BX July 17, 1916

125th Battalion Was Paid in Cash – Only Battalion in Camp Which Was Not Paid Off by Cheques – Some camp Notes

July 14, 1916
Camp Borden

This was pay day and the boys are all in good spirits, thanks to the foresight and energy of Paymaster Capt. Van Someren, who made arrangements with the Bank of Commerce to have a couple of clerks come up from Toronto with sufficient funds to pay the boys of the 125th Battalion. It is doubtful if the members of any other battalions in camp were paid in cash. The battalion was lined up to get their pay cheques and right on the minute the worthy captain drove on our line in an auto with two bank clerks and a couple of valises full of money. He was given a rousing cheer. Thanks to our jolly good natured paymaster. May he pay us lots and often.

A large number of the boys are off on pass to spend the weekend in Brantford, Paris and other places in good old Brant County. Lieut. Harold Preston was subordinate officer of the day and of course visited the mess tents. No complaints were made. The cooking staff has things running in pretty good order and the meals today were fit for the king himself.

The brass band have been jostled around from “pillar to post,” for a place to practice and today built themselves a fine “summer residence” at the rear of the camp, on the edge of a ravine. Then cut down cedar tree’s and branches, built a bungalow and now have a place by themselves. Pte. Bert Fisher was along the camp, you can see a hundred and one baseball games. In some quarters lacrosse is played. When darkness sets in, the boys gather in their recreation tents, where the comforts are held. The Brant Battalion tent, being the largest on the grounds, the boys come from all ends of the camp and joins in the singing. A number of the boys from the 134th Highland Regiment came over yesterday evening and gave a number of good selections, which were much appreciated by the Brants. The Scotties were loudly applauded for the efforts, and we hope to see them back again some evening in the near future.

Dame Rumor has it that the Brants will be on the rolling, tossing, briny deep in about six weeks hence. Hope they are.

Quartermaster George Sager is in Toronto on business today.

Sergt. Elmer Gress, postman, had a good load of mail for the boys today.

Our newspapers are delivered to us two days after publication. Why not more clerks at the camp post office?
Brant, the pony mascot, got loose the other night and took a stroll in the moonlight.

There is a vacant space on the right of us. We presume that is being reserved for the 215th. Come on, boys, the water’s fine, and the world goes round just the same now as when we left, and it will do the same after you fellows have left Brant County. Get a few more recruits and then come to camp as the Noble Six Hundred.

The 125th brass band was duty band yesterday and Brigadier-General Logie complimented Bandmaster W.R. Bartram on the appearance of the band. That was better than a rebuke.

The weather has been very hot, but the Brants are standing up with the other battalions.

Some good comrade has invited me to join him at the canteen counter and smoke an imported Havana 10¢ cigar. So don’t want to hurt his feelings by refusing, or to miss such a golden opportunity.

Clifford Buchanan Todd

BX September 20, 1916

A Brantford Boy’s Ramblings in Old ‘Lunnon’ – Bandman C.B. Todd Tells of the Sights of the City of Cities as Seen by 125th Boys – Prices are High – He Writes That Londoners Have Every Facility for Taking the Pennies from the Colonials – Prices are High There, as in Canada, and Specially High for the Colonials

September 3, 1916
London, Eng.

It really seems very strange for me to be writing from dear old London, where I, with a number of other members of the 125th Brants, have been sight-seeing. Arriving at the Waterloo station we took quarters at the Peel house on Regency Street, which by the way, is run for the benefit of the Colonials, where you can stay for a very reasonable sum. This temperance hotel is situated next to the Houses of Parliament. I regret very much that I could not have seen London in peace times, as the folks there say it is very quiet now compared to what she is ordinarily. This is very true. At night London is almost in darkness, and one has to depend on the drivers of trams, busses, etc., to get you safely to your destination.  I will not attempt to tell you all the places I saw and visited, because I could not, but will try and give you a small account of my ramblings through the large city – the metropolis of this whole blooming world as the Englishmen say. To start off with I may say that I sat in the House of Lords because the morning I got there I was tired enough to sit in the house that Jack built. I was disappointed in not seeing much style in London. There is one thing though; they have the art of paving streets down to a science. This too, may apply to the country regions as well. Say, if the Brant County Council would see some of the paved roads one sees in England they would – well probably, feel so ashamed of these Brant County thoroughfares that they might wake up from their slumbers and do something.

I regret that I did not meet the King or the Lord Mayor, but presume they were not aware of the fact that some of the 125th Battalion boys were in the city of cities or they might have driven by and let us look at them. We arrived there on a Thursday night, which, by the way was the night that the German aircraft made an attack on some parts of London. The next morning Ollie White, John Stinchcombe and myself were up early and went out for a stroll before breakfast, walking past Buckingham Palace, and saw the handsome monument erected to the memory of the late Queen Victoria. We passed the Parliament buildings and Westminster Abbey on the way back. After breakfast, along with Clem Coles, Jack McHutchion, Bert Fisher, Chas. Hayes and Eddie Fleming, I boarded a car and went down to a spot near Woolwich, where we saw the houses which had been demolished by German bombs the night before. We passed on and saw the Woolwich garrison and the arsenal. We passed through Greenwich on the way back and saw the damage done there and also saw the observatory. Arriving at Charing Cross station we went up and down the Strand, Piccadilly Circus and Leicester Square, also around Trafalgar Square. A heavy downpour of rain put a stop to our sightseeing for that afternoon, and we took a tram back to our place of abode.

One gentleman told Ollie White he had a daughter married in Piggie-Wiggie, out in Canada someplace. We could not make out what place he had reference to, but finally Ollie said, “You don’t mean Winnipeg, do you?”  “Yes, that’s the place,” said the stranger. Some of the London people we met have a very strange conception of Canada. A number of the boys went to the theatres in the evening. During my stay here I walked down Downing Street just for the novelty of it, and when there puffing on a big penny cigar mingled with all the big financiers coming and going.

My dear comrades in uniform do not let anyone mislead you in believing that you get everything very cheap in England. Prices are away up here, and you pay good and high for things here. It seems as if they had special prices for Colonials, high ones at that. Believe me the English folks have every game imaginable to get the pennies out of the Colonials. If you look around they want to tax you a penny.

I was through the parliament buildings and sat in the speaker’s chair for the novelty of it, as did the others who went through the same time I did. From there we went through Westminster Abbey and from there went through the famous tower of London. I took more time in going through the tower than any place I visited, probably having read and heard so much about. I would advise any of the 215th boys to brush their British history a bit before their time comes to make the trip. The famous “bloody tower” is certainly well named, and our guide, one of the “beef eaters” explained the history of it to us while we were there. In a case there is the blanket that Wolfe was wrapped in after his death. Too describe all I saw in the tower is beyond me, so will not attempt to do it. The crystal palace and the museum were closed when I went there, so did not have the pleasure of getting inside them. We boys would hire a taxi cab and make tours of different parts of the city, besides taking in the sights from the tops of the tram cars. After the boys got home from the theatres at night we would congregate around in the sitting room and tell of our exploits, experiences and observations of the day. This was great fun, and by the time we got through it was away past midnight.

On Sunday morning right after breakfast we made a bee line for Whitechapel district, the home of the English “Cockney,” and saw the famous Petticoat Lane in all its pomp and glory. It certainly was a comical sight, and one worth seeing. Moving pictures are nothing to be compared to the sights you will see there on a Sunday morning. You can buy anything from a fine tooth comb to a Ford car. I laughed till my sides ached at the funny people and the funny sights I witnessed. If ever I have the chance to go there again, believe me, I will not miss it. Down there you hear the “Cockney” dialect used and there the costers with their little donkeys and carts and burrow reign supreme.

If time and space would permit, I would like to tell you more, but I have a lot to do besides write letters.

Yours truly,
Clifford B. Todd

BX September 25, 1916

Arrival of Mail Cheered up Boys at Bramshott – Those who Failed to Receive Card or Letter Were Sorely Disappointed – Angry Over Rumor – Boys Denounced One Who Started Story That Transport Had Been Sunk – Back From their Trip to London

September 6, 1916
Bramshott Camp,
Hants, Eng.

It is a beautiful day here and the sun is shining bright and all the boys seem happy enough. Most of the Brants have returned from their six days leave and every place within our lines you hear them saying “When I was up in London.”  It is quite interesting to hear them telling of their experiences in the big “city of cities.”  The first lot of letters arrived here this morning, and there were a happy lot of boys also a number of disappointed ones. Those who did not receive a letter or card felt bad and you could see them taking a walk by themselves not saying anything but THINKING A LOT. Of course those who were fortunate enough to get a letter were more than delighted. I heard one fellow remark “That’s the last cent I’ll spend on sending a letter or a card to Brantford.”  It was noon when the boys were given their letters and when the bugle sounded “cookhouse” it was an angry lot who gathered in the dining room when they read in their letters about the false rumors that were circulated in Brantford that the steamer Scandinavian with all the 125th Brant Battalion had been sent to the bottom of the ocean by a German submarine. Such “tommy rot,” as they say in England. It seems a pity that the party who started the yarn could not have been found out and severely punished.

It runs in my mind that some half-witted gossip-monger would start a fool of a story like that. The way the vessel we were on was guarded and with a six inch gun and the two crack shot gunners we had on board the Germans had about as much chance of getting us as they have of getting feathers off a toad.

When you come to think it over there has not been one single transport vessel coming from Canada that has as much as lost a bit of paint. When coming across, just put your trust in the Lord and the British navy and you’ll get across all right.

BX October 10, 1916

54th Battery Given Welcome by the 125th – Is Stationed Eight Miles From Bramshott

September 24, 1916
Bramshott Camp
Hants, Eng.

The weather is fine and warm here this Sabbath morning. When the 125th Brants were lined up for church parade we were to see our friend Capt. T.F. Best formerly of the Y.M.C.A. Brantford, waiting there to officiate at the service. The regular military service was carried on, during which the hymns “All People That On Earth Do Dwell,” “Fight the Good, Fight,” and “Jesus Lover of My Soul,” were sung.

Captain Best gave a very powerful and instructive address, during which he gave us some good advice and made a great impression on the boys. He advised the boys very strongly to take the best care of themselves and get in and keep in the best physical condition possible. “Don’t shirk your physical drill,” said Capt. Best, “as you will find I will stand you in good stead when you boys get to the front.”  He impressed it upon the boys that they had arrived at the point where they should pay the strictest attention at rifle lectures, rifle practices and target practices, and become as familiar and proficient with their rifle as possible, and they would soon find that their rifle was a man’s best friend. “Learn and love your rifle,” said he. “Instructions in bayonet fighting,” he said, “should have their earnest attention, and should be carried out to the letter, for should they come in close contact with the enemy the best man won. “Efficiency, skill and physical condition go together,” said the speaker, and made a strong plea for the boys to bear the facts in mind. “I have had the privilege of being permitted to be at the front, and I know whereof I speak,” said he. “Should I bring you a message back from the boys at the front,” he continued, “they would say bring good cheer, good news, be cheerful, don’t grouch, don’t murmur or be continually grumbling.”  “Cheerfulness,” he said “is contagious and adds greatly to the fighting strength of a battalion.”  After saying how pleased he was to have the pleasure and honor to address a battalion of Brantford men, Capt. Best closed his address by again making a strong plea for the Brants to get as proficient as quickly as possible both physically and morally. Be ready to meet the enemy, and also to be prepared to meet their God. The singing of the National Anthem brought the service to a close.

During the noon hour Major Bert Newman of Brantford, and a member of the staff at Shorncliffe, was a welcome visitor in our midst, and many old acquaintances were renewed. The major appears to be fine and healthy and looks the part of a good officer and soldier.

54th Battery Arrives

The 54th Battery, which is composed mostly of Brantford boys, arrived at Witley camp (eight miles from here), with Capt. Henderson in command, on Saturday morning and the news soon reached our camp. As soon as church service was over a number of the Brants set out for Witley to see their chums. I went down there in the Afternoon and soon found out where the battery lads were quartered and went straight to their hut. Arriving there I met Messrs. Earl Pitcher, Fred Myring, John Tooze and a dozen others. 

The battery lads look fine and healthy and seemed in the best of spirits and should give a good account of themselves if at any time they are called upon to take a crack at the Huns. Of course, like all other Canadian troops, they will have to be brushed up a bit and have the rough spots knocked off, but they are bound to round into shape in due time. The boys reported a fine voyage across the Atlantic coming over on the Cameronian along with other troops on the S.S. Metagama, Scotia and the Northland, being escorted by the Cruiser, Drake. After a couple of hours’ pleasant chat with some of my old friends and having accumulated all the Canadian tobacco I could “cadge,” of which the 125th boys are entirely out, and partaking of a dainty lunch in the Y.M.C.A. hut with Fred Myring, I started back for camp. 

The scenery along this section of the country is very beautiful. The fine paved road runs through a hilly stretch and you can see across country for miles. It puts you in mind of travelling on the T.H. and B. from Hamilton to the Falls, especially when you are riding along half up the mountain. On the way back to our camp I stopped at a spot on the bend in the road near Hindhead, where the Sailors’ Memorial stone is erected in memory of a lone sailor who was murdered by three men on Sept. 24, 1786 exactly 130 years ago.

It seemed strange to me that I should come across the spot on the same date 1916. I enclose picture postcard of same with letter.

Witnessed Zeppelin’s Fall

Arriving back at the camp I found Bandsmen Chas. Davis, Charles Venables and Wm. Brown telling the rest of the band boys of the sights they saw up at London on their weekend pass. These three were eye witnesses to the German air raid and saw the Zeppelins coming down after being damaged by the British guns during the air raid, accounts of which you have read long ago in the press despatches.

Hughes Day

Monday, Sept. 24, the Canadian Minister of Militia, Major Gen. the Hon. Sir Sam Hughes, inspected the Canadian battalions at Bramshott camp and not being invited or summoned to partake of the luncheon given in his honor I did not hear any comments he made. In fact I did not bother my head about it. Just took his presence like the rest; merely a matter of fact. The 125th, I presume, showed up as well as any of the other battalions. The Brants were more interested in the presence of their good old friend, Brigadier (Dr.) Ernest C. Ashton, who accompanied Sir Samuel. Being purely a military affair we were not privileged to have a hand shake with the doctor.

Tonight, Wednesday, Sept. 27, we are to be favored with another band concert in No. 2 Y.M.C.A., by the 80th Battalion band under the leadership of Lieut. Harry Stares, formerly of the 91st Highlanders, Hamilton. It is the Canadian staff band and is a good one. He expects to build his band up to 60 musicians shortly and then tour France, the British Isles and Canada. They certainly put up some good concerts in Y.M.C.A. huts, where good singers and entertainers from London are secured for the program.

I suppose it is getting “dry” in Ontario now and they will soon be forming a battalion of wine clerks. All the orchestras, bands and pianos here are playing the song “A Broken Doll.”  In London you hear it whistled everywhere you go. If you haven’t got it, get it, I’m sure you will like it. In conclusion I would say that we have had hardly any newspapers from Brantford arrive yet. We can’t imagine what is the matter.

The boys say they have had papers and parcels sent to them from Brantford and have not received them yet (Sept. 27). I see the mail when it comes in and there is hardly a newspaper from Brantford arrives at our camp, what is the matter?  Perhaps our honorary colonel might interest himself on our behalf and see whey we don’t get the papers from home that are mailed to us. It is very annoying for the boys to get letters saying that their friends sent them papers and get disappointed day after day. There must be something wrong in the post office department either on this side of the pond or the other. Will close hoping that you all have a good time at the Paris and Burford fairs and that we may get a couple of newspapers before Xmas.

Clifford B. Todd

BX October 25, 1916

Brant Boys Were Overjoyed at Trip Across Channel – Received 10s Each as Their Share of Canteen Fund Profits Before Leaving – The Farewell

October 9, 1916
Bramshott Camp

The first break in the 125th Battalion takes place tomorrow morning when 310 of the Brants depart to some place unknown to me and the rest of us, probably with the exception of the O.C. and the powers that be. The draft has been mostly from A and B companies. It is whispered around the camp that Lt.-Col. Colquhoun will be here tomorrow morning to march his boys off. The boys will likely be taken to another camp for further training, or be taken over to France to the Canadian base, but I don’t know their destination. The boys have been fitted and are ready to march off tomorrow morning. We are sorry to have them leave us, but I suppose it is all for the best and wherever they go they will sure do credit to the place whence they came. We all feel the break in our ranks very much, but business is business and it may fall to the lot of some of them that they may in the future be among those who will march triumphantly into German territory or into Berlin. The boys look fit and fine and are in good spirits and are delighted to be off to try to get a crack at the Germans. While the boys were having supper, the brass band played a program outside the men’s mess.

Bandsman W. Vickery sang “God be with you till we meet again” and “Abide with me.”  There are no officers or sergeants going. Billy O’Heron, formerly of the letter carrier staff, went as a private.

Before the 310 boys of the 125th Brants left for France they were given ten shillings each, being their share of the profits of the 125th canteen. The rest of the members of the battalion received theirs the next day.

Some person started the rumor in Brantford that the 125th brass band was “busted.”  They (may) have been financially, but not “musically.”

While in London on Sunday I met Harold Colmer of West Brantford, back on ten days’ leave.

Clifford B. Todd
(Bandsman)

BX November 7, 1916

Indians From Middlesex Join 125th, Formerly the Brants – A Chatty Letter from Bramshott Camp – Twelve Mile Route March Was Found Enjoyable by Local Men, Scenery Being Beautiful – Slate for Municipal Elections Drafted by “The Boys” – New Additions to the Ranks

October 19, 1916
Bramshott Camp,
Hants, Eng.

It has been rather quiet around the camp since the 310 of our comrades left us a week ago for "Somewhere,"  Besides, a number of the boys are quarantined in their huts on account of measles - in fact, there has been so many huts put on the list I think they will soon be calling us the "Measley" battalion. Another lot were shut up for 14 days this afternoon. One lot of boys who were in for 14 days just had one day of freedom when they were sent back for 14 days more. Glad it was not the "windjammers" as Sergt. Harry Stanley calls the members of the brass band. The weather has been fine lately, though we are getting a touch of the fall atmosphere and the mornings and nights are sometimes jolly well cold. There is one thing, when it rains over here it has no mercy on parades. We often remark when on route marches. "What a blessing it is to have roads."   If some of those Brant county officials were to travel over the roads here they would have great object lesson. Would it not be a good thing for the country in general to have one of them sign up with the 215th and come over here and see them and report on same to their "Never take any steps to improve" councilors at home.

We generally take a different route every time we take a march out and the scenery around here is beautiful. One thing that strikes us very forcibly here is the amount of good land not under cultivation. No wonder food prices are high here. There is enough good land lying idle around here to grow enough stuff to keep the price of produce down to prices anywhere within reason. They must be too lazy, or too independent to work the land. Perhaps they will wake up after the war. But still that is their business, not anybody else’s.

The hospital at the camp here has been taken over by the Canadian authorities and made a purely Canadian institution, with Canadian doctors, nurses and attendants and it is to be used for the Canadian soldiers. We all hope they will not have many patients to care for.

Our battalion has been strengthened by 400 men from the 135th Battalion, one company of which is composed of Indians. The rest of the 135th were attached to the 134th Highlanders and you can picture in your mind Indians dressed in kilts. Hoot, mon!  What would they say if they paraded in Edinburgh?

Some Newcomers

On looking over the list of some of our new comrades, I found the following names:

They brought a full House, four Kings, two Gardens, a Gardner, one Tincup – Coffee – and a Jellyman. Besides two Days that have one Knight, one Portch, a Forest and two Woodman, a Field, two Hills, a Meadow, Moore, Lake, two Swan (s), Sturgeon, Fish, two Fishermen and one Fisher. They brought an Ashpan, Ashwell, Harness, four Kick and a Pugh. With them come no less than eight Noah’s and Fred Willougby remarked that they must have come out of the Ark.

