Nova Scotia's Part in the Great War

by Unknown

Composite Artillery Company

In April, 1915, detachments from the 27th Battery (Digby) and the 29th Battery (Yarmouth) and No. 1 Siege Company (Mahone), were assembled at Yarmouth, under Lieut.-Col. T. M. Seeley, for preliminary training, and in May following proceeded to Barrington Passage for guard duty at the Radio Station. Among their duties was the construction of a road three miles long through a very difficult country. Practically the whole strength of this Company transferred to Overseas Units. Officers, in addition to the O.C: Capt. W. T. Ernst, and Lieut. C. Melvin.

CHAPTER XXXIV.
THE 63rd REGIMENT HALIFAX RIFLES.

The 63rd Regiment, Halifax Rifles, was first organized as a Regiment in 1860, under the title of “The Halifax Volunteer Battalion.” The Volunteer Companies which then composed the Regiment had previously been acting as independent bodies. The first Colonel was Sir Willian Fenwick Williams, of Kars, and on March 16, 1860, Capt. William Chearnley (late of H.M. 8th King’s Regiment of Foot), who was in command of the Chebucto Greys, was by an order from Adjutant-General’s Office appointed Captain Commanding the Halifax Volunteer Battalion. This was the official date of the organization of the Unit, better known as the 63rd Halifax Rifles.

The Companies comprising the Regiment at its formation were the Scottish Rifles, Chebucto Greys, Mayflower Rifles, Halifax Rifles, Irish Rifles, and Dartmouth Rifles. In 1862 the Dartmouth Engineers joined the Regiment, which mustered seven Companies.

On November 10, 1862, the Halifax City Council presented the Regiment with its first set of colors. The presentation was made by the wife of the Mayor, Mrs. P. C. Hill. On the same date, Lady Mulgrave, wife of the Governor of Nova Scotia, in the name of the ladies of the City of Halifax, presented the Regiment with a silver bugle, which was to be shot for each year. This bugle is still in the possession of the Regiment.

In January, 1865, Captain Chearnley was appointed Lieut.-Colonel and the Battalion reorganized, two of the Companies, the Irish Rifles and Dartmouth Engineers, disbanding. The Halifax Rifles, which was double strength, took the place of the Irish Rifles—the muster now being six Companies. This Regiment had its first call for service in 1866, doing garrison duty during the alarm caused by the Fenian Raids into Canada. The service lasted from June 6th to July 31st.

In 1868 the Regiment was transferred from the Volunteer Force to the Active Militia, and was officially designated as the Halifax Volunteer Battalion of Rifles, and on May 13, 1870, the Militia Department having been regularly organized, the name changed to the 63rd Battalion of Rifles, and later to 63rd Regiment, Halifax Rifles, which name it retained up to and during the late Great War.

Successive Commanding Officers were as follows: Lieut.-Col. Chearnley, 1865 to 1871; Lieut.-Col. Andrew MacKinlay, 1871 to 1872; Lieut.-Colonel Pallister, 1872 to 1879; Lieut.-Col. J. W. Mackintosh, 1879 to 1890; Lieut.-Col. J. D. Walsh, 1890 to 1892; Lieut.-Col. T. J. Egan, 1892 to 1898; Lieut.-Col. John Crane, 1898 to 1903; Lieut.-Col. J. T. Twining, 1903 to 1908; Lieut.-Col. C. A. Gunning, 1908 to 1913; Lieut.-Col. I. W. Vidito, 1913 to 1917; Lieut.-Col. C. A. Mumford, 1917 until demobilized 1918.

The 63rd furnished 109 officers and men for service during the Northwest Rebellion. Major Walsh was in command, with Capts. Hechler, Cunningham and Fortune and Lieutenants Silver, James, Twining, McKie, Fletcher and Fiske. Captain Corbin was appointed Quartermaster of the Provisional Battalion. They entrained for the West on April 4, 1885, and returned to Halifax and rejoined their Unit July 24 of the same year. The Regiment also furnished sixty-one officers, non-commissioned officers and men for service in the South African War.

On the declaration of the Great War, August 4, 1914, the 63rd Regiment, Halifax Rifles was ordered out for service in defence of the Fortress of Halifax. One hundred men under the command of Capt. H. N. Clarke, with Capt. J, W. Logan, Lieut. E. R. Dennis and Lieut. F. H. M. Jones, proceeded at once to Wellington Barracks, and the remainder of the Unit was at once mobilized and proceeded under command to the various war stations assigned to it.

By August 5, 1914, the mobilization of the Unit being completed, the Regiment paraded in full strength under Lieut.-Col. I. W. Vidito, with Major W. E. Thompson Second in Command, and Capt. D. R. Turnbull, Adjutant, and proceeded to their new quarters, Wellington Barracks, where the Composite Company under Capt. H. N. Clarke was absorbed, the officers and men rejoining their old Companies.

On August 12th “B” Company proceeded to McNab’s Island under the command of Capt. C. A. Mumford, with Lieuts. C. N. Bennett and W. E. Doane. “D” Company, under Capt. H. F. Adams and Lieut. C. J. Roche, proceeded to York Redoubt. On August 18th “G” and “H” Companies proceeded to the Eastern Camp Site, Dartmouth. These two Companies were under the command of Major W. H. Conrod. “G” Company (Capt. E. A. Vossnack, Lieuts. G. S. Kinley and G. C. Sircom) occupied York Farm; “H” Company (Capt. H. N. Clarke and Lieuts. E. C. Phinney and J. W. Grant) occupied Kuhn’s Farm. On August 25th “D” Company under Capt. H. F. Adams moved from York Redoubt to Camperdown, and on the same date “A” Company (Capt. F. C. Kingdon, Lieut. R. C. McDonald); “C” Company (Capt. H. G. DeWolfe, Lieut. H. J. Stech) and “F” Company (Capt. J. W. Logan, Lieuts. G. M. Sylvester and F. H. Jones) moved to McNab’s Island. “E” Company (Capt. E. K. McKay, Lieuts. O. Vossnack and E. R. Dennis) moved to Lawlor’s Island. The last four Companies were under the command of Major W. E. Thompson. On August 30th headquarters and regimental details moved to McNab’s Island.

Immediately on arrival at their stations each Company started the work of digging trenches, placing wire entanglements, constructing blockhouses, dugouts, etc. The men were driven at top speed at this work, officers and men working all day as well as doing picquet duty at night.

During the early days of the War H.M. ship Suffolk, then engaged in hunting for the enemy cruiser Karlsruhe, called at Halifax in urgent need of coal, and was coaled in record time by the 63rd Regiment.

On August 22nd the first Overseas draft was called for and twenty-four non-commissioned officers and men under command of Lieuts. A. F. Major and G. L. Stairs, proceeded to Valcartier Camp. On November 25, 1914, forty-eight non-commissioned officers and men were transferred to the 25th Battalion, C.E.F., which was then being organized, and on December 6th Major W. H. Conrod, Lieuts. L. N. B. Bullock, G. C. Sircom and J. A. Grant were transferred to that Battalion.

Major W. E. Thompson was called in by Headquarters Military District No. 6 in December, 1914, to take over the work of Inspector of Outposts and Detachments throughout the district, with the rank of Lieut.-Colonel.

On May 20, 1915, Capt. Wm. Taylor, Lieuts. C. J. Roche and J. A. Watters, with thirty-three other ranks proceeded to Jamaica on military duty. On August 13, 1915, thirty-six other ranks were transferred to the 40th Battalion, then in training at Valcartier. In September, 1915, an Overseas Company was formed to which officers and men given permission to go Overseas were attached for training. From this time, all drafts from the 63rd for Overseas Units were taken from this Company.

An Overseas draft of 100 other ranks with Lieuts. W. D. Simpson, H. D. Hilton and C. D. Llwyd were struck off the strength of the 63rd Regiment on February 25, 1916.

Major H. F. Adams was appointed Officer Commanding Discharge Depot, Halifax, from July 1, 1916. A draft of eighty-eight other ranks under command of Lieuts. H. A. Creighton and Benj. Taylor embarked for Overseas on July 15, 1916. The Regiment was inspected by Field-Marshall H.R.H. Duke of Connaught on August 24, 1916.

The 63rd was placed on a four Company basis from November 1, 1917. The Company officers were: “A” Company, Capt. F. C. Kingdon, Lieuts. J. A. Watters, H. V. Wier, G. W. Churchill, H. S. Holloway. “B” Company, Capts. H. J. Steck, D. W. Kennedy, Lieuts. F. A. Taylor, C. S. Innes, H. R. McCaughin, G. R. Forbes. “C” Company, Capts. E. Ricketts, G. S. Kinley, Lieuts. T. L. Parkman, J. E. Milsom, C. N. Innes. “D” Company, Capts. O. F. Vossnack, W. Taylor, Lieuts. E. G. McMinn, W. R. R. Tayler, H. H. Irwin.

Lieut.-Col. I. W. Vidito was transferred to the Reserve of Officers on July 1, 1917, and was succeeded in the command of the Regiment by Lieut.-Col. C. A. Mumford. On the morning of December 6, 1917, five officers and 143 other ranks were detailed for relief work following the explosion at Halifax. On April 16, 1918, the 6th Battalion Canadian Garrison Regiment was authorized, and in May the 63rd Regiment was relieved from duty. The following named officers were transferred to the 6th Battalion: Lieut.-Col. C. A. Mumford, Capts. E. Ricketts, H. J. Steck, E. K. McKay, G. S. Kinley, Lieuts. H. V. Wier, J. A. Watters, E. G. McMinn, G. W. Churchill, J. E. Milsom, H. R. McCoughin, G. R. Forbes, R. J. Colwell.

The undermentioned officers were transferred to the 1st Nova Scotia Depot Battalion: Lieuts. H. A. Wilson, W. R. R. Tayler, H. S. Holloway, Majors A. R. McCleave and H. N. Clarke, Capts. F. C. Kingdon, J. D. Monoghan and Lieut. T. Parkman were relieved from active service.

On the organization of the First Canadian Contingent the Regiment volunteered for service Overseas, but much to the disappointment of all ranks had to continue its allotted duties in the defence of the Fortress of Halifax. Owing to the heavy demands on the Ordnance Department for clothing and equipment needed by troops preparing for embarkation the requirements of troops on Home Service could not be met until late in 1914, and for some time clothing was patched with flour sacks or any other material available, and worn out soles of boots were reinforced with shingles. In spite of all discouragements the 63rd faithfully performed the tasks assigned it, and when at last it was permitted to send drafts Overseas it became the ambition of all ranks to obtain a transfer to the Overseas Company. Altogether the Regiment supplied 70 officers and 815 other ranks for service at the Front.

