Sahl kit pdf.indd - Royal Alberta Museum

may 7,,2005-September 18,,2005

MUSEUM PRICES
: Annual Mammoth Pass:
(Unlimited Admission
plus benefits)
Adult (18-64 years) $10 $35
Senior (65 and over) $8 $30
Student (with ID) $7 $30
Youth (7-17) $5 $20
Family (Two adults and children 7-17) $28 $70
Grandparent
(Two grandparents and children 7-17) NA $60
Half Price 9 am - 11 am
Saturdays and Sundays
MUSEUM HOURS:
Open Daily:
The Museum will be closed
December 24 & 25
9 am to 5 pm
The Museum Shop
In celebration of Alberta’s 100th
birthday, The Museum Shop will feature
some unique gifts and keepsakes
commemorating Alberta’s Centennial.
You’ll find books, jewellery, games,
clothes, toys – something for everyone
in the family! Try our exclusive new
Museum Tea, and lose yourself in the
new Syncrude Gallery of Aboriginal
Culture book.
Look for the new SALH history book:
“Century of Service: The History of The
South Alberta Light Horse”

WORDS FROM
DR. BRUCE MCGILLIVRAY
It is not often that you
get a chance to host a
birthday celebration for two
Centennarians. With the
exhibition, Hoof Prints to Tank
Tracks, we are celebrating both
Alberta’s Centennial and 100
years of the South Alberta Light
Horse Regiment.
This exhibition would not have
been possible without the
financial support of The South
Alberta Light Horse Regiment
Foundation and the hard work of
two teams. I would like to thank,
from the SALH:
Honorary Colonel S. A. Milner;
Lieutenant Colonel Thomas E.
Putt, CD; Captain Colin Michaud;
Master Warrant Officer Jim
Ogston, CD; and Susan Angus,
and from The Provincial Museum
of Alberta Hannah Aaron, Sean
Moir, Paul Beier, Steve Fisher,
Julie Calderbank and David
Parama.
It is my hope that through this
exhibition, Albertans will gain a
deeper appreciation of the role
the South Alberta Light Horse has
played, and continues to play, in
shaping our Alberta.
W. Bruce McGillivray, Ph.D.
Director
The Provincial Museum of Alberta
On the Centennial of the Province
of Alberta and the South Alberta
Light Horse, we are delighted to
be part of this important occasion
in presenting Hoof Prints to
Tank Tracks. This history of
Alberta as it has unfolded is seen
through the eyes of those who
were prepared to sacrifice their
lives for their fellow Albertans
and Canadians in the wars of the
20th century. The story of the
South Alberta Light Horse actually
begins in the days before Alberta
became a province, when the
volunteers of the Rocky Mountain
Rangers stood ready to protect
their communities from the threat
of a major uprising.
Over the last half century, through
a series of amalgamations,
the South Alberta Light
Horse has emerged as the
proud descendant of many
distinguished predecessor units.
As with all Militia regiments
across Canada, the Light Horse
and its predecessors have fought
two different types of battles
– they defended Canada during
times of international conflict and
they struggled to survive in the
SOUTH ALBERTA LIGHT HORSE EXHIBITION
Words from
Honorary Colonel S. A. Milner, OC, AOE, CD, LL.D. and Honorary Lieutenant-Colonel J. D. Watson, FCA
cost-cutting times of peace. It
is perhaps in this way, more than
any other, that the Light Horse’s
history of struggle corresponds
with the history of the province,
which provided most of the
soldiers who served in its ranks.
We need the Militia. It is essential
to the effective functioning of a
democracy as is a police force,
fire department or emergency
services. The fundamental
principal of the Militia today
mirrors that of the Militia of 1905
- it is built upon a dedicated
population of citizen soldiers who
are prepared to sacrifice much in
the service to their country and
Queen.
The soldiers of the South Alberta
Light Horse are pleased that you
have taken the time to review
their history. They have been
inspired by the dedication of the
women and men who went before
them, and their legacy has been a
source of pride to the members of
the Regiment. We hope it will be
an inspiration to you to serve your
community.
Honorary Colonel S. A. Milner,
OC, AOE, CD, LL.D.
Edmonton
Honorary Lieutenant-Colonel J.D.
Watson, FCA
Calgary
Words from
Lieutenant-Colonel Thomas E. Putt, CD
It is my privilege to command
the South Alberta Light Horse
regiment during its Centennial
year of 2005.
To mark this important milestone,
The Light Horse and The South
Alberta Light Horse Regiment
Foundation have partnered with
The Provincial Museum of Alberta
to develop this exciting exhibition,
Hoof Prints to Tank Tracks.
The South Alberta Light Horse
is the senior and truly provincial
militia in Alberta. In its century
of existence, it has forged
historical links with almost every
community in Alberta. The Light
Horse is a community of men and
women in which the strengths
of the individuals are directed
toward a common good and the
weaknesses buttressed by a
common goal. Indeed, it is why
so many of us volunteer to serve
our nation.
I would like to say that I feel that
the Hoof Prints to Tank Tracks
exhibition has captured the story
and the spirit of the Light Horse
and of its home province very
well. With such a splendid past
behind us, the South Alberta Light
Horse can move with confidence
into its second century. It will
continue to serve – according to
its motto, Semper Alacer, “Always
Alert” – both the Dominion of
Canada and the Province of
Alberta.
Lieutenant-Colonel Thomas E.
Putt, CD
Commanding Officer
The South Alberta Light Horse

EXHIBITION ELEMENTS
The South Alberta Light Horse is one of
the last of the Light Horse regiments in the
Commonwealth. Members of the Regiment
continue to answer the call of duty by serving
on NATO and United Nations missions
abroad and by aiding local authorities during
emergencies within Canada.
The exhibition is divided into six chronologically
distinct units. Each unit explores four
recurrent themes and their relationship with the
development of the Province over the last 100
years. Visitors will experience:
•the voices and personal stories from past and
Highlights of the gallery include:
• a reconditioned Second World War-era
Halftrack (weighing in at more than 9 tonnes,
this is the heaviest individual artifact ever
displayed in the Museum)
• the guidon – the unit’s most sacred and
I hope that this exhibition, not only of
the South Alberta Light Horse, but its
present members of the Regiment;
•thematic displays exploring the Regiment’s role
during the First and Second World Wars;
cherished symbol
• film footage dating from the Second World
War, including training techniques and a one-
predecessor units, conveys to the citizens •a chronology of significant achievements
minute segment relating to the surrender of
of Alberta how its “Citizen Soldiers” have
contributed to their communities, the
province and country in war and peace.
during times of war and peace;
•examples of the technology and tactics
employed by the Regiment; and
•an examination of the daily life of active-duty
thousands of German troops at St-Lambert-sur-
Dives, France, and
• a 2005 G-Wagon, loaded with
communications and surveillance equipment, of
– Master Warrant Officer Jim Ogston, co-curator
soldiers, including their recreational pursuits.
the type currently being used in Afghanistan by
Canadian soldiers.
PROGRAMMING EVENTS
Official Opening
Saturday, May 7
between 1 pm and 4 pm
Daily Activities
Join our special VIP guests on the official
opening day for activities including a military
parade, camouflage face painting, a spit shine
demonstration and all of the activities listed below.
Family Activity Book
Earn your stripes with an activity book that will
assist you with exploring 100 years of The South
Alberta Light Horse – it’s a great take-home
souvenir of your visit!
Collect a Cap Badge Button
Grab a badge (identifying rank and regiment) then
explore the gallery to learn about its meaning
and significance.
Morale by Mail
Write a postcard to a Canadian Armed Forces
member overseas and the Museum will send it
on your behalf.
Origami
Reflect on the meaning of peace while you fold
an origami crane. Your crane will be added to
the display of (hopefully) 1,000 cranes to fulfil a
wish for peace.

ISTORY OF THE SALH
Early History
The South Alberta Light Horse
(SALH) pre-dates the founding of
the Province by two months and
is one of the oldest militia units
in Western Canada, tracing its
official lineage to the formation of
the 15th Light Horse in July 1905,
two months prior to the founding
of the province of Alberta.
Through a complicated series of
amalgamations and designations
the SALH now perpetuates more
than 25 units, including the
Rocky Mountain Rangers of Fort
Macleod, who served during the
Northwest Rebellion of 1885. The
current Regiment was formed in
Calgary in 1954.
First World War
Several of the units perpetuated
by the SALH participated in
the First World War as part of
the Canadian Expeditionary
Force (CEF): the 12th and 13th
Regiments of the Canadian
Mounted Rifles, 15th Light Horse,
the 19th Alberta Dragoons, and
the 31st, 113th, 175th and the
187th Overseas Battalions CEF.
The 31st Battalion, CEF
participated in the first tank
attack in history at the Battle of
Coucelette on September 15,
1916; members from the 19th
Alberta Dragoons and 15th Light
Horse took part in the last cavalry
charge in Canadian history at the
Battle of Iwuy on October 10,
1918.
Despite its cavalry beginnings, the Regiment
fought in the war predominately as infantry
and arrived back in Canada at the war’s end
with 19 Battle Honours to its credit, including
such notable actions as Vimy and Ypres. After
the War, the Vimy Memorial was unveiled by
King Edward VIII. During his speech, he spoke
to the great sacrifice the nation made and the
accomplishments of the men who won the war
for the Empire.
