Chapter LVII: St. Matthew’s Church and the War (1)

[A description of the work done by each of the churches in Nova
Scotia would require a book in itself. The following article on the
activities of St. Matthew’s Church, Halifax, is typical of the
manner in which the churches of all denominations throughout the
Province watched over the spiritual and material welfare of men of
the Overseas’ Units.—EDITOR.]

Early in the War, as soon as it became evident to the citizens of Halifax that the struggle against “Might” would endure for some time, and that this station would become again and remain an important rendezvous for the army and navy while hostilities lasted, the question of showing some tangible appreciation to the volunteers who were rallying to the colors became paramount in many minds. Noticing the presence of many of these men at the regular church services in St. Matthew’s the minister (Rev. J. W. Macmillan, D.D.) conceived the idea of having special receptions so that they, while in Halifax, should find a real church home and get sociably acquainted with members of the congregation.

Such receptions were held at the close of the usual Sunday evening services. Many of the men were met thus and later welcomed at various homes during the week. It was later found expedient for these hosts to join forces so as to be able to entertain larger numbers than could be accommodated at the houses, and it was thus that the Thursday evening entertainments originated in the schoolroom of St. Matthew’s Church during October, 1914. These gained immediately in popularity until crowded houses with S.R.O. signs continued for five winters without intermittence, except for a few weeks following the great explosion of December, 1917.

The ladies of the congregation were from first to last the chief motive power at all these meetings, and the secret of their success. Some were not publicly in evidence but worked “behind the scenes” in supplying and providing the refreshments that formed a most important part of these functions and did yeoman service. The work was quickly organized into a perfect system, everybody being assigned to a task that suited the particular attitude of the worker, with plenty of eager helpers always on hand as reserves.

This organization was not any premeditated system nor was it arranged on the basis of any other movement, but being almost impromptu formed itself with a naturalness according to the needs as they developed until it appeared to become as perfect as is humanly possible and so it continued with an earnest patriotic zeal on the part of the people anxious to help but unable to go to the field of war because of their sex or their age limit. Some distinguished themselves as caterers, cooks, coffee makers, waiters or waitresses and even as dishwashers. Others at the doors as welcoming committees or indoors as cartoon makers, lantern manipulators, contest managers, leaders of choruses and accompanists or “masters of ceremonies” and chairmen. Others again found work in advertising the meetings at the various ships and barracks until it became the rule that every new Regiment or warship arriving at Halifax was promptly advised of these Thursday evening meetings.

The entertainment itself evolved into a systematic method by natural causes too, rather than by design. Noting the crowds of soldiers and sailors on the streets at an early hour the doors were opened at 6.30 p.m. and immediately the hall began filling. To entertain the early arrivals a magic lantern displayed reproductions of recent war cartoons and cheery messages, while various popular songs and choruses thrown on the screen by the same method with a good accompanist at the piano got every one settled down for a hearty sing-song. Each week the cartoons were supplemented with additions and new songs added, along with items of current interest and latest news, more pictures of local topics and jokes that were fully appreciated. These opening features proved attractive and were followed with some contest varying weekly in their style and nature, for which prizes were awarded—always two at the least and sometimes as many as twelve, most of them being made and given by the ladies of the congregation—that were keenly contested for by the men in uniform. This first portion of the meeting soon became an essential part of the entertainment and was usually controlled by a “master of ceremonies,” who between 7.45 to 8 o’clock would surrender his position to the chairman of the evening, and he in turn would call the meeting to order with the singing of the National Anthem, and after a few words of welcome the concert proper was conducted.

In this respect all the best and cleverest artists, without distinction of class or creed, responded willingly and enthusiastically to the committees having charge of the programmes. These committees rotated in their work and there arose a healthy competition between them in acquiring special performers and singers to assure successful concerts.

At nine o’clock an adjournment for refreshments took place. This half-hour provided an opportunity for conversation as well as for eating; the lantern threw cartoons and pictures, jokes and songs on the screen so that good humor continued to prevail. During this interval some committee members moved among the audience seeking for impromptu items for a programme that was continued along with choruses from 9.30 to 10 o’clock and even later for the benefit of such as had special “late leave.”

The interest in these entertainments did not wane. It never flagged at any period of the five winters. The workers never tired of their tasks, nor was there ever any difficulty noticed in obtaining a bountiful supply of musical talent or refreshments to ensure success.

The secret of any extra degree of popularity for these Thursday evenings cannot be attributed to any one cause but rather to a combination of circumstances. To a great degree the down-town position of St. Matthew’s made a strong appeal. The early start of these concerts caused them to be better known perhaps, and the fact of their regularity and continuity helped matters greatly, and yet, perhaps more than all, the ladies of St. Matthew’s were a greater factor than all these. This can be stated without in any degree disparaging the great work done by other churches and institutions or of ladies who were equally active in other places, and yet these ladies as a body were able to greet all the men in uniform with a heartiness that was promptly felt and without at any time the semblance of that familiarity that breeds contempt or of a patronizing air to which soldiers and sailors especially are most sensitive, and at no time was there anything but the most respectful and kindly feeling shown on either side.

No smoking was indulged in at these gatherings, and none appeared to wish the privilege. The men refrained out of their natural respect to the ladies in the audience. Later on some “No Smoking Allowed” signs were placed in the ante-rooms, where some were wont to indulge in a few puffs during the intervals, but this was done on account of the fire risks in the older part of the structure and did not occasion much if any comment.

To the credit of the men themselves it can be recorded now that though between 125 and 150 of these meetings were held and the average attendance was well over 400 men in uniform at each, only two men were noticed to be the worse for liquor, and one of these occasioned the only instance of a disagreement over any contest that took place on those evenings, and in his case the offender came back to the following meeting and apologized for his own unseemly behavior. This is a record for our soldiers and sailors of which the people of St. Matthew’s feel particularly proud. In itself it repays them fully for any efforts that were undertaken and leaves them ready to entertain such men whenever an opportunity occurs.

The Sunday evening services of song were in some respects even more successful than the Thursday night concerts. A better chance to meet and know the men was afforded, and a better opportunity provided to intermingle and converse. The strangers invariably seemed to meet people from their own home towns or provinces, and the men from Britain found enthusiasts from Scotland, England, Ireland or Wales ready to greet them on mutual racial grounds.

