16th Battalion CEF at Rest and Play

Soldiers of the 16th Battalion CEF (Canadian Scottish), Sports Competition, Summer, 1918.

Some Time Behind the Lines

Once in a while there was just a little respite, a little peace and perhaps a different kind of banter for the troops to enjoy behind the lines away from harm’s way. A gathering of souls who on most days were in a different place – on the lines, in a trench or a vantage point watching out upon the short horizon of no man’s land waiting and wondering. For a brief moment our observer shares a quiet chatter with a few fellows nearby but all the while waiting for movement from the other side, another alarm and suddenly action and measures taken for self-preservation.

Enough for now of the front lines, let’s settle in on a bit of calm, though perhaps also a time to let loose a bit and have fun. Maybe some better food or a bottle of wine to share? For a few days, somewhere, a bit of recreation for all those interested to take part. So for today we have four soldiers of the 16th Battalion CEF (Canadian Scottish) performing in a dance competition seemingly smiling and perhaps for a brief moment the thoughts of a turned earth were out of mind as the sound of the pipes brings them to their feet in the spirit of friendly competition.