Transcribed from a leather-bound diary containing the personal calendar of George W. Argue. It is a small pocket-sized day-timer in which he recorded the minutiae of the trip, reveille, times of meals, and time to bed, as well as other observations about his experiences.
DIARY OF PROVISlONAL BATTALION QUEEN’S OWN RIFLES
0F CANADA, ALDERSHOTT [sic] TRAlNlNG 1910
Saturday, August 13th.
Battalion paraded at 9 p.m. and entrained at Union Station (G.T.R.) Toronto for Quebec, reached Montreal Sunday morning.
Sunday, August 14th.
Arrived Montreal this morning 10.30. Entertained by “65th” Reg’t. Re- entertained [sic] at 3.20 p.m. and arrived at Levis about 9 p.m.
Monday, August 15th.
Morning. Company drill and lectures.
Afternoon. Route march.
Tuesday, August 16th.
Drill and lectures.
Afternoon. Route march, about 6 miles.
Wednesday, August 17th.
Drill and lectures.
Morning. Company attack.
Afternoon. Lecture by Major Paley and Battalion attack under Major Paley.
Evening. Dinner at Garrison Club with officers “8th Royal Rifles”. General Otter at camp.
Thursday August 18th.
Rain all day. Morning parade cancelled. Lecture by Captain Butcher on “Attack.”
Friday, August 19th.
Morning. Drill and lectures.
Afternoon. Parade 3 p.m., practised outpost; returned to camp 7 p.m., night cold, heavy fog. General Otter and Major Paley directed outpost work.
Saturday, August 20th.
Struck camp and turned in all camp equipment during the morning. Paraded at 2 p.m. in heavy marching order; ferried to Quebec, embarked on Steamship “Megantic” and after stowing kit bags, great coats, etc., paraded on wharf at 4 p.m., for route march through Quebec. Colonel Pelletier, D.O.C., took the salute at the Armouries; returned to “‘Megantic”, at 6.15 p.m. re-embarked. General Cotton, Colonel Pelletier, and others were present to see the Regiment off.
Orderly room in morning, on Pte Valicourt, R.C.R. “Drunk and disorderly, Assault”. Handed prisoner over to his Regiment, with summary of evidence.
Sunday, August 2ist.
Divine Service Parade at 4 p.m.
Monday, August 22nd.
Morning: Parade 10.30, physical exercises and arms drill. Lecture by Captain Butcher on “Attack”.
Afternoon: Parade 3 p.m. in light marching order.
Regimental concert in the evening.
Tuesday, August 23rd.
Morning: Parade 10 a.m. physical exercises and route march.
Afternoon: Parade in light marching order. Weather cold.
Lecture by Captain Butcher “0utposts”
Wednesday, August 24th.
Morning: Parade, physical exercises and route march, inspection of quarters.
Afternoon: Regimental sports. Lecture by Captain Butcher.
Thursday, August 25th.
Fine bright day. Morning parade, physical drill and route march, inspection of quarters.
Afternoon: Parade, feet inspection, great coat slings issued to officers, lecture by Captain Butcher on defence.
Conclusion of Regimental sports.
Friday, August 26th.
Strong Northeast winds, heavy sea, all parades cancelled, lecture by Lt. Col. Mason on maps and map reading. Received wireless from General Chester that General Bethune, Commander of Western Lancaster Division, General Sir Chas. Barnett, Commander in Chief of Western Command, and General Murray, representing Army Council, would meet Regiment at Liverpool.
Saturday, August 27th.
Arrived Liverpool about 1.30 p.m., met by above named General Officers and Gen. Sir Ivor Herbert in mufti and also parties from various regiments and the Acting Lord Mayor, (Mr. Bowring) and bands of the 5th and 8th King’s, and No. 3 Depot R.F.A., Marched to Lime Street Station, enthusiastic reception en route, arrived at Aldershott [sic] about 9 p.m., address read by the Mayor and replied to by Colonel Pellatt. Streets crowded and profusely decorated entire length of march. On leaving the town, Royal Engineers turned on search light for entire route, am on the camp until regiment turned in.
