Chapter 3 Continued
Entrainment was carried out without a hitch and ,except for twelve men still in hospital, none were left behind. The Unit moved out practically at full strength alert and ready for the great adventure which lay ahead.
During the sojourn in Winnipeg, many organizational changes had taken place. When Major Wayland received his promotion, Major Rollie Parsons took his place. Subsequently, when he in turn was appointed to the Staff of the 2nd Division, Major Alex. Ross was appointed Senior Major and Captain James A. Cross, Junior Major.
Three other officers left the Battalion at, this time to take other appointments. Major Dow to take charge of Interned Prisoners. Captain Anderson to the 52nd (Prince Albert Volunteers) as Major and Captain Arnold left to go with reinforcements for the the P.P.C.L.I. Two special. officers were detailed for duty with the Battalion: Lieutenant Albert W. Northover of the Canadian Engineers, trenches and entrenching his specialty, and Lieutenant E.V. Benjamin from the Canadian Army Service Corps, well versed in the intricacies of supplies, food, ammunition and fodder.
On the journey to Eastern Canada, Train No.1 was under the command of Major Alex. Ross and Train no.2 followed at an interval of one hour under the control of the Officer Commanding, Lieutenant Colonel J.F.L. Embury. Regimental Sergeant Major Frank E. Sissons, (the original R.S.M. of the 95th Saskachewan Rifles) was promoted to the commissioned rank of Lieutenant and was made Assistant Adjutant.
There was good discipline on both trains on the way to Montreal. Officers and other ranks were in fine spirits. The train arrangements made by the Canadian Pacific Railway were splendid and officers detailed as escorts were most considerate. Everything was clean and remained that way throughout the entire journey. The meals provided were good and the service was excellent. At Fort William, one of the Sergeants of the Unit was discharged from the Battalion for a breach of discipline, pulling the communication cord, thereby stopping the train suddenly and, when reprimanded, for insolence to the Officer of the Day. This soldier had previously displayed evidence of lack of judgment and, as it was decided that efforts to improve the situation would be futile, he was dropped off at Fort William. He was handed over to the Provost Sergeant of the 52nd Battalion, then in training at that point, and was later returned to Headquarters of Military District #10 at Winnipeg.
The train in two sections arrived at Montreal at 4 P.M. on Friday, May 28, 1915. The Battalion, formed up in the Railway yards, was inspected by the Governor General, His Royal Highness, the Duke of Connaught, who expressed himself as highly pleased with the appearance and steadiness of the men. He stated frankly that they were remarkably steady and extremely well disciplined in spite of the long tiresome train ride. He further complimented the Officer Commanding and Officers on the fine job of training, disciplinary bearing and organization which they had accomplished in so short a period of time. The troops were also reviewed by Major General, the Honorable Sir San Hughes, Minister of Militia and Defence. He too expressed his extreme pleasure with our appearance and apparent readiness for overseas service. About 6 P.M. the troops were marched on board the ship 'Northland' and allotted their quarters. Tea was served on board ship.
With the full compliment of the 28th (Northwest) Battalion there were also 250 men of the 15th Field Battery commanded by a Major Irving; 250 men and several officers of the 38th Bn. under a Captain Barclay; 100 men of the 31st, Bn. base Company under a Lieutenant Eccles and a small detail of the 27th Bn. C.E.F. who had been left behind in Winnipeg when that Unit moved out. Lieutenant Colonel. Embury as senior officer on board was in command of all troops on the S.S. Northland. We set sail from Montreal Harbour on Saturday, May 29, 1915. A Pilot was picked up below Quebec and the ship proceeded on its way to the open sea.
The following excerpts are taken from the Ship's orders as promulgated by Lieutenant Colonel. Embury:
Daily Drills consisting of physical exercises to be hold in the morning; in the afternoon boat drill; standing to fire stations formed up with life belts to be worn by all. Personnel. This took place at 2 P.M each day of the voyage and was followed by a thorough inspection by the Officer Commanding. Lectures were given by Company Commanders and Platoon Officers dealing with various topics including Military Law.
The meals on board the Northland were excellent. There were however a few minor complaints during the first two days at sea brought on, no doubt, by mal-de-mer. As soon as the men of the prairies got their sea legs the voyage was thoroughly enjoyed. The Ship's Officers and company extended every courtesy to the Officers and other ranks of the various units on board. The Ship's Captain commented most favourably on the excellent behaviour of all on board. At the end of the voyage the Captain and Crew of the Northland presented Lieutenant Colonel. J.F.L. Embury with a pair of Night field-glasses in appreciation of the splendid co-operation they had received from all ranks. Those glasses were given to the collaborator of this history by Lieutenant Colonel J.F.L. Embury and are to be retained eventually with other historical material and records in the archives of the Regina Rifle Regiment.
The menace of submarines was not anticipated while off the North American continent, but as the ship came nearer to the coasts of Ireland and Britain, this danger became more menacing. However, by the time any trouble was likely to occur all members of the forces on the Northland were fully alerted. Nothing happened.
