72nd Seaforth Highlanders of Canada - waughfamily.ca

SEAFORTH HIGHLANDERS OF CANADAous time. To him, and those officers, N. C. O. s and otherranks who by their efforts brought the War Diary up toits final state of completion, the grateful thanks of thepresent writers are unreservedly tendered.For the purpose of obtaining a pictorial record of thescenes amid which the 72nd lived and fought during thewar, a party consisting of two officers was selected to proceed under Divisional arrangement to photograph battlefields and other points of interest. This party travelled 400miles by motor lorry in six days and obtained about 200A numnegatives, covering scenes from the sea to Amiens.ber of these pictures have been used in illustrating thisvolume.Meanwhile the Battalion had enjoyed various diversions.Travelling concert parties visited Ohain, and played tocrowded houses. Various impromptu dances were held inany place with a floor big enough to accommodate evena few couples. The usual training, plentifully interspersedwith football and other games, was carried out during themornings, while the afternoons were given over to leisurein various forms. The Quartermaster s branch of the Battalion, inspired by its Quartermaster, Capt. A. P. Fosterand Sergt. Pearce, contrived to vary the monotony of rations by the introduction of home-made sausages and hotcrossbuns into the menu, which strange as they may lookin juxtaposition, were much appreciated.As April progressed, one question was in the minds ofall. "When do we leave France?"Waiting had becomewearisome. About the middle of the month, rumours beganto circulate as to the time of leaving, the route, the duration of the voyage, and conversation on these aspects ofthe forthcoming departure afforded a modicum of comfort. At last the looked-for orders were received. The 72ndwas to entrain at Wavre for Le Havre on April 30th. Themonths of waiting were over; the Battalion was goinghome! It is only the colonial soldier who can appreciate184