Harold Brant Preston MC

Rank:

Lieutenant

Unit at enlistment:

125th Battalion

Force:

C.E.F.

Volunteered or conscripted:

Volunteered

Survived the war:

Date of death:

September 27th, 1918

Cemetery:

Bourlon Wood Cemetery - Pas de Calais, France - I.D.8.

Awards or decorations:

Military Cross

Commemorated at:

Brant Avenue Methodist Church and Memorial Window, B.C.I. High School Memorial Plaque, Victoria Public School Honour Roll

Birth country:

Canada

Birth county:

Brant

Birth city:

Brantford, Ontario

Address at enlistment:

112 Brant Avenue, Brantford, Ontario

Next of kin address:

112 Brant Avenue, Brantford, Ontario

Trade or calling:

Reporter

Employer:

Brantford Expositor

Religious denominations:

Methodist

Marital status:

Married

Age at enlistment:

Gallantry medals:

Yes

Image gallery:

Letters and documents

London Gazette: 31158
Date: February 1, 1919
Honour or Award: Military Cross
Name: Harold Brant Preston (Lieutenant)
Unit: 54th Battalion

Details: On 2nd September, 1918, in the battle of the Arras front, for great courage and good leadership. All the officers in his company having become casualties he took command, reorganized it, and successfully led it in the attack, capturing the sunken road at the point of the bayonet. This was not one of his company's tasks, but seeing that the company in front was held up and unable to get forward, causing a check to the whole line; he immediately grasped the situation and made his dispositions accordingly.

BX November 30, 1918

Military Cross is Awarded to Lieutenant Harold Brant Preston For Part Played by Him in Fighting for Drocourt-Queant Switch

A letter was received in the city yesterday from Lieut. Morley Verity, himself a winner of the coveted decoration, stating that the official list published in England on November 2 contained the name of Lieut. Harold B. Preston, who was killed in action at Bourlon Wood, France, on September 27, as having been awarded the Military Cross. It was further stated that the honor was conferred because of the part played by him in the fighting for the Drocourt-Queant switch on September 2. This makes seven officers of the 125th to have been thus honored. Major McLean, Lieuts. Andrews, Verity, Preston, Brown, Bingle and Orr.

Circumstances of Casualty: Killed in Action. His Company had been detailed to clear an enemy machine gun nest, East of Bourlon Wood, which was doing considerable damage. The task was near completion, having reached within twenty five yards of the trench, when Lieutenant Preston who was leading a platoon was hit in the heart and instantly killed by a bullet.

BX October 5, 1918

PRESTON – Killed in action in France on Friday, Sept. 27. Lieutenant Harold Brant Preston, 125th Brant Battalion, youngest son of Mr. and Mrs. T.H. Preston.

BX October 5, 1918

Lieutenant Harold Brant Preston, Late of the 125th Killed in Action – Member of Firm of Preston and Sons Declined a ‘Blighty’ in Drocourt-Queant Fight – He “Carried On”

“Harold reported killed.”

In these three trite words, forwarded by Mrs. H.B. Preston came the news by cable yesterday afternoon telling of the death in action on Friday, the 27th of September, of Lieutenant Harold Brant Preston, of the 54th Battalion, Canadian forces, France. No further details have since been received; but that it is official there is no doubt. A member of the 125th Battalion, having joined that while a member of The Expositor reporter staff, Lieut. Harold B. Preston was one of the best known of Brantford’s subalterns, and the news of his death, when known, was received with sincere grief. In The Expositor office, the news was taken as a personal blow by every member of the staff with whom the late Lieutenant Preston had worked and by whom he was most highly esteemed.

The late Lieutenant Harold Preston was the second son of Mr. T.H. Preston, of The Expositor, and Mrs. Preston. He was born in Brantford, and educated in the public schools and the Brantford Collegiate Institute. At the latter institution he was a member of the cadet corps, and took an active interest in sports. He was a member of the junior O.B.A. basketball team, which played many games against the fastest teams of this country and across the border. His education was continued at Toronto University, from which he graduated with the degree of Bachelor of Arts in 1913. After his graduation, he joined the reportorial staff of The Expositor, and became a member of the firm.

When the first Brant Battalion was raised, he joined up and was given a commission as lieutenant, qualifying after courses at Toronto. He remained with this battalion until it was broken up in England, when he was sent to France and attached to the 54th Battalion, with which he was fighting when he met his death.

