1914-09-10aa

An assortment of incidents (from the Hamilton Herald) of September 10, 1914.

 

          Articles quoted in full.

 

          “What Factories Do : Drive Ducks From Old Haunts Along Bay Shore”

          Duck hunters say that the ducks will be scarce on the bay this year owing to the growth of the city’s industrial section all along the south shore, which used to be an ideal spot for duck hunters.

          However, they expect to get their share of sport, for many of them have discovered other haunts in the vicinity which they claim are better than the old ones.

          Hamilton Herald. September 10, 1914

 

          “Foolish Actions : Rowdies Insult and Threaten Hotelkeeper With German Name”

          Over-enthusiastic, ‘not-eager-to-go-to-the-front’ and ‘wouldn’t-give-a-nickel-for-the-cause’ hoodlums during the past few nights have insulted, disturbed and even threatened a well-known hotelman, whose name is a German one threatened to do damage to his hotel.

          As a matter of fact, the proprietor is a Canadian citizen, and is heart and soul for the empire, He was among the first to offer the use of his auto for the fund campaign, and has also contributed generously to the fund.

          Although he has been advised to draw the attention of the police to the actions of the rowdies, he has refrained from doing so, but news of their actions has reached the ears of the department and the police intend to put a stop to the disorders.

          Hamilton Herald. September 10, 1914.

 

          “Bad Plight : But John Mitchell May Go to War Shortly”

          John Mitchell, who volunteered for active servicew with the Fourth Field Battery is languishing in the city hospital instead of enjoying the camp life at Valcartier.

          When he was examined by the militia doctors, he was refused because of varicose veins. He readily offered to undergo an operation to have these corrected, provided he would be accepted after the operation.

          He did not count the time it would take and is now anxious to get out after the Germans, but his regiment has gone.  He lost his job through volunteering, and has a wife and five children.

          “Dr. Rennie stated that he would accept Mr. Mitcell on the Howitzer battery for the second contingent as soon as he recovers, and then then family would be looked after.

          Hamilton Herald. September 10, 1914.

 

          “Armed Guard : Will Protect City’s Water Supply at Pump House”

          F. A. Yates has been appointed temporary assistant at the beach pumping house for night duty. He will be armed to defend the place against any fanatics who attempt to do mischief.

          Controller Cooper stated that a man who was thought to be insane was prowling around the place last week. The local police were asked to arrest him, but replied that they had no jurisdiction. Chief Clark was finally prevailed upon to arrest the man.

          A gang of Italians was also seen hanging around the pipe line, but local police moved them on. In future, loungers will be kept off the pump house property entirely.

1914-09-13aag

“Patriotism – that true Canadian brand of patriotism and love of motherland which expands and broadens in the face of reverses and tribulations; and that patriotism which entails sacrifices and the placing of the hand in the pocket to relieve distress – that was the patriotism that thousands of Hamiltonians displayed last evening at the monster mass meeting held in the new armories – the meeting which was held for the purpose of engendering enthusiasm on behalf of the National Patriotic Fund.”

          Hamilton Spectator.    September 9, 1914.

          It was an event that thousands upon thousands of Hamiltonians would remember for a very long time.

          The evening before the three day campaign to raise $150,000 in three days was to begin, a huge gathering of citizens were drawn to the armories on James street north. So great was the crowd that only a small percentage of it could actually get inside the huge building:

          “It was the most enthusiastic demonstration held in Hamilton since Britain entered into the European conflict, outrivaling even the celebration which signaled the departure of Hamilton’s troops.”¹

¹ “Hamilton Swayed By Patriotic Fervor : Thousands Attend Monster Meeting in Armories : Campaign Organized and Already $51,000 Secured   “

          Hamilton Spectator… September 9, 1914

The campaign’s purpose to raise money by donations or voluntary subscription to pay for the needs of families whose main source of household income had dropped everything to volunteer to fight overseas:

          “Many are left behind, who, without their breadwinner’s support, would face extreme and agonizing hardships during the coming winter, if the National Patriotic fund had not been promulgated. And if the enthusiasm of last night’s mass meeting can be taken as a criterion, Hamilton’s contribution to the fund will not be $150,000, but much more than that amount.”¹

               The Spectator reporter who managed to squeeze into the armories was amazed at the number of people inside and at the enthusiasm that was prevalent :

          “One had to be right in the midst of that sea of faces to grasp the full extent of the enthusiasm. At intervals the massed bands broke into the strains of the National anthem and other patriotic selections.

