The Seaforth Highlanders of Canada, 72nd Battalion, CEF

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The Seaforth Highlanders of Canada

Seaforth Highlanders of Canada, 72nd Battalion, 12th Canadian Infantry Brigade, Fourth Canadian Divisional Infantry, C.E.F. Colonel-in-Chief: His Royal Highness The Prince Philip Duke of Edinburgh.

His Royal Highness The Prince Philip Duke of Edinburgh

Organization

Seaforth Highlanders of Canada organized in September 1915 under the command of Lieutenant-Colonel John Arthur Clark. Recruited and Mobilized in Vancouver.

To Brig.-Gen. John Arthur Clark, C.M.G., D.S.O., must be given the credit of creating and training this fine fighting machine. A natural aptitude for war. Devotion to the duty of looking after his unit in every possible way. Gallantry upon all occasions, resulted in the 72nd Seaforth Highlanders of Canada becoming one of the finest battalions in the British Army.

Proclamation of War

August, 1914. Services of Regiment offered as a unit. This refused but a detachment of 25 officers and 514 men, at Valcartier, sent to the 16th Battalion, under Lieut.-Col. Robert Leckie. May, 1915. Offer made to Ottawa to furnish a Battalion for Overseas service.

Seaforth Highlanders of Canada — Group portrait shows Major John Spottiswood Tait, Mr. Goodall, Major Henry Seymour Tobin and others, circa 1913.

Battalion in Being

July, 1915, offer accepted. July 18, 1915, Major John Arthur Clark appointed O. C. of the new 72nd Overseas Battalion, C.E.F., Seaforth Highlanders of Canada. September 4, 1915, Recruiting began.

Battalion inspected by Col. Sir Charles Davidson, K.C.M.G. January 16, 1916Seaforth Highlanders of Canada

September 16. 1915, battalion inspected by the Duke of Connaught. October, 1915, battalion inspected by Col. Sir Charles Davidson, K.C.M.G.

January 16, 1916. Battalion finally inspected by Brig.-Gen. John Hughes. April 16, 1916. Battalion attended final Church Service at Hastings Park, and left for overseas. April 21, 1916. Battalion reach Ottawa and march past inspected by H.R.H. the Duke of Connaught. April 23, 1916.

To England

Embarked from Halifax 25 April 1916 aboard RMS EMPRESS OF BRITAIN. Disembarked England 5 May 1916. Strength: 34 officers, 1094 other ranks. Battalion reached Halifax, N. S., and embarked on Empress of Britain. May 4, 1916. Battalion reached Liverpool. May 5, 1916. Battalion disembarked, and took train to Liphook, and march to Bramshott Camp. May 8, 1916. Battalion inspected by Major-Gen. David Watson. C.B. May 24, 1916. Battalion inspected and very favorably commented upon by Field Marshal Viscount French.

June 18, 1916. A draft of 150 men left for France, who went to the 16th Canadian-Scottish. July 1, 1916. 4th Division inspected by King George. July, 1916. 4th Division inspected by Right Hon. Lloyd George, and Lieut-Gen. Sir Sam Hughes. Lloyd George delivered an address to the Officers of the Division. July, 1916. On account of its efficiency the Battalion selected from the 4th Canadian Division to furnish a guard of honour to His Majesty the King on the occasion of his visit to Aldershot.

To France

August 12, 1916. Arrived in France 12 August 1916. 4th Canadian Division, 12th Canadian Infantry Brigade. Reinforced by 24th Canadian Reserve Battalion. Battalion left Bramshott for Le Havre. August 13, 1916. Battalion reached Le Havre. August 14, 1916. Battalion entrained for the front. August 15, 1916. Battalion arrived at Hopoutre (near Poperinghe Belgium). August 18, 1916. “C” and “D” Companies march to Ypres. August 19, 1916.

“C” and “D” Companies returned to Erie Camp. August 21, 1916. Battalion move to Patricia Lines. August 24, 1916. Battalion move on to Chippewa Camp. August 26, 1916. Battalion move into the line near Kemmel for a four- days’ tour of instruction.

Chippewa Camp

August 30, 1916. Battalion went to Chippewa Camp for a four-days’ rest. September 3, 1916. Battalion relieved the Lancashires in the trenches in front of Kemmel. September 16, 1916. The first raid of the Battalion carried out – a complete success. September 19, 1916. Battalion relieved by Munsters.

