Sunday, January 24, 1915
In Camp, Lark Hill, Salisbury Plains
The Battalion War Diarist wrote for this day: “Church Parade. Received “Notes on Trench Warfare” from Bde.” [1]
THIS DAY IN RMR HISTORY: The Regimental history records “as in December, training throughout the month of January was seriously hampered by rain, floods, and the heart breaking mud, but, whenever outdoor work was quite impossible, lectures and instructions were substituted…but particularly interesting to all ranks was a series of “Notes” with up-to-date information regarding the development of trench warfare in France. Coming “hot from the battlefield,” these notes were eagerly studied by officers and men alike.” [2]
Below is a bird’s eye view of trench layout (in ideal conditions).
[1] War Diary, 14th Canadian Battalion, The Royal Montreal Regiment, Jan 24, 1915. Library and Archives Canada, Ottawa, http://data2.collectionscanada.ca/e/e044/e001089686.jpg
[2] R.C. Featherstonhaugh, The Royal Montreal Regiment 14th Battalion C.E.F. 1914-1925, Montreal, The Gazette, Printing Co., Ltd., 1927, pg. 21.
[3] http://www.worldwar1.com/special/btw/btw090.gif
[4] http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/e/ef/Trench_construction_diagram_1914.png