          “The first note struck was accepted as a signal for everyone to rise and whole-heartedly join in the singing, cheer after cheer echoing through the spacious building.”¹

               Music was a major part of the monster mass meeting, both within the armories and as a way to attract citizens from all parts of the city to the area.

          Bands had been located in all four corners of the city and at a coordinated starting time of 7:15, each band struck up a patriotic tune and started to march towards the downtown core. In each of their wakes, large numbers of citizens followed the musicians to the armories:

          “All streets on which the bands paraded were thronged at an early hour, and many who did follow a band downtown did not do so principally because they decided it would be impossible to secure admission.”¹

          At the armories, once every band had arrived , every marching band in 1914 Hamilton was present. The list of the bands comprised the following : the 13^th brass band, the 13^th bugle band, 91^st brass band, 91^st bugle band, 91^st pipe band, the Army Medical corps fife band, the Salvation Army band, the I.O.O.F. brass band, the East Hamilton Progressive association brass band, and the boys scouts bugle band.

          Among the musical selections throughout the meeting, there were speeches, many speeches. On the speaker’s platform were most of Hamilton’s most prominent citizens of the time. Col. John S. Hendrie acted as chairman and he was joined by Ontario Lieutenant-Governor John Gibson, his worship Bishop Clark, Right Rev. Dr. Mahony, George Lynch-Staunton, Rabbi Jacob S. Minkin, Mayor John Allan, T. H. Willis, Rev. W. H. Sedgewick, Brigadier Adby, Very Rev. Dean Abbott, Rev. George H. Williams and Adam Brown.

          It was estimated that approximately 6,000 people managed to get into the armories, the Spectator reporter noting that “particularly pleasing was the large representation of the fair sex, for, in truth, there were almost as many women as men present.

“Guards in uniform, selected from the various military units, acted as patrols and succeeding in keeping perfect order.”¹

Before the speeches and musical presentations began, Robert Hobson, chairman of the local finance committee, read a number of telegrams urging the Hamilton association of the National Patriotic association to spare no effort to make the campaign a success.

Although telegrams were read from Sir Robert Borden, Col. Sam Hughes and many other, it was the telegram from the War Office in London which drew the greatest reaction from the crowd. That telegram was from Lord Kitchener which read simply, “Best wishes for your campaign.

Although every effort was made to ensure the safety of the huge throng in the armories, one incident did occur:

“So great was the crowd packed in around the speakers’ stand that it was difficult to move or even breathe. One woman in the crowd fainted. Space was immediately cleared for her, and she was placed in a chair. Robert Hobson handed down a glass of water from the speakers’ stand. Recovering shortly afterwards, she was able to leave the hall unassisted.”¹

The Hon. John S. Hendrie opened the meeting with what the Spectator characterized as “terse, but appropriate speech” :

“ ‘It must indeed be gratifying,’ he said, ‘to those in charge of the movement to see the large numbers who were so interested in lending a hand. It was certainly a most important meeting. The empire required assistance from every part of Canada. The great Dominion was doing its duty, the province was doing its share, and he knew the city of Hamilton would not fall behind.

“ ‘It was not a war of aggression, nor a war of conquest, but a war of righteousness – a war for freedom – for the freedom of the world. (Cheers)

“ ‘The men who have gone from here have left behind those dependent on them,’ said the chairman. ‘We who are at home have a duty to perform. We may have another contingent leaving in a short, and the soldiers must be given cause to feel that those they leave behind will be looked after.’

“Continuing, Col. Hendrie quoted figures, showing the amounts subscribed to patriotic funds in other Canadian cities. Those of high station were interested, the chairman stated, and he read a telegram from H.R.H. the Duke of Connaught, hoping that the meeting would be entirely successful.

“Loud, continuous cheering echoed and reechoed throughout the building for several minutes at the conclusion of the chairman’s preliminary remarks.”¹

Rev. W. H. Sedgewick then offered a prayer, supplicating God to watch over the soldiers and sailors fighting in what he term a “righteous war.”

