An article in the December 21, 1915 edition of the Galt Daily Reported relates the first casualty from Galt in the war, Private John Hollins, had been wounded during service with the 18th Battalion.[i] PTE. J. HOLLINS HAS BEEN WOUNDED FORMER EMPLOYEE OF THE REPORTED ADMITTED TO HOSPITAL AT BOULOGNE After a long period free … Continue reading “After a long period free from local casualties…”: The Wounding of Private Hollins
Wounds/Wounded
Not “Killed in Action”
In the early 1970s the last members of the 18th Battalion Association, purportedly the first post-Great War battalion association formed in Canada, was winding down. The number of members had declined due to age and many of these men, now in their 80s, wanted to put together a series of memories to share amongst themselves. … Continue reading Not “Killed in Action”
“…speechless when his name was called out…”: Hodson Earns the Military Medal
This is the second of a 4-part series of the analysis of articles relating to Private Frederick Hodson, who served with the 18th Battalion. In the first part of this series Private Hodson gave an extensive interview that portrayed a soldier’s life while serving with the 18th Battalion from its inception but the interview focused … Continue reading “…speechless when his name was called out…”: Hodson Earns the Military Medal
Review of Presentation: Before Shell Shock: Failed Minds & Failing Men in the 19th Century British Military
Speaker: Professor Amy Smith-Milne Venue: Guelph Civic Museum This talk by Amy Smith-Milne was an excellent pre-cursor to helping someone understand the perspectives towards the men who suffered from shell shock during World War 1. The work of doctors during the Victorian era would influence the treatment of mental illness during this war. Using the … Continue reading Review of Presentation: Before Shell Shock: Failed Minds & Failing Men in the 19th Century British Military
Fritz mush have got his eyes on us…
The letter below is a wonderful example of the process Canadian Expeditionary Force soldiers experienced during the Great War when they were transferred from their training bases in England to active duty with a combat unit on the Continent. Private Frank Allan Westlake had enlisted with the 161st Huron Battalion on January 10, 1916 and … Continue reading Fritz mush have got his eyes on us…