The addresses on these occasions always had a more serious, religious or sentimental strain than was noticeable on week nights, and the Rev. Dr. Clarke, who succeeded Dr. Macmillan in 1916 as minister of the congregation was always ready to tell a good story and point a moral with good effect. The lantern was used for throwing the words of well-known hymn tunes on the screen, and the singing often had the fervor of a revival meeting. As each Unit or Regiment was known to be embarking for the Front, “God Be With You Till We Meet Again” was invariably sung and often that hymn, “Eternal Father Strong to Save” and various war-time versions thereof were prayerfully sung. Besides the hymn singing there were always solos, duets or quartettes rendered by the church choir and other artists. Refreshments were served before dispersing, but were plainer than the fare dispensed on Thursdays, being confined to tea and biscuits so as to lessen the labor in deference to the Sabbath. These however, were greatly appreciated by men who had eaten their suppers at 4 p.m. with no other meal in prospect until the next day.

Some thousands signed their autographs in visitors’ books that were frequently passed around for signature, and among them are those of hundreds who now lie in Flanders fields or gave their lives for God and King and Country in other spheres of the War zone. Many appreciatory letters were received from boys and men after they left Halifax, expressing their appreciation of these receptions, some of them comparing the wintry nights in the trenches or on the North Sea with the peaceful hours spent at St. Matthew’s. Many wives and mothers in all parts of Canada have heard of St. Matthew’s and Halifax and have shown their thankfulness in many ways for the attention given their husbands and sons while here. The work of the Halifax Churches combined with the activities of the Citizens’ Reception Committee and the Y.M.C.A. work at Pier 2 throughout the War have made the name of Halifax well and favorably known throughout the land. Even now that the War is over the duty of the churches towards the strangers within their gates should be continued—the need is great though the boys and men may not be in uniform and many of these could enjoy and appreciate as the soldiers and sailors did, a warm and kindly welcome from a Christian community.

SPECIAL SKETCHES

PROMINENT NOVA SCOTIANS

SOME KILLED IN ACTION—OTHERS “CARRYING ON”

COL. W. E. THOMPSON.]

To the organizing ability, and more especially the extraordinary genius for administration, of Col. W. E. Thompson must be given the chief credit for the splendid achievement and unsullied record of Military District No. 6. Second in Command of the 63rd Halifax Rifles at the outbreak of the War, he was, in December, 1914, called in by headquarters to assume the duties of Inspector of Outposts and Detachments throughout the district, with the rank of Lieutenant-Colonel. In March, 1915, he was appointed Assistant Adjutant-General and Officer in Charge of Administration of Military District No. 6. In May, 1916, he was promoted to the rank of Colonel; and during the summer of that year, in addition to his duties as Assistant Adjutant-General, was Commandant of the Camp at Aldershot. In December, 1918, Colonel Thompson succeeded to the command of Military District No. 6.

The effect of his personality and of his genius for organization and, more particularly, administration, on the whole service of Military District No. 6, as well as on its morale, was extraordinary. He was regarded by Headquarters Staff, even by the three General Officers Commanding, before he succeeded to the command, as the authentic administrative “Mind” of the district. No other military district had such varied and great administrative problems and such heavy responsibilities as Military District No. 6, and yet the War was concluded with not a single mark against the administration and not a breath of scandal on its personnel and their conduct of the various Departments. For that splendid achievement Colonel Thompson was chiefly responsible.

In heart, however, he was eminently the soldier. Repeatedly he volunteered for active service Overseas, and even specially appealed to Ottawa for permission to go Overseas with a Unit, but the Canadian Militia Department was obdurate, declaring that his genius for organization and administration was of such a character that he could not be spared from headquarters Military District No. 6. Strict, firm, and soldierly at headquarters, Colonel Thompson, notwithstanding, exemplified democracy in the most undemocratic of institutions, the army. His genuine democracy, his tempering of justice with mercy, and his fine kindliness won for him the high respect and admiration of all ranks.

* * * * *

Col. Gordon S. Harrington, K.C., is a son of the late C. S. Harrington, K.C., of Halifax, N.S. He was admitted to the Bar on October 19, 1904, and practised his profession at Glace Bay, N.S. He was one of the original Company Commanders of the 85th Battalion with the rank of Major, and, on the formation of the Nova Scotia Highland Brigade, returned to Cape Breton and supervised the recruiting of the 185th Battalion. He was transferred to that Unit with his rank of Major and proceeded Overseas with it. When the Brigade was broken up he was sent to the Imperial First Senior Infantry School at Bedford, where he passed the qualifying examination with the highest marks ever attained at that institution. On reporting to the Nova Scotia Regimental Depot at Bramshott he was posted to the 17th Reserve Battalion, of which he was successively Second in Command and O.C. In May, 1917, he was transferred to the Staff of the Overseas Minister, London, and a short time later was appointed Assistant Deputy Minister. In 1918 he was appointed Deputy Minister and promoted to the rank of Colonel. He served in the field on Corps Headquarters.

COL. GORDON S. HARRINGTON.]

* * * * *

Having in mind the fact that at the sudden outbreak of war, August, 1914, the permanent military force of Canada only numbered 3,075, it will be readily understood that the Department of Militia and Defence was at once compelled to grapple with an enormous task for which no one could expect it to be prepared. The situation had to be met. The work had to be done. It had to be done quickly, and it is to the everlasting credit of Canada that we had men of outstanding ability and energy to cope successfully with the urgent situation.

HON. F. B. M‘CURDY,
Secretary of Department of Militia.]

By July, 1916, our military force was 312,844. Of these 136,185 were in Canada and 176,659 were Overseas. The number was daily increasing; and only those who were in close touch with the tremendous work of organizing, equipping, supplying and despatching such an army can realize what that meant in comparison with the work of administering affairs in regard to about 3,000 men during times of peace.

In these circumstances, and in view of the further fact that the exigencies of affairs frequently called the Minister of Militia away from Ottawa for the purpose of visiting recruiting centres and military camps in Canada, as well as Canadian Headquarters in England, the Government decided that it was necessary to have a Parliamentary Secretary of the Department of Militia and Defence; and, accordingly, on July 16, 1916, by an Order-in-Council the office was created endowing the holder with general authority in regard to administration of the Department, and directing that during the absence from Ottawa of the Minister, the Parliamentary Secretary should also preside at all meetings of the Militia Council and report to the Privy Council through the Prime Minister.

Fortunately, the services of a man of wide experience in business affairs, of well-known executive ability and withal energetic in discharge of duty, in the person of Mr. F. B. McCurdy, M.P., was available, and the Prime Minister wisely asked him to take up this very important work.