The following is a list of officers who served with the Regiment at various times during the War. Those who went Overseas are marked *: *Lieut. A. B. Anderson; Capt. H. F. Adams (now Lieut.-Col. R. O.); *Lieut. A. A. Allenback; *Lieut. W. B. Arthur; *Lieut. H. P. Bell (Captain C.E.F.); *Lieut. C. W. Bennett (killed in action); *Lieut. L. N. B. Bullock (D.S.O. and Bar—Lieut.-Colonel C.E.F.); *Lieut. F. A. Brewster (M.C.); *Lieut. G. A. Campbell (killed in action); *Major W. H. Conrod; *Major H. N. Clarke; Lieut. J. H. Congdon; Lieut. G. W. Churchill; *Lieut. W. L. Coleman; Lieut. H. J. Crosskill; *Lieut. R. J. Colwell; *Lieut. T. F. Campbell; *Lieut. C. H. Colwell; *Lieut. A. H. Creighton; *Lieut. H. A. Creighton; *Lieut. B. Currie (Captain C.E.F.); Capt. H. G. DeWolf; Lieut. W. H. Dennis; *Lieut. E. R. Dennis (M.C., killed in action); *Major F. W. W. Doane; *Lieut. H. W. L. Doane; *Lieut. W. E. E. Doane (killed in action); *Lieut. S. Downer; *Lieut. J. S. Davie (M.C., Major C.E.F.); Lieut. R. F. Davison; *Lieut. A. C. Delacroix; *Lieut. E. R. Eddy; Lieut. R. G. Forbes; *Lieut. W. G. Foster (killed in action); *Lieut. P. W. Freeman; Lieut. L. A. Gastonquay; *Lieut. G. H. Gillis (D.F.C., Captain C.E.F.); *Lieut. J. A. Grant; *Lieut. W. P. Grant; *Lieut. R. J. Harris (died); *Lieut. J. A. Harris; *Lieut. H. E. Hilton (killed in action); *Lieut. H. S. Holloway; *Lieut. W. A. Hendry; *Lieut. E. J. Hallett (M.C.); *Lieut. E. A. Hartling; Lieut. H. H. Irwin; *Lieut. C. S. Innes; *Lieut. Colin Innes; *Lieut. F. H. Jones (M.C.); Capt. R. J. Huston; *Lieut. A. E. Jubien; Capt. F. C. Kingdon; *Lieut. A. L. A. Kane; Lieut. D. W. Kennedy; Lieut. A. W. Kidner; *Lieut. G. S. Kinley (Captain C.E.F.); *Lieut. G. H. Keeler (M.C.); Lieut. J. H. LeBlanc; *Lieut. C. D. Llwyd (M.C., killed in action); *Major J. W. Logan; *Lieut. G. R. Leslie; *Lieut. O. W. Lingham; *Lieut. A T. Lewis (M.C., Captain C.E.F.); *Lieut. A. F. Major (killed in action); Lieut J. E. Milson; Capt. R. A. Milson; Lieut.-Col. C. A. Mumford; Lieut. J. D. Monaghan; Capt. A. R. McCleave; Capt. E. K. McKay; *Lieut. R. C. McDonald; Lieut.-Col. J. W. McMillan (Chaplain); *Lieut. Geo. O. McDonald (drowned); Lieut. E. J. McMinn; Lieut. H. R. McCoughin; *Lieut. A. T. McDonald (Major C.E.F.); Lieut. T. L. Parkman; *Lieut. P. R. Phillips (M.C.); *Lieut. E. C. Phinney (Lieut.-Col. C.E.F.); *Lieut. G. C. Pickford; Capt. E. Ricketts; *Lieut. C. Roche (killed in action); Lieut. G. B. Robertson; *Lieut. W. M. Rogers; *Lieut. J. S. Roy; *Lieut. C. E. Scarfe; *Lieut. W. D. Simpson; *Lieut. G. C. Sircom; *Lieut. W. J. Stairs; *Lieut. G. L. Stairs (killed in action); Lieut. H. J. Stech; *Lieut. E. S. Smith; *Lieut. G. M. Sylvester (killed in action); *Lieut. B. A. Taylor (killed in action); *Major W. E. Thompson (Colonel D.O.C., Military District No. 6); Capt. W. Taylor; Lieut. J. F. Taylor; Lieut. F. A. Taylor; Capt. D. R. Turnbull; *Lieut. W. R. R. Tayler, Lieut.-Col. I. W. Vidito; Capt. E. A. Vossnack; Capt. O. F. Vossnack; Lieut. J. A. Watters; Lieut. H. V. Wier; *Lieut. H. A. Wilson; Lieut. P. J. Webb; Lieut. R. E. Wellard; Lieut. H. H. Westbrooke; Lieut. A. B. West.

CHAPTER XXXV.
THE 66th REGIMENT PRINCESS LOUISE FUSILIERS.

LIEUT.-COL. A. KING.

Following Great Britain’s declaration of war against Germany on August 4, 1914, the 66th Regiment, Princess Louise Fusiliers, immediately paraded at the Halifax Armories and the same evening sent an advanced party of four officers and one hundred other ranks in command of Capt. D. S. Bauld to Wellington Barracks, where the balance of the Unit under its Commanding Officer, Lieut.-Col. H. L. Chipman, followed, and established its headquarters on August 7, 1914. Preparations were immediately made to place the 66th Regiment on a war footing, and excitement ran high because it was felt by all ranks that, this being one of the oldest Units in the Province, the 66th Regiment would be among the first to see real service; but the fact that it was never sent Overseas caused in the later years of the War a feeling of bitter disappointment, particularly among those who were destined to carry on tame and unattractive garrison duty throughout the War.

The “Halifax Defence Scheme” unfortunately condemned it to this uninteresting work, and although the Regiment repeatedly volunteered for service Overseas its requests were ignored. The defence of Halifax was altogether a thankless task, and the often repeated assurance that the Regiment was performing the duties required of it brought little consolation to the officers and men whose sole ambition was to join their comrades in the Field.

The personnel of the officers who turned out with the Regiment at the time of the declaration of war was as follows:—

Lieut.-Col. H. L. Chipman	Officer Commanding.
Major and Bt. Lieut.-Col. A. King	Senior Major.
Major R. B. Simmonds	Junior Major and Acting Adjutant.
Capt. F. L. Stephen	Acting Quartermaster.
Lieut.-Col. M. A. Curry	Medical Officer.
Lieut.-Col. W. J. Armitage	Chaplain.
Major R. H. Humphrey	Paymaster.

Company Officers.

Capts. A. W. Weston, G. W. Murray, J. McFatridge, D. S. Bauld, H. H. Bligh, R. W. Frost, C. E. Dowden, J. R. Glazbrook; Lieuts. W. B. Medcalfe, G. W. Stairs, G. H. Liddell, C. A. Fages, J. C. Stairs, J. R. Simmonds, G. Dwyer, W. C. Borrett, J. H. Crosskill, B. H. Smith, R. F. Studd, F. H. Marr, F. R. Heuston, D. Stairs, G. E. Creighton, L. E. VanBuskirk.

Later two officers reported for duty from the Corps Reserve, and during the period of the War twenty-five additional officers were granted commissions in the Regiment. The Regiment at the outbreak of the War was on an eight Company basis, and it was not until December 6, 1915, that the double Company system was adopted.

The first move of importance was the sending of a detachment, on August 11, 1914, of four Companies, B, E, F and G, and the Regimental Machine Gun Section, all under command of Major R. B. Simmonds, to Chain and Long Lakes, with instructions to prepare a system of trenches, blockhouses, etc., and arrange generally for the defence of Halifax City from any possible attack from the West. This force was designated the “Chain Lakes Detachment,” and with interchanges of officers and other ranks remained on duty at this post until January 15, 1917, when it proceeded to York Redoubt.

The headquarters of the Regiment was moved from Wellington Barracks to York Redoubt on August 29, 1914, and remained there until the demobilization of the Unit on May 1, 1918. In January, 1915, Lieut.-Colonel Chipman was seconded from the Regiment and took over command of the Composite Battalion, which had been organized for garrison duty, and Lieut.-Col. A. King was gazetted O.C. 66th Regiment, and continued so until the Unit was relieved from active service in May, 1918.

About December 1, 1915, authority was granted for the Regiment to organize a reinforcing draft, five officers and two hundred and fifty other ranks. The South Barracks on Sackville Street were immediately taken over, and recruiting and organization work in connection with the draft was proceeded with. The draft finally sailed for England on January 22, 1916. This draft was commanded by Capt. R. F. Studd, the other officers accompanying it being Lieuts. T. F. Morrison, W. K. Fraser, L. J. Atkinson, and W. S. Fielding.

During the War the 66th Regiment was inspected by His Royal Highness the Duke of Connaught, His Excellency the Duke of Devonshire, Major-General Gwatkin, Chief of the Canadian General Staff, Major-General Lessard, Inspector-General of Eastern Canada, and by many other distinguished soldiers, and was at all times most highly complimented on its excellent state of efficiency.

LIEUT.-COL. R. B. SIMMONDS.

This Unit played a prominent part in the relief work following the great explosion of December 6, 1917, which devastated a large portion of the City of Halifax, caused the loss of some seventeen hundred lives and entailed untold suffering among so many families for months following. Lieut.-Col. R. B. Simmonds was in command of all military and naval relief parties engaged in rescue work in the devastated area, and later was placed in charge of a committee to procure relief for dependants of all men who were serving at home or Overseas. It was the duty of this committee to find food, clothing and shelter for the families of all soldiers who had suffered in the explosion. A large number of mechanics were placed under the direction of this committee and the work of relief practically completed by May 1, 1918. That the duties of this committee were all carried out it might be mentioned that it effected practically permanent repairs to over one hundred and sixty houses, besides looking after the needs of many suffering families, for which it was complimented by the Minister of Militia and received the thanks of the Halifax Relief Commission.

