BX August 26, 1914
Life at Valcartier - One of the 25th Dragoons Tells the Expositor About It
“For its drill ye terriers, drill,” says a well-known song and this exactly agrees with what the 25th Brant Dragoons, and for that matter, the members of the Dufferin Rifles, are receiving at Valcartier, where there are 32 members of the Dragoons and 176 members of the Duffs training for the front. Its drill in the morning and drill at night, but the boys are taking the work in good part, and incidentally are having some good times when drill is over. No accidents have yet happened to mar the visit and all the boys are in the best of health, the camp, though hurriedly prepared, being an excellent one with all modern improvements. The boys, however, are anxious for news from home, and for war news of which they receive little there, and have asked for some copies of The Expositor. The Dufferin Rifles have been receiving 150 copies a day and copies will also be sent to the Dragoons.
The following interesting letter has been received from one of the troopers of the 25th Brant Dragoons, who are being changed into infantrymen:
August 22, 1914
Valcartier Camp
Editor Expositor,
We are having the time of our lives here at Valcartier. We were on the train 27 ½ hours and all near famished when we arrived. It was raining hard when we got here, but like true soldiers we did not grumble when told that we had to march three miles and then put up our tents and cooking ranges up before we could get anything to eat.
We are now at work drilling and getting into good shape for the front. We are at a great loss for war news, and would appreciate the favor if you would send a couple of Expositors a day to us. We are made up into a company of infantry having had a number of another regiments attached to us. Every man in the company is in fine shape, there not being a single man sick. We are being well treated. Kindly publish the thanks of the 25th Brant Dragoons to Mayor Spence for the excellent cigars which were very much appreciated.
It is astonishing the rapidity with which the work of fitting up the camp is progressing. There are now water taps, electric lights, field telegraphs, stores and thousands of tents up. The mountains and a broad river flows within 3 miles of the camp. I do not think that there is any more to tell at present, so I will close this rambling letter.
Brant Dragoons Trooper
BX November 20, 1914
King Made Enquiries About the Indians From Brantford – His Majesty Inspected Canadians – Deep Lines on His Face Indicated That He is Feeling the Strain of the War – Kitchener Impressed the Boys Camping at Salisbury Plain
Salisbury Plain – This is the finest cure for overworked eyes and nervous system imaginable. Nothing to worry about, our officers and N.C.O.’S. do that for us. Plenty of open air, exercise, early hours and a board floor, a rubber sheet and three blankets to keep us warm. And for the next four days, by way of a change, a holiday in London. We are all as healthy as Indians, and putting on weight too. We wouldn’t trade places with the people at home for a good deal just now.
Today was a memorable day for all of us. The King took a few hours off from the feverish worries of London to have a look at the contingent. And Queen Mary, Kitchener and “Bobs” came with them. Just now, we’re wondering what they think of us, especially what Kitchener thinks. If we could only get behind those steady, deep-set eyes of his, we’d probably know how much longer we’ll have to remain in camp here, getting ready for the front.
Buttons Were Polished
We spent the time between reveille parade and breakfast polishing buttons that shone already, cleaning rifles that were already spotless, and scraping mud off boots. Then we smoothed down our serges, tightened our belts and fell in. As we marched across the down to take up our position, the woods on each side were hidden by a pearly mist. We waited with the other battalions of our brigade till the sun began to drive away the mist. The armored fleet of motor cars across the road came into sight, then a flock of sheep grazing behind them, then the rifle range in the distance. The sun came out strongly at last and set our buttons flashing. Then a bugle tooted down the road. We froze into absolute stillness. We didn’t dare move eyes or hands. We were almost afraid to move. Then quite suddenly the inspecting party slipped across our field of view. Being in the front platoon, I could see everyone at close range. Ahead, with Col. Mercer beside him strode a short, slightly bowed figure in khaki with deeply set eyes and heavily lined face, His Majesty the King. We all realized then the tremendous strain he must be under. He seemed to have the whole of the weight of the Empire on his shoulders. We heard him ask where the Indians from Brantford were. Evidently he was noting the different races and types in the contingent. Hearing the King’s voice made one realize that he was indeed a King. Clear, easy, assured of instant obedience, he seemed to dominate everyone without an effort.
All Recognized Kitchener
Five paces behind came a big man, tall, and broad as the husking on our right flank, who strode along without apparently looking to right or left. His steady grey eyes looked out from beneath heavy brows. His thick mustache was tinged here and there with grey. We all knew it for Kitchener at once and kept a little quieter, if that were possible.
A few paces behind came “Bobs” his breast covered with three rows of ribbons, his white head as erect as ever in spite of his eighty odd years.
Queen Mary followed. She looked much younger and less severe than most photographs show her. She seemed to be getting all the facts about our battalion from the staff officer who escorted her, no doubt for the purpose of learning just how many mufflers, etc., would be required from the needlework guild, which she initiated at the beginning of the war.
When they passed our battalion, we stood at ease, and we had an opportunity of watching them inspect the “Princess Pats” across the road. The King shook hands with Col. Farquhar and Major Gault, who raised the regiment, and stopped several times to have a word with the veterans of six or seven campaigns in the front rank.
Fired Volleys of Cheers
Then the royal party got back into their automobiles, and we had a chance to unloose the enthusiasm kept down in the frozen stillness of the inspection. As the automobiles passed up the road between our lines we gave them volley after volley of cheers. It was not undisciplined yelling, but measured cheering, one after another, three times three and a half dozen thrown in for good measure. And none of the 5,000 men or so in our brigade spared their lungs. It sounded very impressing, this whole hearted, but soldierly enthusiasm.
There was a touch of comedy at the end, and when a car full of the Scotland Yard contingent passed, we gave them a cheer too. The Bobbies smiled broadly and waved at us. The procession was completed by half a dozen girls on bicycles. They wore the most starling blazers I ever want to see, orange, crimson, and ochre. They got some friendly yells of encouragement, too.
