1914-11-24lp

Four months into the war, it was time to get fully organized to protect the city of Hamilton from any threats that might arise.

In November, 1914, fears were sincerely entertained that Germany might well attempt to sabotage Hamilton industries or infrastructure, even initiate terrorist attacks on ordinary citizens.

There had already been a strong attempt to assemble a Home Guard to protect Hamilton, but a need for more organization and financial support was deemed necessary. To that end, a meeting was held on November 23, 1914 in the Board of Trade rooms, at which a large number of leading business and military leaders were in attendance.

The goal was not to dissolve the Hamilton Rifle association which had been assembled to protect the home front, but, as described in the Spectator, “to complete the organization of the local corps and place it on a proper military footing.”¹

¹ “Home Guard to Have 2,000 Men : Prominent Business Men Pledge Support”

Hamilton Spectator.   November 24, 1914.

The meeting was presided over by Sir John Gibson who stressed the urgent need for a strong home guard, and the pressing need for Hamilton business men to step forward and support  such an organization financially:

“Sir John pointed out the work which had already been done toward an organization of a strong corps, and expressed a desire to have ex-military men and leading public-spirited citizens interest themselves in the development of at least one regiment of one thousand men, and possibly two strong regiments.

“Already some five or six hundred citizens had enrolled in the Rifle association, but the organization was far from complete and there was room for several more companies commanded by qualified men.

“The chairman pointed out that the corps was greatly in need of a commanding officer and of financial support and of encouragement from the local military authorities. Good work had been done by those responsible for the formation of the corps, but further development was impossible under the present consitions.”¹

Nearly twenty of Hamilton’s leading business leaders were in attendance at the meeting, and they were asked their opinions on the matter:

“All were in hearty accord with the movement and all expressed a readiness to assist in any possible way.”¹

Extensive, and detailed discussions then ensued as to how the Home Guard would be organized, where it could be trained, what age limit would be imposed and many other such things.

When the meeting was concluded, all present felt a great start had been made:

“Indications at last night’s meeting were that the movement would gain strength rapidly from now on, and that in a few weeks, Hamilton would boast of a home guard corps second to none in Canada.”¹