While stationed in England, he was married at Witley Church to Miss Jean Paterson, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. W.F. Paterson of this city. They were married on Oct. 25, 1917 and had been planning to celebrate their first anniversary within a few days, he expecting that he would be granted leave for that occasion.

Only a few hours before the news of his death arrived here, a letter had been received from him under date of Sept. 12. In this letter he told of the experience he had undergone when the Canadian forces, of which his battalion was a part, stormed the Drocourt-Queant, switch of the Hindenburg line. In this advance, five officers started out with his company. Four of these were placed hors de combat, and were forced out of the fighting. He was the only one left, and he was slightly wounded, but as the sole fit survivor, he took command of the company, and carried on. His wounds were sufficiently severe to cause the doctor to offer him a “Blighty” but he declined this, preferring, as he said, to “carry on.” He did carry on and thus met his death in action.

In connection with the residence in England of Lieut. and Mrs. H.B. Preston, there is a feature, which throws a light on the sacrifices caused by the war. Lieut. and Mrs. Hugh Verity, Lieut. and Mrs. Duff Slemin and Lieut. and Mrs. H.B. Preston, held a joint ménage at Guilford, England, near Witley camp, where the 125th was stationed. When the battalion was broken up, the officers were scattered but the young ladies carried on for a time. That ménage is now broken up for good. Lieut. Hugh Livingston and Lieut. H.B. Preston have been killed in action, and Lieut. Duff Slemin wounded, leaving only Lieut. Morley Verity to carry on in France. Mrs. H.B. Preston when in receipt of the news was acting as a V.A.D. at Dunstan’s in London England.

BX October 7, 1918

Fitting Reference to Late Lieutenant Harold Brant Preston

At the morning service at Brant Avenue Methodist Church on Sunday, the pastor, Rev. J.D. Fitzpatrick, made a brief but fitting reference to the death in action of Lieutenant Harold Preston, familiarly known and beloved by all his fellow members of Brant Avenue Congregation. The pastor, after making the usual announcements for the day, stated that once again it was necessary to speak of the loss of one of the brightest young lives of the membership, the death in action of Lieut. Harold B. Preston. It could not help but be realized by everyone that the war was draining the country of the very best of our manhood, and he was sure that the sympathy and prayers of the entire congregation would go out, without measure to the sorely tried family.

Lieutenant Preston was a member by election of the Brant Avenue Church official board, and was one of the most devoted of the younger members of the church.

BX September 27, 1920

Memorial Window to Heroic Fallen Unveiled at Brant Avenue Church – Chancellor Bowles of Victoria College Officiated at Official Recognition of Nine Members of the Church Who Gave Their Lives in the Great War – A Ceremony Pregnant With Meaning

In dedication to the nine men of Brant Avenue Methodist Church who gave their lives in the Great War, a memorial window was unveiled in that church at the morning services yesterday. Rev. Chancellor Bowles of Victoria College, Toronto, gave the message of consolation to the friends of the soldiers whose memory he extolled and Major A.E. Lavelle, D.D., and Major E. Sweet both in uniform, unveiled the window. The congregation filled the church to the last pew and each one could not fail to receive, from the simple and impressive ceremony, a strong, new motive for keeping alive what Chancellor Bowles called a great and glorious memory.”

Deeply impressive and heart soothing was the whole ceremony. Rev. J.D. Fitzpatrick, the pastor of the church, was in charge and the choir gave special music, including solos by Miss Reba Force and Miss Margaret Stephen, the latter of Toronto. The military significance of the event was emphasized by the number of men attending in uniform. Besides Major Sweet and Major Lavell, places of prominence were given to Col. M.A. Colquhoun, D.S.O., C.M.G., Lieut.-Col. M.E.B. Cutcliffe, Major Jordan, Lieut. K.V. Bunnell, Lieut. Donald Waterous, Lieut. Charles Sheppard, Capt. (Dr.) Leonard Coates, Capt. Dufferin Slemin, Lieut. Fred Pinnell, Capt. Morley Verity and Sergt. James Hitchon, Nursing Sister, Captain Annie Hartley, was also present.

