As the spring of 1915
set in, the reality of the Great War became more and more prominent, and
unsettling, in the minds of Hamiltonians.
While the events in
the Western Front and elsewhere were excruciating to contemplate, even the
state of Hamilton’s safety was of concern. Rumors of spies in the city were
prevalent.
On May 5, 1915, the
Hamilton Times published the following article regarding the possibility of
spies operating in the industrial districts:
“That German spies,
desirous of doing serious damage to Hamilton factories producing war supplies,
and particularly shells, may be in this city, intent on nefarious work, is the
belief of the British War Office, for yesterday morning, through the Canadian
War Office at Ottawa, they notified every factory in Hamilton to be exceedingly
careful as to who were allowed on their plants.
“The warning, which
came directly from the Ottawa office stated that spies, in the guise of
salesmen, might call at manufacturing plants and through some pretext gain
admission to the factory. Once inside, it would be an easy matter to leave
behind an explosive, which might wreck the building, probably kill a number of
men, and put an end to production of war materials, for the time being, at any
rate.
“Most of the
factories are engaging the services of special constables. Government
detectives, it is declared, are in the city at the present time, in connection
with the matter. Around the factories, it is rumored that British secret
service men are working as machinists, machinists’ helpers and laborers, and if
trouble occurs, they will be right at hand.”1
1 “Local Shell Makers
Warned About Spies”
Hamilton Times. May 5, 1915
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