72nd Seaforth Highlanders of Canada - waughfamily.ca

WATCHFUL WAITING.tion, being vigorously shelled. This winter on the Lensfront had been trying and dreary. It seemed that therewas now going to be a change. It was known that the Germans had greatly strengthened their western front. Theywere probably meditating a great attack and the Canadians were ready for them. That something was about tocome off was at once evident. All leave was immediatelycancelled, schools were broken up and their personnelreturned to their units. Move orders came in thick andfast. Orders had been received that the Battalion was tobe relieved in the front line by the 47th. While arrangements for this relief were in process the orders were suddenly cancelled. But on March 23rd the 78th took theirplace in the front line, and the 72nd went back to supportin Cite St. Pierre and Cite Calonne. Another change cameon March 27th ,when the Battalion was relieved by the8th Sherwoods and moved back to Fosse 10, Sains-en-Gohelle.Movement and uncertainty were in the air, and a diversion came on the morning of March 28th when the Battalion was issued with kilts and stood once more equippedin the garb of Old Gaul. It certainly looked now as ifsomething were in the wind. It transpired that orders hadbeen received for a further move that day. About noon,however, a staff officer arrived with the information thatthe Germans had made their great attack on the Arrasfront that morning approximately nine miles to the south.The move was changed, and the 72nd marched throughmud, rain and sleet to Verdrel, where they arrived in theafternoon, having, while on the march, been inspected bythe Corps Commander who made a speech to the meninforming them that they were going to meet the enemywho had attacked in great force. On reaching Verdrel,hot tea was served, after which the Battalion entrainedfor Cubit Camp Neuville St. Yaast, where it rested forthe night. The small flat cars were crowded, and the jour-00*/ o