The Decorations

A special committee had spent much time in making the church beautiful, draping the chancel in flags and wreathing maple leaves over the window and around the memorial tablets formerly erected. Bouquets of mauve and white and pink and white asters were placed on the sill of the window.

The Sermon

Following the solemn prayer by Rev. J.D. Fitzpatrick and the choir offerings, Rev. Chancellor Bowles preached a most impressive sermon.

The dedication of the memorial, said Dr. Bowles, was promoted by instincts of love and gratitude and loyalty that sought to keep in recollection the names of those who were gone, their voices, their faces and the deeds they had done. Thoughts of them were like a benediction after prayer, for memories such as theirs soothed and elevated and enriched men’s lives and kept them in touch with the living past. Many memorials were being erected, he said, from simple tablets to costly community halls, churches and arches; yet the outward form mattered little, what counted was the appreciation and admiration of those who raised them. Every memorial was erected “Lest we forget.”

It was not likely this generation would ever see such another war, it was the grimmest and most awful thing men had ever faced; they had been overwhelmed by its terrible destruction and death. This ceremony was held to lead others to know its meanings and learn its lesson well – “Lest we forget.” Drawing his bearers to think of the many elements that entered into the cause of the war, the struggle, said the Chancellor, had written its own inner meaning. Humanity could live in safety on this earth only as a spiritual and moral force; there must be a right relationship among the nations; men had come to feel the sense of the ultimate value of what was right and what was fair. “We know what conceptions and ideals moved our boys,” Dr. Bowles went on. “They had the sense of human value. Most of them were scarcely young men, they were only boys. Life had no problems for them yet; the iron had not entered into their souls. Now they make one small portion of those who like in Flanders’ Fields. They had not lived their lives as some listening to me have almost done, they poured out the wine of youth, life’s passions; nor” he said, “will you cease to think of them as young and fair. From the many letters I read written by Victoria College students, I was struck by the cheer and the steadfastness to duty they expressed. From one I have here, written to the soldier’s mother, before the great struggle of August 8, he concluded, ‘a great triumph will take place and I shall have a part in it.’ Remember”, said the Chancellor in closing “that was the spirit that actuated them through it all.”

The Unveiling

Major Lavell and Major Sweet conducted the unveiling ceremonies, the former giving a brief address and the latter reading the names and drawing aside the Union Jack which covered the memorial window.

In beginning his remarks Major Lavell referred to Major T. Harry Jones, who had so much to do with the memorial window, but who had not lived to see the completion of the work. He said that out of the many thoughts that crowded in upon his mind there were but three he had time to express. The first was the sorrow that those present must feel who were nearest and dearest to the men whose names were on the memorial. This sorrow and perplexity at death was as old as the race. To this sorrow he had little to give but sympathy. Possibly if they would find the secret of Calvary and see our Lord’s death as victory and not defeat, they would have light and much comfort. The second was that the front line areas made a school the like of which existed nowhere else. It tested, disciplined and changed every man. They learned to know real values, what was worth retaining and what might be well given up. The third was that these brave young men having passed through this school that most of those present had not passed through, and therefore knew not, willingly faced death and died doing their duty, which to them was far preferable to mere living. Could their loved ones here not have faith in their faith and even in their sorrow and ignorance believe in the light seen by those who had fearlessly walked through the valley of the shadow?

Major Lavell quoted from Sir Arthur Currie’s message to the Canadian soldiers, delivered on March 27, 1918. How true, he said, his finals words had become and how appropriately they had been chosen for the inscription on the window: “You will not die, but will step into immortality.”

Impressively and clearly Major Sweet read the roll of those whose names were inscribed on the tablet:

Harold Staples Brewster
Alexander Finletter Brown
Hugh Dalton Livingston
Lawrence Wilmot Livingston
Joseph Howard Pinnell
Earl Pettit Pitcher
Harold Brant Preston
Frederick Stanley Schell
Egerton Vaughan

As the window was revealed and the names were called, the notes of the “Last Post” were sounded by Sergeant Beech of the Dufferin Rifles.

The committee of arrangements consisted of Mrs. R.S. Schell, Mrs. W.C. Livingston, Mrs. J.J. Vaughan, Messrs. W.S. Brewster, T.H. Preston, E. Sweet and C.S. Slemin.

