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“That there are residents of Hamilton, both Canadian and Old Countrymen, who do not appreciate the valor of the volunteer who wears the King’s uniform, and awaits word to proceed to the front, to do battle for the Empire, has been evidenced on different ways.”

Hamilton Times.   May 11, 1915

Soldiers training in Hamilton in the spring of 1915 were usually widely respected and admired for volunteering to put their lives at risk in defense of the Empire. However, there were some in the city, on seeing a uniformed soldier, were prepared to harass and mock him:

“The actions of a number of street rowdies, recently, has been perhaps the most insulting that the soldiers have had to stand. On several occasions recently soldiers passing along the principal streets of the city have been ‘balled out’ by these disloyal subjects, and most insulting language used toward them.”¹

¹”There Will Be Trouble for the Rowdies : Who Have Been Annoying Soldiers of the 36^th on the Streets of Late”

Hamilton Times.    May 11, 1915.

A reporter for the Hamilton Times interviewed a soldier who, the previous evening, had been followed by some hoodlums, who called him a ‘cheap soldier’ :

“ ‘Take off that uniform, you four-flusher,’ the remark punctuated by profanity, was what he had to listen to, and naturally the whole battalion is indignant.

“The fact that the officer was wearing his uniform was all that stopped a street fight, for had he been in civilian clothes, he probably would have started something.

“The majority of the members of the 36^th Battalion, being in splendid condition just now, could probably handle half a dozen of the disloyal hoodlums, without much effort.”

The Times reporter pointed the awkward position the individual soldiers faced in such situations:

“The soldiers cannot place a civilian under arrest for such conduct. Were it a private in uniform, making such an exhibition of himself, he would be on the carpet before the commanding officer without any delay, and would be severely dealt with.”¹

If the rowdies could not be dealt with by military authorities, the Times reporter strongly advised that local authorities could and should :

“If a police officer is within hailing distance when another of these scenes takes place, an arrest will follow, and the case will be pushed to the limit.

“In the opinion of the officers of the battalion, Magistrate Jelfs would know full well how to deal with such men.”¹

 

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Monday, May 24, 1915 was a holiday, the Queen’s Birthday being celebrated in various ways across Hamilton.

For the city’s population of Italian heritage it was a very happy day, and not because of any loyalty they might or might have not to England, or the memory of its long-serving queen.

On Monday, May 24, 1915, Hamilton’s Italian population, the majority of whom were men who had emigrated to Canada, and to Hamilton in search of employment, learned that their native country had declared war on Germany and the Austro-Hungarian empire.

As the Spectator noted in its edition the following day:

“Hamilton will lose a lot of her Italian population as a result of Italy enteing the war, even though that country does not call her sons in America to the colors.”¹

¹ “Italian Joy : Celebration Here In Honor of Declaration of War”

Hamilton Spectator.   May 25, 1915.

Although the Italian authorities had not yet ordered that those Italians of military age living in foreign countries would have to return immediately, and have their passage home paid for by the government, o great was the enthusiasm of many Hamilton Italians did not care :

“This morning, dozens of them visited the steamship offices to enquire as to ship sailings, and stated that they would pay their own passage back to Italy and enlist there.”¹

Most of the men of Italian heritage in Hamilton in 1915 lived in the east end of the city, mainly in boarding houses close to the factories where they were employed:

“Yesterday hundreds of them celebrated the declaration of war, and the foreign district last night seemed to be en fete. In the different boarding houses, singing and general rejoicing occurred to a great extent.”¹

For a more public demonstration of their excitement about the news that their home country was at war, many of Hamilton’s Italians chose to venture to the large beautiful open space in the city’s west end:

“During the afternoon, many had gone to Victoria Park, where a number of Italians made speeches, and a general discussion of the war conditions took place.

“The Sons of Italy, who owned instruments, took them along, and a band was organized, which rendered music extraordinary.”¹

Before beginning to write his article mon the reaction of Hamilton’s Italian Colony to the news of war being declared back home, the Spectator reporter paid another visit to the travel offices :

“ At the steamship offices this morning, it was announced that a large number of Italians had already made arrangements to leave.”¹

 

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“That the Germans made no effort to spare the beautiful town of Ypres and showed little mercy for the civilian inhabitants during their effort to break through the allied lines is evident from the letters which have been received from Hamilton boys at the front.”

