Letters From the Front

Dated: February 17, 1917

As you probably know there are several internment centres in Switzerland, and I understand there are several men of the 48th in each.  In Murren there are twelve men of the regiment and in the others another twelve, making twenty-four in all.  Six of the men here, including myself, were fortunate enough to be exchanged in August, and the others came here about two weeks ago.  All took part in the memorable action at St. Julien.¹  Some were wounded; some suffered from gas, and all experienced the horrors of the German prisoners camps.

However, these days are over for us; we are in a peaceful land; in comfortable surroundings; with good quarters; good food, and every attention.  In fact, our only regret is that many more of our comrades could not be exchanged to this place.   Those of us who have been here some months, have now practically recovered from the wounds, and the later arrivals are receiving the best of care.

Col. Niesh is in Charge.

In Murren there are about 600 interned, including 30 or 40 officers, the senior being Col. Niesh, of the Gordon Highlanders.  There are six Canadian officers but one of the 48th Highlanders.  It is owing to that, that I, being a sergeant, am now writing at the request of the members of the regiment here.

We wish to acquaint you with the fact that there are several little details in clothing that we would be greatly pleased if you could assist us with.  Some of the men who came here in August, are still wearing the ordinary army pattern cap and a maple leaf cap badge, which was sent us by the Canadian Red Cross Society.  The men are proud to wear a maple leaf badge, but they would be prouder still to wear a glengarry and 48th badge.  I might inform you that in Murren almost every regiment in the British army is  represented.  Naturally every man tries to uphold the honour of his own corps, and our little "dozen" desire to uphold the reputation of the 48th now, as we tried to do in the field.  The men of the Guards and several other regiments have received regimental buttons to wear on the khaki jackets, and our boys have asked me:  "Can't we get them the same as the other regiments?"  I replied that I thought we could demand on you to assist us.

Kilts Caused Annoyance.

Soon after we came here, a requisition was sent to England for kilts, etc., for all the Highlanders.  I compiled a list of the Canadians, which included the men of the 48th and the R.H.² of Canada.  I took care to specify Davidson tartan for the 48th and Black Watch tartan for the Montreal boys.  After waiting three or four months the kilts arrived a week ago.  The men of the Scottish regiments received beautiful kilts in their respective tartans, but the men of the two Canadian Highland regiments were greatly disappointed to receive khaki kilts.

Naturally the men dislike a khaki kilt.  We wore the Davidson tartan in action, some bled in it:  and many of our dear comrades died in it before our eyes.  Can you understand the feeling we have?  We left Toronto in August 1914, this has been our third Christmas away from home, and we are still trying to maintain the good name of the old corps in Switzerland as we did in England and in France.  It is true that we are 'non-effectives' through the fortunes of war, but by our behaviour and smart appearance, the good name of the 48th Highlanders of Canada³ will be recognized and remembered by the men interned here.  Since we came here military discipline has been carried out by the Swiss authorities and by Col. Niesh, and I have the honour of informing you that no member of the 48th has been brought up on any charge.  If you can find a means of assisting us you will have granted us a great benefit.

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Star:   The plea of the interned men has been answered and the articles asked for have been despatched to Switzerland by Lieut.-Col. Darling of the 48th.