When we got back to camp, and reflected on the parade over our after dinner pipes, Tommy remarked “Well I don’t think there’s any doubt that the king is the hardest worked man in the Empire.” That about hits off the way we all feel about it.
A camp order came out last night warning us about stuff getting into the papers. I rather fancy that if any indiscreet personal correspondence saw the light of day there’d be a nasty row for the man who wrote it.
BX August 5, 1915
“Ashton’s Own” Being Used For Drafts for the Firing Line – Brantford Battalion is sending Men to Firing Line as reserves for the 1st Battalion – “Mac” Colquhoun’s Promotion in 4th Battalion Was Popular With Men and Officers – Interesting Letter From “Recruit” of 36th Battalion Now at Shorncliffe
The 36th (Brantford) Battalion, C.E.F., popularly known as “Ashton’s Own,” is being used as a draft battalion of the 18th and 19th Battalions, according to “Recruit,” of that battalion, in writing to The Expositor. Information is given in a chatty letter, as to the happenings of the Brantford men with that battalion, and the whole letter will be found well worthy of perusal.
July 22, 1915
Caesar’s Camp
Dear Expositor,
Every now and then Caesars’s landing place in Britain gets a touch of Salisbury Plain weather and it is generally taken advantage of as a “write home” day. In fact, it is predicted that Caesar’s Camp, though, splendid in summertime, may turn out in the winter a second Salisbury. However, the 36th Canadian, “Ashton’s Own,” are equal to it and are digging in to their training eight and a half hours per day with real interest and energy.
The camp was rather startled this week by a call from headquarters for 100 men – the best men in the regiment – to go to the front to reinforce the 1st Battalion. The 36th, it is understood is to be used as a reinforcement battalion for the first, now at the front, and the 19th now at Sandling. The effect of this procedure will mean the splitting up at indefinite periods of the regiment as a unit and, of course, is not popular. The first draft of 100 men will be without any of Col. Ashton’s officers, but will have four sergeants of whom Sergt. Fred Hetherington of Brantford is mentioned as a possible from A. Company. There is no difficulty in getting men to volunteer, the difficulty being to pick the best men out.
The regiment has now been in England nearly a month and the chances of its leaving soon are remote, although no one knows what the morrow may bring forth. There is a constant going and coming across channel, and the idea seems to be to keep mixing the new men with the veterans in the trenches and even these new men require a lot of training.
Praise Was Merited
Yesterday a number of Fourth Battalion officers visited our camp. They were a cheery lot and certainly did not display any down-heartedness. The high praise which has been bestowed on Col. Colquhoun and Capt. Fred Miller was particularly merited, according to these officers, who were lucky enough to get through Langemarck. When the battalion got pulled together again there was a chance of a British officer taking charge, but so popular was Major Colquhoun that the wishes of the men were met and he was placed in command. They say that scrappy “Mac” knows how to call even a British general down. This is the testimony of those who are on the spot and know.
A big proportion of the 36th officers are engaged in taking various courses. Capt. Fraser with Sergt. Bellingham is at Moore Barracks bomb throwing and studying hand grenade work. Lieut. Harold Brewster is taking musketry; Lieut. Frank Dickson who has had water on the knee is expected out of the hospital this week and will get leave of absence for a week or so. It might be mentioned that weekend trips to London are popular with officers and men alike, while the men are also getting six day leave, ten percent at a time. Many of the Brantford men, who haven’t seen home and family ones for years, have already been away.
There is scarcely any sickness in camp. As for the menu, it is considered excellent by the men, who, like true British Tommies, know how to grumble with the rest. Night marches, attacks, and route marches through the beautiful county of Kent, all add to health and interest and are thoroughly enjoyed. The last mile may be a long one, but it is invariably the best, and with heavy packs it is surprising how well those Brantford recruits, those green soldiers of a few months ago, stand up to it.
Promotion For Men
A few personal touches about some of the N.C.O.’s and men may be of interest. The section commanders, on whom we are told the success of trench warfare so largely depends, are doing particularly well. Corp. E. Roberts is taking a special course, while Corp. E. Mercer and Stanley are proving capable and alert. Corp. Jimmy Allen is in the hospital undergoing an operation on his toe. Lance Corporals J. Pizzey and J. Scott are expecting to be made full corporals, while Ptes. H. Slone and W. Mitchell are doing so well that they will doubtless receive early promotion. Pte. L. Seager from Lieut. Walsh’s platoon has been made sergeant of the officer’s mess while Ptes. P. Fisher and H. Pierce are on the transport and doing splendidly. Pte. Fisher will be made corporal under Sergt. Art Roberts who has charge. Sergt. Crumplin, also from Lieut. Walsh’s platoon, is acting quarter-master sergeant, while Sergt. Foyle has charge of the special training of the 100 men selected to go to the front. It fell to the lot recently of Pte. Jim Hastings to go to London as an escort with a prisoner, where he saw the German spy Rozental, the day before the latter was hanged. So life has interests even as Caesar’s Camp.
Write to the Boys
The Expositor’s plea for more letters to the boys at the front is more than thoughtful. It is kindly. The hungriest bunch one ever witnessed in their life is on mail day in camp, and when the trenches come, imagine what it will be. Stir the people up to write to their friends, and lest they forget, here is an address good enough: 36th Battalion, Caesar’s Camp, North Shorncliffe, England.
Well, Dear old Expositor, enough for the present. It has often been marked in camp that you carry more war news than the British papers do. From observation your correspondent believes there is truth in the remark. Ashton’s own are doing well and continue to do so, and the good people of Brantford will be glad to know how serviceable those field kitchens are. We have it on the other battalions.
