nature has not changed, but society is more -enlightened, more highly organized, and more averse to waste. - -The soldiers who returned to Canada from the Boer War were paid small -Imperial pensions for disabilities incurred and were rewarded by grants -of land in the great Canadian West, which almost all of them realized on -immediately, selling them to “land sharks” for ridiculously small cash -sums. It has been stated that most of the British veterans of the Crimea -died in the workhouses. - -Just as the last War was fought with more highly developed death-dealing -machines and apparatus, and consequently evolved entirely new means of -counter-offensive and protection, so the Allied nations employed -entirely new methods to compensate the disabled fighting men for the -incapacities they suffered through service. The aim was to develop all -of the remaining abilities and aptitudes of the crippled soldier so that -he might be able to retain his place in civilian life as an active, -independent, self-supporting citizen. - -Nova Scotia can justly claim the credit for starting the plan of -vocational re-training developed in Canada. In July, 1915, Miss I. -Matthews, who was assisting her sister, Mrs. J. K. L. Ross, in preparing -the residence of the latter in Sydney for use as a convalescent home for -soldiers, secured a pamphlet describing the early efforts of France in -rehabilitating war cripples. She brought it to the attention of Hon. G. -H. Murray, who asked Principal F. H. Sexton, of the Technical College, -for some concrete practical suggestions. The latter prepared a careful -report on the methods which the Dominion might use to organize this -work, and this was submitted to the Premier of Canada, Sir Robert -Borden. - -[Illustration: - - DR. F. H. SEXTON, - Principal Nova Scotia Technical College.] - -Just before this there had been created the Military Hospitals -Commission to control the treatment in Canada of wounded and disabled -men returning from Europe. The report on vocational re-training was -submitted to the Commission for consideration and action. The subject -was regarded of such importance that a conference of Provincial Premiers -and other representatives was called to consider this and some other -questions affecting returned men. - -Principal Sexton was sent as a Nova Scotian delegate to this conference -and explained his ideas. He asserted that nearly all maimed and crippled -men could be put on their feet again as wage-earners by a short, -practical, intensive course in vocational training. The men were adults -who had already had some industrial experience and consequently would -not need as much or as long training as youths being apprenticed in -trades. During the last twenty-five years industry had been sub-divided -into many specialized occupations, in many of which little physical -effort was required. Advantage could be taken of the vocational -experience of the soldier previous to enlistment and, in most cases, he -could be trained for some occupation in the same industry where his -disability would not be a handicap. That is, the crippled men could be -moved side-wise in industry to some parallel occupation or, by means of -a little education, could be lifted up higher and fitted for some -supervisory position as boss, foreman, or superintendent. Thus, a -structural steel worker, with some physical deficiency, would be trained -for a position of draftsman. The coal miner, who was disabled, so that -he could no longer dig coal at the face could, in a comparatively short -time, be trained for the position of shot-firer, fire boss, mine -examiner, overman, underground foreman, or mine manager. - -There were endless opportunities for fitting men for occupations that -required more technical knowledge, more skill, and more mental capacity. -Most of the Canadian soldiers had not much opportunity for vocational -education in their youth, and the great majority could be prepared for -better jobs with their disability than they had been able to qualify for -before they enlisted. It was pointed out that technical schools could -offer some courses for disabled men, and that the rest of them could be -given intensive short apprenticeships in industry. The disabled men and -their families should be supported in respectability during the course -of training. It was emphasized that the soldier in the hospital should -begin to do some work as soon as possible, so that he would not lose his -habits of industry by too prolonged an idleness during treatment. This -method of technical education would be expensive, but it would more than -repay the country by making almost all the disabled men competent to -maintain themselves as wage-earners for the remainder of their lives, -and eliminate the great proportion of indigent, idle pensioners that had -succeeded other great wars. - -The conference in September, 1915, enthusiastically recommended that the -Military Hospitals Commission proceed to develop vocational training of -disabled soldiers along the lines proposed. Soon after this steps were -taken to put the suggestions into actual practice. Principal Sexton was -appointed, under the Commission, as Vocational Officer for Quebec and -the Maritime Provinces, which office he has held for four and one-half -years. - -When the convalescent hospitals were first opened in Canada, it was -thought at first that all the men needed was the necessary medical -treatment and a rest and then most of them would naturally return to -work. People who had not had army training, and who had not endured the -terrible experiences in the front line trenches, did not understand the -psychological reversal most of the soldiers had suffered. The ordinary -Canadian was noted for his power of initiative. In times of peace he had -developed resourcefulness and individuality. From thousands of -occupations our men donned the khaki uniform. The first great lesson for -the new soldier was that of implicit obedience to his superior officers. -He was instructed that others would do his thinking for him. The -responsibility of providing food, shelter, and raiment for himself and -his dependants, which had been his constant effort in waking hours, was -lifted from his shoulders. His habits were regularized to conform to a -single standard,—that of the well-disciplined soldier. In action he was -forced into a condition of personal dirtiness that would have been -absolutely repellent to him in ordinary life. He was subjected to the -nerve-racking, soul-splitting ordeal of continuous fire of high -explosives. Death lurked at his elbow continuously in a thousand hideous -forms. He lived like a worm, and the taking and giving of human life -became an hourly experience. He forgot what a normal mode of living was -like, and his tours back and forth to the trenches seemed the whole of -existence, with only a ghastly way out of it. Then came his “blighty,” -and the long, painful period of hospital experience where willing and -loving hands ministered to every need. He was doctored, nursed and -entertained lavishly. Is it any wonder that he found himself in an -abnormal mental state, and that ordinary civilian life seemed petty and -cold and humdrum? Is it surprising that he found himself slow to rouse -himself and prepare to take up again some civilian task in the treadmill -of industry which would reward him with only food, clothing and lodging? -After the glorious comradeship with his fellows in facing death, the -competitive system in a life of routine duties seemed dull and deadly. - -It seemed evident from the first experience that work was the only -panacea. Definite, interesting occupation alone offered the means of -making the man forget himself, and of wrenching him around into the -footpath of peace. Self-imposed routine duties of an absorbing nature -provided the necessary attraction and distraction to enable the man to -prepare himself again for a useful life in industry. Therefore -interesting work of all kinds was provided to suit different abilities -and disabilities. - -Three divisions of the work of re-training the disabled soldier -developed as progress was made with this task, viz.: (1) Ward -Occupations; (2) Curative Workshops; (3) Industrial Re-training. These -will be taken up in the order named. - -1. WARD OCCUPATIONS. Basketry, weaving, leather work and other -handicrafts were taught to the men in hospital right in the wards, as -recreational activity, during the time of convalescence when the -soldiers, as patients, are not advanced far enough in their recovery to -leave their beds or to take up serious education. - -2. CURATIVE WORKSHOPS. Every hospital had either a separate vocational -building or a portion of its space set aside for curative workshops. -Here were held a variety of classes for men taking treatment who were -able to leave their wards and who wished to study some subjects which -would be of advantage to them when they were discharged from hospital -and would re-enter civilian life or take up training for a new -occupation. - -3. INDUSTRIAL RE-TRAINING. This was the most important division of the -work and, in fact, constituted the main activity of the Vocational -Branch of the Department of Soldiers’ Civil Re-establishment. All -soldiers who received a disability in military service through disease, -accident or wounds which prevented them from returning to their old -occupations, were entitled to industrial re-training. Any man who -enlisted under the age of eighteen, and whose apprenticeship or training -for some useful occupation was seriously interrupted by the War, was -also entitled to an industrial re-training course. Thousands of men had -to be intensively trained for hundreds of different occupations in the -shortest possible time. During their courses they and their dependants -received pay and allowances to support themselves. Every kind of -institution which offered definite vocational training was utilized, but -a great proportion of the men were placed in industry itself to learn -their new occupations. Special trade classes and schools had to be -organized and equipped by the Department of Soldiers’ Civil -Re-establishment to meet the new need. The main aim was to train the -disabled soldiers and minors in six to ten months, so that they could -earn the prevailing wage in suitable vocations. This aim was realized -with results that have amply justified the predictions of experts in -industrial education and the enormous expenditure of money necessary. -The development of the three main divisions of the vocational work in -Nova Scotia is interesting and illuminating, and promises much for the -future in pointing the way to further developments in our hospital -treatment and the reclaiming of the productive power of our men who have -been or will be crippled by accident or disease. - -It was very evident from the first experience with returned disabled -soldiers in Canadian convalescent hospitals, that they needed some -definite work to engage their attention just as soon as they were able -to do it. After a prolonged illness their morale was very low, and many -were convinced that they were so badly disabled that they would never be -good for anything again. Nerves, muscles, and tendons which had been -seriously damaged by wounds, could be healed and brought back to part of -their former power by operative treatment, massage, electric therapy, -etc., but at a certain stage further improvement could take place only -through the action of the _will_ of the patient. At this point the -soldier will try to make his damaged body function properly if he is -absorbed in some interesting task. - -Consequently, handicraft work was introduced into the hospitals under -the title of ward occupations. In the summer of 1917 volunteers from the -V.A.D. of the St. John Ambulance Association were trained in different -handicrafts at the Nova Scotia Technical College, and gave their -services to the patients at Camp Hill and Pine Hill Hospitals. The value -of the work soon became apparent, and a central training school for ward -aides, as the handicraft teachers were called, was opened in Toronto. -Young women of education, character, and aptitude were carefully -selected for this work, and as soon as they had been given training, -they were placed in every military hospital and sanitarium. They -co-operated with the medical officers and nursing sisters in every -particular, and a combined effort was made to get every patient busy at -some kind of work just as soon as he was able to do anything. Basketry, -weaving, embroidery, leather tooling, raffia work, toy-making, wood -carving, art craft, metal work, and other forms of occupation were -provided. The chief difficulty was in first getting the individual -interested; and this task took an immense amount of tact and persuasion -in some instances. - -The underlying motive was to divert the man’s mind from its morbid state -and to give him a mental stimulus back toward civilian life. In the -majority of cases, the patient would make artistic objects for his -relatives and friends. If he wished to keep the articles he merely paid -for the cost of the material, but if he did not want them the Vocational -Branch offered them for sale at a fair commercial value, deducted the -cost of raw materials and gave the balance to the patient. There was no -idea of instructing the men in gainful trades Which they could follow -after their discharge. - -Too high a tribute cannot be paid to the high character and ability and -the unflagging devotion of the Nova Scotia Ward Aides. They gave the -same high form of unselfish, patriotic service that was characteristic -of the best groups of women workers. The ward occupations were of -enormous benefit in making the weary hours of the days pass quickly, in -improving the discipline in the institutions, and in materially -shortening the time of treatment in many cases. The handicraft work has -been specially developed for insane patients, and helps to fill the -pathetic lives of the soldiers confined in the Nova Scotia Hospital for -the Insane. - -A large proportion of the men in the institutions were not confined to -their wards. Their disabilities were such, or they had reached such an -advanced stage in their treatment, that they were able to move about and -to perform light work. For these cases there was only a half-hour a day -of treatment, and the rest of the time might be spent in playing cards, -in reading magazines, or in sheer idleness. There was great danger that -the men might become “hospitalized” and unfitted for the stern tasks of -industrial life. Therefore, curative workshops were provided, where a -wide range of classes was held for six or seven hours a day. Practical -and accomplished instructors were in charge of the various branches, and -nearly every soldier, physically fit to pursue such studies, could find -something of interest and value. Many of the patients had never had a -fair chance to get a good education, and a goodly number who had had -such an opportunity had not availed themselves of it. A few of the -soldiers did not even know how to read and write. As mechanics, most of -the soldiers had acquired such skill as they possessed in a careless and -haphazard manner and were not thoroughly competent. To suit the general -needs and tastes of the patients, instruction was offered in business -English, practical arithmetic, practical algebra, geometry and -trigonometry, bookkeeping, stenography and typewriting, telegraphy, -mechanical and architectural drafting, gardening, woodworking, shoe -repairing, automobile driving and repair, etc. - -These adult students made amazing progress in their studies. Those who -had forgotten all their mathematics, except the first four rules, -covered years of school work in a few months, and in going over it the -second time would never again forget it. Foreigners and men who were -illiterate learned the rudiments of arithmetic and the English language -in a surprisingly short time. Others were absorbed in the work of the -different classes, and gained valuable knowledge according to their -ability and the length of time they stayed in the hospital. For some of -them, who were not entitled to industrial re-training after discharge, -it was their only opportunity to get general or vocational education. -For those who were so disabled that they could not return to their old -occupations, the curative workshops offered a trying-out ground where -they could test their aptitudes and often lay a solid basis for further -training. It was a pathetic as well as an inspiring sight to see some -grizzled hero bringing back muscular power to a scarred and withered arm -in planing a piece of wood to make some piece of furniture for his home. -The workshop offered practically the only method of treatment to the -neurasthenic or “shell-shocked” patient. No medicine or massage or -operation could help him, and only the stimulation of his self-interest -in class work could get him to forget himself and thus gradually bring -him back to normal. - -The first curative workshop classes to be opened in the Dominion started -at the Ross Convalescent Hospital in Sydney, on April 4, 1916. They were -rapidly developed in every hospital and sanatorium throughout Canada, -and proved of immense benefit in helping to re-establish our disabled -soldiers who received treatment in Canada. - -By far the most important division of the vocational work of civil -re-establishment, however, was the industrial re-training. France and -Belgium showed the way in which crippled men could be trained for future -usefulness in suitable trades; and practically every belligerent country -evolved a system of human rehabilitation for maimed soldiers. Canada had -the advantage of time to plan and develop her methods of dealing with -this problem before she was swamped with numbers, and consequently was -able to establish a uniform system with centralized authority. The basis -of the whole work was to give suitable training for every soldier who, -through some disability incurred in military service, could not -efficiently resume the occupation which he followed prior to enlistment. -In addition to this class, all men classed as minors, who had enlisted -under the age of eighteen, were later given training if their war -service had seriously interfered with their preparation for their chosen -occupation, whether they were disabled or not. - -Every effort was made to place the disabled man in the right position. -He was interviewed by a sympathetic and competent official and -counselled intelligently about the important choice of a new trade. The -soldier already had industrial experience and, in the majority of cases, -had some definite idea of what he wished to do. If his conceptions of -the duties, remuneration, conditions of work, chances for promotion, -stability, etc., in the new occupation, were wrong, he was reasonably -and patiently advised to make another choice. The disabled man, however, -always made the decision about his own future. His own wishes were -followed as far as possible, because he would make a failure of his -training and of his new occupation if he himself was not satisfied and -enthusiastic. - -The queer trait of human nature that considers “distant fields as ever -green” was much in evidence. During his former experience, the disabled -soldier had always had a conviction that some other job completely -outside of his own vocation was easier and better paid, or that some new -development of industry was holding out its arms and screaming for -workers. Consequently, there was a common tendency to enter some -vocation wholly outside of his former experience. Most of the men were -extremely reasonable and when all the facts were put before them they -made wise decisions. Every definite effort was made to keep the man as -close as possible to the industry in which he was employed before -enlistment. If they had all tried to crowd into a few of the highly -skilled occupations, there would not have been vacancies enough to give -them all employment. So the training was made as wide as business and -industry. Schools and classes were organized and equipped for those -vocations which needed preliminary education under skilled instructors, -and for which comparatively large groups of men were preparing. In cases -where men were deficient in general education, and needed some -fundamental knowledge of English and arithmetic in order to succeed, -they were given intensive preliminary instruction for one, two or three -months before starting specialized vocational training. Every -educational institution which offered intensive practical courses -leading to wage-earning power, was made use of to the fullest extent. -Industry itself, however, offered the widest opportunities, and a great -proportion of the students were placed directly in industry to learn -there how to fill the job acceptably under working conditions, so that -at the end of their period of training they could slip over on the pay -roll of the employer without any break. Other men, who had preliminary -training in the special trade classes established by the Department of -Soldiers’ Civil Re-establishment, were placed in industry for the latter -part of their period of education so that they would get accustomed to -workshop conditions, and in order that there would be no appreciable -hiatus between training and employment. - -In order to provide ample means for the training and employment of the -thousands of men the War produced, it was necessary to secure the -closest co-operation of the employers, trade unions, and the general -public. It is a pleasure to chronicle the fact that everybody gave -active help without stint. The Dominion Steel Corporation and the Nova -Scotia Steel and Coal Company, the largest single employers of labor in -Nova Scotia, announced publicly that they would find a suitable place -for every one of their former employees who had gone into military -service and who desired work after his discharge. They carried out their -promise, and also provided every possible facility for re-training -disabled men. Trade unions also gave generous assistance, and waived all -restrictions regarding apprenticeship where these might be detrimental -to maimed and crippled soldiers who were learning new trades. Without -all this splendid co-operation, the results achieved in Canada in -re-training the disabled soldiers for future usefulness would have been -impossible. - -The usual period of time that was found necessary to put the discharged -soldiers on their feet so that they could earn the prevailing wage in a -new occupation, was seven or eight months. During the War, when all -labor was very scarce, employers would accept men and give them full -wages after about six months’ training, but when competition became -keener and more workers became available in 1919, eight months was found -to be necessary in most cases, and sometimes even a whole year. During -the period of learning a new vocation, the soldier’s pension was -suspended, and he and his dependants received a uniform scale of pay and -allowances as follows:— - - Single man $60 00 per month. - Married man and wife 85 00 „ „ - Married man with wife and one child 95 00 „ „ - Married man with wife and two children 103 00 „ „ - Married man with wife and three children 110 00 „ „ - For each additional child above three 6 00 „ „ - -If training caused the man to live apart from his dependants, an extra -allowance of $16.00 per month was granted. Owing to the increased cost -of living, these rates were advanced on September 1, 1920. - -All classes carried on by the Department of Civil Re-establishment in -Nova Scotia were conducted for eight hours per day in order to get the -men accustomed to the conditions prevailing in industry. Where men were -sent to educational institutions, or were apprenticed in industry, they -were subject to the rules and regulations in force at the place where -they were learning. - -The scope of the work widened rapidly as it progressed until men were -being re-trained for more than 300 different occupations. It is not -necessary to give a list of these occupations, but the comprehensive -field covered may be imagined if only those classified under the letter -“A” were mentioned:— - - Accountant. - Adding Machine Operator. - Adding Machine Repairer. - Advertising Agent. - Aeroplane Manufacturing Worker. - Agriculture—Bee Keeping. - Dairying. - Farm Tractor Operating. - Farm Mechanics. - Floriculture. - Fruit Raising. - General Farming. - Horticulture. - Market Gardening. - Poultry Raising. - Seed Testing. - University Course. - Air Brake Mechanic. - Architectural Draftsman. - Armature Winder. - Artificial Limb Maker. - Art Lead Glazer. - Art Metal Worker. - Assayer. - Auctioneer. - Automobile Mechanic. - Automobile Painter. - Automobile Salesman. - Automobile Storage Battery Repairer. - Automobile Tire Vulcanizer. - Automobile Truck Driver. - Automobile Upholsterer. - -The man who was placed in industry for training or employment was kept -under constant supervision and visited every two or three weeks to -ascertain his progress. If he was not securing proper treatment or -opportunity to learn, he was moved to some other position. If his choice -of occupation had not been wise, he was tried out in some other line of -work. After he had finished his course, he was visited at least once a -month for four months to see that his re-establishment was complete and -his progress satisfactory. - -The first group to receive industrial re-training in Canada consisted of -a number of unfortunate members of a British West India Regiment. A -large number were landed in Halifax in February, 1917, from a transport -and were sent to hospital to be treated for severe frost bite. Nine of -them had to have both legs amputated and eight of them lost one leg or a -portion of a leg. Previous to enlistment these Jamaicans had been -“cultivators” or agricultural laborers, and had very little education. -When their hospital treatment was completed they were re-trained by the -Vocational Branch in Halifax. Mr. W. J. Clayton gave over his whole -residence and the Provincial Branch of the Red Cross Society fitted it -up completely for a convalescent hospital and re-training centre. The -men were given instruction in three trades suitable to their disability, -viz., tailoring, shoe repairing, and tin-smithing. At the end of five -and one-half months they were sent back to Jamaica able to earn at least -fifty per cent. more in their new occupations than they had received -before as laborers. - -The work of re-training disabled Nova Scotian soldiers began seriously -in the spring of 1917. A centre was established at the Technical College -in Halifax. It was fortunate, indeed, that the Province had embarked on -its scheme of technical education before the War, and that this splendid -institution