Letters From the Front

Dated: May 28, 1918

May 28, 1918 (approx)

On my reporting to the director of transportation at Halifax, I was informed that the boat which would convey our party across the puddle had not arrived, but would dock in a few days; till then I could do as I liked. So I had to continue my expensive existence at the Halifax Hotel, for room and board in Halifax since the explosion have been at a premium. It cost me $4.50 a day to eat and sleep. Robert Nelson obtained passes for me to see the ruined area, and took me over it in an automobile, also showing me through the office buildings of the relief committee, introducing me to the head man, who took me in tow and made my stay and agreeable one. The second day I was shown thru the Olympic, the second-largest steamer afloat. She is immense and her cabins are better than those of any hotel, only not so large. It is 65 feet from the water to the floor of her bridge. I saw her leave the dock and put to sea. Two days later our ship arrived and we were ordered aboard and allocated our state rooms. Three or four of us to one room made close quarters but we were comfortable. The following afternoon our convoy put to sea and in single file, we steamed proudly from the harbor but in silence. I saw the torpedo nets at the mouth of the harbor, and the boats which open and close the door to Halifax. It was dark when land faded from view, and the boys went to dinner. The following morning an American battle cruiser joined us and led the way. We assumed a formation with our best fighting ships in the center. The third day we were all amazed to hear one of the ships fire her cannon. Hurrying up we saw what appeared to be the wake of a periscope. Bang! Bang! Bang! And the screech of shells followed. There was no excitement among our boys. We all stood on the top deck watching and waiting for our own gun to open up and let the supposed U-boat have it. Then we became aware of the fact, that it was only gun practice at a smoking float! All the guns had their go and we were pleased to note that, when the gun crew on our ship fired, they almost always hit the mark. We were quite perked up over it. The American cruiser didn't fire, but our British leader fired her allocated share. The sea was rough and a number of the birds were sick. Fortunately I was able to keep my head up and appear at all meals. Most of my time was spent on deck. For the infantry men below decks it must have been sickening and was, too many, a terrible trip. I was given charge of a lifeboat and 40 men. The first day I inspected their life preservers and saw that they were fitted properly. I brought the cleanest shaven to the front, to make a good impression on the O.C. of troops, and explained how the boats would be lowered. I also picked the most experienced among the squad as a boat crew. The sergeant, the Corporal and myself had a talk, and arranged how we would act in case of emergency. Later in the day I examined our boat and satisfied myself she was o.k.. We had life boat parade twice a day. Two days from port, the O.C. ordered me to give my boat crew a talk on discipline. I didn't say much, but I think they all understood that there was to be no scramble on an alarm being given, the reason why, and the penalty. They were a motley crew, two big black man and several stalkers lending tone to the collection. The last night on board we all slept in our clothes with life belts. I said a prayer, hunted out my boot-jack, which was a healthy chunk of hard wood, calculated how hard I'd need to hit the nigger and slept like a prince. Was up at 5 a.m. and on deck. The destroyers, which had been escorting us, had been joined by others and our engines were doing their best, so that the old ship quivered under the strain. The sea was calm and we were told the land that had come in sight was Ireland. Suddenly five of the destroyers dashed to our port side when, at an order shouted our ship hauled around to starboard, cutting a circle as did, the one following us. All the while other destroyers dashed about us at terrific speed. Other than our own guns they were our only protection, for the US cruiser had turned back on nearing the danger zone. However it proved to be a false alarm, and we resumed our course, which altered every few minutes. At last we sighted Aisla Craig and knew for the first time we were bound for Glasgow. The trip up the Clyde was beautiful. Crowds gathered on the docks of the places we passed and cheered us. The scenery was most picturesque and everything was green. Gradually our destroyers dropped us, only a few holding on, but overhead a dirigible hovered, leading the way. Two air men came out to see us in their planes and waved a welcome. Of course the shipbuilding yards, one after another, proved most interesting. Truly we became convinced there are some few ships for the Germans yet to sink, and some fighters to defend them, under construction. I saw many women in overalls doing man's work. In one place they had to sign up, “Welcome Canadians”, and at sight of it the men cheered. At dusk we docked at Glasgow and the next day were on our way to London.

On my arriving before the Air board we were given money and 5 days leave. That over we were split into 4, 6 or 8 units and sent to join different training squadrons in England or Scotland. Nearly all of us were detailed to scout squadrons, and I finally landed with No. 1, the oldest squadron in existence, and am to learn to be a fighting buss. In many respects the work here differs from that in Canada, but the principles are the same. I soon learned I was required to take another examine in gunnery and wireless, so the first two weeks were spent on the ranges or in the class room. The instruction was practical and interesting and results could be checked, every man making his own targets. Machine guns are second nature to me now, I know what the matter is almost before it happens, and all the other pilots are the same. With our ground tests finished, I was detailed to a flying instructor, an experienced fighter, who had seen 8 months air work in France. The first time up he spoke thru the telephone to me, telling me he would make a turn and then I would copy him. Soon I was doing vertical banks, right and left, then innermens and loops. Finally he said, “All right, you take her and do what you like”, so I did everything I knew and some I didn't and made my stomach feel like overflowing. It didn't, and after a while, thank goodness, we came down. I think he was pleased, for he said, “Next time I'll show you how to land these machines”. I keow if I landed in the way he does, I would head the buss, for he came down like a streak and stopped like a shot. After four days practicing, I had an engine exhausting castor oil and the machine cutting circles on its side at 90 miles per hour. I am now used to it, BUT it took some will power the first couple of times. The majority of our scout ships used rotary-engines, varying from 90 to 180 horsepower. They travel very fast, and can turn like a flash. All have one or more guns, and all pilots are required to fire so many rounds every day. If I get thru this school without accident, and I will try to, I'll be standing fighting fool, for I believe I've as good an instructor as there is in England.

Leslie