While Rev. Sedgewick led the assembled in prayer, an amusing, yet poignant as well, incident took place :

“One youngster immediately in front of the speaker’s stand sank upon his knees with such a saintly expression upon his face that a smile was noticed on many faces.”¹

Hamilton native, and the then Lieutenant-Governor of Ontario, Sir John Gibson was next on the speaker’s list. He was greeted with a spontaneous burst of applause before he even began to speak:

“His honor said it was imperative that he, first of all, congratulate those in charge. He had been told, he said, that the text of the remainder of the week was : ‘Give! Give ! Give ! And don’t think any harm would accrue if we added another ‘give’ to the text,’ smiled the speaker. (Laughter and cheers)

“He had no doubt that the liberality of the citizens would be manifested, and that instead of $150,000, this amount would be doubled.

“ ‘It is our duty to give ourselves, first of all, to our country,’ continued the speaker. “Hamilton has already sent forth a steady contingent to the front, young men who would take their position on the firing line.

“But the speaker added, ‘Hamilton is full of young Canadians who should think of their first duty to the country and empire.

“ ‘Canadians were accustomed from childhood – from the cradle – to sing God Save the Queen or King. Loyalty to the empire was universal. Today was no exception, for the sentiment which animated every individual was identical. This was the time when all young Canadians should what they were made of. Another full regiment should go from Hamilton and the country. There should be a Hamilton and Wentworth regiment. It should be a distinctive regiment, and his honor said he sincerely hoped something definite would accrue from his suggestion.

“It was a crisis in the history of empire, a crisis for Canada, for the fate of the empire might be trembling in the balance. It was the vindication of what was right against that which was wrong.

“In conclusion, the lieutenant-governor touched on the great work the women of Canada did in the raising of money for hospital purposes and said he had no doubt that Hamilton would show herself once again.”¹

               When it came time for Mayor Allan to speak, he rose to approach the podium when a crash of drums and a wailing of pipes interrupted proceedings :

          “Then came such a din as never was. Round and round the hall the pipers marched and behind them waved dozens of ensigns carried by members of the collection teams. When the noise of the pipers died away, the team members gave in chorus the slogan of the day : ‘Give, Give, Give,’ winding up by singing Rule Britannia.

          “The mayor was then permitted to continue his speech. He was very proud, he said, to see so many present and interested in this great cause.. He considered it the largest meeting ever held in Hamilton.

          “ ‘Not only is the entire city aroused,’ he said, ‘but the whole country. I received a letter tonight from some Americans who have been working for the Patriotic fund in Toronto. They asked me to hand it on to some of the prominent Americans here, so that they can take it up from here. I am glad to say that Britain today has the sympathy of the civilized world.

          “ ‘If our citizens are brave enough to go to the front, the least we can do is look after their wives and families while they are away. I have no doubt as to the result of this campaign. The collectors will get double and treble what they are starting out after. In order to give them a good start, the city has voted $30,000.’ ” ¹

          Hamilton’s beloved “Grand Old Man” Adam Brown  was the next speaker who argued that it was a righteous war and only when every effort for peace failed did Britain go to war:

          “They were present to give inspiration to the movement to provide funds to help the dependents of those who had gone to the front

          “At the call of duty, everyone knew what the soldiers did. The women of Canada covered themselves with glory in this crisis by their magnificent contribution for the equipment of a hospital ship.

          “The speaker called upon the men present to give three cheers for the women and the response shook the very rafters.

          “Britain was not fighting Germany, but that awful war machine which dropped bombs on hospitals and cathedrals. The day would come, however, when that despicable war god would be crushed, then would also come the pride of conquest. He believed Canada would give its last breath in defense of the empire. The end of it would be the termination of tyranny; the birth of universal freedom.”¹

               Right. Rev. Dr. Mahony, vicar-general of the Roman Catholic diocese began his address with a joking reference to the Anglican bishop scheduled to follow on the speakers’ roster :

          “ ‘His Lordship the Bishop of Niagara gave us his assurance that he would not exceed five minutes. I will promise you that I will not reach five minutes.

          “ ‘While our kith and kin are abroad, you are assembled here tonight to show that your hearts are with them. There is no more Jew or Gentile, no more Catholic or Protestant. We are all one.

