1915-07-07uu

“Lieut. George Ballard, well-known football star of the Tigers, and member of the law firm of Ballard and Morrison, who fell wounded at Langemarck on the morning of April 23 while leading his men of C company in the famous charge which won glory immortal for the Canadian soldiers, arrived in the city last night.”

Hamilton Herald.   July 7, 1915.

It had been known widely that George Ballard would be arriving home from the front during the morning of July 7, 1915. A large crowd was gathered  at the Grand Trunk railway station to welcome to great the young man, once known in Hamilton only as a sports star and son in a prominent family, but who had become a wounded war hero.

After acknowledging the many friends who had come to greet home, Ballard was taken to the home of his parents, 196 George street.

A reporter with the Hamilton Herald was the first reporter to be able to interview Ballard and share with the paper’s readers his impressions of the young soldier:

“Considering the nature of his wound and the trials he passed through, Lieut. Ballard looks surprisingly well and fit. His wound has healed up and his nerves are none the worse for the terrific shocks they have sustained. He will be home for several weeks on furlough and will report for duty again early in September.

“When asked to relate some of his experiences, Lieut. Ballard drew a hand across his brow and, with a faraway look in his eyes, begged to be excused. There was something in that look of the gallant, quiet, unassuming young officer which told far better than words what a grim and black business Armageddon is. He wanted to forget it all and was reluctant to discuss war.”¹

¹ “War a Grim and Very Black Business : But Lieut. Ballard Will Return to His Duty When Fit.”

Hamilton Herald.      July 7, 1915.

When pressed for some information about his wound and how it happened, Lieut. Ballard said that about 9 a.m. during the morning of April 23, he advanced with his men to a point about five hundred yards from the German position, and there, in his word, his was “potted” and had to lay where he fell for nearly ten hours before the stretcher bearers were able to reach him:

“During that terrible interim, he lay in an improvised dugout rudely fashion for him by two comrades, and while he was conscious for most of the time, his senses left him twice that he remembered, for he lost considerable blood. He said the din of shell fire during those hours was something which beggars description.

“The Germans appeared to have all the ammunition in the world and they used it unsparingly. Shrapnel burst continuously around Lieut. Ballard and he said the suspense was nerve-wracking, as the wounded never knew what minute would be their last”¹

The wounded soldier referred to his fellow soldiers with the highest praise:

:Speaking of the men under him, Lieut. Ballard said the local men who enlisted with the Thirteenth quota  were the finest soldiers any officer could lead.

“Indeed, he was proud to lead such men, and it was this feeling which made him anxious to get back amongst them. ‘Not that there is any glamor or romance to war. That all disappeared  after a few days at the front. It is a case of stern duty now.’

“Further than this Lieut. Ballard declined to talk. In many way the recent past seemed like a nightmare, and, besides this, battle is so kaleidoscopic that no human mind is capable of grasping any one of its various phases in a true sense, he said.”¹

Lieut. Ballard returned to Hamilton with him a very special uniform :

“The khaki uniform, which he wore and which was riddled by bullets and shrapnel, some of which found lodgment in his body, was brought home as well as other trophies.”¹

Later in the day, a Spectator knocked at the door of the George street residence of public school inspector W. H. Ballard, asking for an interview with his son.

Lieut. Ballard after a hearty lunch and some quiet time with his family was more willing to talk than he was earlier with the Herald reporter, starting by saying, ‘This war is a grim thing which few men would care to return to out of morbid curiosity, but, out of a sense of duty, all who are able to return will willingly do so.’

Referring to the men he went into battle with, Ballard said, ‘I couldn’t say too much in praise of the men. They are a brave lot of fellows and it was not an uncommon sight to see them rush out in the face of the greatest danger and rescue wounded comrades from the field.’ ”²

² “Officer Pays High Tribute to the 13^th Men : Braved Deadly Fire to Rescue Wounded Comrades.”

Hamilton Spectator.   July 7, 1915.

Referring his being wounded, Ballard noted that after being on the battlefield for nearly ten hours, he was rescued but only removed to a nearby ‘place of safety where an improvised dugout had been created in the side of a ditch. Lieut. Brant came to me with food and drink, and did all he could to assist me, and the poor fellow was shot that night. I remained in this improvised position of palatial safety and had a splendid opportunity of viewing the progress of the fight, which was indeed interesting.”²

Asked to describe the effect when shot, Lieutenant Ballard said “he experienced a feeling as though someone had suddenly hit him a terrific blow with a sledge. He was advancing on the run at the time he received his wound and it brought him up with such suddenness that he could hardly realize for a moment what had happened.”²

Asked about the attitudes displayed by the soldiers in battle, Ballard said that “the men all seemed to go into action with light hearts, although fully realizing the seriousness of the whole thing. The suspense of waiting for an order to advance was worse than the experience of actual battle. The noise and din of battle, however, frequently drove men to a state of frenzy and collapse.”¹

The final comment made in the interview came not from the wounded soldier but from Mrs. Ballard:

“ ‘Mother love is always strong, and it is nice to have him once more with me, but I would not stand in his way if he wishes to return,’ said his mother. ‘We women cannot fight, but we can send our sons.’ ”. ²

1915-05-24rr

“Fifteen years ago today, on Thursday, May 24, 1900, right royally did the citizens of this Ambitious City celebrate the grand opening of historic Dundurn as a public park. The day was also the 81^st anniversary of the birth of Queen Victoria”

Hamilton Times.     May 24, 1915.