BX September 11, 1916

125th Battalion Received Weekend Leave Soon After They Reached Bramshott – British-born Went “’Ome,” Canadians to London – Hearty Welcomes Given to Brants on Reaching Liverpool and Camp – Local Officers Convalescing in London Were Met – Lieut. Harold Staples Brewster Joins the Aviation Corps – Local Officers Who Went Into Ranks Receive Commissions Again

August 27, 1916
London, England

On Thursday, Aug. 24, the 125th Brant Battalion started its six days leave from Camp Bramshott. Only sufficient time was allowed to get the battalion nicely settled in its new home, officially inspected by the camp commander and his staff and welcomes paid, before half the battalion was given its customary holiday on arrival in England. A great many of the Brants started immediately for their homes, some going to Ireland, others to Scotland, and a great many to all parts of England.

The Canadian born, having few friends or relatives here, set out like so many sheep for Old London, and with the sheep I reached the metropolis too.

Having been in London before it has been particularly interesting to note some of the changes which have been occasioned by the war. In the first place everything is business, i.e., the old frivolity has disappeared. People’s faces spell determination and one receives the impression that there is somewhere near a huge burden which everyone must cooperate to the utmost in carrying. Cafes and swell restaurants have lost their glitter, and although they are still doing business it is in a saner and more sensible manner.

London in Darkness

At night the entire city assumes a somber attire. Other than automobile lamps, searchlights are apparently not allowed on motors, and a few lights in store windows, the city is practically in total darkness. There are a very, very few street lamps, but these are shaded so heavily that they give almost no light. When crossing the street at night one almost takes his life in his hands, there are so many vehicles and in the darkness it is very confusing to tell which way they are moving.

The war has branded London in a much more serious way, too. On all sides wounded officers and men are to be seen, some seriously, and some bearing practically no traces of their injuries. Many old buildings, schools, etc., have been resurrected for military hospitals, and I have seen several motor ambulances conveying soldiers lying on stretchers, and attended by some kindly and tender Red Cross nurse.

In the theatres several of the largest of which have closed their doors on account of the war, the stamp of the war is conspicuous. ‘Tis true, the audiences are large, but they are composed almost entirely of women and soldiers, the latter being either wounded and convalescing or on leave.

Women do Work

Another evidence of the war is to be found among the women. The fair sex in England, which has earned for themselves an undying reputation for their Spartan, self-sacrificing efforts during the war, are driving motor trucks and delivery wagons in the heart of busiest London. The famous penny busses are still driven by men, but the conductors are invariably young girls, garbed in a simple business like linen suit. They handle their tasks like veterans. In hotels, especially those of the higher class, business is still being conducted, but on less pretentious scales. The little finished touches and polish are lacking, the necessary things alone being available. The service in hotels and restaurants has highly deteriorated, the old experienced hands now doing the work of real men at the front. Small lads of 13 or 14 years are being used in hotels to do work of men who can perform their military service.

A Zeppelin Raid

Last night a Zeppelin raid touched the outskirts of the vast metropolis. In great headlines the morning papers tell of the Bosches’ visit, but little concern is manifested. Either the people have become accustomed to the visits of the night marauders, or else they have confidence in the steps which have been taken to fight the Zepps. Not since last October, when Zepps visited the very heart of London, dropping bombs along the strand, and being fired at from all angles by the specially fitted, high elevation guns, have the people of the city really felt the terrible reality of the Zeppelin bombs.

London is gaily alive with soldiers in addition to the imperial troops, Canadians, Australians and new Zealanders are to be seen on all sides. An officer can scarcely walk five paces without being called upon to acknowledge a salute. French officers, Belgians and an occasional Italian soldier are also encountered.

Among the great military throng, a few familiar faces appear occasionally. In the first place nearly a third of the 125th is here on six days’ leave, and it surely is good to see some of our own boys.

Brantford Personals

In fact, I think I could write a fair column of personal notes for your military society page. Here are a few:

Looking over the register of the Hotel Cecil here yesterday I espied the name of Lt. Harold S. Brewster. Lieut. Brewster, whom I met later, is on two weeks leave from the Royal Canadian Regiment with which he has just completed ten months in the trenches. He tells me that for considerable time his regiment was in the famous Ypres salient, where the cross fire from the two flanks and front was mighty hot at times. Harold considered himself very lucky to be here to tell the tale. He has succeeded in getting his transfer from the R.C.R.’s and will shortly commence a course in aviation at Reading, a few miles from London.