Mr. McCurdy willingly agreed; but with one stipulation. The salary affixed to the office was $5,000. Mr. McCurdy was past military age, but he believed that every man should, as far as was in his power, contribute to national duty. He, therefore, stipulated that his services as Parliamentary Secretary of the Militia Department would be a free contribution to the country, and he so served.

Immediately after Mr. McCurdy’s appointment, Sir Sam Hughes, Minister of Militia and Defence, went Overseas; and from that time, which, it will be remembered, was a very active and critical period of the War, until the creation of the Ministry of Overseas Military Forces of Canada, Mr. McCurdy played a very important part in the vital work of building up and strengthening Canada’s great army.

Naturally Mr. McCurdy while discharging his weighty duties with due and patriotic regard to the national interests of the whole country, had a sympathetic ear for his fellow Nova Scotians; and it is well known that his good judgment and influential voice prevailed in regard to irritating questions as to the representation of Battalions at the Front, with results that afforded great satisfaction to the people of his native Province. It is sufficient to say that Mr. McCurdy’s eminent record as Parliamentary Secretary proved the unerring judgment of the Prime Minister in selecting the right men for responsible positions.

At the election of December, 1917, Mr. McCurdy was returned by acclamation for Colchester, his native county.

* * * * *

MAJOR-GENERAL G. L. FOSTER, M.D., F.R.C.S., LL.D., C.B.]

Son of George and Elmira Foster. Born at North Kingston, Kings County, Nova Scotia, May, 1874. Graduated M.D. 1896, University of New York, U.S.A. First appointment, Canadian Militia, August 4, 1897, Lieutenant and Assistant Surgeon, 68th Regiment, Kings County, Nova Scotia. Served with Yukon Field Forces as P.M.O., March, 1898, to July, 1900. April, 1913, appointed Assistant Director of Medical Services, Military District No. 2, with headquarters at Toronto, Ontario. September, 1914, sailed from Quebec with First Canadian Contingent and appointed A.D.M.S. 1st Division Canadians, with the rank of Colonel. Served in France from February, 1915, to September, 1915, as A.D.M.S. 1st Division Canadians. September, 1915, appointed Deputy Director of Medical Services, Canadian Corps, on its formation and served with Canadian Corps in France until February, 1917, when appointed Director-General of Medical Services, Overseas Military Forces of Canada with the rank of Major-General, headquarters in London, England. March, 1920, appointed Acting Director-General of Medical Services, Canadian Militia, with headquarters at Ottawa.

_Medals and Decorations._

1914–15 Star.

General Service Medal.

Victory Medal with Leaf.

_Decorations, Military._

Companion of the Order of the Bath.

Knight of Grace, St. John of Jerusalem.

Officer Legion of Honour.

Civil Honors received as Head of the Canadian Medical Service during
the Great War, 1914–15.

October, 1919, Edinburgh University conferred the degree of F.R.C.S.

June, 1920. McGill University, conferred the degree of LL.D.

* * * * *

LIEUT.-COL. CHARLES E. BENT, C.M.G., D.S.O.]

Lieut.-Col. Charles E. Bent was a Captain in the 93rd Cumberland Regiment at the outbreak of the War. He immediately volunteered for active service and, as Adjutant of the 17th Battalion, accompanied the First Division to England. On the breaking up of that Unit he took a draft over to the 13th Battalion, arriving in France April, 1915. He reported for duty with the 15th Battalion and was given command of a Platoon. He became a Company Commander immediately after the fighting of Festubert, 1915; Second in Command December 31, 1915; and Officer Commanding the 15th Battalion in May, 1916. He took part in all fighting with the First Division until wounded August 9, 1918, near Caix, east of Amiens. He rejoined his Battalion on October 1st, and after the Armistice proceeded with the Army of Occupation to Germany. He acted as Brigade Commander on several occasions and was in command of the 3rd Brigade from October 20 to November 24, 1918. He took part in the following battles:

Festubert 1915
Givenchy 1915
Messines 1915
Ypres 1916
Ploegsteerte 1916
Ypres 1916
Hill 60 1916
Sanctuary Wood 1916
Somme 1916
Vimy Ridge 1917
Hill 70 1917
Passchendaele 1917
Telegraph Hill 1918
Amiens 1918
Drocourt-Queant Line 1918

and others up to the signing of the Armistice, November 11, 1918.

_Decorations._

C.M.G.
D.S.O. and Bar.
1914–15 Star.
Colonial Auxiliary Forces’ Long Service Medal.
Seven mentions in despatches.

* * * * *

LIEUT.-COL. J. A. M‘DONALD.]

Lieut.-Col. J. A. McDonald started his military career by enlisting in the 17th Sydney Field Battery in 1896, receiving first-class certificate from the R.S.A., Quebec, winter of 1897–98, enlisted for service in South Africa 1899, served in “E” Battery and 4th C.M.R., obtained commission in the 17th 1906, qualified and promoted through the various stages until he took command of the Battery in 1913, was still in command at outbreak of the War in August, 1914, when he volunteered the Battery for Overseas service through the then Brigade Commander, Lieut.-Col. H. G. McLeod. August 8, 1914. On arrival at Valcartier he was posted as Captain to the 5th Westmount Battery, 2nd Brigade, C.F.A., promoted in Field to rank of Major May, 1915, and took command of 7th Battery, promoted to rank of Lieutenant-Colonel April, 1917, and was posted to command the 3rd Brigade, C.F.A., commanded this Brigade until it was demobilized in Canada in May, 1919, except for period of three months, during which time he was attached to the 4th Canadian Division Artillery Headquarters, acting as C.R.A.

During the above period of four years and ten months on active service he went through every engagement in which the Canadian Corps took part from the day the First Canadian Division landed on French soil (February 12, 1915) up to the day of the Armistice, November 11, 1918.

Decorations are as follows:—

Queen’s South Africa Medal, Three Clasps.
D.S.O., _London Gazette_, 1–1–17.
Mentioned in despatches, _London Gazette_, 4–1–17.
Mentioned in despatches, _London Gazette_, 28–5–18.
Mentioned in despatches, _London Gazette_, 31–12–18.
Mentioned in despatches, _London Gazette_, 11–7–19.
Awarded Bar to D.S.O., _London Gazette_, 1–2–19.
1914–15 Star, _London Gazette_, 3–5–19.

Total period of service, twenty-three years, of which six years and
four months were spent on active service.

* * * * *

LIEUT.-COL. T. HOWARD MACDONALD, C.A.M.C.]