As the Hamiltonians of 1915 prepared to celebrate the 24^th of May holiday, the morning edition of the Hamilton Times that day shared reminiscences of a very eventful May 24:

“The demonstration was one probably never excelled as far as crowds and popular enthusiasm were concerned. Ideal May weather contributed greatly to the success of the day and arrangements for the entertainment of thousands of visitors, as well as the people of Hamilton, were marvelously carried out.

“From sixty to seventh thousand people participated in the jubilation. With clean streets and a wealth of gala decorations, the city was able to present a decidedly gala front and the event in its entirety was one of the most successful in Hamilton’s history.”¹

¹ “Twenty-Fourth in History of Hamilton : Fifteen years Ago One of the Greatest Days Ever Known.”

Hamilton Times. May 24, 1915.

The first of the formal events of May 24, 1900 took place in the eastern section of Gore Park, between Hughson and James Streets:

“In the presence of cheering thousands on the Gore extension in the morning the ceremony in connection with the presentation of the steel flag staff and a new flag to the City Corporation by the Canadian Club commenced the day’s programmer.

“President  Manning made the formal presentation, explaining the club’s policy in erecting the staff. Ex-President Kirwan Martin read the deed of gift. The Mayor accepted and replied suitably. Mrs. Teetzel unfurled the beloved Canadian ensign to the breeze, and the band played ‘God Save the Queen.’ ”¹

With the Gore Park ceremony completed, all through present prepared to march in procession:

“Mostly all the visitors and visiting societies and bands had arrived, and the procession, one of the greatest ever held in Hamilton, left for Dundurn Park.”¹

The 24^th of May celebrations for 1915 would prove to be must less modest, but still, one of the main locations of interest would be Dundurn Park.

Gore Extension, showing base of Canadian Club Flagstaff. Date of postcard unknown, NOT May 24, 1900

Image courtesy www.hamiltonpostcards.com

 

 

 

 

1915-05-21ww

“Empire Day, the movement founded by Mrs. Clementina Fessenden, of this city, and which has since become national in its scope, was celebrated in the schools of Hamilton today with a spirit that was inspiring.”

Hamilton Spectator.  May 21, 1915.

All across Canada in May 1915, Empire Day was celebrated, and it was also observed in England.

The history behind the creation of that special day was noted in the Spectator of May 21, 1915:

“Empire day really had its inception on June 8, 1896, before the Wentworth Historical society, when Mrs. Fessenden’s little six-year-old granddaughter was made an honorary member of the society in recognition of the loyal services of her ancestors as an earnest of the future. It was a notable experience for the child. When Mrs. Fessenden saw the delight her little granddaughter took in her badge and Maple Leaf, she could not see any reason why all the children of the empire should not be stimulated in the same way.

“In 1897, the Hamilton Board of Education endorsed the scheme, the minister of education expressed his approval and then the movement continued to grow with rapidity, London taking up the idea in 1902. Ever since, Empire day has been celebrated in the motherland with the same enthusiasm that marks its observance here”¹

¹ “Empire Day Observed With Fervent Spirit ; Canada’s Glorious Part in Crisis Adds Thrill”

Hamilton Spectator.   May 21, 1915.

Since it began, the arrival of Empire Day brought forth a burst of patriotism, but in 1915, the spirit was magnified as the day was observed in Hamilton schools given the warfare taking place:

“The exercises breathed the spirit of patriotism that has sent Britain’s sons by the hundred thousand from every corner of the earth rallying to the colors in this, the empire’s hour of need.

“God Save the King and Rule Britannia rang out from the throats of little children today with genuine fervor. O, Canada, The Maple Leaf and Men of the North had a thrill, such as was never felt before.

“The story of Langemarck with its casualty list of Canadian dead and wounded is fresh in every mind. It was only this week that Premier Asquith in the British house of commons declared : ‘The Canadians have won themselves in France an everlasting name.’

“In many of the schools, there were children whose loved ones died or suffered on the bloody fields of Belgium, to write that glorious page of history for Canada.

“Today the significance of Empire day was appreciated”¹

In all the schools of Hamilton, the was a large attendance of the students’ parents, other relatives and friends who came to witness the Empire day exercises. Each school had either a school trustee or a prominent clergyman in attendance to deliver an address.

