THE REGISTER
JUNE 14, 1922
STOOD LIKE STONE WALL IN THE FIGHT
LORD FRENCH PRAISES WORK OF CANADIANS AT YPRES AND THROUGH THE WAR
"The Canadians at Ypres stood like a stone wall, never flinching," said Lord French, the famous British Field Marshal, in addressing the Empire Club at Toronto last week. "This service was inestimable to the Empire," he continued, "and I am here to day to express my deep gratitude for what the Canadians did there. I could not leave these shores without telling you here."
Lord French paid tribute to the Canadian soldiers, not only for their heroism in the second battle of Ypres, but for their work all through the great war. He eulogized Lord Byng, Governor-General of Canada, for his great qualities in peace as well as in war, and the late Sir Sam Hughes and Sir Robert Borden for their part in the war. There was no doubt, he said, that it was largely through the efforts of Sir Sam Hughes that Canada filled such a glorious role.
Lord French advised Canada to keep up her militia. He emphasized the necessity for training men and officers.
"You have been tried in the fire and not found wanting," he said. "You know what you can do. You have in you that quality so invaluable to any body of soldiers – you have self confidence. Keep that self confidence up."