THIS DAY IN RMR HISTORY, 03 November 1914 – From the 14th BATTALION (RMR) WAR DIARY:
Tuesday, November 3, 1914
Camp Salisbury Plain, West Down South
The Battalion War Diarist wrote for this day: “Fine. Holiday.” [1]
A DAY OF REST: “In the 14th Battalion November 3rd was declared a holiday in order that the troops might dry their sodden clothes. No fires were possible and rain hindered the process so that tunics and clothing were still damp on the following day when the Division paraded before The King.” [2]
“Since arriving here the Canadian contingent have adopted the British system of double company formation which means that instead of eight companies in each battalion there are now only four. This will be a great disappointment to many officers, as under the new formation each battalion will require ten officers less than under the system adopted in Canada. Even before the adoption of the British system there were far too many officers in the Canadian contingent. Some of these came to Britain in the hope of securing commissions with the territorial forces, but these seem to have all the officers they require, so that the surplus Canadian officers will have to await further opportunity for attachment.” [3]
[1] War Diary, 14th Canadian Battalion, The Royal Montreal Regiment, Nov 1, 1914. Library and Archives Canada, Ottawa, http://data2.collectionscanada.ca/e/e044/e001089676.jpg
[2] R.C. Featherstonhaugh, The Royal Montreal Regiment 14th Battalion C.E.F. 1914-1925, Montreal, The Gazette, Printing Co., Ltd., 1927, pg. 18.
[3] William Marchington, “Settling To Work On Salisbury Plain” falseThe Globe (1844-1936), Toronto, Ontario, November 04, 1914, pg. 3.