Shortly afterwards, one of our party, Captain Bingle encountered Lt.-Col. Mac Colquhoun, who apparently is on his way back to his regiment in France. He was in a great hurry at the moment, and there was not much opportunity to chat.

Yesterday afternoon, walking along by Trafalgar Square, I bumped into Lieut. Art Bishop who has had a varied experience since returning to England after his few weeks’ furlough at his home in Brantford. Art tells me that he has had a rather tough time of it lately, despite the fact that he looks remarkably well. Since October when he rejoined his regiment he has been in the Balkans, until this summer the heat was too much for him. He left for Malta where he remained for five weeks before proceeding to London where he now is under the doctor’s care.

Yesterday Sergt. Jack Raymond of the Brants, returned from a short visit at West Sandling Camp, where he had a few hours with his brother, Corp. “Glad” Raymond, formerly of the 58th Battalion and latterly on the pay office staff. “Glad” left yesterday to rejoin his battalion in France.

Major Frank Hicks, who was wounded recently in the leg, is also in London. He is in hospital at 50 Weaymouth Street, and expects, I am told, to return to his home in Brantford in about one month.

Major “Bert” Newman of the 19th Battalion is also in England and has arranged to meet his brother, Major W.F. Newman, of the Brants, in London during the latter’s leave here.
Altogether it can scarcely be said that one feels a perfect stranger in Old England now. All this that I have written has had little to do with what I started out to tell about.

The Trip to Bramshott

My last letter to The Expositor brought the 125th Battalion within a day’s run of Liverpool and from that date, August 17, till now, August 26, there is a considerable gap.

Looking back about ten days our boat brought us almost within hailing distance of land in the early afternoon of Friday, August 18. A government pilot boarded our ship, the Scandinavian, a few miles from our dock in Liverpool, and at that point our destroyer, No. 48 left us, sending a heartily “good luck” message, for which our lads expressed their gratification by loudly cheering as the destroyer steamed proudly past us into Liverpool.

At 6.20 p.m. we were “alongside” and shortly afterward the battalion was tucked away in the “pill-box” English coaches, bound for Bramshott Camp. Eight men to a compartment,Approaching the harbor the Canadians were surely given a hearty welcome. Steamboats and tugs, plying past us whistled lustily to us, and along the banks of the Mersey River, as we neared our landing place thousands of people waved their handkerchiefs vigorously and shouted a glad welcome to us. together with packs made things rather crowded, but who cared? To some it was “’Ome,” to others it was novel and funny. A long, tedious trip followed and sleep was practically impossible. From 7 p.m. on Friday we were jerked and jiggled about, until we reached our destination – Liphook – a small, quaint English village, at 5 o’clock the next morning.

Here we detrained, tired and weary. It was raining. A two and a half mile hike, with packs and all, followed. It seemed like 40 miles, but the lads, though tired and hungry, whistled and sang as they plodded along, as though in a new world. In an hour Bramshott camp came into view.

Bramshott Camp

Bramshott camp, located on a main highway about 41 miles from London and 23 miles from Portsmouth, is one of several camps in England set aside for Canadians. It is situated in the heart of a beautiful stretch of hilly, English country, and the panorama seen from the 125th’s parade ground is magnificent.

There are practically no tents, officers and men being quartered in “huts,” which resemble summer cottages more than huts. Each hut, built of frame, well elevated from the ground, clean and airy, provides accommodation for about 30 or 40 men, the officers and sergeants having separate quarters of their own. Each man is supplied with a “palaise” or mattress, and a wooden cot, and no complaints are heard. Excellent accommodation is also provided for lectures, etc, and from a sanitary standpoint Bramshott leaves nothing to be desired. The English rations are satisfactory and the men have stepped down from the excellent fare provided on the Scandinavian to the camp board very graciously. It was feared that the lads were being spoiled on board ship, but they are very content.

Bramshott camp is commanded by Brig.-Gen. Heighen. It is but seven miles from Aldershot camp and many of our officers and men have been sent to Aldershot for special courses of instruction. At Bramshott, there are about 10,000 troops. In addition to the 125th, the 123rd, 124th, 116th, 109th, 103rd, 120th and 121st battalions are stationed there. Several battalions comprising the fourth Canadian division had just left the camp for France, prior to our arrival. A few lads of the 84th battalion, which has been split up into drafts, etc., are still to be seen.