          ‘ ‘While those we love are gone, what is our duty at home ? Plainly, to make our actions correspond with our words. I was informed tonight that it is intended to raise $150,100 in a three day campaign. I was told that Toronto had raised about one million dollars; $150,000 would be about one-fifth of Toronto’s contribution. According to numbers, we are one-fifth the population of Toronto, but in the matter of patriotism we are more than one-fifth. Let us keep up the name of our city. Let us make Hamilton an encouragement to our boys abroad and an example to the rest of Canada.”¹

               His Lordship, Bishop Clark of the Anglican Diocese of Niagara began by touching on what he called “the sad sight of two weeks ago, when Hamilton’s left the city for the mobilization camp:”

          “There was a nobility about it, however, which took away that sting. They were not moved by the pomp of war or martial strains of music. They were animated by a noble spirit – the justness of their cause. They went forth prepared, if God wanted it, to lay down their very lives for King and empire.

          “ ‘ Pray God to make every man ready to follow after, and I shall not be the last,’ said his lordship. ‘For one hundred years the flag of peace had been flying, but Britain’s motto was not peace at any price. The flag now unfurled was the flag of righteousness, of justice and of freedom.

          “ ‘Britons never, never, never shall be slaves,’ thundered his lordship.”¹

               A grand banquet was held that evening for the two hundred, or more, members of the Hamilton Patriotic Fund Committee. The complimentary banquet for the fund volunteers who would be starting their efforts the following morning was tendered by Mr. G. W. Robinosn and held in the tea room of his big department store on James street south:

          “The excellently appointed tea room was specially decorated with flags and flowers, while Lomas’ orchestra, amid numerous palms, discoursed patriotic music of a most inspiring kind.”

          After the food had been served, and consumed, it was time for a few speeches and a few announcements which served to whip enthusiasm among the volunteers as the start of the 3 day whirlwind campaign was just hours away.

          Two of the city’s leading banks, the Bank of Hamilton and the Mercantile Trust had given substantial donations totaling $26,000, while J. J. Greene of the W. E. Sanford rose to say that while his firm had pledged $5,000, he was proud to say that the pledge was not $51,000:

          “Renewed cheers rang out, and the orchestra joined in the general jubilation by playing the national anthem, and crowds passing on the streets below stopped, looked in the direction of the open upper windows of the big store, and wondered what it was all about.”¹

               The volunteers, energized by the excitement of the evening’s proceedings, then made for their homes, hoping for a good night’s rest as they would all be going at a frantic pace over the coming three days.

         

         

 

1914-09-07ac

The impact of the outbreak of World War One significant to many in Hamilton, probably no more than to the Hamilton mother whose story told in the Hamilton Spectator of September 7, 1914

          The article is presented as it appeared in that issue of the paper :

“So great was the mental anguish caused Mrs. William Tribbeck, of 14 Mary street, by the departure of her son William for the front, that in a single night her hair turned white, due entirely, it is said, to worry over her son’s safety.

“At her home today, Mrs. Trebbick is in serious condition and asks for her son continuously. She is under the constant care of Dr. James Lafferty, of 24 Bay street south.

“It was two weeks ago Saturday that young Trebbick – he is only 19 – went away with the 91^st contingent for Valcartier. He was among the very first to enlist, and was anxious lest he would not be accepted. He did not immediately notify his mother of his enlistment, but when he did, she strove to hide her anxiety for his safety till after he was gone.

“Then she broke down completely. On the Monday following her son’s departure, Mrs. Trebbick was so seriously ill that a physician had to be called in. Her illness, the physician said, was directly traceable to her son’s departure and was made more serious by her nervous temperament.

“Young Trebbick has not been informed of his mother’s illness and it is doubtful if he would be permitted to return in any event.”¹

¹ “Her Hair Turned White Overnight : Mother Grief-Stricken Over the Departure of Son : He is at Valcartier Camp With Canadian Soldiers”

Hamilton Spectator. September 7, 1914

1914-09-08 aas

“Tonight’s mass meeting in the armories on behalf of the National Patriotic Fund promises to be the most enthusiastic demonstration that has occurred here since Britain called her sons to war.”

          Hamilton Spectator. September 8, 1914.

