The First Canadians in France The Chronicle of a Military Hospital in the War Zone

"The First Canadians in France" by F. McKelvey Bell is a historical narrative that tells the story of Canadian soldiers and medical staff during World War I, zeroing in on their arrival in France and the setting up of military hospitals. It emphasizes the bond between comrades, the sacrifices made, and the difficulties the medical teams faced in a war-torn area. The book starts by introducing a varied group of enlisted and non-commissioned Canadian soldiers, their disembarkation, as they arrive in France ready to serve. The plot describes their initial chaotic assembly, the journey across the ocean towards England, and the excitement of being the first contingent of Canadians to arrive in France during this conflict. The interactions between the characters and the vibrant descriptions of their surroundings create a heartfelt look at military life and the resilience of humanity amidst the grim realities of war.