Bombardier

Mr. Wood describes the animosity between Canadian and American soldiers, based on the higher wages earned by U.S. soldiers inflating prices beyond what most Canadian troops could afford.

Mr. Wood describes the Germans’ use of pipelines to gas the Allied trenches, how the Canadians counteracted the gas, and in some cases how deadly it was.

Mr. Wood compares the Canadian designed Ross rifle, which was long, cumbersome and 5-shot bolt action, to the much more reliable 10-shot British Lee Enfield rifle. He describes how Canadians scavenged British rifles from dead soldiers.

Mr. Wood discusses the valuable role played by horses, particularly for moving artillery pieces and for moving supplies forward and evacuating the wounded on the narrow gauge railways constructed at the Front.

Mr. Wood describes the role of the 18 pounder artillery piece and its variety of ordnance, and then discusses the shelling of Vimy Ridge and its effect on the outcome.

Mr. Mercer tells the youth he encounters in schools the same thing he told his fellow comrades, “Do as you are told and everything in life will be okay!”

With great pride, Mr. Mercer speaks of his belief in the accomplishments of our Canadian military during the Korean War.

When all soldiers had an opportunity for a special blessing at Christmas time, needing to borrow his buddies pants creates an awkward yet humorous circumstance for Mr. Mercer.

Mr. Mercer shares his feelings towards the relationships of his fellow comrades; a unique bond where they felt like one.

Mr. Mercer discusses the feeling of fear he had especially his first night in battle; a sense he believes all soldiers must experience.