1914-08-17abb

With so many Hamilton men volunteering to fight in the European war in August 1914, a difficulty arose as regards the protection of the city of itself.

The ranks of the local militia units were virtually depleted as those part-time soldiers were prime candidates to be accepted into service full-time.

Charles W. Heming, local scout commissioner and a former militia man, was actively interested in a proposal to address the need for soldiers to be able to serve as a home guard to protect Hamilton.

The idea was that a home guard consisting of from 1,000 to 3,000 men would be raised. A number of former militia men had suggested that the local rifle ranges they could be opened and the men volunteering for the home guard could be trained in the use of the latest models of rifles.

Mr. Heming stated his views on the matter to a Spectator reporter as follows :

“I am a firm believer in the scouts’ motto ‘Be Prepared.’ If another call is made, and most of the 13^th and 91^st men are taken away, it will be necessary to arrange for home protection. We have several thousand foreigners to look after here and with a hard winter and feeling running high, it is hard to tell what might happen unless there is a strong force to maintain order. There are many married men like myself, who do not feel at present that they should go across the sea, but are willing to help at home in every way they can.

“One prominent man here has promised me that he can raise from 300 to 500 men. I don’t think there would be any difficulty in organizing a force of at least 1,000 men and 200 mounted men. A good service khaki uniform could be secured for $5. I think that the city and some of our wealthy men should take an interest in this and lend a hand.”¹

¹ “Home Guard to Protect City : No Trouble in Raising a Force of 1,000 Men : Ex-Thirteenth Men Anxious to Take Part.”

Hamilton Spectator. August 17, 1914