Notwithstanding that the Regiment was kept in Canada, it was, nevertheless, called upon to perform various and arduous duties at all times. That the Regiment also assisted in a very tangible way in winning the War is proved by the fact that the 66th Regiment, Princess Louise Fusiliers sent fifty-four officers and eight hundred and fifty men to swell the ranks of various Overseas Units of the Canadian Expeditionary Force, a large number of whom are now sleeping their last sleep in the fields of Flanders, having upheld the honor of their Regiment and proved their belief in its motto, “Fideliter.”

CHAPTER XXXVI.
94th VICTORIA REGIMENT, ARGYLL HIGHLANDERS.

Much has been written of what was done by Canadian Units in France and Belgium, but little has been said of the Units compelled to remain on home service, which had to content themselves with performing garrison duties and supplying reinforcements to the army in the Field.

The 94th Victoria Regiment, Argyll Highlanders, with Headquarters at Baddeck, Cape Breton, was at the commencement of hostilities perhaps the most distinctively Highland Battalion in the forces of the Empire, inasmuch as the Gaelic language was the mother tongue of eighty per cent. of its personnel. As a rural Battalion it is recognized as having sent more officers and men Overseas than any other similar Unit in Eastern Canada. All its original members, excepting those over age or physically unfit, were transferred to C.E.F. Units; many of them paid the supreme sacrifice, and a number of them were decorated for distinguished service.

At 9.30 a.m., August 4, 1914, the Officer Commanding the Battalion, Lieut.-Col. J. D. McRae, received mobilization orders. The marching-out strength, including the Canso detachment, was 377 all ranks. The eight Companies were commanded by the officers, and proceeded to their different stations, on the dates named below:

“A” Co., Capt. D. P. McRae, Whitney Pier, Sydney	7th	Aug.
“B” Co., Capt. D. A. McRae; Marconi Towers, Glace Bay	6th	„
“C” Co., Capt. A. J. McNeil, North Sydney	5th	„
“D” Co., Capt. M. A. McLeod, Marconi Towers, Glace Bay	6th	„
“E” Co., Capt. M. D. McKeigan, Louisburg	5th	„
“F” Co., Capt. R. Y. McKenzie, Lloyd’s Cove, Sydney Mines	7th	„
“G” Co., Capt. J. G. Johnstone, Canso	5th	„
“H” Co., Capt. W. D. McKenzie, Sydney	7th	„
Regimental Staff to Headquarters, 33 Charlotte St., Sydney	7th	„

Regimental Staff.
Lieut.-Col. J. D. McRae	Officer Commanding.
Major J. S. McLean	Second in Command.
Major A. D. McRae	Junior Major.
Capt. W. G. McRae	Adjutant.
Lieut. A. J. McInnis	Instructor of Musketry.
Lieut. G. M. McNeil	Signalling Officer.
Major M. A. J. McDonald	Quartermaster.
Major Dan McDonald	Medical Officer.
Capt. M. H. Morrison	Paymaster.

Lieutenants.

“A” Co., P. W. Anderson and J. A. Kiley.

“B” Co., W. W. Nicholson and F. J. McCharles.

“C” Co., A. J. McDonald and J. A. McDonald.

“D” Co., N. J. McDonald and A. N. McKenzie.

“E” Co., J. L. McKinnon and D. McKenzie.

“F” Co., D. McKinnon and D. McKenzie.

“G” Co., K. L. McKay and J. McIsaac.

“H” Co., A. McKinnon and J. D. McRae.

Captain C. C. McIntosh was Chaplain of the Unit, but was not called out for service with it.

During the years 1914 to 1918 the following officers, sixty in all. were transferred to C.E.F. Units:

Majors.

M. W. Morrison and J. G. Johnstone.

Captains.

D. A. McRae.

K. L. McKay.

M. D. McKeigan.

J. McIsaac.

W. G. McRae.

W. W. Nicholson.

D. McKinnon.

A. McKinnon.

Lieutenants.

A. J. McInnis.

G. M. McNiel.

J. D. McIntyre.

W. J. Brothers.

C. McDermid.

G. B. Morley.

J. W. Maddin.

J. H. McIvor.

C. F. Gallant.

A. E. Wilcox.

S. Schoefield.

J. A. McDonald.

David Neil.

P. W. Anderson.

J. D. McNiel.

D. H. McKenzie.

L. G. McCorrison.

J. A. McKinnon.

J. A. Rankin.

C. Campbell.

A. W. McLean.

W. A. Livingstone.

T. D. A. Purves.

R. A. Pertus.

G. D. Crowell.

C. R. McKenzie.

W. E. Beaton.

M. J. Dryden.

Alex. McDonald.

A. H. Walker.

C. Holland.

R. Flemming.

W. R. McAskill.

A. M. Fraser.

S. D. Morrison.

C. W. Sutherland.

D. N. McDonald.

W. H. McConell.

B. Campbell.

F. J. McCharles.

J. A. Holland.

M. W. McKinnon.

H. C. Verner.

T. C. King.

R. M. McDonald.

M. J. McRae.

A. S. Henry.

D. S. Carey.

J. B. Fraser.

Theodore Chisholm.

From a total of 344 other ranks who came out with the Battalion at the commencement of the War, 311 volunteered for service Overseas. It took time to train a sufficient number of recruits to replace these men, but within six months all had been transferred to C.E.F. Units and were on their way to France. Altogether the Battalion during its period of service sent 3,632 men to the Front, and it was a difficult matter at all times to retain a sufficient number of men to perform the necessary duties.

The eight Companies of the Battalion were called upon to perform Garrison Guard and Outpost duties at important shipping points, wireless and cable stations, not only in Cape Breton but also at Canso. For defence purposes the troops at Marconi Towers, Glace Bay, Louisburg and Canso erected blockhouses and wire entanglements, built redoubts and dug trenches, in addition to carrying into effect a syllabus of training designed better to fit the men for their more strenuous work with the Expeditionary Force.

The Battalion was demobilized June 29, 1918, and the following officers were transferred to “F” Company, 6th Battalion, Canadian Garrison Regiment, who assumed the duties previously performed by the 94th:—

Capt. A. J. McNiel.

Lieutenants.

J. A. McDonald.

L. E. McDonald.

J. D. McRae.

A. J. McDonald.

Dan McKenzie.

Bert Campbell.

J. R. Fraser.

Major M. J. McDonald, Quartermaster, was employed as the representative of the A.D. of S. & T. in Cape Breton, and Major D. McDonald, Medical Officer, was attached to the A.D.M.S., Military District No. 6. The undermentioned officers were relieved from duty and returned to their homes:—

Lieut.-Col. A. D. McRae.

Major W. G. McRae.

Major J. Darke (attached from 4th P.E.I. Heavy Battery).

Capts. D. P. McRae, D. McKenzie, J. A. Kiley, J. L. McKinnon.

Lieuts. S. A. Reeves, J. D. Aucoin.

N.C.O.’s and men in Class 1 of the Military Service Act, and those who were willing to be transferred, were handed over to “F” Company, 6th Battalion, C.E.F., for duty in Cape Breton.

The following 94th officers transferred to C.E.F. Units were awarded decorations:—

Major P. W. Anderson	Military Cross.
Major M. D. McKeigan	French Croix de Guerre.
Capt. W. A. Livingstone	Military Cross and Bar.
Capt. G. B. Morley	Military Cross.
Lieut. G. M. McNeil	Military Cross.
Lieut. W. E. Beaton	Military Cross.
Lieut. A. S. Henry	Military Cross.
Lieut. J. D. McIntyre	Military Cross.
Lieut. A. E. Wilcox	Military Medal.

The following officers were killed in action or died of wounds:—

Major P. W. Anderson, M.C.

Capt. M. W. McKinnon.

Capt. W. E. Beaton, M.C.

Capt. Aubrey McKinnon.

Lieutenants A. H. Walker, W. R. McAskill, J. A. McDonald, J. H. McIvor, J. A. Holland, A. M. Fraser, R. A. Pertus.

It is impossible at the present time to obtain a nominal roll of the N.C.O.’s and men who fell on the field of honor. The list is a long one, and in many Cape Breton homes, mothers, wives, sisters and sweethearts mourn with proud resignation the lads who will not return. Neither is it possible to obtain a complete list of decorations awarded. The summary that follows has been compiled from incomplete, unofficial sources:

D.S.O.	1
M.C.	14
Bar to M.C.	2
D.C.M.	15
M.M.	79
Bar to M.M.	10
M.S.M.	4
Despatches	3
Croix de Guerre	2

The undermentioned N.C.O.’s and men obtained commissions:

Sergt. G. McL. Matheson (Major, 25th Bn.)	D.S.O., M.C., M.M., Despatches.
Pte. Jas. A. Anderson (Capt., 85th Bn.)	M.C.
Corp. C. J. Oram (Lieut., 25th Bn.)	M.C.
Corp. D. A. Livingstone (Lieut., 25th Bn.)	M.M.
Corp. K. Morrison (Lieut., Can. Eng.)	M.M. and Bar.
Pte. Thos. Toone (Lieut., Can. Eng.)	M.C., D.C.M., M.M.
C. S.-M. R. Roberts (Lieut., 25th Bn.)	D.C.M.
Pte. J. R. Burchell (Capt., 85th Bn.)	M.C. and Bar.
Pte. H. N. McNeil (Capt., 85th Bn.)	M.C.
Pte. W. V. McKinnon (Lieut., 25th Bn.)	M.M.
Pte. M. Gray (Capt., Can. Eng.)	M.C., M.M.

94th VICTORIA REGIMENT, ARGYLL HIGHLANDERS

Under the reorganization scheme of the Canadian Militia the 94th Regiment is wiped off the slate and is succeeded by the 1st Battalion, Cape Breton Highlanders (85th Battalion, C.E.F.). The officers, N.C.O.’s and men of the old Regiment, who served in it for years before the fateful summer of 1914, cannot view its passing without a certain measure of sadness and regret. The spirit of comradeship that existed among all ranks encouraged them to carry on through many difficulties in years of peace and enabled them at a few hours’ notice to proceed in full strength to their allotted stations, on the declaration of war.

Inspired by the Regiment’s ancient motto, “Dileas d’on Bhrataich” (“True to the Flag”), every man who was physically fit, and many who were not, volunteered for service Overseas. They did their duty nobly and gave their country a full and overflowing measure of splendid service. The memory of our comrades whose mortal remains sleep in the stricken fields of France and Flanders will be held in affectionate recollection as long as life lasts. Of them the soldier poet of Nova Scotia, Dr. J. D. Logan, a sergeant of the 85th Battalion, who served with many officers and men transferred to that Unit from the 94th, writes:

“They gave the All that men can give;

They gave themselves that men might live,

They are Christ’s heroes. Lo, on their brows Love’s diadem!