Discipline is Strict

Speaking of training, the English methods are not vastly different from those in vogue in Canada. “Discipline” is at a premium, all ranks being held strictly within the bounds set by regulations. Training is more severe. Seven full hours each day comprises the time set aside for drilling and instruction. Reveille, sounds at 5.30 a.m., and there is a half-hour drill before breakfast. “Fall in” sounds again at 8.30 a.m., and we “carry on for 3 ½ hours till 12 o’clock. Work commences at 1.30 p.m. again and continues until 4.30 when, “nominally” at least, the day’s work is done. That, however, is merely nominally.

As regards to the future of the 125th, little can be said with any degree of certainty. One often hears that the Brants may comprise one unit of the proposed fifth Canadian division. Should that be the case, we would likely be in England for some months. What seems more probable is that the 125th should remain a depot battalion, retaining its identity in name only, and sending drafts as reinforcements for the firing line. All this, however, is merely conjecture.

Use More Officers

One important and welcome announcement has been made since our arrival here. Henceforth, battalions proceeding to the front will be allowed 16 additional lieutenants. The reason for this is that the subalterns commanding platoons are almost continually absent from their platoons, taking special courses, etc. The supernumerary officers will permit of an officer being on hand at all times.

Consequently Pte. Morison Smith, Sergt. Dean Andrews, Co. Quartermaster-Sergeant John Orr, all of whom formerly held commissions with the Brants, will be again given their officer’s rank immediately. Other subalterns in Canada will be called for, it is understood.

Commencing on Aug. 24 headquarters A and B companies were given six days leave of absence. The balance of the battalion will take its leave as soon as the first half returns. The purpose of the leave is to enable the Britishers in the ranks of the C.E.F. to have at least four days at their homes as soon as they arrive in England. At the same time, we Canadians are given a splendid holiday, and the vast majority of the Canadians are spending their outing in London.

Now I have reached the point where this letter both begins and ends.

H.B.P.

BX June 7, 1917

Restrictions on Food Supply in Old London – Brantford Officer Reports Keenness for Stray Lumps of Sugar – Bread Measured Out – No Officer is Allowed to Order a Meal Costing More Than 3|6 – Economy in Bread is Impressed Upon the People Everywhere

Lieutenant Harold Brant Preston, writing from London to the Expositor on May 19, thus refers to good conditions in the Old Land:

In the army one seldom realizes that the submarine war has had any effect whatsoever. Civilians may eat or civilians may starve, but the army gets its food just the same. That seems to be one strong point in favor of the high mucky-mucks in charge. Occasionally we are handed out a meat course minus potatoes, but that is really quite an exception. When that does happen some kind of cora fritter or a pastry ball is issued instead. Several months ago the bread issue on paper was cut down – at least such was reported in the battalion orders. I don’t think that anyone has ever noticed any difference. Recently, however, a shortage of sugar seems also to have spread to the army commissariat, and one or two meals each day are sugarless. Tea and coffee are swallowed without using sugar to sweeten the dose – but a little thing like that is neither here nor there. Whenever we get a chance in a restaurant or hotel we swipe any stray lumps of sugar and stick them in our pockets for future reference. I frequently count among my personal assets a couple of “none-to-clean” lumps which I have carried around for a few days. Outside of these few little things the food shortage hasn’t commenced to hit the army yet and I guess there isn’t much likelihood of it doing so for some months.

Bread Measured Out

But during my stay in London I began to realize that things were not normal. Of course one can get plenty to eat and I would not have enjoyed my leave as much if I hadn't been able to include in it several plenteous repasts. Still, there are some shortages and one cannot help realizing the fact when in London. In the first place, bread, which, as you know, is the staff of life to most people, and especially to me, is rated as the shortage of premier importance. “Eat less bread,” is the popular cry. One reads it everywhere and taxis carry a “Eat Less Bread” sign on their front glasses. London restaurants have orders to issue not more than two ounces of bread (which includes toast, rolls, etc.) to one person at one meal. Two ounces of bread is very little, and is measured out as a little better than an ordinary slice. At most restaurants no bread or rolls on the table to spoil one’s appetite while waiting for the soup to arrive.