Yours,
Recruit
BX August 24, 1915
Water soaked Through, Men of 36th Battalion Made Fine Showing Before Bonar Law – Stood for Two Hours in Rain Before the Division Marched Past, But Made the Canadian Officers Proud – Capt. Fred Miller, a Visitor at Shorncliffe Camp, Tells of Real Life at the Front – Spy System of Germans is Still Working, Even in the Actual Battle line, as Events Proved
By Recruit
(Special to The Expositor)
August 6, 1915
Caesar’s Camp
England
A review of the Canadian division under Major General Steele was the feature of the week here at Shorncliffe, where life in camp, with its rainy and its fine weather, chiefly rainy, require something to break the dull monotony of things. The 36th Battalion took part with many other regiments and the showing of our regiment was such as to cause a flicker of hope among all ranks that the battalion would not be carved up piece-meal for reinforcements, but would go as a unit when it did go. Still that is only a hope.
The review was splendid and under conditions which made it all the more so. For two hours thousands of troops stood in a deluge of water, the volume of which could only be equaled by a real Ontario downpour. The duration of the storm in all its intensity could not be equaled in Canada. However, because water is not manufactured on such a large scale, and with such continuity as it is over here by the weather man. To keep a straight line heads up and arms swinging, marching through one rivulet after another on Moore Plain was some display but the Canadians did it, the 36th being considered one of the very best regiments in the march past. Rt. Hon. Bonar Law, secretary of state for the colonies, and Major General Hughes reviewed the troops and no one returned home with a dry shred of clothing. Regimental pride however, made everyone happy and cheerful, and in the evening all the officers listened to a splendid address on the war from Mr. Bonar Law in the Folkestone drill hall.
Captain Miller’s Visit
Another feature of enjoyment to the Brantford officers during the week was a visit by Capt. Frederick Miller of the Fourth Battalion to his father Captain Wm. Miller, the 36th paymaster. As Brantfordites know, Capt. Miller Jr. went through Langemarck, Ypres and other heavy engagements in Flanders. His knowledge of the front is first-hand and gleaned from hard and rough usage. The scar of a scalp wound bespoke that eloquently. One of the things which impressed Capt. Miller was the return, as it were to primitive warfare in this great conflict, in which science as well plays such a part. He referred to bomb-throwing and hand-grenade work, which is being carried on such a great scale. In fact, by the use of bombs and hand grenades a trench can be quickly made untenable. As a result every regiment is now training large numbers of men, not only in throwing, but in the rough and ready manufacture of these innocent-looking salmon cans, containing everything from horseshoe nails to cordite. In Caesar’s Camp today can be seen under Sergt. Bellingham, formerly of the Dufferin Rifles a number of men with tin cans all around them at work in this one of the latest novelties of modern war.
Amusing Side of War
Trench warfare has its amusing side as well as its grim work. It is perfectly true that the enemy and our men banter each other from trench to trench and in the early morning, before the officers are around, truces are declared and it is a case of stand up and talk. It is surprising how well most of the Germans speak English. As an illustration of recent date one German shouted over, “Hello, you Fourth, where do you come from?” “Toronto,” was the answer. “So did I, I used to work in a restaurant there. Let’s have a talk. You won’t shoot will you?” “No, jump to it.”
Thereupon a small section on both sides declared a truce, but when the German got a little nasty in his remarks (he mentioned incidentally, that his wife still lived in Toronto), of the Canadians, they yelled “Well duck your head quick or she’ll soon be a widow.” Thereupon another day was commenced in which four or five were picked off on both sides. One of the favorite pastimes of the Canadians is to throw a bully beef tin into a German trench when by the smoke it can be seen the enemy is gathered around making a meal. There is an instant scattering to the dugouts and when the harmless tin does not explode the Germans are almost thunderstruck, but always reply “Thanks very much, we got it alright.” And there you are.
The Spy System
That the spy system is still a real and potent factor in German success is borne out by all the officers from the front. When the British attacked Hill 60 German prisoners stated that the attack was known of and prepared for a week beforehand. The only surprise they got was the explosion of a British mine and here in one detail only the spies failed. The stupendous work involved in mining operations can scarcely be appreciated by a layman. They go down in the ground 40 feet for the tunnel and burrow through to the enemy. Both sides do it, and most often each knows what the other is doing. The noise of workman can be detected. Sometimes it is a case of blow a mine on top and foil the enemy, other times other measures are taken. For 50 yards it takes a good month to construct a mine and enjoy the fireworks.
Spirit of the Troops
The spirit of the troops is remarkably good and the French are really doing wonderful work. So far from being disheartened every Frenchman is imbued with the belief that they will take Germany. Their test of courage is now, during this present policy of attrition and preparation for the greatest events. All that has been said of the Germans being afraid of cold steel is quite true and the day will come when over two million of British soldiers thoroughly trained in the use of that steel will be on their tracks. The cheery message which Rt. Hon. Bonar Law delivered here this week in his reference to Russia could lose three men to Germany’s one and still win the war.
Canadians just back from the front declare that they have the German gas beaten. Respirators and smoke helmets with other expedients and tactics for the occasion have proven effective. The respirator is good for 20 minutes, and this length of time is considered ample for the contingency. Everyman must have one of these respirators and while many men lose these it is the duty of the officers to see that a new issue is secured when the troops are having their rest out of the trenches. Another outstanding feature of the war is the British supremacy in the air. German aeroplanes seldom go over the Canadian lines. If they do they come to grief, because the British aviator and his machine have won an absolute superiority over the enemy. Another feature of note is that whenever the Canadians change their front or position Prussians are placed to oppose them, and the Saxons and Bavarians removed to some other quarters. Truly Canadians have won a name for themselves in this recognition from a crafty foe.
Some Personal Notes
Capt. F.D. Fraser has been enjoying six days in the land of the heather.
Major A.N. Ashton is taking a special course near London, while Lieut. J.E. Genet is also away perfecting himself with British Officers.
