Monday, February 8, 1915
In Hutments, Lark Hill, Salisbury Plains
The Battalion War Diarist wrote for this day: “Orders received to be ready to move in 24 hours.” [1]
THIS DAY IN RMR HISTORY: The news carried by this Associated Press story was probably no longer of interest to the soldiers of the 14th Battalion as they prepared for their imminent move to France.
“London, Feb. 9 – The wet canteen of the Canadian troops on Salisbury Plain is not to be abolished. Mr. Harold Baker, speaking for the War Office, admits that representations had been made that it was not in the interests of the men to afford them such facilities for drinking while training in camp.
The sale of beer in the canteens of the contingent on Salisbury Plain was sanctioned at the request of the responsible military authorities, who considered it necessary for disciplinary reasons, says Mr. Baker. It was concurred in by the Canadian artillery authorities, and in the circumstances it is not proposed to take any further steps in the matter.” [2]
[1] War Diary, 14th Canadian Battalion, The Royal Montreal Regiment, Feb 8, 1915. Library and Archives Canada, Ottawa, http://data2.collectionscanada.ca/e/e044/e001089693.jpg
[2] “Canadians To Keep Their Wet Canteen,” The Montreal Daily Mail, Montreal, Quebec, Wednesday, February 10,1915, pg.1 col. 4.