Went Overseas January, 1915, unattached, with the rank of Major. He was first attached to the Canadian Convalescent Hospital at Bearwood Park. From there he went to Bath, thence to Moore Barracks Hospital, and was later appointed Medical Examiner of the Pension Board, London. He went to France as Medical Officer of a Labor Battalion. He was promoted to the rank of Lieutenant-Colonel and received the appointment of Commanding Officer of the medical personnel of the Hospital Ship _Llandovery Castle_. This ship was torpedoed by an enemy submarine on June 27, 1918, and Lieutenant-Colonel Macdonald was drowned. Out of the entire ship’s company there were only twenty-four survivors, and of the hospital personnel of ninety-seven only one officer and five other ranks escaped. In spite of their appalling circumstances the conduct of all on board was in fitting keeping with the proudest traditions of the British Army and the mercantile marine. And throughout nothing was more marked than the coolness and courage of the fourteen Canadian Nursing Sisters, every one of whom was lost. Two of the nursing sisters—Pearl Fraser and Minnie Follette—were Nova Scotians.

* * * * *

MISS MARGARET MACDONALD, LL.D., R.R.C.,

Matron-in-Chief of Canadian Nursing Sisters.]

Miss Macdonald was born at Bailey’s Brook, Pictou County, and is a daughter of the late D. D. Macdonald. She is a sister of Col. R. St. John Macdonald, who was in command of the St. Francis Xavier Unit. Miss Macdonald served in the Spanish-American War, in the South African War, and later in the Canal Zone at Panama. In November, 1906, she was appointed a Nursing Sister in the Canadian Army Permanent Medical Corps, and after taking a course in England received the appointment of Matron-in-Chief and was in command of three thousand Canadian Nursing Sisters during the Great War. She has been decorated with the Royal Red Cross and the Florence Nightingale medal.

* * * * *

Lieut. M. F. Gregg, a graduate of Acadia University, Wolfville, won the Victoria Cross while serving with the Royal Canadian Regiment. The following is the official record as published in the _London Gazette_:

“On September the 28th, when the advance of the Brigade was held up by fire on both flanks and by thick, uncut wire, he crawled forward alone and explored the wire until he found a small gap, through which he subsequently led his men and forced an entry into the enemy trench. The enemy counter-attacked in force and through lack of bombs the situation became critical.

LIEUT. M. F. GREGG, V.C.]

“Gregg, although wounded, returned alone under a terrific fire and collected a further supply, then rejoined his party which was now much reduced. Despite a second wound he reorganized his men and led them in the most determined way against the enemy trenches, which he finally cleared. He personally killed or wounded eleven of the enemy and took twenty-five prisoners, besides capturing twelve machine guns in this trench. Remaining with the Company, despite his wounds, he again, on September 30th, led the men in attack until severely wounded. The outstanding valor of this officer saved many casualties and enabled the advance to continue.”

* * * * *

PTE. JOHN CROAK, V.C.]

Pte. John Croak, V.C., was born in Newfoundland and came to Glace Bay with his parents at four years of age. He attended St. John’s School, New Aberdeen, Glace Bay, and afterwards worked as a miner in No. 2 Colliery, Glace Bay (the biggest in the world). He volunteered for Overseas service in the 55th Battalion and was transferred to the 13th Battalion. He died of wounds received in action on August 8, 1918. His father, mother, two sisters and two brothers are living at Glace Bay.

The official notice from the War Office announcing the award of the Victoria Cross was as follows:

“On August 8, 1918, during the attack on Amiens Defence System, after being separated from his section, Private Croak encountered a machine-gun nest in Ring Copse, which he dealt with by first bombing unassisted and then jumping into the post, taking the gun and crew prisoners. Shortly afterwards he was severely wounded in the right arm but refused to desist.

“In a few minutes his Platoon, which this soldier had rejoined, again encountered a very strong point, containing several machine-guns and they were forced to take cover. Private Croak, however, seeing an opportunity, dashed forward alone, and was almost immediately followed by the remainder of the Platoon in a brilliant charge. He was the first to arrive at the trench line, into which he led the men, capturing three machine-guns and bayoneting or capturing the entire garrison.

“The perseverance and courage of this gallant man were undoubtedly responsible for taking the strongest point in the whole day’s advance.

“Private Croak was again severely wounded in the knee and died in a few minutes.”

On November 23, 1918, Lieutenant-Governor Grant formally presented the Victoria Cross to his mother, Mrs. James Croak, of New Aberdeen, Cape Breton. The Lieutenant-Governor complimented the parents and a sister who accompanied them on the fact that their son and brother had so well demonstrated that he came of good stock and was a good soldier, a brave man, and a hero.

* * * * *

MAJOR CECIL VERGE STRONG, M.C.]

Major Cecil Verge Strong, M.C., son of Percy T. Strong, Esq., of Halifax. He was O.C. 15th Field Company, Royal Engineers, and the youngest Commanding Officer in the British Army. He was killed in action March 10, 1917, aged 23 years. Buried Piney Post Cemetery, Maurepas, near Peronne. Mentioned in despatches five times.

MAJOR J ARNOLD DELANCEY, M.C.]

MAJOR EDWARD W. JOY.]

Major J. Arnold Delancey, M.C., joined the 40th Battalion and transferred to the 25th Battalion as machine gun officer. He was Adjutant of the 25th in France and attained his majority in October, 1916. He was killed at Vimy Ridge, April 9, 1917, while leading his Battalion, of which he was in temporary command. He was decorated with the Military Cross. He had a distinguished career and was rapidly promoted on account of his good work at the Front.

Major Edward W. Joy went Overseas with 106th Battalion. Transferred to 78th Battalion in France. Killed in action at Vimy Ridge, April 9, 1917.

* * * * *

Lieut. Kennet Stairs. Born 1889. Killed in action September 30, 1918, while serving with 60th Battery, C.F.A., near Cambrai.

Lieut. Philip Boyd Stairs, D.S.O. Born 1895. Wounded while serving with 5th Canadian Division, T.M.B. Died of influenza at Valenciennes, November 21, 1918.

Capt. George W. Stairs. Born 1887. Killed at St. Julien, April 24, 1915, while serving with the 14th Battalion.

Capt. John C. Stairs. Born 1891. Killed at Courcellette, September 15, 1916, while serving with the 25th Battalion.

Capt. Gauvin L. Stairs. Born 1896. Killed at Moquet Farm, near Courcellette, September 7, 1916, while serving with the 14th Battalion.

Pte. Graham Stairs. Born 1894. Died of pneumonia at Halifax, December 10, 1915, while serving with the 85th Battalion.

