Saturday, November 10, 2012

"NO ROAD TO GLORY"
by Major A. R. Thompson, late 4th Battalion, C.E.F.

"The Major was studying a paper by candle light.  As Jones entered he looked up and grinned evilly.
"Hello deb.," he said, "Brigade Headquarters want a smart young officer and twenty men, to meet another young officer of equal merit and twenty more splendid fellows, the whole to form a party to be known by the distinguished name of Brigade Wires, whose duty it will be to erect barbed wire entanglements in No-Man's-Land, for the purpose of impaling and ensnaring the curious or venturesome Hun, and to protect from surprise and attack the units of the First Brigade.  Now, Jones, this does not apply directly to you, but there are two good reasons why you might volunteer your services in so worthy an undertaking.  I wish to emphasize 'smart young officer' and 'the ensnaring of the venturesome Hun'.  You see, don't you, what opportunity for a young man?  Hang enough Fritzies on a wire and you might hang a medal on your chest."

Jones blushed.

"I'm on, Sir,"  he said, "when do I start and where do I go?"

~ Canadian Military Gazette, January 1941, VOL. LVI - No. 1.


Studio Babette ~ "From Ruthven to Passchendaele"
Sunday, November 11 at 2:00 p.m.
The Coach House, Ruthven Park
"From Ruthven to Passchendaele"

"Astonishing.  A presentation not to be missed." ~ lbwalker
Admission:  By Donation

Photo:  Studio Babette Puppet Theatre, Facebook.  Scene from Studio Babette's presentation of the Thompson family of Haldimand County and their contribution to the wars.

Tomorrow:  In the Trenches with "Jones."

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