Sergt. Hetherington has been definitely selected to go with the first draft of reinforcements.
There is practically no sickness at Caesar’s Camp in spite of the rain.
Brantford boys don’t like margarine and Canadian butter would doubtless go good. But there is no complaining and by the faces of all one must know that camp life is agreeable.
BX September 8, 1915
Miller Best in Entire Brigade, Jones’ Rise Due to Efficiency – Col. Colquhoun Pays a Visit to Shorncliffe – Colonel “Mac” is Proud of the Way in Which The Brantford Officers Have Climbed – His Battalion Practically Wiped Out Three Times, it Has Been Brought up Repeatedly to Normal Strength – Dardanelles to be Forced First, Then Big Drive on Germans Will be Delivered.
August 24, 1915
Shorncliffe
Dear Expositor,
Buried three times, but still as dapper as ever, the same old Mac Colquhoun, now colonel, commanding the 4th Battalion, headquarters, Plug Street, France, paid a most enjoyable visit to the Brantford officers and men around this division. Col. Colquhoun left last night again for the front, as cheerful and looking as well as ever he did when he was in charge of the pot-hunting “A” company of the Dufferin Rifles. Three times has the 4th Battalion been wiped out, but it is still there, and the promotion won by Col. Colquhoun was won on the field of battle and in the presence of the enemy. And to think that the Brantford subalterns he took over with him, Percy Jones, now major and senior company officer and Fred Miller, now captain and adjutant of the battalion, have also advanced, must indeed form a unique little chapter all by itself of this war, and one of particular pride and interest to all Brantfordites.
“Tell the boys I never was better,” was the parting message of “Mac” to a number of us at the pier gate last night. And “Mac” never did look more fit. We had dinner together at the Royal Pavilion, Folkestone.
Never was an officer prouder of a command than is Col. Colquhoun of the 4th Battalion. It is all too true and sad that he has not many of the original Brantford men left with him, because he has had to reorganize the regiment no less than three times. Col. Colquhoun visited the 36th Battalion first and was honored by a present arms from the battalion, Col. Ashton giving the command. The Brantford men were told of and had two fine lectures from Col. Colquhoun on life in the trenches. Old friendships with Col. Howard, Major Newman and others were renewed and altogether “Fighting Mac” had a strenuous and pleasant six-day leave. “I am going back to get a rest” was his parting shot last night.
Col. Colquhoun does not discount the fighting ability of the Germans. “They say they can’t shoot, and don’t like the bayonet,” said the colonel. “Well, I’ll tell you they can shoot and I have seen them deliver as fine a bayonet charge as one ever wished to see. They are crafty fighters as well and I have a whole lot of respect for the German army. It is a wonderful organization.” Further than that Col. Colquhoun declined to talk of military matters. His praise of Capt. Miller jr., his adjutant, and Major Percy Jones was unstinted. Brigade headquarters have designated Miller as the best adjutant in the brigade, and the remarkable rise of Percy Jones was regarded by the colonel as due to efficiency. The reading of this news from a firsthand source must be indeed pleasant to the many friends of these Brantford officers.
To Dardanelles
There are rumors here that the 2nd Division, which includes the 36th Battalion, under Col. Ashton, may go to the Dardanelles within a month. Of course they are only rumors. This week the regiment is getting a four day and four night manoeuvre with the many other regiments.
The first day out several men dropped out but not a Brantford man. The manoeuvre constitutes about the last warning for war, but the regiment as yet has not taken its two-week course at the ranges. They go to Lydd in a few days, however for this.
Taking Courses
Many of the officers are away on extended courses; Capt. Fraser is taking musketry at the premier school of England, Hythe. Lieuts. Dickson, Walsh and Brewster are at Napier Barracks, the former two for three months. Major Ashton is still near London, while Lieut. Genet is continuing an advanced course in signal work. The surprising amount of study which officers are required to do over here shows indeed how little Canada was prepared for hostilities last August. The training of the Second Contingent is wonderfully complete and it is openly stated that had the First Contingent had the same opportunity the casualty list would have been reduced proportionately.
Train For a Drive
That there will be a drive against the Germans in France and Belgium, in other words that mobile fighting will take the place of this siege and trench warfare is the essence of all our training in England just now. Our troops are being taught to move quickly and at night noiselessly. At this time they are also being taught how to dig themselves in, because this war will never be without its trench lines. If a force halts for a day or so, it will protect itself by digging in. Artillery had rendered this job imperative. The main idea, however, is that the present siege operations will give way in time to mobile fighting. At present Britain is concentrating on the Dardanelles, there is no doubt about that, and once the issue there is successful it means the release of powerful forces for France and Flanders as well as a newly equipped army of eight million Russians. As to the ultimate issue there can be no doubt and England is taking all ups and downs confidentially and with that stoicism which becomes a great nation. Another winter in the trenches most likely, but after that the test of strength will come, and when it comes to endurance Britain will not be found wanting.
Brantford Wounded Men
Walking down Folkestone tonight I ran into Corp. Herb. Orr, and “Happy” Houlding. Orr was hobbling with a cane, having had both feet shot away, as well as having received severe head wounds. He had 1 ¼ inches of brain cut away, but appeared just the same lad as when he was with the B.C.I. cadets. He expects to return home at an early date. Houlding with Anson Atkins, both of whom were wounded, is about ready to rejoin their unit at the front. Both are again fit and ready. Corp. Orr shows the effects of hard battle, but he also displays the temperament of the true soldier which will soon pull him together. And the boy is proud of every wound he has, and not at all blameworthy, is as well quite anxious to return home.