          It was certainly a national campaign to raise funds for the dependents of Canadian soldiers who had left their homes to fight overseas. Hamiltonians, in their long-established characteristic, concluded to not only participate but to do so in a major way:

          “The national relief movement is a noble work of mercy that has inspired every city in the land to open wide the purse strings for the dependents of those who have enlisted, and Hamilton must do its share. The campaign to raise $150,000 in three days will be inaugurated tonight.”¹

               ¹ “Everyone is Hustling for Relief Fund : Armories Scene Tonight of Patriotic Gathering : Street Railway Company’s Gift to the Movement”

          Hamilton Spectator September 8, 1914

          When the day for the kickoff of the campaign arrived, there was still lots of work to be done:

          “The splendid spirit that is shown everywhere in helping along the good work is emphasized at headquarters in the old Hendrie building on King street east, where everything is bustle and activity.

          “Prominent men are cheerfully sacrificing time from their business to help in planning the details for the whirlwind collecting campaign.

          “A call was sent out for volunteer stenographers, and the committee was surprised with the flood of responses. All day long typewriters rattled as the lists and letters were hammered out.”¹

               During the day it was announced that the Hamilton Street Railway had made an extremely generous offer to help the campaign reach its target:

          “On Thursday of this week, it will devote the entire cash receipts to the fund. Money paid to conductors for tickets will not go to the fund, but every cent deposited in the fare boxes will. For this reason, the company urges people to use only cash.

“Of course, people will have the privilege of using a ticket and slighting the fund if they want to, but the company is satisfied that might few will do it. People are urged to give within their means. Posters will be displayed in the cars urging passengers to give a quarter or more. It is expected that a large amount will be derived for the fund from this source.”¹

Other fund-raising initiatives were announced.

A special meeting of the congregation of Bas Jacob was held at the Hunter street synagogue. Extended prayer for the welfare of those enlisted in the army or navy took place, while a sum of $60 was raised for the Patriotic Fund.

Fong Young, owner of Young’s Café on King William street, was delegated to solicit funds from the Chinese residents of Hamilton in behalf of the Patriotic Fund association.

The eye-catching, lavishly illustrated advertising for the campaign of the Hamilton Patriotic Fund received huge space in each of the city’s daily newspapers.

The headline is in large bold type read “Give ! Give ! Give ! : A Call to Hamilton in the name of Women and Children.”

The body of the ad reads as follows :

“The tramp of bread-winners is in the streets. They are going to the front. They are leaving families behind.

“Every man with women of his own – every man with little children – knows what a tragedy to the home is the going of the bread – winner.

“We call on the people to rally to the protection of these mothers, sisters, wives and children so suddenly deprived of their natural protectors.

“A great campaign is under way to raise $150,000 in three days for a War Relief Fund. The money is for the women and children of the soldiers who go to the front from Hamilton – money for fuel, for rent, for clothing, for food.

“Now is the time to raise this money – not weeks hence when hardship and suffering have already begun. Now is the time to wipe away every care of the soldier going to the front. Now is the time to wipe away every barrier to enlistment. Now is the time for Hamilton to follow the lead of the larger Canadian cities in doing its duty to dependent womanhood and childhood.

“Surely no contribution permitted by your means can be considered too great for such a cause as this; and no contribution can be too small to be welcomed.”

The ad included the following assurance to any who might feel that the effort was not worthwhile :

“The standing of the men associated with the work is a guarantee of the able administration of the fund. It will be expended under the most careful supervision. The need and worthiness of every case will be clearly established.”

The names of the prominent men working as executive officers of the Hamilton Patriotic Fund was listed. It included well-known and well-respected men from Hamilton’s business, political and religious elite.

The ad included a coupon for those who were anxious to contribute even before the actual three day campaign began. People could cut out the coupon, which read simply: “Coupon – WAR RELIEF FUND – Which enclosed please find $.......... you may add to the fund for helping our soldiers’ women and children.”

Donors then could complete the name and address portion of the coupon and mail or directly bring it to the Patriotic Fund Headquarters.

Another add appeared a few days later, on Monday September 7, 1914, the day before the campaign was to be launched with was called a “Monster Mass Meeting”

The ad copy read, in part :

 “All interested in the worthy cause of helping the families of our brave soldiers are urged to attend. A mighty effort will be put forth to raise $150,000 in three days.

