First Time On Watch

Heroes Remember

First Time On Watch

Transcript

And after we signed on we was took out to get measured for our clothes and I was dressed right to where I was to, took out and sent out as watchmens to a gate. I had my suit on see, soldier’s suit, everything shining with brass, you know. Oh I was a big fellow then, a lot bigger than what I was. Anyway I went out and the first thing that, first thing happened was one of the officers come and knocked at the gate. I opened the gate, swung the gate open for him to come in, he took one step up towards me, “Where’s your salute to?” he said, “I haven’t got one,” I said, just as quick as he said it. “I haven’t got one.” … “and how long have you been here?” “come just now, just got my suit, putting on and I’m standing out here.” Well he was going to help me out now then so he started talking about my buttons and my badges, told me what to do with them. I had to burn them first and then get them cleaned off and then shine them, you know, I had to get them made up alright.

Description

Mr. Brinson describes being placed on watch, and looking like an experienced soldier in his new uniform. He fails to salute an officer, who soon realizes he's a novice. The officer then offers Mr. Brinson some advice about maintaining his uniform.

Jesse Brinson

Jesse Brinson was born in Western Arm, Newfoundland in 1897. His father was a fisherman and trapper, and he trapped with his dad for eight years. In 1913 Mr. Brinson joined a lumber camp. He then worked aboard schooners, fishing and freighting. Mr. Brinson enlisted and trained in St. John's, but the war ended before he was sent overseas.

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