Hamilton Spectator.   May 24, 1915

It had been a full month since the intense battle in and around the town of Ypres had taken place.

On May 24, 1915, the Hamilton Spectator published a few letters from Hamilton soldiers:

“They tell of the horrible manner in which the civilian population was literally butchered, one writer expressing the opinion that it was the suffering of the women and children which spurred the Canadians on, for their gallant efforts saved the day for the allied arms.”¹

¹”Canucks Spurred On by Horrible Scenes : Sufferings of Poor People Arouse Soldiers.”

Hamilton Spectator.     May 24, 1915.

Driver Andrew Bell, of the 3^rd Field Battery, in a letter to his mother had the following to say:

“Dear Mother : When you have received this letter, you will already know I have been wounded. I am glad to say, however, that it is not bad, although sore enough. I am getting along as well as is to be expected.

“It was April 22, just when we were eating supper, that the air began to get stifling. We came out of our billets and looked around and saw the air was a yellow and purple People were coming in all directions. Young women and children, old people who could hardly walk along, some crying, some laughing, and most of them with a look I will never forget.

“You should see Ypres now. There is not a house left standing. Young girls and children getting their legs and arms blown off. I do believe that it was that which made the Canadian charge so well They could bear to see those Belgian people turned from their homes.

“I will try and tell you more next time. I will get seven days’ leave when I am better and may take a trip to Scotland and Ireland before I go back to France.”¹

 

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In most ways, May 27, 1915 was just another day at Hamilton Police Court. However, the magistrate did have to deal with a situation brought before him by Deputy Police Chief Whatley.

Three men, Js. Crosky, an Austrian, and H. Hoffman and Johann Maras, Germans, had been taken into custody by the police:

“Deputy Chief Whatley explained to the magistrate this morning that the prisoners were bitter against England, and should be put out of the way for safekeeping.

“His worship advised him to communicate with the military authorities and ask that a guard be sent to Hamilton to take charge of the trio.

“Franz Wilhelm, 67 Fullerton avenue, another Austrian, who was brought into the station on Sunday night, too the oath of allegiance and was paroled.”¹

¹ “Enemies of King To Be Interned : One Austrian and Two Germans in the Tolls”

Hamilton Spectator.   May 27, 1915.

After the three men were dealt with, court resumed with the kind of cases that were all took frequently brought before the police magistrate.

One man had been in custody on a domestic violence charge :

“Gordon Pook, who has been languishing in the cooler for a week, announced this morning that he was perfectly willing to support his wife. No one came forward to furnish a bond for his future good behavior, and the magistrate was forced to take him at his word.

“ ‘I’ll be a good husband to her if she is a good wife to me,’ announced Gordon.”¹

Two other prisoners, who also had been in custody for a sometime, appeared before the magistrate. They had been held in jail in connection with the death of a woman:

“Arthur Brooks and William Haines, who were being held as material witnesses until a coroner’s jury investigated the death of Pearl Foster, were allowed their liberty. The verdict returned last night was that dealt was due to alcoholic poisoning and that no blame was attached to anyone.”¹

In another case, two brothers, Clem and Frank Bloom, of 63 Clyde street,, along with Jakes and Annie Barnett, were charged with refusing to pay fare on a train from Toronto. Each were fined $2.

The final cases all received a short description by the Spectator reporter on duty that morning:

“James Carson, 93 Cannon street west, an Indian lister, drank of the Indian oil and was asked to divvy up $2.

“David Torrance, David Simms and Harry Williams were disorderly. The two Davids were touched for $5 each, and Harry was let down with a fine of $2

“A fine of $30 bars Linden Hubbard from freedom. He tried to convince the magistrate that he was not a vagrant.

“ ‘If you can pay a fine of $30, I’ll believe you,’ smiled the cadi.

“Harry Stock, who has a speaking acquaintance with every policeman on the force, came back again. This time he was charged with insanity.

