Tuesday, December 22, 1914
In Camp, West Down South, Salisbury Plains
The Battalion War Diarist wrote for this day: “Duty Battalion.” [1]
THIS DAY IN RMR HISTORY: “London, Dec. 21. – An interesting movement regarding Christmas leave from Salisbury has been inaugurated by some householders in the London district who for various reasons are particularly interested in the Canadian troops but who have no friends actually serving with the contingent.
These good people have resolved to offer hospitality at Yuletide to lonely Canadian soldiers who have obtained leave, and who have no domestic hearths this side where they can spend it. In order to minimize the possibility of embarrassment which might accrue from hosts and guests being total strangers, the good offices of commanding officers, chaplains, and the like are being enlisted and it is anticipated these gentlemen will exercise the necessary tact in seeing such invitations are extended in quarters which will result in the givers’ hospitality and the recipients finding their company mutually agreeable.
It is particularly pleasant to record several instances of this exhibition of good will prompted by recollections of spontaneous and liberal hospitality shown in Canada to those visiting there.” [3]
[1] War Diary, 14th Canadian Battalion, The Royal Montreal Regiment, Dec 22, 1914. Library and Archives Canada, Ottawa, http://data2.collectionscanada.ca/e/e044/e001089681.jpg
[2] Canadian War Museum, Image M.319, Control No. 19930003-387
[3] “Offer Hospitality To Canadian Troops,” The Montreal Daily Mail, Montreal, Tuesday, December 22, 1914, pg. 3, col. 3.