1915-03-18gg

During the opening months of the Great War, “foreigners” in Hamilton were viewed with suspicion, if not outright hostility. Residents of Hamilton originally from Austria or Germany were most impacted.

Another large portion of what was termed, the “foreign element” was held in higher esteem in some regards. Although Italians were viewed with suspicion and disdain for several reasons, their loyalty to their adopted country was not one of them.

Beginning in the intense days of war fever in August, 1914, Italian organizations expressed their loyalty to the King and to Canada, while many Italians participated in patriotic marches and other displays of determination to support the war effort.

On March 18, 1915, The Hamilton Times carried the following article, referencing the Hamilton Italian population and its view on the war:

“Ernest Taylor, the local Italian interpreter and missionary in Hamilton, when spoken to this morning about the possibility of Italians joining in the war on the side of the allies, and calling for her reservists in this country to rejoin their regiments, stated that if such were done, several hundred men from this city would willingly respond.

“ ‘The spirit of patriotism runs very high among the Italians of Hamilton,’ he said, ‘and should the call come for men to join the colors, there is no doubt  that upwards of a thousand men would immediately leave for their home country to take part in the conflict.’

“Already a number have gone to the front with the first Canadian contingent, whose sympathies were entirely with Britain., and several more of the local Italians are with the second contingent at the Exhibition camp.”₁

₁ “1,000 Italians : Would Likely Go From Hamilton If Italy Goes to War.”

Hamilton Times.    March 18, 1915