stood ready with all its equipment and trained Staff to -render service to the men disabled in war. The Provincial Government -turned practically the whole establishment over to the Dominion -Government for this work. Classes in garage mechanics, automobile tire -vulcanizing, electricity, mechanical, architectural and ship drafting, -land surveying, machine tool operation, stationary engineering, -oxyacetylene welding, shoe repairing, etc., were organized. The -institution became a busy hive of industry. The numbers grew until -larger quarters had to be secured for part of the classes. In the summer -of 1919 a large group of demobilization barracks on Cunard St., Halifax, -was taken over and specially fitted and equipped for educational -purposes. This was called the Borden Re-training Centre, and the main -portion of the work has been done there since that time. A number of the -classes are still maintained at the Technical College, and this service -will be rendered by the College until the whole task is completed. - -The number of re-training students in Nova Scotia increased rapidly in -1919 until it reached its peak with a strength of about 2,300 in March, -1920. From this number it has rapidly declined. Altogether, in the -Province, about 4,000 returned men have been granted courses to this -date. When one considers that they were training for nearly 300 trades, -and that they were being admitted to and discharged from courses every -day, that they and their dependants must be paid twice a month, that -employment must be found for them, that they must be followed up for -four months after completing their training, and thousands of their -difficulties smoothed out, the magnitude of the task can be appreciated. - -A centre for re-training men in agriculture was established at the Nova -Scotia Agricultural College at Truro. Here again this advantage of -having a fully equipped institution, with a Staff of highly-trained -specialists ready to render service to the discharged soldiers, cannot -be overestimated. All the re-training students from the three Maritime -Provinces were sent here, because it was the only place in this area -competent to meet their needs. Special courses adapted for the purpose -were provided, and the regular Staff of the College gave unstintingly of -their time and knowledge. Like the Technical College, the Agricultural -College allowed discharged soldiers to attend all regular courses -without any tuition fees. The number of men applying for re-training in -agricultural branches was small because most forms of farming demand -physical fitness, and the army experience of the soldiers tended to make -them wish to stick to industries in the towns. - -Contrary to the expectations of the public, very few men were blinded in -the army. Wounds that would deprive a man of his sight usually killed -him. Out of our forces of about a half million men, only 130 have had -their vision impaired to such an extent that they require re-training. -The Canadian authorities arranged with Sir Arthur Pearson that the blind -men should all be trained in that splendid institution, St. Dunstan’s -Hostel, in London. In the early days of the War, however, a few blinded -men drifted back to Canada without training. These were collected and -about a dozen sent to Halifax, where they were given special instruction -under the Military Hospitals Commission at the School for the Blind. -They were taught Braille reading and writing, typewriting, Braille -stenography, massage, and shoe repairing. Most of the men made -remarkable progress, and are successfully earning their own livings -to-day. - -Altogether Canada has granted about 53,000 courses of re-training. From -the very first she has followed a sane, practical policy, and has -enjoyed the advantages of uniformity and centralized control throughout -all the Provinces. - -The results speak for themselves. In Nova Scotia 65 per cent. of the men -who have completed their courses are successfully re-established in the -occupation for which they were trained. Another 20 per cent. are earning -satisfactory wages in other lines of work than those for which they were -specifically prepared. These men have changed because they saw better -opportunities for themselves, individually, in another vocation, or they -may have felt fit enough, after their course, to return to their old -occupation. Their training will not be lost, because they are so much -more competent because of having it. Ten per cent. of the men have gone -out of the Province and cannot be traced. It is safe to conclude that -most of these are successfully re-established. Two per cent. of the men -are reported as unemployed, but it is not known to what extent this is -due to lack of temporary opportunity or disinclination on the part of -the man. Three per cent. of the men are reported as still ill and -temporarily under treatment. - -This high salvage among war-wrecked men can be accepted with great -satisfaction by every patriotic Canadian. Without the loyal co-operation -of every section of society and the unflagging devotion to duty on the -part of the large Staff of returned men who were engaged in -administration and instruction, these results would have been -impossible. Canada’s record of reconstruction and her efforts to -rehabilitate the brave soldiers who gave of their youth and strength in -the service of the country, stand on a par with her military -achievements. - - - - - CHAPTER L. - _THE PATRIOTIC FUND._ - - -The Nova Scotia Branch of the Canadian Patriotic Fund was organized in -Halifax, September 2, 1914, with the late Lieutenant-Governor Hon. James -D. MacGregor as Chairman of the Provincial Executive. On completion of -his term of office as Governor, he was succeeded by Hon. David McKeen as -Chairman, who acted to the time of his death, November 13, 1916. On -appointment to the office of Lieutenant-Governor, His Honor MacCallum -Grant became Chairman of the Executive. Other members of the Executive -who have continued in office from September, 1914, to date, are:—Hon. G. -H. Murray, M.P.P., Premier and Provincial Secretary; Hon. Chief Justice -Harris, Hon. E. N. Rhodes, M.P., the Chairman of County Branches; H. A. -Flemming, Treasurer; and Arthur S. Barnstead, B.A., LL.B., Secretary. - -The total amount raised and remitted to the Honorary Treasurer to March -31, 1919, was $1,847,883.31, and to March 31, 1920, was $1,862,431.80. -The total amount disbursed was to March 31, 1919, $1,628,177.04, and to -March 31, 1920, $1,726,520.30. - -The Central Executive arranged for the collection of the amounts -allotted to the Province in connection with the various campaigns, and -county committees co-operating. With but one exception, every county -municipality contributed to the Fund, and practically every town of the -Province made grants. In two or three towns, private individuals made -collections for the Fund where no grant was made by the Town Council. - -The distribution of relief was supervised by the Provincial Executive, -requisitions being drawn by the treasurer of every county for the money -required, the list of beneficiaries being carefully checked before the -money was placed to the credit of the local treasurer. The result of -co-operation between the Provincial Executive and the various relief -committees was so beneficial that very little difficulty arose and the -rules and regulations of the Fund were very carefully observed. -Complaints by the families of soldiers themselves were very few, and all -complaints were readily adjusted. The expense of both collections and -disbursements was kept at a low figure, there being only one or two paid -officials in the larger counties, and these but part time. In addition -to that, some small grants were made for stenographic and clerical -assistance. - - - - - CHAPTER LI. - _VICTORY LOAN, 1919._ - - - Provincial Executive Committee. - - G. S. Campbell Chairman. - S. A. Heward Secretary. - - R. H. Metzler. - P. R. Jack. - W. B. Milner. - A. F. Mackintosh. - H. M. Bradford. - R. W. Elliott. - B. G. Burrill. - W. F. Mahon. - W. I. MacDougall. - H. C. Coughtry. - - - Bankers’ Committee. - - D. Macgillivray Chairman. - - H. A. Flemming. - A. E. Nash. - F. St. C. Harris. - F. O. Robertson. - - - Publicity Committee. - - Chairman J. R. McLeod. - - - Special Names Committee. - - Chairman B. G. Burrill. - - - Provincial Press Committee. - - Chairman Dr. J. D. Logan. - - - Chairmen. - - County. 1917–18. 1919. - Annapolis Hon. S. W. W. Pickup. Hon. S. W. W. Pickup. - Antigonish Rev. J. T. Tompkins. Rev. R. S. Macgillivray. - Cape Breton John E. Burchell. Walter Crowe, K.C. - Colchester A. J. Campbell, K.C. A. J. Campbell, K.C. - Cumberland J. R. Douglas. Percy C. Black. - Clare E. L. Comeau. E. L. Comeau. - Digby H. B. Short. H. B. Short. - Guysboro E. C. Whitman. E. C. Whitman. - Hants Rev. Dr. T. S. Boyle. Rev. Dr. T. S. Boyle. - Inverness Rev. A. L. McDonald. Rev. A. L. McDonald. - Kings W. H. Chase. George E. Graham. - Lunenburg J. J. Kinley, M.P.P. J. J. Kinley, M.P.P. - Pictou East R. M. McGregor. John D. McDonald. - Pictou West R. M. McGregor. J. Ed. McDonald. - Queens A. W. Hendry. George S. McClearn. - Richmond D. H. Campbell. D. H. Campbell. - Shelburne R. Irwin, M.P.P. R. Irwin, M.P.P. - Victoria Hon. W. F. McCurdy. Hon. W. F. McCurdy. - Yarmouth E. K. Spinney, M.P. E. K. Spinney, M.P. - Halifax County Hon. G. E. Faulkner. Hon. G. E Faulkner. - Halifax City W. A. Black. W. A. Black. - -[Illustration: - - GEORGE S. CAMPBELL.] - -[Illustration: - - WILLIAM BLACK.] - - - 1917 and 1918 Victory Loans—Final Returns. - - County. No. No. Volume Volume Objective - Sub. Sub. 1917. 1918. 1918. - 1917. 1918. - Halifax City 7,656 9,918 $4,592,500 $9,314,050 $5,000,000 - Halifax County 1,472 2,402 533,200 1,003,950 615,000 - —————— —————— ——————————— ——————————— ——————————— - City and County 9,128 12,320 5,125,700 10,318,000 5,615,000 - Annapolis 1,418 1,357 497,950 623,750 500,000 - Antigonish 1,218 1,369 430,000 554,050 430,000 - Cape Breton 11,251 17,551 4,208,100 6,631,900 4,000,000 - Colchester 2,294 2,693 1,003,500 1,374,130 1,000,000 - Cumberland 3,605 3,388 2,137,800 3,080,350 1,500,000 - Digby Municipality 844 927 292,850 463,100 500,000 - Clare Municipality 152 124,250 - Guysboro 1,079 1,258 377,900 425,850 375,000 - Hants 1,460 1,873 527,300 793,100 650,000 - Inverness 920 922 324,900 399,700 325,000 - Kings 1,817 2,305 586,150 847,060 650,000 - Lunenburg 1,236 2,880 570,250 1,462,600 1,000,000 - Pictou 5,679 7,661 2,073,750 4,044,500 2,000,000 - Queens 628 634 258,150 343,400 300,000 - Richmond 638 564 164,500 200,650 175,000 - Shelburne 679 896 317,400 411,150 350,000 - Victoria 429 504 161,600 178,400 160,000 - Yarmouth 1,115 1,505 457,450 767,760 600,000 - —————— —————— ——————————— ——————————— ——————————— - Total 45,438 60,759 $19,515,250 $33,043,700 $20,130,000 - -Unofficial objective, $25,000,000, being Nova Scotia’s proportion of -$500,000,000. - - - Nova Scotia Victory Loan Campaign, 1919. - - County. Objective. Subscribed. No. of Subs. - Halifax City $4,750,000 $6,896,900 6,781 - Halifax County 475,000 1,521,000 2,421 - ——————————— ——————————— —————— - City and County 5,225,000 8,417,900 9,202 - Annapolis 350,000 628,250 1,008 - Antigonish 300,000 453,200 786 - Cape Breton 3,500,000 4,936,200 8,801 - Colchester 700,000 1,182,000 1,843 - Cumberland 1,250,000 3,199,650 2,266 - Digby (Clare Municipality) 175,000 180,350 144 - Digby (Digby Municipality) 175,000 339,350 458 - Guysboro 275,000 490,000 893 - Hants 500,000 618,000 1,147 - Inverness 225,000 399,100 711 - Kings 550,000 932,800 1,523 - Lunenburg 750,000 1,247,750 1,789 - Pictou 2,000,000 3,174,700 2,812 - Queens 245,000 335,000 453 - Richmond 100,000 201,850 295 - Shelburne 275,000 376,100 628 - Victoria 100,000 229,700 358 - Yarmouth 450,000 1,180,000 1,281 - ——————————— ——————————— —————— - Total $17,145,000 $28,521,900 36,398 - - - - - CHAPTER LII. - _RED CROSS SOCIETY, WILLING WAR WORKERS, GREEN FEATHER SOCIETY, AND - CATHOLIC LADIES SOCIETY._ - - -The Red Cross has been the Angel of Mercy to the soldier lying on his -fevered couch in hospital, for it brought to him succor and a message of -hope and cheer. But coming in contact with it at a time when he was -least able to apprehend the efforts which brought the help so sorely -needed, he is apt to regard the Red Cross as a field institution and -fails to appreciate the labor and sacrifice of the women at home who -made its work of mercy possible. - -The work of the Nova Scotia Branch of the Canadian Red Cross Society has -been the raising of money, manufacturing and distribution of goods, -visiting and supplying the needs of hospital ships, trains, military and -convalescent hospitals, and arranging concerts, drives and -entertainments at private homes for returned men. Its work did not -terminate with the declaration of peace but still goes on in almost as -great a measure as in time of war, and will continue to do so as long as -one returned soldier remains in our hospitals. - -Many Nova Scotians, as well as returned men, do not appreciate the -magnitude of the task accomplished by the Nova Scotia Branch of the -Canadian Red Cross, and it is only possible here to give a brief outline -of its activities. The women of every city, town and village in the -Province gave the best of their thought, substance and action in order -that the citizen soldier of Nova Scotia, whether in the fighting line or -in hospital convalescing from wounds might have every possible comfort. -At the end of 1915 the Province had thirty-one chartered and two hundred -and sixty-eight auxiliary branches of the Red Cross. Every village and -hamlet had its workers who contributed a steady stream of supplies and -an enormous amount of labor devolved upon the Provincial Branch at -Halifax, which acted as a Clearing House for all branches throughout the -Province. - -The officers of the Provincial Branch during the War, with slight -changes of office but not of personnel, were as follows: - - - _Patrons._ - - His Honor Lieutenant-Governor and Mrs. Grant. - - - _President._ - - Mrs. William Dennis. - -[Illustration: - - MRS. DENNIS.] - -[Illustration: - - MRS. CHARLES ARCHIBALD.] - - - _Vice-Presidents._ - - Mrs. F. H. Sexton. - Mrs. F. B. McCurdy. - Mrs. Chas. Archibald. - Mrs. Hector McInnis. - Mrs. M. A. Curry (Hon.) - - - _Hon. Secretary._ - - Miss Margaret Brown. - - - _Hon. Treasurer._ - - H. E. Mahon, Ess. - - - _Executive Committee._ - - Mrs. T. Benson. - Mrs. A. W. Jamieson. - Mrs. G. S. Campbell. - Mrs. F. Woodbury. - Mrs. W. J. Armitage. - Mrs. E. A. Kirkpatrick. - Mrs. N. Duffus. - Mrs. A. Costley. - Mrs. W. E. McLellan. - Mrs. F. B. McCurdy. - Mrs. H. W. Cunningham. - Mrs. L. J. Donaldson. - Mrs. G. A. MacIntosh. - Mrs. W. R. Foster, Dartmouth. - Mrs. A. P. Scarfe, Dartmouth. - Mrs. Crathorne, Dartmouth. - Mrs. W. S. Munnis. - Miss Jean Forrest. - Miss Constance Bell. - Mrs. Sedley Thompson. - Miss Ella Ritchie. - Mrs. McKay McLeod, Sydney. - Mrs. M. A. Curry. - Mrs. T. S. Rogers. - Mrs. Frank Hope. - Mrs. J. A. Clark. - Mrs. I. B. Schaffner. - Mrs. P. J. McManus. - Mrs. W. T. Allen. - Mrs. J. W. Longley. - Mrs. Geoffrey Morrow. - - Also the President of each Chartered Branch. - - - _Provincial Representatives on Central Council at Toronto._ - - Mrs. William Dennis. - Mrs. Charles Archibald. - J. L. Hetherington. - H. E. Mahon. - - - _Advisory Board._ - - Mr. J. L. Hetherington, Chairman. - Mr. J. A. Neville. - Mr. H. E. Mahon, Treasurer. - Mr. C. C. Starr. - Mr. Chas. V. Monoghan. - Mr. Emil Gaboury. - Mr. R. Corbett. - Mr. H. McF. Hall. - Mr. W. H. Dennis. - Mr. F. A. Gillis. - -The annual report of the Provincial Branch for the year ended October -31, 1916, shows a balance on hand at first of year of $10,961.26 and -receipts for the year of $52,667.62. Disbursements amounted to -$56,584.89, of which the principal items were: - - Remittances to Head Office, Toronto $29,278 38 - Remittances to endow 50 cots in Princess Patricia Hospital 2,500 00 - Material for surgical dressings and garments, and wool for - socks 18,163 17 - Office maintenance and expenses at Shipping Pier 1,388 12 - Clayton Military Convalescent Home 1,993 67 - Contributions to Special Objects 1,141 21 - -The sum of $9,405.25 was collected for Prisoners’ Relief Account and -$8,800 sent to England for expenditure. In addition to the above amounts -the people of Nova Scotia subscribed $1,500 to the Duchess of Connaught -Prisoners’ Fund and $78,433.03 to the British Red Cross. - -Two thousand four hundred and seventy cases of goods were sent Overseas -during the year, including 78 cases furnished No. 7 (Dalhousie) -Stationary Hospital, 112 cases to No. 9 (St. Francis Xavier) Stationary -Hospital, 11 cases to Serbia and 60 to France. - -During the year ended October 31, 1917, the following amounts were -collected: - - For General Purposes $62,179 80 - For Prisoners’ Fund 18,790 22 - For French Red Cross 21,897 63 - British Red Cross Collection 100,000 00 - ——————————— - $202,867 65 - -The principal items of expenditure were: - - Purchase of materials, hospital supplies, etc. $39,674 84 - Sundry supplies 1,318 60 - Marine and Fire Insurance 2,351 50 - Contributions to Special Objects 4,706 51 - Tobacco, fruits and comforts at Pier 2 and City Military - Hospitals 3,963 05 - Remittance to Head Office, Toronto 32,020 70 - Office Expenses 2,055 66 - Forwarded to England for support of prisoners 12,000 00 - Forwarded to Toronto 2,000 00 - Forwarded to England for books for prisoners 100 00 - -Two thousand and ninety-nine cases of goods were sent Overseas, and a -greatly enlarged demand for goods was made on this side of the water -owing to the increasing number of returned men and the opening of the -new convalescent hospitals as well as the arrival and departure of -hospital ships and trains. The following institutions were supplied with -goods on their requisitions: - - Clayton Military Convalescent Home. - C.E.D. Corps. - Discharge Depot. - Hospital at Pier 2. - Pine Hill Convalescent Home. - Rockhead Hospital (Soldiers’ ward). - Infectious Hospital. - Military Hospital, Cogswell Street. - Hospital Ships. - Hospital Trains. - Kentville Sanitarium. - Dalton, P.E.I. - Camp Hill Hospital. - Truro Military Hospital. - Aldershot Field Hospital. - -[Illustration: - - MRS. F. B. M‘CURDY.] - -Visitors were always on hand on the arrival of hospital ships and the -departure of hospital trains to welcome the returning men and to see -that they had every comfort necessary for the remainder of their -journey. A room was given to the Red Cross Society for the storing of -supplies at Pier 2. This was found most useful, as boats and trains were -despatched as soon as possible—only a few hours’ notice being given for -the filling of requisitions, which work, however, was speedily and ably -done by Mrs. Sexton and her committee, Mrs. F. B. McCurdy and Mrs. W. T. -Allen, the latter of whom carried on the work to the termination. Many -returned men were detained for days at Pier 2 until they went before -their medical board. For these, concerts and entertainments were -provided every evening by the Y.M.C.A., the Red Cross Society and the -Churches. A special Y.M.C.A. Musical Club was formed in this connection -which gave entertainments at a few hours’ notice. - -Two exhibitions of Red Cross work were held during the year, one at the -Nova Scotia Provincial Fair, and another at the Exhibit of War Trophies, -held in the Armories. - -A Committee on Sphagnum Surgical Dressings, under the able supervision -of the Secretary, Miss Margaret Brown, was appointed. Dalhousie -University very kindly gave the use of a fine laboratory, where boxes of -sphagnum, collected from various points along the sea coast of the -Province were prepared for use. - -[Illustration: - - MISS MARGARET BROWN.] - -[Illustration: - - MISS JEAN FORREST.] - -Miss Jean Forrest was appointed Superintendent of Supplies at the -Technical College and distributed parcels of yarn and cut-out work at -wholesale prices, to some one hundred and thirty branches who found it -difficult to obtain supplies locally. - -The cost of maintaining a prisoner of war at this time was $15 per -month. The Nova Scotia Red Cross assumed the burden of two-thirds, or -$10 per month for 270 men, the Canadian Red Cross paying the additional -$5. The monthly sum required from Nova Scotia for the support of -prisoners was therefore $2,700. - -Receipts for the year ended October 31, 1918, amounted to $408,482.66, -of which $334,176.40 was raised by a Provincial Red Cross drive for -funds during the second week in July. - -The Canadian Red Cross Society at their Annual Meeting, held in Toronto -in 1917, decided to ask the different Provinces to raise certain sums of -money during the year. Two hundred thousand dollars was named for Nova -Scotia, but the Finance Committee knowing full well that the people of -the Province would gladly contribute to the Red Cross War Fund raised -the objective to $250,000, and then started to work under the able -direction of Mr. J. L. Hetherington and Mr. H. E. Mahon. Committees of -citizens were formed in all the counties, and a complete organization -arranged, with the result that every county “went over the top,” and the -total amount contributed was $343,701.77. From this was deducted -$9,525.37 for expenses in connection with the campaign, leaving the net -amount of $334,176.40 to the Red Cross Society. Never did men and women -from one end of the Province to the other work more enthusiastically, -and never did our people contribute more liberally than to this appeal -from “the Greatest Mother in the World.” - -The following amounts were raised in the several counties: - - Counties— - - Annapolis $9,713 54 - Antigonish 5,598 33 - Cape Breton 42,150 29 - Colchester 20,444 29 - Cumberland 20,196 46 - Digby 4,464 04 - Guysboro 5,521 24 - Halifax (City) 110,416 87 - Halifax (County) 15,425 31 - Hants 10,340 00 - Inverness 2,903 67 - Kings 10,650 00 - Lunenburg 14,446 47 - Pictou 40,235 27 - Queens 6,341 61 - Richmond 2,332 47 - Shelburne 7,500 00 - Victoria 2,463 38 - Yarmouth 11,510 36 - Special 1,048 17 - ——————————— - Total $343,701 77 - Expenses 9,525 37 - ——————————— - Final Total $334,176 46 - -The expenditure for the year 1918 included: - - Purchase of materials, hospital supplies, etc $38,700 04 - Sundry Supplies 1,218 32 - Comforts to City Military Hospitals and Hospital Ships 9,331 67 - Special objects designated by remitters 4,158 53 - Remittances to Head Office, Toronto 325,931 70 - Office Expenses and wages at Pier 2 2,746 49 - -During the year 1918 the public maintained their interest in the -Prisoners of War Department of the Red Cross. The amount collected was -$20,943.01, of which $19,013.00 was forwarded to headquarters in London, -England, for the support of prisoners. The food rations of each prisoner -of war were despatched regularly three times every fortnight, which, -considering there were 270 men on the list, was no light undertaking. In -addition to the food supply the prisoners received two complete outfits -of clothing, including everything from shoes and socks to overcoats. - -After the signing of the Armistice the work of repatriating prisoners -went steadily on, and each steamer brought men who had spent many weary -months in the prison camps, and they all testified to the value of the -work done by this Society and declared that it was solely due to this -that they were enabled to return to their homes. This department of Red -Cross work has been most ably conducted by Mrs. Charles Archibald, nobly -assisted by Miss Ritchie and Mrs. Longley. - -The beginning of this year was marked by the terrible Halifax explosion, -by which 1,635 persons lost their lives and 10,000 people were rendered -homeless. Much generous help was received by the stricken city. Everyone -knows the splendid aid sent by the American Red Cross, and the people -and Government of the United States in despatching to Halifax train -loads and boat loads of supplies, together with surgeons and nurses. -Their neighborly kindness will never be forgotten. - -But the help rendered by our own Canadian Red Cross is perhaps not so -widely known. The Chairman of the Executive in Toronto wired to the -shipping agent in St. John to render every assistance possible in money -and goods. The agent, Mr. Milburne, immediately requisitioned a special -train, and brought with him all the Red Cross goods he had ready for -shipment Overseas, making two car loads in all. This train was the first -assistance from outside the Province to reach Halifax. Hearing that some -of the injured had been conveyed to Truro, Mr. Milburne put off cases of -hospital necessaries for their use at that station. A medical supply -committee of the Canadian Red Cross Society was immediately formed with -the sanction of the Halifax Relief Committee, Mr. Milburne being -appointed Chairman, and Mrs. Sexton, Vice-Chairman, with a Staff of -forty-four voluntary workers. Twice daily all the emergency hospitals -were visited and their wants noted and supplied the same day. The number -of these hospitals, dressing stations, etc., amounted to sixty-two. - -At the same time, gifts of clothing, food and money poured in from Red -Cross Branches all over Canada. Ottawa Branch shipped in one day eight -carloads of clothing. The Nova Scotia Branch, under its President, Mrs. -Dennis, co-operated heartily, practically every Branch and Auxiliary in -the Province sending substantial and generous aid. - -Special mention must be made of the work of the President of the Windsor -Red Cross, Mrs. P. M. Fielding, who organized a special train which -arrived the evening of December 6th, bringing doctors and nurses from -Kentville, Windsor, Truro and neighboring towns. The Windsor Red Cross -alone spent $422.74 on Red Cross supplies and provisions for this trip, -Hantsport and other Branches also providing hampers of food, so that the -doctors and nurses had their meals en route and arrived in Halifax ready -to go to work without an instant’s delay, thereby saving many lives. -Mrs. Fielding remained in the city, established and equipped three -dormitories, which accommodated in all seventy-five nurses. What this -meant to the stricken city will never be computed, and the Red Cross -feels that all who helped can never be sufficiently thanked. - -It was not until the end of March that the Red Cross was able to resume -its work for returned invalided soldiers. By that time the hospital on -Pier 2, wrecked by the explosion, had been repaired. The hospital ships -once more made their trips, and the Red Cross storeroom on the pier was -re-stocked. Large requisitions were filled each month; sometimes only a -few hours’ notice was given to get the supplies on board—sometimes only -a few minutes’ notice in the case of a hospital train. On one trip the -ship docked in the morning, landed her men and went out again with her -new supplies in