The pictures follow the first and second Canadian divisions, with Premier Borden, Sir Sam Hughes and other prominent military men from Canada as the main character. His Majesty the King and Earl Kitchener are shown during the inspection of the troops, while inside scenes of hospital life and the convalescent homes of the soldiers give infinite variety to the production. Activity in the trenches and the throwing of hand grenades stir the audience, as do no less the decoration of the crippled soldiers of France by President Poincaré, and the war council of King Albert of Belgium and his advisers.
The marvel of the screen, however, is the chart going into details of the battle of Ypres. This gives the first, second and third brigade of the first Canadian division, holding the line in the center, with the British to the south and the French to the north. The deadly gas sends back the soldiers of France so relentlessly that the gap in the line allows the Germans to rush in in overwhelming numbers. Reinforcements are cut off and regiment by regiment the Canadians are mowed down, the Montreal units dying to the last man fighting at St. Julien after being separated from the main body. No clearer of more lasting impression of this famous battle of last April has so far been had. The annihilation of the war brigades becomes so stirring that the feelings of the audience is worked to high pitch. 