1914-12-22waaa

 

        When war had been declared a little over four months earlier, it was Europe than was presumed to be the location of most of the action.

          However, as 1914, that war was indeed becoming a global conflict with hot spots breaking out in various places, including Africa, China, the Middle East, Africa and more.

          Even the city of Hamilton was not felt to be a totally safe place, immune from any direct attacks. Hence a large group of volunteers formed themselves in a “Home Guard” and armed themselves to defend the city if needed.

          On December 21, 1914, the Spectator carried the following editorial written about Hamilton Home Guard :

          “Alderman Walters’ tribute of praise to the Hamilton Home Guard, at the meeting of the civic legislation committee on Friday evening, was as timely and fitting as it was graceful.

          “The services of the Home Guard may never be called for. It is to be hoped that they will not be. But in the midst of the world war such as the one now raging, one cannot know the limits of the possibilities that may be developed in the near future. In a day, the whole situation may be changed and our own country be in danger. It is well to be prepared for any emergency, however remote may be.

          “Able-bodied Canadians of military age – 18 to 35 years – are needed for the active militia. It is they who are under obligation to take the field to protect the country from invasion or to volunteer for service abroad in the cause of empire. For possible military service at home – to protect the city and district from possible raids or uprisings resulting from the war, the Home Guard has been organized. Every able-bodied citizen 35 years old and over is eligible for membership.

                    “Already, without much urging, a sufficient number of citizens to make eight good-sized companies have enrolled in the guard, and there are among them some of the most prominent men in town. In all, perhaps six or seven hundred men are gathering twice a week to learn company drill – and they enjoy the new experience. No doubt arms will soon be procured, and the amateur soldiers will learn. No doubt arms will soon be procured, and the amateur soldiers will learn the mysteries of the service rifle and acquire the art of shooting straight.

          “The guard is well-officered. Lieutenant-Colonels Mewburn and Acheson are supervising the work of organization and drill, and there are many British army veterans who are glad to give their service as non-coms.

          “So much progress has been made that the guard is about to graduate from company to battalion drill. The first battalion drill is to be held this evening at the armories. It would be good to have a large attendance of citizens who, seeing how well the guardsmen do their work, and how they enjoy it, will catch the military contagion and enroll themselves in the ranks.

          “It should be easy to organize a second battalion. Two battalions of the Home Guard, armed and equipped and fairly well-trained, ought to be enough to guarantee Hamilton protection against evil results of any sudden hostile demonstration from without or within.”¹

               ¹ “The Home Guard”

          Hamilton Spectator. December 21, 1914.