Sunday, August 28th.
Divine Service in camp in morning. Dr. Lloyd preached.
Afternoon: Rain.
Monday, August 29th.
Pouring rain, Parade at 9 pm., Company drill.
Afternoon: Route march to Queen’s Hotel (on Farnborough Road ) and back about five miles.
Tuesday, August 30th.
Morning Parade, Company attack, then Battalion attack across Long Valley, General Lawson watched work closely at all points, and, at end, commended our policy of decentralization, and said that he had noted that every officer seemed to know what was required of him and to be doing his work. He asked as to my plans, and said “l have been talking to one of your Captains, an intelligent chap, on the right, (Michell) and he quite understands your plan.”
Afternoon Route march (Farnborough Road to “Tumbledown-Dick” (Inn) and back) about seven miles.
Wednesday, August 31st.
Cloudy. Morning, Parade, Battalion attack in Long Valley, then marched to Cavalry Barracks to see Royal Irish Fusiliers drill. General Sir Horace Smith-Dorian then asked to see a few movements of the Regiment on the Square and rode with Regiment into camp.
Afternoon: Road march to Tumble-Down-Dick and back.
Evening: Dinner with General Lomax, Commanding 1st Division. General Maxee, Commanding Brigade of Guards, told me that the review, ordered for September 3rd, was expressly for the benefit of the Queen’s Own Rifles.
Thursday, September 1st.
Fine day. Morning: Parade Long Valley, practised Battalion attack from column of fours against position to right of Caesar’s camp; General Smith-Dorian present all morning. Evening: Dined with General Mackenzie commanding Sixth Brigade, several officers went sick, high temperature. General Mackenzie was surprised to learn that we were already informed of the new route marching regulations and had used them from our arrival at Aldershott Station.
Friday, September 2nd.
Morning: Parade, route march with the Buffs via Farnborough Road and the Cove. Colonel Pellatt lunched with Empress Eugenie.
Evening. Dined with the Buffs. Five officers reported sick, Captains George, Kirkpatrick, Pellatt, Lieutenants George, Gzowski[1], all the same symptoms, high temperature.[2]
Saturday, September 3rd.
Regiment invited to witness full dress parade of the Brigade of Guards, two Battalions, Irish and Scotch, who were inspected by General Maxee. Returned to quarters and practised “March Past”.
Afternoon: Parade Cancelled. At home at Officers’ Mess.
Evening: Dined with General Lawson, Commanding 2nd Division (Pellatt, Rennie, Band, Mason)
Sunday, September 4th.
No parades. Captain Butcher appointed Acting Adjutant. Lieut. Massey went sick to-day.[3]
Monday, September 6th.
Regiment marched out to witness first exhibition of firing at moving targets Ash Ranges near “All Arms” bridge, then back to Long Valley at 12 o’clock to watch attack by the Buffs. General Smith-Dorian with Regiment all morning. Struck half our tents.
Evening: Dined with General Sir Horace Smith-Dorian.
Tuesday, September 6th.
Left camp at 8.15 p.m. on manoeuvres, marched to Chewton Park, fourteen miles, arrived 1 p.m., pitched camp, QOR. lead the division, Captain Lord John Hamilton, Irish Guards, attached to Regiment as Umpire for entire manoeuvres.
Wednesday, September 7th.
Struck camp, marched at 8.15 a .m. to Avington Park, near “lchin Abbas”, arrived 1 p.m. Colonel Hill, Bluffs, said he admired the manner in which the Regiment marched in.
Afternoon: Paraded for inspection by H. R.H. Duke of Connaught, who afterwards took tea at camp. Man of the “Leicesters” killed.
Thursday, September 8th.
Marched to Baddesley Common, pitched camp. Very rough ground covered with gorse. Colonel Pellatt left for London. Dr. Winnett went sick.
Friday, September 9th.
