CANADIANS AT THE FRONT

Dominion, Volume 8, Issue 2416, 23 March 1915, Page 5

CANADIANS AT THE FRONT

INTERESTING OFFICIAL ACCOUNT The Prime Minister lias received tlie following from the High Commissioner; London, Maroli 20, 4.30 p.m. The Canadians are very proud to be tlie first troops from the self-governing Dominions to fight for England in Europe. I was permitted to vj sit that part of the lines where for some miles they hold the trenches against the enemy. We made a trip at midnight, when they were under desultory fire. The experience showed that the reputation of the overseas troops is quite safe in their keeping. In a brisk fight in which they have engaged they have shown a dash and steadiness not surpassed by any regular troops. It is a great mistake to suppose that this war does not give opportunities for that resource in the men and younger offioers which was a feature of the work of the Dominions' trcops in South Africa. In these siege operations there is a ceaseless call for vigilance, ingenuity, and marksmanship from the individual soldiers. The British hold the lowest-lying and wettest portion of the i whole Western line. There is the widest difference in the manner in which the trenches are kept. The adaptable Canadians arc accustomed to making the best of harsh winter conditions. Here they have proved themselves masters at contriving subterranean comfort. Better fed than any army in the past, the British soldier in this war nas few troubles provided he oan get sleep. In the Canadian trenches I frequently heard happy soldiers snoring loudly, as their mates kept watch, quite unconscious of the crock of rifles from the enemy's lines only two hundred yards away. When the Australians come to Europe they will find the Canadian has set the standard'high. The careless ' holiday spirit, which was at times too much in evidence while the force was in England disappeared completely when the men came face to face with the uncompromising xoalities of the campaign.