72nd Seaforth Highlanders of Canada - Electric Scotland

HOME.
operator obtained permission to photograph the scene, and
accordingly the Kilties swarmed to the foc stle head, while
the camera, from the superior elevation of the bridge,
filmed the stalwart throng.
Tugs were on strike at Southampton at this period, but
that fact mattered little to Commander Hayes of the
"Olympic."
At 6 p.m. on June 6th the huge liner cast
off, and with three warning blasts backed into the nar
row fairway under her own steam. Swinging in mid
stream, the ship, gathering way, moved majestically down
the Roads towards the open sea and Canada. Many were
the eyes that followed the retreating shores of England as
they slipped by on either quarter. The feeling was tinged
with sadness at leaving behind a country endeared to all
by her warm-hearted welcome of her colonial troops. It
had been a home from home.
The next day saw the "Olympic" hove-to in a blinding
curtain of fog through which the danger of the yet unswept
mine-fields barred progress. Towards evening the
fog cleared, and the great ship continued her course. The
following six days proved to be clear weather, and once
the effect of the steady lift of the Atlantic had worn off,
all ranks settled down to enjoy the trip. Fog was again
encountered off the Newfoundland Banks, and at reduced
speed the "Olympic" felt her way. On June 13th the dull
tolling of a bell-buoy came clearly through the mist, and
the sea-washed superstructure of the outer buoy of Hali
fax harbour slid past the port quarter. A short interval
followed of anxious peering through the heavy fog for
the first glimpse of Canada, and as the dim contours of
the Nova Scotia coast loomed up, the troops broke into
cheers. An hour later, the 72nd poured down the gang
way, and again set foot on Canadian soil.
The reception accorded by various Halifax organizations
to all the troops landing from the "Olympic," was beyond
praise. In a remarkably short time the men were fed,
189