Every morning 20 men of the brass band, along with musicians from other bands and the stretcher-bearers from the different battalions, march up to the A.D.M.S. headquarters, where instructions are given in stretcher-bearer drill and lectures are given in first aid. Sergt. T.T. Carpent of the 134th Highlanders takes one of the classes regularly, and a fine fellow he is too. A few years ago he was a member of the teaching staff of the central school and belonged to the Dufferin Rifles. No doubt many readers will remember him, especially the young folks who attended the school during the time that he taught there. There is a whole battalion of us there every morning. I am pleased to say that we all have been given 10 shillings, being our share of the canteen fund.

As I am sitting in one of the Y.M.C.A. huts writing, the 80th Battalion band under the leadership of Lieut. Harry Stares, formerly of the 91st Highlanders of Hamilton is giving a concert. They have a fine band of picked musicians, and give concerts regularly for the boys, which are very much appreciated.

Friday morning, Oct. 20 – Route March – Friday was a beautiful fall day, the weather being warm and Old Sol shining in all his splendor. After the battalion had been lined up on the parade grounds we started off for a 12 mile route march, headed by the brass band. It was a delightful morning and the boys were all in good trim and fine spirits and enjoyed the march, and the scenery very much. You don’t mind a 10 or 12 mile hike here on such excellent and well kept roads.

After leaving camp we marched through the village of Grayshott and along a green hedge that ran along for considerable distance. We passed the Grayshott hospital, St. Joseph Roman Catholic Church and convent. After an hour’s march we stopped on the brow of a range of hills overlooking a valley. The scenery here is beautiful and it being a perfectly clear morning you could distinctly see another ring of hills 20 miles away. After a rest and a smoke we resumed our march and passed through a thickly-wooded piece of land. It seemed like going through a long tunnel of trees. Coming into the open space again we passed a quaint old fashioned house called “Saskahona,” which Bandmaster Bartram informed me is a Zulu word meaning “Good day.”  The B.M. was of the opinion that some retired English officer who had seen service in Africa probably occupied the residence.

As we passed the quiet country residences we took notice of the lovely flowers and the magnificent flower gardens you see while going through this section of merry old England.

After two hours of a roundabout march we passed through another village called Headley. All along the route the folks came out and waved flags and bowed to us. The children in this section are very mannerly, and when a battalion marches past they will stand to attention and salute the officers and wave their hands and cheer as the boys march past.

On the way home we passed through the village of Bramshott and by “Bramshott Court,” the handsome residence of Mr. McKenna. We then turned up the road from Liphook and arrived in camp shortly before the bugler blowed “Cookhouse.”

In the afternoon an aeroplane came down on the grounds in front stayed a few minutes, and off he went again.

Quartermaster Capt. Geo. Sager treated us to a rabbit supper, and there was a number of rabid appetites on hand. Hare! Hare!

A Council Slate

Saturday Oct. 21. – Nine weeks ago today the 125th Battalion arrived in Bramshott Camp.

After supper a large number of soldiers and rate-payers assembled in the headquarters mess room and discussed at length municipal affairs. The following were nominated for the community municipal elections.

Mayor – Martin Donohue
Water commissioners – Jack McHutchion, Bert Fisher, Harry Stanley, Bill Taylor, Elmer Gress
House of Refugee – O.C. White, Jim Liddell, Clem Coles, J.W. Crowley, J. Withers, Geo. Glanville
Police Commissioners – “Scotty” Mayes, “Red” lamb, Bill Handy, Jake Paterson
Sanitary Dept. – Sheldon Crumback, A. Hart, Chas. Davis, Geo. Humble, Alf. Fitness, Harry Briscoe
Board of Education – John Stinchcombe, A. Noakes, H.R. Fish, Bert Mears, Geo. Bennett, Thos. Howell, Tom Tyrell
Free Library Board – Jas. Mellor, Bill Blazey, “Stan” Menzies, John Graham, Art. Jewell, Bill Limbun, Fred. Willoughby
Widows’ Home – Ernie Winyard, Bill Bailey, Roy Story, Ald. Alderman, Jack Raymond
Street Railway Board – Sergt. Kemp, John Croke, Chas. Scanlon, Corp. Rabbitt, Corp. Elliott, Tom Brown, George Butterworth
Hospital Board – W. Wells, Wm. Smith, Jack Pocock, Sergt. McFarland, Moss, McLellan, Wm. Davis, Sheppard
Form Fours

Messrs. Fred. Willoughby and John Graham are spending the weekend in Portsmouth.
After the regular hut inspection on Sunday morning, Lt.-Col. Cutcliffe pronounced the brass band hut the cleanest and most tidy hut in the lines. This is the third time the musicians have had that honor conferred upon their place of abode.

Messrs. T. Clark, Geo. Renwick. C. Girdlestone and A. Alderman were entertained at a birthday party on Thursday night.

While Bandsman Wm. Sherman was at Leicester last Saturday he visited the base hospital there and met a number of wounded Canadians, including a Brantford boy named Smith and a cousin of mine named Armstrong of Owen Sound.

Bandsman Albert Williams paid a visit to his brother, Fred Williams, in London last Saturday.

While Bandsman William Brown was in London the Zepps passed over the residence of his mother in Poplar and dropped several bombs in the adjoining street, which did considerable damage. A number of the windows in his mother’s house were broken.

Stand at Ease – Easy

A number of the boys have received woolen socks from home – that is just what they want – and woolen gloves, too, as these blooming English winds are getting bally well chilly. You know you can send tobacco in the socks, if you wish. Now don’t think for a minute I wish to suggest, insinuate, or even insinuate. (Carry on.)

One day last week Bandsman Jack McHutchion received a box of cakes from his Uncle John and of course the always smiling, good natured trombonist passed the box around, and we much enjoyed the treat, and sang “For John’s a Jolly Good Fellow.”  Of course none of us would mind seeing Postman Green coming in with another box labeled “McHutchion the Baker.”

Yesterday Bert Fisher met Reg. Fuller, formerly of Brantford. He is quartered here with the 148th Battalion.

While in Haslemere on Saturday afternoon, I met Fred Myring and Jack Brown of the 54th Battery and we had supper together at the Soldiers’ Rest.

Eggs are sold at 6 cents each in London. I wonder if George V. ever remarks “My kingdom for a hen.”

Battalion – Shun – Dismiss
Yours truly,

Clifford B. Todd

BX November 14, 1916

“Put All Your Troubles In Your Old Kit Bag” Played 125th Band in Rain – Despite Downpour, 125th Had a Good Route March, passing Some Old Churches – A Chatty Letter Telling of the Activities of Former “Brant Battalion” at Bramshott Camp:

October 27, 1917
Bramshott Camp,
Hants, Eng.

When the “blooming” bugler sounded reveille this morning one of the beastly Old Country rains was descending in vast quantities and by the time the familiar notes of “cookhouse” were sounded and re-sounded the ground was in such a state that we were obliged to wear our galoshes to breakfast – by the way, not an uncommon occurrence here. After partaking of some excellent mush and tender beefsteak we went back to our bally old “’uts” and got ready for our weekly route march. By the time the “fall in” rang out the sky had quit crying. Lieut.-Col. Cutcliffe gave the order to advance. Bum-bum went the big drum and the brass band started playing “The Long, Long Trail,” and we were off on a 14 mile hike. We had only proceeded about two miles when the rain started playing “Old Ned” and the colonel ordered a halt and we put on our rubber sheets over our shoulders. The band started up “Put All Your Troubles In Your Old Kit Bag and Smile, Smile, Smile,” and we were off again, all the boys singing or whistling as we marched along. At 10 o’clock we stopped again at a quaint, old fashioned place called Lynchmere. How the place got its name I was unable to find out, whether it was called after an ancient family named Lynch or whether at one time a “necktie social” was held there. We halted in front of St. Peter’s Anglican Church erected in the year 1080. Bandsman Wm. C. Brown took a snapshot of the edifice. He notices an inscription on a stone, which revealed the fact that an addition had been built to the church in 1906. In the rear of the church, stands the old Shulbrede Priory, built 1400 years ago.

Looking over through the fence of some rich gentleman’s estate we saw hundreds of roses in full bloom, also many fuchsias.

We then marched alongside of an old Roman wall which ran the full length of another estate. A half hour later the rain ceased for a while and Old Sol shone in all his splendor and the Brants much appreciated his kindness. Making a sharp turn to the right we passed a hedge 10 or 12 feet high which ran alongside the road for a full mile or more. It was eleven bells when our colonel ordered a halt at a cross road where the following names were painted on a post of the roadside: Hollycombe, Fernhurst, Milland, Petersfield and Woolbeding. No doubt some of our Old Country friends in Brantford who lived in this section of Merry Old England will remember the spot, if they don’t it is there anyway. We were off again in a short time, accompanied by old Chief Rain-in-the-Face, but what did we care as we have grown so used to it that we “Jolly well like it.”  We passed three flocks of partridge, but of course it would have been considered a breach of etiquette to have taken a blow at them. We saw a lot of pheasant; also some deer and swans. So you see we were marching through a territory populated by some of the Nobs, or as aristocratic farmers. We passed a couple of very high hills very thickly wooded and for lack of information we called them Mount Pleasant, and Mount Vernon. By now the rain had ceased and we passed the “Rising Sun” pub and turned on to the Liphook road and headed for the camp. We halted a piece up the road to allow the boys a chance to smoke a fag.

While standing there a very old lady requested Bandmaster Bartram to have the band play a piece, which they did. This pleased her very much and Bandsman George Renwick played a cornet solo, “Silver Threads Among the Gold.”

The colonel then mounted his thoroughbred steed, gave the word “quick march,” the band struck up the 38th Dufferin Rifles regimental march and we were off for the camp where Quartermaster Capt. George Sager had a rabbit dinner waiting for us. During the march we passed through Hampshire, Surrey and Sussex

A Sunday in Camp

Sunday, Oct. 29th. – On account of the inclemency of the weather the regular church service was held in the men’s mess room, our chaplain, Capt. Lavell, officiating.

After divine service Lt.-Col. Cutcliffe made his usual inspection of our huts on Sunday morning, and again the musicians were given the credit of having the cleanest, best kept, and neatest hut in camp. He complimented the band boys to the extent that he sent some officers, non-coms, and others in to see how we kept house, and to put the finishing touches on it, to our surprise in came Brigadier “Mac” Colquhoun.

Monday afternoon was pay day and our genial paymaster, Capt. VanSomeren, with his sunny smile, bestowed upon us, though not by force, but force-of-habit, some pounds, shillings, pence and “hay” pennies.

Capt. Best There

On Monday evening the brass band gave a concert in one of the Y.M.C.A. huts. Capt. Lavell officiated as chairman, assisted by Capt. Best. During the course of the evening Bandsman George Renwick rendered two cornet solos, “The Trumpeter on Guard” and “A Perfect Day.”   The audience gave George a great ovation; in fact he brought down the house – yes, and the rain along with it.

The news from the front has been very encouraging lately, and the Crown Prince begins to look like “A Broken Doll,” as we all sing over “ere.”

A Visitor

We were awakened from our sleep in the band hut about one o’clock, when the door opened and a voice call “is Ed. Steele in here?”  “Yes” was the answer, and who do you think popped back from the firing line at the Somme but Walter Bradbury of Paris who came to see his brother-in-law – one of the band boys, Ed. Steele of Paris. Yes, there was “Brad” as big as life with as many lives as a cat. He was off on a short leave and we were all glad to see him.  He was connected with the Gem Theater in Paris, where he had a host of friends and was also well known in Brantford and especially Pt. Dover. Outside of having the appearance of being done out and needing sleep and a good rest, he did not look any the worse for his one year and two days in the trenches. He stated his trench mates were Ptes. Casey and Milligan of Brantford.

He has been right up in the front line trenches and says he owes his nine days’ leave to our old friend, “Bill” Patterson from Paris.

Bradbury left Toronto, I think, with the 4th Mounted Rifles. He has been slightly wounded three times and was once in the hospital for 21 days suffering from a wound in his ankle. He told us some very interesting, thrilling and hair-raising incidents of what went on at the front, but always kept himself in the background, always using “we” instead of “I.”

He said about 144 others went into one charge and only 53 besides himself lived to come out of it.

He was among the boys who recently captured the sugar refinery, which account of same has been published in all papers. “Brad” told us of a charge on a Hun trench which was captured and they took a number of German marines prisoners, which goes to show that they have no use for their sailors on battle cruisers, as they are all caged up in the Kiel canal.

On one of the captured prisoners was a letter from a German officer stating that the Kaiser had promised that there would be no winter campaign. His infernal nibs evidently surmised that he would be high lord of all before the snow flies. Oh what a dream and the rude awakening.

On his way down from the trenches he passed and spoke to “Billy” Gill of Paris, who was on his way up. We were all glad to hear of Bill. Hope he can shoot Germans like he used to shoot a hockey puck.
“Brad” said that Fritz detests the Canadian bayonet and that the Huns will squeal like pigs when the Canucks “vaccinate” them. Like others who have come back from the front he has a good word for the Saxons. I have chatted with wounded soldiers in the hospital here and they, too, have said some very kind things about the Saxons, but oh those Prussians. Well there is no love lost. “Brad” told us that at times the Allies and Saxons got real chummy and then they would call over and say “Lookout, boys; keep down, here comes the Prussians,” and in a short time they would be at it again hammer and tongs.    

Our visitor gave us a good description and accounts of the tanks. They are the boys to clean up the Huns and well they know it. One captured German officer stated that it was a piece of impertinence to use them – to which a soldier replied, “Well, we intend to be d---- impertinent from this on.”

A captured officer said that in his own mind Germany would be beaten, but paid the Canadians the compliment that before the Huns were conquered there would not be enough Canadians left to fill a row boat on the return trip to Canada.

We all enjoyed our friend’s short visit and were sorry to see him go away. “Brad” left to visit friends in other parts of England. Well I guess I will have to close and get ready for our Halloween supper.

Clifford B. Todd

BX December 13, 1916

Men of the 125th Are Taking Their Training Before Going To France – Bandsmen are Being Given Musketry Training, While Others Are Worked Hard at Bayonet Fighting, and a Move Before Christmas is Expected, Though Local Boys Hope to Stay in England for the Yuletide

November 27, 1916
Witley Camp, 
Surrey, England

Since writing you last our battalion has been moved here from Bramshott, which gives us a little change of scenery. The scenery of the hills of Surrey is simply grand and words fail me to attempt to describe it. If there are any young men who would like to see this magnificent part of England, then sign up with some battalion and get a free pass over here.

100 Brants for the Front

Tomorrow a draft of 100 from the 125th leave for France. A large percentage of them are boys of the 135th who were transferred into our ranks when the first draft went across the channel a short time ago.

Tomorrow those of us who have not had rifle practice at the ranges will commence putting in 10 days practice there. Before the troops are sent over they are required to shoot on the ranges. What will happen when we have finished at the ranges I cannot say, but from what I can hear there will still be another draft, and it would not surprise me if the majority of the 125th Brant Battalion eat their Christmas dinner in France.

The whole battalion has had their final medical examination prior to proceeding to France, and as this is the last batch to go to the ranges and the others who have been there are being drilled with gas helmets and being driven as hard as can be at bayonet fighting, besides, being given musketry lectures, everything points here to a speedy emigration of the 125th over to France. I don’t think we will go as a battalion, but will be sent over in drafts, and they won’t be “30 days after date” drafts either.

Of course this is only my private opinion, and there is many a slip between the cup and the lip, and it doesn’t take long to countermand an order, but I have been nosing around with my ear to the knot hole.

The boys are hoping that we will not be sent across the Channel till after the first of the year, because they want to get the four days’ leave at Christmas and New years.

Some want to see Merry Old London at Christmas time. As for myself I want to go to Edinburgh, Scotland, for New Year’s. But from what information I got today it will be a case of hope against fate if we get our trips.

Should we go over the Channel before that I am going to ask for a pass to go and see the Gay Paree.

Studying French

Some of the boys have commenced to study French. You can purchase books here, for a couple of pennies with the English words in one column and the French in the other. The boys generally take a pencil and put an “X” opposite the English word and then see what it looks like in French. Of course 9 cases out of 10 they can’t pronounce it, but they see how it is spelled. The boys generally work on the motto “Stomach first” and pick out what they would want should they go to a restaurant – bread, butter, sugar, meat, beef, ham, sandwich, etc., then tea, coffee, cocoa, water and champagne.

Witley, Surrey

Of Witley Camp I will not refer to any extent, as I presume, some of the other boys have already written to the Brantford papers and have given a good description of it. All I will say is that it is a quiet, old fashioned place.

The earliest account of Witley is that in Domesday Book about 1081 A.D. It reads as follows: “Gilbert, son of Richer de Laigle (or de Aquita) holds Witlei.”   Earl of Godwine held it. I was then assessed for 20 hides. I attended divine service in All Saints Church this morning and after service purchased a little booklet containing a history of the church, part of which reads as follows: “The main door on the south side – the porch – is of early Norman work and was built in the reign of William the Conqueror. The church has been partly rebuilt and strengthened since then. The church was closed during the troublous times of the Commonwealth. During the reign of Henry IV, slight additions were made.”

There are several interesting memorials in the church, one in memory of a man who evidently outlived three wives. It reads thus:

A better woman than here sleeps
There’s none.
Sarah, Rebecca, Rachel, three in
One
Religious, pious, thrifty, wise,
Fayre and chaste,
So many goods in one, who finds 
Finds in haste

None of the glass in the church is old except the coat of arms in the Morov Chapel, two of which are probably 14th century glass, and two belonging to the Tudor times say 1550. There are parts of windows representing the Royal Arms of the Plantagenet Kings. On the south walls there are faint remains of some old paintings, probably dating before 1200.

There are eight bells in the tower, five modern and three dating 1604, 1648, and 1670. The earliest one bears the inscription “Our Lord, Our Hope.”

‘Tis recorded that on the night of June 25, 1294, King John I slept at Witley on his way to Portsmouth. I cannot vouch for that, but I do know that John F. McHutchion slept there on Nov. 21, 1916 because I heard him snoring in the brass band hut.

Godalming

On leaving Witley camp and travelling toward jolly old London you pass through Milford, a pretty little place at the outskirts of the camp. A good half hour walk brings you to Godalming. The picturesque and ancient town of Godalming, three miles from Witley camp, lies in a valley overlooked on all sides by steep, wooded hills. It is four miles south of Guilford, the county town of Surrey, and 34 ½ miles from London, by the London and South Western Railway. Three main roads run into it, the Ripley-Epsom and Leatherhead and the Brighton road, as far as Reigate, and then via Betchworth, Dorking, Shore and Albury. All these roads have charms of their own, the country in each case being exceedingly beautiful and the boys enjoy their route marches when passing along the most excellent paved roads. Godalming is a town of ancient history. It is mentioned in the will of Alfred the Great in the year A.D. 900. It is stated that the numismatic collection of the King of Denmark contains two pennies of Ethelred, coined at Godalming. The principal ancient industry was cloth making. This is evidenced by the fact that weaving was carried on there in the reign of Richard II. The ancient right to hold a weekly market was granted the place by Edward I in 1300 and confirmed, or enlarged by Queen Elizabeth. It was here that Peter the Great and his suite of 21 on their way from Portsmouth to London stopped and had breakfast and dinner, the bill of fare being: 

Breakfast

Half a sheep, quarter of lamb, 10 pullets, 12 chickens, 3 qts. of brandy, 69 qts. of mulled wine, 7 dozen eggs, with salad in proportion.

Dinner

Five ribs of beef, weighing three stone, 2 sheep, 56 ¾ lbs of lamb, 1 shoulder of veal boiled, 1 lion, 8 rabbits, 2 ½ dozen of sack, 1 dozen claret.

It is stated that William afterwards King of Prussia, and Leopold, afterwards King of the Belgians, also dined in this ancient place.

The boys naturally flock to Godalming in the evenings, and on Saturday afternoon and Sunday.

