72nd Seaforth Highlanders of Canada - Electric Scotland

THE SUMMER OF 17.
own front line, he was not safe. His flares at night kept
No Man s Land illuminated continuously. Swiftly his pa
trolling, never of the best, became practically non-existent ;
his sniping ceased completely. His "tail was down."
On September 2nd the Battalion was relieved by the
50th and again moved to Chateau de la Haie, and enjoyed
a rest that was very highly appreciated. The Divisional
Concert Troupe appeared for the first time,
elaborate costumes. Intensive training both for officers and
in new and
other ranks was actively prosecuted. On September 6th
inter-battalion sports were held with the 78th Battalion,
which resulted in a sweeping win for the 72nd. Out of
twelve events, including baseball, football, signalling and
grenade competitions, field events, etc., this Battalion won
ten and drew two. By placing two Nissen huts together it
was found possible to establish a Battalion Officers Mess,
and on the night of the 6th the officers had a guest night,
which took the nature of a farewell dinner to Major W.
A. J. Marshall, who was proceeding to England for three
months on the exchange system. On September 7th the
Battalion moved forward to Alberta camp, near Souchez
corner. This camp was scarcely completed, and the Bat
talion were its first occupants. While resting here, work
ing parties were supplied nightly. The outstanding events
were a wire-cutting competition, which was won by
"D"
Company, a football game with an Engineer Unit, which
the Battalion won by a score of 6 0; an inter-com
pany competition for platoon in attack, which was won
by a platoon of "C"
Company under command of Lieut.
C. Waterfield, and preparations for the Corps Rifle
Meet, which was expected to take place later on in the
month. No. 6 Platoon, under the command of Lieut. R. A.
Simmons, was selected to represent the Battalion, and in
the Brigade elimination contests it won the right to re
present the Brigade.
After autumn comes winter, and various indications cor-
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