the afternoon. At another time 1,400 shipwrecked men -from _S.S. City of Vienna_ were visited and supplied with filled kit -bags, containing toilet necessaries, pipes and tobacco. Directly after, -the Committee were called upon to minister to 300 influenza contact -cases. This necessitated the workers going into quarantine for two days, -very busy days, too, the telegrams alone requiring upwards of 300 -telephone calls. The Y.M.C.A. and the Knights of Columbus Musical Club -were always at hand to cheer up men who were detained by the Medical -Board, arranging for their benefit concerts, entertainments, motor -drives and teas at private houses. - -One thousand seven hundred and sixty-eight cases of goods were sent -Overseas, and the distribution of supplies on this side grew very -greatly during the year owing to the increasing number of returned men -and the opening of new convalescent homes. - -The financial statement for the year ended October 31, 1918, shows -receipts of $36,848.65. Expenditures amounted to $41,804.01, including -the following items: - - Purchase of materials, City and Provincial Hospitals $12,172 04 - Kentville Sanitarium 1,014 42 - Soldiers’ Reception Committee 9,000 00 - Cigarettes 2,456 51 - Soldiers’ Comforts 2,260 23 - Libraries 319 79 - Nurses 378 10 - Furnishings 2,201 36 - Clayton Hospital 175 00 - Rental and Expenses at Headquarters, 314 Barrington St. 3,858 89 - Office Expenses 1,789 85 - X-Ray Machines, Kentville 2,396 43 - Hospital Ships 823 63 - -No salaries whatever were paid to officers of the Red Cross Society. The -only persons connected with the work who received anything for their -services were the shipper at Red Cross warehouse at Pier 2, who was -responsible for the receiving and sending forward of our boxes, and the -Office Secretary who took charge of the correspondence, kept the books, -etc. She was assisted by a large corps of voluntary workers. - -With the signing of the Armistice great changes naturally took place in -the daily work of the Nova Scotia Red Cross. Workers decreased in -number, and those who remained faithful had to work extremely hard, as, -although it was considered that the stores already sent would be -sufficient for all Overseas demands, the reserve stock of stores for use -in the hospitals in our own Province had to be kept up. - -At the time of the Armistice the surgical sphagnum dressings were still -very greatly needed. Special efforts were put into this work, which -continued till free transportation ceased on March 31st. Forty-five -boxes of the dressings were sent Overseas. An eminent Surgeon-Colonel in -one of the Overseas hospitals gave it as his opinion that sphagnum -dressings had saved the situation. - -Work for refugees of the devastated area of France was then taken up, -sanctioned by the Head Office in Toronto, who provided samples and gave -permission to use Red Cross materials for this good work. The patterns -were duplicated in our office and distributed to Branches throughout the -Province. The work was carried on for two months and 217 boxes of -garments were sent over. - -Change of quarters for the Red Cross became imperative. The Technical -College, which had sheltered Red Cross workers during the four years of -the War, and had so generously allowed them the use of valuable -equipment of every kind, was now overcrowded with its own work for -returned soldiers. It was therefore decided to take over the lease of -No. 314 Barrington Street from the American Red Cross, which had -occupied it for the last year. - -It was thought best to continue the Canteen which the American Red Cross -had established until such time as the Y.M.C.A. should take up this -work. This Canteen, under the management of Mrs. Sexton, had a wonderful -success, becoming a happy and home-like centre for returned men and -greatly appreciated—especially the hot Sunday dinners served by devoted -workers. Much regret was expressed when, at the end of three months, it -was closed and the work handed over to the newly-opened Red Triangle Hut -next door. - -The principal work throughout the year was supplying the needs of the -hospitals. Mrs. Munnis, who worked so faithfully as the Convener of the -Hospital Committee resigned and was replaced by Mrs. Sexton. An enlarged -committee was formed and a large staff of visitors began their duties, -each having a special ward assigned to them. - -Twelve sun parlors at Camp Hill Hospital were furnished for the use of -convalescents and made as comfortable and home-like as possible. The -estimated cost was $500 each, subscribed for by the following Red Cross -Branches: Amherst, Windsor, Wolfville, Westville, Trenton, Glace Bay, -Halifax, Truro, Hazel Hill, Joggins Mines, New Glasgow and North Sydney. -A brass plate, bearing the name of the donor, was affixed to the wall of -each parlor. The cost exceeded the estimate by $240 each, which excess -was paid from the central treasury. - -From November 11, 1918, until September 30, 1919, 220,000 men passed -through the Port of Halifax, and 92 ships were met and as far as -possible these men had the use of the Red Cross rooms at the pier. The -Port Committee was on hand day and night to help make their landing on -Canadian soil (many of them after years of service) a great home-coming. - -In the first days of disembarkation all men for Canada were held at -Halifax for documentation. Later the military authorities changed their -plan and it became their ambition to disembark and entrain these men in -the shortest possible time so that only Maritime men waiting for local -trains or men held for hospital treatment came under the care of the -Committee. - -Later on the Repatriation Department of the Canadian Government -requested the Red Cross to undertake the care of the returning soldiers’ -families. About 5,000 soldiers’ dependants passed through Halifax and a -fully trained nurse was placed on each train containing soldiers’ wives -and children. - -Hospital equipment was provided at Pier No. 2 for any women and children -who were unfit to travel after landing from boat, or whose husbands were -military patients and could not proceed. Often their luggage was not -obtainable, and the Red Cross was called upon to supply such necessaries -as infants’ outfits, women’s pyjamas and bath robes, towels, soap, -combs, hot water bottles, medicines, etc. - -In March when the Canadian Government decided to send the hospital ships -to Portland, Maine, instead of Halifax, Col. Noel Marshall requested -that a Committee of our Port Workers should inaugurate the work at the -new port. Mrs. W. T. Allen, Mrs. J. L. Hetherington and Mrs. F. B. -McCurdy accordingly proceeded to Portland and very satisfactory -arrangements were made whereby the Canadian Red Cross continued to fit -ships with hospital stores, while the American Red Cross very -courteously and generously provided canteen facilities and served -refreshments to all the wounded. - -Perhaps no department of the Red Cross has developed more enthusiasm or -been more splendidly supported than the work of Prisoners’ Relief. From -a very small beginning it grew to be work of great importance, and one -in which the people of Nova Scotia have abundantly shown their practical -interest. It did not draw upon the general Red Cross Funds but appealed -for a special offering from the public or from friends of men who were -prisoners of war and found a most gratifying response, no less than -$41,448 having been contributed for this special purpose. - -Approximately 270 Canadian prisoners of war in forty-one different -internment camps in Germany were maintained wholly or in part through -the kindness of the people of Nova Scotia, at a cost per head of $10 per -month. Almost all these men were “adopted” by friends or societies; that -is, such persons or societies agreed to pay a certain sum per month -towards their maintenance, two dollars and fifty cents having been fixed -as the minimum amount. The name and address of the adopted was given to -the man, and his name, number and prison address to the adopter, and -letters and cards were exchanged between them, often arousing a deep -personal interest on the one hand and a sense of gratitude and -appreciation on the other. - -Mrs. Archibald and Miss Ritchie were brought in close contact with the -homes and families of prisoners of war. The amount of correspondence was -very considerable, and the system used entailed a lot of bookkeeping. -The name and number of each man, date of capture, prison camp and any -details that could be gathered were registered on a card index. The name -of the “adopter” was also registered both here and with the Prisoners of -War Department in London. - -[Illustration: - - MRS. W. M‘K. M‘LEOD.] - -[Illustration: - - MISS CLARA DENNIS.] - -Close touch was kept with the Department of “Missing Men,” conducted in -London and in a few instances it was possible to convey reassuring news -to sorrow-stricken friends of the “missing men,” although, too often, it -became necessary to deprive them of the hope they so touchingly clung -to. Yet even the bad news was softened somewhat by details of the death -or capture of a man, obtained under the system inaugurated by Lady -Drummond of “Searchers” in hospitals who sought out wounded men of the -same Platoon or Battalion of the person enquired for. These men, if able -to write, would themselves send a few words telling when and where they -had seen their less fortunate comrades. Even these meagre details were -of some comfort to the mourning ones. Some of the heart-broken letters -received were very hard to reply to, but when news was good and food -parcels arrived safely showers of “acknowledgment cards” flowed in; and -when, as often happened, the mail brought a personal letter from some -grateful mother or a few words from some of the poor boys behind barbed -wire “somewhere in Germany,” or when a rapturous letter came from some -poor fellow transferred from his prison as “totally unfit” and sent to -the free air of Switzerland, the ladies conducting this Department felt -more than happy in being permitted to participate in such a work of -mercy. Mrs. Archibald, Miss Ritchie, and their co-workers possessed in -no small degree the confidence of the prisoners’ friends throughout the -Province and deeply appreciated their attitude toward them and their -loyalty and patience with the many unavoidable delays and mistakes. - -During the last two years of the War, as the work became heavier, this -Department had associated with it Mrs. W. McK. McLeod, who acted as -Secretary for Cape Breton, and Miss Almon. Special mention must also be -made of the work of Miss Clara Dennis in meeting and welcoming home -repatriated men who had been prisoners of war. During 1918–19 one -thousand and eight of these men were met and greeted by Miss Dennis. To -each man was handed a card of welcome from the Red Cross and a box of -confectionery. He was asked to record his name, regimental number, -German prison camp, and his home address in a book specially prepared -for the purpose. That the men appreciated this informal but hearty -welcome home is abundantly proved by the fact that Miss Dennis has since -received from them hundreds of letters of thanks. - -It is impossible to give in detail the names of the many thousands of -devoted and faithful voluntary workers throughout the Province of Nova -Scotia who sought no reward for their labors but the joy of knowing that -the Society achieved its aim—the alleviation of the sufferings of our -fighting men. - - - _Red Cross Chartered Branches._ - - Place. President. - Amherst Mrs. W. R. Fishleigh. - Arichat Mrs. C. D. Terrio. - Antigonish Mrs. D. G. Kirk. - Baddeck Mrs. F. W. McCurdy. - Barrington Mrs. Wilson Crowell. - Berwick Mrs. Alex. Anderson. - Bishop’s Mountain Mrs. C. O. Downie. - Brass Hill Mrs. F. Nickerson. - Brule Mrs. A. C. Cook. - Barney’s River Mrs. Wm. McDonald. - Boulardarie Mrs. J. Fraser. - Canso Mrs. C. O’Donoghue. - Cape North Miss Grace Gwynn. - Chester Dr. C. O. Hebb. - Dartmouth Mrs. W. R. Foster. - Dominion No. 6. Mrs. Anna B. Wight. - Goldboro Mrs. Edgar Silver. - Glace Bay Mrs. P. E. Ogilvy. - Halifax Mrs. Wm. Dennis. - Hazel Hill Mrs. Dunning. - Hantsport Miss Marcia Braine. - Lawrencetown Mrs. D. M. Balcom. - Lawrencetown S.S. Mrs. J. F. Brown. - Moser’s River Mrs. Walter Smith. - Mulgrave Mrs. L. C. Dixon. - New Glasgow Mrs. P. A. MacGregor. - North Sydney Mrs. J. J. Pallen. - Pictou Mrs. A. S. Stalker. - Port Morien Miss C. Macaulay. - Port Bickerton Mrs. George Taylor. - Point Tupper Mrs. James Swaine. - St. Peters Mrs. J. Kemp. - Sydney Mrs. H. A. Nicholson. - Sydney Mines Mrs. B. Archibald. - South Berwick Mrs. G. R. Nichols. - Tancook Island Miss Beulah Wilson. - Trenton Mrs. C. W. Stromberg. - Truro Mrs. Harold Putnam. - West Quoddy Mrs. Alex. Gamnon. - Westville Mrs. R. Fraser. - Windsor Mrs. P. M. Fielding. - Wolfville Mrs. Harold Barss. - Woodlawn Mrs. Jane Nauffts. - Westchester Station Mrs. W. O. Webb. - Yarmouth Mrs. W. D. Ross. - - - _Red Cross Auxiliaries._ - - Avondale Miss Bertha Crossley. - Advocate Harbor Mrs. L. L. Hill. - Athol Mrs. J. W. Boss. - Aylesford Mrs. C. N. McIntyre. - Apple River Mrs. E. Slocum. - Billtown Mrs. C. R. Bill. - Bayhead Mrs. James Johnson. - Baxter’s Harbor Mrs. Fred Ells. - Bayfield Mrs. F. C. Gass. - Bedford Mrs. E. Butler. - Blandford Mrs. C. Woods. - Bear River Mrs. L. J. Lovitt. - Bridgetown Mrs. O. T. Daniels. - Baccaro Mrs. G. L. Crowell. - Barney’s River Mrs. (Rev.) McDonald. - Barronsfield Miss Nettie Baker. - Beacon Hill Mrs. E. H. Langille. - Big Baddeck Mrs. Alex. Anderson. - Birch Grove Mrs. D. B. McDonald. - Brooklynn (Queens) Mrs. W. P. Godfrey. - Brandford Mrs. C. Woods. - Broughton Miss Ida McLeod. - Centre Burlington Mrs. F. G. Brown. - Clarke’s Harbor Mrs. George Phillips. - Central New Annan Miss A. McIntosh. - Cherry Brook Mrs. Mary Grosse. - Chignecto Mines Mrs. F. M. Blenkhorn. - Clam Harbor Mrs. J. B. Homans. - Collingwood Mrs. Davies. - Cook’s Brook Mrs. Warren Cook. - Caledonia Mrs. B. Lempton. - Canaan Miss Bessie Shipley. - Central Grove Mrs. Byron Melaney. - Centre Gore Mrs. N. Grant. - Centre Rawdon Mrs. J. E. Wood. - Centreville Rev. H. M. Manzer. - Clementsport Miss L. Hicks. - Cleveland Mrs. D. A. McLeod. - Conquerall Bank Mrs. Angus Weagle. - Dalhousie East (Kings) Mrs. M. Oickle. - Dalhousie East (Annapolis) Mrs. John Long. - Dean Mrs. Campbell Brown - Deep Brook Mrs. G. Marsters. - Diligent River Mrs. W. W. Lamb. - Digby Mrs. Eber Turnbull. - Durham Miss Janet Blaikie. - Ellershouse Mrs. H. D. Archibald. - Elmsdale Mrs. Chas. Thompson. - East Walton Mrs. Levi Lake. - Economy Mrs. P. Huntley. - Five Islands Mrs. Calvin Corbett. - Fenwick Mrs. F. B. Dickinson. - Freeport Mrs. Egar Ring. - Five Mile River Mrs. H. Hennigar. - Fraserville Mrs. Gaius Fraser. - Glenville and Claremont Mrs. C. A. McCabe. - Grand River Mrs. McDonald. - Guysboro Mrs. G. E. Buckley. - Glengarry Miss Christine Fraser. - Granville Ferry Mrs. W. Patterson. - Giant’s Lake Miss K. A. McLean. - Goldenville Mrs. L. Fraser. - Goshen and Argyle Mrs. J. A. Sinclair. - Great Village Mrs. C. B. Spencer. - Greenwood Mrs. Chas. Neilly. - Hammond’s Plains Miss S. Schmidt. - Hubbards Mrs. Bessie McLean. - Harmony (Kings) Mrs. C. S. Spinney. - Hemsford Mrs. James Falconer. - Inverness Mrs. E. Brassett. - Joggins Mines Mrs. R. J. Bell. - Kingston Station Mrs. G. G. Power. - Karsdale Mrs. G. W. Chisholm. - Lake Ainslie Mrs. M. A. McKay. - Louisburg Mrs. A. L. Bates. - Liverpool Mrs. John More. - Lunenburg Mrs. Emily Smith. - Lower Selmah and Sterling Brook Miss Lena Spicer. - Lochaber Mrs. John Brown. - Latties Brook Mrs. W. J. Macdonald. - Liverpool Mrs. John More. - Lockhartville Miss F. McInnes. - Londonderry Mrs. J. G. R. Smith. - Lower Granville Mrs. George Anthony. - Lyons Brook Mrs. A. Hogg. - Lockeport Mrs. Churchill Locke. - Mosherville, Stanley and Clarkeville Mrs. H. B. Smith. - Milford Station Mrs. Pooley. - McPhee’s Corner Mrs. James McPhee. - Margaretsville Mrs. A. B. Coulstan. - Marriott’s Cove Mrs. Rupert Millett. - Middle River Mrs. Mary MacDonald. - Mabou Mrs. E. S. Bayne. - Maccan Mrs. (Dr.) Forbes. - Mahone Miss Nettie Zwicker. - Malagash Mrs. Jacob Treen. - Malagawatch Mrs. Hudson. - Manchester and Port Shoreham Mrs. W. Bruce. - Mapleton Mrs. G. E. Fletcher. - Margaree Harbor Mrs. A. R. MacDougall. - Melvern Square Mrs. E. F. McNeil. - Merigomish and Piedmont Mrs. T. B. Olding. - Middleton Mrs. W. Gwillim. - Mill Village (Hants) Mrs. Hattie Wallace. - Mira Gut Mrs. J. J. Philips. - Moose Brook and Tennycape Mrs. W. F. Stevens. - Millsville Mrs. R. MacKay. - Mount Uniacke Miss Sadie Robinson. - Nappan Mrs. Robert Donaldson. - Neil’s Harbor Mrs. Ed. Dowling. - New Annan Miss Agnes McIntosh. - New Port Mrs. J. F. Rathburn. - North Dartmouth Mrs. C. V. Vernon. - New Campbellton Mrs. W. McKinnon. - New Germany Mrs. H. P. Chesley. - N.E. Margaree Mrs. J. H. Tulston. - Noel Shore Mrs. E. S. Main. - North Kingston Mrs. H. J. Neily. - Oxford Mrs. J. R. Gilroy. - Owl’s Head Mrs. J. E. Parker. - Oxford Junction Mrs. S. Colburne. - Port Maitland Mrs. E. H. Porter. - Port Greville Mrs. R. S. Kerr. - Pleasantfield Mrs. Charles Arnburg. - Paradise Mrs. H. P. Layte. - Port Medway Mrs. Grace Andrews. - Parrsboro Mrs. F. A. Rand. - Pentz Miss Alberta Smith. - Port Dufferin Mrs. E. W. Dunlop. - Port Hawkesbury Mrs. D. Gillis. - Port Hood Mrs. Daniel McLennan. - Port La Tour Mrs. D. Snow. - Port Hilford Miss Isabella Reid. - Parker’s Cove Mrs. H. Anderson. - Plainfield Mrs. W. A. Graham. - Princedale Mrs. Forman Wright. - Ragged Island, East Side Mrs. Chas. Matthews. - Richmond Mrs. A. G. McIntosh. - River Herbert Mrs. T. Shipley. - Rockingham Mrs. W. J. Clayton. - Rodney and Windham Mrs. M. Y. Boss. - River John .Mrs. C. W. MacKintosh. - River Philip Mrs. G. L. King. - Rossway Mrs. Bessie Crowell. - Sandy Point Mrs. Anzo Long. - Sandy Cove Mrs. E. D. Morehouse. - Shag Harbor Mrs. N. C. Nickerson. - Shelburne Mrs. Martha C. Morton. - Ship Harbor Lake Mrs. Alvin Webber. - Shubenacadie Mrs. A. E. Culton. - Smith’s Cove Mrs. Edward Winchester. - Southampton Mrs. Victor Brown. - Spencer’s Island Mrs. Edmund Spicer. - Sackville Mrs. Robinson. - South Athol Mrs. L. D. MacKeen. - Seal Island Mrs. John Smith. - St. Croix and Sweet’s Corner Mrs. J. F. Rathburn. - Stake Road Dr. Barbara McKinnon. - Sutherland’s River Mrs. Dwight Burns. - South Side Cape Sable Island Mrs. E. C. Nickerson. - South Farmington Mrs. Wilkins. - Springhill Mrs. David Stewart. - Stellarton Mrs. George Gray. - Stewiacke Mrs. Rachel Pollock. - Stony Island Mrs. S. L. Brannen. - Sydney River Miss Sarah McDougall. - Selmah Mrs. Cyrus Weldon. - South Rawdon Mrs. W. H. Lawson. - South Bay Mrs. T. A. Young. - Torbrook Mrs. A. B. Payson. - Tupperville Mrs. L. H. Chipman. - Tatamagouche Mrs. D. A. Cunningham. - Upper Burlington Mrs. Harry B. Sandford. - Upper Lakeville Mrs. Margaret Webber. - Upper Musquodoboit Mrs. W. B. Hutchinson. - Upper Economy Mrs. C. F. Lewis. - Upper Rawdon Mrs. J. E. Weatherhead. - Upper Port La Tour Miss Rosa Snow. - Wallace Mrs. A. S. Murphy. - Wilmot Mrs. J. B. Kilton. - West New Annan Mrs. W. Wilson. - Westport Mrs. E. C. Bowser. - Wallace River Mrs. Chas. Fisher. - Waterville Mrs. D. R. Pineo. - Waverley Mrs. E. Fauchea. - West La Have Mrs. Clarence Wambolt. - Welton’s Corner Mrs. P. A. Smith. - West Apple River Mrs. Robert McWhirter. - West Berlin and Eagle Head Mrs. B. Conrod. - - - THE WILLING WAR WORKERS, GLACE BAY. - -An organization that blazed a new and unique track in the War, and -accomplished great results, especially in the colliery districts of Cape -Breton, was the Willing War Workers of Glace Bay. - -[Illustration: - - MRS. G. S. HARRINGTON.] - -A number of the mothers, sisters, wives and sweethearts of the boys -“over there,” finding that other Societies lacked the personal touch, -banded themselves together to send parcels every week to their own home -boys in France, and kept up the good work enthusiastically until -Armistice Day, when they disbanded. - -Mrs. Gordon S. Harrington, wife of Colonel Harrington, Deputy Overseas -Minister, was the first President, and Mrs. Stuart McCawley, of Glace -Bay, the Secretary-Treasurer. - -Mrs. Harrington went to England in November, 1916, and became actively -interested in war work for Canadian soldiers in that country, -particularly at the Beaver Hut, Strand, London, and St. Dunstan’s Hostel -for blinded soldiers. - - - THE GREEN FEATHER SOCIETY LADIES’ AUXILIARY OF THE 185TH BATTALION. - -The Society was organized on March 9, 1916. The aim of the Society was, -first, to aid recruiting; second, to look after the comfort of the men -while quartered at Broughton, and as far as possible after they had gone -Overseas; third, to assist in every possible way the wives and families -of the men enlisting. - - - OFFICERS ELECTED: - - Mrs. E. J. Johnstone, _President_. - Mrs. J. A. McLellan, _Vice-President_. - Mrs. O. Leiers, _Treasurer_. - Miss Daniels, _Secretary_. - -From the time of the Society’s organization until the 185th Battalion -was disbanded, the Society raised the sum of $2,075.36, which was -devoted entirely to the use and comfort of the Battalion. In addition to -this, Mr. Walshaw, of the D.T.S. Co., collected the sum of $70.00, and -the North Sydney Branch of the Green Feather Society also donated the -sum of $43.00. These amounts were sent to England for the purpose of -procuring Christmas dinners for the men. - -The visiting committee of the Society did very good work in looking -after the wives and children of the men who had gone Overseas. - -At the close of the War there was the sum of $12.00 in funds, which was -presented to the G.W.V.A. after their organization. - - - THE CATHOLIC LADIES’ PATRIOTIC SOCIETY, SYDNEY. - -This Society was organized the second year of the War by the ladies of -the Sacred Heart Parish, Sydney, and was intended to supply the -religious needs of the Cape Breton soldiers and Chaplains, and to send -comforts direct to the soldiers in the trenches. However, as the War -went on, the Society enlarged its scope and embraced all kinds of -patriotic work. The work of the Society was carried on by packing tin -boxes with fruit cake, candy, cigarettes, socks, khaki shirts, and other -things too numerous to mention. These were addressed to each soldier and -acknowledged in due time. - -The success of the Society was in no small measure due to the activity -of the President, Mrs. V. F. Cunningham, who held that office during the -four years of the Society’s existence. - -The following short statement will give some idea of the work of the -Society: - - - RECEIPTS. - - Total amount received from general city collections $2,058 89 - Amount from other sources 975 80 - ————————— - $3,034 69 - - EXPENDITURE. - - Paid supplies for boxes sent Overseas $2,153 79 - Paid Chaplain’s supplies 250 00 - Paid Catholic Hut Fund 200 00 - Paid Hospital supplies 305 90 - Paid Local Hospital, Khaki Club, etc., etc. 125 00 - ————————— - $3,034 69 - - - - - CHAPTER LIII. - _THE KNIGHTS OF COLUMBUS._ - - -Until the spring of 1918, the war work of the Knights of Columbus in -Nova Scotia consisted in aiding the work carried on at St. Mary’s Army -and Navy Club at Halifax, and in sending money Overseas to aid the -Catholic Army Huts in England and at the Front. The work done by these -Huts became more and more extensive as the War went on, and the amount -of money that each council could send from its own funds became wholly -inadequate to enable these Huts to give efficient service. - -In May, 1918, His Lordship the Right Reverend James Morrison, Bishop of -Antigonish, addressed a letter to the Knights of Columbus of the -Maritime Provinces, setting out the needs of the Catholic Army Huts and -the slender financial resources at their disposal. “Accordingly,” he -says, “I feel it a pressing duty to ask the Knights of Columbus to -organize a general public campaign for funds to provide our Catholic -soldiers Overseas, or wherever they may be assembled, with Catholic -Huts, Club Rooms and accessories thereto, in which the Army Chaplains -may be enabled more efficiently and more conveniently to minister to -their religious welfare, and where the soldiers themselves, irrespective -of denominational affiliations, may have at their disposal such -accommodations in social life as may be a proper safeguard for their -moral welfare.” - -On the receipt of this letter the Knights began the work of organizing a -campaign which extended throughout the whole of Canada. More than one -million dollars were raised in the Dominion, to which sum the various -counties of Nova Scotia contributed as follows:— - - Halifax $56,621 95 - Cape Breton 28,562 80 - Pictou 9,509 63 - Antigonish 6,635 49 - Cumberland 5,337 73 - Inverness 4,802 46 - Guysboro 3,330 05 - Yarmouth 2,877 97 - Colchester 2,475 29 - Kings 2,405 57 - Hants 1,961 66 - Richmond 1,723 25 - Digby 1,542 67 - Victoria 1,144 25 - Queens 1,102 20 - Lunenburg 669 50 - Annapolis 444 55 - Shelburne 68 50 - ——————————— - Total for the Province $131,215 52 - -The “Drive” by which this money was raised took place during the week of -August 19–24, 1918. The whole of the amount raised was intended for work -in England and France but, with the signing of the Armistice, the -returned soldier problem demanded the attention of the Knights, and Huts -were opened in Halifax and the other dispersal areas in Canada. The work -in Canada and Overseas was under the supervision of Lieut.