Guilford, Surrey

One Saturday afternoon lately I took a train down to Guilford, a short distance from here.  In Guilford like other English places I have seen, the buildings are quaint and old fashioned, and when built seem to last forever. I saw one building on the main street built in 1536. When you come to think of it the Brantford City Hall is a “young chicken” compared to buildings you see over here. It was snowing and then turned to rain and I had a miserable day for sight-seeing. I met Major W.T. Henderson of the 54th Battery on the street, and had a hearty shake hands with him.

In days of yore the pleasantness of Guilford invited kings to spend their festive times there, as Henry II, and King John and the earlier Edwards spent much time in the place. It is an old Anglo-Saxon place, at one time part of the personal estate of King Alfred, and by him bequeathed to Ethelwald, his nephew. It is said that Henry II, always spent Christmas there. The cloth workers of olden days were granted a charter in 1256 by Henry IV, and their chartered privileges were increased by Edward II, and in Henry VII’s reign the first mayor of the place was elected. In Tudor times and right down to the Stuart period the place was a prosperous one, but did not increase very much in population. The Dominican Friars lived there in the olden days. Prince Henry, the son of Edward I, and Queen Eleanor, died there in 1274. It is claimed that Guilford was much patronized by Henry VI and Henry VIII. It was there that the Treaty with Scotland was signed on Aug. 2, 1534, when the ambassador of that country, the Abbott of Kinross, came to meet Henry VIII at the home of the Black Friars, the bishop of Winchester, the Duke of Norfolk and the Earl of Northumberland being present at the time. There you can see the ruins of the old Guilford castle. This place too is a great place of soldiers.

Portsmouth

On Saturday afternoon, November – I took a trip to Portsmouth to spend the weekend. As it was raining hard I did not get around much to see the city, so went to a theatre. In Portsmouth you see sailors by the hundreds, and the Jolly Jack Tars in their natty blue suits are the real thing there and a jolly good-natured, happy-go-lucky- lot of chaps they are. Nothing seems to trouble them, and if they have any they leave them behind on the rolling, bellowing, tossing boundless deeply. I had many interesting chats with the boys, and I tell you a truer lot of clean-cut fellows you would go a long way to see. You certainly have to take your hats off to the blue jackets. I had the privilege of seeing some of them at drill on the parade grounds at one of the large naval barracks there. They go through their drill like clockwork, vastly different from a lot of clumsy-footed infantry.

Sunday morning it was still raining but about nine o’clock it ceased and the sun came out strong and I set out to see the place. I climbed on the top of a tram car, and puffing away at a two-penny cigar, commenced staring about like a 6 year old kid in a side show. I went as far as one blooming train would go and then took another in a different direction. I was walking along some street, the name of which I have forgotten, when I noticed a crowd standing in front of St. Thomas’ Church, opposite the Old Guild hall. The hall is now being used as a museum. Stepping up to a “bloke” I said:  “I say mate, what the blooming ‘L’s’ going on?”  “I’ll be blowed if I know,” said ‘e. Turning to a newsboy I asked:  What’s the mob doing?” “Why the bally old mayor’s at church,” said the nipper.

I enquired again from a gentleman who informed me that the mayor-elect and the retiring mayor and corporation were attending divine service dressed in their robes of office, and that if I waited a short time I would see them coming out, so I took out a “fag” lit it and smoked away. It is the custom there for the mayor-elect and the corporation to go to church the first Sunday after their election – a rule, by the way, which might be established in the Telephone City. Shortly the chimes rang out (and the organ peeled) and out they came. The chief of police led the procession, followed by 15 “cops.”  It put me in mind of a game of cribbage – 15-2. Then came the chief of the fire department and his fire-fighters wearing brass helmets. To myself I said when I saw the brass helmets, “Can it be the 25th Brant Dragoons?”  Next in order was the mace bearer, looking handsome in a black gown with a smile like the one George Smith wears on council meeting nights. The centre of attraction then appeared, Mayor-elect Harold Pink, wearing his robe of office, a dark blue gown, and the chain of honor around his neck, walking alongside the retiring mayor, Sir C.H. Coake. Imagine Joseph Wedgewood Bowlby handsomely gowned with a necklace around his neck with a meek-as-moses smile, walking along with ex-Mayor John H. Spence to the strains of “Onward Christian Soldiers,” preceded by the mace bearer, Ald. Walter Bragg, carrying a pole with a brass knob on it. Then came three men with red cloaks over their shoulders, the city clerk and city treasurer, and the third probably the city water tap inspector. They were followed by the council wearing black gowns and cocked hats. Picture in your mind Ald. Pitcher, Jennings and Ward being knocked into a cocked hat!  The guests of honor brought up the rear, they being the commander-in-chief of the port. The officer commanding the southern coast defense and the flag lieutenant. 

H.M.S. Victory

After dinner I went down to the harbor and got a boatman to row me out a short distance and went on the old battleship Victory, upon which Lord Nelson fought, was wounded and died in the memorable naval battle of Trafalgar on Oct. 21, 1805.

The guide who escorted me all over the ship was Sergt. Harry Sawkins.  On the top deck he showed me the spot where Lord Nelson, in company with Capt. Hardy, was struck by a musket ball fired from the mizentop of the Redoutable about 1.25 in the afternoon. A brass plate marks the spot, “they have done for me at last Hardy,” said the hero as he fell. “I hope not,” said Hardy. “Yes” was the reply. “They have shot my backbone through.”  He gave orders to be carried to the cockpit below and that his face be covered with a handkerchief that he might not be recognized. He was borne to a place on the port side at the foremost end.

He was placed on the purser’s bed, his back resting against one of the wooden knees of the ship. A surgeon examined his wound and pronounced it mortal. By 4.30 the action was over and victory was reported to Lord Nelson.

The Victory redoubled its fire on some ships and the concussion affected Lord Nelson and he cried in agony “Victory! Victory! How you do distract my poor brain!”  But weak and in pain as he was, he indignantly rebuked a man who in passing through the crowded cockpit struck against and hurt one of the wounded.

About one hour later Capt. Hardy visited Lord Nelson, who said “Kiss me Hardy.”  The captain knelt down and kissed him, when the admiral whispered, “Now I am satisfied, thank God I have done my duty.”  Twenty minutes later he passed away having repeated to his last breath the words above mentioned. They were, it has been well remarked, the whole history of his life.

A brass plate marks the spot where Lord Nelson died in the cockpit. On the Sunday I was there, a large wreath and many other flowers were lying on the spot. The sergeant told me that every 21st of October flowers are laid on the spot where he died. The facsimile of his famous message which was hoisted at 11.40 a.m., “England expects that every man will do his duty,” is there; also part of the original sail enclosed in a glass case. This signal is hoisted every 21st of October.

The old original guns are still there and many old relics.  My guide, “’Arry Sockins,” seemed to take a great pleasure in showing and explaining every little thing to me. After being shown all over the great old battleship I purchased a short history of it for sixpence from “’Arry.”

After thanking him for his courtesy extended to me I said “good bye” mate. He replied, “Good bye, Canadian; good bye and good luck to you.”

He signaled the boatman to take me back to shore and as I pulled away from the grand old ship he waved his hand.

Camp Notes

I was most agreeably surprised one evening last week to have a visit from Pte. Gordon Inglis, son of the late Joseph J. Inglis. Gordon is playing clarinet with one of the bands attached to a western Canada Battalion. He is a big fellow now and looks fit and fine.

Our football team beat the 123rd team yesterday 1-0

Bert Fisher had a visit from his brother Pede (Packey) Fisher recently and we were all glad to see him.

Who do you think blew into our camp Saturday the friend of Jake Patterson, but Ernie Walsh?  Ernie was wounded up at the front and is taking a few days to get patched up.

Reg. Fuller of the 148th formerly of Brantford came over to our lines the other day and told us he met “Billy” Taylor and “Bike” Evans two weeks ago when he was at Epsom.

BX December 23, 1916

Few Originals of 125th Batt. Left – Draft on December 4th Took Away a Number of Brant Boys – The Parting At Witley

Another interesting letter has been receive by the Expositor from Bandsman C.B. Todd of the 125th Canadians, dated December 4 dealing with the departure of the most recent draft for France. In his opinions by now there will be few of the original 125th Battalion left. The letter is as follows:

December 4, 1916
Witley

This morning at 4 o’clock another draft from the 125th Battalion left for France. Reveille was sounded at 2.30 a.m. and the boys were soon up and dressed and then went to the mess room, where the cooks, who are ever on duty all night, had breakfast ready. Drafts from other battalions also pulled out this morning and the pipe bands of the 134th Highlanders and the Nova Scotia Highlanders furnished the music for the occasion. There was music for the occasion. There was not much ceremony about it, it being purely a matter of duty and business.

When the “Fall in” sounded and the boys lined up with a smile on their faces the roll was called and every man on the draft answered “Here, Sir,” as his name was called. When everything was ready the order “Quick march!” was given and the boys were off. It was a beautiful morning, a full moon shining down on the boys from old Brant County as if to pay her respects and wish them good luck and Godspeed. The minute the order was given and their left foot came to the ground they let out a cheer that made the whole camp shake. They were off – the boys – the Brants.

In less time than it takes me to write it they made the turn at the head of our lines, and as they waved back “Good bye” the lumps came up in our throats. They had turned the corner and were lost from view. They marched to the station, boarded train and were off, soon to take their places in the firing line for their King and Country. What a sight to see in the full moonlight!

The bugler sounded “Cook-house,” but there was many a vacant chair, many a smiling face missing, and many a good pal gone when the rest of us fled into the mess room for breakfast. There was not the same old “buzz-buzz” of conversation going on. Our morning meal was partaken in silence. The boy’s thoughts were of their pals who had pulled out for France a few hours before.

There were a number of the 135th Middlesex Battalion in this draft. I think that another big draft is to be got ready inside of a week and guess by the time this reaches you there will not be many of the original 125th boys left in the battalion.

BX February 16, 1917

Activities of the 125th – Social Events of a Jolly Nature While Away the Hours when Drill is Not Carried On – Genuine Jollifications at Christmas and New Year’s Were Greatly Enjoyed by the men, the Officers Proving Admirable Mess Orderlies – A Record of a Merry Lot of Soldier Boys

January 26, 1917
Witley Camp

Twenty three weeks ago today the 125th landed in Liverpool. Things in general are about the same in camp as far as the 125th Brants are concerned as when I wrote last in December. At that time I thought and as a matter of fact, we all thought, that the majority of us would have been somewhere in France by Christmas, but something happened and “the powers that be” I guess changed their plans and we are still in Witley camp. Someone in high authority put his foot down on the granting of passes and weekend leaves and we consequently have to remain by own fireside. Many there were who looked forward for and fully expected passes for Christmas or New Year’s, but only to have their hopes dashed by the cruel words “No more passes to be granted,”  the battalion was given a jolly good dinner on Christmas, thanks to the officers and the dear good-hearted friends back in the Telephone City. The men’s mess room was very nicely decorated for the occasion with holly, flags, bunting and paper bells and streamers. The big dining room certainly did look fine, presenting a real jolly Christmas appearance and those who had charge of the decorations certainly deserve credit for the way they fixed the blooming old room up. On the stroke of one the bugler sounded “Cook-house” and the boys all lined up with their different units and marched up to the mess room, where a smart corps of mess orderlies where ready to wait on the boys. After all had been seated and the chaplain said “grace,” in came the mess orderlies with real soup. What ho!

All the officers were present and they, too, dug in and helped to wait on the men and believe me they certainly piled up the boys’ plates in loads. Then came His Majesty “King Turkey” with dressing. Lor’ Lummey ‘ow our blooming eyes did shine when we saw the bally old turkey. Oh bloimy. Then some goose and chicken and I’ll be bellowed if we didn’t get cranberry sauce too.

They gave us a good serving of creamed mashed potatoes and other vegetables. Colonel Cutcliffe and Major McLean were on hand helping to serve. Adjutant Emmonds, too was hob-nobbing about along with the jolly paymaster. The M.O., Capt. Dr. Hanna was on hand in case any of us would overload our stomachs. By the way, major McLean certainly knows how to pass out fowl. The bloke next to me murmurs “My kingdom for an ‘orse.’”  “Orse’ be anged,” says I. “my brass trombone for another mess of turkey.”  The jolly major heard me and smiled, so backed up my apple-cart and got it reloaded. Bill Sherman wanted some stewed “heels,” but there were none.

 “’Off a league, ‘off a league! ‘Off a league onward. Turkey to the right of us. Goose to the left of us. Chicken in front of us. On we went – appetites undaunted – the hungry 125th.

What’s coming next? Says our nipper. Blowed if I knows, says ‘Arry Stanley.

Then to our delight in came the waiters with plates heaped up with real English plum pudding. A ripping fine blooming pudding, too, and to top the thing off they smothered it in brandy sauce and passed around a “off pint of boose.”  Just like a lot of “hearls,” dukes or lords at a royal hunting party. Then we ‘ad another serving of the bally pudding and another “go” of boose. Of course, some of the chaps didn’t take the “tidley,” so passed it on to his mate. Then we ‘ad kolke, coffee and after they passed around raisins, nuts, apples and grapes. To finish it up we ‘ad the smokes that was sent us by our jolly good friend “Hernie” Moule – you know ‘im. “E” that runs the shifting pictures at the “Brant.”  Gosh bloimey me what a blow-out we ‘ad – fit for the blooming king.

After we got away with everything that wasn’t nailed we put on our ‘ats and went back to our ‘uts.

After 20 minutes intermission the boys came back to the mess room and we had a free and easy smoking concert. And a jolly good time it was too. Thus ended the Christmas dinner and the jollification.

New Year’s

On New Year’s afternoon we had a program of military sports, the feature events being the company tug-of-war and the relay race.

Major James’ “B” Company “tuggers” had the biggest pull and won hands down. They should be dentists.

The always smiling good-natured major was quite elated over his team winning, and when his team pulled their opponents over the scratch for the final pull he let out a real Brant County Indian yell.

The runners from “D” Company carried off the relay race, though pushed to the limit by other teams. They just managed to wind out by a nose.

Field Sports Held

On Friday January 19, instead of the regular weekly route march, a full day of sports was held at the Garrison Commons, about four miles from camp. We left camp about 9 o’clock in the morning, and after a short brisk march arrived at the commons. The day was a memorable one for the fact that it was the first time the battalion had the pleasure of seeing Asst. Adjt. K.V. Bunnell on a horse. “Here endeth the second lesson.”

On arriving there each company held their own program of sports. The results were as follows:

Machine Gun Section

100 yards dash – 1. G.S. Angus; 2. S.M. Wright
Obstacle race – 1. G.S. Angus; 2. T.J. Edwards
3 Legged race – 1. F.B. Wood and A.C. Townsend
Wheel-barrow race – G.S. Angus and A. White
Pick-a-back race – 1. G.S. Angus and A. White

“A” Company

100 yards dash – 1. Sgt. R. Gooch; 2. M.H. Mollard
3 Legged race (Over 35 years) – 1. Pte. A. Thompson, Sgt. G.F. Vezey, Sgt. C.E. Bellamy
Obstacle race – 1. Sgt. R. Gooch; 2. Cpl. G.H. Henderson
Wheel-barrow race – 1. Pte. G.M. Durr and Pte. J. Jellyman
Pick-a-back race – 1. Sgt. R. Gooch and Pte. C. Gowan
Tent pegging – L.-Cpl. S.J. Twyman and Pte. A.T. Harness
3 Legged race (Under 35 years) – 1. Pte. Mollard and Pte. A.T. Harness
Running broad jump – 1. Sgt. R. Gooch

“B” Company

100 yards dash – 1. Sgt. W. Martin; 2. Sgt. H.E. Simpson
3 Legged race – 1. Cpl. J.H. McCuaig and L.-Cpl. D.B. Cottrill
Obstacle race – Sgt. H.E. Smmpson and Pte. P.J. Spring
Wheel-barrow race – Sgt. A.W. Tichbourne and Pte. A.E. Venton
Pick-a-back race (Over 35 years) – Sgt. J. Crowley and Pte. A.H. Hills
Pick-a-back race (Under 35 years) – Pte. E.A. Prince and Pte. E.J. Chandler

“C” Company

Obstacle race – Cpl. Robt. Thompson
3 legged race – Pte. J.H. Stobbs and Pte. E.J. Taylor
Pick-a-back race – Cpl. Robt. Ellison and Pte. J.H. Stobbs
Pick-a-back race (Over 35 years) – 1.Sgt.-Maj. T. Howell and Pte. R. Ritchie
100 yards dash – 1. Cpl. A.F. Wright; 2. Pte. R.H. Plant
100 yards dash (Over 35 years) – Sgt.-Maj. T. Howell; 2. Sgt. F.W. Wild

“D” Company

100 yards dash – 1. Sgt. Payne; 2. Pte. Bowden
3 Legged race – 1. Sgt. Payne and Pte. Hess; 2. Pte. Bowden and Pte. Martin
Obstacle race – 1. Sgt. Payne; 2. Pte. Martin; 3. Pte. Webb
Pick-a-back race – Pte. Pamplin and Pte. Spencer, Pte Lowes and Pte. Bowden.

Feature Events

The two big feature events were the champion battalion relay race, which was won by the machine gun section, and the champion bantam tug-of-war, which was carried off by Major James’ B Company tuggers.

In the relay race the first five runners got off to a good start and the race was a dandy. To J.S. Angus of the machine gun section must be given the floral horseshoes. To him headquarters pinned their faith, and he responded nobly to the call. When the handkerchief was brought to him by his mates there were three runners 10 yards ahead of him. He was away like a bolt of lightning. Half way up he had cut down the lead and was right on their heels with the machine gunners and headquarters staff boys yelling like mad for him to beat them out. He did. Five feet more Angus went past the field like a shot out of a gun and opened a gap. He increased his lead and opened the handkerchief to McFarland. “Mac” was ready and off he tore down the home stretch for all that was in him. His opponents closed up on him, but the ground that Angus had won was sufficient for McFarland to cross the tape and fetch home the bacon. As “Mac” crossed the line the headquarters branch went wild. Those who ran on the winding team were Edwards, Dawson, Wright, White, Hubert, Maich, Angus and McFarland.

The Tug-of- War

A Company won from headquarters and D. Company pulled C. Company. B. got the bye. D. Company drew A. Company’s team across the tape. The excitement was at a fever heat when the teams from B. and D. Company lined up for the final pull after lunch. Major James’ B. Company men were too much for their opponents and won with straight pulls. The members of the winning team were Sergt. Muir, Ptes. Sinclair, Christie, Lawrence, Baker, Gilpin, Wharran and Black.

Other Sports

Acting B.S.M. Thomas Howell captured the 120 yards special race, also the pig-a-back race.

10 and 11 Platoon specials
100 yards dash – Pte. Furlong
Pig-a-back race – Sergt. Marriot and Pte. T. Harmon
Wheelbarrow race – Sergt. Marriot and Pte. T. Harmon.
Tent pegging – Sergt. Gilbert, Pte. Harmon

Best Drilled Squad

D. Company won the prize for the best dressed and drilled squad. The following team comprised the winning squad:  Ptes. H.H. butcher, E.W. Dyer, W. Gray, F. Hurley, W. Lockley, W. Hockridge, J. Mercer, F. Noakes, N. Prior, W.H. Rickford, J.H. Stobbs, F.Wiggins.

The machine gun section, besides carrying off the battalion relay race, defeated a team from A. Company at football, 2-0, and won in baseball from a team picked from C. and D. Companies, 4-0. The football team was composed of the following:  Goal, Tigwell; backs, Wood, Neate; half backs, Sergt Maich, Edwards, Townshend; forwards, Cap. Angus G. Angus, McFarland, White and Percival. The following played on their ball team: Catcher, J.T. Lock, Pitcher, J.R. McFarland, first base, W.E. Stoves; second base, J. Hubert; third base, G. Davison; shortstop, R.D. Lamb, right field, H.T. Kent; center field, W. Wood; left field, E. Reeve, Umpire, Tabby Spencer (Signallers).

