World War, 1914-1918 -- Canada; World War, 1914-1918 -- Nova Scotia
Major Soulis was given the special department of Statistics and
Documents, and the supervision of all embarkations and disembarkations.
The combination of these two officers made this most important work
proceed so smoothly that hundreds of thousands of men went through this
port with the bulk of the citizens not realizing that anything unusual
was going on.
It should be mentioned, however, in this connection, that the work of
H.Q. could not have met with the success it did, were it not for the
very efficient executive work of Major A. P. Lomas, the executive head
of the Department of Transport and Supplies during the rush-time of this
most important work. Nor could the work of H.Q. have met with success in
this matter had it not been for the energy and co-operation which the
Clearing Services Command, represented here first by Lieut.-Colonel H.
F. Adams and later by Lieut.-Colonel Cram, brought to its work of
passing troops going and coming through its depot at Pier 2.
When after Compulsory Service came into operation the necessity became
evident for an officer to be detailed to give exclusive attention to the
compilation and care of soldiers’ documents, the choice most naturally
fell upon Major Soulis. He made a close study of the work, and his
system met with so much approval that many of his ideas were adopted by
Militia Headquarters and were put into general operation. Major Soulis
continued to hold the appointment of District Record Officer till
demobilized in July, 1919.
Both Colonel Armstrong and Major Soulis were South African Veterans, the
former having lost a foot in action there, and the latter having been
mentioned in despatches.
In December, 1914, Colonel Rutherford was promoted to the rank of
Brigadier-General, and in October, 1915, was given his step to
Major-General. He was an officer of much more than ordinary attainments,
and filled well the office of General Officer Commanding, always
carrying the confidence and respect of his Staff. A noticeable increase
in defective hearing shown during a conference of General Officers at
Ottawa led Militia H.Q. to bring about his retirement, and in November,
1915, he was succeeded by Major-General Thomas Benson.
[Illustration:
HEADQUARTERS STAFF, M.D. 6.]
General Benson brought a long training in military affairs, a broad
outlook, an attractive personality, and good judgment to cope with the
many questions arising in the District. He gave up his command in
February, 1918, to the regret of his Staff and of citizens who had been
wont to do business at Military Headquarters. He was given leave till
July 1st of that year, and his valuable services were recognized by
investment with the order of C.M.G.
General Benson’s successor was Major-General T. L. Lessard, who retained
command till December 28, 1918, when he was succeeded by Colonel W. E.
Thompson.
Public-domain text, read in full here on John Shaqi.
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