THIS DAY IN RMR HISTORY, 20 October 1914 – From the 14th BATTALION (RMR) WAR DIARY:
Tuesday, October 20, 1914
Camp Salisbury Plain, West Down South
“Weather fine. Meeting of officers to discuss arrangements with Harrods, which did not seem likely to be satisfactory. Pte. Hartley buried in Shrewton Churchyard.” [1]
MONTREAL BOY MASCOT
When the Canadian Contingent’s supply transport approached Salisbury Camp upon its arrival in England, the local citizens spied an unusual sight. “When the supply convoy first hove into view a tiny wasp of a lad was discovered on one of the caissons. He was blowing lustily on a battered bugle, the cracked notes flaring up in a strange crescendo. Around his shoulders was a big overcoat loaned him by a grizzled sergeant. The youngster is a Montreal newsboy who stowed away on one of the ships and who has become the pet of the contingent. He put in every spare moment on shipboard practicing the bugle and hoped to qualify as a performer on that instrument in order that he may follow the troops to France.” [2]
This “boy mascot” was 14 year old Bugler Anthony Ginley #26265 of The Royal Montreal Regiment about whom more will be written at a later date.
[1] War Diary, 14th Canadian Battalion, The Royal Montreal Regiment, Oct. 20, 1914. Library and Archives Canada, Ottawa, http://data2.collectionscanada.ca/e/e044/e001089670.jpg
[2] The Toronto World, Saturday, October 17, 1914, pg. 1, col. 1