72nd Seaforth Highlanders of Canada - waughfamily.ca

CHAPTER XVIII.HOME.Arrival at Bramshott Camp A march past in Edinburgh Embarking for home in the "Olympic" Incidents of the voyageWelcomed at Halifax Arrival at Vancouver and final scenes.LATE IN THE AFTERNOON of May 5th, 1919, the72nd Seaforths of Canada arrived at Bramshott camp,three years to a day after their coming to the same campin 1916. The time which was to elapse before they sailedfor home was filled by all ranks with leave, concerts,games, the filling out of countless mysterious forms, andat length by passingtheir final Medical Board.On May 24th a detachment sent by the 72nd of 100 officersand other ranks, commanded by Capt. J. R. S. Lough.LXS.O., M.C., took part in a march past in Edinburgh. Thisfirst appearance of the Battalion in Scotland was an eventof deep interest, and it was gratifying to learn from theScottish press of the highly favourable impression madeby our men on this historic occasion. The many friends ofthe 72nd in Vancouver heard with deep satisfaction oftheir reception in the time-honoured city.At length orders were received to the effect that theBattalion was to embark at Southampton on H. M. Transport"Olympic" on June 6th. As the day approached, thespirits of all steadily rose, for all ranks were thrilled bythe thought that they would soon be homeward bound.These feelings culminated on the eve of leaving in an informal war dance through the huts of the camp. Noon onJune 6th found the 72nd on board, voiciferously proclaiming their presence and that it was therefore quite unnecessary to detain the ship any longer. A moving-picture188