“Every bad in the city will take part and a splendid musical program has been arranged by Mr. W. H. Hewlett and Bandmaster Stares. Addresses will be given by leading speakers of the city.

“Everybody welcome. Come early.

“The greatest event in Hamilton for years.”

 

 

1914-09-05a

Although their husbands had left for the front weeks before, and although there had been solemn assurances that wives and dependents of the volunteers would be taken of, there had not been much financial help immediately forthcoming.

          Late in the day, September 4, 1914, a rumor was circulating that Hamilton Mayor Allan had signed a number of checks for local relief to some war dependents.

          The following morning, the mayor’s office in the City Hall was the focus for a rush of women wondering if any of the payments were ^for them:

          “The 100 checks signed yesterday by the mayor, covering cases which had been investigated and found to be genuine, were soon distributed this morning but the hundred or more women who called later for pay checks were doomed to disappointment.”¹

¹ “Appeal for Help : Scores of Women Besieged Mayor’s Office Today”

Hamilton Spectator. September 5, 1914.

Mayor Allan happened to be out of the city that morning, and Acting Mayor Gardiner, had not arrived at City Hall in the morning. That left a solitary stenographer in the mayor’s office with the task of explaining to the dozens of women that there was no money for them.

By noon hour, the rush of women arriving to hopefully receive some relief money at the mayor’s office continued. All the staff could do was to take names and addresses and promise that their cases would be dealt with as quickly as possible.

          In the very same day’s issue of the Spectator which reported the situation at the mayor’s office, there was another article showing what the citizens of Hamilton, not the local government, were preparing to do to raise funds for the wives and children of the departed volunteers.

The following Tuesday, a mass meeting was organized to be held in the old drill hall, the northerly portion of the armories on James Street North.

Many preparations were being made for the fund-raising event, but the first announcement concerned the music to be provided:

“All the bands in the city will be in attendance. From 7:15 to 7:45 o’clock, the 91^st band will play at the Gore, and then escort the captains and workers of the patriotic fund to the drill hall.

“The street car company has placed a car at the disposal  of the 13^th regiment band and for an hour before the meeting starts the car will be whirled around town.

“The 91^st pipe band under Pipe Major Dunbar will meet at the corner of Wellington and King streets at 7:15, where it will play for some time and later march to the drill hall.

“The 91^st bugle band, under Bugle-Major Marshall will be at Woodlands Park at 7:15 o’clock and play there a while, also marching to the drill hall in time for the mass meeting.

“The 13^th bugle band, under Bugle-Major George Martin, will meet at James and Herkimer streets at 7:15 p.m. The Oddfellows band, under Bandmaster Darrow, will meet at Victoria Park at 7:15 p.m. All other city bands will march from their respective quarters to the drill hall.

“This is the first time in the history of the city that all the bands have been combined in this way. The musical program of the massed bands will be under the direction of H. A. Stares, Mus. Bac.”²

² “All City Bands Will Take Part : One of the Features of Tuesday’s Patriotic Meeting : Will March From Various Points to Armories”

Hamilton Spectator. September 5, 1914

There were preparations being made by a huge number of Hamiltonians to make the event a success. As plans evolved, it was decided that the mass meeting on the upcoming Tuesday would become the kick off for a three day fund-raising endeavor with the goal of collecting at least $150,000 in three days.

The huge initiative was came from members of the newly-formed Hamilton Patriotic Association, a local branch of the Canadian Patriotic Association.

To clarify the goals of the fund-raising event, and of the Patriotic associations generally, the following appeared in the Spectator of September 8, 1914:

“WHAT IT STANDS FOR

THE CANADIAN PATRIOTIC ASSOCIATION

Is an association formed with headquarters at Ottawa, under charter received from the Dominion parliament to aid the wives and dependents of volunteers and reservists who have gone to the front from Canada.

The Hamilton Patriotic association is a branch which will be affiliated with the Canadian Patriotic association.

All funds collected by the Hamilton Patriotic association will be deposited and remain in a bank or the credit of the Canadian Patriotic association as long as locally required.

The local board will examine and report on all local cases requiring relief.

