1914-12-21ap

While there were many Hamiltonians who were in service due to the outbreak of World War One, they were exclusively under the age of 35.

There were many men in the city over that age who still wanted to serve.

Also, because a large percentage of the soldiers in Hamilton militia units,

the Thirteenth Battalion and the 91^st Highlanders, and there was a lack of soldiers available to protect the home front.

It was to this purpose that the Home Guard was organized.

At a meeting of Civic Legislation Committee, held on December 18, 1914 at City Hall, the members of the Hamilton Home Guard received a tribute of praise for their efforts.

In an editorial appearing the following Monday in the Hamilton Herald, the following overview of the Hamilton Home Guard was provided:

“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 a world war, such as the one now raging, one cannot know the limit of the possibilities that may be developed in the near future. In a day the whole situation may be changed and our country be in danger. It is well to be prepared for any emergency, however remote it 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 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 the organization and drill, and there are many British army veterans who are glad to give their services 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 the evil results of any sudden hostile demonstration from without or within.”¹

¹  “ The Home Guard”

Hamilton Herald.          December 21, 1914