“Harry and Ann Smith, Frederick avenue, charged with ill-treating a horse, were fined $5.”¹

 

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“In most of the city churches yesterday, patriotism was the keynote of the discourses. Empire day and Victoria day are anniversaries that always make the British heart throb faster, and never more so than at present when the sons of Canada are doing their full share to keep the old flag flying.”

Hamilton Spectator.    May 24, 1915.

It was the first time Empire day and Victoria had been observed since the outbreak of the Great War. On Sunday May 23, 1915, the usual Sabbath observances had a patriotic flair:

“The collegiate and public school cadets paraded yesterday afternoon to Centenary church and heard an inspiring sermon by Rev. Dr. Williamson. The Sons of England attended divine service at Emerald street Methodist church.

“From many of the pulpits references were made to the late Queen Victoria, the gracious sovereign under whom Canada obtained responsible government. Some of the speakers dealt more directly with the war.”

Hamilton Spectator.    May 24, 1915.

While the Hamilton Spectator could not hope to cover absolutely every church service on May 23, there was since strong coverage of those that their reporter on duty that attended :

“British and German prayers were the themes on which Dr. Nelson spoke at Knox church.

“In the morning, Dr. Nelson used the text, ‘Let my servant Job pray for you.’

“ ‘British prayers are not prayed with anger in the heart,’ said Dr. Nelson. ‘Remember the words of the apostle: ‘Let not the sun go down on your wrath.’ British prayers are warm, not lukewarm and indifferent. The Lord hates lukewarmness. It is indecent to ask for a thing which we do not seem to value. Also, British prayers are not spasmodic, but are perseverant. They do not cease. We should pray in good company. This is shown by the text when God told sinners to let Job pray for them. The great host of British saints are an invisible army corps fighting for the right. They are united, and it is the unification of prayer that pleases God.’

“In the evening, Dr. Nelson preached on German prayers from the text ‘I will not hear. Your hands are full of blood.  (Isaiah ix. 15) and ‘God heareth not sinners. If any man doeth His will, him He heareth.’ (John ix. 31)

“ ‘God heareth not sinners concerning the manner in which they are sinning,’ he continued. ‘God will not hear them if their hearts are in a disposition to sin. For a wicked person, while continuing in his wickedness, is not an object for pity. God heareth not the prayer of one who is unmerciful. For his prayer, while yet unmerciful, is in itself a sin. If a man regards not his brother whose case he can feel, how can he expect God to hear his distant prayer? Repentance is a wicked man’s best argument to move God to hear him. A German prayer at the present time would be a farce. It would be as much to say: ‘Make me prosperous in murder. Let me become rich in thieving, and still be of good repute.’ Such prayers are sure to get the answer that Nero’s mother got when she prayed that he might become better, and it was Nero’s hand that murdered her. Unclean hands, hands dipped in murdered blood, lifted in prayer provoke the wrath of God. ‘I will not hear. Your hands are full of blood.’ ”¹

¹ “Notes of Patriotism Ring From Pulpits”

Hamilton Spectator.  May 24, 1915.

In the afternoon, the annual parade of the Sons of England began at 3:30 p.m., with the parade ending up at the Emerald street Methodist church :

“There was a large attendance of members of the seven city lodges as well as from the three lodges of the Daughters of England and visitors from the district surrounding the city.

À procession was formed at the lodge room of the order at the corner of John and Main streets and marched by way of John and King streets to the church where the sermon was delivered by Rev. D. A. Moir, the pastor. The church was beautifully decorated with flags, bunting and flowers, and a feature of the service was special patriotic music, furnished by the efficient choir of the church under the leadership of J. R. Coome.

