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Joining The Quebec Regiment

Heroes Remember

Joining The Quebec Regiment

Transcript
The Somme was on then and the casualties were getting terribly bad and they asked for volunteers to go, see we were mounted, they asked us to go to them, if we'd transfer to infantry. Well anyway, I go to the authority, they said we've okay'd your transfers to the Quebec Regiment. Well I joined in Montreal originally so Quebec Regiment didn't mean much to me. So okay, next day give me my travel warrant. So okay, I got off at Seaford and oh yes, you go up that hill and they are right up at the top, the Canadians are. So I went up there and here I'm dressed cavalry style and the bandoleer and my sword belt, britches, spurs - the whole bit, cavalry cloak. And I get this off and I see a smart looking sworder in a kilt parading, marching up and down, fixed bayonet going towards the headquarters. I said, “Where's the Quebec Regiment?” He says, “Well this is it”, “Ah?” “Yeah”, he says, “this is the Quebec Regiment.” I said, “Fine.” So I went in, saw the adjutant, “Oh yes we'll kit you out right now.” Sent me down to the quartermaster. Well after divesting myself of everything, I had a male kilt, a doublet, in other words a doublet is a different Highland one that's cut away at the corners. Hose socks, new boots and a khaki bonnet and equipment. I'm going from a mounted man to an infantryman. Well, I said, “Where's the rest of it?” The quartermaster says, “What do you mean the rest of it?” “Well hell,” I said, “what do I wear under this kilt?” He says, “Nothing!”
Description

Mr. Henley describes his transfer from a mounted to infantry regiment, and the shocking difference between the two uniforms.

Roy Henley

Roy Henley was born in London, Ontario on September 29, 1898. After enlisting in Toronto in 1916 with the 166th Queens Own Rifles, he was discharged with suspected tuberculosis. Mr. Henley re-enlisted, sailed to England aboard the horse transport SS Welshman, and joined the Quebec Regiment. Mr. Henley's recollections are detailed, sometimes graphic and occasionally humorous. His experiences spanned many battles; the Somme, Vimy Ridge, Passchendaele, Cambrai and Arras.

Meta Data
Medium:
Video
Owner:
Veterans Affairs Canada
Duration:
2:37
Person Interviewed:
Roy Henley
War, Conflict or Mission:
First World War
Branch:
Army
Rank:
Sergeant

Copyright / Permission to Reproduce

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