Interwar era (1920s-1930s)
The period between wars saw the re-emergence
of the15th Light Horse and the 19th Alberta
Dragoons, as well as the establishment of
the South Alberta Regiment. The former were
cavalry units based in Calgary and Edmonton;
the latter was an infantry regiment based in
Medicine Hat.
Second World War
The 15th Light Horse and the 19th Alberta
Dragoons remained in Canada during the
Second World War, aiding the effort by recruiting
members for active service overseas. The South
Alberta Regiment (SAR) was made part of the
Canadian Active Service Force (CASF) in 1940.
The SAR was converted to an armoured unit in
January 1942 and moved to England in August
of that same year.
In 1943, the SAR was re-designated the 29th
Armoured Reconnaissance Regiment (SAR),
chosen by Major General Worthington, head
of the Royal Canadian Armoured Corps, to be
his reconnaissance team because he wanted
“keen-eyed prairie men” as his scouts. In short,
it was selected to be the eyes and ears of the
Royal Canadian Armoured Corps.
The Regiment’s participation in the Second
World War, from which it emerged with 15 more
Battle Honours, can be attributed mainly to the
action of the 29th Armoured Reconnaissance
Regiment. The men of the 29th saw action in
France, Belgium, the Netherlands and Germany.
Of particular note, Major David Currie was
awarded the Victoria Cross for his actions
during the closing days and hours of the battle
of the Falaise Gap.
Post Second World War
The year 1954 saw the emergence of the South
Alberta Light Horse (29th Armoured Regiment);
the result of a merger of two Calgary-based
Royal Canadian Artillery units, the 68th Light
Anti-Aircraft and 41st Anti-Tank regiments, and
the South Alberta Regiment (militia infantry) of
Medicine Hat. The newly formed South Alberta
Light Horse was established as an armoured
unit. It moved its headquarters to Medicine Hat
in 1960. With the loss of its tanks in 1968 the
unit was once again re-tasked as an armoured
reconnaissance regiment.
‘B’ Squadron, Edmonton, was established in
1978, with training undertaken at Griesbach
Barracks. During the 1980s, new vehicles called
Cougar AVGPs (Armoured Vehicle General
Purpose) were acquired, and the unit was once
again re-rolled as an armoured regiment.
2004 and Beyond
Today, Regimental Headquarters, Headquarters
and ‘B’ Squadrons are situated in Edmonton,
and ‘A’ Squadron remains in Medicine Hat.
With the advent of the Land Force Reserve
Restructuring project, the South Alberta Light
Horse returned to its reconnaissance roots on
September 1st, 2004.
These excerpts were taken from the South
Alberta Light Horse’s website. For further
information on their history, please visit: “http://
salh.net/index.php” http://salh.net/index.php

ABOUT THE CURATORS
Jim Ogston
Master Warrant Officer
As the founder and curator, of the South Alberta
Light Horse Regimental Museum in Medicine
Hat, I have been active in the preservation and
presentation of the history of the Regiment for
the past 10 years. As this is our 100th birthday,
it was with great honour that I was asked by the
Commanding Officer to work with Sean Moir
in creating the exhibition, Hoof Prints to Tank
Tracks at The Provincial Museum of Alberta.
Major Sorensen’s quote “This Is A Fine
Regiment, You Can Make It The Finest” rings as
true today as it did forty-odd years ago when
he first uttered these words. I hope visitors
will concur that the members of the The South
Alberta Light Horse have much to be proud of,
and that this display conveys that fact.
Sean Moir
Curator of Military and Political History
Sean received his MA and MLIS degrees from
the University of Alberta. Sean began working
for heritage-related facilities and programs in
1987. Between 1997 and 2004, Sean served
as Curator of Documentary Collections at the
Reynolds-Alberta Museum. Publications include
Perilous Journeys: Early Motoring in Alberta
(1989), and ‘The friendly invasion’: the American
presence in Edmonton (1942-1945), and For
King and Country: Alberta in the Second World
War (1995). Sean has been on staff at The
Provincial Museum of Alberta since May 2004.
Q & A
with Sean Moir,
Curator of Military and Government History
1. Describe your responsibilities as Curator of the
Military and Political History Program.
The role of the Curator of Military and Political
History at The Provincial Museum of Alberta
is to collect, care for and interpret the objects
pertinent to the Program’s mandate. We collect
objects representative of the functions of the
Canadian military in Alberta, and to lesser
degrees, throughout the rest of Canada and
the world. We also collect objects relating
to military forces from other countries. The
Program also acquires objects representative of
government functions and programs, namely at
the provincial level.