O God of Righteous Battles, let it be well with them.”

CHAPTER XXXVII.
THE COMPOSITE BATTALION.

The Composite Battalion was formed at Halifax from Companies drawn from the Militia Regiments of Nova Scotia, New Brunswick and Prince Edward Island to replace the Royal Canadian Regiment, which was transferred to Bermuda shortly after the outbreak of hostilities.

LIEUT.-COL. H. L. CHIPMAN.

Companies consisting of three officers and fifty-six other ranks were supplied by the 67th, 69th, 71st, 74th, 75th, 76th, 82nd and 93rd Regiments, and arrived at Halifax on September 8th and 9th, 1914, taking over at once garrison duties from the 66th Regiment, P.L.F., which proceeded to York Redoubt for outpost duty.

The following guards were furnished: Quarter Guard, Wellington Barracks; Gun Wharf; King’s Wharf; Lumber Yard; Station Hospital; Grain Elevator; North Ordnance; Dry Dock; Richmond Pier and Rockhead Hospital. Weekly Guards were also mounted at Fort Clarence, Fort Cambridge, Fort Ogilvie and Point Pleasant Battery.

The Battalion was commanded by Lieut.-Col. A. E. Carpenter, R.C.R., with Capt. M. E. Roscoe as Adjutant:

The Company officers were:—“A” Company (67th Regiment)—Capt. C. G. McLaughlin, later transferred to 64th Battalion, C.E.F.; Lieut. C. Rideout, 145th Battalion, C.E.F.; Lieut. C. E. Williams, 55th Battalion, C.E.F. “B” Company (69th Regiment)—Major Whitman, resigned and replaced by Capt. M. S. Parker, 112th Battalion, C.E.F.; Lieut. S. McNeil; Lieut. J. C. Willett, 165th Battalion, C.E.F. “C” Company (71st Regiment)—Capt. H. Woodbridge, 55th Battalion, C.E.F.; Lieut. C. A. Good, R.F.C.; Lieut. B. Wade, resigned and replaced by Lieut. F. Fitzpatrick, 55th Battalion, C.E.F. “D” Company (74th Regiment)—Capt. S. S. Wetmore, 55th Battalion, C.E.F.; Lieut. J. A. Sproul, resigned; Lieut. M. P. Gillis, 112th Battalion, C.E.F. “E” Company (75th Regiment)—Capt. W. L. Whitford, 25th Battalion, C.E.F.; Capt. A. Berringer, resigned; Lieut. C. C. Morash, 112th Battalion, C.E.F. “F” Company (76th Regiment)—Capt. H. Dickie, resigned and replaced by Capt. W. H. J. Moxsom, 106th Battalion, C.E.F.; Lieut. O. G. Heard, 106th Battalion, C.E.F.; Lieut. C. Major, 40th Battalion, C.E.F. “G” Company (82nd Regiment)—Major F. Boulter, later transferred to 105th Battalion, C.E.F.; Lieut. A. McLeod, 105th Battalion, C.E.F.; Lieut. G. E. Full, 40th Battalion, C.E.F. “H” Company (93rd Regiment)—Major G. R. Oulton; Capt. J. N. McDonald, 106th Battalion, C.E.F.; Lieut. D. Anderson.

In addition to the duties already enumerated, Guard was mounted over prisoners of war at the Citadel and at the Detention Barracks, Melville Island. The prisoners were German officers and men captured on the high seas, with a sprinkling of civilians, some of whom were found on captured ships; others were residents of Canada whom it was found necessary to intern.

In March, 1915, the Interment Station at Amherst was opened, and two and one-half Companies under command of Major G. R. Oulton, with Capt. J. N. McDonald, Lieuts. Davidson and Sproul, were sent there, and were replaced by one Company from each of the following Regiments:—78th Regiment—Capt. J. A. McKenzie, later transferred to 85th Battalion, C.E.F.; Capt. J. R. Maxwell, 106th Battalion, C.E.F. 81st Regiment—Capt. E. S. Doering; Lieut. J. H. Wallace, 64th Battalion, C.E.F., killed in action; Lieut. W. W. Slack, 40th Battalion, C.E.F. 93rd Regiment—Capt. J. A. McPherson, 106th Battalion, C.E.F.; Lieut. P. Boucher, 165th Battalion, C.E.F.

Lieut. E. W. Joy reported for duty to replace Lieut. C. S. Major, transferred to 40th Battalion, and assumed the duties of Fortress Intelligence Officer. Other officers on duty were Major F. S. Heffernan (93rd), Quartermaster; Lieut. Keith Rogers (C.S.C.), Signalling Officer; and Lieut. R. Innes (81st), Musketry Instructor, afterwards O.C. 106th Battalion.

Previous to July, 1916, each Company Commander had his own account with the District Paymaster and was responsible for all payments to his officers and men. When the Battalion was recognized as a Unit it was allowed a Paymaster. Capt. H. B. Verge received the appointment and retained it until transferred to the Nova Scotia Forestry Battalion in June, 1917, when Capt. W. S. Brignell took over his duties.

The Battalion suffered considerably in the explosion of December 6, 1917, losing six men killed and 87 per cent. of the N.C.O.’s and men injured. One officer and two N.C.O.’s died in hospital from injuries received. The more serious injuries were received by men on guard at Richmond Pier, North Ordnance and Dry Dock. All the men killed, excepting one, who was killed in the barrack room, were members of these Guards. A snowstorm with high wind which raged for thirty-six hours after the explosion made the barracks almost untenable, as windows and doors were gone and no fires could be laid until the chimneys were inspected. The morale of the men was good during this period. Many N.C.O.’s and men had their families living near the barracks, a large number of whom were killed and injured.

The first draft of one hundred men from the Composite Battalion was sent Overseas in January, 1916, under command of Lieuts. W. S. Brown and O. Thorne. A second draft of fifty-six men, under command of Lieut. W. R. Clark, sailed on June 26, 1916. A number of men were transferred to the R.C.R. Base Depot from time to time and were included in Overseas drafts sent by that Unit.

When the Military Service Act came in force in 1918, 125 men in the Composite Battalion, who came under its provisions, were sent Overseas. The remainder were transferred to the 6th Battalion, Canadian Garrison Regiment. All the senior officers were transferred to their Militia Units, with the exception of Major J. E. Morse, who was transferred to the 6th Battalion, C.G.R. The junior officers were transferred to the Depot Battalion, 1st Nova Scotia Regiment, excepting Lieut. W. H. Whidden and Lieut. I. C. Banks, who were taken on the strength of No. 6 District Depot and appointed respectively O.C. Casualty Company and Discharge Section.

The following officers were on duty when the Unit was disbanded:—Lieut.-Col. H. L. Chipman, Officer Commanding; Major G. R. Oulton, Second in Command; Major E. K. Eaton, R.C.R., Adjutant; Lieut. W. B. Arthur, Assistant Adjutant; Capt. W. W. Brignell, Paymaster; Major F. S. Heffernan, Quartermaster; Major D. G. Mossmain, O.C. “A” Company; Major F. Boulter, O.C. “B” Company; Major J. E. Morse, O.C. “C” Company; Capt. G. L. Whidden, O.C. “D” Company; Capt. S. L. McNiel, Lieut. W. L. Coleman, Lieut. R. J. Colwell, Lieut. H. C. Crosby, Lieut. C. McLellan, Lieut. J. R. Campbell, Lieut. W. E. Mitchell, Lieut. W. H. Whidden, Lieut. I. C. Banks.

Other officers who had served with the Battalion in 1916 and 1917 were as follows:—Lieut. C. A. Vaughan, later transferred to 106th and resigned; Capt. A. Stirling, 145th; Lieut. W. Ross, 38th Battalion; Lieut. S. Rogers, R.C.R.; Lieut. St. C. Stayner, unattached; Lieut. S. Bradford, R.F.C.; Lieut. H. F. Arthur, R.N.A.S.; Lieut. R. Asher, R.F.C.

The following officers of the R.C.R. also served: As Adjutant, Lieut. G. L. P. Grant Suttie, who replaced Capt. M. E. Roscoe, transferred to the 219th Battalion, being later relieved by Capt. V. W. S. Heron, who in turn was relieved by Major Eaton.

CHAPTER XXXVIII.
THE 1st DEPOT BATTALION NOVA SCOTIA REGIMENT.

LIEUT.-COL. H. FLOWERS.

This Unit was authorized on September 25, 1917, for the purpose of looking after the draftees under the Military Service Act. Lieut.-Col. H. Flowers, formerly of the 64th and 25th Battalions, C.E.F., was appointed to command, with Lieut.-Col. D. S. Bauld, 25th, Second in Command. The original officers of this Unit were all officers with service at the Front in France, invalided home, and unable to return on account of various disabilities. It was due to this experience that they were able to handle this Unit, which eventually reached the proportions of a Brigade with credit to the Province of Nova Scotia and themselves.

The strength of a Battalion is roughly 1,000 all ranks, and at times the strength of the 1st Depot Battalion, Nova Scotia Regiment, reached over 5,000.

The original senior officers were:

Major F. L. Stephens	64th and 14th
Major O. G. Heard	106th and 87th.
Major W. McPherson	112th and 87th.
Major G. L. Mott	64th and 13th.
Major Stanley	C.F.A.

Later the following were attached:

Major Inman	105th.
Major W. Grant	25th.
Lieut.-Col. N. H. Parsons	246th.
Adjutant, Captain Simpson	85th.
Paymaster, Capt. Geo. Farish	25th.
Quartermaster, Capt. W. St.C. Ingraham	25th.

From time to time new officers who had not seen Overseas service were attached, and these were sent Overseas with drafts as soon as they could be gotten ready.

The real work of the Unit commenced about February 1, 1918, because quarters for mobilization were not available earlier, on account of the destruction of property caused by the Halifax explosion in December, 1917. The work was carried on at the Armories, Halifax, under most trying conditions. “A” Company was quartered at Charlottetown to take care of the Prince Edward Island draftees, and remained there doing this work until demobilized. “B” Company was moved to Amherst early in March, 1918, remaining there until May 16th, when it joined the Battalion at Aldershot, Nova Scotia, the Companies in barracks at Halifax having moved to Aldershot on May 13th.

