A Soldier's Sketchbook - John Wilson

This book was received for free from LibraryThing’s Early Reviewers in return for a review.

In 1916 World War I, while raging, had devolved to attrition in the trenches. Any news received from the front for public consumption was censored, sanitized and reframed in such a way that most people on the home front had no idea what conditions were really like. Fortunately soldiers kept diaries, providing first-hand accounts of their own experiences. RH Rabjohn was one such soldier, signing up at 18 with the Canadian Expeditionary Force. In possession of an arts background he put his skills to use, illustrating what he saw, seeing action in such battles as Vimy Ridge, Arras and Passchendaele.

His drawings have a kinetic feel to them, most with figures in motion whether on the clock or on leave. But he doesn’t shy away from death or the aftermath of battle. These scenes provide a real sense of the horror he and others must have experienced, a true telling of the cost of war.   

The book is divided up chronologically in terms of battles and locations, allowing the reader to see what Rabjohn did and where he was. This is further divided into categories such as “mud” and “POWs”. The book is clearly an abridged version of the diary but it’s unclear if only sections with accompanying illustrations were included or if the choice was random.

One confusing aspect was the font choice. Alongside the diary entries are additional notes written by the book’s author. The entries though use a more modern font while the author’s contributions look more archaic. Normally I would have expected this to be reversed to reflect and reinforce the differing time periods in which Rabjohn and Wilson wrote. The fact that this isn’t the case, sometimes led me to start reading Wilson’s portions as if they were Rabjohn’s.

Overall an enjoyable read that provided a personal look into one soldier’s experiences, peeling back the layers of time on events quickly receding into history.

Random Harvest (1942)

"You are from the asylum, aren't you? Aren't you? "

John Smith, played by Ronald Colman, is a WWI veteran stuck in an asylum, suffering from shell shock. He can't remember who he is but lives with the hope that some day his family will come to claim him and take him home. When the end of the war is declared, in the celebration, Smith slips out and wanders into a tavern. He is befriended by Paula, played by Greer Garson who takes him under her wing. The two fall in love, get married and start a family. Smith, still trying to recover his past life is forging on with his new one. Unfortunately, on a job interview in Liverpool he is hit by a car, losing all memory of Paula but regaining his lost memories.

I like Ronald Colman but upon first learning that he was supposed to be a WWI veteran, I found it difficult to believe. Most soldiers in WWI were young men whereas Colman here very much looks his 51 years of age though I will admit that he does look very dapper in a uniform. I was finally able to suspend my disbelief when a couple came to look in on him, thinking he might be their missing son. When they replied in the negative, the look on his face was enough to break anyone's heart and after that point I was sold. As well, it was wonderful just to listen to him. He has one of the most beautiful speaking voices I've heard in older movies. It should also be noted that Colman was actually a WWI veteran, having suffered severe shrapnel wounds and gassing.

Greer Garson, noted queen of MGM during WWII, played Paula. Garson plays a rather strange role here as a singer/dancer with a traveling troupe. It felt very much outside the roles she normally plays but she looked very comfortable with her part. I didn't think much of her singing however as her voice has always seemed very breathy and doesn't much lend itself to song. I did however like the strength she showed in this film, especially during the third act. The situation she places herself in takes such courage of character that I felt desperately bad for her but the entire time I was on her side.

One of the issues I had with the film was the length of time that passes between before revelation for Colman. By my count 15 years(!) pass before we the audience receive any sort of payoff, an amount of time far beyond which I am willing to suspend my disbelief. This ridiculous span is longer than I believe even the Greyfriars Bobby would stick around.

As well, I thought it was far too convenient for all the aspects of Paula and John's previous relationship to just disappear. After you watch the film you'll know exactly what I'm talking about. There was no mention of this aspect of their life despite the loss and it's never addressed later in the film. These two spent years together and it felt very much as if it was only used as a plot device to bring them together rather than an integral part of their relationship and a set of cumulative experiences that you can't just erase.

I did enjoy this movie and I would recommend. I would say though that it's worth checking out of the library but don't worry about buying a copy.

95th Memorial of the Battle of Vimy Ridge

Today marks the 95th anniversary of the battle at Vimy Ridge where Canadian troops wona major victory where the British and French couldn't break through. Many historians have called this the moment where Canada came of age as a nation. While existing as a country since 1867 it is this moment where Canadian divisions first fought together, where they were under command of a Canadian, General Arthur Currie, and not a British General. It is here where we won out where so many others had failed. It's estimated that over 100 000 British and French soldiers died trying to take Vimy Ridge before the Canadians were brought in. They used different tactics and trusted ordinary soldiers with the battle plan so that every man might know what to do. Never again would we be commanded by anyone other than Canadians. We even had our own seat at the Treaty of Versailles in 1919.

It's important to remember such moments, not only because they
have shaped the country and its people but to pay tribute to those who gave their lives in the defence of our freedom. My great grandfather fought at Vimy Ridge and lived. While I never had the pleasure of meeting the man I am very proud of him and his service to this country and consequently, to me, a great grandchild he never met. It's important to remember because the last WWI war veteran died in 2010. There is no one left to keep the memories of that war so we must keep it for them: for everyone who came home and had to live with what they'd experienced; for those who lie buried in Europe and never came home and for those who were never found, who have no headstone, no place for a family to come and mourn.