Mrs. Fessenden was unable, due to health reasons, to attend any Empire day observances as had been her custom. Although not physically present, Mrs. Fessenden was still part of each school’s ceremony as she sent a letter containing her congratulations to each and every student taking part in the observance, noting that the movement had grown so much that an estimated 80,000,000 were celebrating the day. Mrs. Fessenden also pointed out that for Empire day, 1915 in London, England, the flags of each member country in the British Empire, 64 in all, would be carried in procession into St. Paul’s Cathedral by school children.

Finally, it was a pleasing feature of Empire Day observances in Hamilton that children would be called upon to read aloud the patriotic compositions that they had been asked to write.

 

1915-06-21ww

“Today Edmund Bradley, bank clerk, who resides at the home of his mother, Mrs. C. C. Bradley, 348 Aberdeen avenue, is lying in St. Joseph’s hospital with a revolver shot in his stomach”

Hamilton Spectator.    June 21, 1915.

Hamilton newspaper readers were shocked on Monday June 21, 1915 when they read of a bizarre shooting incident which had occurred the previous Saturday evening. The shooting victim was given little chance of survival by any of the four doctors who were attending to him.

Shortly before seven o’clock, Saturday evening, June 19, 1915, Edmund Bradley, 17 years old, was visiting Miss Mildred Colquhoun at her family home, Glenhead, on the mountain.

Bradley was a very popular young man in both banking and social circles, and had recently stated his intention to enlist for active service within a week.

There was no one present when the shot rang out, other than Bradley and Miss Colquhoun:

“The incident occurred during a tennis party held at Glenhead on Saturday afternoon and evening. James Bradley, brother of the injured lad, states that his brother and Miss Colquhoun, having finished a set of tennis, went into the dining room of the house for a drink of water.

“Mr. Bradley had previously shown a party of young people present a revolver of .32 caliber, which he had borrowed from the Imperial bank where he was employed as a ledger-keeper.

“The rest of the party was on the lawn, according to the injured lad’s brother, when the shot was heard and Miss Colquhoun ran out of the house crying, ‘He’s shot, he’s shot!’ Young Bradley was found lying on the floor of the dining room, his tennis shirt red with blood.”¹

¹ “E. Bradley May Be Fatally Wounded : He Was Accidentally Shot While at a Tennis Party at Home of E. R. Colquhoun on Mountain Saturday Evening.”

Hamilton Spectator.   June 21, 1915.

Glehead, the Colquhoun home, was located nearby the Hamilton Asylum. Dr. Webster, of the asylum, was informed of the incident. He was on the scene in very short order, but could little for young Bradley.

“The Hamilton police were quickly telephoned, asking that an ambulance be brought quickly. Chief Whatley, advised of the call, said that the caller should be informed that as the home was not within the city limits, a private ambulance would have to be summoned. This was done, and Bradley was finally rushed to St. Joseph’s Hospital.

At the hospital, an operation was performed, and the bullet was extracted. Bradley’s mother was at her son’s hospital beside constantly. On Monday morning, Chief Clark, of the Dundas police, informed reporters that he would attempt to secure a statement from Bradley from the wounded lad, although he was still in very critical condition.

The following day, Mrs. E. A. Colquhoun, Mildred Colquhoun’s mother made a public statement regarding the accident:

“My daughter was not alone in the dining room with Mr. Bradley as stated yesterday, but was reading a book when a member of the party entered and began to tease her

“Mr. Bradley entered after this and, taking a revolver from his pocket , pushed it across the table towards my daughter, with the muzzle pointing towards himself, jokingly saying as he did so, ‘Shoot him.’

“My daughter put her hand on the weapon without lifting it. As she did so, Mr. Bradley said, ‘Look out : it’s loaded.’ She laughed as he spoke then there was a report and he exclaimed, ‘I’m shot.’

“My daughter immediately went out and procured a doctor, who attended to Mr. Bradley. Before he was taken to the hospital, he stated that my daughter was not in the least to blame for the accident, and he conducted himself very bravely throughout.”²

² “How It Happened : Mrs. E. A. Colquhoun Makes a Statement Regarding Accident.”

Hamilton Herald.    June 22, 1915.

Edmund Bradley lingered for three weeks, but finally succumbed to his wound on July 4, 1915. His mother was at his beside when he passed.

It was determined that there would be no inquest. It had been fully determined that Mildred Colquhoun had indeed discharged the .32 caliber revolver, the bullet entering Bradley’s stomach.

Mildred Colquhoun had been completely overcome with grief since the incident.

In a statement, made as he was dying, Bradley was quoted as saying, “It was all my own fault. I should not have had the gun with me, and the only reason I had it was for protection going down the mountain drive at night. The young lady, a lad from Toronto and myself were in the dining room of the house when I pulled out the gun and showed it to her. I don’t know what made me say what I did, but I told her to ‘look at that.’ She took it from my hand and it accidentally went off. The blame was all mine.”³

³ “Took All the Blame : Edmund Bradley Made Statement Before His Death”

Hamilton. Herald.   July 5, 1915