“One by one Death challenged them. One by one they smiled in his
grim visage and refused to be dismayed.”

* * * * *

THE STAIRS FAMILY.

LIEUT. KENNET STAIRS.]

LIEUT. PHILIP R. STAIRS.]

_Sons of Mrs. Edward Stairs, Halifax._

CAPT. GEORGE W. STAIRS.]

CAPT. JOHN C. STAIRS.]

_Sons of George Stairs, Halifax._

CAPT. GAUVIN L. STAIRS.]

PTE. GRAHAM STAIRS.]

_Sons of Gauvin L. Stairs, Halifax._

* * * * *

CAPT. E. J. DWYER.]

CAPT. L. RAY CUTTEN.]

CAPT. EDGAR S. SPURR. M.C.]

CAPT. GEORGE COLLINS PARISH, YARMOUTH, N.S.]

Capt. E. J. Dwyer was Second in Command of “C” Company, 85th Battalion. He left the Battalion shortly after it arrived in England to join the 25th Battalion in France. After serving with the latter Unit for six months he was detailed to proceed to Mesopotamia, and sailed on the _Nyanza_. This ship was torpedoed and Captain Dwyer was drowned.

* * * * *

Capt. L. Ray Cutten, an officer in the 93rd Cumberland Regiment. He volunteered for service Overseas at the outbreak of war and was Assistant Adjutant of the 17th Battalion. He transferred to the 15th Battalion and again to the 2nd Battalion, in which he was a Company Commander and was recommended for the Military Cross. He was killed at Maple Grove, near Hill 60, June 5, 1916. Buried near Poperinghe.

* * * * *

Capt. Edgar S. Spurr, M.C., obtained his commission in 112th Battalion. Promoted to rank of Captain July 24, 1916. Reverted to go to France, where he served with the 25th Battalion. Awarded the Military Cross and regained the rank of Captain. August 15, 1917. Killed in action, June 14. 1918.

* * * * *

Capt. George Collins Parish, Yarmouth, N.S. Immediately after the outbreak of the Great War, was appointed Lieutenant in the 81st Regiment Canadian Infantry.

Commissioned as a Lieutenant in the 40th Battalion, C.E.F. Recruited a Platoon in Yarmouth for that Unit, took them to Valcartier. After a period of training he was sent Overseas in command of a reinforcing draft of 250 men.

He was attached to the 17th Reserve Battalion at Bramshott for a period, when, in 1916, he was posted to the 25th Battalion, and sent to Belgium, was severely wounded and invalided home. On his partial recovery he was posted to the 1st Nova Scotia Regiment, Depot Battalion, as Paymaster, with the rank of Captain. He contracted influenza and died October 28, 1918. Was interred at Mountain Cemetery, Yarmouth.

* * * * *

Six sons of G. Douglas and Kate G. Campbell, of Weymouth, were volunteers in August, 1914.

* * * * *

COLIN, the youngest, enlisted first and served at McNab’s Island. He joined the 23rd Battery at Fredericton in November. Proceeded Overseas in March, 1915, and arrived in France the following June. Severely wounded at La Bassee, June 19th. On discharge from hospital he joined the Imperial Service and obtained his commission. Returned to the Front during the winter of 1915–16. Received multiple wounds July 19th and was awarded the M.C. After discharge from hospital he was decorated by the King and again returned to the Front. Passed examination for aviation during the summer, but returning to the artillery was killed in action near Passchendaele, October 10, 1917.

* * * * *

TOM, also joined the 23rd Battery and proceeded to England with Colin. He was transferred to the 3rd Battalion and served at the Front from June to December, 1915. Trench life and its filthy conditions undermined his health, and in December he was shell-shocked and sent to hospital. He returned to Canada in 1916.

* * * * *

KENNETH, began his training for active service at Halifax, later going to Valcartier. He was sent to Weymouth to assist in recruiting the 85th and 219th Battalions. He proceeded Overseas in August, 1916, and joined the 42nd Battalion. He became Bombing Officer of that Unit, and was killed at Vimy Ridge, January 18, 1917, and buried at Mount St. Eloi.

* * * * *

JOHN DUNCAN, joined the 106th Battalion at Truro in January, 1916. Arrived in England, July, 1916, and at the Front in December, 1916. Wounded in hand and thigh at Vimy Ridge, April 8, 1917. Returned to the Front and served until shell-shocked at Rochmont. Returned to Halifax, June, 1918.

* * * * *

THE SIX CAMPBELL BROTHERS.]

GLIDDEN, the eldest, was already in the Militia when the War broke out, his commission being dated June, 1914. He was in command of the Digby Detachment of the Garrison Artillery at Barrington, N.S., and joined the 85th Battalion in October, 1915, as Machine Gun Officer. He proceeded Overseas with that Unit, arriving in France in time for the Vimy show. He was appointed to the command of “B” Company in October, 1917. He led his Company at Passchendaele, wiping out over a dozen machine gun nests and capturing a pill-box single-handed. Was blown into the air by a shell and, although wounded, refused to leave the line. He was awarded the M.C. He carried on with the Battalion until June, 1918, when, after an attack of trench fever and suffering from the effects of gas, he was sent to the South of France to recuperate. He later transferred to the Forestry Corps, taking command of the 79th Company and was promoted to the rank of Major.

* * * * *

ALBERT MUNGO, volunteered in 1914, but as his five brothers had left his father’s business, it was decided that he should remain at home. He was so anxious to join up, however, that he was reluctantly permitted to do so, and in the early spring of 1916 enlisted in the 58th Battery, C.F.A. He went to the Front with that Unit and remained with it to the finish. He was the last of the four surviving brothers to arrive home.

* * * * *

CAPT. H. A. MURRAY.]

Capt. H. A. Murray joined the 24th Battalion as Lieutenant during the winter of 1915 from the McGill C.O.T.C., and served as Transport Officer until May, 1916. Promoted to Captain in July, 1916, and to Acting-Major while in command of a Company in September, 1916. Was Company Commander of “D” Company, 24th Battalion, when killed in fighting for Regina Trench, near Courcellette, on October 1, 1916.

* * * * *

CAPT. EDWARD C. CLAYTON, M.C.]

Capt. Edward C. Clayton, M.C., son of W. J. Clayton, Halifax. Appointed Lieutenant 85th Battalion, December 28, 1916. Promoted to rank of Captain, August 9, 1917. Awarded Military Cross, Eleudit Leauvette. Although not his turn to lead his Company in the attack on Passchendaele Ridge he urged his reasons for doing so upon his Commanding Officer so strongly that permission was given him. He was killed by a piece of shell just as his Company advanced in the attack, but he had made his preparation so carefully that they carried on, annihilated the enemy, gained their objectives, dug in, and held their position intact until the Battalion was relieved.

