72nd Seaforth Highlanders of Canada - Electric Scotland

GERMANY S
INNINGS.
secured by all the other battalions at the gathering. At
the conclusion of this day, all the pipe bands present were
formed into one massed pipe band, which not only made a
wonderful sight, but which gave to the ear such a con
course of thrilling sound as is seldom experienced. No
fewer than 260 pipes and 184 drums were massed together.
At this time, also, the Brigade Commander presented a set
of 24 rosettes, with blue ribbons ;
to be worn on the harness
of the best transport section in the brigade, and to be com
peted for periodically. These rosettes were duly presented
to the transport section of the 72nd Battalion during the
last week of the stay at Auchel.
The reason for the comprehensive training which pre
vailed at this period will be apparent if some attention is
given to the general situation on the Western front in the
middle of July, which was as follows: The Germans had
made no further attempt on the Lys. At the end of May
they had struck heavily and reached the Marne, capturing
Soissons and Chateau Thierry. On June 9 they had at
tacked between Soissons and Montdider at very heavy cost.
This offensive had been continued against Chalons and
Epernay, but with tremendous loss and little success. The
French and American attack on July 18 on the Soissons-
Chateau Thierry front had smashed the German offensive,
and the enemy accordingly retired to the Aisne, which
materially shortened the Allied line. At this stage the Al
lies were in a position to resume the offensive, and the plan
for the relief of the pressure on the Amiens-Paris railway,
and the junction of the French and British Armies, which
had been under consideration for some time, was consid
erably enlarged in scope, and its immediate execution was
decided.
There is abundant evidence," says Mr. Livesay, in his
excellent work, "Canada s Hundred Days," "that at the
end of July, while the enemy regarded the situation in
south as serious and was preparing to admit that his last
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the