Other tasks and responsibilities include fielding
public inquiries, developing exhibits and
publications and building relationships and
partnerships with relevant organizations and
museums.
2. What areas are encompassed in the Program’s
collections?
The collection is comprised of military objects
representative of Alberta-based units, as well
as others from across Canada, and other
countries. We also have objects representative
of government services and programs.
Examples are police uniforms, judges’ robes
and political campaign buttons.
We have a large collection of firearms (nonrestricted,
restricted and prohibited): rifles,
handguns, semi-automatic and automatic
firearms. The Museum also has a significant
numismatics collection of Canadian and
international tokens, coins, crowns and
currency.
3. What has been your role in the creation of the
SALH exhibition?
My role is that of Co-curator; Jim Ogston of
The South Alberta Light Horse Regiment is
the other curator of the exhibition. We, along
with input from many others, came up with a
basic story line, researched the topic, wrote the
text, and selected the artifacts, images, and
audiovisual components. Upon the exhibition’s
opening, I will have dedicated about five months
to the project – that is not a lot of time for an
exhibition that is almost 5,000 square feet. As
Jim is a serving member, it made sense for him
to tackle the more modern and current eras;
I was responsible for the earlier periods up to
the end of the Second World War. We shared
the work load with respect to selecting images,
audiovisual components and artifacts.
4. In your opinion, why is this exhibition
important? What do you hope Albertans will take
away after a visit to the exhibition?
In light of events since the 1991 war with
Iraq, and the subsequent military actions the
United States has undertaken in a number
of mid-eastern countries, we have become
accustomed to viewing the actions of the
American military on TV. At the same time,
we have also been dealt a fairly regular diet
of stories pertaining to the lack of ability, and
failings of, the Canadian Military. I think it is very
important for Canadians, especially younger
people, to understand something of the role
the Canadian military has played at home and
abroad, past and present. That contribution is
important, significant and impressive!
For example, by the end of the Second World
War, Canada had the fourth largest navy in the
world – a disproportionately high ranking for
a nation of about 15 million people. Why was
this? Canada played a huge role in the very
dangerous role of convoy escort work between
North America and Britain. Many Canadian
sailors and merchant mariners died on account
of the German submarines present throughout
Atlantic waters.
Which nation’s troops were given the task of
clearing the vital coastal regions of North West
Europe during the Second World War, as the
allies marched north and east into Germany?
Canadians. Who gained the heights of Vimy
Ridge, a key strategic point for the allied effort
during the 1st World War? Again, Canadians.
Today, which nation’s troops are universally
looked upon as being fair-minded and
professional? Canada’s.
Our contributions of personnel, equipment and
monetary support have always been generous,
given the overall population and wealth of our
nation, and this is true of the role The South
Alberta Light Horse Regiment has played over
the course of the last 100 years.
About The Provincial Museum’s Military and
Political History Program
Whether it’s federal, provincial or municipal,
Alberta’s political history and military
involvement—with a tradition of service and
sacrifice—are important facets of our culture.
The Military and Political History Program
interprets the important stories of law, order
and moral duty during the last 250 years in
Alberta. The Program’s collection contains
approximately 40,000 historical artifacts and
documents, from the first provincial Speaker’s
chair to impressive uniforms and rare coins. The
Program also maintains an impressive collection
of handcrafted 19th century firearms.

The Guidon
A moth-eaten rag on a worm-eaten pole
It does not look likely, to stir a man’s soul
Tis the deeds that were done neath the moth-eaten rag
When the pole was a staff and the rag was a flag
Sir Edward Hamley
A guidon is a flag or type of colour particular to a
cavalry regiment. Colours, in turn, are memorials that
commemorate a regiment’s deeds and extol its spirit.
Regimental colours are the most treasured symbol.
Traditionally, they were the rallying point on the
battlefield and bore a regiment’s battle honours. To
capture an opponent’s colours was a great honour.
Conversely, to lose one’s colours in battle was the
ultimate disgrace.
Upon presentation to a regiment or when being
retired, colours are blessed by members of the clergy.
Canadian military units have not carried colours into
battle since the time of Confederation, but are kept
in secure locations, such as churches or government
buildings like the Alberta Legislature.
The South Alberta Light Horse Regimental Guidon
Her Royal Highness, Princess Alexandra, presented the
guidon to the South Alberta Light Horse Regiment at
Currie Barracks in Calgary on May 25th, 1967.
This guidon is made from crimson silk, with a gold
fringe, cord and tassels. It bears the regimental
symbol of a Pronghorn in the central circlet. The white
Hanoverian horse denotes the Regiment’s origins as
a cavalry unit. Other markings include the regimental
motto and battle honours arranged in the order in which
they were awarded. Affixed are 21 of the South Alberta
Light Horse Regiment’s 35 battle honours—10 dating
from the First World War, 10 from the Second World War
and one from the 1885 North West Canada campaign.
