THIS DAY IN RMR HISTORY, 02 November 1914 – From the 14th BATTALION (RMR) WAR DIARY:
Monday, November 2, 1914
Camp Salisbury Plain, West Down South
The Battalion War Diarist wrote for this day: “Rain. Rehearsal for coming inspection of Division by H.M. The King. Division in line of battalions in mass on both sides of road from Bustard to West Down South. Major Beatty, A.D.C. to General Alderson representing the King. All movements exactly as to be carried out when the King is present” [1]
Rehearsal for Inspection by The King: The Battalion history says: “On November 2nd the Canadian Division, drawn up in line of battalions in mass on both sides of the road from Bustard to West Down South, spent three hours practicing for a review by His Majesty the King. Rain poured during the rehearsal and the men were drenched to the skin. All, however, were anxious to do well before the King and took the cold discomfort in good part.” [2]
“On 2nd November more than an inch of rain fell; in the high winds the light tents afforded little protection, and the number of blankets per man was increased from three to four.” [3]
[1] War Diary, 14th Canadian Battalion, The Royal Montreal Regiment, Nov 2, 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] Col. A.F. Duguid, “Official History of the Canadian Forces in The Great War 1914-1919, Vol. 1, Part 1, King’s Printer, Ottawa, 1938, pp. 128-129.