Today marks the beginning of a new journey, one in which we will follow the footsteps of a World War One soldier named Percy Sweatman. He served with Canadian during the First World War. During his time serving in the Canadian Expeditionary Force he kept a journal, in which he shared his experiences. He kept … Continue reading Part One: Enlisting in the Canadian Expeditionary Force
After traveling by boat across the English Channel from Southampton (England) to La Harve (France), they remained in reserve for several days at the Infantry Base Depot as they prepared to be reassigned to their new units. It was essentially a massive sorting center. Supplies, weaponry, food, and manpower all had to be categorized, inventoried … Continue reading Part Three: Stand to – South of the Ypres Salient
Percy left Southampton and crossed the English Channel in a small convoy on the night of August 28th. The crossing took just under 12 hours and they arrived in Le Havre, France the next morning before sunrise. "Left Southampton somewhere about 8 or 9 PM for France arriving at Le Havre sometime during the night. … Continue reading Part Two: Infantry Base Depots – Le Havre, France
Road to Vimy Ridge 