MOTTO
Semper Alacer”
(Always Alert, Always Ready)
“Semper Alacer” (Always Alert, Always Ready)
Semper: always, at all times
Alacer (-ris): quick, sharp, rapid, ready, keen
alacer -cris -cre and alacris -e : quick, lively,
animated, alert
The Regiment’s preparation in peacetime and
performance in battle attest to the fact they are
‘always alert and always ready’ to do the job.

SALH FACTS
- James Walker, first CO of the 15th LH in 1905
(The SALH’s official lineage), was an original
member of the NWMP and made the march
west in 1874; he was one of the wealthiest
businessmen in Calgary at the time of the
founding of the 15th in 1905. He served as the
unit’s Honourary Colonel during the 1930s prior
to his death.
- The 31st Battalion was often referred to as
The Alberta Battalion as they took in recruits
from many other units that stayed at home and
served as recruiting entities; members of the
31st came from all parts of the province. The
men of the 31st fought at Vimy Ridge, 1917.
-South Alberta Regiment (SAR): David Currie
of the SAR was the only member of the Royal
Canadian Armoured Corps to win a Victoria
Cross (VC) during the Second World War; he
was the only member of the Canadian forces to
win a VC during the Normandy campaign.
- The battle of the Falaise Gap, in particular the
actions of a small group of SAR men led by
David Currie, at the village of St-Lambert-sur-
Dives, resulted in the surrender of thousands
of retreating Germans who were attempting to
escape eastward. In total, two German armies
were smashed by the allied actions around the
little village of St-Lambert and the SAR played a
vital role in this operation.
The SAR was selected as the “eyes and ears”
of the Royal Canadian Armoured Corps (RCAC)
by the founder of the RCAC; Major General
Worthington for he wanted “keen eyed prairie
men” for this task. The SAR was Worthington’s
pride and joy.
-The SALH was the first armoured reserved
unit to win the Worthington Trophy during three
consecutive years. The trophy was awarded to
the best, most proficient armoured reserve unit
in Canada.
-The SALH received their guidon during a
presentation ceremony at Currie Barracks,
Calgary, in May 1967.
-In 1907, a squadron of mounted rifles was
formed in Morinville and St. Albert. The
squadron was commanded by Major Deblois
Thibodeau and was made up almost completely
of Francophones. This little squadron
numbered approximately 100 strong and would
be joined with the squadrons in Edmonton,
Strathcona, and Fort Saskatchewan to form the
19th Alberta Mounted Rifles in 1908.
-The official SALH colours are repeated
throughout the exhibition: scarlet, blue and
gold.
-The 19th Alberta Dragoons was Edmonton’s
first militia unit. Formed in 1908, the 19th
Alberta Dragoons were created by combining
four independent mounted rifle companies from
Edmonton and its surrounding area.
-In 1914, the Dragoons were called upon to
provide a squadron and initially, Edmonton’s
horsemen were to be Canada’s only cavalry
contribution to the war effort. The Dragoons
were particularly noticeable in France as they
wore the Stetson hat now made famous by the
Royal Canadian Mounted Police.
-Remaining mounted throughout the war, the
Dragoons would participate in almost every
major battle that Canada would participate in,
including Vimy Ridge.
-The 19th Alberta Dragoons will be joined with
The South Alberta Light Horse in 2005.
-From 1905 until 1965, the 19th Alberta
Dragoons were Edmonton’s cavalry regiment.
However, the unit was not only based in
Edmonton. The following lists some of the
other towns and cities that were home to the
Dragoons:
Edmonton, St. Albert, Strathcona, Vegreville,
Vermillion, Morinville, Wetaskiwin, Provost,
Wainright, Fort Saskatchewan, Viking, Chauvin,
Mundare, Innisfree, Provost, Westlock, Stony
Plain, Devon and Camrose.

