When war
had been declared a little over four months earlier, it was Europe than was
presumed to be the location of most of the action.
However, as 1914, that war was indeed
becoming a global conflict with hot spots breaking out in various places, including
Africa, China, the Middle East, Africa and more.
Even the city of Hamilton was not felt
to be a totally safe place, immune from any direct attacks. Hence a large group
of volunteers formed themselves in a “Home Guard” and armed themselves to
defend the city if needed.
On December 21, 1914, the Spectator
carried the following editorial written about Hamilton Home Guard :
“Alderman Walters’ tribute of praise
to the Hamilton Home Guard, at the meeting of the civic legislation committee
on Friday evening, was as timely and fitting as it was graceful.
“The services of the Home Guard may
never be called for. It is to be hoped that they will not be. But in the midst
of the world war such as the one now raging, one cannot know the limits of the
possibilities that may be developed in the near future. In a day, the whole
situation may be changed and our own country be in danger. It is well to be
prepared for any emergency, however remote may be.
“Able-bodied Canadians of military age
– 18 to 35 years – are needed for the active militia. It is they who are under
obligation to take the field to protect the country from invasion or to
volunteer for service abroad in the cause of empire. For possible military
service at home – to protect the city and district from possible raids or
uprisings resulting from the war, the Home Guard has been organized. Every
able-bodied citizen 35 years old and over is eligible for membership.
“Already, without much
urging, a sufficient number of citizens to make eight good-sized companies have
enrolled in the guard, and there are among them some of the most prominent men
in town. In all, perhaps six or seven hundred men are gathering twice a week to
learn company drill – and they enjoy the new experience. No doubt arms will
soon be procured, and the amateur soldiers will learn. No doubt arms will soon
be procured, and the amateur soldiers will learn the mysteries of the service
rifle and acquire the art of shooting straight.
“The guard is well-officered.
Lieutenant-Colonels Mewburn and Acheson are supervising the work of
organization and drill, and there are many British army veterans who are glad
to give their service as non-coms.
“So much progress has been made that
the guard is about to graduate from company to battalion drill. The first
battalion drill is to be held this evening at the armories. It would be good to
have a large attendance of citizens who, seeing how well the guardsmen do their
work, and how they enjoy it, will catch the military contagion and enroll
themselves in the ranks.
“It should be easy to organize a
second battalion. Two battalions of the Home Guard, armed and equipped and
fairly well-trained, ought to be enough to guarantee Hamilton protection
against evil results of any sudden hostile demonstration from without or
within.”1
1 “The Home
Guard”
Hamilton Spectator. December 21, 1914.
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