John Archibald McCallum was old by the standards of the average Canadian soldier enlisting in 1916. The attestation papers remark that his hair was “Black sprinkled with grey” when he joined the 160th Battalion at Lion’s Head, Ontario. Regardless of this sign of age the doctor examining him declared his physical development as “excellent.” The... Continue Reading →
“If it so happens that I am allowed to die for my country…”: The Unusual Will of Private R.H. Burgess D.C.M.
A will is a macabre document. It is a recognition by the object of the will, the living person (the testator) who is making the will out, that they will cease to exist. The will exists and enforces the conditions of the testator after they have died and invokes certain conditions at the distribution of... Continue Reading →
In the event of my death…
100 years ago today Private James Benjamin Brodie, reg. no. 53776 died of wounds he sustained to both legs. A poignant reminder of his existence is his will. It reads: Will Pte. J.B. Brodie. no. 53776 In the event of my death I leave all that is due me to my Wife Esther Brodie 160... Continue Reading →
History of the 18th Battalion CEF, "The Fighting Eighteenth" 