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362 results returned for First World War
Russian POW's were miserably treated.
Mr. Gies discusses the relative treatment for British and Russian POWs, with the Russians faring far worse. He notes that the Russian camp saw many deaths by starvation and suicide.
Heavy losses at the front
Mr. Gies recalls arriving at the front line and remaining static for the first month. After a German breakthrough at the Somme, his unit is sent to help repel them. In the ensuing action, four-fifths of his unit are either killed or wounded.
The tone-deaf bugler
Mr. Babcock gives a humorous account of joining the bugle band despite being tone-deaf, and “going through the motions” without ever playing a note.
The Young Soldiers Battalion
Mr. Babcock describes being assigned to the Young Soldiers Battalion, and in particular a daily ration of eight hours of parade drill served by veteran NCO's and officers.
Basic training and the Ross rifle
Mr. Babcock retraces his training in Sydenham, Kingston and Val Cartier, and compares the Ross and Lee Infield rifles.
Millions of lice
Mr. Lapenskie describes the difficulty of eradicating lice from the seams of his uniform.
In Flanders Fields
Mr. Lapenskie painfully describes hearing of the loss of his best friend in a letter from home.
Barbed wire inspections
Mr. Stokes briefly describes nocturnal inspections of protective barbed wire for possible German sabotage.
Rehabilitation in PEI
Mr. Boyce describes going to a rehab hospital in Charlottetown, and sleeping outdoors in order to get adequate air, despite frigid winter conditions.
Mustard Gas Victim
Mr. Boyce describes being poisoned by mustard gas, returning to England and finally being repatriated to Canada.
Mustard Gas Versus Cloud Gas
Mr. Boyce discusses the difference between cloud gas and mustard gas, which was delivered by artillery shell. He describes the futility of trying to wear a gas mask in a combat situation.
Vimy Ridge Was Decisive
Mr. Boyce describes the value of tunnels to the eventual success of the Canadian assault on Vimy, and discusses the demoralization of the defeated German prisoners.
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