Mr. MacLeod describes the relative effectiveness of newer tracked tanks in the Amiens offensive, both as a troop transport and as a weapon against German machine gun emplacements.
Biplanes collide
Mr. MacLeod describes a mid-air collision between two Allied observation aircraft, and seeing one airman tumbling to earth without a parachute.
Gas masks
Mr. MacLeod gives a good comparison between the original respirator and newer gas masks used by Canadian soldiers.
Cavalry charge
Mr. MacLeod describes the impressive sight of a full cavalry charge and the high mortality of the horses because of well-positioned German machine gunners. He questions why the cavalry would have been chosen to attack heavy gun emplacements in Batume-Peronne Wood.
He couldn’t understand what I wanted.
Mr. Savage describes sweeping a captured trench and taking a very modest souvenir from a captured German soldier.
They had a good business...oeufs and chips.
Mr. Savage describes an amusing remedy for lack of shelter while on leave, and discusses how friendly local women sold oeufs (eggs) and chips to the soldiers.
My great coat never dried the whole time I was there.
Mr. Savage describes being in the trenches for the first time, and some aspects of what life in the trenches was like.
You seldom saw a shattered cemetery.
Mr. Savage describes some divine inspiration in locating a safe place to sleep.
Patriotism is necessary.
Mr. Peterson reflects on camaraderie in the line of fire, his pride in service and the need for patriotic vigilance.
Gas exposure and injury to the eye
Mr. Peterson describes in general the German use of explosive shells to deliver gas attacks, and more specifically being blinded in his right eye by exposure to gas.
War is thankless
Mr. Peterson discusses the increasing independence of the Canadian Corps at Vimy, followed by his reflections on the likelihood of survival on the Front.
Enjoying every minute of his service
Mr. Peterson describes the light-hearted attitude of Canadian soldiers new to France, and how they got a sense of reality after being moved to the front.