September 21, 1916. The 4th Canadian Division began its march to the Somme. Battalion Billetted: 21st West Outre, 22nd Hazebrouck, 23rd Arcque, 24th Houle. October 4, 1916. Battalion march from Houle to Arcque, and took train to Candas, and march from there to Longue Vilette. Billeted: Oct. 4 Longue Vilette, 5 Montrelet, 6 Herissart, 7 to 9 Warloy, 10 Tara Hill.

Canadian troops passing Canadian Corps Headquarters, Warloy. (3rd Pioneers). MIKAN No. 3521925

Trench Tours on the Somme

October 26, 1916. Battalion move into line, going into support in Sugar Trench, when it relieved a Battalion of the 10th Brigade. October 30 1916. Battalion move into front line trenches for three days in Regina Trench. November 2, 1916. Battalion relieved by 78th Battalion, and move into Brigade Reserve. November 3, 1916. Battalion move into Divisional Reserve at Bouzincourt. November 11, 1916. Battalion again move into the front line.

November 13, 1916. Battalion relieved by 54th and 47th Battalions and move back into Brigade Reserve at X 9 a. November 15, 1916. Battalion move to Bouzincourt. November 20. Battalion move back to front line. November 26. Battalion relieved by 78th Battalion and move to Pozieres.

Damaged Airco D.H.2 aircraft of the Royal Flying Corps near Pozieres, France. MIKAN No. 3390149

Vimy Ridge Operations

November 27, 1916. Battalion began its march northwards to Vimy Ridge area. Billetted: Nov. 28 to 29 Harponville, 30 Amplier. Dec. 1 Bonnieres, 2 Ecoivres, 3 Ostreville, 4 to 21 Haillicourt December 22, 1916. Battalion march to Camblain I’Abbe. December 24, 1916. Battalion commences first tour in trenches of Vimy Ridge, on Christmas Eve. December 29, 1916. Battalion relieved by 38th Battalion and move to Brigade Reserve at Cambligneul.

Canadians on the march near the line during a snow storm. MIKAN No. 3404849

January 1, 1917. Battalion dinner. Brig.-Gen. James H. MacBrien spoke. January 5, 1917. Battalion move into front line again. January II, 1917. Battalion relieved by 38th. January 17, 1917. Battalion move back to front line to snow-covered trenches. January 23, 1917. Battalion relieved by 38th.

January 29, 1917. Battalion move back to front line. February 5, 1917. Battalion relieved by 38th. Reserve at Verdrel for training. February 12, 1917. Battalion move back to front line trenches. February 12, 1917. Lieut.-Col. John Arthur Clark left the Battalion to proceed, as sole Canadian representative on the British mission to Italy. Battalion move into front line, relieving 38th. February 16, 1917.

“B” Company’s phenomenally successful raid. February 18, 1917. Battalion relieved by 38th and move to Verdrel. Lieutenants George Reid (Killed-in-Action 9-4-17), Alexander John Acheson, Arthur George Mackie (K-I-A. 9-4-17), Allan Hunter Finlay (Wounded 23-7-18) and Max Mingaye Townley (K-I-A. 9-4-17) reported for duty, having obtained commissions from the ranks. February 25, 1917.

WHITE FLAG

Battalion move back to the front line, relieving 38th. March 1, 1917. Divisional gas raid took place. March 3, 1917. Two German officers (carrying white flag) proposed an armistice to bury the dead. Battalion relieved. March 4, 1917. Lieut.-Col. John Arthur Clark returned from Italy. March 7, 1917. Battalion move to Bouvigny Huts. March 8, 1917. Preliminary practices for the attack on Vimy Ridge commenced. March 10, 1917. Brigade sports held at Chateau de la Haie. March 11, 1917 Battalion move back to front line, relieving 102nd Battalion.

March 15, 1917. Battalion relieved by 73rd Battalion and march to Niagara Camp, Chateau de la Haie. March 19, 1917 Battalion relieved the 47th Battalion. March 29, 1917. Battalion relieved by 73rd Battalion and move to Brigade Support in Arras Alley and Bajolle Support line. March 30, 1917. Battalion relieved 73rd Battalion in front line trenches.