From that date the work of the Unit was extremely strenuous. Draftees were ordered in at the rate of 250 daily, and the Camp soon assumed the appearance of a Brigade. The men were medically examined, inoculated, vaccinated, and their dental troubles administered to. They were clothed, trained, and when they had become sufficiently expert to form fours, were equipped and sent to England to complete the training so well begun here.

This Unit dealt with all men coming under the Military Service Act, who were either ordered to report or were arrested for some default under the Act, and in this way about 14,000 men passed through the files of the Unit. Of course, there was considerable shrinkage, because many did not come up to the necessary physical standard, and because others became casualties. In all some 5,000 recruits were sent Overseas.

The largest draft was one of 1,700. This draft paraded at 8 p.m. on August 3, 1918; the roll was called, documents checked, etc. The men were then dismissed and ordered to parade and entrain at 4.30 a.m. on August 4th. Every man of the 1,700 answered the roll call but one. He was late for parade but in time to entrain. His excuse was that he had been married after being dismissed the night previous. Under the circumstances the O.C. forgave his tardiness. This was the last draft to be sent. The War in Europe began to take on a more cheerful aspect; the farmers and fishermen were required for harvesting, etc., and some leave was given.

In September the Unit moved back to the Halifax Common for winter quarters. November 11th the Armistice was signed, and almost immediately the welcome order to demobilize was received. By March, 1919, all the affairs of the Unit were a matter of history.

CHAPTER XXXIX.
“B” UNIT, M.H.C.C.

In the spring of 1915, when the casualties of the Canadian Overseas Forces commenced returning to Canada, the best methods of dealing with them had to be considered. The first men to return were not for medical treatment. They were dealt with by the Discharge Depots at Halifax and Quebec. At these points the men received their discharge from the army, their tickets to their homes, a suit of civilian clothes, and the balance of pay due to them.

Towards the fall of 1915 the sick and wounded commenced returning, at first in small numbers; and they were also dealt with by the Discharge Depots. Those not requiring further medical treatment were discharged and sent to their homes, with three months’ pay, paid in three monthly instalments. Those who required further medical treatment were also discharged, but were sent to the Convalescent Home nearest to their homes. These Convalescent Homes were small, and most of them were placed at the disposal of the Government by private individuals. They were all equipped by the Red Cross, I.O.D.E., and other local societies organized throughout Canada by the women of Canada. In the autumn of 1915 the Military Hospitals Commission was created, with authority to accept and administer these Homes. The powers of this Commission were almost unlimited as to their control, administration, and creation of Hospitals and Convalescent Homes for the treatment of Canada’s troops returning from Overseas.

In the spring of 1916 the sick and wounded returned in great numbers, and the Military Hospitals Commission having foreseen this, was well prepared to receive them, having provided large Hospital and Convalescent Home accommodation throughout Canada from coast to coast.

The question now before the Government was how were the men to be kept under discipline in these Hospitals and Convalescent Homes when the men were no longer soldiers, having received their discharge from the army when passing through the Discharge Depots at ports of arrival. It was finally decided that those who required further medical treatment would not receive their discharge on arrival, but would be forwarded to the Hospital or Convalescent Home nearest to their homes and these men would receive their discharge from the army when their medical treatment was brought to a finality.

MAJOR J. F. TAYLOR.

To take charge of the administration and discipline of these men, in the various Hospitals and Homes throughout the country, the Military Hospitals Commission Command was created in June, 1916, “B” Unit being the Unit charged with the administration of the Hospitals and Homes throughout the Maritime Provinces. The Officer Commanding this Unit during the whole period of its existence—two years—was Major J. F. Taylor, of Halifax, an officer who had done excellent service in the Pay Branch, and who was selected to command the Maritime Province Unit on account of his tact and business knowledge. Major Taylor organized and administered the affairs of “B” Unit in a highly efficient manner at all times, showing great sympathy to the men under his command. Owing to his great tact and business ability, the Unit was second to none in Canada.

The duties performed by “B” Unit were manifold. Military discipline was adopted to a certain extent in all M.H.C.C. Institutions, but had to be administered with regard to circumstances. The officers saw only the aftermath of the terrible cataclysm enacted “over there,” and their hearts were absorbed in the work of repairing broken humanity.

The personnel of the Staff of “B” Unit on March 1, 1917, was as follows:

Major J. F. Taylor	Officer Commanding.
Capt. C. M. Mosher	Adjutant.
Capt. F. A. R. Gow	Medical Officer.
Captain Clarke	Quartermaster.
Capt. A. A. Peachy	Paymaster.

On November 1, 1917, Capt. C. M. Mosher resigned as Adjutant and Capt. Walter Whitford was appointed to that office and carried on until “B” Unit was dissolved. In November, 1917, Capt. H. C. Sircom, a returned officer, was appointed Paymaster to succeed Capt. Peachy, who had been transferred to the Discharge Depot Command.

The Hospitals and Convalescent Homes that were turned over to “B” Unit by the Military Hospital Commission consisted of the following:—

The Parks Convalescent Hospital	St. John, N.B.
Ross Convalescent Hospital	Sydney, N.S.
Clayton Convalescent Home	Halifax, N.S.
Dalton Sanitarium	North Wiltshire, P.E.I.

Ross Military Convalescent Home was presented to the M.H.C.C. by Commander and Mrs. J. K. L. Ross, of Sydney, C.B., on June 1, 1915.

CAPT. WALTER WHITFORD.

The personnel in each of these Hospitals were transferred to the M.H.C.C., and, with the exception of a few minor transfers, carried on in the same efficient manner that had characterized them from the organization of the M.H.C.C. By constructing and taking over other large buildings, the M.H.C.C. soon made adequate arrangements for dealing with the large number of soldiers returning from Overseas. Pier 2 having been taken over by the Militia Department for a Clearing Hospital, it was transferred to the M.H.C.C., February 15, 1917. Necessary alterations delayed the opening of this Hospital until April 1, 1917. Its worth as a Hospital was well demonstrated both while under the command of the M.H.C.C. and later under the command of the Clearing Services.

Pine Hill Presbyterian Theological College, Halifax, was taken over by the M.H.C.C. as a Convalescent Hospital on March 1, 1917, and Capt. M. S. Hunt was placed in charge, with Major Philip Weatherbe, Senior Medical Officer, and Capt. John Cameron, Resident Medical Officer. Capt. Dexter McCurdy was also a member of the Medical Staff but was transferred on Overseas service in August, 1918. This Hospital, situated as it was, on the shores of the Northwest Arm, Halifax, proved a great boon to the returned convalescent soldiers. Its location adjoining Point Pleasant Park was an ideal one for the care and comfort of convalescent soldiers. There was an abundance of pure air, shady trees, and pleasant walks, and though quite removed from Halifax City and its noisy traffic, it was still sufficiently near to permit men able to walk to get a tram car running into the city, where they could enjoy a few hours with friends at a theatre or elsewhere. At the rear of the Home the waters of the Northwest Arm gave the men ample opportunity for boating, bathing and various other water sports, of which they took full advantage during the summer months. It is the unanimous opinion of the returned soldiers that Pine Hill was the Ideal Convalescent Hospital in Nova Scotia.

In May, 1917, the Moxham Convalescent Hospital at Sydney, C.B., was opened, with Major F. O’Neil in command. Major O’Neil who had been in command of the Ross Convalescent Home from December, 1916, was an efficient officer and discharged his duties in a very satisfactory manner.

During the latter part of July, 1916, an arrangement was made with Dr. F. A. Miller, of the Kentville Sanitarium, to deal with tuberculosis patients; for a great number of the men returning from Overseas were pronounced tubercular. Within a very few days Kentville Sanitarium was full of patients, and although from time to time large additions were built to the Sanitarium, it was always taxed to its utmost capacity. In fact during the summer of 1917, many hospital tents were erected on the Sanitarium grounds, for the accommodation of tubercular patients, and when autumn with its cold winds became too severe, many patients had to be sent to their own homes, to be treated until room was available at the Sanitarium, when they were recalled. Great credit is due to Dr. Miller for the splendid manner in which he dealt with the patients under his control. Capt. A. G. Forster, a returned officer, was in charge of Administration and Discipline of the Kentville Sanitarium and was a conscientious, hard-working officer.

On July 1, 1917, “B” Unit had on its strength 1,886 officers and other ranks all receiving medical treatment. About 50 per cent. of this number were out-patients, with home leave. These men were recalled to the Hospital from time to time as their physical condition demanded.

About this time New Brunswick became a separate Military District, and it was decided to organize a separate M.H.C.C. Unit for New Brunswick. This was accordingly done, and the transfer of men and documents was completed in July, 1917.

In the early spring of 1917 construction work was begun on a Convalescent Hospital at Camp Hill, Halifax, and by October 1, 1917, the building was completed sufficiently to receive patients. This hospital was fitted up with all modern medical appliances and proved a Godsend to the people of Halifax, when on December 6, 1917, the city was shocked by the terrific explosion.

At the opening of Camp Hill Hospital, Lieutenant Blackwood was placed in charge by the M.H.C.C. and Major (now Lieut.-Col.) C. Morris was Senior Medical Officer. An efficient Staff was soon organized which carried on until the Hospital was transferred to the A.M.C. on December 6, 1917. Immediately after the explosion all patients able to walk were given home leave and the Hospital and Staff complete was turned over to the Medical Relief Commission for the purpose of dealing with the sufferers of the explosion.

The writer of this article has visited Casualty Clearing Hospitals in Flanders on “Clearing Day” but never has he seen such human suffering as he saw at Camp Hill Hospital when he walked into the Hospital at 4 p.m. on December 6, 1917. The Hospital at Pier 2, also the offices of the M.H.C.C. were destroyed by the explosion. The Hospital was quickly rebuilt, but the offices were removed to Leith House, Hollis Street, Halifax, and these offices were retained until the Unit was disbanded.

On March 31, 1918, the Military Hospitals Commission Command was disbanded by an Order-in-Council. The military end of the work was taken over by No. 6 District Depot, and the civilian end by the D.S.C.R. Final transfer of all equipment and records, etc., of the M.H.C.C. to No. 6 District Depot was effected on April 18, 1918.

CHAPTER XL.
ACADIA UNIVERSITY AND THE WAR.

