The second part of a two-part series about Canadians going into the trenches for the first time in the First World War, in this gripping episode of The Rum Ration Podcast, Rejoy and Colin guide listeners through the Royal Montreal Regiment’s harrowing first experiences in the trenches of 1915.

Drawing on letters, regimental histories, and first-hand accounts, they paint a vivid picture of trench life—from the mud, rats, and disease to the psychological toll of constant danger. The episode also explores moments of resilience: the camaraderie forged under fire, improvised luxuries like a hot bath, and the dark humour soldiers used to cope.

The hosts share the story of the RMR’s first casualties, including the American volunteer Private Hopey, and bring to life the brutal realities of trench warfare. From sniper fire to knee-deep mud and makeshift shelters built from the dead, this episode is a sobering reminder of what these young Canadians endured. A must-listen for anyone seeking to understand the human cost of WWI.

Available now at rumration.ca or wherever you get your podcasts.