72nd Seaforth Highlanders of Canada - waughfamily.ca

SEAFORTH HIGHLANDERS OF CANADAney a long one in point of time was so wet, cold anduncomfortable that it will always be remembered by thosewho took it. On March 29th the Battalion relieved the 8thBattalion Middlesex Regiment of the 56th Imperial Division,ficultin the front line of the Gavrelle sector. It was a difrelief and was only accomplished at the cost of threeother ranks killed and ten wounded. On taking over thisline a fresh enemy attack was hourly anticipated. Largebodies of the enemy were seen moving behind his linesand salvage and relics from the recent fighting were verymuch in evidence, as a result of the hurried relief. Ourmen were able to equip themselves to their complete satisfaction from the stores left behind by the last holders ofthe line.Our artillery was naturally very active and manypatrols were sent out.During this uncertain period the Transport Lines of the72nd had a very bad time. They moved out of their oldestablishedand comfortable quarters at Carency, and aftermany vicissitudes they were finally located in FlandersCamp close to Ecurie. On April 4th the Battalion "received a splendid relief from the 46th Battalion" andmoved back to Wakefield Camp just north of Arras. Manygood stories were told about officers and men getting stuckin the mud during this tour, and in one case a SeniorMajor who got stuck was subsequently claimed as salvageby the man who pulled him out! During this tour also,two rum issues were once made within six hours, which isbelieved to be the most satisfactory rum issue in thehistory of the Battalion.It was while the Battalion was resting at WakefieldCamp that it was learned that the 2nd Imperial Seaforthswere in the line in front of Arras. This was news too interesting to go unnoticed, and a deputation from the 72ndwas sent to call upon them. The occasion was a pleasantone, and in due course a return visit was paid by Lieut. -Col. R. Laing, D.S.O., who brought with him his Adjutant94