-Col. Clarence -F. Smith, of Montreal, Comptroller. Large sums of the money were sent -Overseas and the balance was devoted to the work of serving the returned -men. - -Following are the names on the Executive Committee of the Knights of -Columbus War Activities:—Messrs. John A. Neville, John F. O’Connell, -Jas. D. O’Connor, Walter M. Godsoe, Thos. W. Murphy, Frank A. Gillis, -Dan. T. Lynagh, Wm. A. Hallisey, Jno. P. Quinn, Hon. Judge Chisholm, and -Mr. William R. Wakely. - -The Knights of Columbus Catholic Army Hut, at No. 372 Barrington Street, -was opened December 1, 1918, and Halifax may be regarded as the -birth-place of the work of the Knights of Columbus Catholic Army Huts in -Canada. All men of the Allied Armies and Navies were welcome, -irrespective of race, creed or color. The Knights of Columbus’ slogan, -“Everybody Welcome, Everything Free,” was carried out to the letter, -with the exception that a charge of 25c. was made for beds, although of -the total number of beds used about half were donated, inasmuch as many -of the guests were in need of funds. Men arriving in transports were -also given a bed free of charge. Mr. J. D. O’Connor was Chairman of the -Hut Committee, and associated with him were Mr. John F. O’Connell, Mr. -D. T. Lynagh, the late W. A. Monoghan, Mr. W. J. Williams, Mr. E. J. -Scanlon, Mr. W. A. Hallisey, Mr. W. T. Murphy, Mr. W. E. Donovan, Mr. J. -K. Kelleher, and Mr. W. R. Wakely. There was an average daily attendance -at the Hut during December, 1918, January, February and March, 1919, of -1,300 to 1,500, and a total attendance of 177,060 from December 1, 1918, -until the Hut closed on September 13, 1919. - -Mr. W. E. Donovan, Chairman of the Entertainment Committee, arranged for -weekly entertainments. The men in uniform were always most appreciative -of the class of entertainment given at the Hut under the direction of -the Chairman. He had the happy faculty of selecting the very best -artists, and had the Columbus Musical Club to draw from as well as other -local clubs. - -Refreshments were always served. Mr. W. E. Donovan never failed to have -a number of young ladies in attendance, and they saw that every guest -was generously supplied. The Hut was open daily from 10 a.m. to 11 p.m., -and on Sundays from 1 p.m. to 11 p.m., and the men had free use of the -reading, writing and billiard rooms. Canadian and American newspapers -and magazines were supplied; writing paper and envelopes and all -billiard and pool games were free. 12,983 games of billiards and pool -were played from December, 1918, to September 13, 1919. May 10, 1919, a -dormitory of fifty beds was opened, and from that date to September 13, -1919, 2,725 beds were used. Of that number 1,279 were supplied free of -charge. - -Space in the building would not permit of the Knights of Columbus War -Activities having a cafeteria, but there was a canteen from which the -following supplies were given away free, from December 1, 1918, to -September 13, 1919:— - - Soft Drinks (bottles) 6,684 - Apples (barrels) 32 - Cigarettes (packages) 27,872 - Cigars 2,000 - Tobacco (pounds) 830 - Gum (packages) 1,605 - Coffee (cups) 55,175 - Oxo (cubes) 3,783 - Biscuits (pounds) 2,389 - Chocolate Bars 7,668 - Matches (boxes) 8,304 - - LETTERS MAILED. - - Canadian 27,121 - British and Foreign 6,042 - American 8,067 - -It was not until after the Armistice was signed that a Pier Committee -was organized under the able leadership of Mr. John P. Quinn as -Chairman. His associates were Messrs. John Neville, Henry T. Kline, -Harry C. Murphy, John D. Campbell, E. J. Murphy, John Fry, J. J. Penny, -P. J. Hanifen, R. J. Flinn, Geo. A. Gauvin, and W. E. Donovan. - -The Returned Soldiers’ Reception Committee, made up of twenty-five men -selected from the various clubs and organizations of Halifax City, with -an Auxiliary Committee of five ladies, was organized in November, 1916. -From that date the Committee received troop and hospital ships, and -raised by voluntary subscription $9,178.96. It also received $3,000.00 -from the Halifax Victory Loan canvassers. Mr. John P. Quinn waited upon -Mr. W. S. Davidson, Chairman of the Returned Soldiers’ Reception -Committee, and informed Mr. Davidson that the Knights of Columbus were -prepared to spend an amount of their funds toward the reception of the -troops returning from Overseas, either in conjunction with the Returned -Soldiers’ Reception Committee, or alone. This brought in the Red Cross -and the Y.M.C.A., and an agreement was made by each of the three -organizations to contribute to the funds of the Returned Soldiers’ -Reception Committee to the extent of one-third each of the amount -required by the Returned Soldiers’ Committee. From January 1, 1919, -until the last troopship arrived, $9,000.00 was contributed from each of -the three organizations—a total of $27,000.00. These funds were used for -the purpose of purchasing cigarettes, fruit, chocolate bars, matches, -flowers, newspapers, welcome cards, and for postage and telegrams. - -From the time the work began, one hundred and thirty-eight troopships -disembarked about 305,655 men. In the distribution of supplies at the -pier, the work was divided among seven teams of twelve each, each team -having a captain and an equal number of representatives from the Knights -of Columbus, the Red Cross, Y.M.C.A., and the Returned Soldiers’ -Reception Committee. Mr. Felix P. Quinn, of the Knights of Columbus, was -a captain of one of the teams. - - - WORK AT THE VARIOUS MILITARY HOSPITALS. - -[Illustration: - - MRS. JOHANNA M. TERNAN.] - -There existed what was known as the Knights of Columbus Hospital Comfort -Bureau. The following are the names of those serving on that Committee: -Rev. John Quinan, Capt. M. Ryan, Jas. J. Bates, T. J. Burke, E. J. -Griffen, Geo. J. Lynch, Jas. P. Mulcahy, Frank A. Gillis, and O. G. -Burke. - -Mrs. Johanna Mary Ternan was appointed Secretary. - -Daily supplies were sent to Camp Hill Military Hospital and Cogswell -Street Station Hospital and weekly visits were made. On these visits -fruit, candy and cigarettes were distributed by the following committee -of ladies: Mrs. Geo. Metzler, Miss Nita Gauvin, Miss Fannie Clark, Miss -Metzler, Mrs. M. Foley, Miss Mary Neville, and Miss Frances Chisholm. - -In addition to the above Hospitals, supplies were sent to Pine Hill -Convalescent Home, Rock Head Military Hospital, Kentville Sanitarium, -Naval Hospital, County Jail, Victoria General Hospital, Lawlor’s Island, -Quarantine Station, Air Station, U.S. Flying Corps and H.M.S. Hospital -Ship _Essequibo_. - -Weekly visits were made to the Kentville Sanitarium by Mrs. W. S. -Rothburn, of Kentville, and a committee of ladies, Miss McCormack, Miss -Farrell, and Miss Kearney, under the supervision of Mrs. Johanna M. -Ternan, of Halifax. - -At Christmas, 1918, there were: - - Patients. - Camp Hill Hospital 440 - Naval Hospital 38 - Cogswell St. Hospital 300 - Kentville Sanitarium 200 - Nova Scotia Hospital, Dartmouth 70 - Pine Hill Convalescent Home 125 - Rock Head Military Hospital 60 - ——— - Total 1,233 - -It was decided by the Hospitals Committee on Thursday, December 19, -1918, that candy and smokes should be sent to Kentville for the 200 -patients. Four hundred boxes were prepared containing three packages of -cigarettes and a half-pound of candy for each patient. This work was -done by a voluntary committee of three little girls and one little boy -(the Misses O’Connor and Master O’Connor, daughters and son of Mr. J. D. -O’Connor), and by little Miss Elliott. Provision was made for Rock Head -and Cogswell Hospitals. - -December 18, 1918, 328 stockings were made and filled by a committee of -ladies at the Knights of Columbus Club Rooms, Hollis Street. The -stockings were all of different shades, and each contained fourteen -articles, consisting of the following: One box of notepaper, one lead -pencil, one cube of tooth paste, one tooth brush, three packages -cigarettes, two boxes of matches, one small comb, one pocket -handkerchief, one ash-tray, two chocolate bars, collar buttons, one -pipe, one package tobacco and one tobacco pouch. - -Two hundred and three of these were sent to Camp Hill and one hundred -and twenty-five to Pine Hill. As there were a number of very sick -patients at Cogswell Street Station Hospital, it was requested that -fruit be sent, and three cases of oranges, four cases of grape fruit and -one keg of grapes were supplied. To the Nova Scotia Hospital, Dartmouth, -one hundred and forty parcels were sent containing three packages of -cigarettes and a half-pound of candy. Stockings were sent to four -soldiers in the County Jail, and nine stockings to soldiers in the -Victoria General Hospital. To the N.S. Naval Air Station were sent two -cases of oranges, two hundred packages cigarettes, two hundred cigars -and two hundred chocolate bars. - - - CHRISTMAS, 1919. - -Christmas boxes were sent from the Head Office in Montreal, specially -made for the Knights of Columbus Catholic Army Huts for distribution on -this day to all Military Hospitals in the Dominion. Each box contained -one package gum, one Durham Duplex Safety Razor, one package razor -blades, one shaving stick, one shaving brush, one package cigarettes, -one box matches, one chocolate bar, one tooth brush, one tube tooth -paste, one handkerchief, and short stories. In addition twenty-six -quarts of ice cream were distributed, also five hundred apples, fifty -pounds of assorted kisses and fifty pounds of frosted cake. - -Many picnics were given patients who were convalescing during the summer -of 1919, and entertainments given to special wards in Camp Hill and -Cogswell Street Hospitals. - -From January 1, 1919, to April 30, 1919, no fewer than 125,466 personal -requests for comforts were granted by the Knights of Columbus Hospital -Comfort Bureau. - - - - - CHAPTER LIV. - _THE YOUNG MEN’S CHRISTIAN ASSOCIATION._ - - -For years previous to the Declaration of War, the Y.M.C.A. carried on -its work in the summer Militia Camps; consequently the War did not find -the Association without some idea of the requirements of troops, and -from the early days of the first big concentration at Valcartier, the -“Y” tried hard to measure up to each new phase of war activity. - -In 1914 about 5,000 men were served in the camps of the Maritime -Provinces. During the succeeding winter Y.M.C.A. work was established in -the various barracks, and in 1915 the work on the piers at the points of -embarkation was started. All this work was carried on continually from -this time with increasing efficiency, not only in camps, barracks, and -hospitals, but also on board transports and on troop trains carrying -returning men. It consisted of the erection of large recreation -buildings, giving assistance with the equipping of recreation rooms in -barracks; the provision of free writing and reading materials, games, -athletic goods, music, pianos, gramophones and records, moving picture -machines and films; the organizing of concerts on land and on board -ships; social evenings in homes, churches, barracks, hospitals and -otherwise; athletics, religious services; supplying free hot drinks and -doughnuts or biscuits at the disembarkation points and demobilization -centres. - -The first large financial appeal was made to the people of the Maritime -Provinces in the spring of 1916, when approximately $34,500 were raised -for home and Overseas’ military work. During that year Association -service was rendered to troops in eighteen different places in these -Provinces. Each succeeding year saw most successful campaigns for larger -sums of money, until 1918, when requirements began to decrease. -Altogether about $679,600 were raised in the Maritime area and spent on -military work at home and Overseas. - -Large recreation buildings, which were much needed, were erected at -Aldershot and Sussex Camps, each capable of accommodating close to 1,000 -men. These were used to capacity, and were practically the only adequate -recreation centres. A large hut was erected in the Naval Dockyard, -Halifax, for the men of the navy and the merchant marine. It was -destroyed by the explosion, but was replaced by a larger structure, and -was the great social centre for the men of the navy and the merchant -marine. - -The large Red Triangle Hut, on Barrington Street, Halifax, was erected -as a demobilization service to offset the inadequate housing facilities -in Halifax, to provide meals and beds for returning men who had to -remain in the city while waiting for trains or demobilization, to assist -returned men to become re-established in civil life by providing them -with wholesome meals and beds at prices within their means, to help men -taking Government re-training courses and drawing barely enough money to -live on, and to provide them with a clean, attractive recreation centre. - -Other recreation huts were built and equipped at St. John, New -Brunswick, and Cogswell Hospital, Halifax. A large building was leased -and equipped as a Red Triangle Club at St. John, N.B. Clubs on a smaller -scale were operated in Sydney, Windsor, Kentville, Nova Scotia, and -Fredericton and Sussex, New Brunswick. - -Work was carried on among the German prisoners of war at Amherst in -return for which the German Government permitted the Y.M.C.A. to carry -on work in certain camps in Germany where Canadians were confined. Only -the work in the Internment Camps in Canada made this concession -possible. - -Co-operating with the Sailors’ Comforts’ Committee, Halifax, the -Y.M.C.A. workers visited many ships of the merchant service and supplied -the men with reading and writing materials, games, mufflers, sweaters, -socks, gloves, mitts, underwear, etc. Concerts were frequently arranged -for the crews on shore. - -Uniform reports of activities and the attendance were not kept in the -early days of the War, and it is impossible to arrive at anything like -accurate estimates of the extent of some of the services rendered. The -report of a few activities for the _two years of maximum efficiency_ may -serve to indicate, however, the great extent to which the men patronized -the Y.M.C.A. military services. - - Activity. Number. Attendance. - Concerts 694 84,550 - Social evenings 815 112,800 - Moving Picture Shows (free) 1,365 210,800 - Religious Services 1,108 88,100 - Theatre parties arranged and conducted through - courtesy of theatre managers, without charge - to patients 356 12,619 - Illustrated Lectures 98 18,050 - - Supplies Used. - Magazines 162,685 - Sheets of writing paper 1,511,000 - Sex and health education booklets 39,000 - Athletic goods large quantities - Pianos in continual use 22 - Billiard tables in continual use 31 - Gramophones and records supplied continually 50 - Moving picture machines in continual use 9 - Reels of picture films per week provided, no charge - made 40 - -At the disembarkation piers, in co-operation with various women’s -organizations, the Creche in Halifax, and the combined organizations in -St. John, free hot or cold drinks and mixed biscuits were provided. At -the Demobilization Centre, Halifax, co-operating with the G.W.V.A. -Ladies’ Auxiliary, drinks and doughnuts or mixed biscuits were supplied -free, and a six months’ membership ticket in any Y.M.C.A. was given to -each man. - -A “Y” representative accompanied each troop train to its destination and -carried a standard stock of equipment, gramophones, portable organs, -music, song sheets, games, fruits, chocolate, and cigarettes. He -rendered personal services in every way possible, such as wiring ahead, -mailing letters, and carrying on a programme of concerts and games. -These representatives were principally business men, and all gave their -services voluntarily. In all 449 representatives accompanied troop -trains. - -Further assistance was given returned men to re-establish themselves by -Red Triangle Clubs at Halifax and St. John, where bed and board could be -had at reduced rates. During the first year of the Halifax Club. 147,713 -meals were served, and 38,855 beds occupied for one night or more. This -work is still going on. The rate for bed and board was $1 per day. The -food was far above the average meal at similar prices. A programme of -entertainments, athletics, moving pictures, religious services, and -educational lectures and discussions was carried on. The Association’s -hospital service will be continued as long as necessary, and funds are -available. - - - - - CHAPTER LV. - _THE HALIFAX CITIZENS’ RECEPTION COMMITTEE._ - - -[Illustration: - - W. S. DAVIDSON.] - -The splendid service performed by the Halifax Citizens’ Returned -Soldiers’ Reception Committee had its inception in the fall of 1916, -when Mr. P. F. Martin, at that time Mayor of the city, called a number -of representative citizens together at the city hall for the purpose of -forming a committee to extend a welcome to the men returning home. The -matter did not take definite form, however, until a little later on, -when a score of energetic citizens selected by the various National -Societies, the Board of Trade and other organizations of the city, met -at the Board of Trade Rooms in November, 1916, at the call of Mr. W. S. -Davidson, Vice-President of the Board. At this meeting the Committee was -organized, as also an Auxiliary Committee of the following ladies:—Mrs. -G. McGregor Mitchell, Mrs. Geoffery Morrow, Mrs. T. Sherman Rogers, Mrs. -Norwood Duffus, and Mrs. (Dr.) Ryan. Mr. W. S. Davidson was elected -Chairman, Mr. Arthur B. Mitchell, Secretary, Mr. A. M. Smith, -Assistant-Secretary, and Mr. W. A. Major, Treasurer. The excellence of -the choice of this Executive was amply proven by the fact that the -personnel remained unchanged from the night the Committee was formed -until the last transport docked, and the work was finished. - -The following gentlemen composed the original Committee: Messrs. W. S. -Davidson, W. A. Major, H. H. Marshall, C. H. Mitchell, J. McL. Fraser, -Felix P. Quinn, C. E. Creighton, W. A. Hart, A. M. Smith, Paul -Creighton, W. E. Hebb, C. H. Climo, W. L. Kane, J. P. Quinn, P. T. -Strong, and R. B. Colwell, representing the North British Society, St. -George’s Society, the Charitable Irish Society, the Canadian Club, and -the Citizens of Halifax in general. - -These gentlemen, who became known as “the originals,” carried on through -fair weather and foul, night or day as occasion required from start to -finish. The only exception was Mr. H. H. Marshall, who, to the great -regret of his friends and fellow-workers, was ordered by his physician -to seek a change of climate, his health having broken down, but -nevertheless, he was with the work in spirit, always keeping in touch, -sending greetings and material aid from time to time. - -In addition to those above-mentioned, the following gentlemen joined the -movement later, entering into the spirit of the work with energy and -enthusiasm: Messrs. E. J. Murphy, G. J. Allen, Cyril Gorham, A. W. Robb, -W. R. Morton, H. C. Murphy, Hugh Fraser, Chas. Waterfield, R. A. Wood, -W. S. Munnis, John D. Campbell, P. J. Hannifen, Geo. M. Wood, F. M. -Guildford, R. K. Elliott, George Ritchie, G. W. Perry, J. A. Neville, H. -T. Kline, J. A. Reid, V. B. Faulkner, J. L. Wilson, E. M. McLeod, Geo. -T. McNutt, John Fry, J. J. Penny, J. M. Davison, George Robinson, W. R. -Scriven, Wm. Wilson, Capt. W. F. Mitchell, W. E. Donavon, G. A. Smith, -J. F. Roue, Walter Black, R. J. Flinn, G. A. Gauvin, George Winters, -Howard Lawrence, W. Cyril Smith, Cyril Stairs, Sedley E. Thompson, J. L. -Hetherington, H. E. Mahon, C. H. Wright, the late Professor Eben McKay, -F. A. Marr, Allen Patrick, and H. R. Price. - -A number of ladies, Mrs. W. T. Allen, Mrs. M. R. Morrow and others, -joined the original Auxiliary Committee of five above-mentioned, doing -splendid work in connection with the cot cases, etc., but unfortunately -a complete list is not available. Two young ladies deserving of special -mention who became associated with the General Committee are Miss Edna -Davison and Miss Helen Creighton. Their work was admirable, being here, -there, and everywhere when required, untiring in their efforts, having -the capacity to perform, as well as zeal to undertake. It is safe to say -that the soldier boys who landed at Halifax will never forget the ladies -connected with this Committee; for their bright kindly faces, apart from -their work, gave them a welcome home which is hard to express in words; -and it was not only on fine days when the sun was shining that they were -to be seen on the pier when transports were expected, but in all kinds -of weather, night as well as day, and only those who worked there know -how cold it sometimes was at Pier 2 on a winter night. However, the -welcome given the boys was warm enough to take away the chill of the -weather. - -During the period in which this Committee carried on its work, 138 -transports disembarked some 200,000 Overseas men at Pier 2, and of this -number very few indeed missed the kindly attentions of the Committee. - -The amount expended was as follows:— - - Paid for Cigarettes, Tobacco, etc $14,473 51 - „ Fruit 7,931 82 - „ Postage, telegrams, telephones, etc. 462 42 - „ Welcome Cards, badges, printing, etc. 1,294 49 - „ Newspapers 1,813 62 - „ Taxi service conveying local returned men to their - homes 118 80 - „ Music 15 00 - „ Baskets, equipment and sundries 278 66 - „ Matches 4,782 25 - „ Chocolate bars, cakes, etc. 7,157 21 - „ Deficit exchanging money 9 50 - „ Flowers (for cot cases) 34 50 - Money refunded Provincial Recruiting Committee 9 00 - —————————— - Total $38,380 78 - -A word or two in connection with these figures which are from the -Treasurer’s report. The item for postage, etc., would have been much -larger but through the representations of the Committee, after the work -had been carried on for a considerable time, the Government was induced -to allow letters from returned men, on arrival, to be posted free, thus -conserving the funds for other purposes. The item $15 for music does not -mean that this was the extent of the music by any means; for the -Commanding Officers of local military units very cheerfully permitted -their bands to play on the pier on arrival of transports. - -Of the above total amount, the sum of $9,178.96 was received in -voluntary subscriptions, and $3,000 from Halifax Victory Loan -canvassers, which came in spontaneously and entirely unsolicited. - -As the end of the War approached and the number of returning men became -greater, it became apparent that the funds would require to be largely -augmented, and in order to cope with the good work, the Y.M.C.A., the -Red Cross Society, and the Knights of Columbus very generously -contributed equal amounts of $9,000, less a refund to each of these -organizations of $266.06, being the balance or surplus left over at the -close of the work. - -It was not long after the work began until a splendid system was evolved -which worked with almost clock-like precision. The usual procedure was -as follows: Immediately a transport was docked a certain number of the -Committee were told off to go on board with the latest newspapers, -collect telegrams and letters which were, as mentioned above, sent off -free of charge, thus doing away with the inconvenience of hunting up -stamps, etc. Whenever it happened that a ship had to drop anchor in the -stream while waiting for a berth to dock at the pier—and as these were -busy days in shipping circles in Halifax, this very frequently -happened—a tugboat was promptly secured by the energetic Chairman, and a -contingent landed on board with newspapers, cigarettes, matches, fruit, -etc.; and, in most cases, if the ship was to remain at anchor -over-night, a concert party was always ready to join their efforts with -those of the Committee in extending a hearty welcome to the boys, many -excellent entertainments being given on board transports waiting to -dock. The very best musical talent in Halifax was always ready and -willing to respond at a moment’s notice to calls of this nature. Mr. -Davidson being one of the principal members of the large shipping firm -of Messrs. G. S. Campbell and Co., of course always knew where to locate -one of these tug-boats, as they own and operate a number of them, and -although in the forefront as business men, and blessed with good -memories, they must have forgotten to render any bills or charge for -this excellent service. - -When the men left the ship and were entrained, a sufficient number of -Committee-men having in the meantime been told off and sub-divided, -allowing an equal number to look after each car, the cars being -designated by letters “A,” “B,” “C,” and so on, beginning with the car -nearest the engine, and each party knowing the particular car it had to -look after, confusion or oversight was practically nil. The first -Committee-man went through the car with baskets of apples and oranges, -being followed by another with cigarettes and matches, a third and -fourth bringing up the rear with chocolate bars, welcome cards, -newspapers, and collecting any letters or postal cards the boys had -scribbled while waiting for their train to back in. Oftentimes when -large steamships like the _Olympic_, _Mauretania_, or _Aquitania_ -arrived, fifteen or twenty trains would be dispatched with an average -time between of twenty or twenty-five minutes; so that the necessity for -system was evident, or otherwise only a portion of the boys would be -looked after; but in the way in which the work was handled every man -received attention; and usually a few minutes were left over, before the -conductor called “All aboard,” in which to chat with them, give them a -hearty handshake and wish them “Bon voyage” and a safe journey to their -destination. - -This sketch of the work of the Halifax Citizens’ Returned Soldiers’ -Reception Committee is necessarily short. It does not begin to express -the scope or extent of the work carried on by this Committee, but the -boys who returned home no doubt still remember the way they were -received and treated. - -Letters of appreciation were received from all parts of Canada and -points in the United States. Such evidence of appreciation amply -rewarded the Committee for any efforts they had made to ensure a hearty, -and pleasant welcome home to those splendid men, who made the name of -Canada for ever respected and glorious. - - - - - CHAPTER LVI. - _ST. JOHN AMBULANCE BRIGADE OVERSEAS - and - THE CRECHE AT PIER 2, HALIFAX._ - - -The first branch of the St. John Ambulance Brigade Overseas established -in Nova Scotia was organized in June, 1916, as the Halifax Central -Nursing Division No. 17, with Mrs. Bowman, Superintendent of the -Victoria General Hospital, Halifax, as Lady Divisional Superintendent. -This division, besides being the first in the Maritime Provinces, was -the largest in Canada. Most of the officers were graduate nurses, and -all of the members had received their instruction in First Aid and Home -Nursing through classes lheld in Halifax by the sister organization, the -St. John Ambulance Association. - -On Mrs. Bowman’s removal from Halifax, Mrs. G. A. MacIntosh was -appointed Superintendent (April, 1917). Owing to greatly increased -membership, and for the purposes of more efficient administration, the -division was divided in July, 1918, into two Units, A. No. 17 and B. No. -47, Mrs. MacIntosh being promoted at the same time to be Lady District -Superintendent in charge of the Women’s Aid Department (Military -District No. 6). In January, 1920, a reorganization of the two divisions -was made effective by which all active officers and members were -assigned to Division A. 17, and the inactive members, or those in -reserve for emergencies, to B. 47. The active division continues as one -of the most efficient and effective in Canada under the able -superintendence of Miss E. M. Pemberton, of the Victoria General -Hospital. - -The war work in Nova Scotia of this organization falls under four heads: - - (_a_) Its work in Military Hospitals as auxiliary to the Army Medical - and Nursing Service. - - (_b_) Its work in Nova Scotia in connection with the Red Cross - Society, Y.M.C.A. Canteens, and other voluntary patriotic - organizations. - - (_c_) Its work of ministration to women and children returning from - England. - - (_d_) Its emergency work on the day of the Halifax Disaster and in the - relief work and hospital service