“After words of welcome by the Rev. Mr. Moir, he took for his text, ’Quit you like men.’ (I. Cor. xvi. 15) He opened with a description of the British empire, including her forty colonies, covering one-sixth of the habitable globe, and her four hundred millions of subjects, numbering one-fourth of the earth’s population. He said the beating of her drums at morn forms a complete cordon round the globe. Her work is colonizing continents. Her literature belongs to universal humanity. It is more imperial and imperishable than that of Attica, and will be read and studied while the mind of man has thought and the heart has passion. The skill and foresight of her legislators, the wisdom of her laws, the onward impulses and spirit of her people surpass the political science and military prowess of Rome when she was supreme mistress of the world. As far as the breezes blow, or old ocean rolls, the white-winged ships of her trade are found. She is the world’s banker, and, greater than all, she is the world’s evangelizer, the foundation and source of Christian missions, the central sun from which radiates beams of Gospel light into the darkest corners of the earth. She has girdled the globe with her missionary stations, and won whole nations to civilization and Christianity. Be men of understanding and knowledge, students of life, men of decision, full of resolution, courageous, show your colors. Let people see you are on the side of Christ, strong men, rebuking vice and meanness of every description, true to God, your King and your country – sons of England.

“This interesting service closed with the singing of God Save the King.”¹

The man from the Spectator was unable to be several places at once, and he was unable to attend all of the service at Centenary Church but did witness the parade to that church and hear some of the sermon:

“ The public school cadets, 750 strong, looking spick and span in their new uniforms, presented a splendid appearance as they marched to Centenary church yesterday afternoon.

“At 3 o’clock they paraded at the armories, and with W. H. Ballard at their head, marched up James street to the church. Nine public school principals were in the parade. Rev. G. H. Williams welcomed the visitors in the course of a short sermon. He said the parade should act as an incentive to recruiting, and was proof positive that the British soldiers in empryo were willing and eager to prepare for the future.”¹

 

 

1915-05-24ja

“News of the safe arrival at Plymouth, Eng., of the crack 19^th battalion, Second overseas contingent, was received here on Saturday afternoon in a cablegram from Lieut.-Col. John I. McLaren to his wife.”

Hamilton Spectator.   May 24, 1915.

Under the leadership of noted Hamilton military officer, Lieutenant-Colonel John McLaren, a battalion of soldiers, containing many Hamiltonians, had been training in Toronto for six months. Then, the soldiers had simply disappeared:

“Following a custom, established since the outbreak of the war, the newspapers, co-operating with the censor’s department, made no mention of the troops leaving. But now that the boys are safely across, the story of the departure may be told.”¹

¹ “Hamilton Men Are Now Safely in England : Crack 19^th Battalion Has Arrived in Plymouth”

Hamilton Spectator.    May 24, 1915.

The 19^th battalion had secretly pulled out of Toronto by train on May 13, 1915 :

“The previous day a large party of Hamiltonians, friends of the officers and men from here, went down to say farewell. It was their privilege to see as fine a body of men as Canada has sent to the colors – fine, big, clean-cut, strapping fellows trained to the minute and looking as fit as British regulars.

“For several weeks before their departure, they had been chafing at the bit and wondering if the ‘order’ would ever come. When word was received, Lieut.-Col. McLaren called his officers quietly around him and informed them that within a couple of days they would sail for England. The news went through the camp like an electric shock.

“ ‘You ought to have heard those boys cheer when they broke parade,’ said one of the officers to the Spectator. ‘They let a whoop out of them that could be heard a mile away and frolicked around like a lot of school kids.’ ”¹

The soldiers had planned a big celebration during the night they were in camp but Lieut.-Col. McLaren was disciplinarian and would not allow anything like that, wanting only a “set of determined faces” and “soldiers who could be relied upon” :

“ ‘They are fit and ready and will give a good account of themselves,’ said the colonel, with a gleam of pride in his eyes, as he said farewell to a party of Hamilton friends.”

