Identification disc issued, Struck camp at 2 P.M. wrote to Belle in a hurry. Gas helmets issued two beautifull letters from Belle - Bless her - Kit inspection at 4 P.M. C B rest of day, go to sleep under the stars, rather cold. Thursday Aug 10. Mass at 6.30 AM. Troops going by all day & night. Two of our captains transferred. During the past day or so a Major Bell & a captain Greer have drifted in on us from somewhere Friday AUG 11. Reveille 3 AM. Breakfast in dark at 3.15. roll up coat & pack up & move off to Borden en route for France. leave Bramshott at 4 A.M. singing “Pack all your troubles in your old kit bag.” “Down home in Tennesse” “Sunshine of your smile” etc. Thinking of my little chum in Canada the whole march, glad she could not see me, or know I was leaving England for the front. Arrive at Borden at 6.15 AM & at Southampton 11.15 AM
▸ Where was he?
▸ The war at this time
The 4th Canadian Division crosses to France
The 4th Canadian Division is the last of Canada's four divisions to form. Its arrival will bring the Canadian Corps to full strength for the first time. The division is being sent to the Ypres Salient in Belgium, not the Somme; fresh units are needed to hold the line while experienced divisions are pulled south. The Ypres Salient is a bulge in the Allied line surrounded on three sides by German positions. Even in 'quiet' periods, artillery and snipers exact a steady toll. The 4th Division will have its introduction to trench warfare here.