On returning the boys were given an early dismissal for a concert party in the evening. Following was the program:

Opening remarks by the chairman, Sergt.-Major Hart
Patriotic Selection – “The Allies in Camp”
Song – Comic - Sergt. Kemp
Song – Selected Sgt.-Maj. Wilkes
Song – Comic - Bandsman C.B. Todd
Fantasia – “A Hunting Scene-Band
Song – Comic -Bandsman C.B. Todd
Song – Selected -Sgt. Wells (Band accompaniment)
Song -Pte. J. Unsworth
Fantasia – “A Darkey’s Dreamland”    Band

On Christmas Eve the brass band marched out to Thursley and were entertained by Major and Mrs. McLean. During the evening refreshments were served and the boys had a real jolly good time. The band was in good trim. Bandmaster W.R. Bartram handled the baton and the band played the following program:

Adeste Fideles
Valse – Gold and Silver
Overture – Huzzars’ Dream
Selection – Gems of the Opera
Song – The Broken Doll
Selection – Steame de la Creame
Hymn – Abide with Me
O Canada
The Maple Leaf Forever
God Save the King

A number of the huts were very nicely decorated for Christmas and the men were complimented by Lt.-Col. Cutcliffe. He awarded the Christmas cake to the brass band for the best hut.

Thursley Village

At Thursley Major McLean, Major James, Captain Hanna and Captain Van Someren had taken residences.

Thursley is one of the most delightful villages in Surrey, on the edge of the moor, and in every way entirely unspoiled. The name is profoundly interesting and opens the door to astonishing vistas of ethnological conjecture. Just possible it is due to the settlement here of some hardy Danish pirate, who either himself called or called his home after the name of Thor. This the Scandinavian title of God whom the Saxons called Thunder, and place names derived from the latter form generally preserve the distinction as in Thursley, near Horley. The fierce Danish pirates invaded the neighborhood, probably forcing their way inland from the valley of the Thames is supported unfortunately, by only a very slight evidence – thus Kettlebury Hill, almost within a stone’s throw of Thursley, seems to embody a family name that exists to this day in Iceland. The combination with Danish “Thor” of the Saxon “Ley” seems to suggest that the name was given, not by Danish, but by Saxon neighbors. The conclusion is that a few Danish stragglers, sufficiently strong or sufficiently pacific to hold their own in a hostile country, settled in a Saxon region. The Thursley Church lies a little distance from the bulk of the village on a lane which runs towards Hindhead. The church was built in the Norman period.

Thursley Commons

Thursley Common is a rolling waste of heather, furze and bracken dotted at intervals with solemn Scotch firs. The curious lesser dodder (cuscuta epithymum) which to parasitic on heath, furge, thyme and other small plants, grows in some summers over these moors in such abundance as to almost resemble the masses of red seaweed cast  up along the shores of a west Highland sea-loch. In places again the short dry turf is replaced by patches of biting stone crop (sedum acre) covering the ground with splashes of yellow. Hardly less beautiful is the intensely deep blue of the vipers bugloss (echium vulgare), which crops up in places through the thin sandy soil. Everything, in short, connected with these commons is interesting – their vivid, flora, their natural history, their configuration, their distant prospects.

Thor’s Stone and Pudmore

A very charming walk from Thursley is to Thor’s Stone and Pudmore. Get some lad as a guide and he will show you all over the place for what you like to tip him. Thor’s Stone is merely a low outcrop of the native sandstone among a thin scattering of firs – not at all the detached mass of rock that its name and reputation would lead one to expect.

Pudmore, in rainy seasons a marsh, becomes in dry summers a vast surface of black and quaking bog with a superficial crust of dry cracked mud, exceedingly treacherous to walk upon. In June it is covered with acre after acre of richly flowering cotton grass (eriophorum polystachion), the sheen of which in the evening light looks exactly like a sheet of water. From Thor’s Stone a short walk eastward brings you to the group of three Hammer ponds. The beauty and seclusion of the two lower of these ponds, and the wealth of aquatic plants round their margins – sawworts, scull-cups, hemp-agrimonies and Irises – almost baffle description. From the foot of the middle pond it is possible to get a view, with the purple shoulder of Hammer hill in the background, which for richness of color and variety of detail is scarcely to be rivaled in Surrey.

Elstead

From Thursley a pleasant trip may be made to Elstead either by keeping the road or by cutting off the corner over Thursley Commons. At Elstead is a little 13th Century church, with a 15th century east window, and modern south aisle. The steps to the bell-chamber are curiously hewn, in a single huge block of timber. In the church hangs the Jacobean crest.

Chiddingfold

Chiddingfold is a pretty village with a green on the slope of a hill. It looks best perhaps when entered from the north, from which point of view Black Down appears like a long cape running out into the ocean of Weald. The meaning of the name is practically certain – the “Fold” of the Saxon Chiddingas.

Chiddingfold possesses a very old inn, picturesquely fronting the village green. The front of the house is half-tiled, but the back and sides exhibit wood and plaster work, in one of the sitting-rooms which possesses a magnificent open chimney-place is a copy of a deed dated March 22, 1383 (Richard II) witnessing the conveyance of the Crown Inn at Chiddingfold by Peter Pokeford to Richard Gofayre. This proves that a Crown Inn existed there at least as early as the end of the 14th century. 

Battalion Notes

In the absence of B.S.M. Frank Shaw, who is in the hospital where he recently was operated on (and we are pleased to say is doing fine), Co. Sergt.-Major Thos. Howells is acting. He certainly is a worthy substitute and keeps the battalion on the go. Tom doesn’t let the grass grow under any of the boys. He is very popular into the bargain.

We were all glad to see Billy Greensides around again after his illness.

Lieut. W. Oxtaby has the boys of “D” Company going at top speed, and the “under ages” are giving a good account of themselves.

Roy. Storey and Fred. A. Willoughby were declared physically unfit some time ago, and have been transferred to the battalion post office. Storey is the P.M.

Every night at 10.15 we hear the familiar voice of Sergt. Harry Stanley calling out “Get those blooming loits out.”

The measles and mumps are still with us. They say the Scotch itch is a corker to stick, but it cannot have much on mumps and measles.

On Saturday, Jan. 20, the 134th Highland Battalion football team journeyed to Guildford and defeated the Munition Workers team 4-1. They took their band with them and our solo cornetest George Renwick, played with them. You should have seen “Our George” in kilts. Say when Sandy. Some knees.

Though the sun never sets on the British domains, we think here it never shines.

For goodness sake somebody send us along some newspapers – even if it does take a month to get them here.

The brass band has played at three funerals since coming to Witley Camp, one here and two in Aldershot.

We all enjoyed the “smokes” sent to us by Mr. Ernie Moule. Thanks, Ernie – good luck to you old chap. How’s things at the Brant?

Ex-Ald. George Ward must have felt like the popular song “The Broken Doll,” after the mayoralty election.

“You called me Baby Doll some time ago,
You said that I would make a mayor, you know
I soon learnt what votes were, I thought I knew
But all I’ve learnt has only taught me that promises won’t do.
You told me you’d elect me in return.
I see that you were fooling after all.
Now that you’ve turned me away, you’ll be sorry some day.
You left behind “A Broken Doll”.
You certainly can’t keep the Irish down. Alderman Kelly, be-dad.
The top o’ the mornin’ to you, jack.
Shure a foine by that he is.

To Jack Sloan

If Ward 4 was the only place in the world
And Jack Sloan was the only boy.
He could keep on running in the same old way – 
He might be elected by the first of May.
A little election just made for two.
With no one in his way.
He would say such wonderful things to you – 
He would raise such a whil-a-bal-oo.
If War 4 was the only place in the world
And Jack was the only boy.

Clement Coles who was suffering from a sprained ankle, is around again.

Sergt.-Major James Withers received a letter from Pte. Thomas Anderson, a Brantford boy, who was wounded at the front and now at the Canadian Convalescent hospital at Epsom.

On Sundays, Dec. 17, 24, 30, and Jan. 7 and 14, the weather being fine, divine service was held on the battalion parade grounds.

Acting B.S.M. Howell recently paid a visit to his father and sisters in Birmingham. He also visited relatives and friends in Bury, Lan. Sergt. Percy Cayuga, the well-known baritone player of the Dufferin Rifles’ band, who came over with the 114th Battalion, paid a visit to the brass band hut tonight.

Sergt. Alex Maich recently paid a visit to relatives and friends in Birmingham. Alex is a great boy and when off duty the boys have a barrel of fun with him. He sure is one good natured Scotchman.

You should see Bandsman Albert Williams do a sprint when the bugle blows “cook house.”

Sergt. W. Blazey has his bugle band in pretty good shape.

Progressive Euchre

On Thursday night, Jan. 25, a friendly game of progressive euchre was played in the brass band hut between the machine gun section and the band. The gunners were a little too handy with the pictures and won quite easily. The following represented the gunners. W.L. Standon, S.M. Wright, A.T. White, F. Williamson, F. Wood, J.G. Lamb, D. Rose, R. Shear, R.V. Neate, S.J. McCauley, E.G. Axworthy and A.C. Townshend. Drummer C. Murray

BX April 24, 1917

A Compliment to Efficiency of the 125th – First Brants Were Duty Battalion For Three Weeks to Let Others Work Up – Notes of the First Brants

April 1, 1917
Witley Camp
Surrey, Eng.

We are enjoying beautiful spring weather, but must expect the April showers to commence pouring down any day. Some time ago I wrote that I thought, or we all though, we would move about April 1. Well, we did to a very small extent. Our battalion was moved to quarters nearer the parade grounds and brigade headquarters. Last Sunday we all thought we were going across the channel for sure. A hurry-up call was sent out to all Canadian troops to mobilize at once. All officers, N.C.O.’s and men who were taking courses, and on pass were summoned to report at once. On Sunday afternoon we paraded bag and baggage ready to move to France if necessary. On Monday we had a 10 mile route march with full pack less ammunition. Believe me, it was some load to carry. We were inspected by high officials. They kept the band playing. Gee, it’s nice to play with full pack on. You don’t seat, oh, no!

Colonel Cutcliffe is back with us again after taking a 10 weeks’ special officers course. They had us out doing engineering work one day this week – pick and shovel brigade. You should have seen Bert Fisher and Jack McHutchion and your humble servant digging (and digging out of the road). The officers, too, took a hand in it and relieved the boys now and again. One Sunday afternoon recently we had the pleasure of listening to a fine address by His Lordship the Bishop of London, and last Sunday an excellent address was given by Mr. T.P. O’Connor. On March 17 the brass band was up bright and early and serenaded the officers, playing Irish airs. In the afternoon the band went over to Lieut.-Col. Cutcliffe’s residence and played a program of Irish music. We have been duty battalion for three weeks. The 125th is further ahead in their drill and we were made duty battalion to allow the other battalion in our brigade time to get more proficient in their work and try and get their work up to the same level as the Brants. Some compliment, Capt. Lavell has left, as his place has been taken by Capt. Green, recently with the 123rd Battalion. Our new chaplain is certainly a hustler and has made himself a great favorite in a short time. He is a “horse” for work and likes to mingle with the men. He had not been with us two days until he made vast improvements in our recreation room. When we moved in our new lines he lost no time in getting the recreation room fitted up for us. He takes a great interest in outdoor sports and can plays baseball and football as good as the rest of them.

The blooming mumps and measles still stick with us, but we are glad to say we are all free from any other “company.”
    
Notes of the 125th

A brigade choir is being formed in the camp.
The Bugle Band defeated the Brass Band 2-1 at football.
The fine weather has started the boys playing out-door sports.
Percy Rowley and John Stinchcombe had a trip to Wales a week ago.
Major Newman is with us again, after taking a lengthy officer’s course.
The married men’s chorus: “I love my wife, but oh you grass widows.”
On Sundays when the weather is fine Divine service is held out on the parade grounds.
When is the 215th coming over?  Please answer. The boys here are anxious to know.
Albert Williams is still first to the cook house. Albert believes in being there early to avoid the rush.

Charley Murray is romping around like a three year old. Charles says he hasn’t felt so well for 15 years.

BX May 31, 1917

Activities of the 215th – Battalion was Inspected by Gen. Garnet Hughes, Sir Robert Borden and H.R.H. the Duke of Connaught, Receiving Much Praise – Route Marches and Kit Inspections Are Held Frequently – A Sunday Night Concert

April 11, 1917
Witley Camp,
Surrey, Eng.    

The boys were all delighted today to receive a large consignment of Canadian mail, letters bearing the postmark Brantford, March 28, arriving. Postmaster Clement P. Coles certainly got an extra spurt on him and sorted the letters in quick style. We are having quite a variety of weather here, snow, rain and sunshine all in half an hour. We are having a very cold April. According to the newspaper reports it is the coldest weather they have had in April for a century. We have been kept on the jump lately with route marches, inspections etc. On Thursday last we had a 17 ½ mile route march with full kit ready for France with the exception of 120 rounds of ammunition. It was no light load either to carry that distance, but we did it. Yes, forced to! 

Battalion Inspected

The weather man was kind to us on Good Friday and old Sol shone brightly. We had kit inspection in the morning and “carry on” in the afternoon, but no hot cross buns. Saturday morning we donned our overseas kit and were inspected by Gen. Garnet Hughes, who has been chosen to command the 5th Division, of which we are the senior battalion. Brigadier Lieut.-Col. (Dr.) E.C. Ashton has been appointed second in command. When he came to this camp to take up his new post he brought with him Major Percy Jones of the famous Mad Fourth, and Capt. Wm. Miller, and other Brantford soldiers. Lieut.-Col. Cuttcliffe was given great praise from the inspecting officers for the high degree of proficiency which the 125 Battalion has attained. Besides being the senior battalion in the 5th Division we are looked upon, so Dame Rumor has it from headquarters that we are in all departments the best battalion. If the rest of the battalions were as well up in their work as we are we would no doubt be over the channel before this. If we were thrown into a scrap the other battalions would no doubt give just as good account of themselves as we. The weather on Easter Sunday was also fine and divine service was held on the parade grounds. Our new chaplain, Capt. Green, during his address let his hearers know that he did not approve of the soldiers not having Good Friday and Easter Sunday for religious purposes. We had kit inspection after the service. Lots of kit inspections, Eh?

Inspected by Duke

On Saturday morning, April 14, we were inspected by the H.R.H. the duke of Connaught.

On Easter Sunday night Sir Robert L. Borden attended the regular Sunday night concert given in Borough Hall, Godalming and was given a rousing reception by the boys when he stepped on the platform. These Sunday night concerts are arranged and provided for the soldiers by Mrs. Henderson, a very wealthy lady here. There is no charge for admission, and no reserved seats. The best talent that can be secured in London is booked for these concerts and we often see some very clever entertainers. This lady once took an all star vaudeville party for a six weeks tour to France to provide amusement for the boys. This seems to be one of her hobbies, and she certainly has the happy faculty of securing good talent. I was told by one who is supposed to know, that talent for a Sunday night concert often costs her from £20 to £25. Figure that in dollars and cents and you will be able to judge the class of entertainers we have the pleasure of hearing.  Lord Middleton in introducing the premier, said that on behalf of the mayor and corporation of Godalming (and Mrs. Henderson who has done so much for the boys) that they felt greatly honoured in having in their midst such a distinguished person as Hon. Dir Robert L. Borden premier of the fair Dominion of Canada, (Cheers). Lord Middleton spoke in the highest terms of the Canadians and of their loyalty to the British crown. He gave the Canadian soldiers great praise for the part they are taking in the Great War. The Kaiser, he said had done one good thing, being the means of bringing the colonies and the mother country closer together and cementing them in a greater bond of friendship in the great British Empire. The speaker referred to the response of the call to arms by the other colonies. Of course we boys felt quite elated, as it was the first time that most of them had ever been in the presence of a lord.

Lord Middleton then introduced Sir Robert, and the boys went wild – cheered, cheered, re-cheered, howled and yelled. They sang “O Canada,” “The Maple Leaf,” and “I Love You Canada,” the premier standing smiling all the time. When the turmoil had ceased Sir Robert thanked the boys for their magnificent enthusiastic reception. He said that on account of most of the talent for the concert having to catch the 8.25 train back to London he would only make a few brief remarks. 

He said he was glad to be present and stand face to face with such loyal sons of Canada who had come over to do their bit for the great British Empire. Sir Robert stated that he had recently returned from the front and brought back a message of cheerfulness and great confidence from the boys. He said the boys are filled to over flowing with confidence. The others, he said were proving themselves superior to the Huns. “You men,” he said, “may soon go over the channel, and when it comes your turn to go to the front line trenches and enter into the fray, I am sure that you also can be depended upon to give just as good an account of yourselves as your brother Canadians before you, and that you will do your part as Canadians would have you do it in the great war for the freedom of the world and the preservation of the great British Empire.”

Lord Middleton then called for three rousing cheers and a tiger for the Premier of Canada and we all hollered and yelled for the Lord’s sake.

The concert was then proceeded with the following being the program:

Song Mr. E. Groom
Selections by a portion of the Royal Artillery Band (Aldershot), under the direction of Sergt.-Major Soars; by kind permission of the colonel and officers.
Song Miss C. Hatchard
Songs at the piano Miss I. St. Heller
Violin solo Miss. Mary Law
Sleight-of-Hand Mr. A. Potter
Selections by Royal Artillery Band
Song Miss C. Hatchard
Piccolo solo Sergt. P.D. Knight
Songs at the piano Miss I. St. Heller
Violin solo Miss Mary Law
Song “Hymn Before Action” Mr. Ernest Gordon
Easter Hymn “Christ the Lord is Risen Today”
God Save the King
Accompanist, Miss Ella Ivimery. For Miss Law, Miss Edyth Harrky. Mr. Ernest Groom mad a great hit with his parody on the song, “The Broken (the Kaiser) Doll.” Miss Ivy St. Heller was a great favourite. She was in good form and had Sir Robert Smiling.

Sir Robert Sees 125th

On Easter Monday morning we were reviewed by Sir Robert L. Borden. A march past was held, and the Premier took up a position at the saluting point at Witley village. The Brants lead the march and went past the Premier just like clockwork his face being all smiles. He had a busy day of it, as you see by the two newspaper clippings from two London papers. The Daily Mail reported as follows:

Sir Robert Borden, Prime Minister of Canada, spent Easter Monday with a Canadian division in camp at Witley.

The day began with a march past of a brigade of infantry, accompanied by first line transport. The men presented a splendid and inspiring spectacle of “trained to the last ounce” fitness as they swept past their Prime Minister at the saluting point. They carried full battle kit, and their steel helmets were strapped on their knapsacks.

Spectators who have seen previous reviews of Canadian divisions were once more impressed with the virility and keenness of Canada’s standard of manhood. Sir Robert Borden’s face was flushed with pride as regiment after regiment, to the lilt their bands, passed by him.

The rest of the day was happily and informally spent in an intimate inspection by Sir Robert of every phase of the normal day’s life of the great camp. He saw the Divisional Ammunition Column prepare and start into movement as if for battle. He visited the artillery stables; saw two batteries in training practice, units of all kinds were inspected in routine training, gas-helmet drills, bayonet practice, trench fighting practice, signalling and every other drill.

Canadian Views on our Weather

Among the men inspected were those of a regiment of which Sir Robert is honorary colonel. A magnificent body of men, they formed a ring round him and he addressed them briefly, telling them of his pride to see them her and his assuredness that they will uphold the honor and glory of Canada.

A wild medley of weather prevailed all day. One of the bitterest winds that Easter Monday has ever known swept over the open highlands of the camp, and sudden floods of steely sunshine were mixed with driving blizzards of snow. The Canadians were unanimous in declaring that they never felt cold in Canada like this day. One of the staff officers, indeed, remarked musingly that the only conceivable bright side of a German invasion and occupation of England would be that it might drive the English people into emigration to a country possessing a “climate”.

Sir R. Borden’s Mishap

Early in the day Sir Robert Borden, while hurrying across some moorland, stepped into a small hole and twisted a ligament of his right leg. At a dressing station nearby his leg was bound up by men of the Canadian Field Ambulance whom he was about to inspect.  The injury was very slight and did not interfere with his program for the afternoon.

