In compiling and editing this history of the Chamber of Commerce
Battalion, the aim of the editors has been to present such a narrative
as will provide a detailed but not overburdened account of the
Battalion's movements and operations throughout the years of its
existence, and at the same time give a representative impression of
the various outstanding events which have built up the character and
the traditions of the unit.
In accordance with the wishes of the History Committee, the narrative
dealing with Field service has been kept within the limits of the
Battalion's share in the campaign, and accordingly no attempt has been
made to give any picture of the relative positions of the various
other units operating with the 17th, or of the general strategic
import of the actions described.
The chapters dealing with the beginnings and home training, and those
general items in Part III. are founded mainly upon matter supplied by
officers of the unit and members of _The Outpost_ staff. The Roll of
original members in Part IV. has been gathered together by Lieut. and
Quarter-Master Kelly. The material in the section dealing with the
service of the Battalion overseas has been gathered from the following
sources:--
For data--the Official War Diaries of the 17th Battalion H.L.I.
preserved in the "Records" Office, Hamilton; supplementary notes
supplied by Lieut.-Cols. Morton and Paul and Major Paterson, D.S.O.,
M.C.; Brigade and Battalion Operation Orders; Battalion Operation
Reports.
For impressions, opinions, and descriptions--numerous and exceedingly
helpful literary vignettes from members of _The Outpost_ staff and
others, and from interviews.
The Editors desire to record their appreciation of material
contributed and help given by:--Lieut.-Col. Morton, Lieut.-Col. Paul,
Lieut.-Col. Inglis, Major Paterson, the Rev. A. Herbert Gray, C.F.,
Capt. G.H.R. Laird, Capt. M. MacRobert, Capt. T.P. Locking, Mr.
Cameron of the Chamber of Commerce, Lieut. and Quarter-Master Kelly,
Mr. Meadows of Saltcoats (for allowing illustrations and excerpts to
be taken from the diary of his son, the late Lieut. B. Meadows), the
relatives of the late Lieut. D.W. Hourston (for a selection of
photographs from his collection), and the following gentlemen
identified with the publication of _The Outpost_:--Messrs. A.M. Cohen,
W.S. Corbett, Mark Drummond, W.M. Dixon, A.G. Deans, W. Glennie, A.G.
Houstoun, J.L. Hardie, C. MacCallum, J. M'Kechnie, N. M'Intyre, W.K.
M'Taggart, D. Murray, J.L.L. Niven, F.K. Pickles, H.F. Scott, D.M.
Thomson, R. Tilley.
JOHN W. ARTHUR.
ION S. MUNRO.