72nd Seaforth Highlanders of Canada - waughfamily.ca

HOME.operator obtained permission to photograph the scene, andaccordingly the Kilties swarmed to the foc stle head, whilethe camera, from the superior elevation of the bridge,filmed the stalwart throng.Tugs were on strike at Southampton at this period, butthat fact mattered little to Commander Hayes of the"Olympic."At 6 p.m. on June 6th the huge liner castoff, and with three warning blasts backed into the narrow fairway under her own steam. Swinging in midstream, the ship, gathering way, moved majestically downthe Roads towards the open sea and Canada. Many werethe eyes that followed the retreating shores of England asthey slipped by on either quarter. The feeling was tingedwith sadness at leaving behind a country endeared to allby her warm-hearted welcome of her colonial troops. Ithad been a home from home.The next day saw the "Olympic" hove-to in a blindingcurtain of fog through which the danger of the yet unsweptmine-fields barred progress. Towards evening thefog cleared, and the great ship continued her course. Thefollowing six days proved to be clear weather, and oncethe effect of the steady lift of the Atlantic had worn off,all ranks settled down to enjoy the trip. Fog was againencountered off the Newfoundland Banks, and at reducedspeed the "Olympic" felt her way. On June 13th the dulltolling of a bell-buoy came clearly through the mist, andthe sea-washed superstructure of the outer buoy of Halifax harbour slid past the port quarter. A short intervalfollowed of anxious peering through the heavy fog forthe first glimpse of Canada, and as the dim contours ofthe Nova Scotia coast loomed up, the troops broke intocheers. An hour later, the 72nd poured down the gangway, and again set foot on Canadian soil.The reception accorded by various Halifax organizationsto all the troops landing from the "Olympic," was beyondpraise. In a remarkably short time the men were fed,189