The Daily Mirror Said:

There was no bank holiday in a big military camp in the south of England where thousands of Canadians are being trained to come to the assistance of their fellows who have done such noble deeds during the past few months. When it was visited yesterday morning by Sir Robert Borden, the Prime Minister of the Dominion, there was nothing to be seen but work, hard, unremitting work, which is turning the men into trained soldiers.

A brigade swung past bound on a long route march, every man looking as if he were trained to a hair. Heavy packs and rifles were as nothing to these French Canadians from Quebec – some of whom have more than a trace of Indian blood in their veins. All was complete down to “the last gaiter button,” and they were only waiting the call to join in the great advance already begun.

So it was with the great artillery park, where the gunners were rehearsing their many lessons in handling the howitzers and eighteen-pounders which stood in long, grim lines. A bugle sounded, and out of the stables galloped the horses, and the guns were limbered up in a twinkle. Long lines of field wagons stood in ranks on the other side of the hill.

Gas Masks and Bombs

Another move, and we were on a wide parade ground, covered with groups of men who were being taught the mysteries of modern warfare. Two long files stood at attention; there was a hoarse word, and each man was instantly disguised in a hideous gas mask. Here were men being put though gymnastics the thoroughness of which removed all wonder at the superb physical well being of the Canadians; there a long line of men being taught how to throw bombs.

A battalion were being taught bayonet exercise and to these Sir Robert Borden said a few words of praise and encouragement.

Last of all, a visit was paid to the ambulances, and here it seemed as if the fates had conspired to make it as complete as possible. For Sir Robert Borden on walking across, managed to strain the muscle of his leg, and was immediately treated by one of the doctors in waiting in the hospital tent. Fortunately the injury was not a very serious one, and the Dominion Premier was able to go on to the division headquarters and take luncheon with officers.

BX June 13, 1917

215th Draft Joined the 125th Canadians At Witley Camp – 125th Formed Guard of Honor for Queen Alexandra at the Revue “Hello Canada” – Col. Cutcliffe Given Task of Building up a New Battalion, Being Transferred from 2nd Canadian Battalion

We were all delighted today to receive a draft of our sister battalion from Brantford, the 215th. The boys arrived at Witley at one o’clock and were met at the station by a number of our officers and welcomed them to our midst. The brass and bugle bands were on hand and played the boys to our lines. The 125th boys were glad to have 215th lads and they were delighted to think they were fortunate enough to be sent here to re-enforce us. They all look fine and well and should fit in well with what boys are left in our battalion. They were given a rousing welcome when they marched in our lines. A draft from the 204th came with them. None of their officers came with them but I think Duff Slemin is expected tonight. A number of the 215th boys are on six days’ leave and as soon as their leave expires will join us. The draft was given a strict medical examination by Capt. Dr. Hanna and shown the way to the bath house, not because they needed it but just to get them acquainted with it so they would know its location in the future. The boys were assigned to their huts and began to make themselves comfortable in their new home. Phil Gee of Brantford arrived in camp this afternoon with the 164th Battalion, as did Capt. (Dr.) R. Digley.

Honor Conferred

A great honor was conferred on the 125th Brants recently when they were selected from all Canadian battalions stationed in England as the one to furnish 100 men and a brass band to act as guard of honor to Queen Alexandra in London on Friday May 11, on occasion of her attending the matinee performance of the Revue Hello Canada at His Majesty’s Theatre, the proceeds being donated in aid of St. Dunstin’s Hostel for the Blind. It was lucky that this great compliment was paid our battalion before a number of the Brants left for France. We were chosen over all the Canadian troops here because we were, it afterwards was told, were considered by the “Powers That Be” the best, smartest and most efficient Canadian battalion in England. But alas! Today we are but a shadow of our former greatness. Mostly all the boys have gone over the channel to perform greater deeds and achieve great honors.

On Friday morning the brass band and the “chosen one hundred” under command of Captain Emmons, adjutant and Lieuts. Donald Waterous and D. Campbell left camp for London. On arriving at Waterloo station we marched to the Atlantic House, 108 Oxford Street, Canadian headquarters where we were inspected by Major Law. After inspection we marched to the Maple Leaf Club, 11 Charles Street, Berkeley Square. As we marched along we were cheered by the vast, throughout London’s busy streets through which we passed. The boys never marched better and our band never played better. Arriving at the Maple Leaf Club at 11.15 we were dismissed until 12.30 for lunch

Among the Lords

Here we were among the lords for near and around Berkeley Square are the handsome residences of Lord Lansdowne, former governor-general of Canada and right behind that the home of the Duke of Devonshire, the present governor-general. We saw the residence of Lord Roseberry, Lord Harcourt, Lord Paris and Lord Lummey, but we walked around with a lordly sir.

Sharp at 12.30 we fell in again for you have to be right on the second when in London, and marched back to the Atlantic House again, where we were inspected, re-inspected, looked over, scrutinized by dear knows how many “Red Caps”.
When they got through inspecting us we marched off down to His Majesty’s theater. All along the line the boys were given rounds of applause. Arriving there we were stationed up front of the theatre and inspected two or three times more. They must have been fond of looking at us – and the ladies too – Well, I’ll leave that to the officers.

Here She Comes

The “nobs” were pouring in to the theatre in droves and there was a large crowd outside. After standing for some time two carriages were seen turning a corner two blocks away, and as the first one was in sight the crowd, as if by magic, exclaimed at once “Here she comes.”

Yes, there she was – Queen Alexandra. The Brants stood at attention like statues – not a move – not an eye lash moved – just like the regulars at Buckingham Palace. As the carriage which conveyed Queen Alexandra and Princess Maud and Princess Mary drew up, Major Low, an English officer with a voice like a roaring lion, gave the command, “Pres-sent-arms,” and the Brants, who were standing motionless, executed the command like clockwork, then standing as if struck dumb while the band played the National Anthem.

So well did the 125th do the royal salute that the immense crowd yelled themselves hoarse. The Queen alighted from her carriage and bowed and smiled. The cheering from the crowd was deafening. The Queen did not stop to inspect us, but went into the theatre.  So well did the boys do the salute that the crowd yelled “Cheers for the Canadians,” “Three cheers for Canada,”  “Well done Canadians.”  How our chests swelled.

We were then marched around the corner to another entrance to the theatre and as we turned the corner the crowd again let out another volley of cheers for the Canadians. And they kept on cheering as we filed into the theatre. A number of wounded Canadian soldiers were in the theatre, being driven there from the hospitals in carriages.

Before the revue started Miss Mara Lohr recited a piece entitled “Canada.”  Miss Lohr held the audience spell-bound, especially in the second verse. The words of the first line in the second verse: “O torn and broken battalions,” had a very deep and great effect on the audience, which seemed very effected and many looked toward the wounded.  There was many a tear-dimmed eye in the theater. At the conclusion of the piece Miss Lohr was given rounds and rounds of applause. Her work was grand and the Canadians will remember it for a long time to come.

Canada

They came in the splendid battalions,
When the Motherland gave the sign,
From ranch and orchard and farmland,
From factory, office and min;
From the land of the warm-hued maple leaf
And the flaming golden rod,
When a man stakes all on the task in hand
And givens his soul to God.

O torn and broken battalions
When you’ve played your splendid part,
You will take back there to your homeland
A bit of old England’s heart;
In the land of the warm-hued maple leaf,
And the flaming golden rod,
We shall face, with you the task in hand
And leave the rest to Good.
Helen Sevres

When in London on Wednesday I noticed that this poem was everywhere for sale and was being purchased freely, especially where we played at the Grafton Art Gallery. You can purchase it printed in large and bold type.

Some Notes of the Revue

The Brantfordites all laughed heartily in the first scene when Fred Norton, one of the comedians in introducing Mr. Nelson Key, a gentleman of rather slight build, to one of the actresses said: “Meet my friend Mr. Reville from Canada.”
The cocktail song by Mr. Norton made some of the boys thirst.

The C.P.R. Pullman car scene, which opened the second act, made a big hit with the Canadians. When the curtain was raised there was a crop curtain representing a C.P.R. sleeper. At the sight of the car the Canucks yelled themselves hoarse. It was like seeing an old friend from home.

The work of the two colored porters, Messrs. G. Bushra and G. Welch (two Negroes) was very funny and they kept the crowd in roars of laughter.

The Canadian harvesting scene was grand and our thoughts all went back to a Canadian wheat field at the time of harvesting.
The band and guard of honor left the theatre before the second act was finished and took our places outside the theatre so as to be ready when Queen Alexandra came out.

When the Queen and party came out the guard again gave the royal salute. The Queen smiled again and again and continued doing so as she passed us. The band being on the extreme left, Jack McHutchion and myself had the honor of receiving her last smile. The boys certainly did the job to the Queen’s taste.

During the performance Capt. Emmons, Lieut. Waterous and Lieut. Campbell were presented to Queen Alexandra.
Capt. Emmons was in receipt of hearty congratulations from a host of Imperial and Canadian officers who witnessed our work in London. The boys certainly made a name for themselves in London.

Afterwards, Lieut.-Col. Cutcliffe was congratulated by those high in military circles.

General Hughes and our brigadier were loud in praise of our work. So you see the Brants distinguished themselves in London and can be relied upon to distinguish themselves at the front should the occasion present itself.

The brass band, too, came in for bouquets for the way they played, as will be seen from the following, a copy of the letter from Mrs. Hope; who had charge of the affair, and who was also interested in the Anglo-Russian exhibition held at the Grafton galleries on Wednesday, May 23, at which our band rendered a program of music.

Thanks to Band

May 24, 1917

To the Bandmaster Canadian Military Band

Dear Sir,

Please accept my sincere thanks for bringing up to London your splendid band, but on May 11 for Hello Canada! And on May 23 for Canada’s Day at the Grafton’s Galleries. I hope you all had the chance of seeing the exhibition before you left. Again many thanks to you and all the bandsmen.

Yours sincerely,
Bessie Hope
Brigade Service

The Sunday before the draft went away divine service was held in a beautiful grove on the grounds of Sir J. Woodhouse, G.C.B., near the camp. The members of the four battalions in the 14th Brigade were in attendance. Services of a similar nature were held in each of the other three brigades in the fifth division. Brigadier-General Swift of the 14th Brigade was in command. Col. (Rev.) John Almond, director of chaplains conducted the services. Massed bands under the brigade bandmaster, furnished the music. Major-General Garnet Hughes and a number of staff officers were in attendance. After the regular military service many officers and men remained and partook of Holy Communion.

A Text Explained

One Sunday morning recently a chaplain from one of the other battalions conducted the service and took his text from Amos, 9th verse, 2-3. “Though they dig into hell thence shall mine hand take the; though they climb up to heavens hence will I bring them down. And though they hide themselves in the top of Carmel, I will search and take them out thence, and though they be hid from my sight, in the bottom of the sea, then will I command the serpent and he shall bite them.”

During his sermon here he referred to the present crisis and praised the Canadians at Vimy Ridge. “Though they dig into hell then shall mine hand take them.”  This he referred to as the Canadians taking the German prisoners.

“Though they climb up to heavens thence will I bring them down.”  This he said was the work of our air craft, which completely demoralized their aeroplanes.

Though they hid themselves in the top of Carmel (Vimy Ridge) I will search them out thence.”   This referred to the captured Germans.
Though they hide from my sight in the bottom of the sea, thence will I command there serpent and he shall bite them.”  This he referred to as the allies gathering up the enemies subs.

No Letters – Disappointed

Canadian mail landed in camp a few days before the draft left and those who received letters were naturally delighted. But oh, the bitter disappointment for some of the boys who went away to the front line trenches who did not get a card or letter. They were so disappointed. How they longed for a letter. Once and again they would fairly plead with P.M. Clement Coles for a letter. Surely there must be one for me, Clem’ look again they would say. You would have pitied them, just because someone was too careless to write. How they did long for just one letter before they left. Right up till the time they left they looked for a letter, but fate seemed against them and the letter that they longed and hoped for never came. What some said about those who were too careless or too mean to write would not look well in print. It is all very well for chaplains and officers to say. “Write back to your home town.”  But what is the use when those to whom you write are too mean to answer.

Warm For Conscripts

The night the draft left no sooner had they departed the camp than down came a heavy downpour of rain, which must have drenched them to the skin. But that would never fizz on those boys, as good a 400 that ever left the Canadian shore. There was no “Safety First” in that bunch, no weak kneed cowards who hid behind a soft snap in a munitions factories with a big salary attached to it. Perhaps it may fall to the lot of some of them in the future to drill a bunch of Canadian conscripts, and if they do God help the conscripts, for they will give them all they deserve and interest to boot. It will not take long to train the newcomers, and we will soon be ready for the conscripts. Just imagine training the conscripts – the fatigues they will get. They will get all the sanitary fatigue; believe me, if they come to see us.

None Fell Out

Word has come back from the draft that they got a 20 mile hike with full equipment when they landed in France and not a Brant fell out. I had the pleasure of shaking hands with Lieut. Thomas Watt who came into camp tonight. I kind of think that he will be kept with us.

A Good Record

Lieut.-Col. Cutcliffe felt very much having his splendid battalion broken, and it was regretted, according to reports from both those high in Imperial and Canadian military circles. Three times has he and his staff of officers built up splendid battalions, and thrice have large drafts been made from them, and now he is set to the task of preparing the fourth. This speaks for itself – that he has prepared and sent over to France three of the finest Canadian drafts that ever crossed the channel. Right may Lieut.-Col. Cutcliffe be termed “the battalion builder,” which speaks wonders for him and his efficient staff. Just a suggestion and I am through. I would suggest that the teachers in the Collegiate Institute and public schools have their pupils memorize the poem “Canada,” which appears in my letter. It is recited at concerts everywhere over here and is always received with tremendous applause. We expect the rest of the 215th boys in a day or two.

Clifford B. Todd

BX August 16, 1917

Activities of the 125th – Dominion Day Celebrated by Special Services – Band Played for Wounded at Albury Heath – Sergt. Harry Stanley now C.S.M. of B. Company – Battalion Notes of Interest – Questions and answers

July 8, 1917
Witley Camp
Surrey, England

We are and have been for some time back enjoying most beautiful weather, just enough rain occasionally to make it the finest of growing weather for the crops and if it continues the farmers in the British Isles will reap the largest harvest they have done in many years as the crops have every appearance of a bounteous yield. The country looks grand in its beautiful hue of green and the hills are covered with purple heather. The scenery in this vicinity is very beautiful and if there be any that surpassed what we see around here I wish Lieut.-Col. Cutcliffe would grant me a pass so I could go and see it. As you motor drive, cycle, walk or march along the country roads (which by the way are far better paved than an streets you have in Brantford) one is struck by the abundance of beautiful roses and other flowers which the people around here take a great pride in growing, the perfume from them is beautiful. If the farmers around here grew more grain and vegetables and less flowers it would be more beneficial for the soldiers and the country, at large. There are two large estates near here, far larger than Bow Park, where the owners only grow enough stuff to supply them and their staff of servants.

On Dominion Day

On Sunday July 1, Dominion Day, a special form of prayer and thanksgiving was held by all the overseas Canadian Battalions on the occasion of the fiftieth anniversary of the confederation of the provinces of the Dominion of Canada (1867-1917). Our divine service was conducted in the men’s mess room by our chaplain, Capt. Greene. The chaplain gave a very fine address on Canada. The band rendered special music. Besides the regular military service special prayers were said and special hymns were selected for the occasion. The special prayer follows:

Almighty God, our Heavenly Father, in whose Name we trust, we thank Thee and praise Thee for They manifold blessings unto our Country. We thank Thee for the patience and toll of pioneers and patriots, for the noble traditions that our fathers have left us for our heritage, for the passion for freedom and the righteousness which Thou hast nurtured in her people, for the peace and prosperity with which Thou hast blest her through the years.

O God, Thou hast guarded and kept our beloved Dominion, and hast made her a land of hope and promise. Bless her now in the days of war. Guide Thou her statesmen and leaders by the Divine Spirit, and, and make them faithful to her highest destiny. Consecrate the whole nation to the cause of our Empire and her Allies, and may her sons be worth of the noblest traditions of our fathers and the memory of our comrades who have fallen in this struggle for liberty, justice and a larger peace.

We pray Thee that Thou wilt go with us still, now and in the days to come. Strengthen and nourish the Church of Jesus Christ that she may witness for Thee. May righteousness abound in our national life. Guard and keep our homes and loved ones in Thy tender and unceasing care and help us to be ever worthy, as citizens of our great Dominion, of the trust and the task which Thou best gives unto us.

Come Thou Great Healer of the Nations, and cleanse us of all sin. Humble us, forgive us and direct us, we beseech Thee for the sake of Jesus Christ, Thy Saviour Lord, Amen.

As the men were filing out of the mess room the band played “O Canada” and “The Maple Leaf.”

After service, kit inspection was held on the parade grounds. The men were then dismissed.

On Monday, July 2, Dominion Day celebrations were held in the different Canadian military camps and in different parts of the Isle, the men being granted a holiday.

Played For Wounded

On Tuesday afternoon, July 10, the members of the brass band were conveyed by transport to Albury Heath, about four hours ride from camp where they played a program of music for the wounded soldiers from the mansion of Mr. St. Leo Strachey, editor of the London Spectator, Newlands Corners and Ponsford House, the residence of Col. Logan, whose homes have been turned over to the government to be used as hospitals. The wounded were conveyed to the Heath, in conveyances supplied by the Duke of Northumberland, upon whose estate the Heath is situated. The Heath is located on a high hill between Guilford and Red Hill, not far from Epsom and Dorking. It is a beautiful spot overlooking a valley, the scenery of which is grand. From it you can plainly see Leith Hill, the highest spot in Southern England. As far as your eye can see over this beautiful piece of country the land is owned by the Duke of Northumberland, who owns an immense estate. The people from the whole country side were present, and the band was given a rousing reception when they drove on the Heath. It was a reception and an afternoon of sports for the wounded, and a royal time they had, too. There was run and sport galore, followed by a lunch fit for the King. Oh, such a contrast to the camp bill of fare.

The arrangements were in the hands of a committee composed of Miss C.L. Burne, he Misses F. and F.H. Ashford, Miss N. Poulter and Miss Coe. A cricket match was played between the wounded soldiers and a team of ladies. How those English ladies could play!  The rest of the program consisted of three legged races, thread and needle race, drawing race, and a hat trimming completion, and here were some jolly good exhibition of millinery.

Mrs. Finch acted as judge of the races and completion and the prizes were distributed by the Hon. Mrs. N. Burne. The boys certainly had a ripping time. The band played numerous London Theater popular songs and the crowd joined in the choruses. Late in the afternoon the whole party sat down to a feast. Lor. Lummy, what a bally good spread – Oh bloimy – how the wounded did annihilate it. They led the charge followed by the “bross bond” with smiles on their faces like Cheshire cats. Dash my blooming blinkers what a surprise it would have been for the bally old food supervisor lad then bloke appened to have poked in is blooming nose. We had a ripping, jolly good time at lunch the wounded Tommies just boiling over with fun. They would call out “Ear mate, look hafter these blooming Kan-adians.” 

We got up to leave the table and he ladies told us to remain seated. And I’ll be bally well blowed hif they didn’t bring on strawberries and hoice cream. Oh, mother!

After a time the wounded climbed into the conveyances provided for them and started for home. The band played them off the Heath. They were given a tremendous sendoff as they drove away. The band followed shortly afterwards, and we too, were loudly cheered as we drove away. It was certainly a grand outing for the Tommies and also for the band boys who will never forget the hospitality bestowed upon them by the ladies of Albury and surrounding district. The happy affair did not pass without one sad incident. Late in the afternoon Rev. H.E. Crowley, rector of the Albury Parish church, who had been doing all in his power to make every person feel at home, received the sad intelligence that his son, Lt. P.C. Crowley of the Royal Lancaster Regt., had been killed in action on July 7.

