TROOPS USE SNOWSHOES.

Waikato Times, Volume 116, Issue 19452, 17 December 1934, Page 11

TROOPS USE SNOWSHOES.

GREAT MARCH RECALLED. UNIQUE IN MILITARY ANNALS. 300 MILES IN 13 DAYS. FREDERIGKTON (X. 8.), Nov. 14. Showing a British soldier with enowshoes and m-usket, a memorial will be erected here in February to commemorate a feat unique in military annals—the famous midwinter march of the 10-j th New Brunswick Regiment from Frederickton to Quebec and Kingston 122 years earlier. The 104th was organised in 1804 and at first was known as the. New Brunswick Fenclbles. In 1813 Britain was at war with the United States, Lower Canada was the scene of land hostilities and reinforcements were needed at Quebec. There was no means of transport, and the 104th took to its snowshoes. Quebec was some 300 miles distant, and the trip was made in thirteen iiays. The men tramped their 25 miles daily over deep snow, the thermometer sometimes standing below 20 degrees below zero. There were 32 officers and louo other ranks, and they were sent out in detachments so that the trail left by each might harden for the benefit of those who followed. Supplies were carried on toboggans, one for each two men, and It is noted in the records that there was no rum ration. Camp was made eaoh night In a wooded place, and the men rolled in blankets and slept beside roaring fires. The 104 th arrived at Quebec with the loss of but one man. Part of the regiment than proceeded up the St. Uawrence River to Kingston.