for the weeks and months following - the disaster. - - - (_a_) HOSPITAL SERVICE. - -Hospital duties performed by the members of the Halifax Divisions during -the War include:— - -(_a_) Eleven members who went Overseas, serving with great credit in -hospitals in England. - -(_b_) Local hospitals. - -We believe Pine Hill was the first Military Hospital in Canada to -recognize or use the services of the Brigade members. Three pioneers -served for two years and were followed by others. - -In the latter part of 1918 the Women’s Aid Department was formed in -Canada in co-operation with the military authorities, the Lady District -Superintendent furnishing to the A.D.M.S. of each Military District the -following personnel, the number given below being that of those who -served in M.D. No. 6:— - - 1. _Volunteer Section_:— - - (_a_) Nursing service of Brigade members, eight of whom served at Pine - Hill Military Hospital. - - (_b_) Function Trainers, also Brigade members trained at Hart House, - Toronto, two of whom served at Camp Hill. - -2. _Special Service Section_:— - - Masseuses, trained at Hart House, Toronto, members of St. John - Ambulance Brigade, and serving at Camp Hill, Moxham Ross, Prince - Edward Island Military Hospitals. - - _Section 3_:— - - General Service Section consisting of a General Service Superintendent - Assistant Superintendent, bookkeepers, domestics and many there not - Brigade members, but for a short time recommended by the Women’s Aid - Department of the Brigade. - - (_c_) Before the Women’s Aid Department came into effect five members - had served at the Nova Scotia Sanatorium in the tent Colony for - tubercular soldiers. - - (_d_) During the Influenza epidemic of 1918 six members assisted the - depleted staffs in the Victoria General, the Dartmouth Emergency for - two months, two members at Infants Home for two months, also for two - months in the homes of the sick, at the Emergency Hospital, - Hazelwood Hospital, St. Mary’s Emergency Hospital, and for three - weeks at Brocton Field Hospital, Mass. During the epidemic in the - spring of 1919 a diet kitchen was organized and conducted and proper - nourishment prepared and delivered to all asking for it, in the - majority of cases no charge being made. The Brigade responded to - requests for diet from the Victorian Order of Nurses, City Board of - Health, Social Welfare Bureau, etc. - - (_e_) The hospital work performed after the explosion is mentioned - separately. - - (_f_) Miscellaneous duties performed in hospitals include mending each - week at the Station Hospital, emergency bedmaking at Camp Hill and - hospital train service. - - - (_b_) MISCELLANEOUS WORK - -At the Clearing Depot, Pier 2, a splendid work was accomplished. Over -13,000 beds were made for soldiers disembarking at this port. At very -short notice members in sufficient numbers quickly responded to a call -from the C.O. to prepare the beds required (at times as many as 800 beds -were needed) in readiness for the men. - -An important work carried on at Pier 2 was the serving of meals three -times daily for over a week to 150 men. - -Boats were met by the Lady District Superintendent, who, assisted by the -members, welcomed and assisted when necessary any V.A.D.’s returning to -Canada from Overseas duty. - -A very interesting and important service rendered by the organization -was in connection with the vocational re-education of the soldiers. For -eight months two members read daily to blinded soldiers, assisting them -in this way with their study. Four other members also performed like -service for five and a half months. Ten members took a special two -months’ course in weaving and basketry, nine of whom were able to -instruct patients at Camp Hill Hospital for from one to seven months. - -Truly patriotic work has been performed under the Y.M.C.A. At their Red -Triangle Hut a team of eight members have given one day each week and -every sixth Sunday for one and a half years to serve meals to returned -soldiers taking vocational courses in the city. Members have also served -refreshments on trains to soldiers recently discharged and entraining -for their homes. At the Armories members have responded at all hours, -sometimes working all night to serve refreshments to soldiers just -disembarked and awaiting their discharge. - -The Red Cross has been ably assisted by the making of numerous garments, -surgical supplies, sphagnum moss dressings, and the raising of funds -during campaigns. - -The following “drives” have been given willing and able support:— - - Navy League, Patriotic Fund, Knights of Columbus, Children’s - Hospital, Victorian Order, Salvation Army, Maternity Hospital, and - the Canadian Red Cross. - -For two years a rest and refreshment room has been conducted at the city -market and has been of great benefit to the market people who often -drive long distances. - -For two years the Halifax Dispensary has had the assistance daily of a -member for clerical work. - -The Halifax Welfare, Victorian Order of Nurses, and many other -organizations have had assistance, and many kindnesses have been -performed, such as assistance given at orphans’ picnics. - -First aid booths have been conducted at exhibitions, Wanderers’ Athletic -Grounds, and first aid rendered during public processions and -individually in the every-day life of the members. - -All service rendered except that required in the last two sections of -the Women’s Aid Department has been voluntary and performed quietly and -systematically in times of emergencies, and in war as in times of peace -for the public good. - - - THE DISASTER WORK - -It is unnecessary here to refer to the causes and disastrous results of -the great explosion on the morning of December 6, 1917. As nearly as can -be ascertained more than 1,500 people lost their lives, approximately -5,000 people were injured, of whom about 1,000 received more or less -serious injuries. With hundreds of other citizens the members of the -Halifax Divisions of the Brigade responded at once to the calls for -assistance, and within an hour more than 140 members were on duty in the -devastated area; on the Common, in improvised aid stations, and in the -various emergency hospitals rendering first aid to the injured, the very -object for which they had all been trained. - -Later in the afternoon and through the two or three days following they -added to their duties those of material relief, and until a few days -later the citizens’ organization was established when the Brigade -workers were fitted in under their Lady Superintendent as part of the -medical relief work. - -About sixty of the members remained on duty as V.A.D.’s in Camp Hill -Hospital, the Y.M.C.A., Morris Street, and the various other hospitals -for from one to five months following the explosion. For a short period -following the disaster eight members of the St. John (N.B.) Division -assisted the local division in providing personnel for the various -hospitals. - -The total of the services rendered during the period December 6th to -31st shows 1,098 days of hospital work, 217 cases of district relief -followed up, 140 missing children located, as well as other missing -persons traced, food distributed, and first aid service rendered. - -An official report forwarded through regular channels to the -headquarters of the Brigade in England was referred by headquarters -to the parent organization, the Ancient Order of the Hospital of St. -John of Jerusalem in England, and in the spring of 1920 selected -members of the Halifax Division and various citizens who co-operated -with the Brigade in its invaluable work, were presented by the -Lieutenant-Governor with the beautifully engraved certificates of -thanks of the Order for their services rendered on the occasion of -the disaster. - - - THE CRECHE AT PIER NO. 2, HALIFAX. - -In the spring of 1917, when the German submarines were trying to starve -Britain into surrender, the Canadian Government thought it wise to bring -home the dependants of our soldiers who were not actually engaged in war -work in the United Kingdom. The _Olympic_ arrived in Halifax Port one -morning with 1,000 women and children aboard, as well as her usual -number of invalided soldiers. Many hours passed before the last -travellers entrained for their homes, and one may imagine the scene at -Pier 2 where these tired women waited for long hours with no shelter or -food and no comforts for their little ones. - -It was felt that something must be done to welcome those soldiers’ -dependants who had left their loved ones in England or France, and who -could not surmise what the future held in store for those from whom they -were separated. A committee of ladies was formed to look after all -soldiers’ dependants on their arrival in Canada. Spacious rooms, with -kitchen, dining-room, rest-room, nursery and bath-rooms were provided by -the Government at Pier 2, together with a sum of money sufficient to -furnish necessaries. - -For three years a band of ladies under the presidency—first of Mrs. -Benson, wife of General Benson, and later of Mrs. J. G. McDougall—met -all boats and cared for all travellers with the most wonderful devotion. -As soon as the gangway was secured their work began. It mattered not -whether the ship was docked at 7 a.m., or at midnight, on a summer -morning, or on a cold winter evening, the workers were always there. Two -of the Committee went on board to see if there were any special cases to -be looked after and to notify those aboard of the Creche Committee’s -willingness to help them in every possible way. - -Some stood at the gangway to welcome tired mothers and relieve them of -their tiny but very heavy burdens. Others led them to the warm and -comfortable quarters provided for them. In the kitchen busy hands had -been at work, and sandwiches and fragrant hot coffee were not wanting; -while in the nursery many young girls were preparing beds with cool -white sheets in which to lay Canada’s young and welcome immigrants. - -Although the railway authorities were wonderfully expeditious in getting -the trains despatched, still many hours had to be spent at the -Creche—days sometimes—and, once or twice, even nights. The scenes when a -boat arrived with many hundreds of women and children defy description. -Parties were constantly being brought to the rooms by willing and -helpful guides. If husband or father was there, he saw his dear ones -safely housed, and he himself returned to look after the tickets and -baggage. If the mother was in charge, she accompanied her little ones to -the Creche, and after seeing them safe and happy, was assisted in -collecting her baggage and procuring transportation. Kind hands -undressed the babies, washed, warmed and fed them and laid them to sleep -in comfort. The older children were also fed and then amused by toys and -picture books. Older travellers, completely tired out by the long and -often rough voyage, found indeed a warm and steady bed a source of joy. -Times and movements of trains were called in the waiting rooms, and to -the outgoing trains the travellers were finally escorted, as comfortable -and as happy as it was possible to make them. - -The Red Cross placed a most efficient trained nurse at the disposal of -the Committee, and it is not possible to tell how much her services were -appreciated by those who, though not fit for hospital and anxious to -complete their journey, were still much in need of care. In a general -way, as well as in her professional capacity, the trained nurse rendered -services of a very high order. Space does not permit to tell of all the -various activities carried on at the Creche—money was exchanged, hotel -accommodation secured for those remaining over in Halifax for a few -days, telegrams were sent, meal tickets given to those who needed them -on the trains, babies were supplied with necessaries for travelling, and -money was many times given to those who through stress of circumstances -had not the wherewithal to complete their journey. - -The returned men were always eager to assist in any way they could, and -the bands of the Canadian Battalions gave all great pleasure by their -delightful music. - -Arrangements were made for any needing hospital care; and they were -continually visited by members of the Committee while in Halifax City. -The military authorities placed an ambulance at the disposal of the -Committee for such cases. The Committee had the fullest support and -co-operation of the military authorities. They also had the assistance -of a hundred workers who gave up all engagements and pleasures when it -was known that a boat was expected. - -The Creche Committee deeply regretted the departure from Halifax of Mrs. -Benson and Mrs. McKelvey Bell, under whom they began their work. The -ladies who carried on to the close of operation were:— - - Mrs. McCallum Grant _Hon. Chairman._ - Mrs. J. G. McDougall _Chairman._ - Mrs. Hector McInnes _Vice-Chairman._ - Mrs. W. A. Henry _Secretary._ - Mrs. W. E. Thompson _Treasurer._ - - Mrs. David McKeen. - Mrs. G. S. Campbell. - Mrs. Clarence MacKinnon. - Miss Jessie MacKenzie. - Lady Townshend. - Mrs. M. A. Curry. - -The Creche closed on 31st December, 1919. Since the 18th November, 1918, -the Committee and its helpers met 120 ships laden with returning -Canadian soldiers, their wives and families. On one steamship alone, the -_Megantic_, were 600 women and children, 180 of the children being under -twelve months of age. On several occasions there have been as many as -900 women and children on a steamer, and, in one instance, the _Olympic_ -brought 1,000. All were sent on their homeward journey rested, -refreshed, and cheered; and the kindly welcome they received has made -the name of the Atlantic Gateway dear to the hearts of thousands of -people the Dominion over. Countless letters bear testimony to unfeigned -appreciation and gratitude. One newspaper extract may be permitted. - -The _Ottawa Journal_ of December 28, 1918, says: “While this work, and, -to a large extent, its financial obligations have been borne almost -entirely by the citizens of Halifax, as the benefits accrue to the -country as a whole the gratitude of the people of Canada is due to the -small band of workers who for the past eighteen months have generously -and patriotically assumed the burden for the whole Dominion.” - -Those were busy days at Pier 2; and although much sacrifice was demanded -of the Halifax Creche Committee, it is not too much to say that it was -willingly and joyfully given by those who wished to have some small -share in the work of the Great War. - -[Illustration: - - FROM LEFT TO RIGHT—MRS. J. G. M‘DOUGALL, MRS. HECTOR M‘INNES, MRS. W. - A. HENRY, MRS. M‘CALLUM GRANT.] - - - - - CHAPTER LVII. - _ST. MATTHEW’S CHURCH AND THE WAR._ - - - [A description of the work done by each of the churches in Nova - Scotia would require a book in itself. The following article on the - activities of St. Matthew’s Church, Halifax, is typical of the - manner in which the churches of all denominations throughout the - Province watched over the spiritual and material welfare of men of - the Overseas’ Units.—EDITOR.] - -Early in the War, as soon as it became evident to the citizens of -Halifax that the struggle against “Might” would endure for some time, -and that this station would become again and remain an important -rendezvous for the army and navy while hostilities lasted, the question -of showing some tangible appreciation to the volunteers who were -rallying to the colors became paramount in many minds. Noticing the -presence of many of these men at the regular church services in St. -Matthew’s the minister (Rev. J. W. Macmillan, D.D.) conceived the idea -of having special receptions so that they, while in Halifax, should find -a real church home and get sociably acquainted with members of the -congregation. - -Such receptions were held at the close of the usual Sunday evening -services. Many of the men were met thus and later welcomed at various -homes during the week. It was later found expedient for these hosts to -join forces so as to be able to entertain larger numbers than could be -accommodated at the houses, and it was thus that the Thursday evening -entertainments originated in the schoolroom of St. Matthew’s Church -during October, 1914. These gained immediately in popularity until -crowded houses with S.R.O. signs continued for five winters without -intermittence, except for a few weeks following the great explosion of -December, 1917. - -The ladies of the congregation were from first to last the chief motive -power at all these meetings, and the secret of their success. Some were -not publicly in evidence but worked “behind the scenes” in supplying and -providing the refreshments that formed a most important part of these -functions and did yeoman service. The work was quickly organized into a -perfect system, everybody being assigned to a task that suited the -particular attitude of the worker, with plenty of eager helpers always -on hand as reserves. - -This organization was not any premeditated system nor was it arranged on -the basis of any other movement, but being almost impromptu formed -itself with a naturalness according to the needs as they developed until -it appeared to become as perfect as is humanly possible and so it -continued with an earnest patriotic zeal on the part of the people -anxious to help but unable to go to the field of war because of their -sex or their age limit. Some distinguished themselves as caterers, -cooks, coffee makers, waiters or waitresses and even as dishwashers. -Others at the doors as welcoming committees or indoors as cartoon -makers, lantern manipulators, contest managers, leaders of choruses and -accompanists or “masters of ceremonies” and chairmen. Others again found -work in advertising the meetings at the various ships and barracks until -it became the rule that every new Regiment or warship arriving at -Halifax was promptly advised of these Thursday evening meetings. - -The entertainment itself evolved into a systematic method by natural -causes too, rather than by design. Noting the crowds of soldiers and -sailors on the streets at an early hour the doors were opened at 6.30 -p.m. and immediately the hall began filling. To entertain the early -arrivals a magic lantern displayed reproductions of recent war cartoons -and cheery messages, while various popular songs and choruses thrown on -the screen by the same method with a good accompanist at the piano got -every one settled down for a hearty sing-song. Each week the cartoons -were supplemented with additions and new songs added, along with items -of current interest and latest news, more pictures of local topics and -jokes that were fully appreciated. These opening features proved -attractive and were followed with some contest varying weekly in their -style and nature, for which prizes were awarded—always two at the least -and sometimes as many as twelve, most of them being made and given by -the ladies of the congregation—that were keenly contested for by the men -in uniform. This first portion of the meeting soon became an essential -part of the entertainment and was usually controlled by a “master of -ceremonies,” who between 7.45 to 8 o’clock would surrender his position -to the chairman of the evening, and he in turn would call the meeting to -order with the singing of the National Anthem, and after a few words of -welcome the concert proper was conducted. - -In this respect all the best and cleverest artists, without distinction -of class or creed, responded willingly and enthusiastically to the -committees having charge of the programmes. These committees rotated in -their work and there arose a healthy competition between them in -acquiring special performers and singers to assure successful concerts. - -At nine o’clock an adjournment for refreshments took place. This -half-hour provided an opportunity for conversation as well as for -eating; the lantern threw cartoons and pictures, jokes and songs on the -screen so that good humor continued to prevail. During this interval -some committee members moved among the audience seeking for impromptu -items for a programme that was continued along with choruses from 9.30 -to 10 o’clock and even later for the benefit of such as had special -“late leave.” - -The interest in these entertainments did not wane. It never flagged at -any period of the five winters. The workers never tired of their tasks, -nor was there ever any difficulty noticed in obtaining a bountiful -supply of musical talent or refreshments to ensure success. - -The secret of any extra degree of popularity for these Thursday evenings -cannot be attributed to any one cause but rather to a combination of -circumstances. To a great degree the down-town position of St. Matthew’s -made a strong appeal. The early start of these concerts caused them to -be better known perhaps, and the fact of their regularity and continuity -helped matters greatly, and yet, perhaps more than all, the ladies of -St. Matthew’s were a greater factor than all these. This can be stated -without in any degree disparaging the great work done by other churches -and institutions or of ladies who were equally active in other places, -and yet these ladies as a body were able to greet all the men in uniform -with a heartiness that was promptly felt and without at any time the -semblance of that familiarity that breeds contempt or of a patronizing -air to which soldiers and sailors especially are most sensitive, and at -no time was there anything but the most respectful and kindly feeling -shown on either side. - -No smoking was indulged in at these gatherings, and none appeared to -wish the privilege. The men refrained out of their natural respect to -the ladies in the audience. Later on some “No Smoking Allowed” signs -were placed in the ante-rooms, where some were wont to indulge in a few -puffs during the intervals, but this was done on account of the fire -risks in the older part of the structure and did not occasion much if -any comment. - -To the credit of the men themselves it can be recorded now that though -between 125 and 150 of these meetings were held and the average -attendance was well over 400 men in uniform at each, only two men were -noticed to be the worse for liquor, and one of these occasioned the only -instance of a disagreement over any contest that took place on those -evenings, and in his case the offender came back to the following -meeting and apologized for his own unseemly behavior. This is a record -for our soldiers and sailors of which the people of St. Matthew’s feel -particularly proud. In itself it repays them fully for any efforts that -were undertaken and leaves them ready to entertain such men whenever an -opportunity occurs. - -The Sunday evening services of song were in some respects even more -successful than the Thursday night concerts. A better chance to meet and -know the men was afforded, and a better opportunity provided to -intermingle and converse. The strangers invariably seemed to meet people -from their own home towns or provinces, and the men from Britain found -enthusiasts from Scotland, England, Ireland or Wales ready to greet them -on mutual racial grounds. - -The addresses on these occasions always had a more serious, religious or -sentimental strain than was noticeable on week nights, and the Rev. Dr. -Clarke, who succeeded Dr. Macmillan in 1916 as minister of the -congregation was always ready to tell a good story and point a moral -with good effect. The lantern was used for throwing the words of -well-known hymn tunes on the screen, and the singing often had the -fervor of a revival meeting. As each Unit or Regiment was known to be -embarking for the Front, “God Be With You Till We Meet Again” was -invariably sung and often that hymn, “Eternal Father Strong to Save” and -various war-time versions thereof were prayerfully sung. Besides the -hymn singing there were always solos, duets or quartettes rendered by -the church choir and other artists. Refreshments were served before -dispersing, but were plainer than the fare dispensed on Thursdays, being -confined to tea and biscuits so as to lessen the labor in deference to -the Sabbath. These however, were greatly appreciated by men who had -eaten their suppers at 4 p.m. with no other meal in prospect until the -next day. - -Some thousands signed their autographs in visitors’ books that were -frequently passed around for signature, and among them are those of -hundreds who now lie in Flanders fields or gave their lives for God and -King and Country in other spheres of the War zone. Many appreciatory -letters were received from boys and men after they left Halifax, -expressing their appreciation of these receptions, some of them -comparing the wintry nights in the trenches or on the North Sea with the -peaceful hours spent at St. Matthew’s. Many wives and mothers in all -parts of Canada have heard of St. Matthew’s and Halifax and have shown -their thankfulness in many ways for the attention given their husbands -and sons while here. The work of the Halifax Churches combined with the -activities of the Citizens’ Reception Committee and the Y.M.C.A. work at -Pier 2 throughout the War have made the name of Halifax well and -favorably known throughout the land. Even now that the War is over the -duty of the churches towards the strangers within their gates should be -continued—the need is great though the boys and men may not be in -uniform and many of these could enjoy and appreciate as the soldiers and -sailors did, a warm and kindly welcome from a Christian community. - - - - - SPECIAL SKETCHES - - - PROMINENT NOVA SCOTIANS - - SOME KILLED IN ACTION—OTHERS “CARRYING ON” - -[Illustration: - - COL. W. E. THOMPSON.] - -To the organizing ability, and more especially the extraordinary -genius for administration, of Col. W. E. Thompson must be given -the chief credit for the splendid achievement and unsullied record -of Military District No. 6. Second in Command of the 63rd Halifax -Rifles at the outbreak of the War, he was, in December, 1914, -called in by headquarters to assume the duties of Inspector of -Outposts and Detachments throughout the district, with the rank of -Lieutenant-Colonel. In March, 1915, he was appointed Assistant -Adjutant-General and Officer in Charge of Administration of -Military District No. 6. In May, 1916, he was promoted to the rank -of Colonel; and during the summer of that year, in addition to his -duties as Assistant Adjutant-General, was Commandant of the Camp -at Aldershot. In December, 1918, Colonel Thompson succeeded to the -command of Military District No. 6. - -The effect of his personality and of his genius for organization and, -more particularly, administration, on the whole service of Military -District No. 6, as well as on its morale, was extraordinary. He was -regarded by Headquarters Staff, even by the three General Officers -Commanding, before