The following letter in reference to the band was received by our O.C., which speaks for itself:

Lt.-Col. Cutcliffe
The O.C. 125th Canadians,

Dear Sir,

Please accept our very best thanks for kindness in allowing the band of the 125th Battalion to come to Albury Heath on Tuesday last to entertain our wounded soldiers. I can assure you their music was appreciated immensely and helped considerably to the purpose of our party. We hope the band arrived back safely. Once again thanking you very much for your great kindness.

Yours truly,
E.M. Coe.

Questions and Answers

D.J.L. – A: yes, the firemen here wear brass helmets like the 25th Dragoons on ceremonial parades. B – Peek-a-boo or transparent hose are used a lot here.

F.W.F. – No, I have not seen the Duke of Buckingham

A.K.B. – have not seen your son on a horse lately, though some of the 215th boys would like to see him ride
T.H.P. – Your son has not joined the flying corps, but sometimes “Goes up in the air.”

H.L.W. – No, the horse you speak of, the Irish Jew, never won an English derby

C.L.M. – If you need more help for your factory see Messrs. Cockshutt and Fisher and see if they could have some physical unfit men went to you. It would be a Christian act.

J.G.L. – Don’t’ know the writer of “Brant County Father’s Letter to His Son.”  Heard it was Morgan F. Harris or Art McCann. Perhaps Jim Smith or Hugh Jennings could tell. Am sure it is not Judge Hardy

C.P.C. – Judging from the number of No. nines in the M.O.’s office it must be the size he takes.

Anxious Mother – She is not good looking, but heir to a large estate. Our son goes there for extra meals.

Sister – Who told you we get sugar in what they call tea and coffee. If he did he’s balmy
Nurse – No Hanna does not bind shoes, but limbs

Grandma – No, the band did not play at the christening.

T.E.B. – No, your city hall does not resemble Buckingham Palace. Have not seen a building in England like it.

W.R.T. – No, your son did not make a home run in the officer’s ball game. He struck out twice went to sleep on third and muffed two flies.

BX January 21, 1918

Christmas Day with the Brants – Boys From Brantford and Elsewhere Enjoyed Their Christmas Dinner at Witley Camp, a Plentitude of Good Things Being Provided – Concert Given by London Concert Party was an Added Feature

January 3, 1918
Witley Camp, 
Surrey, England

Another year has been ushered in and the bally old war is just getting nicely started. As I am off on six days’ leave for a trip to Bonnie Scotland in the morning, I thought I would write a few lines and tell you how the Brants put in Christmas in camp. We had a great time. On Christmas Eve the military police were, I presume, given the tip not to be too strict or bother the boys who were out real late and a considerable amount of leniency was given in that respect. All the boys were allowed to come in pretty well when they please. Many of whom spent New Year’s Eve at the homes of friends they had made since coming here, while others attended dances, whilst drives, auto drives, bicycle rides, concerts, “sporting” socials and other various functions, but all were on hand for our ripping fine dinner. It was a real dinner, thanks to the good people “Over ‘Ome” and the “Hofficers,” who helped to supply the grandest feast the Brants, as a body ever partook of.

The day was fine and warm and Old Sol shone with all his Christmas splendor just to cheer this up a bit. Dustage kind of me don’t you know. It was a jolly fine chance after the beastly mess of rain he chucked upon us. At 10 o’clock our chaplain, Capt. (Rev.) Green, held service in the mess room during which the brass band played appropriate music and a male choir, composed of boys in the battalion, under the direction of Major Jordan rendered a couple of hymns.

At divine service on the Sunday previous to Christmas the band played special music and Major Jordan’s choir rendered two anthems in capital style. The battalion has every reason to be proud of this male choir. After the church parade the boys amused themselves in various ways and at 12.15 the brass band, filed into the mess room and along with boys selected to act as waiters were served their dinners after which the tables were cleared and the bugles sounded “Cookhouse.”

Never before did the familiar call sound more pleasing and the boys greeted it with a cheer, for they knew full well that they were about to partake of the feast the good folks had provided for them. On they came into the mess room and as they filed in the brass band played the Dufferin Rifles’ regimental march. The boys were greeted by Lieut.-Col. Cutcliffe and the rest of the officers. Chaplain Greene said grace and after singing the Doxology, the Johnnie Canucks sat down. The mess room was very prettily decorated with holly, flags, bunting and tissue paper of all colors. Numerous huge bells made of holly hung from the ceiling. The tables looked fine. The snow white linen table cloths gave the room a very homelike appearance and the bouquets on the tables made the place resemble a real London banquet hall. At each man’s plate was a menu and between you and me they were gotten up in fine style. The officers supervised the order of things and saw to it that every man was served well and plentifully. The kitchen doors swung open and in came the corps of waiters dressed in white with huge trays with soup. After the soup had been punished in came the remains of is late Majesty King Turkey.

As the waiters brought in the Christmas flow the band started playing “Hail! Hail! The Gang’s All Here.”  The boys sang for all they were worth and then let out a volley of cheers. All was in a hub-bub and the Brants had smiles on their faces like the supporters of the Union Government on election night. They were ripping the turkeys and how the lads did go to it, just like bayonet fighting on the sacks. There was a jolly good supply of vegetables and boys had their plates heaped up mountains high. Next came the plum pudding. I shall be blowed if it wasn’t fit for the King. There was an abundance of it. And the pudding sauce, Oh! Blimey, it had a kick in like a booming mule. The waiters then filed in with the soft stuff and others with pitchers and bottles of good old Bass ale. There was a plenitude of nuts, raisins, candies, fruits and smokes at each mans seat and more so if the bloke sitting next to you didn’t smoke. The health of the King and good folks at home were toasted and drank. At the conclusion of the dinner the boys set too with a will to get the mess room cleared up for the concert that followed a little later on.

The Menu

Christmas Dinner, 125th Canadian Infantry Battalion, Witley Camp, 1917

Scotch Broth
Roast Turkey and Dressing
Sausage, Apple Sauce
Turnips, Mashed Potatoes
Cabbage Salad Sauces
Bread and Butter
Plum Pudding, Vanilla Sauce
Fruits, Nuts
Cigarettes

Lieut.-Col. Cutcliffe wishes you all the compliments of the season. On the other side was the following: The 125th Battalion ladies’ Auxiliary of Brantford and the Canadian War Contingent Association wishes you all the compliments of the season.

The boys were one and all delighted with their dinner and many kind references were made to the good folks at home.

The Concert

At 2:15 p.m. the boys again assembled to the mess room, where an excellent concert was given, the talent being supplied by a London concert party. The concert was thoroughly enjoyed by all. The Y.M.C.A. authorities had made arrangements for two special trains to convoy hundreds of the boys to Godalming and Guilford, where the good folks there entertained the boys in their homes. They all reported on being right royally treated. The day after Christmas, Boxing Day, we were given a holiday.

The Chaplains Message

A Christmas message to comrades and friends from the chaplains’ service Fifth Division:

It again is Christ. Again the message of Peace and Goodwill steals across the silent spaces between earth and heaven, and into the hearts of men. It makes itself heard above the tumult of war and brings hope and joy in spite of the despair and sorrow that invade the world. For the Word of God subsides. Its music first floated through the night above the Judean hills, and in the turning of the morning the shepherds found the Christ Child and knew that God’s salvation had come nigh unto them.

Across the night of the world’s sorrow the word is again spoken, not in angel chorus, but by the voice of Him Who shares our grief and carries our sorrows – the living Christ who is Immanuel – God with us. And in Him there is promise of the morning.
May the Christ spirit enter into our lives to gladden us with His presence, and may the love of God revealed in Him shelter as in the midst of fear or loneliness or sorrow and fill our hearts with a lasting hope.

I am sending you the above message from the chaplains’ service, with every good wish for Christmas and the New Year. 

A.D. Greene, Captain
Chaplain, 125th Canadian Infantry Battalion

New Year’s Day

New Year’s Day was declared a holiday in camp and the boys were allowed to go anywhere in the Aldershot command. The sergeants gave a jolly dinner party and a right royal time was reported. The powers that be took a change of heart and granted 10 percent of the men, who had not had a pass in six months, five days pass with King’s leave, i.e., free transportation, half going at Christmas and the rest at New Year’s. This gave the boys a good chance to take a trip to different points in the British Isles.

I guess I will have to close now and make tracks for the station, as I am off for six days’ trip to Scotland – to see Edinburgh, Sterling, and Glasgow. Will drop you a line when I return.

Clifford B. Todd

BX February 16, 1918

A Furlough in Scotland – Bandsman C.B. Todd Tells of a Six Days’ Trip to the Land of Scot and Burns – Colonials from Four Dominions Met in Railway Compartment

January 29, 1918
Witley Camp,
Surrey, Eng.

In my last letter I remarked I was off on six days’ leave, having my long-looked for trip to part of Scotland. Jack McHutchion and I left camp and caught an evening train for London and on arriving at Waterloo Station we parted, Jack going up to Burnley, while I took a tube over to King’s Cross Station and boarded the night express, arriving at Edinburgh about 8 the next morning. In one of those 4x6 compartment carriages were three Australians, a New Zealander and a South African soldier on pass, and we had a great chat and smoke on the way up. Arriving at the Waverly station we were met by one of the Y.M.C.A. officials there who, by the way, do so much for the comfort of the soldiers – and were taken into a lunch room and given hot coffee and a Scotch scone. We were then escorted to one of the King George and Queen Mary places for soldiers. A fine place it is, too, on Princess Street. As we sat at the breakfast in the spacious dining room we could look out of the window across the ravine, where so many statues and monuments are and see the old Edinburgh Castle.

We had a ripping fine breakfast for one and three, thanks to the Y.M.C.A. people, and they can’t get too much thanks, and the solder and sailor boys are the ones who know it. I did not waste any time as I wanted to see all I could, so after breakfast I went straight over to see the castle, and from there to Holyrood Palace. While waiting to catch a bus to go out to see the world’s famous Forth bridge I met two Brantford boys, “Jitney” Johnson and Hopkins, formerly of B Co., 125th Battalion, who went over with the first draft. They were back from France on leave. After seeing the Forth Bridge I came back to the city and along with some other chaps got a taxi driver to drive us around the city for an hour and a half. Then I went over to Dundee and saw a little of Perth while waiting for the Dundee train. From Dundee I went to the beautiful city of Aberdeen. Mon, but Aberdeen is a fine city. Rightly may it be called the Granite City, for you see so many magnificent buildings built of granite and the city is so nice and clean.

My next stopping place was Stirling, of which you read so much in English history. As you pull in to Stirling on the train you see the magnificent monument erected to the memory of the great Scott and Sir William Wallace.

Stirling is one of the oldest royal burghs in Scotland and is celebrated as a royal residence and for its historical associations, as well as for the beauty and grandeur of its situation. The town was early called the key to the Highlands, as Stirling Bridge was the only means of crossing the Forth to go north or South and Stirling commanded the bridges. Battlefields are seen on every side, the two victories of greatest importance being Stirling Bridge and Bannockburn. Stirling castle takes an important place in the scenes of Scott’s Lady of the Lake.

At dawn the towers of Stirling rang
With soldier step and weapon clang, 
While drums with rolling note foretell

Relief to the Weary Sentinel.

As soon as I alighted on the station platform, I went straight to see the ancient Stirling Castle which is identified with the greatest events of Scottish history. It was the residence of the Scottish kings and the favorite home of the Stuart Line. James I resided there, James II, and James IV were born there. Here Queen Mary was brought and crowned when nine months old. The first thing that caught my eye was the monument erected to the memory of Robert Bruce. You enter the old castle by the draw-bridge. Leading to the left before entering the gateway you come to the top of Queen Ann’s battery, from which a fine view of the valley of the Forth is obtained. I stood on the spot where the woman said to her child “Hush ye! Hush ye! Hush ye! Or the Kaiser will hear you.”  My guide or guides took me into the Douglas room and I stood on the spot where James II stabbed the Earl of Douglas in 1452.

Even Battlefields

Hours might be spent in the castle admiring views, but time would not permit. Seven battlefields are seen from Stirling Castle, Stirling Bridge being situated just at hand under the shadow of the castle, and the famous Bannockburn 2 ½ miles off  (1) Cambuskenneth, 843 in the reign of Kenneth II, between the Scots and Picts. (2) Stirling Bridge between Sir William Wallace and the English army commanded by the Earl of Surrey, 1297. (3) Bannockburn, June 24, 1314. (4) Sauchieburn 3 ½ miles. James III cruelly killed, 1488. (5) Sheriffmuir, 1715. (6) Falkirk, 1298. (7) Falkirk Rebellion, 1746. After buying some picture postcards, I took a taxi out to see the scene of the ever-memorable Battle of Bannockburn, now a farm. The taxi driver pulled up at the flagstaff which marks the spot where Robert Bruce planted his Scottish standard. Of course I had to go to where Bruce dug the pits which he filled with sharp pointed stakes, which as you know played havoc with King Edward’s cavalry. You get an excellent view of Gillies Hill where the women, during the battle, waved their tartans and the English, mistaking them for reinforcements, took to their heels.

In Glasgow

It was drawing near train time so I made tracks for the depot where I boarded the train to Glasgow, Mon, but the scenery is grand and one can easily realize why the Scotch have such a great love for Bonnie Scotland

A Word for the Scotch

Who said the Scotch were stingy?  The soldier boys don’t say so for I have yet to find one Canadian lad say anything but that he was right royally treated in Scotland. I found the Scotch people very hospitable, more so than the English. I talked with quite a few Scottish people and I tell you they have a great love for the Canadians. They say they can never do enough or too much for the Canadians. I was very, very much surprised but delighted to see and hear about the warmth of heart and great love of the Scottish people for the Canadians. Boys from Canada who have been in hospitals in Scotland never cease to tell about the kindness shown by people of Scotland. Of course they are kind to other Colonials, but from what I could gather and from what I was told, the Scotch people have more love for the Canadians than the others. Many times while traveling on trains and other places. I heard sturdy Scotchmen and Scotch women say to the boys “God bless Canada – God bless you Canadians.”  Then with tears in their eyes as they would bid you “Good-bye, good luck and God-speed.”

From Glasgow I went down to Manchester, England, from there to Liverpool, thence to Birmingham, and then on to Jolly old London. One night in the Eagle, the American Y.M.C.A. hut, where I stayed, I met a brother of Mr. John Dowling. After night-seeing and taking in some real good shows, my pass being at an end, I took the last train for camp, and on arriving there about midnight was told there was a 22 mile route march on the order for the next day. Nice thing after coming off pass, but orders were changed and we were inspected by our brigadier instead.

A Word for the “Y’s”

I had a delightful trip and enjoyed myself immensely, as did the other boys who were on pass. Of course we all had a King’s pass (free transportation). Other boys covered as much ground and some more than I did and we all had a great time telling each other and other chaps our experiences on pass. And right here in England and in France for those in charge of the Y.M.C.A. huts here in England and in France for the grand work they are carrying on and all they have done and what they are doing for the comfort of the soldiers. How could we get along without them?  There is only one answer – we cannot. Soldiers on pass and boys back from France find rest and meals at a very low rate, and in many of these huts you get just as good accommodation as in many hotels in Canada. Nearly all of these huts in the large cities are open day and night for the accommodation of the boys. The Salvation Army, too, are carrying on good work on the same line and they are deserving of no end of praise.  You will always hear the boys say a good word for the Y.M.C.A. and the Salvation Army. When on pass I have seen trains back from France on pass tired, worn-out, come to these places, where they can get good meals, a jolly good bath and a warm, clean bed at a very low rate. There are other institutions too, doing good work along the same line

A Few Battalion Notes

Mr. James G. Liddell recently sent the brass band a couple of good marches. Thanks Jim.

Our minstrel show will be held in the man’s mess room some night next week.

Our football team got into the semi-finals, but lost to the 134th Scotties, 3-0. This was no disgrace for the Scotch team has been kept together for two years and has yet to be beaten by a Canadian team.

Sergt. Phil King of the C.A.S.C., Shorncliffe, paid a visit to Dave and Tom Brown recently.

P.M. Clem Coles had a batch of Canadian letters for us on Sunday morning. Letters dated Jan. 1 were among the bunch.

Alex Maich had hard luck lately. He broke his arm, some time ago in a football game and it had just nicely healed when he tripped and broke it again.

The brass band officiated at a funeral last week, being the fourteenth one at which they have played.

Bill Blazey has the bugle band in good shape – the best in camp.

The officers gave a very enjoyable dance in the Borough Hall in Godalming last Friday night. Brigadier Swift and General Hughes complimented Lieut.-Col. Cutcliffe on the splendid music the brass band provided for the dances.

Sheldon Crumback recently had a trip to Ireland. He kissed the blarney stone all right.

George Butterworth is wearing two strips now. Good-luck George. Hope you soon get the third.

The members of the Dufferin Rifles Band sent us a number of puddings recently. Thanks boys.

General Hughes told a number of our officers recently that he considered the 125th the smartest battalion in camp.

While in No. 3 Y.M.C.A. the other evening I meet Capt. W.H. Pierce son of ex-Ald Warrick Pierce, and supervisor of the Y.M.C.A. work in this area.

BX May 30, 1918

125th Band with Winnipeg Black Devil’s – Kept Busy When in Billets Playing Concerts – A “Scratch” Baseball Game – Praise for the “Y”

April 26, 1918
Somewhere in France

We are enjoying fine spring weather where we are stationed. There is an abundance of sticky mud, worse than the spring crop in Haldimand County. The 125th brass band came over as a band and have been attached to the 8th Canadian Infantry Battalion, nicknamed the Winnipeg Black Devils. On our crest are three words Hosti Acie Nominati. The 8th Battalion bears the same relation to the 90th Winnipeg as the Brants to the 38th Dufferin Rifles. The battalion is out of the line at present on rest in billets and our band is kept busy playing three concerts per day for the officers and men. The band is billeted in a rickety old house, the roof of which leaks like a sieve and the bally old thing shakes whichever way the wind blows.

When we moved in Bert Fisher, Bill Sherman and others got busy and made some stoves out of old tin, and we soon had fires going and naturally started cooking. Then we got hot water and had a sponge bath in a clean large-sized biscuit box. We played the boys down to the baths on the usual bathing parade. They have a good bathing system here. The boys all had a good bath and a clean change of underwear and sox. Fortunately this time it was all new goods. Blake Connell, formerly of Brantford, is in the battalion. The other day I saw two football games and a baseball match in progress while old Fritz was kicking up a deuce of a racket, but the players and spectators paid as much attention to his German rumpus as the inmates of a deaf and dumb institute would to a brass band contest. We had a good laugh on one of the pitchers. The first man up singled, the second got four balls and just as the pitcher wound up to pitch, one of those blooming little things so common to soldiers and which stick closer than a mother-in-law commenced to bite. The pitcher hesitated a second or two to put the little devil out of commission and the base runners seeing the predicament, he was in and knowing well the biting qualities of one of those members of the contemptible little army, took to their heels and pulled off a double steal. Mott – When the pitcher begins to scratch, run.

I thought of how Dick E., T.J.N. and Harris L would have laughed had they been here, Thank goodness the band has so far been free from c-o-m-p-a-n-y. There are two Y.M.C.A. huts here and they give away hot tea to the boys during the day and evening. There is generally a concert or lecture in the huts after tea. The Y.M.C.A. is certainly doing a good work and you see their huts right up to the firing line. About the only place they have no huts is on No Man’s Land. Brantford’s city hall looks like a palace to some of the buildings you see around here.

Pte. Clifford B. Todd
8th Battalion, Canadian Infantry

BX June 13, 1918

Former Local Band in Circus Behind Lines – Fine Program Given While Winnipeg “Black Devils” Were at Rest – Were Kept Busy

May 19, 1918
France

Somewhere in France, behind the firing line, within hearing distance of the booming of the big guns our battalion is resting and the old 125th brass band, now the 8th Battalion, Winnipeg “Little Black Devils,” and some imps they are too, are kept busy playing concerts for the boys while they are out of the line. The old band whoops it up for all it is worth. Lieut.-Col. Cutcliffe could not have sent us to a better battalion than the 8th Winnipeg’s. We have been treated fine by the officers and men since we joined the westerners. Yesterday the big May circus and gala day was held under ideal weather conditions and the affair was a great success. The boys were busy in the morning getting their costumes and “make-ups” ready. It was a brigade affair and it was remarkable the amount of stuff and costumes the boys dug up from the few French inhabitants.