In common with other universities in the Empire, Acadia emptied her halls when the call to duty came. Her ideals had always been those directly opposed to war, but to carry out these ideals, it was necessary to participate in it. Between six and seven hundred Acadia men and women enlisted. There was no definite Unit formed by the Acadia men, but they were found in all departments of the service. Sixty were in the Nova Scotia Highland Brigade, mostly in “D” Company, 219th Battalion; and their Platoon, number 13, won the Brigade trophy for efficiency. Ten students left Acadia at one time with the 4th Universities Company Reinforcements, Princess Patricia Canadian Light Infantry. The attendance at the University was cut down to about one half, notwithstanding the fact that the number of young women remained constant. The Freshman class was unusually large, but as soon as the age of eighteen was reached, practically no fit man remained. Of the Acadia students, sixty-three lost their lives in service, sixty-two young men and one young woman.

We have no definite figures concerning honors, but about eighty were conferred on Acadia men, one of which was the coveted Victoria Cross, the only one awarded to a college man in the Maritime Provinces, and, in fact, the only one awarded to a Maritime Province Unit. One of our Acadia men had the distinction of being the youngest Lieutenant-Colonel in the British Army, commanding the 10th Alberta when twenty-six years of age. He received the D.S.O. and two Bars, the Military Cross, was five times mentioned in dispatches, and was recommended for the Victoria Cross. The only colored chaplain in the British Army was an Acadia man. In addition to those who enlisted in the Canadian Expeditionary Force, we had a number who enlisted with the Americans, and still others who enlisted with the British, all of whom gave splendid account of themselves.

When the War broke out, there was a branch of the C.O.T.C. at Acadia, but it went out of business early because practically every member enlisted. The officer in charge of the C.O.T.C. for Military District No. 6 told me that a larger number of C.O.T.C. men went from Acadia than from any other Maritime University. Since the War, many students have returned to the University to complete their work, and, without exception, they are making excellent records. Acadia has offered one year’s free tuition to returned men, being the only university in Canada to do that.

In 1919, the returned men at Acadia met, and, after consultation, decided that something should be done in the way of a Memorial for those who had given their lives in the War. The suggestion was made that this memorial should take the form of a Gymnasium, typifying the splendid physical condition, the manly vigor, and sporting spirit of the boys who went Overseas.

In 1914 our Gymnasium had been destroyed by fire, and a committee of eight young men had been appointed to raise funds for a new Gymnasium. Of these eight, six had dropped the burden of responsibility of the Gymnasium and had gone to war, one of whom was killed at Passchendaele. It seemed most fitting that their work should be carried out by those who were left, and the next of kin of all those who had given their lives were consulted, and agreed to the proposal.

As a result, this Gymnasium is now in process of construction, and will be a building in every way suitable as a Memorial for those boys who have fallen. On May 26, 1920, General Sir Arthur W. Currie, G.C.M.G., K.C.B., D.S.O., formerly Commander of the Canadian Corps in France, laid the corner stone of the new Gymnasium and delivered an address on that occasion.

While we feel that Acadia’s part in the War was no more than it should have been, we are justly proud of the willing sacrifice, the ready response, and the splendid record made by our Acadia men.

CHAPTER XLI.
DALHOUSIE UNIVERSITY AND THE WAR.

The activities of Dalhousie University in connection with the Great War may be considered under the following headings, (1) The Activities of the C.O.T.C.; (2) The Dalhousie University Stationary Hospital No. 7, C.E.F.; (3) Activities of the Staff; (4) Independent Undergraduate Enlistment.

The Officers’ Training Corps.—Great Britain was forced to declare war on Germany on August 4, 1914; so that when the University session of 1914 opened, it was under war conditions. The earliest corporate war effort of Dalhousie University was a mass meeting in the Law Library, held on October 16, 1914, for the purpose of taking steps to form an O.T.C. The chair was taken by Earle C. Phinney, at that time President of the Council of Students. The meeting, which was most enthusiastic, was addressed by President Mackenzie, G. S. Campbell, Chairman of the Board of Governors, and by Major W. E. Thompson, Secretary of the Board. It was ultimately agreed to ask Major Thompson to organize an O.T.C.; and all those willing to co-operate were invited to sign the roll. Ninety-two names were given in at once on the conclusion of the meeting; of these, five were whole-time Professors. Drill began at once in the South End Rink, Sergeant-Major Graham of the Permanent Staff being instructor.

Some of the original officers were:

Major W. E. Thompson, O.C.

Capt. D. Fraser Harris, Adjutant.

Capt. Murray MacNeill.

Capt. D. A. MacRae.

Capt. George Henderson.

Capt. A. W. Cogswell.

Each was in command of a Platoon.

Alumni and business men interested were permitted to join, and there was so much activity in the autumn of 1914 that by the middle of December the Corps was ready to be inspected by General Sir Sam Hughes, Minister of Militia. The inspection took place on December 18th in the South End Skating Rink. The maximum strength during the first winter session was close on 200. On May 4, 1915, the Corps was inspected by General Rutherford, commanding the Garrison. Lectures continued well on into the summer of 1915.

By the session of 1916 Professor John Cameron, of London, had been appointed to the Campbell Memorial Chair of Anatomy in Dalhousie University, and having had a considerable amount of military experience both with the Volunteer Artillery in Scotland and with Infantry Volunteers in England, was well qualified to take command of the O.T.C., Major Thompson, as Lieutenant-Colonel, having been appointed to the Headquarters Staff as A.A.G. of Military District No. 6. This Professor Cameron did with the rank of Major, and retained the command and gave most of the systematic instruction during the remainder of the existence of the Corps. By arrangement with Colonel Papineau, commanding the R.S.I., candidates for commissions were examined at Wellington Barracks. In this way a considerable number of members of the O.T.C. obtained commissions and were enabled to proceed Overseas with the various Units which were being formed as the War progressed. No less than seven officers who had passed through the D.U.C.O.T.C. went Overseas with the 219th Battalion of the Nova Scotia Highland Brigade. Practically every able-bodied male student was a member of the O.T.C. during the first winter session; and no less than twenty-five members of it were students from the affiliated Presbyterian College at Pine Hill.

The session of 1916–17 was a very strenuous one. Drill took place in the evenings at the newly-erected Market Building at the head of Duke Street, Major Cameron superintending the drill and also giving lectures either there or in the rooms of the Board of Trade. During each winter firing practice was systematically carried out at the miniature ranges erected in the Engineering Laboratory of the Technical College. In March, 1917, the Corps was inspected in the Market Building by Major Cooper of the R.S.I. The O.T.C. is still in existence ready to become active again as soon as the University is in possession of a drill hall.

Stationary Hospital Unit.—The origin of No. 7 Stationary Hospital was the desire of the Medical Faculty of the University to serve their country in the Great War. Early in September, 1914, an offer was made to provide the personnel of a Casualty Clearing Station; this offer was renewed in the spring of 1915, but the Federal Government was not at that time in a position to accept it.

It was very generally felt that the only School of Medicine in the Maritime Provinces ought to have a representation on the Canadian Expeditionary Force. Those who were the most active in renewing the offer were Major George M. Campbell, Major C. V. Hogan, and Capts. J. R. Corston, M. A. MacAulay, L. M. Murray and F. V. Woodbury. The Government accepted the offer on September 27, 1915. On November 1st, the old Medical College building was occupied as rooms for headquarters, and enlistment and training began. On December 16th the Unit was inspected by General Benson, G.O.C., and by Col. J. A. Grant, A.D.M.S., Military District No. 6. On December 31st the Hospital sailed from St. John, N.B., on H.M.S. Metagama, arriving at Plymouth on January 10, 1916. On February 5th the Unit took over Shorncliffe Military Hospital, and on June 18, 1916, embarked for France.

The personnel of the Dalhousie Hospital Unit was made up as follows: O.C., Lieut.-Colonel John Stewart, Majors E. V. Hogan and L. M. Murray, Capts. M. A. MacAulay, V. N. MacKay, K. A. MacKenzie, E. K. MacLellan, S. J. MacLennan, D. A. MacLeod, J. A. Murray, John Rankine, Frank V. Woodbury, Karl F. Woodbury, Lieut. S. R. Halcom, Lieut, and Quartermaster Walter Taylor. The Matron was Miss L. M. Hubley, and there were twenty-six nursing sisters. Of all other ranks there were one hundred and twenty-three men. Sixteen additional men were taken on at Shorncliffe, England.

The Unit arrived home from active service early in the morning of St. George’s Day, 1919, on the S.S. Belgic; in the evening they were entertained at dinner at the Green Lantern in Halifax. Col. John Stewart who returned a little later was entertained at a dinner given in his honor on June 20, 1919.

Activities of the Staff: I. The Faculty of Arts and Science.—The only full-time Professor in the Senate to go Overseas on active service was Professor James Eadie Todd, M.A., who saw service with the B.E.F. in India and in Mesopotamia. Professor Todd, who remained with the troops until the end of the War, did not return to Dalhousie University. Professor Howard Murray, LL.D., during the first year of the War, was a member of the O.T.C. Professor MacNeill during the first year of the War had command of a Platoon in the O.T.C. Professor J. N. Finlayson, M.Sc., entered the O.T.C. at its formation and qualified for a commission in the infantry. Mr. J. W. Logan, M.A., went Overseas as Captain in the 25th Canadian Infantry Battalion, attained his majority in June, 1916, and.saw service in France until the end of the War. The Rev. H. A. Kent, M.A., D.D., having passed through the O.T.C. obtained his Captain’s commission on March 1, 1916, and went Overseas as a combatant in the 219th Battalion of the Nova Scotia Highlanders. Captain Kent saw service until September, 1917, when he was transferred to the Chaplain Service, in which he acted as Adjutant. He was also engaged in educational work in London until he returned to Canada in May, 1919. Mr. Harry Dean, Examiner in Music, had command of a Platoon in the O.T.C., and qualified for a commission in the infantry.

II. The Faculty of Law.—The Dean of the Faculty of Law, Professor D. A. MacRae, Ph.D., joined the O.T.C. and had command of a Platoon during the first session. Mr. John E. Read, B.C.L. (Oxon.), B.A. (Dal.), Rhodes Scholar, Lecturer on Real Property, enlisted in the 25th Battalion in November, 1914, but was immediately transferred to the Canadian Field Artillery, and took an officer’s training course at the Royal School of Artillery, Kingston. In February, 1915, Mr. Read joined the 23rd Battery of the C.F.A. at Fredericton and immediately proceeded Overseas. In July he was transferred to the Divisional Artillery (1st Canadian Division) and served in the 4th, 8th and 26th Batteries as Lieutenant, being promoted to the rank of Captain in July, 1916, on his transference to the 27th Battery. While Captain Read was Acting-Major he was wounded in January, 1917. From May, 1917, to March, 1918, he was Senior Gunnery Instructor at the Canadian School of Gunnery, being invalided to Canada in April, 1918. Captain Read was mentioned in Sir Douglas Haig’s dispatches in June, 1917.

