German Tears Over a Cheap Watch
Heroes Remember
German Tears Over a Cheap Watch
Transcript
Description
Mr. McLeod describes taking a number of German prisoners during an advance. He takes a cheap watch from a prisoner, who cries over the loss. Mr. McLeod reminds the captive that the outcome for him could have been far worse.
Russell McLeod
Russell McLeod was born on October 9, 1899 in Liverpool, Nova Scotia. His father was a fisherman, and prior to his enlistment, they fished together. Mr. McLeod joined the 219th Battalion in 1916 and trained at Camp Aldershot, Nova Scotia. He was sent overseas that fall, and joined the 25th Battalion in France. He served during Canada's 'Last Hundred Days', seeing action at the Hindenburg Line, Cambrai and Mons. After the armistice, he served as a member of the Occupation Army in Germany.
Meta Data
- Medium:
- Video
- Owner:
- Veterans Affairs Canada
- Duration:
- 1:02
- Person Interviewed:
- Russell McLeod
- War, Conflict or Mission:
- First World War
- Branch:
- Army
- Occupation:
- Signaller
Related Videos
Signals Equipment
Mr. McLeod describes using a telegraph machine and signal lamp in the field, and the need for perfection when signaling. He reflects on the fact that today he only recalls “a couple” letters.
Repairing Phone Lines
Mr. McLeod describes the fact that phone wire was vulnerable to shrapnel, and how teams of two would track down and repair any breaks in the wire.
Arresting A 'Friendly' Intruder
Mr. McLeod describes being on patrol with his partner and being stalked by an intruder. He hides and then sneaks up behind and captures the stalker who may have been a German dressed in British kit. The intruder turns out to be a member of British 5th Brigade.
A Soldier Turns Veterinarian.
During a recce for wounded soldiers, Mr. McLeod instead finds a large draught horse with a fist-sized piece of shrapnel in it's shoulder. He removes the large piece of metal and dresses the wound with his own field dressing.
Concussion Mines And Gas Shells
Mr. McLeod describes two devastating weapons he witnessed at the Hindenburg Line and afterward. The British used concussion mines which caused their German victims to bloat and die. For their part, the Germans delivered mustard gas via artillery shells.
Rest Area Shelled
Mr. McLeod describes being on rest leave behind the lines, and the camp being struck by German artillery. Several deaths occur because of the shelling.
Armistice and Six Days Grace
Mr. McLeod describes the six day withdrawal grace period granted to the German army after the Armistice. As the Allies advance to occupy Germany, they almost catch the Germans.
German Citizens were Welcoming and Cooperative.
Mr. McLeod discusses the Army of Occupation being billeted in German homes during the winter. He describes sharing food with civilians and, in his case, feeling welcomed like family by his German hosts.
- Date modified: