Valcartier photos - 1914

[buffdog]

Here are four photographs taken at Camp Valcartier, Quebec, in 1914.
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In the picture below is the McAdam Shovel, designed not only for digging, but also as a shield and a rifle rest.

The first two photographs show something very interesting. Notice the position of the legs as a shooting stance. This is a very old position, where the left leg and foot crosses over the right leg.
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Two photos of the Princess Patricias Canadian Light Infantry (PPCLI)

On guard duty and in the Field
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Information

Warning: This is a relatively older thread This discussion is older than 360 days. Some information contained in it may no longer be current.

[Surpmil]

Notice that belligerent looking individual standing to the right of the prone soldier: none other than Sir Sam himself.

In the last two photos you can see why Kitchener is reputed to have said in a joking way about the PPCLI: "so that's where all my old soldiers have gone!"

[Paul S.]

What Regiment is the Musketry Sergeant? Argyle & Sutherland of Canada?

[buffdog]

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The Sergeant in the two photos is Andrew Hawkins, a member of the 48th. Highlanders, Toronto, Ontario.

He won the King's Prize at Bisley in 1913, along with many other shooting honours. One of the finest shots in Canada at the time.
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[buffdog]

I just realized something when I was looking through this thread. Hawkins proper name was William Andrew Hawkins. I had seen a copy of his Attestation Papers and somehow the name Andrew just popped out when I made the above reply as to what Regiment.

He went Overseas with the 134th. Battalion, (the 48th. Highlanders) in 1916. One can only surmise that his being at Valcartier in 1914 was ordered so that he could provide instruction on Musketry.

[Paul S.]

The 48th Highlanders were the first Canadian contingent's 15th Battalion and they suffered greatly in the salient during 2nd Ypres in 1915. Something like 70% killed, wounded or missing amongst the Coys in the line.

(WWI history is a particular interest.)

[Mk VII]

Hawkins won with an unusual position, lying very low and rather sideways, which was subsequently banned from competition.

[Surpmil]

Hawkins won with an unusual position, lying very low and rather sideways, which was subsequently banned from competition.

Known from thenceforward as "the Hawkins position"? It features in the 1951 sniping manual with that name.