Parade at 7 a.m. and struck camp. Marched until 2 p .m., went into action at Sutton Scotney, Buffs covering ground to right of road, Queen’s Own the ground to left of road. Our advance threatened from left front. Queen’s Own charged front to meet this occupying a strong position. “Cease Fire” sounded at 5.30. Marched into Michel Dever and bivouacked in long wet grass. Night very cold. Men tired but chirpy. Dirigible balloon “Beta” in sight during the day.
Saturday, September 10th.
Regiment paraded 7 a.m. Colonel Mason, Major Rennie and Captain Higginbotham left at 8 a.m. for London en route for Balmoral. Non-commissioned officers and men for Balmoral left for London the day before to outfit. Regiment marched to Folly Farm, arrived about noon and took up position (Royal Irish Fusiliers on left, Buffs on our right) and held it until evening. Marched to “Stag & Hounds” near Basinstoke [sic]. “Buffs” and “Leicesters” arrived before the Regiment and pitched our tents.
Sunday, September 11th.
Balmoral party left Euston Station at 8 p.m. for Balmoral, General McCreedy from War Office at Station. The regiment remained at Basinstoke [sic]. Devine service parade at 9.30 a.m. Rev. R.D. White, (Chaplain “Guards”) preached. Massed Bands concert in afternoon. Lieut. Muntz went sick to-day.
Monday, September 12th.[4]
Balmoral party arrived at Ballater about 8 a.m. Royal carriage at Station for officers, and Sergeant Major, and pipers to play the men to Ballater Barracks. Inspection by the King at 1 p.m. C.V.O. conferred on Colonel Pellatt and Lieutenant Colonel Mason; M.V.O, on Major Rennie and Captain Higginbotham; Victoria Medal on Sergeant MacDonald.
Officers lunched with King & Queen, afterwards drove over Balmoral Estate; tea at 6 p.m. and dinner with King and Queen at 8.30. L.ord Kitcher. Earl of Crew (minister in waiting) and Sir Archibald Hunter, G.C.B., G.C.V.O.- D.S.O., the newly appointed Governor of Gibraltar, arrived for dinner.
The Regiment paraded at 11 p.m. During the day Mr. Haldane, and Gen. Smith-Dorian and staff, visited the Camp and inspected the lines.
Tuesday, September 13th.
Balmoral party left Ballater at 8.30 for London. At Aberdeen met by officers of the Gordon Highlanders, Arrived at London 10.30 p.m. Officers dined with General French.
The Regiment, after marching all night reached Juniper Hill, near Chilton Candover, at daybreak, coming into action which continued until 10.30 a.m. Marched to Alton, and entrained for London, arriving at “Nine Ems” Station about 4 p.m. Marched to “Duke of York Military School, Chelsea.
Officers dined with General French in the evening.
Wednesdsy, September 14th.
Regiment fitted out with full dress uniforms. Men were paid.
Evening: Dinner with King Edward’s Horse.
Thursday, September 15th.
Fitting out day.
Friday, September 16th.
Regiment paraded in full dress order. Inspected and addressed by Lord Roberts, Afterwards by Mr. Haldane, Minister of War. Marched to Guild Hall, six miles, received by Lord Mayor, Sheriffs and Aldermen, entire Regiment lunched in Guild Hall. Speeches by Lord Mayor, Colonel Pellatt, Honorable Mr. Lemieux, and Sir J. P. Whitney.
Evening: Dinner with Lord Strathcona.
Saturday. September 17th.
Colonel Pellatt inspected Boy Scouts at Gunersbury Park. Colonel Pellatt, Lieutenant Colonel Mason and Dr. Llwyd left to spend week end with Lord Roberts at Englemere, Ascot. Lieut. Crowther went sick to-day.
Sunday, September 18th.
Practically the entire regiment on leave.
Monday, September 19th.
Regiment getting in shape to leave on army manoeuvres.
Tuesday. September 20th.
Reveille 6 a.m., parade at [sic] to 9 Elm Station and entrained at 1 p.m. for Whitchurch, arriving 2.45. Colonel Pellatt remained in London, Marched to Hurstbourne Priors, about four miles, arrived about 4.30. rejoined 6th Brigade, General Colin Mackenzie.
