In reply to a Christmas telegram the Honorary Colonel The Duke of Connaught sent the following reply:-"Much appreciate your telegram of good wishes from all ranks and heartily reciprocate the same."ArthurThis was the first occasion on which the Regiment was able to celebrate Christmas without snow. The day was like a hot summer day. The usual Company dinners, and outdoor games were held. Every officer and man in the battalion received a present of a cake of maple sugar from the Duchess of Connaught, this was enclosed in a small green cardboard box with a card on which was a portrait of Her Royal Highness with:-Good luck and best wishes for XMas and 1915.Louise MargaretDuchess of ConnaughtA present was also received by all ranks from H.R.H. Princess Mary. This consisted of an embossed gilt metal box showing a profile of H.R.H. Inside was a pencil made from a cartridge case engraved "M" surmounted by the Princess' coronet. A card of good wishes was also enclosed.
On 23rd [Dec] the following cablegram was sent to H.R.H. The Duke of Connaught:"All ranks Royal Canadian Regiment send Christmas greetings to their Honorary Colonel."Lieut-Colonel MacdonellChristmas was spent in billets at Berthen. Communion was held in billets, while Mass was celebrated at Berthen Church.The Commanding Officer, 2nd in Command and Adjutant carried out his usual custom of visiting all companies. Dinners besides the ordinary rations slightly augmented, were added under Regimental arrangements with ham, mince pies, plum pudding, cigarettes, almonds and raisin with the ancient tot of rum.Each man was given a leatherette writing wallet with note paper presented by the Women of Canada Fund, chocolate, tobacco, cigarettes, games, magazines, cocoa, handkerchiefs and cards were received from the Canadian Field Comforts Commission. Tins of chocolate were received also from the Trinidad and West Indies Fund.
25.12.16. - BRIGADE RESERVESCold and clear. Situation absolutely quiet until 11 p.m. when an intense bombardment was on left of Brigade Sector.
25-12-17. - SOUCHEZ.Christmas Day. Greetings received from Divisional Commander and other Battalions in Brigade. G.O.C. called about 2 p.m. Sleet falling during the afternoon and developed into snow squalls this evening.
25-12-1918 - BOURGEOIS.Open air Church service at 10.30, Major KILPATRICK preached. After service sports were held by companies. Dinner at 17.00 hours.
