72nd Seaforth Highlanders of Canada - Electric Scotland

SEAFORTH HIGHLANDERS OF CANADA
dium for excellent acting and particularly good singing.
The applause was tremendous and the encores frequent.
Some of the tuneful measures were heard in the trenches
for weeks afterwards.
The last night of the year 1917 was drawing to a close.
The string band that had accompanied the pantomime had
done excellent work. But when midnight approached it
was succeeded by the pipers of the Battalion. They played
the Old Year out and the New Year in. Far away in Can
ada there were family groups who joined hands and sang
"Auld"
Lang Syne." They were remembered, as here in
France the wild music of Old Scotland fell upon the ears
of the hushed crowd. Was there something of the dirge
in it There well may have been. But when the first min
ute of 1918 came, the pipers broke out with a triumphant
skirl that spoke of undying faith, and courage, and com
ing victory. Well had the 72nd Seaforths of Canada lived
up to their name and record. They were still to show their
fealty to their high ideals.
The New Year was signalized by a Church Parade in
the 4th Canadian Divisional Y. M. C. A. theatre, Chateau
de la Haie, after which Brig.-Gen. J. H. MacBrien, C.M.G.,
D.S.O., presented decorations to a number of members of
the Battalion. During the presentation the proceedings
were somewhat interfered with by an anti-aircraft Lewis
gun which commenced vigorous firing. A careful search
of the heavens for the offending enemy plane was finally
rewarded by the sight of a mere speck several miles high.
Many remarks were passed as to the futility of this effort
on the part of the over-zealous gunner, and the Lewis gun
officer came in for a bad time when it was discovered that
the offender was one of the Battalion guns.
In the evening
the officers of the Battalion held a dinner at the officers
club, Chateau de la Haie, at which Brig.-Gen. MacBrien,
the Commanding Officers of the other Battalions of the
Brigade, and many guests were present.
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After a very cold