The First World War
War Diary of The Royal Canadian Regiment

Transcription by Captain Michael O'Leary, The RCR.

FEBRUARY 1919

1.2.19. - ESTAMBOURG

The Battalion, less 320 all ranks at present at BAISEUX, marched out of ESTAMBOURG at 18.45 and proceeded to BAISEUX. Remaining unit stores and transport accompanied Battalion to entraining point, here vehicles, etc. were turned in and horse sent on to RENAIX. Battalion entrained ay 09.45 hours. The train consisted of German box cars. Each truck was supplied with a stove and fuel. Halt for a hot meal was made at MERRIS at about midnight.

2.2.19. - ON TRAIN

Day spent en route. Train halted for a hot meal at DOULLENS at about 08.00 hours and again at ROMESCAMP at about 15.45 hours.

3.2.19. - HAVRE

Train arrived at HAVRE at about 02.45 hours, proceeded to Canadian Embarkation Camp. Arrangement were made for bathing and medical examination of Battalion.

4.2.19. - HAVRE

Battalion bathed and medically examined.

5.2.19. - HAVRE

Preparing to embark for ENGLAND. Indoor baseball game between the Officers of the R.C.R. and P.P.C.L.I. won by The R.C.R. 10 - 9. The remainder of the 7TH Cdn. Inf. Brigade arrived at Canadian Embarkation Camp. At 12 midnight, the Battalion paraded to march to the boat.

6.2.19. - HAVRE

Embarked on the S.S. "MONAS QUEEN" shortly after midnight. Band and drums played to the boat. As the Battalion neared the boat the Band played "TIPPERARY" and when everybody was on board and the boat ready to leave the bugles blew the last post as a tribute to the men who were left behind on the battlefields.

7.2.19. - WEYMOUTH, ENGLAND

Battalion arrived at WEYMOUTH at 11.20 hours, and proceeded to a rest camp until the next morning. It rained heavily during the night.

8.2.19. - WEYMOUTH

Battalion entrained at 10.00 hours for BRAMSCHOTT CAMP. Arrived at 17.00 hours where a hot meal was served to the men.

9.2.19. to 28.2.19. - BRAMSCHOTT CAMP

General cleaning up, fitting of equipment, Paid. This period was spent in arrangement of documents. All ranks were medically and dentally boarded and were then sent on 8 days leave. On 28.2.19. the Battalion paraded in full marching order for inspection by the Commanding Officer. The Regimental Colours were then brought on parade and the Battalion marched past them.

(Appendix 1.)

(signed)
A.E. Willoughby
Major for Lieut. Col.
Commanding The Royal Canadian Regiment.

Appendix 1. - R.C.R. O.O. 40 dated 28.2.19. The R.C.R. will entrain for Canada tomorrow.