72nd [Battalion, CEF] Leaving Southampton, England, 1919 From the Regimental History, pages 188, 189: "At length orders were received to the effect that the Battalion 'was to embark at Southampton on H. M. Transport "Olympic" on June 6th. As the day approached, the spirits of all steadily rose, for all ranks were thrilled by the thought that they would soon be homeward bound. These feelings culminated on the eve of leaving in an informal war dance through the huts of the camp. Noon on June 6th found the 72nd on board, voiciferously proclaiming their presence and that it was therefore quite unnecessary to detain the ship ,any longer. A moving-picture operator obtained permission to photograph the scene, and accordingly the Kilties swarmed to the foc'stle head, while the camera, from the superior elevation of the bridge, filmed the stalwart throng. Tugs were on strike at Southampton at this period, but that fact mattered little to Commander Hayes of the "Olympic. " At 6 p.m. on June 6th the huge liner cast off, and with three warning blasts backed into the narrow fairway under her own steam. Swinging in midstream, the ship, gathering way, moved majestically down the Roads towards the open sea ,and Canada. Many were the eyes that followed the retreating shores of England as they slipped by on either quarter. The feeling was tinged with sadness at leaving behind a country endeared to all by her warm-hearted welcome of her colonial troops. It had been a home from home. The next day saw the "Olympic" hove-to in a blinding curtain of fog through which the danger of the yet unswept mine-fields barred progress. Towards evening the fog cleared, and the great ship continued her course.