“Recruit”
BX March 9, 1916
Promotions for Brantford Men of 36th Battalion – Interesting Despatch Tells of Commission for B.S.M. Oxtaby, Sergt. Roberts and Pte. McKie – Speedy Promotion – Sergt. Roberts Entered as a Private and Within Thirteen Months was a Commissioned Officer – A Chatty Despatch
February 18, 1916
West Sandling,
Kent, England
Since my Christmas notes lots of events have happened in this reserve battalion, and yet, until the last two weeks nothing has been perhaps worth of note, for the work had been mostly the dispatching of drafts overseas.
At the date of writing and probably on the same mail boat that carries these few lines, a very old friend returns to Brantford, and the 36th loses one of the best Regimental Sergeant-Majors that ever came overseas. We will miss him greatly here, but he leaves with the best wishes of every rank in the battalion for the best success in his new rank – a promotion well earned – and we have sure confidence that “Captain” W.G. Oxtaby will be equally as popular as “Bill” in the old Sergeants Mess.
Promotions have come fast and furious the last two weeks. Sergeants F.E. Guy (Welland) and Erne Roberts (Brantford) together have received commissions as lieutenants. They have done splendidly and we shall hear more of them in the future. In the case of Mr. Roberts of Brantford, it may be here noted that he joined as a private January 11, 1915. With no previous military experience, February 1916, sees him a lieutenant. Surely this is going some.
With Regt. Sergt.-Major Oxtaby, Sergt.-Major Instructor James Allen returns – Not to Brantford – but to take charge of a division’s physical culture at Halifax, N.S. This is Corporal Allen, who left Brantford last March. He has concentrated his efforts on the physical training of the soldier and he has made good. Other promotions of Brantford men here are underway, but as they have not yet appeared in orders, they must not be mentioned.
Excepting the staff, practically the whole of the old 36th are now in the field with one battalion or another, and at present we are awaiting “refills.”
I see I did not mention with reference to the promotion of Signalling Sergt. Bates (Dundas) above, that his successor as Signalling Sergeant is Corpl. Frank McKie. He was signalling sergeant of the 38th previous to joining the 36th, and richly deserves this promotion.
Weather conditions are getting better with the approach of spring. We are all tickled to death to get our Expositors pretty regularly and the new battalions are thereby followed up closely by Brantfordites this side.
One of the Bunch
BX May 29, 1916
Lieutenant John Richard Cornelius is Recommended – Brantford Officer’s Name Mentioned for a Decoration
A letter has been received by The Expositor from a Brantford officer at the front, in which he states that he had seen Lieutenant Colonel Harry Augustus Genet, Major Panayoty Percy Ballachey, Captain Frank Elsworth Hicks and Captain Charles Edward Jeakins, all of whom are well save the latter, who had broken down under the strain and was going on pass to England. He further wrote:
“Genet’s men had a tough passage recently, and I hear that Lieut. J.R. Cornelius has been recommended for a decoration.”
He commented that George Broomfield’s wound was not serious, being a bullet in the leg. He is now at the base.
BX July 5, 1916
Summer Home of the 125th Battalion – Boys Find it a Place of Hustle with Much Work Available
Camp Borden
Thursday Morning, 11.30
“Well, we’re here safe and sound, bag and baggage. We arrived safely on Monday afternoon and when we formed up to march from the station to the camp, Capt. Sager called to Bandmaster Bartram; ‘It’s only about 15 minutes walk to where we are stationed.’ Oh, how lucky. When you get off at Borden station – make a half left turn and follow your nose and you will land at the summer residence of the 125th on Hughes Avenue. Believe me, this bloomin’ place is all hustle and bustle. You will see more here before breakfast than you would in Brantford in a week. There is lots of work and those in charge are not a bit backward in coming forward and starting you at it and seeing that you jolly well do it.
“It is very sandy here and dry. (Excuse me, here comes another battalion. Be back in a minute. The boys are going out to give them a welcome cheer, as we do all battalions coming in.)
“Shun! It was the 208th and the Irish Battalion from Toronto that just came down the line. The “Bantams” arrived just 15 minutes before them. We have not done much drill yet, but have been out stumping in a vast plane. Every new battalion has to do so much clearing, and yesterday there were about 5,000 besides us (except me) chopping trees and clearing away brush. We have to march about an hour before we get there, but that is nothing here.
“I have not seen or had a visit from all the big sand flies or terrible mosquitoes that they told us we should have such trouble with. Right behind us you see the beautiful Blue Mountains – a grand sight to see. You see more motor cars, wagons and motorcycles flying around than you do in the Telephone City. As I am writing this note in the big canteen marquee, Capt. Lavell is hob-knobbing about, Sergt. Bennett is getting a haircut, and Lieut. Jewell is putting a new seat in the bosom of some fellow’s pants. Just at this time the boys are sitting around in groups and reading the “Ex.” I see Jimmie Meller’s Buglers lining up to blow “cook house,” and guess I will right turn and get ready to make an attack on the roast chicken and the strawberries which we ‘may get’ for dinner.”
Trombone
BX July 12, 1916
Welcome Gift – Carload of Soap – Hint For Brantfordites Who Would Like to Please Boys of 125th – Washboards Too
July 10, 1916
Camp Borden
Things are running along a lot smoother with the 125th than when we first landed and in a day or so everything will be in apple pie order. We held the usual divine service yesterday morning. Capt. Lavell, our worthy chaplain presiding after which the boys were dismissed for the day. Many went exploring in the surrounding country while others went to Sunday school and those not so religiously inclined played baseball and football. There were games of all kinds going on all down the long camp line. This morning we were marched out to the big parade grounds to practice the march-past for the big review tomorrow and it was a great sight to see the thousands of soldiers in line. There were 39 bands in the parade. Figuring 1,000 men to a battalion you can imagine what it looked like. The weather was very hot but the good old 125th came through the best of all, only five men dropped out. It is a great deal different on the dusty parade ground here than on Niagara Camp or around Brantford as the ground is nothing but dirty black sand which rises in clouds and chokes and at times almost blinds you. I think this is the dirtiest place on earth.