“With his usual thoroughness for details, Lieutenant-Colonel McLaren whipped into shape a battalion that earned from Major-General Lessard the highest praise. There is not a misfit in the bunch. The colonel, an exceptionally keen disciplinarian, but who holds the confidence of his men, saw to that. He has been carefully weeding out the deadwood for months.”¹

The Spectator, in covering the 91^st battalion arrival in England, also reviewed the accomplishments of Hamilton soldiers during the opening nine months of the war:

“People here have followed with pride the glorious record of the boys who have alrewady gone from here – the Princess Pats, of whom few are left; the good old 4^th battery, a complete Hamilton unit, which has earned itself the name of the Fighting Eleventh, the 13^th and 91^st men, who suffered so heavily in the terrific clash at Langemark and other branches of the services with which men from here are identified. “¹

As regards the 19 battalion itself, two prominent Hamiltonians Lieutenant-Colonel McLaren and Major W. R. Turnbull had leadership positions, with other local officers identified with the battalion. 35 per cent of the rank and file of the 19 battalion were from Hamilton, 40 per cent from Toronto and the remaining from Brantford, St. Catharines and Sault Ste. Marie.

 

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“To be wounded in the head by a bullet from the same shrapnel that killed Pte. James Duffy, the famous marathon runner, undergo an operation, have gold-plated rivets used in his skull, and to secure the bullet that caused all the trouble, has been the experience of Pte. C. Heath, one of the 91^st Highlanders, wounded in the battle of Langemarrek.”

Hamilton Spectator. May 27, 1915.

When the news of the death of Jimmy Duffy was announced, his friends in the Hamilton sporting circles, as well as fans of marathon racing, were understandably upset. Duffy’s good friend and fellow soldier received little publicity as to what happened to him in the same incident that killed the popular runner.

On May 27, 1915, the Hamilton Spectator was able to publish the contents of a letter that Heath had written to his friends in Hamilton, telling them of the manner in which he was wounded and of the complex treatment he had received for his injuries:

“His wound was of such a peculiar nature that several English newspapers published X-ray photos of it, although prevented by the military authorities from using a photo showing the bullet as it lodged in Pte. Heath’s head.”¹

¹ “Pte. Heath Had Real Experience”

Hamilton Spectator.    May 27, 1915.

The letter written by Private Heath follows :

“Dear Mr. and Mrs. Pryor : Thanks very much for the letter, was very pleased to get one. You have, no doubt, heard all about us, and the scrap we took part in, nevertheless, I guess it is up to me to say a few things about it just the same.

“I do not know what became of Almond. I have not seen him since the night of the 22^nd, the day the battle started. I am anxiously awaiting to see the casualty list. They are a long time getting it out, rather a bad sign. I am afraid we got an awful cutting up, and the list is sure to be big. Anyhow, wherever he may be, if he is still alive, let us hope that he is in good hands and being well cared for.

“You will see by my address that I’ve got something to go on with. It was like this : The French were retreating and the Germans advancing, and our orders were to stop both of them . We did, anyhow,  for the time. We were lined up two deep in half battalion, about fifty paces between each other.. This was about 10:30 p.m.

“Then we got the order to advance. We’d not gone far (our object was a wood about two miles ahead, filled with the enemy, and we have to sweep them out at the point of the bayonet.), when they began to shell us hot and strong and they got our range good. A percussion shrapnel burst on the right of our line, badly wounding Jimmy Duffy. I see by the papers he died from it. Poor Jimmy, he was a good fellow.

“Well, I got wounded by the same shell, a bullet striking me on the right hand side of the head, between the ear and eye, narrowly missing the temple. That put me out of it. I had my orders to retire to the dressing station, about a mile back of the village of St. Julien, so that is the last I saw of the boys, and when I awoke, I was on my way to Boulogne.

“They kept me there for a few days, and shipped me here. To say that I have been a lucky fellow is quite true. They put me under an operation on Saturday morning last and extracted the bullet. It was well-jammed into the skull, and, believe me, it was rather a clever bit of work getting it out. It travelled two or three inches after it struck first in an untoward position. The gash finishes at the top of the ear. It won’t show a great lot when it is healed up.

“They’ve got gold-plated rivets stuck in now. I guess wire was not strong enough. Looks kind of funny in the side of one’s nut. They change them every day. Not a very painful ordeal. How long I shall be here I am unable to say. After this, a convalescent home, then a short furlough and then the depot. Guess I’ll be up for it again. Never mind, spirits up and heads down.

“Perhaps by the time you get this we shall both shall know the fate of our friends in the 91^st, for believe me, I made some good ones there. Jack Hamilton wished to be remembered to you several times, but it seemed to slip me when writing. Saw Tim Smart the other day before the mix-up. He was all right then.