The funds will be paid out only on checks signed by the Hamilton officers of the association.

The relief to be administered from this fund will be extended to the families of Canadian volunteers, also to those of British reservists and reservists of British allies domiciled in Hamilton”³

³ “Everyone Is Hustling For Relief Fund”

Hamilton Spectator.  September 8, 1914

1914-08-22a

“Military enthusiasm ran high last evening at the parade of the 13^th regiment together with the overseas contingent. The main streets were lined throughout the entire route of the march while the armories were crowded.”

          Hamilton Spectator.   August 22, 1914.

          The sight of the local militia unit, the 13^th regiment, on parade on Hamilton streets was not unusual, but the parade on Friday August 21, 1914 attracted much more than the usual interest.

          Earlier in the day, the members of the 13^th, 91^st and Engineers’ contingent who had volunteered to go to the front, were awaiting orders to move on to Valcartier, Quebec, the last stop in Canada before heading across the Atlantic :

          “Shortly after 2 o’clock there came a telephone message from Toronto to the commanding officers ordering the movement of the local troops.

“The word flashed through the armories, and then the cheering began. The men had been awaiting the order every day since Tuesday, and an air of feverish activity was heightened in the ranks.

“The balance of the afternoon was spent in getting the necessary things together, to be followed by the parade last evening, when the 13^th and 91^st were on the floor of the armories watched by an admiring and enthusiastic crowd.”¹

¹ “Cheer Wildly for Fighting Boys of 13^th : Remarkable Scene of Enthusiasm Attends Parade : Engineering Corps Left Today for Valcartier : Men Welcome Opportunity to Get to the Front.”

Hamilton Spectator. August 22, 1914.

 The already-scheduled evening parade of the 13^th regiment was to go ahead as planned, but there was a heightened desire by members of the public to watch it. As soon as word spread throughout the city that many in the parade would be leaving for the front the next day, the sidewalks in the city core were packed with citizens.

The parade included 644 soldiers, a record turnout:

“With the two bands and the overseas contingent leading, the regiment marched out. Cheer after cheer went up as the soldiers marched briskly up the street. The soldiers with the overseas contingent were unarmed, while the regiment carried rifles.”¹

After completing the usual route through the downtown streets, the soldiers on parade returned to the armories on James street north:

“The regiment was lined up and Lieut-Col. Ross took occasion to address the members of the contingent. He said he was greatly pleased with the caliber and appearance of the men who were going to the front. He adjured them to do their best in the training camp at Valcartier. He hoped they would soon get to the front and acquit themselves as their friends and relatives looked for them to do. Wishing them Godspeed and a safe return to their homes, he called for three cheers by the regiment for the contingent. They were given with tremendous enthusiasm. The band followed with the playing of Should Auld Acquaintance Be Forgot.”¹

The soldiers were then dismissed.

The soldiers of the contingent to depart on Saturday August 22, 1914 left in two separate segments.

Members of the first field troop of Canadian Field Engineers moved out of the armories at 7:50 a.m., and marched north on James street, then west on Stuart Street to the Grand Trunk Railway station:

“There were 40 stalwart young men in bright red tunics. As usual, a large crowd was present at the armories when they left and they were followed to the station and cheered to the echo as the train pulled out.”¹

Later in the morning, the majority of the soldiers, those with the 13^th and 91^st regiments were scheduled to leave the city from the T.H.&B. station on Hunter street east.

Not long after the field engineers had marched out of the armories, some of the men who were to leave later started to gather there:

“The men had been ordered to parade early and some of them were on hand before eight o’clock. For once, rules were set aside, and the general public was admitted to the armories to say goodbye to the men going away. It was an animated scene. Around nearly every volunteer was a little group of relatives or friends wishing him Godspeed and cautioning him to take care of himself.

“In one corner of the armories, a little game of indoor baseball was in progress and down in the far end of the building, there was an admiring crowd of soldiers around a man with a harmonica singing There’s a Hole in the Bottom of the Sea. This formed the burden of the whole song, and no less than eighty-eight stanzas were sung by actual count, everyone the same.