The black sand is like what comes out of a moulding shop, so imagine say, 40,000 men marching through that. When we got back to our camp we looked like a lot of men who had been cleaning out chimneys, officers and all, for the black sand is no respecter of persons. We were so black and dusty we were given this afternoon to clean up for tomorrow and there was a mad rush for the baths. The boys were scrambling for a place to do their washing and many a mother’s son who never did it before was into the game for all he was worth. If any person should ask you what you think would be nice to send to the boys tell them a carload of soap and washboards, for it is an impossibility to keep clean five minutes here. For instance look at the black on the paper I am using and I just came from the tent with it. It would do the Brantford folks good if they could hear the boys singing in our big marquees in the evenings under Capt. Lavell. They sing right from their toes and the boys come from all over the camp to join it. I tell you what; the boys take great pleasure out of the piano which was donated to us by Mr. Judson Smith. Capt. Lavell is the best man in the country for the job and one keeps the pot boiling all the time. Postman Gress has just come in with the mail and the boys let up a mighty cheer, all expecting a letter. Say, you ought to see the boys when they get a letter; it is like running into an oasis in a desert. When is the 215th coming?
The air up here is great and the drinking water fine. The sanitary arrangements are all that could be desired the only draw backs are the dirty black sand and no place to go. When you clean up you are like a man who has been defeated in an elections, “all dressed up but no place to go.
BX November 28, 1916
Brantford Boys with ‘Mad Fourth' - Sergt. Steve Cara and Pte. Garrow Are Among Those Around
A late member of the 125th, who is now with the 4th Battalion writing under date of Nov. 7, says:
It was great to meet the old Brantford boys. Sergt. Fred Hetherington escorted us up from the base depot, and when I met Sergt. G. Crouch, Lance-Corp. P. Wheeland, Pte. W. Allan and several others it seemed a little more like getting with a home battalion – better than being mixed up with a lot of total strangers, as we feared we might be when we heard we were to be drafted. Sergt. Steve Cara and Pte. Garrow are around here, too. Everybody is looking for letters and papers, as we have about a month’s mail tied up somewhere. Our letters were sent up here when we were at the base, and when we came here they had been sent back. Of course, we will get our mail regularly now. Several of the boys got bundles of Brantford papers recently, and they were certainly interesting. I cannot say much more, but we will do our best to keep up the reputation of the “Mad Fourth.”
BX January 13, 1917
Narrow Escapes of Artillerymen – Brantford Gunner Tells of Serving Guns – A Lively Time
An interesting letter has been received here by the wife of a member of the Canadian Artillery, detailing some of his experiences during seven months action behind the firing line. He writes:
England
At last I am on leave. I got away from France on December 16 and right glad to get a rest. I am sending you a few souvenirs, by parcel post. The heavy piece of metal is a piece of the Ypres Cathedral bell. It is made of gold, silver and copper. The other small piece is a piece of the altar rail. The water bottle was a German officer’s. I got it at Pozieres on the Somme. The drinking mug is a German soldier’s I got at Courcelette. The fuse (it is safe) is a whizz-bang, and the ashtray (I made it like a British soldier’s cap), is the brass end of a German shell I got at Martinpuich, but I’ve not had time to finish it. There is also a German bayonet I got at Martinpuich “on the Somme.” The town of Albert now is a mass of ruins. It was our horse lines and Fritz still strafes it, although he has been driven back nine miles.
I can now tell you some of my experiences in Belgium and France, as this will not have to pass the censor. We struck France in June and went into billets at Winaxeele about 18 miles from our line in Belgium. We called them billets but we slept in an open field by our horses. We rested for a week and then moved up to Poperinge in Belgium, where we had our wagon lines six miles from historic Ypres. Our guns were in Ypres by the Lille gate. We were there three weeks and I lost one officer, a real good man. We then moved on to Zillebeke, by Blue Point Farm, 700 yards from the German line. We were there a month. It was awful. We were under indirect machine gun fire all night and it wasn’t safe to move, and how I never got hit or killed was a marvel. For one whole week I got six hours sleep, but the night we were ordered to move I got hit by a bullet in the back of my neck. It just fetched blood, that’s all, but oh, such a narrow shave. The R.F.A. which relieved us, lost three men killed and two wounded just before they reached the battery. Fritz shelled us hard that night as we moved to our horse lines, round Shrapnel Corner, but we got through and then had five days’ trekking to Westhoutre and took our guns into Dickiebresh, by Locre. It was great. Fritz never shelled us once the five weeks we were there. When orders came to move we were sorry to leave that haven of rest, believe me. We moved right on the Somme. We stopped at Albert for two days through Pozieres, La Basille, and Conaimaison. It was rough, as every yard were shell holes. The horses, poor beasts, could not walk or pull the guns, so we had to haul most everything by ropes – guns and wagons – with mud two feet deep. When the horses fell the harness had to be cut off, and what with pulling them and ourselves out of the mud, we were like a lot of heathen. Anyhow we got through – one mile in seven hours – and that at night and the presents (shells) dropping around us all the time. The ground was recently won from the Germans, so I leave you to understand what it was like. One sergeant was killed, from a high explosive. He never knew what hit him. Two were slightly wounded – just good “blightys.”
While we were at Courcelette, Fritzy made it very warm, and as we had nothing much for a cover we were up against it, three men being badly wounded. I was binding up one poor fellow’s wounds, in what was our old cook house, when a whizz-ban hit the corner, wounding two more men, and knocking the man I was bandaging off the stretcher. I though sure our last day had come but thank God I came out of it safely. I had three pockets and my bandoliers torn off and two holes in my tunic. The shell knocked me down pretty hard. Shortly after a clump of earth hit me in the back and sent me head first in a shell hole full of water none too clean. Oh what a sight, and nowhere to dry myself. I fancied I must have been born under a lucky star. We were fortunate to have plenty of shells. For every one Fritz gives us we give him 20 back and if it were not for the wet weather we would have pushed him back farther. The Germans surrender freely and seem glad to get out of their trenches. Most of them are weary of the war. We are staying at Armentieres until we start a new offensive, likely in the spring. I hope you will not be tired of reading this, but it is only a little of what has happened in seven months and I am in the best of health and spirits today.
