1914-12-02kk

In the years immediately before the outbreak of warfare in August, 1914, there was a very large community of men who had come to Hamilton from England, looking for employment.

One of these men was Harry Green, who had come from Birmingham to Hamilton, and got work with the Westinghouse company.

Green had been an active member of the Wesley church, especially the Furniss Men’s class. Early in August, 1914, as England declared war on Germany after that country’s invasion of Belgium, Harry Green returned to his native country with every intention of volunteering with the British army.

To his disappointment, Harry Green was not accepted as he was considered too short. Harry would say that he thought himself just as able to stop a bullet as any larger man.

In a letter sent to some friends he had made while in Hamilton, Harry Green shared his views on the war, and on how he had found a way to contribute to the war effort, although not in uniform:

“The war is awful, and you will be surprised to hear that I am making bombs – catering to the Germans. I have been working day and night.

“We were having a little debate among ourselves after Bible class yesterday, as to whether it was right to be engaged in making these awful things/ Myself, I think it is good work under the circumstances.

“Canada is indeed coming on fine with men and gifts. I am sure England feels grateful for all they have done, and by the look of things, we shall need more men.

“We have lots of Belgian refugees here with hands and legs cut off, young children maimed for life. What can a person do without his hands? It is just awful to think about it.

“In view of the fact that many are doubting the cutting off of hands by the Germans, because of bleeding to death of the victims before help could be had, it seems to be a settled fact that the Germans have brutally used very many as described in news reports.”¹

¹ “Bombs for Germans : Hamilton Boy is Helping to Turn Them Out in England”

Hamilton Spectator.   December 2, 1914.