1915-05-03ee

“ Since Saturday, the telegraph wires have been laden with additional lists of Canadian wounded and at press time today there was no let up. Nor is there likely to be for some time yet. The brilliant achievement of the first contingent in stopping the German drive on Ypres cost far heavier than was first anticipated. Much apprehension was felt in Hamilton and spread yesterday when the losses, instead of running from 1,500 to 2,000 as first estimated, might run as high as 6,000. This rumor proved only too true for the official statement issued this afternoon from Ottawa states that the losses will probably be about 700 to 800 killed, 2,500 wounded and an equal hour missing.”

Hamilton Spectator.      May 3, 1915

Hamiltonians reading the morning editions of the local newspapers on Monday May 3, 1915, were shocked, and saddened to learn of the latest war news from the front.

A major battle had begun and the latest casualty list sent out by the War office indicated that many Hamilton men’s names were on the list of those wounded or missing.

As the Hamilton Spectator introduced its article on the matter on May 3, 1915, the Hamilton Times’ introduction to the release of the latest casualty list focused on how the situation was worsening :

“The passing of each day, marking the progress of the war, brings to Hamilton and this vicinity word of casualties that cause the citizens to realize more fully that this great European war is their war, and that Hamilton men are on the firing line, facing all the dangers of war.

“The casualty list published, which includes the names of a number of Hamilton men, is the official list, issued up to press time today. The names have been reported by the war office, either yesterday or this morning, and for the family or relatives of each man named, was received in this city an official message from Ottawa military authorities”¹

¹ “Local Casualty List Shows Many Wounded : No Official News of Any Dead in Today’s Despatches.”

Hamilton Times.    May 3, 1915

In that same issue of the Hamilton Times, a note from a Hamiltonian, Major W. R. Marshall, serving with the 48^th Highlanders, was mentioned:

“Writing to a friend, in his usual, brief, concise way, he says : ‘Hope you and the boys are well; having a good hard time of it, yours, R. M.’

“The card was written on Sunday April 18^th. That was the first day in which the Canadians made themselves world-famed”¹

 

The following day’s casualty list, published in the local press sadly did include name of one fatality, along with the names of those missing or wounded.

In the Hamilton Herald, published on May 4, 1915, it was noted that Hamilton soldiers were more involved in the recent action than was at first realized :

“The reports that continue to come in about the battle of Langemarck corroborate the statement made last week that the Ninety-First Highlanders and the Thirteenth Royals were at the forefront of the great Canadian charge that received such praise from Sir John French With such a terrible victory won, the losses sustained were naturally heavy, and the extent is becoming definitely known.”²

² “Hamilton Men Were in Thick of Battle : Reports That Are Coming Through Show That the Thirteenth and Ninety-First Men Had a Big Share In ‘Saving the Situation’ After French Line Broke.”

Hamilton Herald.   May 4, 1915.

As regards, Ross Binkley, the fatality named in that day’s casualty list, the following was learned:

“Ross Binkley was in command of a machine gun in the section commanded by Lieut. M. S. Macdonald.

“Yesterday’s cable is in part as follows:

“ ‘The courage of our men was simply magnificent,’ said Lieut. George Smith, Rosedale, of the Third battalion, who is lying wounded in an English hospital. ‘They just laugh and joke under as terrible a storm of bullets and shells as ever soldiers faced. They never faltered nor hesitated a moment. We started to move up to the trenches on Thursday night from four miles back, and the last half-mile was under fire. It was then that Ross Binkley and Lieut. M. S. Macdonald, of the machine gun section, were killed by the bursting of a big shell.’ ”²

The Hamilton Times of May 4, 1915 contained a poem inspired by the events of recent days in Western Europe :

“ The Canadians at Langemarck

(Written by Robert J. Devine in memory of the Battle of Langemarck, in which the ‘magnificent conduct and conspicuous bravery and determination of the Canadian troops undoubtedly saved the situation by blocking the German advance.’)

“Our thanks go out to you tonight, we scarce know what to say;

   You showed what you could do, lads, you gallantly saved the day,

 We want you to know, lads, that we feel we owe a debt

   To each Jack Canuck who showed his pluck in a way that we can’t       forget.

 

“You left your happy home, lads, with all that men hold dear,

   You rushed across the foam, lads, with never a thought of fear,

 You met your country’s foe, lds, and you played him at his game,

    You did your part with fearless heart, and covered yourself with fame.

 

“Never were men more brave, lads, as your actions plainly tell;

   Your only thought was to save, lads, the land you love so well,

 You’ve won a place in the hearts, lads, of true men everywhere,

   The terrible test found you at your best, and ready to do your share!

 

“You wouldn’t let go your guns, lads, you fought till you won them back,

   You proved you were Britain’s sons, lads, walking in Britain’s track;

 You stood with your face to the foe, lads, you gave him shot for shot

   And side by side you fought and died – and won – but ‘twas dearly bought!

 

“We mourn for the pals you lost, lads, it grieves us sore to know

   That they had to pay the cost, lads, of victory o’er the foe,

 But our thanks go out to you all, lads, and we’ll never cease to tell

   How you saved your guns from the cowardly Huns, in a blizzard of shot and shell!

 

“We at home raise a cheer, lads, you have given us cause for pride;

   But we needs must shed a tear, lads, for the brave ones who have died.

 We can’t express what we feel, lads; we scarce know what to say –

   But we’ll tell with pride how you fought and died, and gallantly saved the day.” ³

³ The Canadians at Langemarck”

Hamilton Times. May 4, 1915.