Monday, December 14, 1914
In Camp, West Down South, Salisbury Plains
The Battalion War Diarist wrote for this day: “Duty Battn.” [1]
THIS DAY IN RMR HISTORY: “Salisbury Plain, Dec. 14. – Several hundred Canadian officers and men in excess of the required strength of the contingent here have secured commissions in Kitchener’s army, rather than wait to be taken on other Canadian contingents.” [3]
The Regimental history, Vol. 1, pg. 319, records the names of thirty-two non-commissioned officers and men of the 14th Battalion, Royal Montreal Regiment who were granted commissions in the Imperial Army during the course of the War. [4]
Also recorded are the names of sixty-four officers of the 14th Battalion who were commissioned after service in the Battalion ranks, while a further fifty-three non-commissioned officers and men of the 14th Battalion were granted commissions in other units of the Canadian Expeditionary force during the War. [5]
[1] War Diary, 14th Canadian Battalion, The Royal Montreal Regiment, Dec 14, 1914. Library and Archives Canada, Ottawa, http://data2.collectionscanada.ca/e/e044/e001089681.jpg
[2] “Canadians Joining Kitchener’s Army,” The Globe (1844-1936), Toronto, Ontario, Tuesday, December 15, 1914, pg. 1, col. 3.
[3] Ibid
[4] R.C. Featherstonhaugh, The Royal Montreal Regiment 14th Battalion C.E.F. 1914-1925, Montreal, The Gazette, Printing Co., Ltd., 1927., pg. 319.