Chateau de la Haie

April 4, 1917. Battalion relieved by 73rd Battalion and move back to Brigade Reserve at Chateau de la Haie. April 7, 1917. Battalion held a Decoration Parade decorations presented by Major-General Sir David Watson. April 8, 1917. Attack finally rehearsed and Church Parade held. In the evening the Battalion move into Gobron Tunnel on Vimy Ridge. April 9, 1917. Vimy Ridge falls before Canadian attack. April 13, 1917. Battalion makes final sweep over north end of Vimy Ridge. Capturing the northern heights and driving the enemy some two miles out into the flat country beyond. Battalion relieved and move back to Chateau de la Haie.

April 17, 1917. Lieut.-Col. John Arthur Clark took over command of the Brigade in the absence of Brig.-Gen. James H. MacBrien, wounded on April 13th. April 24, 1917. 72nd Battalion move into Brigade Support in the Vimy Angres Line. April 28, 1917. Battalion took over front line, relieving 38th. Lieut.-Col. John Arthur Clark resumed command of Battalion. May 2, 1917. Battalion relieved by 38 th Battalion and move to Brigade Support in Zouave Valley. May 6, 1917. Battalion went forward and relieved 38th Battalion.

Summer of 1917

May 9, 1917. Battalion relieved by 85th Battalion and move into Brigade Support at Tottenham Caves on Vimy Ridge. May 12, 1917. Brigade relieved and Battalion move to Comox Camp. May 16, 1917. Battalion move forward to Zouave Valley. May 20, 1917. Battalion move forward to front line. May 22, 1917. Enemy reported to be vacating their positions. Block In Cyril Trench raided. May 24, 1917. Battalion relieved by 38th Battalion and move back to Givenchy. May 28, 1917. Battalion relieved by 44th Battalion. Move back to Chateau de la Haie, where first of 231st Battalion reinforcements were awaiting them.

Unidentified officer standing on the ruins of Givenchy Church and looking towards the Ducks Bill and La Bassée. MIKAN No. 3329321

June 4, 1917. Brigade parade held, decorations presented, and sports held, 72nd Battalion winning. In the evening the Battalion move to a tent camp near Berthonval Wood. And ,the same evening bombed by hostile aeroplanes while in camp. June 5, 1917. Battalion move for cover to Berthonval Wood, and camp named Seaforth Camp. June 6, 1917. All available officers of the 4th Division went to Chateau de la Hale to bid goodbye to Sir Julian Byng. June 13 and 14, 1917. Divisional sports held. Battalion won. June 14, 1917. Battalion move to front line, relieving 38th. June 19, 1917. Battalion relieved by 44th Battalion and move back to Chateau de la Hale. June 21, 1917.

Corps Sports

Corps sports held. June 24, 1917. A Brigade practice for an attack on La Coulotte inspected by Corps Commander; a joint Church Parade held with 85th Battalion and decorations presented. June 25, 1917. First Army Horse Show held at Chateau de la Haie, Duke of Connaught being present. In the evening the Battalion move forward to front line, relieving 44th and 47th Battalions. June 26 to 28, 1917. Battalion attacked and captured Quebec and Avion trenches. Saskatoon Road and Eleu trenches.

DOMINION DAY

July 1, 1917. Dominion Day. Salvoes from guns. In the evening the Battalion relieved. July 2, 1917. A further draft of 150 received from the 231st Battalion. July 20, 1917. 72nd Tug of war team went to Paris to compete in sports and won the championship of the Allied Armies. July 25, 1917. Tug of war team returned victorious. The Battalion relieved the 43rd Battalion on the Avion front and commenced the longest tour in its history. July 30, 1917. Battalion relieved by 38th and move back to support in the Red Line.

Hill 70

August 4, 1917. Battalion relieved 38th In the front line. August 9, 1917. Battalion relieved by 38th and move back to support In the Red Line. August 10, 1917. Two patrols sent out with ammonal tubes to destroy enemy’s wire. August 13, 1917. Battalion relieved the 38th Battalion in the front line. August 15, 1917. The Canadian Divisions north of the Souchez captured Hill 70, and attacked the defenses of Lens. August 18, 1917. Sergt. Morris Kenneth McLennan 129878 (Wounded 28-6-17) “held up” while supervising a working party in No Man’s Land by a member of a German patrol. The latter died for his Fatherland.

August 19, 1917. Raiding party under Lieut. John Buchan Rose (P.O.W. 20-8-17) carried out a most gallant raid against the Red Chateau in Avion. August 20, 1917. Battalion relieved by 38th and move back into support in the Red Line. August 27, 1917. Battalion relieved 38th in front line. August 29, 1917. Enemy attempted to raid Battalion in the Avion sector, but repulsed with losses by the courageous action of No. 466433 Cpl. Samuel Findlater.