BX May 30, 1917
Depositing the Colors of 125th – An Officer of the 125th Batt. Writes Graphically of the Interesting Ceremony
Writing from Witley Camp on May 13, an officer of the 125th Battalion sends to his wife the following interesting account of the doings of that battalion.
To London to see the Queen
On Saturday last we sent 100 men to see the Queen as a guard of honor. They did their duty as only 125th men could, and made so good an impression that a report has come saying that “no better guard of honor has been in London.” They say that when they swung up Regent Street, the people cheered and clapped. We feel proud that our battalion was selected.
A Real Test
Saturday we marched to Churt and deposited our colors in the little church there. It was a wonderful day and hot. The battalion left camp at 8.30 a.m. A number of the officers remained behind to watch an attack on trenches put on with real bombs, mines, grenades, etc. The men were all lined up ready, and the explosion of the mine (which left a hole in the ground 20 x 15 feet deep), they rushed over throwing real bombs and firing real rifle grenades. Believe me, it was realistic. There were horses about 200 yards away belonging to us all. When the great explosions occurred most of them broke loose and five got in a mire. Two got in right up to their necks, and we thought we would lose them.
A Beautiful Setting
After the attack we rode out to Churt, to find the battalion resting or playing ball on a green. It was a lovely green, grassy meadow with a stream flowing through banked by buttercups, and gently sloping fields surrounded by trees and flowers. It is part of the Aldershot road, and behind that a high, very high, hill, with a few English houses dotted here and there like windows in a steep roof. While fleecy clouds were sailing behind it and skylarks were singing away up in the air.
After dinner (special dinner: stewed potatoes and bread were the menu, so I got tea and milk for the men), they were formed up and marched to the church, where the ceremony took place. In front of the quaint old church, there is a green. On it the children of the village and school were lined up to welcome us. All the folks of the village were there, and the Bishop of Winchester came down especially for the service. The service took place outside on the green – the choir in surplices and the bishop and priests in their colored robes. The soldiers were in khaki, the ladies in white, and there was every other color – the flags, the grass as green as Emerald isle ever knew, the hills around, the fields sloping gently in all directions, the birds, the vine-colored church, all blended together, made a picture never to be forgotten, and left with us and with the villagers a memory such as we never hoped to experience, and surely a stepping stone in the history of our battalion. We all feel that it is one more stride toward the goal we started for.
The Ceremony
After the ceremony outside was ended, the colors, which up to this time had been resting unfurled on the piled drums, were taken into the church. The officers followed and saw them carefully and reverently laid on the altar and left in the care of God and the church until our return, during which time the band played softly outside “The Maple Leaf” and “O Canada.” I cannot tell you how it thrilled me. More hearts than mine I know were back in the old homeland, and many of us decided again to see this thing through and do the bit we could until it ended.
After the ceremony we left the church and then the men were allowed a half-hour to chat with the people and rest a bit. It was fine to see the happy crowd, soldiers were talking to young ladies and old, little tots were being carried around on the shoulders of big brown men, the band was playing merry music, and not a few girls were doing a tango on the green, to the delight of many of the crowd.
“Fall in!” sounded, the silence was, by contrast, overpowering. “Quick march!” A cheer from the crowd, a hand waved at one here and there, and we were off again. We were all a bit quieter than usual, thinking, but in a few minutes the spirit of cheerfulness which is always with us, and which saves many a man and army from despair, had the old songs going and the boys whistling. So, on we went, forgetting for the moment that we had left the last connection with good old Brantford.
BX May 30, 1917
Are in Love with Rural England – A Brantford Officer Describes It’s Quiet Beauty and Appealing Peace – An Awful Reality
Under date of May 9 an officer of the 125th Battalion writes home as follows:
I would like to tell you of a trip I had yesterday on my motorcycle. I left here at 2.30 p.m. with Lieut. Thorburn. We both took our motorcycles and went for a 30 mile spin through lanes, budding and blossoming like a fairyland. These wonderful paved lanes wind in and out – no single 100 yards in a straight line – between beautiful hedges. The spring flowers grow wild about the banks of the hedges near the homes of the people who live in the rural parts of Merry England. Tall trees and holly, bright green bushes and pink blossoms, all blend together with the faint haze to make a picture so beautiful that I can only think of its loveliness and regret that I cannot describe it adequately. It thrills one to think of it. It has much the same effect as good music; an effect hard to explain, but wonderful to experience. We stopped at an old bridge. It was where a stream which splashed right alongside one of those beautiful roads took a notion to cross to the other side, so, instead of hiding the lovely thing, they built a bridge, a bridge of stone, now old, moss-covered and exquisite of line, diagonally across the road, so that it seemed as if they had said “We must not cover the beauty of the stream.” Whether they did, or whether they didn’t really doesn’t matter. It is there, a thousand times prettier than I describe it. The sun was shining so brightly, and through the half shade of the budding trees its rays fell on the picture like bars of real gold.
The Awfulness of War
We visited several old villages, the old thatched roofs and the old vine-covered house, the newer cottages with tiles of red and brown, the dark, green old wells, the bright green fields and the baby lambs frolicking about all said “there is no war.” But then we reached Alton, and we saw the stern reality. Some of the men could not walk and some could not see, but they had done their bit, and it had not been in vain. And God helping us we’ll try, when we get the chance, to do our little bit, so that it shall not be for nothing that so many men have suffered.
