2nd Canadian Siege Battery

Mr. Turner describes two incidents where his battery was shelled, the first with no injuries, the second with tragic consequences.

Mr. Turner describes the role of his pocket knife and helmet in saving his life.

Mr. Turner discusses the fatalism that crept into the soldiers’ conversations, and gives a couple examples of predictions of death coming true

Mr. Conrad gives an eye witness account of an Allied spotter plane being chased and shot down by a German aircraft, with a surprisingly humorous outcome.

Mr. Conrad describes with pride the role of a battery signaller in maintaining communications among three lateral batteries, and headquarters.

Mr. Conrad describes being slightly gassed, and countermeasures against gas attacks.

Mr. Conrad offers some general comments about the death toll at the Somme, the horrible conditions at Passchendaele, and concludes by describing in more specific detail his own living conditions.

Mr. Conrad describes the circumstances at Hill 70 which led to his being awarded the Military Medal (MM) (conspicuous bravery under enemy fire) for repairing communication wires while being strafed by German machine gunners.

Mr. Conrad describes the fatal wounding of a fellow signaler in the forward trench at Vimy Ridge.

Mr. Conrad describes the disappointment of not being with his unit on Armistice Day, November 11, 1918, but making up for it by celebrating in London.