Longest Tour

September 2, 1917. Seaforth Highlanders of Canada relieved by 50th Battalion and move to Chateau de la Haie, completing longest tour. September 6, 1917. Inter-Battalion sports held and dinner in evening to Major William Arthur James Marshall. September 7, 1917. Battalion move to Alberta Camp near Souchez Corner. September 11, 1917. Battalion move forward into support, relieving 50th Battalion In the Red Line and Partridge Trench. September 14, 1917. Battalion relieved the 38th Battalion in the front line, with headquarters at “Piano” dugout.

72nd Bn. men in the Tug of War finals. (Canadian Championship Athletic Meet in France, 6 September, 1917. MIKAN No. 3387584

72nd Bn. men in the Tug of War finals. (Canadian Championship Athletic Meet in France, 6 September, 1917. MIKAN No. 3387585

September 19, 1917. Seaforth Highlanders of Canada relieved and move back to Chateau de la Hale. September 23, 1917. Battalion took part in a Brigade Church Parade and march past before the Brigade Commander, who presented decorations. September 24, 1917. Practices held for an attack on Sallumines Hill, planned for October 15th. Sports also held during this rest. September 29, 1917. Corps championship sports held at Villers-au-Bois. October 3, 1917. The Sallumines practices discontinued indefinitely. October 4, 1917. Sallumines operation cancelled.

Passchendaele Operations

October 5, 1917. Brigade began to move north to Steenbecque, but 72nd Battalion quarantined for diphtheria. October 10, 1917. Battalion and quarantined men move to Bruay to take
their place in the Brigade for the northward march. October 12, 1917. Battalion entrained for Steenbecque and march from there to Thiennes. October 13, 1917. Battalion march to Wallon Cappel. October 17, 1917. Fifty officers and other ranks went to Poperinghe to see a model of the ground covered by proposed operations. October 20, 1917. A transport competition held. October 22, 1917. The Duke of Connaught inspected the Brigade, and the Battalion march past October 23, 1917. Battalion move to the Brandhoek area.

October 28, 1917. Seaforth Highlanders of Canada took over the front line. October 30, 1917. 72nd captures Crest Farm. November 2, 1917. Battalion relieved by 21st Battalion. November 3, 1917. The fighting troops reached the transport lines at Potizje. The Battalion march to Ypres, took train for Caestre and march to billets at Pradelles. November 5, 1917. Brigade inspected by the Corps Commander. November 11, 1917. Church Parade disturbed by approach of bombing plane. November 17, 1917. Brigade began to march south. November 19, 1917.

Move South

Reached Auchel. November 27, 1917. Battalion platoon marching and firing competition held. November 30, 1917. Battalion march to Pernes, inspected en route by the Divisional Commander. December 16, 1917. Brigade sports and competition in marching and firing. December 17, 1917. Battalion march to Canada Camp, Bois de la Haie. December 18, 1917. Battalion move into support, relieving 1st Canadian Battalion in Givenchy.

December 20, 1917. Seaforth Highlanders of Canada move forward to trenches in neighborhood of La Coulotte with Battalion headquarters in Piano dugout. December 23, 1917. Divisional marching and firing competition took place at Pernes In which No. 14 Platoon participated. December 25, 1917. Battalion’s second Christmas in the field. December 29, 1917. Battalion relieved by 50th Battalion and went to Vancouver Camp, Chateau de la Hale. December 31, 1917. New Year’s dinner served to men of the Battalion and theatre visited.

Acheville Sector

January 1, 1918. Church Parade and decorations presented. In evening officers had a New Year’s dinner. January 9, 1918. Battalion move into support in the Acheville Sector, relieving the 102nd Battalion. January 14, 1918. Battalion relieved 38th in front line. January 19, 1918. Battalion relieved by 24th Canadian Battalion and returned to Chateau de la Haie by train. January 30, 1918. Battalion move into support in the Cite du Moulin sector under command of Major Guy Hamilton Kirkpatrick. February 4, 1918. Battalion relieved 38th in front line. February 10, 1918. Battalion relieved by 47th and went to billets in Gouy Servins by light railway. February 18, 1918. Battalion march to rest billets In Lozinghem for training.