“Am sending you a Daily Mail with my photo in it. It’s not badly taken at all. You’re not to laugh at it. It’s the best they or anyone could do. The Daily Sketch were going to publish the X-ray photo of my head, but the colonel wouldn’t allow it. They took two, one from the side and the other from the back.It was a good picture, well-taken. Shall try to get one, and if it’s possible take one off that, will send one on. I’ve got the bullet – some souvenir! Wouldn’t like to lose it now.

“I don’t know that there is much more to say just now. Will let you know if Almond is in a hospital or what became of him. May hear such.

“Please convey my regards to all friends and inquirers and accept some yourselves. I hope this will find you well. Now, on the road to it myself.

“I remain your old and sincere friend.

          “Private C. Heath.”¹

 

 

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“Most of the Italians in Hamilton and the rest of Wentworth county are waiting the call to battle from their motherland.”

Hamilton Spectator.    May 24, 1915.

Italy did not enter the Great War when most of the rest of Europe entered into hostilities in August 1914.

Hamilton had been an attraction for a large number of Italian men seeking employment in 1914 and 1915.

For almost a year, these individuals had been watching the events in Europe closely, wondering whether they might be affected:

“The tidings that Italy had declared war, which were announced last night, were received with great rejoicing by the local sons of Italy. Most of the male Italian residents  are of military age and are anxious to serve their country.”¹

¹ “Sons of Italy Await the Call : Many Are Anxious to Join the Colors at Once.”

Hamilton Spectator.    May 24, 1915.

Italy was at war as of May 23, 1915, but, despite the enthusiasm of the Italians of Hamilton to serve,  the country seemed to have enough soldiers at hand, and was prepared :

“The large and splendidly equipped army of Italy will have to be reduced first. Ever since the war started, Italy has been preparing for her entrance. The result is that she now has one of the finest fighting machines in Europe. The large munitions and arms factories have been making war materials for Italy for six or seven months. They have made a large quantity of the largest artillery guns in the world.”¹

A few days previous to the formal announcement of Italy’s entry into the war, a Spectator representative had contacted L. P. Scarrone, the Italian consular agent in Hamilton. He said that if the Italian government ordered that Italians in Canada to return to their native country to serve in the army, transport  ships would be sent to New York City and Quebec for them. However, unless the Italian government formally requested that Italians in Canada were required to return home, any individual wishing to fight in that country’s army would have to pay their own way.

The eagerness of most Italians in Hamilton to join the war was high:

“One member of the Italian colony asked last night if the fighting had begun yet. Upon being told that it had not, he said: ‘I hope it begins soon. I’d give anything to be in it.’ ”¹

As of May 1915, it was estimated that there were about 2,000,000 Italians in the United States, with over 400,000 in New York City. In Canada, there were about 100,000 Italians, with about 1,500 of that number living in Hamilton. Most of those numbers were of Italian men of military age, who would be susceptible for a recall to join the military.

On June 2, 1915, after 10 days of waiting for word from the Italian government, the Italians in Hamilton received word on their status:

“All Italian reservists living in Hamilton are being notified today to hold themselves in readiness for a call to the colors. A proclamation to that effect was received here received here yesterday by L. P. Scarrone, 278 John street north, the official communication being received from the consul-general in Montreal, Cavaller G. Chilesotti.

“The notice received by Mr. Scarrone, who is acting for the Italian government in this city, is but a forerunner to the call to arms which will come shortly. The intimation that the call will come shortly has been given in order that all reservists may settle their affairs before the royal decree comes

“ The official notice to Mr. Scarrone is as follows : ‘A general mobilization of the Italian army having been proclaimed, I ask you to notify all the inscript of the pending class and the soldiers of the class undermentioned that they must be ready to leave for the kingdom as soon as notice will be given (within a few days). The transportation on land sea will be at the charge of the royal government.’ ”²

² “Italy Calls Her Sons to the Colors : Twenty Thousand Reservists Expected From Dominion”

Hamilton Spectator.   June 2, 1915.

