1915-06-09od

When the 19^th Battalion, commanded by Hamilton’s own Lieutenant-Colonel John McLaren paraded through the streets on April 12, 1915, just before leaving for the front, it was not just the handsome, well-trained soldiers would attracted the attentions of the thousands of Hamiltonians lining the streets.

Proudly accompanying the troops was the prized mascot of the 19^th Battalion, a big black bear, Henry (also spelled Henri on occasion!).

It was quite a long route for that parade, which started at the Armories on James street north. By the time the parade reached Charlton avenue, Henry decided that he had enough marching, and simply stopped and sat down in the middle of the street.

No coaxing could get him to resume the march, so he was lifted onto a wagon and enjoyed looking at the crowd as he was taken along the rest of the way to end of the parade route.

It was planned that Henry, stationed with the troops of the 19^th Battalion, training at the Exhibition grounds in Toronto would made the trip across the Atlantic to the war zone in Northern France. However, at the last minute, General Haig issued an order that no mascots would be permitted with the military units heading to the front.

It was decided that Henry would be given to the City of Hamilton, and on May 12, 1915, Hamilton Mayor Chester Walters, accompanied by members of the press, went to the Grand Trunk Railway station on Stuart street, to greet Henry when he arrived from Toronto.

It had been decided that Henry would be placed in the zoo at Dundurn Park, and given a prime location and special cage there.

Henry proved to be a popular attraction at the zoo, but on June 9, 1915, the Spectator reported there was a problem with Henry and his accommodation there:

“Life is to be made more comfortable for Henri, the bear left in the city’s care by Lieut.-Col. McLaren and the officers of the 19^th battalion, when that regiment left for England recently.

“Henri is the official mascot of the battalion, and he was given a place at the zoo next to the compartment occupied by Leo, the ferocious lion wished to the city by a circus last year.

“Leo is fond of bear meat and he has been making things very miserable for Henri. The result is an order for Henri’s removal to more congenial quarters.”¹

¹ “Leo, the Lion, Has Been Anxious to Make Meal of Mascot.”

Hamilton Spectator.     June 9, 1915

Postcard courtesy www.hamiltonpostcards.com