[
  {
    "date": null,
    "date_inferred": true,
    "date_span": null,
    "place": null,
    "summary": "exceptionally fin and we whisked along at a fair speed. We suddenly had a feeling that although the speedometer was continually registering 40 m.p.h., that because of the distance we had travelled and the time it had taken, the speedometer could not be registering correctly. At this point a direct question was asked the driver who was sitting in the back of the jeep and he replied - No Sir! The speedometer is 5 m.p.h. slow. One can quite enjoy no how \"slow\" the air became, because we had set 1800 hrs as our time of arrival in Ghent, when we could stop and refresh ourselves and have a bit of food, and because of the inaccuracy of the speedometer, we would be late in arriving there. Probably one consolation is, that all these things are sent to try us and there is no question they do try our patience at times. C'est la guerre.\n\nBelgium appeared a much more beautiful country than France in every way. The roads, houses, gardens and people themselves show no signs of the ravages of war and certainly not wanting, nor destitute in any sense of the words. The most noticeable thing probably is the beauty and meticulous appearance of the Belgian women and girls. There is no question now why the dashing has a stiff neck - and again no question why we lost our way several times. One simply cannot read a map and examine the beauty of the trip at the same time.\n\nAt Broom 6482 south of Antwerp we stared in utter amazement at a railway crossing. We were actually stopped because the railway gates were closed, - because a train was passing! We had previously been surprised along the route by the sight of street cars, but now, a train before our eyes, adding to our already formed opinion of the lack of suffering in Belgium, compared to France, and this almost became too much for us.\n\nLieut Col Dt. Mac L really pulled a fast one - at OVERENNE 3473. At this point we were attempting to pass an exceptionally long 2nd Div convoy, before which was an Artillery Convoy. Canadian Provost Corps was controlling the column and saw us dodging in and out of the openings as they occurred. The provost evidently were attempting to keep the column together and seeing our small group had annoyed the seething mass of convoy vehicles, immediately signalled Lt.Col. Lt. Mac L on - and at a signalled speed up, pace we passed vehicle after vehicle and ahead of the column under provost guidance. The C.O. kept right behind the m/c and never asked any questions. He profited by many minutes in saved time.\n\nSouth of Antwerp we passed the 4th Bde enroute to their area in northern Antwerp and here the 20 got hurriedly into a jackpot of trouble. With the C.O. stepping along at a fair rate of speed and the 20 attempting to read a map and call turns in time, a complete mess was caused. After taking a",
    "weather": null,
    "no_change": false,
    "source_page": 289
  },
  {
    "date": "16 Sep 44",
    "date_inferred": true,
    "date_span": null,
    "place": "Borsbeek / Antwerp",
    "summary": "A Belgian gave directions to Borsbeek and started the party on the correct route. This person spoke very fair English and his directions to the main arteries were later proven quite correct. Lieut Col Dt. Mac L had promised to meet Brigadier Megill at Tac HQ 5CIB at 1800 hrs and when we arrived it was 1840. Naturally the C.O. was very perturbed by the I.O. map reading but this was all paid by the way when the Brigadier told the C.O. that 'there wasn't any hurry anyway.' Then and then the question of map reading lessons took the background because Lieut Col Dt. Mac L and the balance of the party motored into Antwerp proper and then attempted to find a good restaurant. This was accomplished only after Lieut Col Dt. Mac L and Lt Col J. Pebine had freed loose their respective I.O.s from the clutches of a very beautiful Belgian blonde who insisted in keeping them a drink. When the proper restaurant was located the advance party remained seated unto filled by a large steak and chips and a bottle of wine. Lieut Col. Frank Butcher was the mathematician who figured out the cost of the bill and rates of exchange between French Francs and Belgian Francs. This by the way was no mean feat of financial wizardism. We returned to Borsbeek around 2200hrs and then to bed, a little tired perhaps, but happy, as is possible under conditions.",
    "weather": null,
    "no_change": false,
    "source_page": 290
  },
  {
    "date": "17 Sep 44",
    "date_inferred": false,
    "date_span": null,
    "place": "Borsbeek / Antwerp",
    "summary": "Next morning, after the I.O. had untied a few knots from his backbone, caused by sleeping on the board floor, we were heated to a Bde breakfast and prepared for the days' work. The three C.O.s made recces of the areas the Battalions will take over and when satisfied as to the possibilities of their respective areas, returned to Bde HQ. Upon arriving back they were jolted by the news that the battalions will not arrive today as per arrangements, but sometime tomorrow morning. Brigadier W.J. Megill decided at once to return to main HQ 5CIB at Hooberge and return the next day. D Col Dt. Mac L was placed temporarily in command as Acting Brigadier. As there was nothing for any of the advance party to do for the ensuing few hours, Antwerp became our 'Large for toint'! The Belgian female species was even more beautijus than thought at first, and the hours were spent making friends and generally relaxing our tense muscles. Lieut Col Dt. Mac L and Lieut Col Charles Lalmiman of 18 Field Ambulance had an enviable time at the home of some Belgian people and thoroughly were versed in the past and present conditions and feelings of the Belgian people.",
    "weather": null,
    "no_change": false,
    "source_page": 290
  },
  {
    "date": "17 Sep 44",
    "date_inferred": true,
    "date_span": null,
    "place": null,
    "summary": "Their stories of their experiences during this time brought many laughs and envious sighs.\n\nDuring the evening, it rained and the night became very dark and dreary. The advance party returned home in dribs and drabs from many directions, around 2300 hrs and once again, so to bed.",
    "weather": "Rain in the evening, night dark and dreary",
    "no_change": false,
    "source_page": 291
  },
  {
    "date": "18 Sep 44",
    "date_inferred": false,
    "date_span": null,
    "place": "Wommelghem",
    "summary": "This morning, we awakened, bright and early, feeling very rested after our relaxation from military duties.\n\nAround 1100 hrs Brigadier Megill arrived back from Loobergh and in a very distressed mood. They had lost their way two or three times returning here and to complete this already sad state of affairs, the Brigadier's bedroll had bounced off the top of the staff car and could not be found when the road was traversed back on the route used.\n\nLt Col D4. has Lauchlan left, arrived 1130 hrs to go to the 11 Field ambulance and thence on to dinner at Corps. Brigadier Megill joined with McRoberts Commandant of the White Brigade.\n\nAround 1200 hrs our battalion recce party under Capt Mart Runnard arrived and proceeded at once to have dinner. After dinner they recce'd the Bn area around Wommelghem and then having completed this job, grabbed a few moments rest.\n\nLt Col D4. Earl returned around 1500 hrs and was surprised to find his new Bn HQ activated in the Wommelghem Brewery.\n\nThe Bn arrived in Wommelghem at 1800 hrs, a weary, tired bunch of lads.\n\nAnd so, the Advance Party, for once had a small holiday instead of excersion's work. We are all very happy to have preceeded the men and to have had a few hours to ourselves.\n\nWe claim - a job well done!",
    "weather": null,
    "no_change": false,
    "source_page": 291
  }
]