The classes of reservists to be called were printed in the Spectator, mainly in Italian as per the request.

“They were as follows “Esercito Permanente – Fanetria di Linea and Alpini classi from 1888 to 1895. Artigiera de Fortezza and da costa from 1887 to 1895. Cavalieria, Artigiera, Genio, Corpi dei varii servizi military corpi ospedale sanitari in genere 1886 to 1895. Aviatori Militari classes from 1890 to 1895. Guardie di Finanza and Bersagilieri from 1886 to 1895. Carabinieri classes from 1895 to 1895. Granattieri classes from from 1889 to 1895.

“Cilizia Mobile – Guardie di Finanza from 1882 to 1885. Alpini from 1882 to 1883. Cavalileria, Artigieria, Genio, Corpi sanitari and altri servizi from 1882 to 1885.

“Territoriale- Guardie di Finanza e Carabinieri from 1876 to 1881. Tutti gii altri corpi from 1876 to 1881.

“The ufficiali de compliment shall leave immediately. On arrival in Italy they will be refunded their travelling expenses and will receive their indemnity of Campaign.

“The Omessi de Lava and the Renitenti will be exempt of punishment if they will answer promptly to the appeal.”²

1915-05-08eb

As concern about the fighting at the front was at fever pitch in early May 1915, there was very little definitive up-to-the-minute information about the situation.

However, letters from Hamilton soldiers to their parents were arriving in the city. As all letters had to pass through censors before even being put on ships to bring them to Canada, the letters were written 2 to 3 weeks before arrival in Hamilton.

The Spectator of May 8, 1915 printed three of those recent arrivals:

“Private William Tribeck, who has been reported wounded, writing to his parents in this city says:

“ ‘I read a Canadian paper recently about the brave fight put up by the Canadians at Neuve Chapelle. I think that paper was dated before the battle came off. I think the war will soon be over. It looks as if the allies have got Kaiser Bill on the ropes now.

“ ‘Still out of the trenches. My feet are pretty sore from marching a lot. That tobacco was welcome. The country’s beginning to look pretty summery around here now.

“ ‘Your loving son,  Will’

“Pte. William Leishman, who has been reported wounded, has written an interesting letter to his wife, who resides at 144 Burlington street east.

The letter, in part, which was written on April 14 follows :

“ ‘Just a line from the scene of the worst fighting that eyes ever looked upon. I am safe and sound, and am looking forward to the day when I will see you again.

“I don’t think the war will last till the end of the year as the Germans are on the run. We have some of them in our hospital, wounded, and they seem to be glad to be with us. One fellow said he had lived in Toronto before the war and he could speak good English He said the German officers didn’t like Canadian soldiers for coming to England’s aid, and I can believe him for the Germans do not give us any rest when they know we are near.

“ ‘I saw a fight in the sky this morning, just when we were going in to the hospital. It was a French aeroplane fighting a German one. It was awful to see the two men falling from the sky, but all is fair in war.

“ ‘We are all in the best of spirits and confident  that the Germans are getting more than they can take.

“ ‘It is spring here now, so we will be able to travel a little faster than we have been doing. I would like you to see the state of things here. Poor women and children, old and young, walking along the road, wee tots just hanging to their mother’s skirts, crying, some with a piece of dry bread in their wee hands. They sleep by the roadside at night and walk all day till they reach a town and then some one takes them in.’

“ ‘Mrs. Adam Murray, 109 Gertrude street, has received the following letter from her son, John, who is on the firing line in Belgium. He enlisted as a staff signaler with the 91^st.

“ ‘ We are now back billeted in a large city in Belgium. Of course, I can’t tell you the name of it, mother, but I can tell you this city has seen more fighting since the war started than any other place.

“ ‘The Germans have been driven back from this town. It is within easy range of their big guns, though, and they are constantly shelling it. The only thing to do when they start shelling is to go down into the cellars of their houses. Most of the shells are falling around a beautiful cathedral in the middle of the city. So you see it is almost suicidal to go around the center of the town. During the last three days there have been 150 casualties in this place from shell fire, some of them kiddies.