March 6, 1918. Seaforth Highlanders of Canada inspected by Corps Commander, Lieut.-Gen. Sir A. W. Currie, K.C.B. March 11, 1918. Lewis gun and rifle competitions. March 12, 1918. Battalion march to the huts at Hersin Coupigny. March 13, 1918, March into support in Cite St. Pierre, relieving 16th Battalion Canadian Scottish. March 18, 1919. Battalion relieved 78th Battalion in front line. March 21, 1918. Enemy commenced his last great advance in the west. March 22, 1918. Canadian gas projection on Lens and heavy barrage on enemy’s part. March 23, 1918. Battalion relieved In front line by 78th Battalion and move back to support In Cite St. Pierre and Cite Calonne. March 27, 1918. Battalion relieved by 8th Sherwood Foresters and move back to Fosse 10, Sains-en-Gohelle.

Kilts

March 28, 1918. Kilts re-issued to Battalion, and orders for a further move, but orders changed, and Battalion march to Verdrel. Being inspected en route by Corps Commander, and then entrained for Cubit Camp, Neuville St. Vaast. March 29, 1918. Battalion relieve 6th and 7th Londons and 8th Battalion Middlesex Regiment of the 56th Imperial Division in front line of Gavrelle sector. Opposing fresh German attack north of the Scarpe. March 29.April 4, 1918. Strenuous tour. Continuation of the assault north of the Scarpe by the enemy momentarily expected.

Chaplain of 72nd Canadian Battalion talking to a Canadian soldier up the line. April, 1918. MIKAN No. 3522121Seaforth Highlanders of Canada — Chaplain of 72nd Canadian Battalion talking to a Canadian soldier up the line. April, 1918. MIKAN No. 3522121

April 4, 1918. Battalion relieved by 47th Battalion and move back to Wakefield Camp, north of Arras. April 7, 1918. Great German attack in Valley of Lys opened. April 9, 1918. Dinner given by the Battalion officers at the Ecurie Club, at which were present Lieut.-Gen. Sir A. W. Currie, Major-Gen. D. Watson, Brig.-Gen. James H. MacBrien, etc., 90 in all. April 10, 1918. Battalion move into support In the Bailleul sector, relieving the 75th Battalion.

Reorganization

April 12, 1918. Redistribution of troops on Canadian Corps front necessitated changes. April 16, 1918. One of our posts raided by the enemy who were repulsed. April 17-18, 1918. Lieut. John Robertson Stewart Lough commanded a patrol which raided the enemy’s front line trenches under most difficult circumstances. Inflicted many casualties on the enemy. On the same night a raid conducted under command of Lieut. Colin Campbell Ferrie occasioning rapid withdrawal of the enemy so that contact not established.

April 18, 1918. Battalion relieved by 78th Battalion in the front line. Move into support behind the railway embankment in front of Farbus Wood. April 22, 1918. Battalion again move into front line relieving 78th. April 25, 1918. Spirited raid under Lieut. Hanson against Brandon trench north of Arleux, in which many casualties inflicted on the enemy. April 28, 1918. Battalion relieved by 78 th and move back to Brigade Reserve at Hill’s Camp, Neuville St. Vaast.

Final Offensive

May 6, 1918. Seaforth Highlanders of Canada move to Conteville. May 12, 1918. Church service held and decorations presented. May 18, 1918. Battalion move to Ostreville. May 25, 1918. Battalion move to Auchel.

Officers of 72nd Battalion playing Badminton near the line. MIKAN No. 3384393

June 7, 1918. Battalion taken to Enguinegatte to witness tank demonstration. June 8, 1918. Battalion sports held at Auchel. July 1, 1918. Corps sports held at Tincques, a magnificent spectacle, splendidly organized and staged. July 2, 1918. Battalion paraded with the Brigade at Ferfay. And, was inspected by Corps Commander, accompanied by Sir Robert Borden and Sir George Perley.

July 6, 1918. About 400 of Battalion went to Tincques to a Highland gathering of a very comprehensive character. The 72nd won the Lovat Cup in face of competition from 25 other Highland units of the British Army.

Lieutenant James McDonald MC, Seaforth Highlanders of Canada

July 11, 1918. Battalion entrained for Maroeuil and march to Balmoral Camp, near Neuville St. Vaast. July 19, 1918. Battalion relieved the 1st Canadian Battalion in the front line in the Fampoux Sector. July 24, 1918. A stealth raid carried out, in daylight, against the Boche lines under Lieut. James McDonald MC (K.I.A. 2-9-18), and valuable identifications secured.