“The men were not only in good spirits themselves, but sought to keep the others about them in good spirits also. One might also think they were about to start off on a little holiday jaunt.”²

² “Memorable Scenes AS Tommy Atkins Leaves : Cheering Crowds and Martial Music Marked the Departure : Local Military Troops Are Speeding to Valcartier Camp.”

Hamilton Spectator August 22, 1914

Finally assembly was sounded, the signal that everyone but the military had to vacate the armories. Visitors exchanged hurried goodbyes, and the soldiers then fell into company formations for the roll call.

Then the 13th band moved into position to lead the procession. However before that happened, Lieutenant-Colonel called attention and introduced Hamilton Mayor Allan who addressed the men of the 13^th regiment:

“He was glad, he said, to see such a splendid body of men going to the front for the honor of the empire, and representing Hamilton, in the overseas contingent.  He called upon them to stand true to their flag and King and acquit themselves like the men they would soon have the opportunity of proving themselves to be. Cheers followed the remarks of his worship.”²

Just before the 13^th regiment was to leave, a bugle call sounded calling members of the 91^st regiment to fall in :

“Attired in full marching order, minus their rifles which will be issued on their arrival at Valcartier, the 91^st presented a splendid picture. The Tartan caps were all proclaimed the company as being the Scotch regiment of the city.

“Mayor Allan addressed the members of this company in a similar strain as he did to the 13^th, and cheers followed.”²

Then the big parade began. With the 13^th band playing O Canada, the  procession marched out of the armories:

“Immediately behind the band marched the officers of the 13^th regiment, most of them in civilian dress. Then came the men in khaki. They were without rifles, and carried only bandoliers, blanket rolls and canteens.

“Oddly enough, the crowds lining both sides of the street kept strangely silent for the most part. It was not until the men reached the city hall, where there was an immense crowd of people massed on the steps, that a cheer went up. And then how those people did cheer!

“After that, the parade up the rest of the way on James street was in the nature of a triumphal procession. The men were stepping out smartly to the strains of The Killigan Slashes, and every window and doorstep held its quota of cheering and waving enthusiasm.”²

The scene at the T.H. & B. station, as the procession arrived, was wildly chaotic. The police were overwhelmed trying to hold back the crowds:

“For a few moments, the police tried to hold back the crowds, but they might as well have tried to hold back a raging torrent. The men of the 23^rd howitzers rendered far more effective service in keeping the crowds back and in clearing the track for the track.” ²

When the 91^st regimental band arrived, despite the difficulty of getting in position, managed to keep playing. The strains of Rule Britannia and the British Grenadiers filled the air as everyone awaited the arrival of the train.

Rule Britannia was especially stirring for those present:

“This intensely patriotic air was soon taken up by the thousands who had crowded the station, and it was of the volume of a mighty chorus.

“A mighty cheer followed the conclusion of this number. The pipe band then started up with a lively Scotch air, and the crowds gathered quickly to the spot where the skirl of the pipes sounded.”²

The unnamed Spectator reporter captured the last few minutes wonderfully as the final time for farewells arrived :

“Hamilton citizens were realizing for the first time the seriousness of the tide of war which had been loosened upon the continent. Though the unmistakable signs of farewell were everywhere evidenced, the men going away made an attempt to make the scene as cheerful as possible. The bands kept playing for close to half an hour before the train came in.

“When it came time for the men to entrain, there was a marked silence and much wiping of eyes. The only instructions of the officers were to keep the men inside the cars once they were aboard.

“Men and women whose sons were going away to the front were frankly wiping their eyes. One of the most touching parts of the farewell was the large number of small children who had gathered to catch a last glimpse of their older brothers.

“In one group stood a bride and mother together.

“ ‘You’ll come back, safe, Jack?’ whispered the wife. Jack nodded, not trusting himself to speak.

“ ‘Get aboard there!’ sang out an officer.

“A hurried embrace of mother and wife and the young soldier was on the platform of the slowly moving train. The mother put her arm about the younger woman, and when the last car had disappeared, they walked away together.”²

Thousands of eyes watched the departing train as it entered the tunnel and then was out of sight completely.

There was a pause as the remaining friends, family and supporters of the departing troops realized that there was no more to do or be said. Slowly the huge crowd dispersed, heading south, north, east and west to homes in various parts of the city. A sense of foreboding for the future of their loved ones was palpable in the air.