In one restaurant where I had asked the waiter to bring me an order of poached eggs, “Sure, you can have poached eggs,” he said, “but no toast.” Another time I wanted a serving of Welsh rarebit. Of course that required a slice of toast for the cheese to lie on. I had previously eaten my two ounces of bread, so Welsh rarebit was out of the question.

Sugar a Luxury

Sugar in London is also a luxury. In many places it is dished out to each person in a little silver measure which is known as “Lord Devonport’s Measure.” Each person can, if necessary, have that much at each meal and that much would do little more than cover the bowl of an ordinary teaspoon. Sometimes, they hand out instead two tiny lumps of sugar, about the size of beans. Those things are much sought after and if stray ones are seen by the cup of the person who sat next to you, they usually find their way into your own pocket to be used when none can be obtained.

A Compressed Meat

In London, there is a military order which prevents restaurant keepers, etc., from selling food to officers, the total cost of which exceeds 3|6, that is about 85 cents. That may seem reasonable, but 85 cents is little enough when prices are so high, and especially to Canadians. At Simpson’s on the Strand, I saw “fillet fried sole” on the menu, and of course, like lighting I ordered that. It arrived and I disposed of it. Then I called the waiter and proceeded to order what I intended to be the major portion of my dinner. I could have no vegetables, no entrée, no dessert, and no sweats – no nothing. My fish had cost 3|6 and I was through. That was some meal. That order limiting the amount which officers can pay for meals is purely military, and has no application to civilians. It has nothing to do with submarines, but was made in order to reduce the unnecessary expenses of officers while on leave.

Liquors and Tobacco

As regards liquors and tobaccos there are also restrictions. Liquors are sold legitimately for five hours each day – from 12 noon till 2.30 p.m., and from 6.30 p.m. till 9 p.m. As regards tobacco, it is also illegal to sell tobaccos of any kind after 8 p.m., and one frequently finds that through lack of foresight one has no tobacco for the evening. All these things are taken in the best spirit by everyone. At times, they cause a little inconvenience, but other than that, as an ordinary visitor sees London, the submarine warfare has got a long, long way to travel before it accomplishes enough to really seriously affect the food problem in England.

BX December 31, 1915

Wrist Watch for Lieutenant Harold Brant Preston – Employees of The Expositor Remembered Member of Reportorial Staff

On the occasion of his attachment to the 125th Brant Battalion for overseas service, Lieutenant Harold Brant Preston of The Expositor reportorial staff was presented with a handsome wrist watch. For the past year he had been on the staff and was extremely popular with workers on The Expositor, so the occasion was taken to show the esteem in which they held him. The presentation was purely informal and was made by Mr. J.M. Grant, while Mr. A.T. Whitaker, the city editor, spoke briefly of the loss his department was suffering, and wished him, on behalf of the Expositor employees, the best of luck. The recipient briefly responded, thanking the members for their thoughtful and timely gift.

BX November 13, 1917

Double Military Wedding Was Impressively Staged – Mounted Officers with Riding Crops and Platoon of 125th with Rifles Formed Arch Through Which Officers and Their Brides Marched – A Rousing Send-off

An interesting story of the double military wedding at Witley Camp, England, recently, when Capt. “Duff” Slemin and Miss Marjorie Sweet, and Lieut. Harold B. Preston and Miss Jean Paterson were wed, is given in a letter written home by an officer of the 125th Canadians. He wrote:

October 27, 1917

In my last letter I promised to tell you about the wedding. You know how I enjoy all such ceremonies. Well, this time you will have to guess again for it was a most happy time for everyone concerned. You know the tendency of a bunch of fellows thrown together as we are, would be to raise the very devil with a chance like this, but wait till I tell you about it. During the lunch on Thursday we were told by the C.O. that all officers would meet at the stables at one o’clock. (A committee had been working on the problem of having a good time, so the rest of us knew little about it.) When we got to the stables we found that there were horses enough for the 30 officers who were attending the wedding. We all carried crops with a white ribbon tied on and white bows for the halters of the mounts. “Some” show we made as we went through the camp and down to the old Witley church, four abreast. Arriving there we filed into the church. The plan of the newlyweds was to motor from the church direct to London, but that wouldn’t fit in with our plans at all so the driver of the taxi was bribed to do as he was told. The ceremony was performed by Capt. Green, Maj. Jordan at the organ, Maj. Sweet giving his own daughter away and the C.O. acting for Mr. Paterson. If I could tell you about the impressiveness of the ceremony I would, but I’m not much good at that sort of thing. But the associations of the old church and the comrades all around wishing them the best of luck, was too much for me. After the ceremony, while the register was being signed, the officers lined up on both sides of the path leading from the church door and made an arch of their riding crops. Beyond them came Preston’s platoon, doing the same with their rifles and fixed bayonets. The procession was then formed. The C.O. and the adjutant leading, with the senior officers in four sections of fours following, then the taxi with the happy couples, and behind them four more sections of fours, all mounted. It made some escort. As we neared the camp the band was waiting and played all the way to the mess. The route was arranged so that we came through our own lines and here we found the whole battalion lining each side of the road and cheering all the way. At the mess everybody went in and after drinking to the health of the couples, light refreshments were served, after which they were allowed to depart amidst the cheers of the officers. Of course we sprinkled them with confetti and wrote on the side of the taxi cover “just married,” but that was nothing to embarrass anyone. Taking it all together the girls can only have the most pleasant recollections of the whole thing. The day was fine and the whole affair was a huge success.

BX December 21, 1920

Harold Brant Preston Memorial Scholarship

Principal Overholt made an announcement that gripped the students from the first words, and they listened with an intenseness that has rarely been seen in the assembly before. With complete silence on the part of the pupils their principal spoke as follows:

“On September 27, 1918, a resident of this school, and a graduate of the University of Toronto, degree of B.A., died on Flanders’ Fields in the person of Harold Brant Preston. About eight months ago, his father and mother, Mr. and Mrs. T.H. Preston, of this city, took me into their confidence in regard to a memorial scholarship. After a great deal of consideration and a great deal of discussion of the terms of that scholarship, a conclusion was arrived at about a week and a half ago. Mr. and Mrs. Preston gave into the hands of three trustees – Edward Sweet, their solicitor; H.B. Christie, their son-in-law, and myself $2,000 to be used for two deserving students of this Collegiate Institute. For six or eight months we have cast about in our minds under the conditions of the scholarship for these two students. We have arrived at a conclusion and I have pleasure this morning in announcing this to you in regard to the Harold Preston Memorial Scholarship. I think you when I announce to you the names of those who are to be the beneficiaries under this scholarship you will agree with me that our work is well done, is done profitably and done carefully. Those who are to enjoy the benefits of this magnificent scholarship, which gives four years each in the University of Toronto, are two of last year’s matriculation class and are now continuing the work in the Upper School. I refer to Clement Harris and Consie Laborde. I know from your applause and from the appearance of your faces that you agree that no more worthy students in every regard could have been picked out of this school, and when I say this I know that I am taking a great risk in what I say, I believe that two students with the outlook which they have for furthering their education will bring honor to themselves and to this school, and the authorizes in the University of Toronto as their Alma Mater. My earnest hope and the earnest hope of the staff and every students is for these two young students the greatest happiness and the greatest welfare in their future four years in the University of Toronto and we hope that they will carry forward something of the ideals of him who has gone and in whose honor this scholarship has been given, and will carry on to the future something of the hopes of the aims of the ideals of the parents of Harold B. Preston, who have so generously donated this scholarship to the Brantford Collegiate Institute I think this school is particularly fortunate in the citizens of this city who have come forward with scholarships, and in all my experience I have yet to find a scholarship which has so appealed to my imagination, which has so appealed to bring out the very best that is in me as headmaster and certainly the very best in the students.”

The Successful Pupils

Clement Harris is a son of Mrs. J.W. Harris of the Arcade, well-known in labor and church circles. He has his normal entrance with honors and his pass matriculation. Of late, he has been in the employ of the Waterous Engine Works, but will return to the B.C.I. in January and by way of completing his honor matriculation work for entrance into the honor course in the Department of Arts, University of Toronto, in English and History course.

Mary C. Laborde is a daughter of Mrs. P. Laborde, Terrace Hill Street, relict of Philip Laborde, a returned soldier, recently deceased. She has normal entrance with honors, pass matriculation and is taking honor work in the upper school for two years. She will enter the University of Toronto in 1922 as an honor student in English and Modern Languages.