Lieut. James McDonald MC, 20 April 2019, Tigris Lance Cemetery, CEFRG

July 25, 1918. Battalion relieved by 85th Battalion and move back into support. July 31, I9I8. Battalion relieved by the King’s Liverpool Regiment and a Battalion of the Munsters.

Secret Move South

August 2, 1918. Battalion move by march and bus to Aubigny where it entrained. The transport received orders to march to an unknown destination. August 3, 1918. Detrained at Hangest-sur-Somme and march to Warlus. August 4, 1918. Marched to Pissy. August 5, 1918. Marched to Clairy-Saulchoix. August 7, 1918. Reached Boves Wood.

Last Hundred Days

August 8, 1918. Amiens operation. German salient in the south utterly smashed by British and French. August 10, 1918. 72nd attacked and captured Maucourt and Chilly. August 12, 1918. Battalion relieved by the 20th Battalion. August 17, 1918. Battalion again move forward to reserve positions, headquarters at Rosieres. August 24, 1918. Battalion relieved by 3rd Battalion of 88th Reserve Infantry (French) and move back to Gentelles Wood. August 27, 1918. Battalion entrained at Longueau, detrained at Maroeuil and march to Anzin. August 29, 1918. Battalion move to Orange Hill. August 31, 1918.

Sir Douglas Haig congratulating Canadians (72nd Battalion). MIKAN No. 3404917

Battalion move forward and took over the front line south of Vis-en-Artois from the 3rd Battalion. In readiness for the attack on the Drocourt-Queant line. September 2, 1918. The Drocourt-Queant line, the northern portion of “Impregnable” Hindenburg line, astride the Arras-Cambrai Road, taken by 72nd Battalion. September 5, 1918. Battalion move back to trenches west of Triangle Wood. Lieut.-Col. John Arthur Clark left Battalion to take over 7th Brigade; Major G. H. Kirkpatrick taking command. September 8, 1918. Battalion move back to Wailly, near Arras. September 18, 1918. Corps Commander Inspected Brigade. September 25, 1918. Battalion march to Arras. Bombed at Arras Station.

Cambrai

September 27-30, 1918. Cambrai operations, Bourlon Wood, Blecourt, Sancourt. September 27, 1918. 72nd captured high ground to the N. E. of Bourlon Wood. September 29, 1918. Battalion captured Sancourt and sent patrols into Blecourt.

October 1, 1918. Seaforth Highlanders of Canada move back to the Transport Lines, near Bourlon Village. October 2, 1918. Move made to Queant. October 6, 1918. Move to Haute-Avesnes near Aubigny. October 9, 1918. Inspection by Sir David Watson.

On the Heals of a Beaten Foe

October 15, 1918. Battalion entrained at Agnez lez Duisans and proceeded to Marquion, where it detrained and march to Sauchy Lestree. October 18, 1918. Move made to Aubencheul-au-bac. October 19, 1918. Move to Bugnicourt and on to Fosse St. Roch. October 20, 1918. Left Fosse St. Roch and march to Abscon. October 22, 1918. Move on to Fosse Bligneres. Scenes of tremendous enthusiasm en route. October 25, 1918. Battalion move forward into support of 78th Battalion. October 27, 1918. Battalion relieved the 78th Battalion in the front line before Valenciennes.

The Last Fight

November 1, 1918. Valenciennes operation. 72nd Battalion attacked and captured the western defences of Valenciennes. November 2, 1918. 72nd captured Valenciennes and St. Saulve. November 4, 1918. Battalion attacked and captured Onnaing within four miles of Belgian border. Battalion relieved same night and move back to Anzin. November 10, 1918. President Poincare visited Valenciennes. Battalion called on to furnish Guard of Honour. November 11, 1918. Armistice declared.

Armistice

November 15, 1918. The Brigade move from Anzin. Seaforth Highlanders of Canada billeted for the night at Quievrain. November 16, 1918. Move to Warquignies. November 20, 1918. Move to Mesvin. November 30, 1918. Brigade inspected by the Divisional Commander, Major. General Sir David Watson, and decorations presented. December 3, 1918. Brigade march through the famous city of Mons. December 12, 1918. Division move forward, billeted that night at Houdeng-Goegnies. December 13, 1918. Move to Gouy-lez-Pieton. December 14, 1918. Move to Fleurus. December 16, 1918. Move to Grand Leez. December 17, 1918. Marched to Opprebais.