BX November 1, 1917
Tribute Paid to Y.M.C.A. Work – Local Soldier with Fifth Division Tells of “Y” Actives
The following letter has been received by the wife of a soldier in the city, the letter being in the field cashier’s office of the fifth division. It tells something of the good work that the Y.M.C.A. is doing at the front:
The Y.M.C.A. has started an educational system in camp now (Witley) and by paying the small sum of 24 cents any soldier can become a student. Almost every branch is being taken up, so one can take up anything from the dead languages, of course, modern, too, to bookkeeping, stenography, etc., and even agriculture. The different classes are on every night for two hours in special huts, and I understand that the grades of the students are to be recognized by the educational boards in Canada. So it is a splendid thing in every way. Will give the boys a chance to learn a lot free of charge, and will also be a nice way of spending the evenings in winter, and even those too old to begin can go and polish up their rusty joints. The teachers are, of course, soldiers, officers and N.C.O.’s., there are a good many university men with degrees in the division and the classes even at the start are not small. There is no doubt about it, the Y.M.C.A. has proved itself a God-sent institution for the soldiers – writing rooms with material supplied, eating counters at reasonable rates, services, songs, free concerts, libraries, everything possible to fill in the men’s spare time are placed at their disposal, and they don’t forget to avail themselves of all that’s going.
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 July 26, 1918
Dominion Day Sports in France – Brantford Officer Tells of Enjoyable “Circus” on Canada’s Holiday
A Brantford officer writing home tells of the Canadian corps championship sports held on Dominion Day in France somewhere near the front line. He writes as follows:
I must tell you about July 1. I got up at 7 a.m. and had breakfast, then Harold Preston asked me if I were going up to the corps sports, which were being held at ----, about 40 kms. from here. A lorry was leaving at 8 a.m. so I thought I would go down to the starting point and see them off, about 25 in all. When they were ready someone said, ‘Jump in,’ and in I went.
We arrived there after three hours in the truck and dust. No one knew me till I had gone with the others into a nearby field and had a frisk off with a whisp of hay.
On the field by the roadside there were the tents and rings for the events, which looked just like a Barnum and Bailey affair. I never though such a display could have been put on so near the line, and I have never seen a day like it, outside of Labor Day at Toronto Exhibition. If I could tell you the number who were there, you would not believe me. It was a great sight. We entered the grounds through colossal gates like those at the exhibition grounds, and went down between long rows of tents to the grand stands, six in all, two main ones, one for royalty, one for generals, one for the nursing sisters, one of officers and one for the men. All had been made by the engineers, and there was a good mess tent, Y.M.C.A. canteens and sideshows. Where all the soldiers came from, the Lord only knew. Old Heinie must have given our boys a holiday, or in other words, they took it. The Duke of Connaught was there, Sir Robert Borden, General Currie, Hon. NW. Rowell, and a few others who moved among the vast crowd. It was one huge garden party, everyone shaking hands with each other, and for myself, I never met so many people I knew before. At one time there were 16 officers of the 125th in one group, and what a handshake there was, and what a line of talk, and how some of the “Go Homes” were raked over. There were Col. Ashton Cutcliffe, D.S.O., Coghill, Emmons, Preston, Verity McDonald, Brown, Sheppard, Miller, Hamilton, Rehder, Andrews, Campbell, Ashwall, Luck, Genet, M.C., Jones, D.S.O., Adams, M.C., Ott, N. MacDonald, M.C., Orr, M.C., Cliff Todd, Duff Slemin, and heaps of others. Jack Orr is the first officer of the 125th to win the M.C., and we are all proud of him – a B.C.I. cadet at that. Over and above all the activities, our planes did stunts passing belief. They were on guard to prevent Heinie coming over and raising Cain with our assembly. Our boys had come together by airplanes, motor trucks, cars, bikes, horses, and on foot, any old way at all to get there. I got home about 10.30, and at midnight, Heinie gave us a shower of bombs quite close.
The writer enclosed a program of the day’s events, with all kinds of sporting features, tennis, running, jumping, boxing obstacle races, waling, shot put, football, tilting the bucket, tug-of-war, baseball and wrestling.
BX November 16, 1918
Brutal Butchery to the Very Last – Local Officer Saw Massacre of French Girl in Cold Blood
That the Germans maintained their record of brutal butchery up to the very last minute is proven by the testimony of a Brantford officer, who saw the Germans open fire on three French girls, who ran to welcome the approaching liberators. One girl was killed, and the other two were dangerously wounded. With the same bold effrontery which, has characterized the Germans always; the men responsible a few minutes afterwards held up their arms and called “Kamarad,” but they received short shift. The letter follows:
I have been through the most interesting fighting of the war. The Canadians have liberated village after village, filled with French civilians, and everywhere have received the most enthusiastic reception. We are out on a rest now in one of the villages we liberated, and ------- and I are billeted with one of the families who were giving us coffee, cakes, cognac, etc., as we entered, notwithstanding the fact that the Boche was firing over us all the time with M.G.’s and “whizz-bangs,” and the odd man dropping here and there. They can’t do enough for us and their gratitude is most touching. Four years in the hands of the Boche and ill-treated and abused all the time and we the first of the Allies to arrive. These are days I will never forget as long as I live.
But can you believe it, as we advanced into one village three girls ran forward to meet us, and the dirty Boche turned a machine gun on them, killing one and seriously wounding the other. A short time later fie Boche “tried” to surrender, but as you can imagine they paid the price.
As we would enter a village, the inhabitants would run out, embrace and kiss us, give us flowers which were stuck all over our uniforms and equipment and all kinds of drinks which they had hidden from the Boche for four years. All this with the Boche shelling and his M.G.’s only a few hundred yards away. To our dead they paid the highest tribute and respect and everyone agrees in saying it has been the most interesting time of the war.
