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Chapter 4 Continued
At last, on the 23rd of May, 1915, the welcomed orders came authorizing entrainment for the 26th of May. Hopes and aspirations were at last to be realized, for finally the Battalion marched to the Canadian Pacific Station where it seemed, from the vast crowd assembled, that the whole population of Winnipeg had turned out to say “au revoir" or 'goodbye' as fate might determine. On this beautiful May morning, in early summer when Western Canada is always at its best, we said goodbye to home and loved ones - some for years and some forever. At this point, it is fitting to especially refer to the many great kindnesses which the Battalion experienced at all times from the citizens of Winnipeg. Later on in the War, many of her sons were to come to us as reinforcements. The men of the 28th had come to this city as strangers and left feeling as if they were saying 'goodbye' to their homes. During the entire period of the Unit's residence there, the citizens had done everything possible to make life more enjoyable for the troops.
The Battalion was moved to the East in two trains, the first containing 'C' and 'D' companies under the command of Major Alex. Ross and the second with 'A' and 'B' companies and headquarters details under the command of Lieutenant Colonel. Embury. When Montreal was reached on the afternoon of May 28, 1915, the train was run immediately to the Docks. Here, in a circumscribed area, the Unit was lined up as best it could be under the circumstances, and arrangements made to receive the Governor General, H.R.H. the Duke of Connaught, who had come to say 'Goodbye'. This accomplished, embarkation began on the S.S. Northland, a vessel of about 10,000 tons reputed to possess very leisurely methods of progression. In those days troop transports were designed for strict utility, rather than for comfort. The men's quarters left much to be desired from the standpoint of comfort and sanitation, but they were adequate. Although we had not an yet made our acquaintance with that so characteristic expression of our French Allies 'C'est la Guerre', nevertheless, strange to say, that was the explanation given by Officialdom for every shortcoming or for every hardship, necessary or otherwise, placed upon those who had voluntarily offered themselves for service. Fortunately the weather favored us in crossing, conditions being almost ideal. Notwithstanding some discomforts, we survived a slow voyage of zigzag courses broken only by one dramatic incident when, at daybreak on what proved to be our last day at sea, two specks were seen on the horizon. Soon there came dashing through the waves two of His Majesty's destroyers which were detailed to escort us to our as yet unknown destination. To us, they were symbols of the Empire's power and a silent reminder that we were at long last nearing the goal of our hopes. With a catch in the throat and a throb of the heart, the 28th Bn. personnel wholeheartedly gave them 'Welcome'. Before leaving the Northland, the Captain and Crew of that sturdy vessel presented Lieutenant Colonel. Embury with a pair of night lens-type field glasses in recognition of their high esteem and admiration for himself and his Battalion.
Note: These glasses are now in the possession of Major Scott Calder, E.D., given to him by Brigadier General Embury at the time of the departure of the Regina Rifle Regiment for England during the Second World War in August, 1941. These glasses are still a prized possession of this Officer and are at present time (1960) still. in serviceable condition.
As evening approached we had. glimpses of land and, in beautiful moonlight;we drew into the land-locked harbour of Plymouth, a seaport of Old England, forever renowned for its stirring connections with outstanding overseas enterprises. It was from this port in byegone days that many of the genial adventurers of England had set sail to establish England's Colonial Empire. To that port, Great Britain's sons from her overseas Dominion had now returned to do battle for her preservation and the maintenance of her laws and rights. When morning broke and. we could take in the beauty of the country, it was felt by one and all that we were doing something worthwhile, fighting in the defence of such a country from the aggression of her foes.
The disembarkation, the entrainment and the journey by railway to Shorncliffe presented few features of interest except, perhaps, the unique smallness and method of transportation as furnished in British Railway coaches and the silence and speed with which the trains travelled. Unexpected too, was the hearty welcome everywhere accorded the Unit by the civilian population as we sped through Cities, Towns, and Hamlets on our way to the couth coast. Late at night on June 11, 1915, we marched from the train to what was then known as Dibgate Camp, a tent camp on a sandy knoll above Sandgate in the area of the ancient Cinque Ports in Kent.
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