* * * * *

CAPT. HARRY ELTHAN HILTON.]

Capt. Harry Elthan Hilton, only child of Mr. and Mrs. A. H. Hilton, of Kingston, Nova Scotia. Born September 16, 1894. When war broke out was on the Staff of the Bank of Nova Scotia. He enlisted in the 63rd Regiment on August 14, 1914, gazetted Lieutenant the following month and sailed for England with a draft of the 63rd on March 1, 1916. Went to France, June 14, 1916, and was attached to the 42nd Battalion. He fought at Courcellette and various other engagements throughout the Somme campaign. Later was transferred to the 7th Trench Mortar Battery and was killed at Vimy Ridge. Gazetted Captain, January 13, 1917.

* * * * *

CAPT. A. S. ALLEN, M.C.]

Capt. A. S. Allen, M.C., son of Mr. Arthur E. Allen, of Yarmouth, N.S. Born at Glenwood, Yarmouth County, July 23, 1895. At the age of sixteen he entered the service of the Bank of Nova Scotia, and in 1913 was transferred to the Barrington Street Branch, Halifax. He qualified as Lieutenant in the 81st Regiment and proceeded Overseas with the 40th Battalion. In March, 1916, he joined the 18th Battalion in France. He was later gazetted Captain and awarded the Military Cross. In November he transferred to the R.F.C. On April 30, 1917, while reconnoitering over Gouzeaucourt his plane was attacked by six enemy machines. Captain Allen was hit by a machine-gun bullet and was dead when his plane crashed. Lieut. D. Mactavish, Inverness, Scotland, who accompanied him on this flight, writes:

“I can never forget him as I saw him at the last, calm and collected to the end, sighting and firing until his strength gave out and he was overcome by exhaustion. It is given to a few men to live greatly, but to be able to die as he did is a gift of God. Truly he won—_Per ardua ad astra_.”

* * * * *

CAPT. J. E. ALMON.]

Capt. J. E. Almon, son of the late Dr. Thomas Almon, of Halifax. Killed in action at Passchendaele, while serving with the P.P.C.L.I.

* * * * *

LIEUT. CYRIL M‘LELLAN MOWBRAY.]

Lieut. Cyril McLellan Mowbray, only son of Lieut. Col. J. A. C. Mowbray, O.B.E., Senior Pay Officer, Military District No. 6. Killed in action, November 10, 1917, at Passchendaele, aged nineteen years, while serving with the 5th Canadian Battalion.

* * * * *

SECOND LIEUT. JOHN STRUAN ROBERTSON.]

Second Lieut. John Struan Robertson, son of Lieut.-Col. Struan G. Robertson, of Pictou. Born in Westville, Pictou County, November 17, 1896. Got his commission from the Royal Military College, Kingston, Ont., in 1917. Attached to the R.F.A., B. 46th Brigade, 14th Division, 5th Army. Killed near Benay, in the neighborhood of St. Quentin, March 21, 1918.

* * * * *

LIEUT. GEORGE MACDONALD SYLVESTER.]

Lieut. George Macdonald Sylvester. Went Overseas with 40th Battalion as Assistant Adjutant. Transferred to 14th Battalion and was killed at Regina Trench, September 26, 1916.

* * * * *

LIEUT. WALTER MELVILLE BILLMAN.]

Lieut. Walter Melville Billman. At Oxford at outbreak of war. Joined Officers’ Training Corps, Oxford. Appointed Second Lieutenant 6th Battalion 1st Middlesex Regiment. Died of wounds received at Battle of Somme, November 5, 1916.

LIEUT. HOWARD CHARLES DAWSON.]

LIEUT. JOHN. H. FIENDAL.]

LIEUT. THOMAS LOUIS BRENNAN.]

LIEUT. G. H. CAMPBELL.]

LIEUT. F. P. H. LAYTON.]

LIEUT. ALFRED S. CHURCHILL.]

* * * * *

Lieut. Howard Charles Dawson, son of Mr. and Mrs. C. M. Dawson, of Truro, N.S. He was killed while on scout duty at Ablain, St. Nazaire, on January 12, 1917, at the age of 22 years. He was buried in Sucrerie Cemetery, near Lens. He enlisted in January, 1916, in the 106th Battalion and transferred to the 26th Battalion in October, 1916. He was scout officer of this Battalion when killed.

* * * * *

Lieut. John H. Fiendal went Overseas as a Sergeant in No. 1 Casualty Clearing Hospital. Was given a commission and joined the 25th Battalion in 1916. He was killed at Vimy Ridge, April 9, 1917.

* * * * *

Lieut. Thomas Louis Brennan trained at Aviation School, Toronto, and went to England December, 1915. Completed his training there and went to France early in 1916. Was wounded, and after being discharged from hospital was employed as an Instructor, and returned to Canada early in 1918. Up to the time of his death was attached to the Aviation School in Toronto. He died of influenza October, 1918.

* * * * *

Lieut. G. H. Campbell, son of George H. Campbell, Esq., of Halifax, joined the 40th Battalion with the rank of Lieutenant. He proceeded Overseas with that Unit, and was later transferred to the 1st Canadian Pioneers. He was killed at Battersea Farm, Ypres, May 16, 1916, aged 22 years.

* * * * *

Lieut. F. P. H. Layton, only son of George A. Layton, Esq., of Truro. Born April 13, 1888. Educated at King’s College School and Dalhousie University. Admitted to the Bar in 1912. When war broke out was practising in Vancouver. He obtained a commission in the 40th Battalion and transferred to the 4th Canadian Mounted Rifles. He was killed in action July 23, 1916.

* * * * *

Lieut. Alfred S. Churchill. Killed in action April 9, 1917, at Vimy Ridge, while serving with the Royal Canadian Regiment.

LIEUT. ALBERT F. MAJOR.]

LIEUT. W. T. BECK.]

LIEUT. J. T. PROBERT, M.C.]

LIEUT. GORDON M. HEBB.]

LIEUT. HAROLD ARCHIBALD SMITH, M.C.]

LIEUT. GERALD. E. CRAGG.]

LIEUT. W. S. FIELDING.]

* * * * *

Lieut. W. T. Beck. Served in Egypt with Royal Air Force. Killed November 15, 1918.