The Assembly

At 12.30 each battalion assembled on its respective parade grounds and at one o’clock marched to the big field where the circus was held. The 8th headed by Frank Johnson, former musician, dressed like imps perched on a big float, were tearing it off by the yard. Behind the former Brants came the splendid 8th Battalion with their chariots, floats, clowns and men masquerading in costumes too numerous to mention.

Three Ringed Circus

Arriving at the grounds there were the three rings all ready for the circus, including the ringmaster with his long whip, red coat, black trousers and top hat. In the reserved seats sat many divisional, brigade and Canadian corps staff officers, including Sir Arthur Currie. A large number of nurses were also present, many of whom were from Winnipeg and other places in Manitoba, also a few American officers.

The Grand Entry

At 2 o’clock the ringmaster blew his whistle and the grand entry was made. It was a great sight as they all marched around the spacious enclosure. It is right in our line, and as the 8th Battalion performers went by they were greeted with great applause. The old band was much in evidence and as they were greeted with great applause. The old band was much in evidence, and as they passed the reserved seats the “big guns” and nurses rose and gave them a great reception. Our new O.C. was more than delighted, and I can imagine how Lieut.-Col. Cutcliffe would have felt if he had been there to see his old boys go past. There were many pretty floats and costumes. Three lads made up as John Bull, Uncle Sam and Miss Canada was a peach, even if “she” was a “him.”  The float representing the Kaiser’s dream of the Canadians going home was fine. The boys were dressed like Old Rip Van Winkles on a raft. You know he once said we would go back in a row boat.

The clowns pulled off funny stunts all afternoon. The chariot races were close and exciting, as were the horse races. The ringmaster kept the fun pot boiling and there was a continuous performance in each of the three rings. To make it short the performances consisted of a little bit of everything including Charles Davis’ clown band. During the afternoon a fine exhibition of flying was given by four machines of the air force. Their daring feats were really amazing. They flew over and dropped a quantity of propaganda and there was a great scramble for it.

The 8th Battalion transport carried off first prize for the premier section in the brigade.

Fireworks

In the evening the Allies and the German artillery supplied the fireworks.

As a fitting climax to the big show the postmaster general was kind enough to land a large consignment of Canadian mail in camp. What a great finale. Thanks Messrs. Raymond, Montgomery, Sloan, McRobb, Howey, Nightingale and Company.

The Bands Billet

At the time of writing the band boys are billeted in a buck barn at the outskirts of a little French village, the best we have had yet, with plenty of good, clean straw to sleep on. There are two rows – McHutchion, Fisher, Davis, Sherman, Venables, Clark, Alderman on one side, and the two Steels – Webb on the other. The weather has been fine and warm lately and a number of the boys are sleeping out in lots adjoining. Charles. Murray, George Renwick and myself are sleeping in a shed de-lean-to-de-barn.

All the musicians are fine and well. Baseball and football are in full swing. Our battalion baseball team has defeated two American teams from a nearby camp. We have won six games and lost one. Our football team, too, has conquered all comers so far. Capt. George Renwick of our football team is handicapped at present because we have no ball. We don’t want to insinuate or even allude. Compris

Pte. Clifford B. Todd,
8th Battalion Canadians
Little Black Devils, France

BX July 16, 1918

Breezy Letter From France – Bandsman C.B. Todd Tells of Life with the “Black Devils”

The following breezy letter from Bandsman Clifford B. Todd, now with the Winnipeg Black Devils, will be of interest to many Brantfordites. Bandsman Todd writes to a member of The Expositor staff:

June 23, 1918
Somewhere in France

Dear Friend,

Your most welcome letter came to hand yesterday noon and I was jolly well glad to hear from you. The blooming, blinking old war goes merrily on and reports from the Italian front state that the Peanuckle Cancellas are playing hob with the Austrians. We have enjoyed fine weather here for sometime, but it is raining this morning, so will try and write a few letters. Our boys are out of the line on rest and the old band is kept busy playing concerts for the Winnipeg Little Black Devils. The Padre is staging a concert in the Y.M.C.A. this evening and I am booked for a stunt and will endeavor to imitate Old Bill from the Better O.C. There have been some real good pictures in the Y.M. this week which the boys much appreciated. The band is billeted in an old barn; the only bad feature about it is the rats are too familiar. I saw one scooting across the bunks and upon my word it was nearly as big as a Newfoundland pup.

A few of the boys are bivouacking out in the yard and are pestered by a couple of nanny goats and two kids, who eat their rations every chance they get. Alf Bennett, Ezra Duvall, Joe Cleaves, S.M. Penny and other Brantford boys are in a village very close to us. At one village where we were for a time we were amused at the congregation going to and from church, each carrying his or her own chair. Guess they were afraid old Fritz might drop a bomb on them so they took out the pews. Imagine a Sunday in Brantford with the church goes all off to worship carrying their own seats. I mean what they sit on.

We had a 17 mile march to this place and after the long hike the Old Tops in the band over 30 years of age played the Young Fry a game of softball, defeating them 22-8. By the way our band has some softball team. We have not lost a game yet and have defeated A company 11-8;  Runners 14-2; Signallers 19-16; Quartermasters Stores 11-4; Sergeants 9-4, and the Officers 27-21. We play D company this afternoon and the Officers again tomorrow morning after church parade. Our present line-up is Bert Fisher, c; J. Stinchcombe, p; Burr, 1b; Todd, 2b; Fleming, ss; Carey, 3b Noakes, Hallum and Johnson Fielders.

Last Monday the divisional sports were held at ---- and they were fine. It was like a big circus, they came from all over the countryside and we had a great time renewing old acquaintances. There I met a number of Brantford boys including Sergt. Mathews, Herby Fisher, Alfred Fitness, Jack McNaughton, Tom Donohue, George Brown and others. I had a chat with your old friend Lieut. Herb Dale of the old Buffs and Jack Genet, Capt. Henry McLean and Lieut. Dean Andrews were there, but did not see them. We took our rations with us and the Y.M.C.A. gave away hot tea and lemonade. They tell me the big Red Triangle, which has done and is doing so much for the boys, is like a red rag in front of a bull to some of the G.W.V.A. You were up at the front and you know what they did for you. To me it looks like pretty small potatoes.

When we were at ---- the band went over one evening and played a concert for the Flying Corps boys. They gave us a great reception. After the concert the officers invited us into their mess and we partook of a real supper. You should have seen us clean up. The tables looked very pretty decorated with Black and white.

There is one passage of Scripture that impresses me very much here – “Seek and ye shall find” – yes – by the hundreds – (compre.)

One day not long ago I went into a small cemetery and saw a few 772’s marked on the wooden crosses, 772 being the first three figures of the old 125th Battalion. In the cemetery a large fatigue party was busy fixing up the boys’ graves, sodding and planting flowers. They were certainly fixing everything up fine and when they finished their work the little graveyard showed that the boys who were summoned to the last call were not forgotten.  I felt sorry for one of our boys the other day. He got hold of a good piece of lumber and was making and painting a cross to erect over his brother’s grave, who gave up his life the morning we band boys landed in France.

As I am sitting here in the Y.M.C.A. writing this letter some chap is singing “There’s an old fashioned house and an old fashioned street,” and it puts me in mind of the old Brantford city hall. Well, old chap; guess I will have to close for this time. Hope to get to the Canadian corps sports on Dominion Day, as there will no doubt be many old Brants there. Best regards to old friends.

Hoping to hear from you soon, I remain yours truly,

Clifford B. Todd

BX August 7, 1918

Brantford’s Khaki-Clads Gathered at Corps’ Sports – Reunion of Former Brant Battalion Held at Dominion Day Celebration in France – Band of Winnipeg Black Devils, Formerly the 125th Band, Busy at Concerts

June 30, 1918
Somewhere in France

We are enjoying ideal weather here tis Sabbath morning. The sun is shining brightly and there is a little ripple of a breeze blowing, and the big guns to make things harmonize, have just for the time being ceased their moaning. At 9 o’clock our battalion, the 8th Canadians (Winnipeg “Little Black Devils,”) headed by their brass band (the old 38th Duffs and 125th Brants), marched to a field where the regular Sunday divine service was held. Our padre gave a fine address, during which he referred to the Confederation of Canada. We were pleased to have with us Sir Arthur Currie, commander of the Canadian forces in France, also Hon. Mr. Calder, minister of Colonization and Immigration, formerly Premier of Saskatchewan.

Sir Arthur Currie introduced the Hon. Mr. Calder, who addressed us for a short time. Mr. Calder said he was delighted to have the privilege of speaking to men from his own part of Canada, the men of the great prairies, the men of the 8th Battalion of Winnipeg. He said that he and other cabinet ministers were in France to participate in the great Dominion Day celebration, which was to be held on Monday, also to come over and see what they could of France, and get in close touch with the Canadian troops in the war zone. He said that the members had a great deal of business to attend to which would thus deprive them of spending as much time with the troops as they would desire. The speaker paid a great tribute to the soldiers of Canada, saying that there was no better fighting forces than the Canadians. He praised them for their great efficiency, courage and determination which dominated all our forces. He spoke of the task that lay before them. He told us that at home the people were taking the war very seriously, and were all of the same mind that the great struggle must be fought to a finish.

We want you boys to feel and to know,” said Mr. Calder, “that the people back home in Canada are behind you to a man, and have perfect confidence in you and will back you up to the last dollar and the last man.”

He spoke of the great change that has taken place in Quebec, and assured us that the French-Canadians are now lining up like their English speaking brothers. In conclusion, he said, “I want to assure you men once again that we over in Canada have the fullest confidence in you, are proud of you. We wish you Godspeed, a safe return, and a quick and satisfactory ending of the great struggle for liberty.

Dominion Day

Speaking of one of the Dominion Day celebration which was held at ---- about ---- miles from where we are billeted, the Canadian Records say:

France, July 1

Within sound of the guns, with aviators holding air marches, a great meeting of Canadians celebrated Dominion Day and welcomed the Duke of Connaught, their late Governor-General, and Sir Robert Borden.
In a great natural amphitheatre our national holiday was celebrated with an enthusiasm never equaled at home, and the event and program were unique in the Allied armies. “Like a scene from ancient Rome” said one famous visitor to the commander of the Canadian force, as he surveyed the vast multitude of soldiers watching picked men from every division compete in every known athletic sport.

Famous Aviator Stunts

Swinging round the track came 400 athletes representing each division – picked men eager to uphold the honor of their units. Overhead a famous Canadian aviator thrilled the crowd, with daring turns, dropped a message of good luck to his compatriots, and sped away to lead his squadron across the German lines to hold the Hun while the national day was fittingly celebrated. Following the athletes came massed pipe bands, two hundred strong.

Later the divisional bands were massed in front of the guests, and all the thousands of Canadians present bared their heads as they played “O Canada.”  Representatives from every Allied army were there and all gave credit to the Maple Leaf men of giving the greatest and most unique holiday event ever seen in Europe.

Ministers’’ Views of the Day

Sir Robert Borden says it was the greatest day of his life. Mr. Calder remarked that he had seen many thousand Canadian gentleman gathered at one point in France. Mr. Meighen could not comment on the program, as he said he was too busy meeting old friends, to witness the sport. Mr. Rowell was much impressed by the wonderful order and conduct of the great assembly. Sir Robert Borden met with a wonderful reception.

Leave – To Beat the Hun

“How about leave, Sir Robert?” yelled someone, during an address by the Premier.

“Every Canadian has long leave to do his best to beat the Hun,” retorted Sir Robert, and 10,000 soldiers sprang to their feet and cheered and waved their hats at this sentiment.

It was Canada’s day, and Canadians were proud of its great success.

Old Boys’ Reunion

It was a great day – a great crowd, just like Toronto Fair on Labor Day. All roads led to ---- where the Canadian Corps sports were held. They came in motor transports, bicycles on horses, and on shank’s mare. Brantford boys were out in full force and what a glad time we had renewing old acquaintances. It was like an old boys’ reunion. Telephone City boys were there from different battalions all over France. On entering the grounds the first one I met was Jack Raymond. Jack said “Did you see Sandy Stewart?”  I said “No, where is he?” “Back there, said Jack. Then I let a yell out of me “Awe, Sandy, hitch up the kart.”

Then along came George Knowles, and nearly all the old Duffs’ bugle band. Everybody was shaking hands and talking at once. “What a glorious reunion.”  “Did you see so and so?”  The old Brants seemed to spring up like ants. Among the old Brantford boys there were Bill Blazey, Alf Fitness, Tommie Howell, Jake Paterson, Freddie Williams, Eric Wright, W. Messecar, Reginald Allen, George Brown, herby Fisher, Herb Cahill, Howard Lloyd, George Davis, George Johnson, Harry Ward, Harry Hockley, Jack Crooke, Bill Acland, W. Hibbert, W. Bowden, A.L. Gibson, M. Brandon, E. Pearce, E. Waterhouse, Hicks, Palmer, Skelton, Pocock, Parnell, Palmer, Bailey, and dear knows how many others. In fact, they came so fast that it was hard to keep track of them all. We all regretted that we could not have a group picture taken of all the boys congregated there.

It was great day, and we had a great time.

I had the pleasure of having a hearty handshake from pretty nearly all the former Brant Battalion officers who ware over here with different battalions. We all regretted very much the death of our comrade, Harry Briscoe, one of the most popular boys of the Brants.

Cresswell, the former Peterborough Canadian league pitcher, won his game in the afternoon. 

The Little Black Devils

At the time of writing the 8th Battalion, Winnipeg, “Little Black Devils” are out of the line at rest, and the battalion is alive to sports and therefore we see some good football and baseball games. Every platoon has a soft ball team, and one can arrange a game in 10 minutes. Our band team has won 12 games and lost three.

The other day our baseball team headed by the band, marched over to where an ambulance corps was billeted and they sent us back with the short end of the score, 8-4. Who do you think was the pitcher that beat us?  No other than our old friend “Wild” Bill Baker, who at one time hurled for Tom Nelson in the Canadian League. Shot and shell has taken the wildness out of Bill, but he has speed to burn. He looks fine and healthy.

The 8th Battalion is very proud of their nickname. “The Little Black Devils,” and you can’t pay one of the boys a better compliment than to say to him, “Hello you Little Black Devil.”  That is what the Rebel Indians in the rebellion of 1885 called the 90th Winnipeg Rifles when they saw them coming dressed in the old green rifle uniform formerly worn by rifle regiments. The 8th have a good record for fighting over here.

The Old Band

We boys in the “Little Black Devils” band are kept busy playing concerts for the boys.

Recently the band by kind permission of Major T. Riddell, D.S.O., O.C. were taken in motor lorries to a spot where a tank corps was billeted and played a concert for the tank officers and men. They gave us lunch after the concert.

We certainly made good with the tank boys. We frequently play concerts in the large Y.M.C.A. nearby.

July 4th American Independence Day, the Glorious Fourth is being celebrated over here in France in a royal style. If you remember we left Brantford for Camp Borden two years ago today. I shall never forget the scene at the depot. I shall never forget my good pal Jack McHutchion, who was so uneasy unless the case of oranges and case of bananas donated to the band should get into the wrong coach. There have been many ups and downs and great changes since then.

July 7. – The band boys had another trip in motor truck this afternoon over to where we played a concert for the wounded and sick men at the hospital. Judging from the most generous applause, our program was very much appreciated. We were thanked very much by the officers, doctors, nurses and men. While there, some of us Brantford boys had the pleasure of a quiet chat with a Brantford boy who is a present in the hospital, in the person of Sherman T. Weaver, son of Mr. Ed Weaver of Eagle Place. He was right glad to see us and we to see him. He is getting on nicely.

July 9. – Today our battalion headed by the band, marched to ---- where they met the 27th Battalion, another Winnipeg Battalion, and the westerner had a reunion. We met Elmer Gress there.

July 10. – A bathing parade was held this morning, and in the afternoon the band marched over to ---- a nearby village and played a program of music at the Field Ambulance sports.

Some Parodies

“When you wore a Tulip and I wore a Big Red Rose.”

At one of our battalion concerts held in the Y.M.C.A. recently, one of the boys made a big hit when he sang the following parody. Try it over on your piano, sing it or hum it.

When you wore a Devil, A little Black Devil and I wore a Maple Leaf:-

T’was there the Boche cussed us, and 
swore that he’d bust us
What a cussing no one knows,
Donner and Blitzers says, 
“We hate you like poison.”
They called over No Man’s Land.
When they saw those Devils,
Those Little Black Devils,
God straff all your devilish band.
We beat him at Y-pres!  We thrashed him at Vim-ey!
We smashed him at Pasch-on-dale –
Poor Kaiser Willie, they drove him silly.
Then his health began to fail.
At night he lies dreaming, and 
Wakens up screaming.
Wishing he was dead.
When he sees the Devils
Those Little Black Devils
Dancing around in his head.

July 12. – On July 12 we had a walk and a change of scenery. The band boy’s packs went ahead on the transport, and had only been unloaded about three minutes when Fritz sent over a shell and made a great mess of some of them.

July 14. – At Divine service our padre gave a fine address on the National Holiday of France. After service some of the boys went over to a Y.M.C.A. and were delighted when we found out that they had just received a large consignment of goods manufactured by William Patterson and Sons. Fortunately we were paid the day before and we laid in quite a stock of good old Brantford goods. There is a big demand for Paterson’s goods over here, but unfortunately we cannot always get them. On the way back to our quarters I met Corp. John Tooze of the ---- Battery, who just pulled in across the road from us. William Acland, bandmaster of the ---- Battalion band, who is also quartered near us, came over and had dinner with us.

July 15. – In the afternoon our softball team went over and trimmed Bill Acland’s ball team 21-15. Bill was a good loser and treated us right royally after the game. In the evening we went up the road and played a concert in this Y.M.C.A., where the ---- Battalion is billeted. It was like another Brantford Old Boys Reunion. They came out in droves to hear the band. Among the old Brantford boys there was Capt Norville Luck, Sergt. Houlding, Bandmaster Joseph Holden of the ---- Battalion band, Fred Webster, Corp. Jake Paterson, Corp. Howells, Albert Ott, “Sandy” Stuart “Wickey” Messecar, George Knowles, Jack Croke, George Cook, Balne Gibson, “Cockney” Steward and many others

July 14. – Fourteen weeks ago this morning the band landed in France. I hear our postman calling any more letters for the post, so will close for his time. Hoping that you are well and enjoying good health

Pte. Clifford B. Todd
8th Battalion
“Little Black Devils”

BX December 3, 1918

Cliff Todd Met many Local Men in France – Officers and Men of First Brants Widely Scattered Among Fighting Units – All Doing Well 

Lt.-Col. M.E.B. Cutcliffe has received a lengthy letter from Bandsman Clifford Todd formerly of the 125th Battalion band, and now with that of the “Little Black Devils” of Winnipeg. The letter follows:

November 1, 1918

Dear Colonel,

I have been threatening to write you since the morning of August 8 last, but most of the time I have been too busy, and when we did get a breathing spell out on rest for a short time the band was kept on the go playing for the boys. Yesterday was pay day and when we were lined up I noticed a familiar figure approaching on horse-back and lo and behold you if it was no one else but your brother. I saluted him and said “Hello Doctor.”  He did not know me, and said “What is the name,” and I said “Cliff Todd.”  “Hello Cliff,” said your brother, and we had a great old chat. He looks fit and fine and has taken on flesh. He is stationed for the present not far from us, and if we stay here for some little time the band will try and go up and play a concert for him. Jack Patterson came in to see us yesterday evening, and Corp. Henderson called on us today.

More Brantfordites

Capt. McLean passed the other day in an auto. One afternoon last week we went over to a hospital to play a concert and right in the middle of it in walked Capt. Digby to take up his duties there. We had a great chat. We will likely play them another program soon, and take over a concert party providing, of course, we don’t get orders to move in a hurry.
The “Little Black Devils” have been in the thickest of it, and were given great praise for their great fighting ability by the “higher-ups” who wear the red bands on their caps. We were down on the Amiens front and all through that show. The band boys were used on burial parties and salvaging parties. We halted on the road-side for a rest one afternoon and met Lieut. McDonald coming out. While eating lunch near a Y.M.C.A. at noon hour I saw Jack Raymond and a little later along came the late Lieut. H. B. Preston, in charge of a bath parade. That was the last time I ever saw him alive. Poor boy, I feel so bad about his death.

We got a change of scenery, and when we got to our jumping-off place met Percy Rowley. Bill Blazey and Arthur Hart were close by, but I did not see them. At another stop we met Martin Donohue – Gray – McArthur and Mears, the latter being cook in the 125th Sergeants mess at Witley. Mears was cooking for an engineer officer’s mess and I got some good meals from him. On the way up to the Arras push the band played through the city, and we were surprised and glad to see our old friend Capt. Van Someren, who was standing in the door-way of his office. Going up I meet Lew McCormack and Clem Coles. One morning I met Lieut. Herb Dale, who was coming out wounded. After the Arras scrap we went out for a short rest, and the ---- Battalion were in the next village, so a number of us went over and called on Capt. Henry McLean. He has made good with the ----, and is very popular. Adjt. Emmons was there too, but I did not see him.

We played a concert for the ---- battery boys one evening, and saw Alfred Goodhue and he told us that he is about the only one left in the battery who left Brantford with Capt. Henderson. While strolling through a little cemetery one morning I came across the grave of the late Steve Twyman, who worked in The Expositor.

The “Little Black Devils” pulled up stakes and moved up for the Cambrai show. The band boys on the burial party had a rough passage in this show, and unfortunately lost Maxwell Burr, one of our bass players, who came to us in Bramshott from the 135th. We were lucky to get out with a whole skin. I thought our time had come half a dozen times. Rev. Capt. Greene conducted one of the burial services. Thank God I got out of it all safe and sound. We were right near Cambrai and there saw Capt. Jordon, who by the way has aged a lot, and Lieut. Thorburn, also Sergt. Cole. Cpl. Pocock and John Frost, old 125th men.

After Cambrai

When we came out of the Cambrai show we went to a village where, thank goodness, we were billeted in houses. Oh, what a change to be able to take off your clothes and get into a real bed, and to eat off China dishes, after using the tin mess tins for so long. I saw McFarland there one day. After a short stay there we came here, and have been in clover ever since. We are billeted in nice houses at the outskirts of  ---- the nobby part, and have everything quite homelike. We have been able to secure plenty of vegetables and have been living high. We will certainly hate to leave here.

Our band played at the funeral of he late General Lipsett, and we saw the Prince of Wales, who attended the funeral. We were inspected by our brigadier the other day, and of course compliments were as always, bestowed upon the “Little Black Devils.”
Capt. Whitehead, formerly adjutant of the 160th, is with our battalion. He was wounded, but I am glad to say is doing well. Capt. Ross, formerly of the 134th, too, is with us. You will remember them. The --- Battalion band is not far from us, and we saw some of the old 215th boys who are with them. I heard today that the ---- Battalion is in the next place, and will try and get up to see Mr. Woodyatt and the other old 125th boys. Well, Colonel, I guess you will be tired reading this lengthy letter.

How is civil life and things in Brantford?  Hope we are back to celebrate your next birthday. The war news looks good for the Allies now, eh! What!  Wish the band would get a trip to Paris. Leave is opening up fine now, but don’t think we band boys will get any before next January, if we are lucky enough to get it then. We will live in hopes that they will be good enough to grant us leave after the New Year.

Well, Colonel, I really must close. Would be so pleased to hear from you. Give my best regards to K.V. Bunnell and tell Major “Gill” Newman to write.

Wishing you and Mrs. Cutcliffe and family a very Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year.

Yours truly,
Clifford B. Todd,
No. 772461, 8th Winnipeg,
“Little Black Devils.”

BX December 12, 1918

Black Devils” Celebration of the Armistice – Were to Leave Shortly Afterwards on a Hike to the Rhine – Bandsman Todd Writes

Dear Friend,

I suppose Brantfordites celebrated the good news when it was flashed over-the-wire. We were expecting it and the “Little Black Devils” did not make any fuss. We were lined up for inspection when our O.C. told us that the armistice had been signed, and the boys gave three cheers, in the evening some of the lads shot off some of the flames that old Fritz left on his hurried retreat. In the afternoon our brigade was inspected by the General Commanding. We are on our fourth week here and billeted in houses and have things fixed up quite homelike, but came rumor has it that we are to take a long - long hike in a few days, and if it comes off we will see the River Rhine and most likely will eat our Christmas dinner on German soil. I hope we get something better than liverwurst, wienerwurst and sauerkraut. We have had a lot of rain lately, but are enjoying fine weather now. I met Wray Smith on Sunday afternoon and he stayed overnight with me. Bert Fisher, while roaming around yesterday had quite a few ripe, red raspberries and they were delicious. The French refugees are filled with them. Sergt. “Jake,” Paterson, Paris, who was passing one day last week, dropped in to see the band boys. Capt. Dr. R. Digby has taken up his duties in a hospital on the next street from us. I hope when peace is signed they march us “Little Black Devils” through Berlin. We are still looking for a pass to Gay Paree, but in the army, what you want and what you get, are not always quite the same.

The band boys are talking of forming a Great War Veterans’ band in Brantford when we get back. If all the Telephone City musicians on service got together after the war we would have a band that both the citizens of Brantford and the G.W.V.A. boys would be proud of. They also intend to form a good orchestra and a concert party, which are so popular over here. The selection and the appointing of a bandmaster would rest with the boys. Nearly all the boys have their own instruments and the cost of getting the band on a good footing would not amount to much. If the G.W.V.A. got behind the scheme and gave us a good boost we certainly could make the band one of the best. Will drop you a line if we go to the Rhine. Well old chap I will have to close.

Wishing you a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year.
 
Just for my little “tum”
Give to me my little drop of rum,
Then I’ll give to you (old chap)
The sun-shine of my smile
 
Yours truly,
Clifford B. Todd
8th Battalion, Canadian Infantry
“Little Black Devils”

BX March 24, 1919

Little Black Devils at Liege – Bandsman C.B. Todd Tells of a Trip to the Historic Field of Waterloo and of Another to Antwerp, Belgium’s Great Commercial Centre – Disappointment of First and Second Divisions at Delay in Trip

March 1, 1919
Les Waleffes, Belgium

The Little Black Devils are still in this hamlet. We all thought the last time I wrote that we would have been in England and on our way home by this time, but the “Powers That Be” upset our calculations by sending the Third Division to “Blighty” first, though the Canadian Press reports stated that we were to go first. Great people those top notchers!  After the First and Second Divisions made that march from France across Belgium to Germany and then on over the Rhine and putting in their allotted time there in the army of occupation and then back for a month in some out-of-the-way-places, those in charge of affairs sent the Third Division, who were having a good time of it while we were doing that long hike, back to England first. That’s gratitude!

The third were lucky and I hope they enjoyed their leave in England and have a fine trip across the pond, but it must be borne in mind that the boys in the First and Second Divisions will all have a vote at the next general election. Compree?

Damn rumor has it that we are to make track for England on the fourth, fifth or sixth of the month, but we put no faith in rumors or press reports in regard to moving, as we have been disappointed too often. When we start off we will believe it and not before.

Review of First Division at Liege

On Tuesday, February 4, a review of the troops of the First Canadian Division was held in Liege and judging from reports from all sides the Johnnie Canucks who wear the red patch on the coat sleeve, made a name for themselves in that Belgian city. On Monday, February 3, the Little Black Devils were taken to Huy in motor trucks, and then scrambled in box cars and conveyed to Liege at which place we arrived about 11 a.m. and after dinner were paid 50 francs each and allowed to go sightseeing. In the evening there was a dance given in the Y.M.C.A. for the boys and theatre parties to all the theatres in the city. On Tuesday morning after being inspected we marched off to the starting point and took up our position there and sharp at half past ten the troops started off. The second brigade consisting of the 5th, 7th, 8th Little Black Devils and the 10th Battalions lead as is the case on all First Divisional ceremonial occasions. The following was the route of march:

Palace St. Lambert
Place du Marechal Foch
Palace de la Republic Francaise
Boulevard de la Sauveniere
Boulevard d’Avroy (Jusq-a-la-rue des Guillemins)
Avenue Rogler et Boulevard Pierot

No doubt many readers of your paper know these places quite well, and will be able to picture in their mind the route we took. May be!

Before we came to the saluting base the 5th and 10th Battalion bands dropped out at points arranged by those in charge of the march, and from then on our band, the Little Black Devils led the big parade. The old band never marched better since they were sworn in, and we received rounds of applause all along the line. Of course the other bands were given rousing receptions. The brass bands were all right till along came the Canadian Scotties with their bagpipe bands, and then over went our applecart.

The marching of the troops was faultless, and the Canadians were given a great reception all along the line of march. The Belgian people, who turned out by the thousands cheered and cheered. It was one continuous roar, and when the Kilties came along it was like bedlam let loose. The Belgian people waved flags, handkerchiefs, hats, caps, and were so enthused at times that tears of joy ran down their cheeks in streams. When our band struck up the Belgian national anthem, the cheers sounded like an old time barrage. I never saw so many flags and so much bunting in all my life as there was along the line of march. Just before we came to the saluting base our brigadier rode in front of us and took one look at us as if to say “Now you Little Black Devils do your best,” and we did. The old band went past playing our regimental march and when we got the tip to “eyes right,” every head went as one, and General Jacques (Belgian) who took the salute, gave us a great smile. I think you would have been proud of the old band had you seen us go past. There is one thing I have noticed in Belgium. No matter how old a man is, or how the weather conditions are, snow, sleet or rain – when a band on the march strikes up the Belgian national anthem, off come their hats in an instant and they remain with head uncovered until the last man in the band has got past. In the concert halls and theatres at the close of a performance they all stand up and remain standing until the last note of the anthem is played. How different from when I was in Canada, when on the first note of “God Save the King,” 90 percent of the audience made a grab for their hats and coats, umbrellas, or canes, and started to make for the door as if the fire gong in the building had rung to clear the place at once. Things may have changed since I have been away. In France the same when their national anthem is played, off came the men’s and boys’ hats. The ginger the old band boys put in the march must have gone clear through their system, for no sooner had we got back to our village than all except about half a dozen took the flue. About a dozen were sent off to the hospital and letters received the last few days report that the most of them are all O.K. and are over in England. Whether they will join us again there or make Canada ahead of us remains to be seen, but we hope they soon get their leave and catch an ocean liner for Canada and on to Brantford.

The Battle of Waterloo

On Monday last Jack McHutchion and myself were fortunate enough to secure passes to Brussels and while there I took advantage of the opportunity of going to Waterloo and making a visit to the scene of the memorable Battle of Waterloo, which was fought as you and everybody else, knows on June 18, 1815. There were fully 200 soldiers who made the trip the same time as I did – boys from the United States and from all parts of the British Empire. Arriving there I started right in to see all I could and was fortunate enough in being able to rent a bicycle from a young lad and rode to the spot where Napoleon had his headquarters and along the road to the Hougemont farm, the scene of the severest fighting. I visited the old building in which the Duke of Wellington made his headquarters. A number of us took a walk over the ground on which it is supposed that the fiercest of the fighting took place and also strolled along the Sunken Road and also to the place where the Iron Duke issued his familiar order, “Pup Guards and at Them.”  Of course, like a lot of overgrown boys, we had to take a walk over the ground upon which it is said the cavalry made their final charge.

I with others, went to where the different monuments are erected and I went up the steps of the English monument upon which stands a large statue of a lion, and from the top of which you can see all over the famous old battle grounds. While thee I was pleased to meet Corporal Henderson, and old 125th man drafted from the Brants to the 157th Battalion. I would not have missed the trip for a great deal and feel proud that I will in the future be able to say that I visited the scene of one of the greatest battles fought in the world’s history.

Ever since I was a lad I always had a desire to visit two places, the scene of the Battle of Bannockburn and the Battle of Waterloo, and am delighted to say that I have been to both places. When I got back to the Y.M.C.A. in Brussels I was pleased to meet Lieut. “Billy” Woods and Lieut. Hadcock of Brantford. On Tuesday morning I boarded and early train and went to Antwerp and spent the day sight-seeing there. On my return to the Y.M.C.A. again in Brussels I met Bandmaster Joseph Heiden, whose band plays there every Tuesday evening. Jack and I took an evening train back and on arriving at my billet I was delighted to find that Canadian mail had arrived while we were away and among it a dozen and a half Expositors, which I read the next day and then passed on to the boys. When we get to England and I am lucky enough to secure a 14 days’ pass, I shall take a trip to Ireland.

C. Todd

BX February 25, 1919

Brantford Band Played Concert for Repatriated War Prisoners – Were Given a Great Reception When as Band of Winnipeg “Little Black Devils” They Rendered National Hymns – Also a Big Hit at Officers’ Ball Held in Liege

January 24, 1919
Les Waleffes, Belgium

Our battalion has had a change of scenery since I last wrote. The “Little Black Devils” left Porz-on-the-Rhine, Germany, on the afternoon of January 6, and marched to Wahn station, where we entrained and were conveyed to the city of Huy, Belgium, arriving there the next day, noon. After being served with dinner we marched on to this village, arriving late the same afternoon. If you should try to find this place on the map I would advise you first to secure a microscope. It is about the same population as Burford and not such a great distance from the cities of Brussels, Liege and Namur, but just far enough that you can’t get to them, i.e., if no one is looking. I have been to Liege and surmise that others have too. It is one step nearer home and as “Old Bill” (good Old Bill) says (with apologies to Capt. Bruce Bairnsfather) off to a “Far Better Ole Struth!”  At Huy an Imperial soldier came to us and remarked; “You blooming Canadians are “Hoff for some while hus blokes har going hup the loine.”

Our stay at Porz, Germany was a pleasant one and we fared pretty well in the land of our enemies, having no troubles with the Germans. The stiff proclamation issued by Sir Douglas Haig evidently brought them to their senses and as they have been used to strict discipline they took to it like water. Most of the “Little Black Devils” had good billets in private houses and the people with whom I stayed were Saxons. Many of the population at Porz expressed themselves as disgusted with the ex-Kaiser, ex-Crown Prince and the rest of the War Lords’ ring.

A Grain of Salt

The Germans are certainly past masters in the art of working the sympathy racket and can put up an awful tale of woe that they were not in harmony with the German war clique, but that we took with a grain of salt. A few days before we left we circulated the story that our battalion was to be relieved by British, French or Belgian troops. The yarn evidently played havoc with their troubled consciences as they shivered at the thought of Belgian or French troops being billeted with them, and expressed great regrets at our leaving. They much preferred us even if we were “Little Black Devils.”  Our Christmas dinner was nothing to write home about so will not dwell on that. The peace terms not being signed we absolutely had nothing whatever to do with Turkey. No! no!  A good reason why, I am pleased to say the good people over home sent us lots of well-filled Christmas boxes. By the way, the Germans’ eyes stuck out when they saw the great abundance of eatables sent the boys by people they though sure next to starvation. I shall never forget the evening we received our first lot of Christmas boxes. The members of the band and the boys attached to headquarters were nearly all in the recreation room when a Sergeant came in and called out “Volunteers to bring up the Christmas boxes.”  Everyone responded and I guess that was the quickest and easiest fatigue party he ever got together. The parcels filled two large motor trucks and the boys went wild when they were given to them.

It was a great sight to see the y smiles on the boys’ faces as they opened their boxes. What a hubbub!  The boys exchanged some of the contents of the boxes with their chums and you could hear them saying”

“Here you Blue Nose from Nova Scotia. Try some good Manitoba cake.”
“Come and have some good Ontario Christmas cake.”
“Have some real mince pie from B.C.”

Everybody was happy and I guess talking at once. Then the jolly good smokes were lit and soon the large room was filled with smoke and aroma of good cigars, while everybody had cigars to burn. It was a real treat to see all the boys so happy and the folks back in Canada can rest assure that the well-filled contents of the boys’ boxes were very much appreciated and appreciated to the fullest extent.

Band Plays for Prisoners

Our last Sunday morning in Germany – or at least I hope so, was a memorable one for the old band, and one that the boys will remember for years to come. A large number of French, Belgian and Italian soldiers who had been prisoners of war in Germany almost since the beginning of the war, were lined up on the street walking to embark on boats to be taken to Amsterdam and thence to their home.

Corp. George Renwick got the band together and we marched past them playing their national anthems. We went up playing the French national anthem, stopped, played the Italian, and then played the Belgian; on the way back they cheered, yelled, screamed, went frantic, and shouted with tears of joy flowing down their cheeks. It was like bedlam. In all my life, I never witnessed anything like it. Then we put our music stands up near the wharf and played a concert for a couple of hours for the boys. Judging from the liberal applause they seemed to enjoy it very much. As each boat pulled out we played the national anthem of the soldiers on board and they cheered and waved back to us until they were hidden from view by a bend in the river. Some of them who could converse in English told me that it was the first time they heard their national anthem in three years. Some of them told us of the cruel manner in which they were treated by the Germans. During the program we were glad to have a visit from two of our former 125th Battalion officers, Capt. Henry McLean and Lieut. Dean Andrews of the 4th Battalion.

On the morning of January 9th a memorial service was held in the Roman Catholic Church here in memory of those who had fallen in the Great War. Our band officiated at the service.

Khaki College

The khaki college in connection with our battalion is in full swing. Classes are given instruction in many subjects. Our chaplain, rev. Capt. Fostner, takes a great interest in the classes and spends nearly all of his time giving instruction to the boys.

War Trophies

Canadian cities should not experience any great trouble in securing war trophies, for I saw hundreds of old German guns lying in parks, fields and along the roadside while our battalion was marching through France and Belgium on our way to Germany.

Brigade Dance at Liege

Our band furnished the music for a dance held in the dancing pavilion of the Royal Theatre in the city of Liege, given by the O.C. and officers of the 2nd Brigade, and received the following letter congratulating them on their playing:

I wish to thank the members of the 8th Battalion Band most heartily for the excellent program you rendered on the occasion of our brigade dance held in Liege on the 23rd inst. From all sides I heard the most complimentary remarks in regard to the musical numbers selected and the manner and the time in which they were played. Please inform all those composing the band that I appreciate immensely the way they helped to make the dance the huge success it undoubtedly was.

“Yours faithfully,
R.P. Clark, 
Brigadier General
O.C. 2nd Can. Infantry Brigade

Bandsman Charles Murray had charge of the music. Good boy Charlie.

Since leaving Canada our band has played before Royalty and many distinguished people, including His Majesty King George, Her Majesty Queen Alexandra, H.R.H. Prince of Wales and Princesses Maud and Mary, Duke of Connaught, Earl French, Sir Douglas Haig and General Plummer. 

Visit to Brussels

I spent the weekend in Brussels and while there I went to the spot where Nurse Edith Cavell was shot by the Germans, and saw where she is buried. I was sorry I did not get to Waterloo, but as train connections were band and there was a strike on the tram lines, I had to forego the trip, much as I regretted it. I was in front of the royal palace and saw King Albert and the Prince of Wales take the salute at a big review that was held there. While in Brussels I met “Jake” Paterson and “Chuck” Wooden of Paris, also Eugene Force and Gordon O’Heron of Brantford. This morning the band got an order to shine up and proceed to the city of Liege to officiate at a reception to be tendered Miss Wilson, also to play at a concert at which she was to sing, but the order was cancelled and we are to be ready to proceed to Bramshott Camp, England, and day now. Just how soon we will be in Blighty is hard to say. They may cancel that order too.

Yours truly,

Clifford B. Todd,
8th Batt., “Little Black Devils”