Christmas

December 26, 1918. Turkey Dinner. December 31, 1918. Grand ball at Hotel de Ville, Brussels, given by Officers of the 4th Canadian Division. January 3, 1919. Battalion march to Wavre. January 4, 1919. Battalion march to Chain, near Waterloo. March, 1919. Battalion won final Brigade transport competition, completing a string of unbroken successes.

On March 15th the Battalion attended en masse the Finals of the 4th Canadian Divisional Boxing Championship in Brussels. The whole affair elaborately staged in one of the large theatres.

M. Georges Carpentier

Sergt. Skinner of the 72nd won the Divisional middleweight championship after a splendid display of clever, fast boxing. The bouts concluded with an exhibition bout between M. Georges Carpentier, the famous French heavyweight, and Staff- Sergeant Charles of the British gymnastic staff. Thus ended the most successful boxing contest ever staged by the Division.

Meanwhile, during the boxing craze, other sports carried on with great assiduity. Indoor baseball, football, badminton and track events all claimed their adherents. The natural stadium which had been fitted up as an athletic field, always the scene of some variety of sport. All this led up to Brigade and Divisional eliminations. These concluded, the Canadian Corps staged their final championships on March 22nd. Held in the splendid enclosed stadium the Palais des Sports. These attracted large numbers of khaki-clad spectators.

Capt. Edward John H. Cardinall of the 72nd won the Corps championship in the Badminton Singles, while Major J. Foulkes, D. S.O., of the 4th Divisional Staff, and Capt. Cardinall, captured the Doubles Championship in the same event. Seaforth Highlanders of Canada, while well represented in track events, was unable to take any other first places.

Seaforth Highlanders of Canada Presentation of Colours

At about the end of March, arranged that the Battalion should have their colours presented to them by the Corps Commander Sir Arthur Currie. This was the most important event of the period following the armistice, and much preparation vas made for it. April 1st, the date set for it, dawned beautifully. And, at about 11 a.m. the Battalion formed up, drums piled in front, in review order on the parade ground.

As the Corps Commander walked on to the parade, the long line of bayonets flashed into the “Present” and the always impressive ceremony of consecration. April 1, 1919. Colours presented to Battalion by Sir A. W. Currie. Sergeants of the 72nd Canadian Infantry Battalion (Seaforth Highlanders of Canada) are photographing the “stand” of regimental colours of their unit.

Soldiers of the 72nd Canadian Infantry Battalion (Seaforth Highlanders of Canada) are displaying the stand of the battalion’s colours to a group of senior officers, including Gen. Sir Arthur Currie.

King Albert I

April 8, 1919. 72nd march past H. M. King Albert of Belgium.

April 29, 1919. Battalion left Ohain for Le Havre.

Demobilization

May 1, 1919. Battalion arrived at Le Havre. May 1, 1919. Instructions received for London parade of Dominion troops. Troops selected for march past left Le Havre. May 2, 1919. Arrival of draft at Southampton. Draft reached Bram- shot same evening. May 3, 1919. Victorious march past of Dominion troops through London before His Majesty the King. May 4, 1919. 72nd Battalion sailed from Le Havre for Southampton, being the last Canadian Infantry Battalion to leave France. May 5, 1919. Battalion arrived once more at Bramshott, exactly three years after Its arrival there from Canada. May 24, 1919. 72nd sent a detachment of 100, all ranks, under Capt. John Robertson Stewart Lough, D.S.O., M.C, to Edinburgh to participate in a march past.

June 6, 1919. 72nd Battalion embarked on H. M. Transport Olympic at Southampton on the last lap of their homeward journey. June 13, 1919. 72nd Battalion arrived at Halifax and entrained the same evening for Vancouver. June 20, 1919. Battalion arrived at Vancouver and demobilized.

Disbanded by General Order 149 of 15 September 1920. Brass and pipe bands. Published “The Kilt” between 27 November 1915 and 15 April 1916. Perpetuated by The Seaforth Highlanders of Canada.

Seaforth Highlanders of Canada Badge

A stag’s head caboshed proper the antlers encircling a Letter “L” Or. Ensigned by the coronet of a younger son of the Sovereign proper. All above a scroll Gules edged and inscribed CUIDICH’N RIGH in letters Or. The badge modelled on that of the Seaforth Highlanders of the British Army. The cypher is that of Leopold, Duke of Alabany (1853-1884), fourth son of Queen Victoria, ensigned by his coronet.