72nd Seaforth Highlanders of Canada - waughfamily.ca

SEAFORTH HIGHLANDERS OF CANADAPortsmouth road, its soil very sandy, and the surroundingcountry wild moorland and gorse. There were comfortableheadquarters, and good bathing and fumigating arrangements. The Battalion now settled down to three monthsand one week of steady training, including very thoroughinstruction in musketry by its own officers and N. C. 0. s.A few days after arrival at Bramshott, the Battalion wasinspected by Divisional Commander Major-General Sir DavidWatson, K.C.B., C.M.G.During an inspection of the Battalion s horses on May17, by the Brigadier the Lord Brooke, an amusing episodeoccurred. Transport-Sergeant Foster recognized in LordBrooke s staff captain, Capt. Sparks, an old friend of theSouth African war. Lord Brooke, noticing Sergt. Foster sSouth African ribbon, remarked: So you were in SouthAfrica, Sergeant?" "Yes, sir," replied the sergeant,"Iwas there with the Strathcona Horse." Turning to hisstaff captain, Lord Brooke asked, "Weren t you with theStrathcona Horse in South Africa, Sparks?" Sergt. Fosterlooked up quickly, and recognizing his old friend, astonishment overcame discipline. "My God!" he exclaimed,"it sGeordie Sparks." Laughingly, Lord Brooke turned to hisstaff captain, "You seem to be well known here Sparks.""Yes, sir," interposed Sergt. Foster, now quite at easeand rising to the occasion, "well and favourably known,They had been friends in the Canadian Cavalry unit.sir."On May 24 the Battalion was inspected at BramshottCamp by Field Marshal Viscount French. During the inspection, the Field Marshal more than once remarked tothe commanding officer, "A magnificent lot of men,"andin closing the inspection, while congratulating Col. Clarkupon the physique and discipline of his men, he remarked"What strikes one about this battalion is that they LOOKlike soldiers."On July 1 the Battalion took part in the inspection ofthe 4th Canadian Division, by His Majesty the King, on