7th Reconanassiance Regiment 3rd Cdn. Infantry Div. WE

[John McGillivray]

I found only one reference to Maj. D.G. Mackanzie in the 17th Hussars history as followers:

“The troops in the Recce Squadrons, were not, however the only ones who were working and becoming tired. During the static period of fighting, ‘B’ Echelon of the Regiment, under command of Major D.G. Mackenzie, were in the divisional area and moved from place to place by the Divisional ‘B’ Echelon Area Commander. It became apparent, however, that during a breakout it would be impossible to operate the fighting Squadrons with ‘B’ Echelon so many miles behind, so it was decided to form an ‘A’ Echelon consisting of the vehicles, equipment and personnel necessary to maintain the Regiment on a rapid advance. They would do this either by drawing supplies from forward supply depots or from the ‘B’ Echelon. Both these Echelons came under the direct control of the 2 I/C, Major Baerman. It was the job of this ‘A’ Echelon, commanded by the Quarter Master, Capt. J.M. Thom to stick on the tails of the squadrons and run petrol, ammunition, food, mail, etc., to them whenever they stopped for a minute. This nearly always happened at night, so, having trailed them all day long, they were forced to keep working most of the night, first finding the ‘run-away’ squadrons, then making sure that they would be ready to ‘run-away’ again the following day. This work was not only tiring, but, in many cases, hazardous”.