AIMS OF THE
SOUTH ALBERTA
LIGHT HORSE
REGIMENT
FOUNDATION
-to act as a charity to benefit the
community culturally by preserving the
Western Cavalry and Armoured Fighting
traditions of The South Alberta Light
Horse Regiment and its predecessor
Regiments by providing The South Alberta
Light Horse appropriate heritage Western
Cavalry uniforms and accoutrements
-to preserve the Western Cavalry and
Armoured Fighting traditions of The South
Alberta Light Horse and its predecessor
Regiments by direct financial support
of public and Regimental events and
reunions of heritage character
-to support the Regiment’s Cadet Corps,
the South Alberta Light Horse Cadet
Corps, through the Alberta Army Cadet
League, by providing an annual sum to
assist the Corps in providing effective
training
-to finance appropriate historical
research and the writing and publication
of books and pamphlets of the history
and traditions of The South Alberta
Light Horse and its predecessor Alberta
Regiments for sale to the public at large,
for free distribution to Alberta Schools and
for teaching serving soldiers and cadets
to assist in providing short term financial
aid to serving and retired soldiers of the
Regiment and their families with evident
needs
-to assist serving soldiers of The South
Alberta Light Horse or Cadets of The
South Alberta Light Horse Cadet Corps
entering or attending any recognized
university, college or school on a full-time
basis to pursue their education on the
basis of scholastic standing, personal
qualities and financial needs

Glossar y
Fighting and Trench Terms
Boche
French slang for German, taken
into English. Boche could refer to
an individual or general, noun and
adjective. It was used mainly by
the British and Canadian soldiers,
the other ranks preferred Jerry.
Pillbox
These were built by the Germans
as an alternative to trenches
(which were impossible to
dig in the oozing mud). Made
of reinforced concrete, they
were devised as a system of
interlocking strongholds. They
were square rooms with one
door in the rear leading into a fire
trench. Manned by resistance
troops, these men would gain
shelter within the pillbox during
a bombardment or when not in
action. As soon as an attack was
launched the occupants manned
the fire trench, which ran behind
and extended on either side of the
pillbox. Their vision was limited,
however, and it was possible
for individual attackers to crawl
up under cover and bomb the
garrison from behind. Many of the
Canadian Victoria Cross winners
received their awards for their
bravery in attacking and knocking
out pillboxes in this manner.
Duckboards or Bath Mats
Duckboards (which were nicknamed
bath mats) were wooden tracks laid
and maintained by soldiers to allow
for movement across the muddy
and marshy ground. They consisted
of two narrow planks, about eight
feet long, across which were nailed
horizontal wooden slats. These
were laid, end to end, to form long
tracks for movement of the troops
and artillery.
Over the Top
This expression was used when
leaving the shelter of a fire trench
in order to make an assault. Troops
had to hoist themselves over the
front wall of sandbags (the parapet)
and many were struck down by
bullet or shell explosion before they
had time to take a stride forward.
The phrase was originally ‘over the
top and the best of luck’, but as
casualties increased and so many
attacks ended in disaster, ‘and the
best of luck’ was either omitted or
spoken in bitter irony.
Sausage
Sausage was the name for the
observer balloons used by both
sides. These balloons would
usually be anchored over the front
or near the front, and would be
connected to a winch, so they
could be hauled down quickly.
Used to direct artillery fire, they
were targeted by fighter aircraft
and by artillery.
Trench and Sap
Trench represents a line of
defence: front trench, support
trench and reserve trench, for the
most part running approximately
parallel to the line held by the
enemy. A sap was a line of
communication, whether from the
rear to the front or from a trench
to an emplacement, kitchen,
latrine, store, etc. The main links
between the front line and the
supports and reserves were
called communication trenches.
Technically, a trench was dug
downwards; a sap was dug
outwards from an existing trench.
It was the infantry who dug both
saps and trenches.
Battery
Battery refers to a group of guns,
or “artillery” pieces. A “counterbattery”
is artillery that targets
the enemy’s artillery. Locating
the enemy’s artillery or batteries
and targeting them with counterbatteries
became a complex,
essential science. Methods
included sound-ranging, flash
spotting, aerial observation and
photography, intelligence reports
and spying and interrogation
of prisoners. Raids on enemy
trenches were often carried out
to gather information and capture
prisoners for interrogation.
Dugout
A dugout was a shelter from shell
fire and the weather, made by
digging into the wall of a trench
or down from the trench floor.
Dugouts were of three kinds:
Cubbyholes dug into the side
of the trench, in which one or,
at most, two men could sleep
without much comfort. Shelters
were also dug into the trench
wall, but rather bigger and shored
up with wooden props and
corrugated iron. Deep dugouts
afforded real protection and were
used only for headquarters of
various kinds. A deep dugout had
a stairway shaft leading six, ten or
more feet underground into one
or more rooms which might be
walled with boards and contain
wire-netting beds and even
electric lights.
Dugout was also a facetious
name among officers for an older
officer returning from retirement
to active service and displaying
little efficiency.
Trench Foot
Days of standing in freezing mud
and water produced a condition
akin to frostbite that was called
trench foot. It was a common
winter ailment for the troops, but
when prevention was provided (a
thick grease in which one had to
coat the foot), it became a crime
to get it. However, no humane
commander enforced the penalty.