III. Faculty of Medicine.—After Professor Cameron relinquished the command of the O.T.C. he reverted to the rank of Captain, and entering the C.A.M.C. became Resident Physician of the Military Hospital which had been installed in the Presbyterian College at Pine Hill, Halifax.

Professor A. G. Nicholls, who attained the rank of Major, entered the C.A.M.C. as Captain and discharged the duties of Chief Bacteriologist, Serologist and Sanitary Officer for the Halifax Garrison. Dr. W. H. Hattie, with rank of Captain, saw service with the C.A.M.C. in Halifax. Professor Fraser Harris, with rank of Captain, acted as Adjutant to the O.T.C. as long as that Corps remained in activity. The governors could not see their way to granting his request for leave of absence for Overseas service. Besides addressing recruiting meetings, Professor Harris gave courses of instruction in First Aid, under the auspices of the St. John Ambulance Association, to large classes of men, both in the service and to civilians, to women students and to cadets.

The following members of the Staff gave their services in the C.A.M.C. in connection with the Halifax Garrison: Colonels George M. Campbell and M. A. Curry; Capts. W. Bruce Almon, M. J. Carney, J. S. Corston, J. F. Lawlor, G. A. Macintosh, Philip Weatherbe and Hugh Schwartz.

IV. The Faculty of Dentistry.—Although the health of the Dean of this Faculty, Dr. Frank Woodbury, precluded him from entering military service, both his sons were able to go Overseas. The elder, Frank Valentine, who at the outbreak of the War was already acting D.A.D.M.S. in Military District No. 6, with the rank of Captain, was immediately mobilized. This appointment he resigned to become Adjutant in the No. 7 Stationary Hospital, C.E.F., in 1915.

In August, 1916, Captain Woodbury was appointed to No. 3 Canadian Intrenching Battalion, and in August, 1916, proceeded to the Front at Ypres with that Unit. Later he was posted to the 9th Canadian Field Ambulance, and saw service at Ypres, on the Somme, at Vimy and at Loos. Having been promoted, Major Woodbury was recalled to headquarters at London for Staff duty. He was ultimately appointed A.D.M.S. with the rank of Lieutenant-Colonel, returning to Ottawa for duty in November, 1919.

Dr. A. W. Cogswell, Professor of Dental Pathology and Therapeutics, joined the O.T.C. in November, 1914, and as Captain had command of a Platoon.

Dr. George Kerr Thomson, Professor of Crown and Bridgework and Ceramics and Oral Hygiene, at the outbreak of the War, held the rank of Captain in the 63rd Halifax Rifles. Later he was transferred to the C.A.D.C. and appointed Assistant Director of Dental Services in Military District No. 6. When, early in 1915, Sir Sam Hughes ordered the organization of the C.A.D.C. Major Thomson was made First Director of Dental Services. In 1916 the Dental Services at Valcartier Camp were organized by Major Thomson with the assistance of Captain F. H. Bradley of Military District No. 4. Dr. W. W. Woodbury, Professor of Orthodontia, who had been appointed Captain in the C.A.D.C. in May, 1918, proceeded to Aldershot Camp, where as A.D.D.S. for the Camp he had charge of all the Dental Services there. In October, 1918, Dr. Woodbury was posted for special duty at McNab’s Island, where he remained until January, 1919, when he was appointed to Camp Hill Hospital, to superintend the dental treatment of returned soldiers. He remained at this centre until general demobilization on November 15, 1919.

Undergraduate Enlistment.—From the very first hour of the War, the attention of the undergraduates had been directed to joining the Canadian Expeditionary Force. Up to the date of the Armistice five hundred and eighty members of the University had enlisted for military or naval service, either Overseas or in Canada. Of these, sixty-seven are known to have lost their lives, and forty-four to have received decorations for distinguished service. Of those who were decorated, five lost their lives. The decorations are as follows:

D.S.O.	3
D.C.M.	3, 1 with Bar
O.B.E.	2
M.M.	4
M.C.	32, 2 with Bar
Croix de Guerre	1

These do not include decorations awarded to members of the Staff.

The names of those winning the D.S.O. are: John Keeller MacKay of Pictou (Law ’13–’15), Colonel and O.C. 22nd Battalion 6th Howitzer Brigade, B.E.F. J. Layton Ralston (Law ’02–’03) Amherst, Colonel and O.C. of the 85th Battalion, C.E.F. Barry Wentworth Roscoe, of Kentville (LL.B. ’04), Major 5th C.M.R., C.E.F.

At the outbreak of the War the University had on its books 398 students, of whom 90 were women. Of the 308 male students of the session 1914–15 by the end of the session practically every third man had enlisted for military service.

So many students left the Presbyterian Theological College, Pine Hill, Halifax, as to make it only the shadow of its former self. In the session of 1914–15 as many as twenty-five students from Pine Hill were drilling with the O.T.C.; thirteen men from this College ultimately saw service Overseas.

Of students of Engineering in the session of 1914–15, twenty-one were enrolled in the O.T.C.

Of Law students twenty-two were on the roll of the O.T.C. during the first session.

One cannot write of what Dalhousie University did in the War without a few words as to what she suffered. The only son of the Chairman of the Board of Governors, Mr. G. S. Campbell, LL.D., Lieut. George Henderson Campbell, was killed near Ypres in May, 1916. He had graduated B.A. in the previous May, and was within only two days of his 21st birthday. Two Rhodes Scholars lost their lives in the Great War, namely: Walter Melville Billman (B.A. ’13), Lieut. 1st Middlesex Regiment, B.E.F.; and Harry Austin MacCleave (B.A. ’16), Lieut. 13th Montreal Highlanders, C.E.F. While the accidental death of the young, the healthy and the brave is always a poignant sorrow, the passing of those who are also the finest products of the academic culture of their day is a catastrophe of the first magnitude.

CHAPTER XLII.
KING’S COLLEGE AND KING’S COLLEGE SCHOOL IN THE WAR.

The University of King’s College at Windsor, N.S., has always been small in numbers, but always big in the spirit it has displayed and in the type of men it has fostered.

It was founded in 1789—the oldest University in the British Dominions beyond the Seas—by United Empire Loyalists, by men who readily gave up all they possessed in a material sense rather than forsake their allegiance to an ideal. It is not surprising then that at all times there have been King’s men ready to answer the King’s call and that the names of men such as Inglis and Welsford are held in special reverence by their Alma Mater.

The spirit of loyal service and sacrifice that has actuated King’s men was at once evident in her sons when the Great Call came in 1914, and King’s has every reason to be proud of her record of loyalty and devotion in the Great War. More than four hundred of her sons were at the King’s side during that fierce struggle for freedom.

In 1914 there were at least twelve King’s men, including seven Generals, holding commissions in the Imperial Army and the Canadian Permanent Forces.

Fourteen volunteers sailed with the First Contingent of the Canadian Expeditionary Force, four of whom were killed in action. The first King’s man to make the Great Sacrifice was Capt. G. L. B. Concanon, who was killed in the Dardanelles Campaign while serving with the 2nd Battalion of Australian Infantry.

In the Second Contingent were some thirty-five students and graduates of the College and a number of “Old Boys” of the School.

Amongst the notable enlistments from College during the War were the nine who volunteered for service in the Cycle Corps of the 2nd Contingent, and some twenty, mostly students, who enlisted together in the 193rd Battalion, Nova Scotia Highland Brigade. This latter represented an enlistment of about 50 per cent. of the student body then in residence at King’s College and included one of her Professors.

During the period of the War the largest number of male students in attendance at King’s College was forty-eight, and this number was reduced to a few physically unfit men in 1917, and yet sixty-seven students actually enlisted from the College, and ten of them made the supreme sacrifice. In all twenty-three King’s men fell in action on the Field of Honor.

So reduced was the student body that when the Military Service Act came into effect there was not one physically fit student left to come under the provisions of that Act.

Early in 1915 a contingent of the Canadian Officers’ Training Corps was organized at King’s College under Professor Sturley as Officer Commanding, and did very useful work not only amongst the students at College, but also amongst the young men of Windsor, the seat of King’s College. Its active life, however was short, for within about twelve months of its organization practically the whole of the personnel of the Corps had enlisted for Overseas Service.

Amongst the honors gained by King’s men during the War were:

O. B. Jones	D.S.O.
J. P. Silver	D.S.O., C.B.E.
C. Hill	D.S.O.
C. R. E. Willets	D.S.O.
H. A. Kaulback	O.B.E.
A. E. Andrew	M.C.
G. D. Campbell	M.C.
R. H. Morris	M.C.
C. V. Strong	M.C.
C. Campbell	M.C.
W. G. Ernst	M.C. and Bar.
G. B. Murray	M.C.
R. H. Tait	M.C.
D. L. Teed	M.C.
P. L. Parlee	D.C.M.
W. E. Warburton	D.C.M.
G. L. Jones	D.C.M.
C. Blanchard	M.M.
T. W. Maynard	M.M.
H. R. Poole	Legion of Honor.
R. H. Stewart	Order of St. George of Russia.
G. F. Mason	Croix de Guerre.

Of the many who distinguished themselves by gallant service, whether officially recognized or not, the record of a few of the younger generation must suffice as typical of all.

Two of the first students to enlist were Edward Jeffery and George Mason. They enlisted together in the ranks of the First Contingent, 17th Battalion, and went over to France together with the 14th Battalion, 1st Canadian Division. For sixteen months they fought side by side—all through the terrible winter of 1914–1915 in the Ypres Salient—and came through that fiery ordeal unscathed. They returned to England together for their commissions, training together at Crowborough. Mason returned to France almost immediately after the course, but Jeffery was taken ill and was operated on for appendicitis; and it was not till April, 1918, that he was again sent to France. In June, 1918, he joined his new Battalion, 16th Canadian Scottish, and found himself posted to a Company commanded by Mason, now a Captain. So they were together again in France. On the night of the 26th September Jeffery received his first wound, but it proved fatal, and the next day he was laid to rest at Ligny St. Frochel, near St. Pol. Only four days later, on October 1st, his great chum followed, and so these two, who for four long years had borne the burden and strife of the Great War with what seemed charmed lives, were reunited once more in that land where there is no more parting and no more strife.

