Читать книгу Our Bit: Memories of War Service by a Canadian Nursing-Sister - Mabel B. Clint - Страница 9

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“The Port of Plymouth, with all its wonderful history, has been the scene of many stirring maritime spectacles, but nothing that ever happened before is to be compared with the scene that was witnessed there yesterday on the arrival of the first contingent of Canadian volunteers who have left their homes in the West to come to the aid of the Motherland in her hour of need.”

“The first of the war contingents promised by Canada has arrived on our shores. It is not merely the first to cross the Atlantic, it is the first to bring to Britain the Imperial message of the Overseas’ Dominions. Plymouth is proud of her historic past, but her contemporary writers can find no parallel to the inspiring scenes which have been associated with the coming of the Canadians yesterday and to-day. Plymouth did not know that the transports were coming, but none were allowed to pass the famous Hoe without a popular demonstration.”

“The arrival of the Canadians will doubtless rank among the town’s greatest historic memorials, and it has seen many.... It was fitting that the landing of the Contingent should be at a place reminiscent of so much glorious history.”

“The visit of the Canadian Expeditionary Force to England will long be remembered by the inhabitants of the port to which fell the honour of giving them their first welcome. Throughout the day the waters of the Hamoaze presented a wonderful and unprecedented spectacle. The display of enthusiasm lasted for hours.

“The great fleet of liners carrying the Canadians has arrived. This is the first answer to Germany’s egregious illusion that the Dominions would not rally to England in this war. With one accord they have grasped the fact that they are fighting for their own liberty as truly as ourselves.... We welcome their assistance with gratitude and with pride. The immediate answer of the British peoples to the call to arms is the supreme proof of the moral unity of the Empire which the Germans would destroy... The response shows the splendid spirit of loyalty to those traditions and ideals of a thousand years of which the King and Flag are the honoured symbols and defenders.”

“It is because the Government and people of Canada have realized the far-reaching character of the German ambition and menace, and set themselves to meet it by every sacrifice in their power, that the arrival of the Canadian Contingent has awakened so heartfelt a response in England and France. It is an Empire of Nations that Germany has called to arms, but as Mr. Bonar Law says, instead of breaking up the British Empire, as the enemy confidently expected, this war is destined to weld it far more closely together in all matters of mutual concern and Imperial policy”.

“Plymouth has been the scene of many great events in British history, but never of a more stirring and significant one than when the transports bearing the Canadian troops dropped anchor in the harbour on Wednesday .... It was a living picture of the Empire in action. It was a spectacle, hardly to be paralleled since the Crusades, of free communities voluntarily embracing a cause that passionately appeals to hearts and consciences. As they came up the grey waters of the Channel and approached the Sound, with all its memories of Drake and the great sea-captains of old, the sight was an undying inspiration.... Never had merchant-men a more precious argosy, or battleships a more splendid convoy”.