Blighty
Blighty was one of the soldier’s
favourite words. It referred to a
wound that was serious enough to
take one out of the war, hopefully
forever, but not life threatening.
For the infantry in the mud, a
Blighty evoked images of normal
life: clean beds, a roof, good food,
in other words, home. In this one
word was gathered much of the
soldier’s homesickness, affection
and war-weariness.
Chatting
Chatting was ridding oneself of
chatts, which were lice that lived
in the clothes of the soldiers.
These vermin bit the soldiers
and left blotchy red bite marks
all over the body except in the
hair of the head. During quiet
periods, the soldiers would spend
hours searching their uniforms
and underwear, especially along
the seams, and cracking the lice
between the thumb nails.
Puttee
The cloth band that was wound
round the leg from the upper of
the boot to near the knee was
called the puttee. It was meant to
give support to the soldiers while
they were walking. There were
two accepted ways of winding
the puttee for active service and
several dressy ways for social
service. The word comes from
the Hindustani for bandage and
became accepted in English late
in the 19th century.

SALH BOOK
Century of Service:
The History of The South Alberta
Light Horse
by Donald E. Graves
Published by The South Alberta
Light Horse Regiment Foundation,
Edmonton, 2005
Century of Service is the
story of Alberta’s senior militia
regiment which celebrates its
centennial in July 2005. Although
it was officially authorized in 1905,
The South Alberta Light Horse can
trace its origins back to early days
of the province in the 1880s when
units of cavalry were raised in
Western Canada to protect Alberta
during the Northwest Rebellion.
The fascinating story of this
proud regiment takes the Light
Horse from the 1880s to the 21st
Century. It describes how the
predecessor units of the modern
Light Horse fought for their nation
in times of war and struggled
to stay alive in the cheese-paring
times of peace. The reader will ride
with the Light Horse as they fight
in the Rebellion of 1885, South
Africa in 1899-1901, the Western
Front in 1915-1918 and Northwest
Europe in 1944-1945. Theirs is a
chronicle of gallantry, sacrifice,
patriotism and endurance (and a
little humour) during which they
carved out a magnificent fighting
record at the Somme in 1916, Vimy
Ridge and Passchendaele in 1917,
the Normandy beaches in 1944,
the Rhineland in 1945 -- and many
places in between.
Century of Service is also a
history of the Province of Alberta
from the time of Aboriginal peoples
to the modern day. As we follow the
fortunes of Alberta’s senior militia
regiment, we also follow the fortunes
of the province itself over a period of
more than a century - warriors and
buffalo, cattle and cowboys, dust
bowls and depressions, booms
and busts. In doing so, we learn
that many of the traits of the
Light Horse - independence,
individuality, ruggedness,
enthusiasm and self-reliance
- result from their Albertan
background.
Written in plain language for
the general reader, Century
of Service is a record both
of the Province of Alberta and
its oldest military unit, and
the experience of both in the
conflicts of the 20th Century. It
will appeal to those interested
in the history of Canada and
Alberta, military history, and
the meaning of service to one’s
country.
Century of Service is
available in The Museum
Shop.

ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS
South Alberta Light Horse
The South Alberta Light Horse
Regiment Foundation - Directors
Honorary Colonel Stanley A.
Milner, OC, AOE, CD, LL.D
Honorary Lieutenant-Colonel
John D. Watson, FCA
Lieutenant-Colonel Thomas E.
Putt, CD, Commanding Officer
William D. Grace, FCA
*Lieutenant-Colonel Brian G.
Hodgson, CD
Major Monty Johnson, CD
Major Robert McKenzie, MMM,
CD
Lieutenant-Colonel (Ret’d) Harry
J. Quarton, CD, ADC
Major (Ret’d) Paul Robison, CD
*Media Contact
Advisors to the Exhibition
Colonel James Gludo, CD,
Commander 41 CBG
Captain Kelly Hoffman, 8 Field
Engineer Regiment
Captain Colin Michaud, South
Alberta Light Horse
Master Warrant Officer Jim
Ogston, South Alberta Light
Horse
Warrant Officer John Dugas, 8
Field Engineer Regiment
Donald E. Graves, Historian
George M. Milne, The South
Alberta Light Horse Regiment
Foundation
Re-building of the Half-track
Sergeant Rob McCue
Corporal Ian Christie
Corporal Adrian Winton
Major (Ret’d) Reg Hodgson
Marketing/Merchandising
Captain Troy Steele
Trooper David James
Opening Ceremonies
Regimental Sergeant Major Adrian
Thomas
The South Alberta Light Horse
Regiment Foundation
gratefully acknowledges the
contributions to date of our many
friends.
EnCana Corporation
Honorary Colonel Stanley A.