Arthur Leigh Collett, B.A., had left King’s for Oxford as a Rhodes Scholar, but at once forsook his work at Oxford and enlisted in the Imperial Army. He served in France as a Lieutenant with the 8th Gloucesters, and in the autumn of 1915, in the Battle of Messines Ridge he was reported missing and later believed killed. Others from his Battalion reported missing at the same time were later reported as prisoners of war in Germany. There is little doubt that Collett fought gallantly facing the odds and choosing to meet death rather than to cease for a moment, while life lasted, from striving for the ideals of justice and righteousness.

A. B. C. Hilbert was one of the most popular students and one of the best athletes at King’s. Enlisting with the Cycle Corps he transferred to the Royal Naval Air Service on reaching England. In July, 1917, he wrote: “I am at present resting after a twenty-two weeks’ illness due to a little ducking I got in the North Sea. I am flying again in August.” In October came the news that he had fallen a second time in the North Sea, and now there he rests with many other gallant sons of Britain.

Of the others who enlisted with him in the Cycle Corps, Turnbull and McCormick rest in soldiers’ graves in Flanders; Crawford died in hospital ere he saw the foe; Foster and Parlee are back with us at King’s, and though Parlee has lost a leg, his breast is adorned with that proud emblem of bravery, the Distinguished Conduct Medal; Brittain has recovered from his serious wounds and is serving the King of Peace; Harley, Hallett and the rest are giving the same good account of themselves that they always gave as loyal sons of King’s.

George Stewart Burchell was one of that little band who enlisted together with the 193rd Battalion, Nova Scotia Highland Brigade, and joined the 85th Battalion in France. He was one of the most promising of the younger sons of King’s, a clever, manly, gentlemanly young fellow. He fought for the cause of liberty and right and now rests in a soldier’s grave in France.

In the records of the King’s College Advance Movement is the entry, “George Stewart Burchell, killed at the Front, his pay at his request, $100.” May King’s never cease to honor the memory of this loyal and gallant son.

W. B. Ernst enlisted as a private in the 193rd Battalion, rose to the rank of Captain in the 85th Battalion, and was awarded the Military Cross and Bar. Ernst has not rested on his laurels, and since his return here has shown that in the field of scholarship, too, he will take no second place, and has captured the Rhodes Scholarship from the Province of Nova Scotia. King’s will ever have reason to be proud of the records of Ernst, so affectionately known as “Bill.”

Of others whom King’s will always delight to honor may be mentioned Capt. D. L. Teed, M.C., and Gunner L. Wilkinson, who fell gallantly serving their guns, Lieut. W. E. Warburton, D.CM., rewarded for his bravery in the Dardanelles, Lieut.-Col. C. R. E. Willets, D.S.O., the gallant and popular Commanding Officer of the R.C.R. in France, and now commanding the famous “Princess Pats,” Cecil Blanchard, M.M., who was too young to enlist except as a bugler, but not too young to show that he came of loyal fighting stock; and the Campbell brothers, six of whom saw active service, and two of whom, Colin and Kenneth, lie “out there,” somewhere in France.

Though these records are brief and unworthy may they suffice to show that the true spirit of King’s still lives in her sons, and that they, as of old, have upheld nobly her best traditions and realized in some measure her ideals of service,

“DEO, LEGI, REGI, GREGI.”

CHAPTER XLIII.
ST. FRANCIS XAVIER UNIVERSITY AND THE WAR.

In the Great War students, past and present, of St. Francis Xavier University served in every branch of the Forces of Canada, and in the armies and navies of Great Britain, France and America. But it is the especial pride of St. Francis Xavier to have furnished a complete Unit, if a small one, of the Canadian Expeditionary Forces. The Unit was officially known as No. 9 Stationary Hospital, C.A.M.C.

This Unit was organized in November, 1915, and was for some time quartered in the University itself. It left Canada for the United Kingdom in June, 1916, and proceeded to France in November of the following year. Till April, 1918, it was stationed at St. Omer, but the great German offensive of that spring made necessary its withdrawal to Etaples, where it became part of the hospital system of the main British base.

In the notorious bombardment of May 18, 1918, No. 9 was the first hospital to be attacked, and suffered severely. Its premises were completely destroyed, and more than forty per cent. of its personnel became casualties. Towards the end of 1918, the status of the St. Francis Xavier Unit was raised to that of a General Hospital. It returned to Canada in July, 1919, and upon the reorganization of the Military Forces of Canada, was preserved as an integral part of the Active Militia.

More than three hundred and fifty Xavierians joined the colors. Thirty-three were killed, or died on active service. The following decorations were won by students or alumni of the University:

C.M.G.	1
D.S.O.	4
M.C.	11
First Bar, M.C.	1
Second Bar, M.C.	1
O.B.E.	1
D.C.M.	3
M.M.	5
M.S.M.	1

Three professors of the Faculty of the University saw active service in the Canadian, Imperial and American Forces respectively; two were severely wounded and one received the Military Cross.

In Canada during the War St. Francis Xavier took a becoming part in the forefront of every patriotic activity. A contingent of the Canadian Officers’ Training Corps was gazetted in April, 1915. Training had hardly been begun when the Corps lost the majority of its officers by enlistment and with the numbers of students continually dwindling—at one commencement a single individual presented himself for graduation—it became impossible to continue parades.

In every branch of war work pursued in the neighborhood of Antigonish, the locale of the University, the lead was taken by members of the Staff of St. Francis Xavier. The chairman of the local committee for the Patriotic Fund, the Antigonish County Organizer of the Victory Loan Campaign, and the Director of the re-establishment activities of the Knights of Columbus over a wide area of Eastern Nova Scotia, were professors of the University. In connection with the patriotic work of the Knights of Columbus, it may be mentioned St. Francis Xavier did its full share in the launching of the Dominion-wide campaign, which made it possible for this body to perform its splendid services to our troops at the scene of war. In brief in St. Francis Xavier, as in all the universities of the land, it was the aim of all compelled to “carry on” at home to become, by patriotic endeavor and sacrifice, not unworthy of those who went from it to fight their country’s and the Empire’s battles.

Editor’s Note.—No. 9 Stationary Hospital Unit is more fully dealt with in Chapter xxvi.

CHAPTER XLIV.
THE PRESBYTERIAN COLLEGE AND THE GREAT WAR.

Ministers of the Gospel are the avowed ambassadors of the Prince of Peace; and it is so constantly their task to allay the passions of the human heart and to preach universal love, particularly in their appeals for foreign missions, that many people felt that their ideal was at variance with the spirit of war and were prepared to find students for the ministry offering for other forms of patriotic service than fighting in the line. The extraordinary response of theological colleges and of sons of the manse all over the Empire showed how mistaken this idea had been. The message of the Cross and the call to self-sacrifice had quite the opposite effect. Young men who were going to be preachers experienced a new sense of responsibility; they knew that they could not consistently call others to a life of service and suffering, if they were not prepared themselves to lead the way. This is the attitude that prevailed among the students at Pine Hill, which is the oldest Presbyterian Theological College in Canada, and which will celebrate in 1920 its centenary.

The intensity of this conviction surprised every one on the parade ground of the South End Rink, Halifax, when Col. W. E. Thompson organized the O.T.C. of Dalhousie University. The large majority of the students in residence at Pine Hill were there. The Divinity classes open late, and thus many had been in the city only a few days when this call came in the beginning of November, 1914. Colonel Thompson has on several public occasions paid a fine tribute to these theological men; and they in return frankly acknowledge how much they were moved by the frank and earnest appeal of the Colonel himself.

The O.T.C. was but a voluntary and preliminary phase of the grave decision; but it had a most stimulating effect, and nearly all the students who joined its ranks found themselves ultimately in active service. Right on the heels of the O.T.C. came the formation of a small Cycle Corps Unit, to which three from Pine Hill were admitted, the first to enlist for Overseas. This Unit was almost entirely made up of students, and its advent in Halifax was celebrated by a dinner given in the residence at Pine Hill. The dining hall was crowded. Colonel Thompson and Colonel Grant, A.D.M.S., spoke; the impression made was very deep; and probably at that hour a large number made up their minds to join the colors. The impression was intensified by the dramatic announcement in the course of the dinner of the splendid sea victory at Falkland Islands, the news of which had just come over the wire.

Before the year was out there came an urgent appeal for an Ambulance Corps, and fifteen responded. Few of them stayed long in the Army Medical Corps after they got across, but asked for transfers to fighting units, in which they played their part nobly, and where some of them laid down their lives.

Early in 1915 the 6th Mounted Rifles were formed and eight more joined, going to England in July. In the summer four others enlisted in the No. 7 Overseas Hospital (The Dalhousie) Unit; and in the winter, 1915–16, five enlisted in the Nova Scotia Highland Brigade and five in the artillery. By the second anniversary of the War the great bulk of the Divinity students had entered the army, and most of these were already Overseas.

Below is given a list of the names and of the Units to which they were eventually attached, and henceforward their history becomes identified with their Units and is told elsewhere. There were forty-eight in all, including the Principal and Professor H. A. Kent, who were ultimately on the strength of the Chaplain Service. Two received the Military Cross and one the Military Medal; seven paid the supreme sacrifice; and many were wounded or gassed. All but seven of those who survived continued their studies for the ministry on their return.

Following is the roll of honor:

John Ross, a Scotch lad, who, in the beginning of the War, joined the fleet, and went down with the Indefatigable in the Battle of Jutland.

Arthur P. MacIvor, from Cape Breton, joined the C.M.R., and was killed at Mount Sorel, on June 2, 1916.

Earl Lockerby, from P.E.I., in the 42nd R.H.C. Killed at Courcellette, September, 1916.

Ralph B. Clarke, B.A., from New Brunswick, joined the 26th, and was killed at Courcellette, on September 17, 1916.

Stephen Dick, from New Brunswick, joined C.F.A., and survived until the final offensive in 1918.

Lieut. Harold A. Smith, B.A., M.C., from Cape Breton; served in 5th C.M.R.; wounded first on the Somme, and killed in May, 1918.

Cyril Hyde, Lieutenant in the Royal Air Service; killed over the German lines.