he succeeded to the command, as the authentic -administrative “Mind” of the district. No other military district had -such varied and great administrative problems and such heavy -responsibilities as Military District No. 6, and yet the War was -concluded with not a single mark against the administration and not a -breath of scandal on its personnel and their conduct of the various -Departments. For that splendid achievement Colonel Thompson was chiefly -responsible. - -In heart, however, he was eminently the soldier. Repeatedly he -volunteered for active service Overseas, and even specially appealed to -Ottawa for permission to go Overseas with a Unit, but the Canadian -Militia Department was obdurate, declaring that his genius for -organization and administration was of such a character that he could -not be spared from headquarters Military District No. 6. Strict, firm, -and soldierly at headquarters, Colonel Thompson, notwithstanding, -exemplified democracy in the most undemocratic of institutions, the -army. His genuine democracy, his tempering of justice with mercy, and -his fine kindliness won for him the high respect and admiration of all -ranks. - - * * * * * - -Col. Gordon S. Harrington, K.C., is a son of the late C. S. Harrington, -K.C., of Halifax, N.S. He was admitted to the Bar on October 19, 1904, -and practised his profession at Glace Bay, N.S. He was one of the -original Company Commanders of the 85th Battalion with the rank of -Major, and, on the formation of the Nova Scotia Highland Brigade, -returned to Cape Breton and supervised the recruiting of the 185th -Battalion. He was transferred to that Unit with his rank of Major and -proceeded Overseas with it. When the Brigade was broken up he was sent -to the Imperial First Senior Infantry School at Bedford, where he passed -the qualifying examination with the highest marks ever attained at that -institution. On reporting to the Nova Scotia Regimental Depot at -Bramshott he was posted to the 17th Reserve Battalion, of which he was -successively Second in Command and O.C. In May, 1917, he was transferred -to the Staff of the Overseas Minister, London, and a short time later -was appointed Assistant Deputy Minister. In 1918 he was appointed Deputy -Minister and promoted to the rank of Colonel. He served in the field on -Corps Headquarters. - -[Illustration: - - COL. GORDON S. HARRINGTON.] - - * * * * * - -Having in mind the fact that at the sudden outbreak of war, August, -1914, the permanent military force of Canada only numbered 3,075, it -will be readily understood that the Department of Militia and Defence -was at once compelled to grapple with an enormous task for which no one -could expect it to be prepared. The situation had to be met. The work -had to be done. It had to be done quickly, and it is to the everlasting -credit of Canada that we had men of outstanding ability and energy to -cope successfully with the urgent situation. - -[Illustration: - - HON. F. B. M‘CURDY, - Secretary of Department of Militia.] - -By July, 1916, our military force was 312,844. Of these 136,185 were in -Canada and 176,659 were Overseas. The number was daily increasing; and -only those who were in close touch with the tremendous work of -organizing, equipping, supplying and despatching such an army can -realize what that meant in comparison with the work of administering -affairs in regard to about 3,000 men during times of peace. - -In these circumstances, and in view of the further fact that the -exigencies of affairs frequently called the Minister of Militia away -from Ottawa for the purpose of visiting recruiting centres and military -camps in Canada, as well as Canadian Headquarters in England, the -Government decided that it was necessary to have a Parliamentary -Secretary of the Department of Militia and Defence; and, accordingly, on -July 16, 1916, by an Order-in-Council the office was created endowing -the holder with general authority in regard to administration of the -Department, and directing that during the absence from Ottawa of the -Minister, the Parliamentary Secretary should also preside at all -meetings of the Militia Council and report to the Privy Council through -the Prime Minister. - -Fortunately, the services of a man of wide experience in business -affairs, of well-known executive ability and withal energetic in -discharge of duty, in the person of Mr. F. B. McCurdy, M.P., was -available, and the Prime Minister wisely asked him to take up this very -important work. - -Mr. McCurdy willingly agreed; but with one stipulation. The salary -affixed to the office was $5,000. Mr. McCurdy was past military age, but -he believed that every man should, as far as was in his power, -contribute to national duty. He, therefore, stipulated that his services -as Parliamentary Secretary of the Militia Department would be a free -contribution to the country, and he so served. - -Immediately after Mr. McCurdy’s appointment, Sir Sam Hughes, Minister of -Militia and Defence, went Overseas; and from that time, which, it will -be remembered, was a very active and critical period of the War, until -the creation of the Ministry of Overseas Military Forces of Canada, Mr. -McCurdy played a very important part in the vital work of building up -and strengthening Canada’s great army. - -Naturally Mr. McCurdy while discharging his weighty duties with due and -patriotic regard to the national interests of the whole country, had a -sympathetic ear for his fellow Nova Scotians; and it is well known that -his good judgment and influential voice prevailed in regard to -irritating questions as to the representation of Battalions at the -Front, with results that afforded great satisfaction to the people of -his native Province. It is sufficient to say that Mr. McCurdy’s eminent -record as Parliamentary Secretary proved the unerring judgment of the -Prime Minister in selecting the right men for responsible positions. - -At the election of December, 1917, Mr. McCurdy was returned by -acclamation for Colchester, his native county. - - * * * * * - -[Illustration: - - MAJOR-GENERAL G. L. FOSTER, M.D., F.R.C.S., LL.D., C.B.] - -Son of George and Elmira Foster. Born at North Kingston, Kings County, -Nova Scotia, May, 1874. Graduated M.D. 1896, University of New York, -U.S.A. First appointment, Canadian Militia, August 4, 1897, Lieutenant -and Assistant Surgeon, 68th Regiment, Kings County, Nova Scotia. Served -with Yukon Field Forces as P.M.O., March, 1898, to July, 1900. April, -1913, appointed Assistant Director of Medical Services, Military -District No. 2, with headquarters at Toronto, Ontario. September, 1914, -sailed from Quebec with First Canadian Contingent and appointed A.D.M.S. -1st Division Canadians, with the rank of Colonel. Served in France from -February, 1915, to September, 1915, as A.D.M.S. 1st Division Canadians. -September, 1915, appointed Deputy Director of Medical Services, Canadian -Corps, on its formation and served with Canadian Corps in France until -February, 1917, when appointed Director-General of Medical Services, -Overseas Military Forces of Canada with the rank of Major-General, -headquarters in London, England. March, 1920, appointed Acting -Director-General of Medical Services, Canadian Militia, with -headquarters at Ottawa. - - _Medals and Decorations._ - - 1914–15 Star. - - General Service Medal. - - Victory Medal with Leaf. - -_Decorations, Military._ - - Companion of the Order of the Bath. - - Knight of Grace, St. John of Jerusalem. - - Officer Legion of Honour. - - Civil Honors received as Head of the Canadian Medical Service during - the Great War, 1914–15. - - October, 1919, Edinburgh University conferred the degree of F.R.C.S. - - June, 1920. McGill University, conferred the degree of LL.D. - - * * * * * - -[Illustration: - - LIEUT.-COL. CHARLES E. BENT, C.M.G., D.S.O.] - -Lieut.-Col. Charles E. Bent was a Captain in the 93rd Cumberland -Regiment at the outbreak of the War. He immediately volunteered for -active service and, as Adjutant of the 17th Battalion, accompanied the -First Division to England. On the breaking up of that Unit he took a -draft over to the 13th Battalion, arriving in France April, 1915. He -reported for duty with the 15th Battalion and was given command of a -Platoon. He became a Company Commander immediately after the fighting of -Festubert, 1915; Second in Command December 31, 1915; and Officer -Commanding the 15th Battalion in May, 1916. He took part in all fighting -with the First Division until wounded August 9, 1918, near Caix, east of -Amiens. He rejoined his Battalion on October 1st, and after the -Armistice proceeded with the Army of Occupation to Germany. He acted as -Brigade Commander on several occasions and was in command of the 3rd -Brigade from October 20 to November 24, 1918. He took part in the -following battles: - - Festubert 1915 - Givenchy 1915 - Messines 1915 - Ypres 1916 - Ploegsteerte 1916 - Ypres 1916 - Hill 60 1916 - Sanctuary Wood 1916 - Somme 1916 - Vimy Ridge 1917 - Hill 70 1917 - Passchendaele 1917 - Telegraph Hill 1918 - Amiens 1918 - Drocourt-Queant Line 1918 - - and others up to the signing of the Armistice, November 11, 1918. - - _Decorations._ - - C.M.G. - D.S.O. and Bar. - 1914–15 Star. - Colonial Auxiliary Forces’ Long Service Medal. - Seven mentions in despatches. - - * * * * * - -[Illustration: - - LIEUT.-COL. J. A. M‘DONALD.] - -Lieut.-Col. J. A. McDonald started his military career by enlisting in -the 17th Sydney Field Battery in 1896, receiving first-class certificate -from the R.S.A., Quebec, winter of 1897–98, enlisted for service in -South Africa 1899, served in “E” Battery and 4th C.M.R., obtained -commission in the 17th 1906, qualified and promoted through the various -stages until he took command of the Battery in 1913, was still in -command at outbreak of the War in August, 1914, when he volunteered the -Battery for Overseas service through the then Brigade Commander, -Lieut.-Col. H. G. McLeod. August 8, 1914. On arrival at Valcartier he -was posted as Captain to the 5th Westmount Battery, 2nd Brigade, C.F.A., -promoted in Field to rank of Major May, 1915, and took command of 7th -Battery, promoted to rank of Lieutenant-Colonel April, 1917, and was -posted to command the 3rd Brigade, C.F.A., commanded this Brigade until -it was demobilized in Canada in May, 1919, except for period of three -months, during which time he was attached to the 4th Canadian Division -Artillery Headquarters, acting as C.R.A. - -During the above period of four years and ten months on active service -he went through every engagement in which the Canadian Corps took part -from the day the First Canadian Division landed on French soil (February -12, 1915) up to the day of the Armistice, November 11, 1918. - - Decorations are as follows:— - - Queen’s South Africa Medal, Three Clasps. - D.S.O., _London Gazette_, 1–1–17. - Mentioned in despatches, _London Gazette_, 4–1–17. - Mentioned in despatches, _London Gazette_, 28–5–18. - Mentioned in despatches, _London Gazette_, 31–12–18. - Mentioned in despatches, _London Gazette_, 11–7–19. - Awarded Bar to D.S.O., _London Gazette_, 1–2–19. - 1914–15 Star, _London Gazette_, 3–5–19. - - Total period of service, twenty-three years, of which six years and - four months were spent on active service. - - * * * * * - -[Illustration: - - LIEUT.-COL. T. HOWARD MACDONALD, C.A.M.C.] - -Went Overseas January, 1915, unattached, with the rank of Major. He was -first attached to the Canadian Convalescent Hospital at Bearwood Park. -From there he went to Bath, thence to Moore Barracks Hospital, and was -later appointed Medical Examiner of the Pension Board, London. He went -to France as Medical Officer of a Labor Battalion. He was promoted to -the rank of Lieutenant-Colonel and received the appointment of -Commanding Officer of the medical personnel of the Hospital Ship -_Llandovery Castle_. This ship was torpedoed by an enemy submarine on -June 27, 1918, and Lieutenant-Colonel Macdonald was drowned. Out of the -entire ship’s company there were only twenty-four survivors, and of the -hospital personnel of ninety-seven only one officer and five other ranks -escaped. In spite of their appalling circumstances the conduct of all on -board was in fitting keeping with the proudest traditions of the British -Army and the mercantile marine. And throughout nothing was more marked -than the coolness and courage of the fourteen Canadian Nursing Sisters, -every one of whom was lost. Two of the nursing sisters—Pearl Fraser and -Minnie Follette—were Nova Scotians. - - * * * * * - -[Illustration: - - MISS MARGARET MACDONALD, LL.D., R.R.C., - - Matron-in-Chief of Canadian Nursing Sisters.] - -Miss Macdonald was born at Bailey’s Brook, Pictou County, and is a -daughter of the late D. D. Macdonald. She is a sister of Col. R. St. -John Macdonald, who was in command of the St. Francis Xavier Unit. Miss -Macdonald served in the Spanish-American War, in the South African War, -and later in the Canal Zone at Panama. In November, 1906, she was -appointed a Nursing Sister in the Canadian Army Permanent Medical Corps, -and after taking a course in England received the appointment of -Matron-in-Chief and was in command of three thousand Canadian Nursing -Sisters during the Great War. She has been decorated with the Royal Red -Cross and the Florence Nightingale medal. - - * * * * * - -Lieut. M. F. Gregg, a graduate of Acadia University, Wolfville, won the -Victoria Cross while serving with the Royal Canadian Regiment. The -following is the official record as published in the _London Gazette_: - -“On September the 28th, when the advance of the Brigade was held up by -fire on both flanks and by thick, uncut wire, he crawled forward alone -and explored the wire until he found a small gap, through which he -subsequently led his men and forced an entry into the enemy trench. The -enemy counter-attacked in force and through lack of bombs the situation -became critical. - -[Illustration: - - LIEUT. M. F. GREGG, V.C.] - -“Gregg, although wounded, returned alone under a terrific fire and -collected a further supply, then rejoined his party which was now much -reduced. Despite a second wound he reorganized his men and led them in -the most determined way against the enemy trenches, which he finally -cleared. He personally killed or wounded eleven of the enemy and took -twenty-five prisoners, besides capturing twelve machine guns in this -trench. Remaining with the Company, despite his wounds, he again, on -September 30th, led the men in attack until severely wounded. The -outstanding valor of this officer saved many casualties and enabled the -advance to continue.” - - * * * * * - -[Illustration: - - PTE. JOHN CROAK, V.C.] - -Pte. John Croak, V.C., was born in Newfoundland and came to Glace Bay -with his parents at four years of age. He attended St. John’s School, -New Aberdeen, Glace Bay, and afterwards worked as a miner in No. 2 -Colliery, Glace Bay (the biggest in the world). He volunteered for -Overseas service in the 55th Battalion and was transferred to the 13th -Battalion. He died of wounds received in action on August 8, 1918. His -father, mother, two sisters and two brothers are living at Glace Bay. - -The official notice from the War Office announcing the award of the -Victoria Cross was as follows: - -“On August 8, 1918, during the attack on Amiens Defence System, after -being separated from his section, Private Croak encountered a -machine-gun nest in Ring Copse, which he dealt with by first bombing -unassisted and then jumping into the post, taking the gun and crew -prisoners. Shortly afterwards he was severely wounded in the right arm -but refused to desist. - -“In a few minutes his Platoon, which this soldier had rejoined, again -encountered a very strong point, containing several machine-guns and -they were forced to take cover. Private Croak, however, seeing an -opportunity, dashed forward alone, and was almost immediately followed -by the remainder of the Platoon in a brilliant charge. He was the first -to arrive at the trench line, into which he led the men, capturing three -machine-guns and bayoneting or capturing the entire garrison. - -“The perseverance and courage of this gallant man were undoubtedly -responsible for taking the strongest point in the whole day’s advance. - -“Private Croak was again severely wounded in the knee and died in a few -minutes.” - -On November 23, 1918, Lieutenant-Governor Grant formally presented the -Victoria Cross to his mother, Mrs. James Croak, of New Aberdeen, Cape -Breton. The Lieutenant-Governor complimented the parents and a sister -who accompanied them on the fact that their son and brother had so well -demonstrated that he came of good stock and was a good soldier, a brave -man, and a hero. - - * * * * * - -[Illustration: - - MAJOR CECIL VERGE STRONG, M.C.] - -Major Cecil Verge Strong, M.C., son of Percy T. Strong, Esq., of -Halifax. He was O.C. 15th Field Company, Royal Engineers, and the -youngest Commanding Officer in the British Army. He was killed in action -March 10, 1917, aged 23 years. Buried Piney Post Cemetery, Maurepas, -near Peronne. Mentioned in despatches five times. - -[Illustration: - - MAJOR J ARNOLD DELANCEY, M.C.] - -[Illustration: - - MAJOR EDWARD W. JOY.] - -Major J. Arnold Delancey, M.C., joined the 40th Battalion and -transferred to the 25th Battalion as machine gun officer. He was -Adjutant of the 25th in France and attained his majority in October, -1916. He was killed at Vimy Ridge, April 9, 1917, while leading his -Battalion, of which he was in temporary command. He was decorated with -the Military Cross. He had a distinguished career and was rapidly -promoted on account of his good work at the Front. - -Major Edward W. Joy went Overseas with 106th Battalion. Transferred to -78th Battalion in France. Killed in action at Vimy Ridge, April 9, 1917. - - * * * * * - -Lieut. Kennet Stairs. Born 1889. Killed in action September 30, 1918, -while serving with 60th Battery, C.F.A., near Cambrai. - -Lieut. Philip Boyd Stairs, D.S.O. Born 1895. Wounded while serving with -5th Canadian Division, T.M.B. Died of influenza at Valenciennes, -November 21, 1918. - -Capt. George W. Stairs. Born 1887. Killed at St. Julien, April 24, 1915, -while serving with the 14th Battalion. - -Capt. John C. Stairs. Born 1891. Killed at Courcellette, September 15, -1916, while serving with the 25th Battalion. - -Capt. Gauvin L. Stairs. Born 1896. Killed at Moquet Farm, near -Courcellette, September 7, 1916, while serving with the 14th Battalion. - -Pte. Graham Stairs. Born 1894. Died of pneumonia at Halifax, December -10, 1915, while serving with the 85th Battalion. - - “One by one Death challenged them. One by one they smiled in his - grim visage and refused to be dismayed.” - - * * * * * - - - THE STAIRS FAMILY. - -[Illustration: - - LIEUT. KENNET STAIRS.] - -[Illustration: - - LIEUT. PHILIP R. STAIRS.] - - _Sons of Mrs. Edward Stairs, Halifax._ - -[Illustration: - - CAPT. GEORGE W. STAIRS.] - -[Illustration: - - CAPT. JOHN C. STAIRS.] - - _Sons of George Stairs, Halifax._ - -[Illustration: - - CAPT. GAUVIN L. STAIRS.] - -[Illustration: - - PTE. GRAHAM STAIRS.] - - _Sons of Gauvin L. Stairs, Halifax._ - - * * * * * - -[Illustration: - - CAPT. E. J. DWYER.] - -[Illustration: - - CAPT. L. RAY CUTTEN.] - -[Illustration: - - CAPT. EDGAR S. SPURR. M.C.] - -[Illustration: - - CAPT. GEORGE COLLINS PARISH, YARMOUTH, N.S.] - -Capt. E. J. Dwyer was Second in Command of “C” Company, 85th Battalion. -He left the Battalion shortly after it arrived in England to join the -25th Battalion in France. After serving with the latter Unit for six -months he was detailed to proceed to Mesopotamia, and sailed on the -_Nyanza_. This ship was torpedoed and Captain Dwyer was drowned. - - * * * * * - -Capt. L. Ray Cutten, an officer in the 93rd Cumberland Regiment. He -volunteered for service Overseas at the outbreak of war and was -Assistant Adjutant of the 17th Battalion. He transferred to the 15th -Battalion and again to the 2nd Battalion, in which he was a Company -Commander and was recommended for the Military Cross. He was killed at -Maple Grove, near Hill 60, June 5, 1916. Buried near Poperinghe. - - * * * * * - -Capt. Edgar S. Spurr, M.C., obtained his commission in 112th Battalion. -Promoted to rank of Captain July 24, 1916. Reverted to go to France, -where he served with the 25th Battalion. Awarded the Military Cross and -regained the rank of Captain. August 15, 1917. Killed in action, June -14. 1918. - - * * * * * - -Capt. George Collins Parish, Yarmouth, N.S. Immediately after the -outbreak of the Great War, was appointed Lieutenant in the 81st Regiment -Canadian Infantry. - -Commissioned as a Lieutenant in the 40th Battalion, C.E.F. Recruited a -Platoon in Yarmouth for that Unit, took them to Valcartier. After a -period of training he was sent Overseas in command of a reinforcing -draft of 250 men. - -He was attached to the 17th Reserve Battalion at Bramshott for a period, -when, in 1916, he was posted to the 25th Battalion, and sent to Belgium, -was severely wounded and invalided home. On his partial recovery he was -posted to the 1st Nova Scotia Regiment, Depot Battalion, as Paymaster, -with the rank of Captain. He contracted influenza and died October 28, -1918. Was interred at Mountain Cemetery, Yarmouth. - - * * * * * - -Six sons of G. Douglas and Kate G. Campbell, of Weymouth, were -volunteers in August, 1914. - - * * * * * - -COLIN, the youngest, enlisted first and served at McNab’s Island. He -joined the 23rd Battery at Fredericton in November. Proceeded Overseas -in March, 1915, and arrived in France the following June. Severely -wounded at La Bassee, June 19th. On discharge from hospital he joined -the Imperial Service and obtained his commission. Returned to the Front -during the winter of 1915–16. Received multiple wounds July 19th and was -awarded the M.C. After discharge from hospital he was decorated by the -King and again returned to the Front. Passed examination for aviation -during the summer, but returning to the artillery was killed in action -near Passchendaele, October 10, 1917. - - * * * * * - -TOM, also joined the 23rd Battery and proceeded to England with Colin. -He was transferred to the 3rd Battalion and served at the Front from -June to December, 1915. Trench life and its filthy conditions undermined -his health, and in December he was shell-shocked and sent to hospital. -He returned to Canada in 1916. - - * * * * * - -KENNETH, began his training for active service at Halifax, later going -to Valcartier. He was sent to Weymouth to assist in recruiting the 85th -and 219th Battalions. He proceeded Overseas in August, 1916, and joined -the 42nd Battalion. He became Bombing Officer of that Unit, and was -killed at Vimy Ridge, January 18, 1917, and buried at Mount St. Eloi. - - * * * * * - -JOHN DUNCAN, joined the 106th Battalion at Truro in January, 1916. -Arrived in England, July, 1916, and at the Front in December, 1916. -Wounded in hand and thigh at Vimy Ridge, April 8, 1917. Returned to the -Front and served until shell-shocked at Rochmont. Returned to Halifax, -June, 1918. - - * * * * * - -[Illustration: - - THE SIX CAMPBELL BROTHERS.] - -GLIDDEN, the eldest, was already in the Militia when the War broke out, -his commission being dated June, 1914. He was in command of the Digby -Detachment of the Garrison Artillery at Barrington, N.S., and joined the -85th Battalion in October, 1915, as Machine Gun Officer. He proceeded -Overseas with that Unit, arriving in France in time for the Vimy show. -He was appointed to the command of “B” Company in October, 1917. He led -his Company at Passchendaele, wiping out over a dozen machine gun nests -and capturing a pill-box single-handed. Was blown into the air by a -shell and, although wounded, refused to leave the line. He was awarded -the M.C. He carried on with the Battalion until June, 1918, when, after -an attack of trench fever and suffering from the effects of gas, he was -sent to the South of France to recuperate. He later transferred to the -Forestry Corps, taking command of the 79th Company and was promoted to -the rank of Major. - - * * * * * - -ALBERT MUNGO, volunteered in 1914, but as his five brothers had left his -father’s business, it was decided that he should remain at home. He was -so anxious to join up, however, that he was reluctantly permitted to do -so, and in the early spring of 1916 enlisted in the 58th Battery, C.F.A. -He went to the Front with that Unit and remained with it to the finish. -He was the last of the four surviving brothers to arrive home. - - * * * * * - -[Illustration: - - CAPT. H. A. MURRAY.] - -Capt. H. A. Murray joined the 24th Battalion as Lieutenant during the -winter of 1915 from the McGill C.O.T.C., and served as Transport Officer -until May, 1916. Promoted to Captain in July, 1916, and to Acting-Major -while in command of a Company in September, 1916. Was Company Commander -of “D” Company, 24th Battalion, when killed in fighting for Regina -Trench, near Courcellette, on October 1, 1916. - - * * * * * - -[Illustration: - - CAPT. EDWARD C. CLAYTON, M.C.] - -Capt. Edward C. Clayton, M.C., son of W. J. Clayton, Halifax. Appointed -Lieutenant 85th Battalion, December 28, 1916. Promoted to rank of -Captain, August 9, 1917. Awarded Military Cross, Eleudit Leauvette. -Although not his turn to lead his Company in the attack on Passchendaele -Ridge he urged his reasons for doing so upon his Commanding Officer so -strongly that permission was given him. He was killed by a piece of -shell just as his Company advanced in the attack, but he had made his -preparation so carefully that they carried on, annihilated the enemy, -gained their objectives, dug in, and held their position intact until -the Battalion was relieved. - - * * * * * - -[Illustration: - - CAPT. HARRY ELTHAN HILTON.] - -Capt. Harry Elthan Hilton, only child of Mr. and Mrs. A. H. Hilton, of -Kingston, Nova Scotia. Born September 16, 1894. When war broke out was -on the Staff of the Bank of Nova Scotia. He enlisted in the 63rd -Regiment on August 14, 1914, gazetted Lieutenant the following month and -sailed for England with a draft of the 63rd on March 1, 1916. Went to -France, June 14, 1916, and was attached to the 42nd Battalion. He fought -at Courcellette and various other engagements throughout the Somme -campaign. Later was transferred to the 7th Trench Mortar Battery and was -killed at Vimy Ridge. Gazetted Captain, January 13, 1917. - - * * * * * - -[Illustration: - - CAPT. A. S. ALLEN, M.C.] - -Capt. A. S. Allen, M.C., son of Mr. Arthur E. Allen, of Yarmouth, N.S. -Born at Glenwood, Yarmouth County, July 23, 1895. At the age of sixteen -he entered the service of the Bank of Nova Scotia, and in 1913 was -transferred to the Barrington Street Branch, Halifax. He qualified as -Lieutenant in the 81st Regiment and proceeded Overseas with the 40th -Battalion. In March, 1916, he joined the 18th Battalion in France. He -was later gazetted Captain and awarded the Military Cross. In November -he transferred to the R.F.C. On April 30, 1917, while reconnoitering -over Gouzeaucourt his plane was attacked by six enemy machines. Captain -Allen was hit by a machine-gun bullet and was dead when his plane -crashed. Lieut. D. Mactavish, Inverness, Scotland, who accompanied him -on this flight, writes: - -“I can never forget him as I saw him at the last, calm and collected to -the end, sighting and firing until his strength gave out and he was -overcome by exhaustion. It is given to a few men to live greatly, but to -be able to die as he did is a gift of God. Truly he won—_Per ardua ad -astra_.” - - * * * * * - -[Illustration: - - CAPT. J. E. ALMON.] - -Capt. J. E. Almon, son of the late Dr. Thomas Almon, of Halifax. Killed -in action at Passchendaele, while serving with the P.P.C.L.I. - - * * * * * - -[Illustration: - - LIEUT. CYRIL M‘LELLAN MOWBRAY.] - -Lieut. Cyril McLellan Mowbray, only son of Lieut. Col. J. A. C. Mowbray, -O.B.E., Senior Pay Officer, Military District No. 6. Killed in action, -November 10, 1917, at Passchendaele, aged nineteen years, while serving -with the 5th Canadian Battalion. - - * * * * * - -[Illustration: - - SECOND LIEUT. JOHN STRUAN ROBERTSON.] - -Second Lieut. John Struan Robertson, son of Lieut.