* * * * *

Lieut. Harold Archibald Smith, M.C. Born at Londonderry May 13, 1893. Educated at Sydney Academy and Dalhousie University. Graduated B.A. 1913 and went to Labrador as missionary. At Pine Hill College autumn of 1914. Enlisted in 6th C.M.R. January, 1915. Wounded at the Somme, September 15, 1916. After convalescence went to Bexhill and rejoined his Unit as Lieutenant. Awarded Military Cross August 26, 1918. Two days later at Monchy Heights was severely wounded. Died September 14th at Prince of Wales Hospital, London, and buried in Brookwood Cemetery.

* * * * *

Lieut. Albert F. Major, son of F. G. Major, Esq., of Halifax. Went Overseas with 14th Battalion of Montreal. Killed in action at Zillebeke Heights June 3, 1916.

* * * * *

Lieut. Gordon M. Hebb, son of Levi Hebb, Esq., of Bridgewater, N.S. Killed in action near Courcellette while serving with 78th Battalion.

* * * * *

Lieut. W. S. Fielding, son of George H. Fielding, Esq., Stipendiary Magistrate, Halifax, N.S. Called out for service with his Regiment, the 66th Princess Louise Fusiliers, at the outbreak of war. Proceeded with a draft from that Regiment to England in January, 1916. He was transferred to the 7th British Columbia Battalion in France. He was twice wounded. Killed in action at Passchendaele.

* * * * *

Lieut. J. T. Probert, M.C. Before the War Lieut. Probert was an accountant in the service of the Intercolonial Railway at Halifax. He was attached to the Royal Canadian Regiment in France, and was killed in action at Cambrai, September 30, 1918.

* * * * *

Lieut. Gerald E. Cragg, son of C. J. Cragg, Bridgewater, Nova Scotia. Killed in action June 3, 1916, aged 22 years, 4 months, near Ypres, Belgium, while serving with the 3rd Toronto Regiment.

* * * * *

Lieut. Jas. O’Neill Fitzgerald, M.C., enlisted in the 40th Battalion, was transferred to 25th Battalion in France, May, 1916, and served till April, 1917, when he was promoted to commissioned rank. He rejoined his Battalion in October, 1917, and was wounded at the Battle of Amiens, August 9, 1918, and awarded the Military Cross.

* * * * *

Cadet H. S. Simson enlisted in the 2nd Canadian Divisional Cyclist Company on April 19, 1915. He accompanied his Unit to France on September 15, 1915, and was wounded October 8, 1916, during the Somme offensive. He was awarded the Medaille Militaire (French) on July 6, 1917, for work on the Somme. Joining the Royal Air Force in July, 1918, he served until the signing of the Armistice.

* * * * *

Lieut. Walter O. Barnstead joined the 6th Canadian Mounted Rifles at Halifax, February 11, 1915, and proceeded to France with his Unit in October, 1915. He was transferred to the 5th C.M.R., promoted to commissioned rank in April, 1917, and served with his Unit until the Armistice. He was awarded the Croix de Guerre at Amiens, 1918.

* * * * *

Capt. G. M. Drew was called out with his Regiment, the 1st Canadian Garrison Artillery, on August 22, 1914, and left for Valcartier early in September. From Valcartier he proceeded to England, joining the Royal Garrison Artillery. He proceeded to France with the 1st Siege Battery in September, 1915, and served with this Unit and various Trench Mortar Batteries until June, 1916, when he was invalided to England suffering from trench fever. After service in England, Capt. Drew returned to France in May, 1917, with the 259th Siege Battery, and served in the Ypres Salient and Nieuport areas till the signing of the Armistice.

* * * * *

The four boys mentioned above are all in the employ of the Furness Withy Company, Limited.

LIEUT. JAS. BLAIR.]

LIEUT.-COL. CHARLES J. T. STEWART, D.S.O.]

CAPT. N. P. FREEMAN.]

LIEUT. J. C. SUTHERLAND.]

LIEUT. J. G. LAURIER FRASER.]

EMILE GABOURY.]

LIEUT. IAN C. M‘GREGOR.]

* * * * *

Lieut.-Col. Charles J. T. Stewart, D.S.O., was the son of the late Lieut.-Col. C. J. Stewart, of Halifax. He went Overseas with the P.P.C.L.I. Was awarded the D.S.O. and French Croix de Guerre. He was killed in action September 28, 1918.

* * * * *

Lieut. J. G. Laurier Fraser, son of the late Lieut.-Governor D. C. Fraser. Enlisted at Moose Jaw in the 229th Battalion and sailed for England in September, 1916. Transferred to the 16th Battalion. Killed in action March 6, 1918.

* * * * *

Lieut. Jas. Blair, son of Lieut.-Col. H. C. Blair, of Truro. Killed in action.

* * * * *

Lieut. J. C. Sutherland. Killed in action.

* * * * *

Lieut. Ian C. McGregor. Went Overseas November, 1916. Trained in England with Royal Flying Corps. Went to France as pilot, April, 1917, attached to Squadron 56, and later transferred to Squadron 60. Wounded September 21, 1917, and was eight months in hospital in France. Died at Saranac Lake, N.Y., March 5, 1920. Officially credited with eleven machines.

* * * * *

Capt. Nelson P. Freeman, of Bridgewater, stricken with paralysis while on service in England, was invalided to Canada, and died.

* * * * *

Emile Gaboury, son of Dr. T. C. Gaboury, the late representative of the County of Pontiac, Quebec. Came to Halifax in 1911 as Manager of the Nova Scotia Branch of the Imperial Tobacco Company of Canada, Limited, and after war broke out was appointed French Consul. Notwithstanding his many duties, Mr. Gaboury took an active interest in the Victory Loan, Red Triangle, Knights of Columbus, and the Salvation Army. He was a particularly strong and active member of the Red Cross, and played a large role in the welcoming of returned soldiers at Pier 2. During the War he appealed for the Red Cross in all the theatres of Halifax as well as throughout the Province, and organized Red Cross branches in many of the smaller towns.

COLWELL FAMILY.]

Garnet James Colwell, Lieutenant 66th Halifax Regiment. Served in Canada 1915–1918. Sent Overseas May 16, 1918.

Cyril Henry Colwell, Lieutenant 63rd Halifax Regiment. Served in Canada 1915–1917. Sent Overseas September 5, 1917.

Ray John Colwell, Lieutenant 63rd Halifax Regiment. Served in Canada 1916–1918. Sent Overseas August 3, 1918.

* * * * *

MRS. MAY B. SEXTON, B.SC.]