Milner
Honorary Lieutenant Colonel John
D. Watson
Honorary Colonel (Ret’d) Fred P.
Mannix
In Memory of Sergeant Thomas E.
Milner, DCM
Maclab Enterprises
R. J. Nelson Family Foundation
The John and Barbara Poole
Family
Creative Control Media
Productions
Cameron Diggon
Harley N. Hotchkiss
The Hunter Family Foundation
Thelma Milner
Dennis L. Modry
Agrium Inc.
N. Murray Edwards
Lois and Dick Haskayne
Hydraco Industries Ltd.
Letwin Family
George Weston Limited
Jeannie and Jack Agrios
Gordon MacDonald
Susan and David Angus
Gerald J. Maier
Donald F. Archibald
Markedon Energy Ltd.
Algirdas Arelis
Ann and J. R. (Bud) McCaig
Dorothy K. Astle
McDaniel & Associates
Consultants Ltd.
E. Balay
Major (Ret’d) M. Lorne McDonald
J. Allan Bell
LCol (Ret’d) Robert McKenzie
Martha Billes
Roderick A. McLennan
E. Brace Tool Inc.
Medicine Hat Police Service
Edward M. Bredin
Melcor Developments Ltd.
Suzanne and John Burns
Captain Colin C. Michaud
Business Development Bank of
Canada
George M. Milne
Kelly R. Byers
Charmaine Milner and Frederick
Becker
Ted Byfield
Lesley and Jay Milner
Cactus Gas & Oil Operators Ltd.
Doris and David Mitchell
Stephen Campbell
LCol (Ret’d) B. Moore
Patricia and Thomas Campbell
LCol (Ret’d) E.M. Moore
Canadian Western Bank
Diana Nickle
Vincent Chaney
Norlien Foundation
City Lumber & Millwork
Nufarm Agriculture Inc.
Albert Coffin
MWO Jim Ogston
Linda Cook
Esther and Jack Ondrack
LCol (Ret’d) Charles Davies
Pengrowth Management Ltd.
Dennis Erker
Polish Combatants’ Association in
Canada
Felesky Flynn LLP
PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP
FirstEnergy Capital Corp.
LCol Thomas E. and Joyce Putt
Rob Fricker
LCol J. Harry Quarton
Father Stefan Ganowicz
Red Coat Oil & Gas Ltd.
Global Television Network
Rob Renner
W. D. (Bill) Grace
Major (Ret’d) J. H. Reynolds
HCol (Ret’d) Alan M. and Sallie
Graham
Beth and Rob Reynolds
E. L. Hahn
Paul Robison
Wayne Harris
Grant H. Rombough
LCol (Ret’d) J.D. Heine
Royal Canadian Legion #189
LCol H. H. Hennie
Royal Canadian Legion #284
LCol Brian G. Hodgson Ronald H.
Shannon
Harry Hole
David P. Silcox
Honda West
Bernard Spaner
Laurids Hyttenrauch
Donald Stewart
Innicor Subsurface Technologies
David L. Summers
Major Montgomery W. Johnson
Vivian P. Thoresen
Kouri Berezan Heinrichs
Elizabeth Waller
Lafarge Canada Inc.
J. Angus Watt
James G. Laidlaw
Robert D. Wear
J. H. Laycraft
Michael Wotherspoon
Glen A. Lee
R. H. Wotherspoon
Livestock Identification Services
Ltd.
Col Paul F. Wynnyk
Anonymous
And by the Officers, Warrant
Officers and Senior Non-
Commissioned Officers, Junior
Non-Commissioned Officers,
Soldiers of the South Alberta
Light Horse, and numerous
agencies, individuals and
corporations who have indicated
their potential support and whose
names will be published.

ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS
the Provincial Museum of alberta
The Provincial Museum of Alberta Project Team consists of a working core and a
support team. They are as follows:
Director Bruce McGillivray
Asst. Director, Exhibits Tom Thurston
Core Team
Project Coordinator - Hannah Aaron
Exhibit Designer - Paul Beier/Bryan McMullen
Graphics - Carolyn Lilgert
- Sean Moir
Education - David Parama
Public Programming - Kim Gough
Conservator - Margot Brunn
Communications - Todd Crawshaw
Marketing - Julie Calderbank
Special Events - Karen Mackie
Member - Bruce Bolton
Member - Steve Fisher
Support Team
Audio Visual - Ken Romanyshyn/Ryan Manickchand
Volunteer Services - David Parama
Museum Shop - Kim Wright
Collections - Mike Luchanski
Security - Ed Stankiewicz
Project Support - Eileen Ryton/Bill Malysh/
- Nevin Hayter/Ken Patraschuk