-Col. Struan G. -Robertson, of Pictou. Born in Westville, Pictou County, November 17, -1896. Got his commission from the Royal Military College, Kingston, -Ont., in 1917. Attached to the R.F.A., B. 46th Brigade, 14th Division, -5th Army. Killed near Benay, in the neighborhood of St. Quentin, March -21, 1918. - - * * * * * - -[Illustration: - - LIEUT. GEORGE MACDONALD SYLVESTER.] - -Lieut. George Macdonald Sylvester. Went Overseas with 40th Battalion as -Assistant Adjutant. Transferred to 14th Battalion and was killed at -Regina Trench, September 26, 1916. - - * * * * * - -[Illustration: - - LIEUT. WALTER MELVILLE BILLMAN.] - -Lieut. Walter Melville Billman. At Oxford at outbreak of war. Joined -Officers’ Training Corps, Oxford. Appointed Second Lieutenant 6th -Battalion 1st Middlesex Regiment. Died of wounds received at Battle of -Somme, November 5, 1916. - -[Illustration: - - LIEUT. HOWARD CHARLES DAWSON.] - -[Illustration: - - LIEUT. JOHN. H. FIENDAL.] - -[Illustration: - - LIEUT. THOMAS LOUIS BRENNAN.] - -[Illustration: - - LIEUT. G. H. CAMPBELL.] - -[Illustration: - - LIEUT. F. P. H. LAYTON.] - -[Illustration: - - LIEUT. ALFRED S. CHURCHILL.] - - * * * * * - -Lieut. Howard Charles Dawson, son of Mr. and Mrs. C. M. Dawson, of -Truro, N.S. He was killed while on scout duty at Ablain, St. Nazaire, on -January 12, 1917, at the age of 22 years. He was buried in Sucrerie -Cemetery, near Lens. He enlisted in January, 1916, in the 106th -Battalion and transferred to the 26th Battalion in October, 1916. He was -scout officer of this Battalion when killed. - - * * * * * - -Lieut. John H. Fiendal went Overseas as a Sergeant in No. 1 Casualty -Clearing Hospital. Was given a commission and joined the 25th Battalion -in 1916. He was killed at Vimy Ridge, April 9, 1917. - - * * * * * - -Lieut. Thomas Louis Brennan trained at Aviation School, Toronto, and -went to England December, 1915. Completed his training there and went to -France early in 1916. Was wounded, and after being discharged from -hospital was employed as an Instructor, and returned to Canada early in -1918. Up to the time of his death was attached to the Aviation School in -Toronto. He died of influenza October, 1918. - - * * * * * - -Lieut. G. H. Campbell, son of George H. Campbell, Esq., of Halifax, -joined the 40th Battalion with the rank of Lieutenant. He proceeded -Overseas with that Unit, and was later transferred to the 1st Canadian -Pioneers. He was killed at Battersea Farm, Ypres, May 16, 1916, aged 22 -years. - - * * * * * - -Lieut. F. P. H. Layton, only son of George A. Layton, Esq., of Truro. -Born April 13, 1888. Educated at King’s College School and Dalhousie -University. Admitted to the Bar in 1912. When war broke out was -practising in Vancouver. He obtained a commission in the 40th Battalion -and transferred to the 4th Canadian Mounted Rifles. He was killed in -action July 23, 1916. - - * * * * * - -Lieut. Alfred S. Churchill. Killed in action April 9, 1917, at Vimy -Ridge, while serving with the Royal Canadian Regiment. - -[Illustration: - - LIEUT. ALBERT F. MAJOR.] - -[Illustration: - - LIEUT. W. T. BECK.] - -[Illustration: - - LIEUT. J. T. PROBERT, M.C.] - -[Illustration: - - LIEUT. GORDON M. HEBB.] - -[Illustration: - - LIEUT. HAROLD ARCHIBALD SMITH, M.C.] - -[Illustration: - - LIEUT. GERALD. E. CRAGG.] - -[Illustration: - - LIEUT. W. S. FIELDING.] - - * * * * * - -Lieut. W. T. Beck. Served in Egypt with Royal Air Force. Killed November -15, 1918. - - * * * * * - -Lieut. Harold Archibald Smith, M.C. Born at Londonderry May 13, 1893. -Educated at Sydney Academy and Dalhousie University. Graduated B.A. 1913 -and went to Labrador as missionary. At Pine Hill College autumn of 1914. -Enlisted in 6th C.M.R. January, 1915. Wounded at the Somme, September -15, 1916. After convalescence went to Bexhill and rejoined his Unit as -Lieutenant. Awarded Military Cross August 26, 1918. Two days later at -Monchy Heights was severely wounded. Died September 14th at Prince of -Wales Hospital, London, and buried in Brookwood Cemetery. - - * * * * * - -Lieut. Albert F. Major, son of F. G. Major, Esq., of Halifax. Went -Overseas with 14th Battalion of Montreal. Killed in action at Zillebeke -Heights June 3, 1916. - - * * * * * - -Lieut. Gordon M. Hebb, son of Levi Hebb, Esq., of Bridgewater, N.S. -Killed in action near Courcellette while serving with 78th Battalion. - - * * * * * - -Lieut. W. S. Fielding, son of George H. Fielding, Esq., Stipendiary -Magistrate, Halifax, N.S. Called out for service with his Regiment, the -66th Princess Louise Fusiliers, at the outbreak of war. Proceeded with a -draft from that Regiment to England in January, 1916. He was transferred -to the 7th British Columbia Battalion in France. He was twice wounded. -Killed in action at Passchendaele. - - * * * * * - -Lieut. J. T. Probert, M.C. Before the War Lieut. Probert was an -accountant in the service of the Intercolonial Railway at Halifax. He -was attached to the Royal Canadian Regiment in France, and was killed in -action at Cambrai, September 30, 1918. - - * * * * * - -Lieut. Gerald E. Cragg, son of C. J. Cragg, Bridgewater, Nova Scotia. -Killed in action June 3, 1916, aged 22 years, 4 months, near Ypres, -Belgium, while serving with the 3rd Toronto Regiment. - - * * * * * - -Lieut. Jas. O’Neill Fitzgerald, M.C., enlisted in the 40th Battalion, -was transferred to 25th Battalion in France, May, 1916, and served till -April, 1917, when he was promoted to commissioned rank. He rejoined his -Battalion in October, 1917, and was wounded at the Battle of Amiens, -August 9, 1918, and awarded the Military Cross. - - * * * * * - -Cadet H. S. Simson enlisted in the 2nd Canadian Divisional Cyclist -Company on April 19, 1915. He accompanied his Unit to France on -September 15, 1915, and was wounded October 8, 1916, during the Somme -offensive. He was awarded the Medaille Militaire (French) on July 6, -1917, for work on the Somme. Joining the Royal Air Force in July, 1918, -he served until the signing of the Armistice. - - * * * * * - -Lieut. Walter O. Barnstead joined the 6th Canadian Mounted Rifles at -Halifax, February 11, 1915, and proceeded to France with his Unit in -October, 1915. He was transferred to the 5th C.M.R., promoted to -commissioned rank in April, 1917, and served with his Unit until the -Armistice. He was awarded the Croix de Guerre at Amiens, 1918. - - * * * * * - -Capt. G. M. Drew was called out with his Regiment, the 1st Canadian -Garrison Artillery, on August 22, 1914, and left for Valcartier early in -September. From Valcartier he proceeded to England, joining the Royal -Garrison Artillery. He proceeded to France with the 1st Siege Battery in -September, 1915, and served with this Unit and various Trench Mortar -Batteries until June, 1916, when he was invalided to England suffering -from trench fever. After service in England, Capt. Drew returned to -France in May, 1917, with the 259th Siege Battery, and served in the -Ypres Salient and Nieuport areas till the signing of the Armistice. - - * * * * * - -The four boys mentioned above are all in the employ of the Furness Withy -Company, Limited. - -[Illustration: LT. W. D. BARNSTEAD LT. JAS. O’NEIL FITZGERALD H. S. -SIMSON CAPT. G. M. DREW] - -[Illustration: - - LIEUT. JAS. BLAIR.] - -[Illustration: - - LIEUT.-COL. CHARLES J. T. STEWART, D.S.O.] - -[Illustration: - - CAPT. N. P. FREEMAN.] - -[Illustration: - - LIEUT. J. C. SUTHERLAND.] - -[Illustration: - - LIEUT. J. G. LAURIER FRASER.] - -[Illustration: - - EMILE GABOURY.] - -[Illustration: - - LIEUT. IAN C. M‘GREGOR.] - - * * * * * - -Lieut.-Col. Charles J. T. Stewart, D.S.O., was the son of the late -Lieut.-Col. C. J. Stewart, of Halifax. He went Overseas with the -P.P.C.L.I. Was awarded the D.S.O. and French Croix de Guerre. He was -killed in action September 28, 1918. - - * * * * * - -Lieut. J. G. Laurier Fraser, son of the late Lieut.-Governor D. C. -Fraser. Enlisted at Moose Jaw in the 229th Battalion and sailed for -England in September, 1916. Transferred to the 16th Battalion. Killed in -action March 6, 1918. - - * * * * * - -Lieut. Jas. Blair, son of Lieut.-Col. H. C. Blair, of Truro. Killed in -action. - - * * * * * - -Lieut. J. C. Sutherland. Killed in action. - - * * * * * - -Lieut. Ian C. McGregor. Went Overseas November, 1916. Trained in England -with Royal Flying Corps. Went to France as pilot, April, 1917, attached -to Squadron 56, and later transferred to Squadron 60. Wounded September -21, 1917, and was eight months in hospital in France. Died at Saranac -Lake, N.Y., March 5, 1920. Officially credited with eleven machines. - - * * * * * - -Capt. Nelson P. Freeman, of Bridgewater, stricken with paralysis while -on service in England, was invalided to Canada, and died. - - * * * * * - -Emile Gaboury, son of Dr. T. C. Gaboury, the late representative of the -County of Pontiac, Quebec. Came to Halifax in 1911 as Manager of the -Nova Scotia Branch of the Imperial Tobacco Company of Canada, Limited, -and after war broke out was appointed French Consul. Notwithstanding his -many duties, Mr. Gaboury took an active interest in the Victory Loan, -Red Triangle, Knights of Columbus, and the Salvation Army. He was a -particularly strong and active member of the Red Cross, and played a -large role in the welcoming of returned soldiers at Pier 2. During the -War he appealed for the Red Cross in all the theatres of Halifax as well -as throughout the Province, and organized Red Cross branches in many of -the smaller towns. - -[Illustration: - - COLWELL FAMILY.] - -Garnet James Colwell, Lieutenant 66th Halifax Regiment. Served in Canada -1915–1918. Sent Overseas May 16, 1918. - -Cyril Henry Colwell, Lieutenant 63rd Halifax Regiment. Served in Canada -1915–1917. Sent Overseas September 5, 1917. - -Ray John Colwell, Lieutenant 63rd Halifax Regiment. Served in Canada -1916–1918. Sent Overseas August 3, 1918. - - * * * * * - -[Illustration: - - MRS. MAY B. SEXTON, B.SC.] - -Mrs. May B. Sexton, B.Sc., Vice-President, Canadian Red Cross Society, -Nova Scotia Branch. Ex-Municipal Regent for Halifax, I.O.D.E. -Ex-Chairman Halifax Playgrounds Commission, Ex-Vice-President Local -Council of Women. - - - LIST OF OFFICERS OF THE ROYAL BANK WHO ENLISTED FROM BRANCHES IN NOVA - SCOTIA. - - Andrewes, F. L. - Annand, C. D. - Anthony, L. F. - Atkinson, C. H. - Aucoin, J. D. - Austen, G. A. - Banks, C. N. - Barry, J. R. - Bezanson, G. A. - Blair, R. G. - Boudreau, L. P. - Bowers, C. C. - Boyd, R. J. - Browne, A. S. - Bryson, W. E. - Buckley, W. A. - Butler, J. K. - Cain, C. L. - Cairns, J. A. - Cameron, J. A. - Cameron, N. P. - Campbell, J. A. - Campbell, J. A. - Campbell, R. B. - Chisholm, A. D. - Chisholm, J. D. - Chapman, P. T. - Cornwall, H. A. - Cosman, E. A. - Cotter, J. G. - Coumans, R. G. - Crowell, A. L. - Crowell, C. L. - Cunningham, H. - Curll, M. H. - Daniel, G. H. - Demers, J. C. - DesBrisay, A. S. - Dexter, R. - Dickie, E. C. - Dickie, K. R. - Dickie, L. W. - Dickson, G. M. - Dodge, C. M. - Doucette, H. H. - Douse, G. A. P. - Durham, E. B. - Dustan, S. B. - Embree, D. T. - Ernst, W. A. - Farnell, A. H. - Flannery, C. G. - Flinn, G. - Forsythe, J. S. G. - Fraser, A. Elmer. - Fraser, A. Ernest. - Fraser, A. M. - Fraser, L. G. - Gage, L. G. - Gass, C. - Gorham, E. R. - Goudrey, K. H. - Grant, B. E. - Gregory, H. S. - Haines, R. S. - Hains, A. P. R. - Hall, H. L. - Hanna, V. M. - Harding, C. E. - Hatfield, A. W. - Hawkins, G. S. - Henderson, H. F. - Herman, R. R. - Johnston, J. L. - Johnstone, G. H. - King, D. A. - King, J. J. W. - Kirk, J. H. - Kierstead, A. L. - Knowles, J. E. - Kyte, S. E. - Kinnie, E. F. - Knowles, J. E. - Langille, L. H. - LeLievre, P. - Lordly, E. F. - Longley, E. G. - Love, H. A. - MacDonald, D. W. - MacDougall, J. I. - MacDougall R. - MacKenzie, W. K. - MacKay, J. W. - MacLean, C. W. - Mann, C. H. - March, J. E. R. - Matthews, C. F. - Melvin, W. D. - Merriam, S. G. - Merritt, F. G. - Milner, C. H. - Millett, J. N. L. - Moore, A. J. - Morrison, W. H. - Morrow, J. - Morash, J. R. - Mosher, A. T. - Mosher, W. A. - Mulcahey, T. J. - Murray, B. - McAlpine, A. F. - McCallum, H. M. - McClafferty, J. K. - McDonald, A. H. - McDonald, D. A. - McIntyre, J. A. - McKenzie, H. - McKenzie, K. - McLaren, A. F. - McLean, M. A. - McLeod, H. H. D. - McRobert, J. A. V. - Neville, E. V. - Newell, A. D. - Newell, E. D. - Nickerson, E. C. - Noonan, P. - O’Connell, J. F. - O’Keefe, T. P. - O’Toole, A. G. - Page, E. H. - Peers, R. H. C. - Peters, W. H. - Pickard, H. J. - Pitman, M. R. - Power, M. L. - Poirier, W. P. - Price, E. - Prince, W. S. - Rafuse, S. A. - Redding, R. E. - Rhind, C. E. - Richardson, R. B. - Ripley, L. W. - Risser, W. A. - Roche, G. E. - Ross, C. S. - Ross, J. K. - Ryan, A. M. - Scriven, J. A. - Shaw, H. J. - Shields, D. D. - Smith, A. R. - Smith, G. J. - Snell, L. L. - Spence, C. M. V. - Spence, R. E. - Stanley, F. A. - Sterns, H. E. - Stephens, A. E. - Stewart, W. I. - Strople, H. G. A. - Stubbs, H. C. - Stewart, D. J. - Tanner, H. R. - Troy, L. T. - Tupper, M. L. - Turnbull, G. A. - Turnbull, G. V. - West, C. F. - Whidden, E. L. - Wicks, W. E. - White, G. - Wickwire, L. H. - Wilmot, A. J. - Wallace, H. - Wilson, J. L. - Wilson, W. M. - Winters, G. W. - Withrow, C. A. - Zinck, A. M. - Zinck, H. A. - -[Illustration: - - MRS. G. S. CAMPBELL. - - One of Nova Scotia’s Leading Patriotic War Workers.] - -[Illustration: - - MISS MARION DOULL, V.A.D., MISS MADELINE SCOTT, V.A.D., MISS EDITH - PIKE, V.A.D. - - “The Three Shining Lights” of Pine Hill Military Convalescent - Hospital.] - -[Illustration: - - NURSING SISTER MINNIE. FOLLETTE. - - Drowned at sea, _Llandovery Castle_, June 27, 1918.] - -[Illustration: - - NURSING SISTER PEARL FRASER. - - Drowned at sea, _Llandovery Castle_. June 27, 1918.] - -[Illustration: - - J. G. M‘DOUGALD. M.D., C.M., F.A.C.S. - - Especially noted for his Surgical Work following the Great Explosion, - December 6, 1917.] - -[Illustration: - - SONS OF A. B. WISWELL, HALIFAX.] - - - - - “Felt Dawn” - - - By Stuart McCawley - -We were sitting on the beach at Mira. Just a lovely Cape Breton -moonlight night. The youngsters were singing and telling yarns. One kid -recited McCrae’s great poem, “In Flanders Fields,” and one of the boys -who had been “over there” asked us if we knew what McCrae meant when he -wrote the phrase, “Felt Dawn.” Nobody seemed to be entirely clear on the -question, and we asked our friend, the veteran, to describe it for us. -Here are his words: - - A cold, drizzly rain that is eating through your khaki into your - very heart. - - A sea of mud—black, slimy, sticky, stinking mud. - - The duck boards floating in ooze. - - Your feet wet and heavy, and your toes squichy. - - Not a sound of any kind. - - The nearest human ten yards away—just around “the bay.” - - Darkness supreme. Not even an enemy flare. - - You strain your eyes over the parapet to the barbwire. - - Your battalion’s life depends on your keeping awake. - - Oh, the strain! Oh, the funk that is trying to grip your very soul! - - Would to God something would happen! This eternal watching is - fearful. - - Then a rustle in the grass; a wave of movement first like the ripple - you hear when a stone is “skipped” on a quiet pond; then an extra - chill in the air: then a glow to the east—’Tis Dawn. - - You let loose your “clip” and you fire like mad towards the Hun. - Other sentries fire, and the salvo to dawn gets the whole line. - Thousands of men all along the front start a strafe—a crazy, aimless - strafe—which lasts for only minutes. Then, as if some great unseen - General had whispered a command, men regain their “morale,” and the - rifle fire quietens, and dies away. - - The sun struggles up. - - A bird on a shattered stump whistles, “Coo, Coo.” - - Your blood warms again. You have “felt dawn.” Another day has had - its birth. The rations will soon be up. Relief is coming. The war is - still on, and the bird has showed you that, after all, it is better - to smile than to worry. - - God is still in command! - ------ - -Footnote 1: - - Killed in action or died of wounds. - ------------------------------------------------------------------------- - - * * * * * - - - - - WE OPERATE THE - - Union Terminal Garage - - Queen St., Opposite Kent, Halifax, N.S. - - -Equipped with the most modern machinery, we are in a position to do all -kinds of repair work, including reboring of cylinders and pressing on -solid truck tires with a 200–ton hydraulic press - - DISTRIBUTORS FOR - - WHITE TRUCKS - OLDSMOBILE 8–CYL. CARS - OLDSMOBILE ECONOMY 3–4 TON TRUCKS - CADILLAC CARS - TROY TRAILERS - - - UNION SUPPLY CO., LIMITED - - P.O. Box 184 Tel. Sack. 3477 - - W. McL. Robertson, Manager - ------------------------------------------------------------------------- - - * * * * * - - - - - Diamond BIRKS Goldsmiths - Merchants „ Silversmiths - - “HALIFAX HOUSE” - - - Fine Platinum Mounted Diamond Rings, Bar Pins, Necklets, - Articles in Sterling Silver and Silver Plate, Cabinets, - Silver Knives, Forks and Spoons, Cut Glass, Fine China, - Leather Goods, Stationery, Clocks, Bronzes, Fine Jewellery - Repairing and Remodelling. Watch and Clock Repairs. - - Copper Plate, Steel Die and General Engravers - - -[Illustration: - - _85th Battalion Buttons, 65c. each_] - - IN THE NEW - BIRKS BUILDING - - 493–495–497 Barrington Street - - HALIFAX - NOVA SCOTIA - - _We specialize on - Miniature Medals - and Decorations - of the Great War_ - ------------------------------------------------------------------------- - - * * * * * - - - LUXURIES - -should be paid for, but at the prices we charge for - - Men’s Wear - -you can fit yourself out and be affected very little by Luxury Tax. - - Frank Colwell, Ltd. - MEN’S WEAR - - 415 BARRINGTON STREET - - Green Lantern Building. - - * * * * * - - - CAPE BRETON’S - LEADING NEWSPAPER - THE - Sydney Post - - Morning Afternoon Weekly - - The various editions of the Post are read by upwards of 45,000 of - the biggest wage-earners in Canada. - - LEASED WIRE TO MONTREAL - - Post Publishing - Company, Limited - - Sydney, Nova Scotia, - CANADA - - * * * * * - - - Motor Sales - Company, Limited - - DISTRIBUTORS OF - - STUDEBAKER - and GRANT CARS - - F. W. D., Federal - and Defiance Trucks - - HALIFAX—75–77 Granville St. - - DARTMOUTH BRANCH-Portland St. - - * * * * * - - - JO-HO - - FRUIT SYRUPS - LIME JUICE - EXTRACTS - JELLY POWDERS - - AND - - DIAMOND FLAVORS - - H. A. Zinck - Company, Limited - - Dartmouth, N. S. - ------------------------------------------------------------------------- - - * * * * * - - - - - Moirs - Floating - Fruits - - - Sunny cubes of California Peaches, Pears, Maraschino - Cherries and Prunes, coated with chocolate and swimming in - nectar. - - Just one Chocolate treat out of more than a hundred made by - - - Moirs Limited, - - Halifax - ------------------------------------------------------------------------- - - * * * * * - - - AN ENGINE - - that will give good service and has a neat appearance - is what you get when you purchase an - - Atlantic Marine Motor - - We also manufacture a complete line of - - STOVES, RANGES, SHIP AND MILL WORK - - _Write us for information and prices_ - - Lunenburg Foundry Co., Limited - - LUNENBURG NOVA SCOTIA - - * * * * * - - - THE MERCHANTS BANK - OF CANADA - - Capital Paid Up $7,000,000 - Reserve Fund and Undivided Profits 7,574,043 - - Branches from the - Atlantic to the Pacific - - Halifax Office: Corner Granville and Duke Streets - - R. G. SARE, Manager - ------------------------------------------------------------------------- - - * * * * * - - - Scotia - Frozen - Dainties - -The most delicious refreshment is a dish of Scotia Ice Cream—made in 30 -velvet smooth combinations of cream and fruit flavors. - -For dessert every week, for refreshment every day, for convalescents, -for dances and dinners, there’s nothing so popular because nothing so -pleasant as - - SCOTIA - ICE CREAM - - Scotia Pure Milk Co. - LIMITED - - 615 Barrington St., Halifax, N.S. - - * * * * * - - - Sydney Foundry - & Machine Works - LIMITED - - Sydney, Cape Breton - - - GENERAL - ENGINEERS - AND - CONTRACTORS - - Works: Pitt and Johnstone Streets - Docks: North Esplanade - - MARINE REPAIRING - A SPECIALTY - - Oxygen-Acetylene and Electric - Cutting and Welding - - * * * * * - - - North Sydney - Herald - - Established 1872 - - - OLDEST PAPER IN - CAPE BRETON - - _THE “OLD HOME” PAPER_ - - - DAILY and WEEKLY - - - The North Sydney Herald is sent - to subscribers in nearly every post - office in Cape Breton Island. - - Average sworn circulation - of Weekly in 1919, 4,769 - - * * * * * - - - J. W. Cumming & Son, Limited - - - COAL DRILL and - MINE CAR - MANUFACTURERS - - - New Glasgow, N.S. - ------------------------------------------------------------------------- - - * * * * * - - - Mason & Dean, Limited - - Wholesale Fruits, Vegetables - Tobaccos, Cigars, Confectionery - - SYDNEY, N. S. - - Cor. George and Falmouth Box 570 - Phones 749–760 Branch at Glace Bay - - * * * * * - - - Sydney Motors, Limited - - Dealers in - - FORD CARS, DODGE CARS - AND KELLY SPRINGFIELD - TRUCKS - - Cor. George and Townsend Streets - - Tel. 300 SYDNEY, N.S. P.O. Box 399 - - * * * * * - - - A. ALLEN - - Wholesale Fruits, Produce, - Etc. - - NORTH SYDNEY, N.S. - - * * * * * - - - F. A. DEYOUNG - - Wholesale Fruits - and Confectionery - - George Street, Sydney, N.S. - - * * * * * - - - The McDONALDS did their bit in the - war. So did - - Alex. McDonald - -The leading Tailor of North Sydney by furnishing the best Clothing to -the boys. - -He is still on the job at the old stand in the McDONALD BLOCK, Corner -Main St. - - NORTH SIDNEY, N.S. Tel. 191. - - * * * * * - - - LeMOINE BROTHERS - - Wholesale and Retail Dealers in - - MEATS, FISH, GROCERIES, - PROVISIONS, and all kinds of - COUNTRY PRODUCE - - North Sydney - N.S. - - * * * * * - - - When in town make it a - point to visit - - BALAH’S - VARIETY STORE - - North Sydney - N.S. - - * * * * * - - -Compliments of - - W. H. CUZNER - - STRAND THEATRE - - Sydney Minis and North Sydney - Cape Breton - - * * * * * - - - H. G. HAGEN & CO. - - LIMITED - - PLUMBING AND - HEATING - - Sydney, N. S. - - * * * * * - - - Accessories - Supplies - Ford Parts - Service - - THOMAS TOOMEY - - Dealer in Canadian Ford Cars - - FORD SERVICE STATION - - Sydney Mines, N. S. - ------------------------------------------------------------------------- - - * * * * * - - - - - Dominion Iron and Steel Company - - Limited - - HEAD OFFICE AND WORKS, SYDNEY, N.S. - - Manufacturers of - - PIG IRON, Basic and Foundry Grades, - BASIC OPEN HEARTH STEEL, - BLOOMS, BILLETS and SLABS. - - STEEL RAILS-All sections up to and - including 100 lbs. per lineal yard. - - STEEL BARS, ROUNDS, FLATS, SQUARES.; - Reinforcement Bars, Plain or Twisted. - - WIRE RODS-All qualities, in Gauges No. 5 to 21–32″. - - WIRE-Plain, Annealed, Galvanized, Coiled Spring and - Barbed Fence. - - WIRE NAILS-All standard and special patterns. - - AMMONIUM SULPHATE. SULPHURIC ACID. - - Benzol, Toluol, Solvent Naphtha. Bengas (Motor Fuel). - - SALES OFFICES: - - Sydney, N.S. 112 St. James Street, Montreal, P.Q. - - SPECIFY DOMSTEEL PRODUCTS - - * * * * * - - Dominion Coal Company - - Limited - - GLACE BAY, NOVA SCOTIA - - 19 Collieries—Output, 5,000,000 tons annually. - - “Dominion” Coal-Screened, run of mine and slack. - “Springhill” Coal-Screened, run of mine and slack. - - Collieries at Glace Bay, C.B., and Springhill, N.S. - Shipping Ports-Sydney and Louisburg, C.B., and Parrsboro, N.S. - - - FOR PRICES AND TERMS APPLY TO - - ALEXANDER DICK, GENERAL SALES AGENT - - 112 ST. JAMES STREET, MONTREAL - -or at the offices of the Company at 171 Lower Water Street, Halifax, -N.S., and to the following agents: R. P. & W. F. Starr, St. John, N.B.; -Buntain, Bell & Co., Charlottetown, P.E.I.; Hull, Blyth & Co., 1 Lloyds -Ave., London, E.C.; Harvey & Co., St. John’s, Nfld. - ------------------------------------------------------------------------- - - * * * * * - - - - - McDougall & Cowans - - Members Montreal Stock Exchange - - HEAD OFFICE, MONTREAL, CANADA - - BRANCH OFFICES: - - TORONTO, ONT. - 34 King Street West - - ST. JOHN, N.B. - 38 Prince William St. - - OTTAWA, ONT. - 211 Union Bank Bldg. - - QUEBEC, QUE. - 116 Mountain Hill - - WINNIPEG, MAN. - 218 Portage Ave. - - HALIFAX, N.S. - 185 Hollis St. - - H. C. COUGHTRY - Manager - - PRIVATE WIRES TO ALL OFFICES AND NEW YORK - - * * * * * - - - - -[Illustration] - - Irresistible Styles in - - READY-TO-WEAR - APPAREL - - Are on Display at All Seasons - in Our Extensive Ready-to-Wear - Department - - Ladies’ and Gents’ Wearing Apparel of every - description. See our stock before you buy - elsewhere - - - All Mail Orders Receive Our Best Attention - - - We are expert Ladies’ and Gents’ Tailors and Furriers - Electric Passenger Elevators to All Departments - - MERCHANT’S - Charlotte St. - SYDNEY - ------------------------------------------------------------------------- - - * * * * * - - - MAC’S LIMITED - - Real Estate and Insurance - Brokers - Railway and Steamship - Ticket Agents - - - Possessing unexcelled facilities for - effecting all classes of Insurance - in some of the strongest British, - Canadian and American - Companies - - - Commercial Street - Glace Bay, N.S. - - Charlotte Street - Sydney, N.S. - - * * * * * - - - J. A. Marven - LIMITED - - Halifax Moncton St. John - - Manufacturers of “WHITE LILY” - BRAND BISCUITS. - -We mention here only a few of our regular lines:— - - Arrowroot - Social Tea - Fig Bars - Coco Taffy - Fancy Wine - Hydrox - Assorted Sandwich - Marshmallow - Graham Wafers - Ginger Snaps - Apricot Wafers - Graham Sandwich - - Ask for and insist on - - Marven’s “White Lily” Cream Sodas - - Sold in tins, boxes, packages and barrels - - NOVA SCOTIA BRANCH - - 670 Barrington Street, Halifax - - * * * * * - - - Petrie Manufacturing - Co., Limited - - Manufacturers - - Aerated Waters - - Distilled Waters - - Mineral Waters - - SYDNEY - N.S - - * * * * * - - - Isnor Bros. - -Stores where men like to come for their Clothing—Why? - - “Honest Values” - (that’s the answer) - - MAIN STORE - - 69 Gottingen Street - - Agricola Street - (Cor. Bloomfield Street) - - Isnor Bros. - ------------------------------------------------------------------------- - - * * * * * - - - This Store’s Policy - -To represent goods exactly as to their quality; to sell to those who -know and to those who don’t know values at a uniform fair price; to -fulfill all guarantees and cheerfully correct all mistakes: to deserve -your confidence by always giving you satisfaction. - - G. T. MUNN - - Jeweler and Optician - - New Waterford - N.S. - - * * * * * - - - JOHN McCORMICK - - Dealer in - -Dry Goods, Clothing, Carpets, Furniture, Men’s Furnishings, Crockery, -Shoes, Groceries and Provisions - - SYDNEY MINES - N.S. - - * * * * * - - - CONTRACTORS BUILDERS - - Chappell Bros. & Co. - Ltd. - - Brookland Street, - - SYDNEY, N.S. - - LUMBERMEN WOODWORKERS - - * * * * * - - - McKinnon & Cameron - - Merchant Tailors - - 344 Esplanade Sydney, N.S, - - * * * * * - - - BRENNAN & CO. - - WHOLESALE AND RETAIL - MERCHANTS - - Groceries, Flour, Feeds and Produce - - North Sydney - N.S. - - * * * * * - - - R. H. McLEAN - - Dealer in - Confectionery, Fruits, Tobaccos, - Cigars, Etc. - - Photo Studio in connection. Our - enlargements are the best - - NEW WATERFORD - N.S. - - * * * * * - - - Donald J. Buckley - - “The Druggist” - - Buckley’s Busy Bend - - Prince and Charlotte Streets - - SYDNEY - C.B. - - * * * * * - - - Eastern Jewellery Co. - - Phone 121 S. PORTE, Manager - - EVERYTHING UP TO DATE - - Green Block, Charlotte Street - - Sydney - N.S. - - * * * * * - - - C. & G. MacLEOD - - Booksellers and Stationers - - Sydney and Glace Bay, N.S. - - * * * * * - - - Have your home wired now - -Let us do the wiring in your home, and you will receive the best -material and workmanship. Call us for estimates on your work; telephone -number is 696. - - E. D. MURPHY - - Charlotte Street - Sydney - ------------------------------------------------------------------------- - - * * * * * - - - - - Acadia Coal Company - Limited - - Stellarton, N.S. - - Miners and Shippers of the - Celebrated - - ACADIA COAL - - Unexcelled for Steam Purposes - Popular for Domestic Use - - Manufacturing, Steamship, and Railway - Companies give it high endorsements. - - - Shipments by water from Pictou Landing, N.S. - - Shipments by rail, via Intercolonial Railway. - - For Prices and all Information, - address General Offices: - - STELLARTON, N.S. - ------------------------------------------------------------------------- - - * * * * * - - - - - Systematic Saving Made Pleasant and - Profitable - -¶ Here is the plan under which many of our clients, setting aside sums -as small as $10 monthly, have accumulated $5,000 and upwards with annual -additions of more than $300 to their incomes. - -¶ You buy through us a security of recognized merit, yielding 6% or more -for municipals, 7% or more for Corporation bonds. - -¶ You pay $10 a month for each $100 and are charged with 6% interest on -unpaid balances but are credited immediately with the full interest on -your investment, as paid. - -¶ As you proceed with your payments the difference of interest in your -favor increases, adding to your income, and as time goes on the purchase -of one security after another brings you nearer to independence - - Write for further details - - J. C. MACKINTOSH & CO. - - Members Montreal Stock Exchange - - 207 HOLLIS STREET, HALIFAX - - * * * * * - - - - - Thompson & Sutherland Limited - - _Dealers in_ - - SUPPLIES FOR CONTRACTORS - PLUMBERS AND PAINTERS - - _Wholesale and Retail Stores at_ - - NORTH SYDNEY, SYDNEY MINES, GLACE BAY - NEW GLASGOW, STELLARTON - WESTVILLE, SYDNEY - - 7====STORES====7 - - _The Hardware Men_ - ------------------------------------------------------------------------- - - * * * * * - - - John R. Francis - & Son - - GENERAL HARDWARE STORE - - - Dealers in - - General Shelf Hardware, - Glass, Paints and Oils, - Enameled and Tinware - - also - - Undertakers and Licensed - Embalmers - - Strict attention given - to day and night calls. - - Phone connections day and night - - Main St., Sydney Mines, N.S. - P. O. Box 486 - - * * * * * - - - For the Veterans of the - Great War—in all - Branches of the - Service - - THE BEST - - is none too good, every time and all - the time - - in Halifax, for instance - - The - Halifax Hotel - Hollis Street - -Which was the “Stamping Ground” for H. M. Overseas Forces passing -through Halifax. - -Come in and see us again when you are in town. - - * * * * * - - - Returned Men - -can buy their outfitting most advantageously at this store. - -Crowell’s standard goods—complete from head to foot—will appeal to your -good business judgment, on account of their reliable quality and their -fair prices. - -We show you the way to better outfitting values. - - LET US SERVE YOU - - Crowell’s Ltd. - - Sydney, C. B. - - * * * * * - - - If you Shop at - - McArels - - you’ll get value for your money - -Stylish Dress Goods and Silks, Dress Trimmings, Gloves, Hosiery, House -Furnishings and Furniture, Men’s and Boys’ Furnishings, Good Footwear. -We carry an up-to-date stock to fit all. Choice Groceries. - - All at lowest prices - - McArel Bros. - - Glace Bay, N.S. - ------------------------------------------------------------------------- - - * * * * * - - - Francis Book Store - -Newspapers, Magazines and Latest Books, School Supplies—Wall Papers, -Etc. Stationery—the very best - - W. J. Francis - - SYDNEY MINES, N.S. - - * * * * * - - - When in North Sydney do not forget to - visit - - THE TOGGERY - - H. E. WHITMAN - - “_The House of Quality_” - - * * * * * - - - Drawer 814 Tel. 193 - - The - Home Bottling Company Ltd. - - Manufacturers of - High Grade Aerated - Waters - - Wholesale Dealers - in Cigarettes, - Cigars, etc. - - The up-to-date Bottling Plant of Eastern - Nova Scotia - - D. R. Mancini, President - - Main St. - - North Sydney, N.S. - - * * * * * - - - R. H. DAVIS & CO., LTD. - -Wholesale and Manufacturing Stationers Branch Warehouse and Office, 542 -George St., Sydney, N.S. Head Office and Plant, Yarmouth, N. S. - -Scholars, ask your retailers for Davis’ 10c. series of Exercise Books -and Davis’ Writing Tablets. The best values on the market; made in Nova -Scotia from “Made in Canada” raw material. - - * * * * * - - - McKenzie & Company - - Norman McKenzie, Manager - - Heavy and Shelf Hardware, Stoves, - Ranges, Kitchen Furnishings, - Plumbing and Repairs - - Masonic Block—Commercial Street - P.O. Box 784 - Telephone 167 - - GLACE BAY, N.S. - - * * * * * - - - HOUSE OF QUALITY - - J. M. MacLEAN, Prop. - - High Class Tailors - Gent’s Furnishings - Boots and Shoes - - NEW WATERFORD, C.B. - - * * * * * - - - Manchester Meat Market - - Harry Samuels, Prop. - - SAUSAGE MAKERS - - BACON CURERS - - PROVISION DEALERS - - Main Street - Glace Bay, N.S. - - * * * * * - - - “In the Health of the People - Lies the Wealth of the Nation” - - Angus A. Macdonald - - DRUGGIST - - “The Medical Hall” - - NEW WATERFORD, N.S. - - * * * * * - - - THOS. L. BOLDON - - JEWELER DR. OF OPTICS - - Remember we specialize in - Complicated Prescriptions - - Plummer Avenue - - NEW WATERFORD - - * * * * * - - - SYDNEY MILLING COMPANY - - Limited - - J. W. Smith, - President - - A. J. Morrison, - Secretary - - MILLERS and MILLERS’ AGENTS - - Wholesale Flour, Feeds, Oats, Etc. - - Phone 18 SYDNEY, N.S. - - CANADA FOOD BOARD. - - License Nos. 12–79, 6–797, 9–8829 - ------------------------------------------------------------------------- - - * * * * * - - - - - C. E. Choat & Co. - - _GROCERY BROKERS_ - - - CONFECTIONERY A SPECIALTY - - - _Agents for_ - - Sussex Dry Ginger Ale - Weston’s Biscuits - Pascall’s English Sweets - - Pickford and Black’s Wharf - - HALIFAX, N.S. - ------------------------------------------------------------------------- - - * * * * * - - - - - C. W. ENGINEERING CO. - - _ARCHITECTS AND ENGINEERS_ - - _We specialize on Commercial Fireproof - Structures, Design and Construction_ - - Also Reinforced Concrete Bridges - -The present high prices on lumber and allied products have created -conditions under which a fireproof building will cost no more and in -certain instances less than a so-called brick or concrete building. - - CONSULTATION IS FREE - - _Room 1—Post Building_ - - _Telephone 761 SYDNEY, N.S._ - - * * * * * - - - - - LUMBER OF ALL KINDS - - - Brookfield Bros. - - LIMITED - - Halifax, N.S. - - - BUILDING MATERIAL OF ALL KINDS - ------------------------------------------------------------------------- - - * * * * * - - - Willis Pianos - - { TONE - Prefect as to { TOUCH - { DURABILITY - -An instrument with these essential qualities that distinguish it as an -ideal piano for the home. - -Prices as low as consistent with quality—Convenient terms. - - Willis Piano & Organ - Company - - 50 Granville Street - - Halifax, N.S. - - * * * * * - - - P. O. Box 690 Telephones 233 - 234 - -We always carry complete stocks for General Groceries, Flour and Feeds. - -We Specialize in Drug Sundries and Stationery. - - Cape Breton Wholesale - Grocery Co. Limited - - Cornet George, Townsend - and Bentinck Streets - - SYDNEY, N.B. - - * * * * * - - - J. C. Larder - - - WHOLESALE FRUITS - - - SYDNEY - NOVA SCOTIA - - * * * * * - - - Hillis and Sons - Limited - - - STOVES - AND - RANGES - - - HALIFAX - ------------------------------------------------------------------------- - - * * * * * - - - Ashby Corner Grocer. Phone 81 - - JAMES A. CLARK - - Groceries, Provisions, Fruits - Confectionery, Crockery and - Tinware, Bakery. - - Sydney - - * * * * * - - - GEO. E. BOAK & SON - LIMITED - - Wholesale and Retail - Coal Dealers - - HALIFAX - - N. S. - - * * * * * - - - F. W. BISHOP & CO. - - Exclusively - Fine Shoes - - SYDNEY & GLACE BAY - - NOVA SCOTIA - - * * * * * - - - C. P. MOORE - LIMITED - - :::: HARDWARE :::: - - Paints and Glass - - Automobile Supplies - - :::: o o :::: - - SYDNEY Nova Scotia - - * * * * * - - - WRIGHT’S LIMITED - - HOME FURNISHERS - - Importers of - - FURNITURE - and CARPETS - - Warerooms: CHARLOTTE STREET - - SYDNEY - Nova Scotia - - * * * * * - - -The Cape Breton boys, who beat the “Bosche” now wear - - Fashion Craft - - CORBETT & MACKENZIE CO. - LIMITED - - Opposite Y. M. C. A. - - SYDNEY - - N. S. - - * * * * * - - - ANDREW H. RUDOLF - - Dry Goods, Millinery, - Ladies Ready-to-Wear, - Garments, Carpets, Etc. - - LUNENBURG - - - N. S. - - * * * * * - - - Hudson & McEachen - - “The Big Store with the Small Prices” - - Groceries, Meats, Provisions - - SPECIALTIES—Fresh and Salt Fish, Butter, Eggs. Etc. - - GASOLINE TANK—Capacity 500 gallons. Get your Supply from us. - - TELEPHONE 350 - - Corner Victoria Road and Prince Street. - - SYDNEY - - * * * * * - - - Compliments of - - A. H. MUNN - - JEWELER and SILVERSMITH - - Repairing of Fine - Watches a Specialty - - Bishop Block, Charlotte St. - - SYDNEY. N. S. - - * * * * * - - -Our Part is the Great Work of helping to supply the demand for -Chinaware, Glassware, Earthenware, Enamelware, Tinware and -Aluminum-ware, and Toys and Fancy Goods - -We can meet your requirements. - -Our Stock is complete and prices will stand comparison - - EVANS & YOUNG - - 83 Gottingen St. Phone Lorne 221 - - HALIFAX, N. S. - ------------------------------------------------------------------------- - - * * * * * - - - - - Cable Address: - Halship - - Direct Telegraphic Communication: - Western Union and Great North Western - - HALIFAX SHIPYARDS LIMITED - - HALIFAX - CANADA - -[Illustration] - - SHIPBUILDERS, ENGINEERS AND - SHIP REPAIRERS - - Builders of Passenger and Cargo Vessels up to 15,000 tons. - - Drydock—Halifax, N.S. Marine Slips—Dartmouth N.S. - Dimensions—550 ft. long. - 100 ft. wide 4 Cradles—Capacity up to 3,000 - 30 ft. depth on sill. tons. - - NOTE-Four ships are now on the way being built for the Canadian - Merchant Marine.—2 of 8,100 tons D.W. and - 2 of 10,500 „ - -30 per cent. of the men now employed on new ship construction have -served their country during the late war. These men are now assisting in -rounding out Canada’s National Policy, by building ships which will -carry Canadian exports to all parts of the world. - ------------------------------------------------------------------------- - - * * * * * - - - Cable Address: “NATFISH” - - License No. 1–036 - - ARTHUR BOUTILIER - - President and General Manager - - National Fish Co. - LIMITED - - Wholesale Fish - Merchants - - P. O. BOX 1104 - HALIFAX - N.S. - - Owners of the Steam Trawlers - “Lemberg” and “Venosta” - - Branch at - - Port Hawkesbury - N.S. - - * * * * * - - - Established 1863 Incorporated 1901 - - Christie Trunk & Bag - Co., Limited - - Manufacturers of - - TRUNKS, TRAVELLING - BAGS AND SUIT CASES - - Sample Trunks and Cases - a Specialty - - Amherst, N.S. Canada - - * * * * * - - - The - FRANK A. GILLIS - Company, Limited - - Contractors’ Supplies of - All Descriptions - - Fireproof Materials - a Specialty - - Office: - - PICKFORD and - BLACK’S WHARF - - HALIFAX - N.S. - - * * * * * - - - SCRIVEN’S - BREAD - -[Illustration] - - IT IS THE - BEST - ------------------------------------------------------------------------- - - * * * * * - - - MILES’ - - Sydney’s Leading Grocery - - The largest variety at right prices - - Fresh fruits and vegetables a specialty - - 251 Charlotte Street - - Phones 90 and 91 - - FREE, PROMPT DELIVERY - - * * * * * - - - The Eternal Question - - ? - -It will be simple work to choose an exquisite Engagement Ring for the -best girl in the world if you look over Ross’s line. Show your good -taste in ring as well as girl. Please her. - - A. M. ROSS - - Jeweller, etc. - - NORTH SYDNEY, N.S. - - * * * * * - - - ROSS & McVICAR - LIMITED - - Wholesale Dealers in - - Flour and Feed, etc. - - Corner Townsend and - Douglas Streets - - SYDNEY, N.S. - - * * * * * - - - City Meat Market - - Dorchester Street - SYDNEY, N.S. - - Dealers in all kinds of - - Fresh and Cured Meats, Poultry - in season; also, a full line - of Vegetables - - Opp. Post Office. B. W. Pearce, Mgr. - - * * * * * - - - Glace Bay Cycle & - Motor Co., Ltd. - - Ford Dealers and Service Station - - Garage Sales Rooms and Workshops - - Main Street - - GLACE BAY, N.S. - - * * * * * - - - G. A. Coleman, D.V.S. - - (Graduate Toronto University) - - Veterinary Surgeon - - North Sydney - - Nova Scotia - - * * * * * - - - The Store That Treats - You Right - - FADER’S MARKET - - Choice Groceries, Fruits and Produce - - Beef, Lamb, Pork, Veal, Game and Poultry - - 112 Gottingen Street, HALIFAX - - George W . Fader, Manager - - Lorne 994 - - * * * * * - - - RICE’S - - The Exclusive Ladies’ and - Children’s Wear Store - - “When in doubt buy at Rice’s” - - Commercial Street - NORTH SYDNEY, N.S. - - * * * * * - - - When in Sydney - Buy Your Drugs - from - - MANSON - - “The Reliable - Druggist” - - “If you get it at Manson’s it’s good” - - * * * * * - - - FRIED BROS. - - Commission Merchants - - Real Estate - - Scrap Metals, etc. - - P.O. Box 45 Phone 102–2 - - GLACE BAY, N.S. - ------------------------------------------------------------------------- - - * * * * * - - - - - WHITE STAR - DOMINION LINE - - Regular Sailings HALIFAX-LIVERPOOL in Winter - MONTREAL-QUEBEC-LIVERPOOL in Summer - -[Illustration] - - Ex-members of the Canadian Expeditionary Force will find the steamers - of this Line old friends - - For sailing dates and rates apply - - A. G. JONES AND CO. - - HALIFAX, N.S. - - General Agents for Nova Scotia and P.E.I. - or to Local Agents - ------------------------------------------------------------------------- - - * * * * * - - - - - P.O. Box 119 Phone 1418 - - General Engineers and Contractors - - KING’S ROAD, SYDNEY, CAPE BRETON - - STRUCTURAL STEEL—Bridges, Frames and Fire Escapes, Fabricated and - Erected - - BOILER REPAIRS—Patching, Re-tubing and General Repairs by Expert Men - - EXCAVATION (By Steam Shovel) Cellar, Sewer and Water Trench Excavating - - PUMPING—Centrifugal Pump for Cellar, Trench and Ship Work - - MARINE WORK—Floating Plant, Electric and Oxy-Acetylene Welding and - Cutting, Re-tubing, Pumping, and General Repairs - - SHOP WORK—Machine Work, Forging and General Repairs - -We are situated with ideal transportation arrangements, having side -tracks and water shipping points. Good attention on outside jobs. - - “The Rotary High Speed Steam Engine” - - BURNS CRUDE OIL, KEROSENE - - USED IN - - Automobiles, Auto - Trucks, Factories and Machine Shops - - Steamers, Motor Boats - and Machine Shops - - “SIMPLICITY IS ITS GREATEST FEATURE” - - Canada’s Sole Manufacturers Send for Booklet - - * * * * * - - - - -ASK THE MEN who wore “Kelly-Halifax” made Leggings, S. B. Belts, Kit -Bags, Purses, Money Belts, or other Military Equipment, or who travelled -with “Kelly” Luggage, and you’ll understand why “Kelly-Halifax” on -Leather Goods is all the guarantee required by those who know - - PRICES ARE MODERATE - - KELLYS LIMITED, 116–118 Granville Street, HALIFAX - - MANUFACTURERS - ------------------------------------------------------------------------- - - * * * * * - - - CAPE BRETON’S LARGEST - DEPARTMENTAL STORE - - Vooght Brothers - - North Sydney - Nova Scotia - -IMPORTERS and EXPORTERS - -Daily importations from Europe of Dress Goods, Tapestries and Ladies’ -Wear. - -BOOT DEPARTMENT - -Contains the largest assortment of High Class Footwear and at most -reasonable prices. - -GROCERY DEPARTMENT - -Carries a full and complete range of the best that money can -buy—efficiency being our watchword. - - Vooght Brothers - - North Sydney’s Old Business Establishment - - * * * * * - - - THE - Queen - Hotel - - HALIFAX, N.S. - - WM. MOMBOURQUETTE - Manager - -A Modern Hotel operated for your comfort and safety and favorably -located in the heart of interesting things—shops, parks, theatres, -churches, forts, navy yard and historical points. - - Accommodation for 300 - Guests - - AMERICAN PLAN - - * * * * * - - -[Illustration: Tom McCartney _Billiards and Pool_] - - * * * * * - - -[Illustration] - - WELL SET UP - -are the men whose clothes we tailor. The fit of the shoulders is one of -the strong points of our tailoring. Our work attracts attention for the -elegant lines we give to this part of the Garment. - - THE DIFFERENCE BETWEEN - -tailor made and ready made garments is one of cut and finish. Not stock -patterns, but individual lines are used and the garment fits the wearer -and not clothiers’ models. - - J. L. MacKINNON, - - FOWNES BLOCK, MAIN STREET, - SYDNEY MINES, N.S. - ------------------------------------------------------------------------- - - * * * * * - - - Established 1889 Phone 81 - - SYDNEY MINES - BOTTLING WORKS - - A. R. MacDOUGALL, Prop. - - Wholesale Manufacturers and Bottlers of - - The Celebrated Red Seal Brand - Aerated Waters - - P.O. Box 149 Factory—Clyde Ave. - - SYDNEY MINES, N. S. - - * * * * * - - -E. G. HIGGINSON, Prop. - - LEARMENT HOTEL - - OPPOSITE C.N.R. STATION - - TRURO - NOVA SCOTIA - - * * * * * - - - THE MAYFLOWER - BOTTLING CO. - LIMITED - - Manufacturers of the Finest Class of - AERATED BEVERAGES - - SYDNEY - - N. S. - - Telephone 399 - - * * * * * - - - Telephone - Lorne 40 - - Estimates - Furnished - - W. F. SPRUIN - - ELECTRICIAN - - Cor. Cornwallis and Gottingen Sts. - - HALIFAX, N.S. - - * * * * * - - - Wood & McConnell - - LIMITED - - Wholesale Grocers - - Telephone 541 P.O. Box 159 - - SYDNEY, N. S. - - * * * * * - - - Go to - - ISAAC GREENWELL - - For STOVES, RANGES, - REPAIRS FOR SAME AND - KITCHEN FURNISHINGS - - 329 Charlotte Street, Sydney, N.S. - - * * * * * - - -The old reliable SINGER stands the test as our Veteran Boys stood the -test in France. When buying a Sewing Machine get the SINGER and you will -not be disappointed. Sold on easy terms. Big discounts for Cash. - - Singer Sewing Machine Co. - - 346 Charlotte St. SYDNEY, N.S. - - * * * * * - - - John B. Morrison - - FASHIONABLE TAILOR - - 403 Charlotte Street - - SYDNEY. N.S. - - * * * * * - - - For Satisfaction in - Men’s and Boys’ Outfitting try - -[Illustration: _Fanjoy’s_ GOOD CLOTHING] - - 338–340 Charlotte St. SYDNEY, N.S. - - * * * * * - - -Royal Household (Spring Wheat) Flour. - -Canada’s Best (blended) Flour. - -All lines Cereals, Feeds. Grains. - -Lipton’s Teas, Coffee, Cocoa, Jelly Powders, etc. - - WHOLESALE ONLY - - Ingraham Supply Co., Ltd. - - SYDNEY, N.S. - ------------------------------------------------------------------------- - - * * * * * - - -IF you had a building which brought in to you $5,000 a year, would you -have it sufficiently insured? - -YOU are a valuable property, producing thousands of dollars a year and -that revenue will cease at your death. Are you sufficiently insured? - - _How long should a man support his wife?_ - -Some men say “As long as he lives.” - -Most men will say “As long as she lives.” - -That support can be made sure by Income Policies of the Mutual Life. - - J. LESLIE McDUFF - - Manager for Nova Scotia - - 191 HOLLIS ST., HALIFAX, N.S. - - * * * * * - - - KIRK & TOREY - - A good place to buy - - LADIES’ SUITS, COATS - FURS, WAISTS and WATERPROOF - COATS - - KIRK & TOREY - - No better Shop to buy - - VOILES, PLAIN and FANCY, - GEORGETTE CREPE and - CREPE DE CHENE, GLOVES, - HOSIERY, CORSETS, - DRESS GOODS, SILKS, - LINENS and COTTONS - - Everything required from an up-to-date - Dry Goods House. - - KIRK & TOREY - - SYDNEY - - * * * * * - - - 27 Men Enlisted - - 2 Paid the Supreme - Sacrifice - -Let us who remain perpetuate their memory, not by blare of horns and -roll of drums, but by such service to our fellow men that such a -catastrophe cannot again occur. - - Cape Breton Electric - Company Limited - - * * * * * - - - Your Meals - AND - Lunches - - ICE CREAMS and - DRINKS - -are prepared and served with utmost care. - -Everybody visits “The Green Lantern” when visiting Halifax. - - The Green Lantern - - “EVERYTHING THE BEST” - ------------------------------------------------------------------------- - - * * * * * - - - JOHN J. GRANT - - Building Material - - Opposite C.N.R. Depot - - NEW GLASGOW. N.S. Tel. 170 - - * * * * * - - - THE HOUSE OF QUALITY - - F. C. Bezanson & Co. - - DIAMOND MERCHANTS - - Jewellers and Opticians - - SYDNEY - - N. S. - - * * * * * - - - All our drinks are made from pure - cane sugar and the best extracts - that money can buy. - - McAllister’s - - Mineral Water Works - - SYDNEY - C.B. - - * * * * * - - - The Enormous Price of Clothes - - That is the question answered by - - THE ENGLISH & SCOTCH - WOOLLEN COMPANY - - who are making suits and overcoats to - measure, prices ranging from $17 to $45. - - GRANITE BLOCK - - Charlotte St., Sydney, Nova Scotia - - * * * * * - - - The firm of - - FRASER & HOYT - - Maritime Building, New Glasgow, N.S. - -do a live and up-to-date Real Estate business. If you contemplate -purchasing a farm, business site or private dwelling house in Nova -Scotia’s industrial centre get in touch with this firm and be assured of -prompt and courteous treatment. - - * * * * * - - -BEING VETERANS OURSELVES we pay particular attention to the requirements -of RETURNED MEN. - - INGRAHAMS - - Men’s Outfitters - - NORTH SYDNEY - N. S. - - * * * * * - - - John Midgley & Co. - - Real Estate of all Classes - - Life and Fire Insurance - - SYDNEY - N.S. - - * * * * * - - - Colin McNab & Co. - - Dealers In Groceries and Fruit - - Everything stored and handled by sanitary - methods - - We give High Quality, Low Prices, - Prompt Delivery. - - We solicit your orders. Phone Harbour 41 - - Portland Street, Dartmouth - - * * * * * - - - The Beautiful Bras - d’Or Lakes - -Who has not heard of the most picturesque beauty spot in all America the -famous Lakes of Bras d’Or? - -The Bras d’Or Steamboat Co. run from North Sydney, Nova Scotia, a -palatial steamer, the “Marion,” touching at intermediate points, with -Dudley Warner’s historical Baddeck the terminal point, close by Graham -Bell’s laboratory. - - * * * * * - - - WHETHER ABSENT IN FARAWAY LANDS - -or silent in death’s embrace, or enjoying health in the happy family -circle. - - A PICTURE OF HIM OR HER - -is always a sweet solace to someone, be it parent, wife, son or daughter -or sweetheart - - W. J. DOOLEY, - is NORTH SYDNEY’S (N.S.) - PREMIER PICTURE FRAMER - ------------------------------------------------------------------------- - - * * * * * - - - - -[Illustration] - - Robb Engineering Works, Limited - - AMHERST, NOVA SCOTIA, CANADA - - - Manufacturers of - - HIGH GRADE ENGINE BOILERS, SAW MILL - MACHINERY AND TRACTORS - ------------------------------------------------------------------------- - - * * * * * - - - MACKAY ELECTRIC CO. - - ESTABLISHED 1901 - - SYDNEY - N. S. - -We carry a full line of Electrical Supplies and shall be glad to quote -on electric work of any kind in Cape Breton or Nova Scotia. - - * * * * * - - - OAK HALL, LIMITED - - The House of Good Clothing - - Headquarters for high-grade Clothing and - Furnishings for Men and Boys. - - SYDNEY - G. M. BOYD, Manager - - * * * * * - - - The Sydney Record - -carries daily all the world news in addition to all the Cape Breton news -besides several feature pages not published in any other paper. - - Write us for Sample Copy - - Record Publishing Co., Limited - - Box 360 Sydney, C. B. - - * * * * * - - -Phone L. 1506 - - F. W. Maling - - Electrical Contractor - - 180 Gottingen St., Halifax, N.S. - - Wiring and Supplies, Motor and - Generator Repairs a Specialty - - * * * * * - - - FRANK A. BILL & SON - - HARDWARE - - Paints, Oils and Varnishes, Sporting - Goods, Electrical Supplies and Flashlights. - Automobile and Bicycle Tires. - - North Sydney, N. S. - - * * * * * - - - The Store Where Quality - Proves Itself - - Sydney Mines Drug Store - - “Rexall” Store - - SYDNEY MINES - N. S. - - * * * * * - - - H. C. Ballum & Co. - - Wholesale Produce - and - Commission Merchants - - SYDNEY, N.S. - - * * * * * - - - BRITON HOTEL - - ARCHIBALD AVE., NORTH SYDNEY - -The most up-to-date hotel in North Sydney. Open all day and all night. A -first-class grill service in connection. The rooms are the best in Cape -Breton and all newly furnished and renovated. Meals served at any hour -of the day or night. Afternoon tea and cake can be had every afternoon -in the tea room. Hotel is very centrally located and has every home -comfort for the tourist and traveller. V. E. SNOWDON, Proprietor. - - * * * * * - - - L. Nicholson Limited - - Ladies’ and Men’s Tailoring - - Men’s Furnishings and - Ready-to-Wear Clothing - - GLACE BAY - N. S. - - - - ------------------------------------------------------------------------- - - - - -Transcriber’s note: - - 1. Silently corrected typographical errors and variations in spelling. - - 2. Archaic, non-standard, and uncertain spellings retained as printed. - - 3. 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