72nd Seaforth Highlanders of Canada - Electric Scotland

ancient Scotland.
INTRODUCTION
The mountains and rivers of British Co
lumbia are seen to have an imaginative and sentimental
connection with Caledonian heights and lochs. The Douglas
fir brings memories of wind-swept trees north of the Tweed
;
and the seas that break at the foot of our mountains remind
the Scot of the swirling tides that encircle the rocky head
lands of his home-land.
But if these physical surroundings of nature have their
influence, far greater and more essential are those spiritual
and racial bonds which unite the Scot abroad to the history
and traditions of the land of his fathers. The memories of
the religion and the glorious deeds of his ancestors are
strong in him, though they may be overlaid by the more
sordid influences which come with modernity and the pur
suit of wealth.
Here again our investigation takes us back to Eastern
Canada, where in the course of years several Canadian-
Highland regiments had been instituted. The Scottish spirit
which was at the back of the new 72nd had already been
displayed in the formation of the Highland Company of
Montreal, the Toronto Company of Highland Rifles at one
time attached to the Queen Own s the 5th Battalion Royal
Scots of Canada, Montreal, and several other organizations
of the earlier days. To these must be added the 48th High
landers of Toronto, in the inception of which an important
addition was made to the Canadian Militia. This regiment,
gazetted on 16th October, 1891, is one which for the public
spirit displayed by the citizens of Toronto in the supply of
the necessary funds for its formation, the enthusiasm of its
officers, the perfection of its drill and discipline, and the
spirit of its men, had achieved fame in Canada before war
was declared.
The Fifth Royal Highlanders of Canada, already men
tioned, would be worthy of more extended notice did space
permit. This regiment was affiliated with the Black Watch,
referred to later. On the outbreak of hostilities a battalion
and