“ ‘One thing which tickled us happened two days ago. The 5^th Infantry division charged the German trenches and took a hill and three lines of trenches at the point of the bayonet; also two thousand German prisoners were escorted into this town, previous to being sent to England. Well, the Germans started to bombard the place. One of their shells came over and burst among the prisoners, killing and wounding around thirty. That was a good one against themselves, wasn’t it?

“ ‘The trenches we were in before we were moved up to this position were very healthy. They were fixed almost like an underground town – just a network of communication trenches and traverses.

“ ‘The trenches we have just taken over, however, are not so healthy. We took them over from the French, and while they they were there, they charged the Germans three times, but were driven back every time, leaving their dead between their trenches and the German trenches about 70 years away. Besides the French dead, there is a bunch of German dead. You see, from time to time, the Germans were caught out repairing their barbed wire and were shot. The bodies have been there about two months, so you will know conditions are not very fresh. However, a hundred pounds of chloride of lime will soon fix that.

“ ‘Last time the regiment was in the trenches, we lost three killed and about twelve wounded. However, we don’t worry about that. Somehow we have got used to it and think nothing about it.

“ ‘The weather is lovely, fine warm sun and blue sky, just like the climate at home. I believe it will be warmer here in summer than it is in Canada.

“ ‘ The latest rumor is that Italy has declared war on the Germans. I don’t know whether it is true or not. The last old country paper was two days oldd.

“ ‘Love to all – Your loving son – JOHNNIE.’ ” ¹

¹ “Worst Slaughter Eyes Have Seen : Hamilton Men Tell of Scenes of Horror.
          Hamilton Spectator.   May 8, 1915

 

 

1915-04-02ww

It was just a brief article in the Hamilton Times of April 2, 1915, but it raised questions about the existence of child labor, long after it supposedly had passed from the scene in the Hamilton area:

“Mary Adams, an eleven-year-old Dundas girl, was very severely injured this morning in a manner which will likely make trouble for someone.

“The child, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. William Adams, was at work in the factory of the Dundas Fruit Package Company. She was working on some of the smaller parts, and went over to a machine which cut those parts to get more stuff. In getting it, her hand came in contact with a knife and she lost a thumb and two fingers.”¹

¹ “Girl Maimed : Lost Thumb and Two Fingers Working in Factory”

Hamilton Times.    April 2, 1915

Dundas physician Dr. Bertram treated the young girl immediately after the incident, and she was then sent into Hamilton to the City Hospital.

The accident raised concerns:

“There is a good deal of talk about a girl of eleven working in a factory of that sort. It is said that other children have been allowed to work at dangerous occupations during the Easter holidays.”¹

 

1915-04-01ww

 

“Mr. Ernest Taylor, the well-known Italian interpreter, stated this morning that, in his opinion, the police should search all houses of foreigners and remove any firearms they find in them.”

Hamilton Times.   April 1, 1915.

Ernest Taylor, fluent in Italian, was a frequenter attendee at the Hamilton Police Court and the Wentworth County Court House. His services were needed when those charged with crimes were unable to speak in any other language than Italian.

Referring to a recent murder case in which he had been in attendance to provide translation services, Taylor made the following statement:

“ ‘I do not believe that Ruffini would have shot Cataleno Milano had there been a strict watch kept on the foreigners for weapons,’ said Mr. Taylor. ‘Last Saturday a knife fight among two Italians placed one man in the hospital and another in jail. I believe that  the police should search all the houses in the east end and remove all weapons they find in them.’”¹

¹ “Search Them All : Weapons Too Common Among East End Foreigners”

Hamilton Times.   April 1, 1915.

The Times reporter on duty at the Police Court on April 1, 1915 found Taylor’s view and did some investigating :

“ A glance at the police court records would seem to substantiate this as in nearly every foreign case that comes before the Magistrate, it is shown that some kind of weapon has been drawn, whether it be a knife or revolver.

“In a case today, Rocco Vacco was accused of threatening his brother Vincenzo Vacca with a shot gun and had the case been more serious, another murder might have been the result.”¹