Mr. Ferguson describes North Korea’s efforts to unnerve Canadian entrenchments, and offers a vivid example of its success.
Imminent Cease Fire
Mr. Ferguson discusses the cease fire negotiations, the potential impact of Hill 187 on those discussions, and the relief on both sides that accompanied the truce.
Canadian Losses at Hill187
Mr. Ferguson describes the Canadians being overrun on Hill 187.
Civilians Helped At Great Risk
Mr. Ferguson describes how Korean civilians provided food and laundry services, despite the fact that they were often targeted by enemy artillery.
Listening Patrols Vulnerability
Mr. Ferguson describes the purpose of a listening patrol, and reflects on his vulnerability in such an exposed environment.
First Contact With The Battle Front
Mr. Ferguson describes travelling to the front by train, and arriving as Hill 355 was being consolidated by Canadian troops. He then describes proceeding to The Hook, where he comes to realize that the enemy are trained killers too.
Rough Pacific Ocean
Mr. Ferguson describes the voyage from Canada to Japan, particularly the rough weather, and goes on to describe his deployment to Hara-mura for training.
You are trained killers
Mr. Ferguson describes his initial fear of Company Sergeant-Major DeCoste, and elaborates on DeCoste’s comments about their training and role as “killers.”
The .303 rifle
Mr. Ferguson discusses the advantage, in terms of marksmanship, held by rural recruits over those from the city, and describes the peculiarity of firing a .303 rifle.
You Are Nothing
Mr. Ferguson describes how non-commissioned officers psychologically prepared raw recruits for the army, and how those recruits responded to basic training.
Prelude to Amiens
Mr. MacDougall describes having to secretly travel overnight from Arras to Amiens in preparation for the Allied surprise attack at Amiens.
Repairing Damaged Wires
Mr. MacDougall describes the process of running telephone wires, the various ways wires could be severed, and having to repair after dark.