Born on Nov. 1, 1896 in England (d. 1980). Emigrated to Canada at the age of fifteen. In 1914 he joined the 18th Canadian Mounted Rifles (C.M.R.) as a trumpeter, then transferred to the 32nd Battalion, Canadian Expeditionary Force (C.E.F.) as a bugler. Discusses training, uniforms, rough barrack conditions in Winnipeg. Overseas to Shorncliffe, England in 1915. After considerable effort and a small bribe he was included in a draft to France as a machine gunner in the 28th Battalion, C.E.F. No battle training: never fired a Lee-Enfield rifle before entering the trenches. Personal experiences on the Somme (1916). Carried so much equipment that running was impossible. Occupation of a German trench. Winter terrain very bad. Troops exhausted by the time they reached the front line. Constantly wet, much sickness. Morale high despite conditions.