Mrs. May B. Sexton, B.Sc., Vice-President, Canadian Red Cross Society, Nova Scotia Branch. Ex-Municipal Regent for Halifax, I.O.D.E. Ex-Chairman Halifax Playgrounds Commission, Ex-Vice-President Local Council of Women.

LIST OF OFFICERS OF THE ROYAL BANK WHO ENLISTED FROM BRANCHES IN NOVA
SCOTIA.

Andrewes, F. L.
Annand, C. D.
Anthony, L. F.
Atkinson, C. H.
Aucoin, J. D.
Austen, G. A.
Banks, C. N.
Barry, J. R.
Bezanson, G. A.
Blair, R. G.
Boudreau, L. P.
Bowers, C. C.
Boyd, R. J.
Browne, A. S.
Bryson, W. E.
Buckley, W. A.
Butler, J. K.
Cain, C. L.
Cairns, J. A.
Cameron, J. A.
Cameron, N. P.
Campbell, J. A.
Campbell, J. A.
Campbell, R. B.
Chisholm, A. D.
Chisholm, J. D.
Chapman, P. T.
Cornwall, H. A.
Cosman, E. A.
Cotter, J. G.
Coumans, R. G.
Crowell, A. L.
Crowell, C. L.
Cunningham, H.
Curll, M. H.
Daniel, G. H.
Demers, J. C.
DesBrisay, A. S.
Dexter, R.
Dickie, E. C.
Dickie, K. R.
Dickie, L. W.
Dickson, G. M.
Dodge, C. M.
Doucette, H. H.
Douse, G. A. P.
Durham, E. B.
Dustan, S. B.
Embree, D. T.
Ernst, W. A.
Farnell, A. H.
Flannery, C. G.
Flinn, G.
Forsythe, J. S. G.
Fraser, A. Elmer.
Fraser, A. Ernest.
Fraser, A. M.
Fraser, L. G.
Gage, L. G.
Gass, C.
Gorham, E. R.
Goudrey, K. H.
Grant, B. E.
Gregory, H. S.
Haines, R. S.
Hains, A. P. R.
Hall, H. L.
Hanna, V. M.
Harding, C. E.
Hatfield, A. W.
Hawkins, G. S.
Henderson, H. F.
Herman, R. R.
Johnston, J. L.
Johnstone, G. H.
King, D. A.
King, J. J. W.
Kirk, J. H.
Kierstead, A. L.
Knowles, J. E.
Kyte, S. E.
Kinnie, E. F.
Knowles, J. E.
Langille, L. H.
LeLievre, P.
Lordly, E. F.
Longley, E. G.
Love, H. A.
MacDonald, D. W.
MacDougall, J. I.
MacDougall R.
MacKenzie, W. K.
MacKay, J. W.
MacLean, C. W.
Mann, C. H.
March, J. E. R.
Matthews, C. F.
Melvin, W. D.
Merriam, S. G.
Merritt, F. G.
Milner, C. H.
Millett, J. N. L.
Moore, A. J.
Morrison, W. H.
Morrow, J.
Morash, J. R.
Mosher, A. T.
Mosher, W. A.
Mulcahey, T. J.
Murray, B.
McAlpine, A. F.
McCallum, H. M.
McClafferty, J. K.
McDonald, A. H.
McDonald, D. A.
McIntyre, J. A.
McKenzie, H.
McKenzie, K.
McLaren, A. F.
McLean, M. A.
McLeod, H. H. D.
McRobert, J. A. V.
Neville, E. V.
Newell, A. D.
Newell, E. D.
Nickerson, E. C.
Noonan, P.
O’Connell, J. F.
O’Keefe, T. P.
O’Toole, A. G.
Page, E. H.
Peers, R. H. C.
Peters, W. H.
Pickard, H. J.
Pitman, M. R.
Power, M. L.
Poirier, W. P.
Price, E.
Prince, W. S.
Rafuse, S. A.
Redding, R. E.
Rhind, C. E.
Richardson, R. B.
Ripley, L. W.
Risser, W. A.
Roche, G. E.
Ross, C. S.
Ross, J. K.
Ryan, A. M.
Scriven, J. A.
Shaw, H. J.
Shields, D. D.
Smith, A. R.
Smith, G. J.
Snell, L. L.
Spence, C. M. V.
Spence, R. E.
Stanley, F. A.
Sterns, H. E.
Stephens, A. E.
Stewart, W. I.
Strople, H. G. A.
Stubbs, H. C.
Stewart, D. J.
Tanner, H. R.
Troy, L. T.
Tupper, M. L.
Turnbull, G. A.
Turnbull, G. V.
West, C. F.
Whidden, E. L.
Wicks, W. E.
White, G.
Wickwire, L. H.
Wilmot, A. J.
Wallace, H.
Wilson, J. L.
Wilson, W. M.
Winters, G. W.
Withrow, C. A.
Zinck, A. M.
Zinck, H. A.

MRS. G. S. CAMPBELL.

One of Nova Scotia’s Leading Patriotic War Workers.]

MISS MARION DOULL, V.A.D., MISS MADELINE SCOTT, V.A.D., MISS EDITH
PIKE, V.A.D.

“The Three Shining Lights” of Pine Hill Military Convalescent
Hospital.]

NURSING SISTER MINNIE. FOLLETTE.

Drowned at sea, _Llandovery Castle_, June 27, 1918.]

NURSING SISTER PEARL FRASER.

Drowned at sea, _Llandovery Castle_. June 27, 1918.]

J. G. M‘DOUGALD. M.D., C.M., F.A.C.S.

Especially noted for his Surgical Work following the Great Explosion,
December 6, 1917.]

SONS OF A. B. WISWELL, HALIFAX.]

“Felt Dawn”

By Stuart McCawley

We were sitting on the beach at Mira. Just a lovely Cape Breton moonlight night. The youngsters were singing and telling yarns. One kid recited McCrae’s great poem, “In Flanders Fields,” and one of the boys who had been “over there” asked us if we knew what McCrae meant when he wrote the phrase, “Felt Dawn.” Nobody seemed to be entirely clear on the question, and we asked our friend, the veteran, to describe it for us. Here are his words:

A cold, drizzly rain that is eating through your khaki into your
very heart.

A sea of mud—black, slimy, sticky, stinking mud.

The duck boards floating in ooze.

Your feet wet and heavy, and your toes squichy.

Not a sound of any kind.

The nearest human ten yards away—just around “the bay.”

Darkness supreme. Not even an enemy flare.

You strain your eyes over the parapet to the barbwire.

Your battalion’s life depends on your keeping awake.