Wednesday, September 21st.
Reveille 5.30 a.m., struck camp, moved off at 8.05, Leicesters leading and furnishing the Advance Guard. Arrived Chalderton Farm 3 p.m. Men had dinner and pitched camp by 4 .30. Duke of Connaught visited camp. Lord Roberts, Lady Aileen Roberts, visited camp later with Genera1 MacKenzie.
Thursday, September 22nd.
Reveille 5 p.m. struck camp, moved off at 7, camped near Great Wishford 3 p.m. Artillery section No. 6 Company detailed to escort for guns; No.7 for detached duty. Duke of Connaught again visited Regiment. At 9 p.m. received orders to parade at 2.30 am. to-morrow, Colonel Pellett rejoined Regiment this afternoon.
Friday, September 23rd.
Brigade moved off at 2.30 a.m., having turned in stores leaving camp standing. Marched to the lake, arriving about 5 am. Men had breakfast 6 a.m. Moved off at 11.50 a.m. just as dinner was ready to serve; sent camp kettles back to cooker; marched to Fevant, about eight miles and went into action at Compton Downs. “Disperse” sounded at. 6 p.m. Bivouacked [sic] in field near Fevant. Men had hot meal, but second line transport did not arrive until midnight.
Saturday, September 24th.
Parade at 8.30 a.m. Marched to Denton Station, band of the “Buffs” played Regiment to station, Duke of Connaught met us there. Entrained for Liverpool via London. Arrived Liverpool 5 p.m. end embarked. Many thousands of people on the dock. Lord Mayor of Liverpool, General Sir Charles Bennett and Lady Pellatt saw Regiment off. Lieutenant Crowther rejoined Regiment at London.
Sunday, September 25th.
Inspection of quarters 10.30 am. Divine service for passengers in saloon at 8.30 p.m.
Monday, September 26th.
Morning: Parade and route march at 10 am., inspection of quarters at 11 o’clock, orderly room at 11.30.
Afternoon: Heavy sea, most of men sick.
Tuesday, September 27th.
Half a gale steamer rolling heavily, Most of the men sick, parade cancelled.
Wednesday, September 28 t b.
Head wind, steamer pitching, men generally better, parade cancelled, inspection of quarters 11 a.m. orderly room 11.30·
Thursday, Septemoer :-‘9th.
Rain and fog. Heavy sea.
Friday, September 30th.
Morning: parade, route march, very cold, increasing wind afternoon and night, Received wireless from Captain Benjamin announcing the death of Lieutenant Gzowski, and stating others doing well.
Saturday, October 1st.
Morning: Parade in heavy marching order; off Gaspe Coast, weather warm.
Afternoon: Regiment presented cup to Lady Pellatt, Sir Henry Pellatt accepting same on her behalf.
Sunday, October 2nd.
Arrived Quebec am., unloaded baggage. Officer drove to Terrace at 1 p.m. to meet His Excellency, who then drove to the wharf and inspected the Regiment. Left Quebec 2 p.m. arrived Montreal 8 p.m., Left at midnight, train held at Vaudreuille until daybreak.
Monday, October 3rd.
Arrived at North Toronto at 5 p.m. Received by the Mayor and Corporation, who had sent lunches to meet Regiment at Peterborough. Address by the Mayor replied to by Colonel Pellatt, Marched via Yonge and Queen Streets to Armouries; enthusiastic reception all long the route. General Cotton and Staff and parties from various units of the Garrison met the Regiment.
[1] Lieutenant Roy Maurice Gzowski remained in hospital after the regiment returned to Canada and died on 25 September 1910. The British Army provided a military funeral and he is buried in Aldershot Military Cemetery.
[2] Pencilled in the margin: “Later diagnosed as typhoid. Others that developed it Capt Winnett, Lt Muntz, Mr Riddell (Col Pellatt secy)”
[3] Pencilled in the margin: “Later Gov Gen of Canada”
[4] Typed in margin: “Mr. Lloyd George, minister in waiting, left at noon.”
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