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Toronto
oes Her "Bit"
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TORONTO
DOES HER "BIT"
COMPILED BY
HL'BERT GROVES
Director Mukicipal Intelligence Bureau
assisted by
WALTER G. FESSEY
MARGARET LILLIS HART
PUBLISHED BY
MUNICIPAL INTELLIGENCE BL'REAU
Suite 215, 57 Queen Street West TORONTO, CANADA
Copyright, Canada, 191 8 Hubert Groves
MUNICIPAL INTELLIGENCE BUREAU
Suite 215, 57 Queen Street West
Phone Adel. 5534
ADVISORY BOARD
Chairman, George Wright
Member Board of Trade
W. Nelson Wilkinson
Managing Editor Sunday and Daily World
Controller Maguire Member City Council
William A. Proctor
Bank of Toronto
PURPOSE
The Municipal Intelligence Bureau is now ready to furnish in- formation about the City of Toronto; also to furnish information about any other city in the Dominion of Canada.
ASK US ABOUT
Conduct of the city's business, public men, churches, schools, theatres, business houses, election returns, clubs, societies. Board of Trade, etc.
SPECIAL FEATURE
A special feature of the Municipal Intelligence Bureau is the publication of the Toronto Municipal Year Book, the purpose of which is to give accurate, intelligent and ready information about the City of Toronto.
Hubert Groves, director of the M.I.B,, is a former Toronto news- paperman, having been municipal reporter at the Citv Hall for the IF arid and iVews.
HOW THE BUREAU IS SUPPORTED.
Sale of Year Book.
The Municipal Intelligence Bureau does not solicit public sub- scriptions. It is self-supporting. Through the sale of the Toronto Municipal Year Book the Bureau maintains itselt, and establishes its Service Bureau. Charge is also made for written reports.
Membership.
Anyone can become a member of the Bureau by purchasing two copies of the Toronto Municipal Year Book. One dollar per volume. Each member is asked to send one copy outsitle of Toronto, to
(C
BOOST TORONTO''
THE SOLDIERS' FRIEND
MAYOR THOMAS LANGTON CHURCH
TO WHOM THIS BOOK IS DEDICATED
FOREWORD
IN the compilation ot this volume I hav^e taken the deepest pleasure, and I wish to add that it has been a sacred trust to send torth a lasting record of what the City ot Toronto has done during the Cireat War.
iVlany ot Toronto's sons sleep be- neath the poppies ot *' Flanders" and '' Somewhere [in [France/' and their gallant deeds have placed our tair cit\' on the map ot the World m blood red.
10 the Mothers, Wives, Sisters, Sweethearts and Friends ot these \ali- ant heroes, there are no words expressive enough to tully convey an appreciation tor the many com torts afforded the boys overseas, through their untiring etTorts.
Hubert (j roves.
Toronto, March i, 191 8.
circulation in charge of Pte. Homer W. Walker Pte. Charles E. Thomas
3RD "Toronto" Battalion
TORONTO DOES HER "BIT"
LIST OF BATTALIONS FORMED IN TORONTO.
INCIDENTS ABOUT SAME. PATRIOTIC
AND RED CROSS WORK. TORONTO
WOMEN'S ACTIVITIES.
THE eyes of the entire world are focused upon the Dominion of Canada, and Toronto through the valiant service of her gallant sons in "Flanders" and "Somewhere in France," shines as one of the brightest gems of the British Empire.
Toronto has contributed more men for active service than anv other city in Canada.
Toronto has given the largest contribution to the Patriotic a<id Red Cross Funds of any city in the British Empire.
Toronto made a larger subscription to the "Victorv Loan" than any other city in the Dominion of Canada, and established a world's record for a like campaign.
Toronto has indeed played a large part in the Great World War and her efforts have been one continual earnest endeavor to finish the war as soon as possible.
Some Facts and Figlrf.s TO March ist, 1918
Enlistments fcom Toronto (bona fide residents) 44,000
Total deaths .1,1-4
Paitl out by city to dependents (on insurance) 12,097,000
Patriotic bund 2,000,000
ToRONIO CasLALTIKS 1 \ FoiR Ba I ILES
Somme
Killed 525
Wounded ^77^
.Missing anil prisoners 117
111 40
Total 2,4<:'; 881 1,122 1,751
|
Zillebekc |
\'imy |
Lens |
|
157 |
251 |
405 |
|
595 |
810 |
>,il." |
|
129 |
50 |
109 |
|
1 1 |
24 |
MAJOR-GENERAL MERCER, C.B.
TORONTO GENERAL GIVES HIS LIFE FOR HIS COUNTRY.
THERE'S not a finer officer or gentleman in all the Canadian Army," was the expression used by one of the gallant 2nd Battalion soldiers of the ist Canadian Contingent in des- cribing the late Major-General Malcolm Smith Mercer, C.B., the
General Mercer, C.B.
Toronto "Queen's Own" commander, who as officer directing the movements of the Canadian division which barred the German Army's path when it tried to break through to Calais, "saved the
situation" for the Allies. In recognition of the great service rendered to the British Empire on that critical occasion, General Alderson of the British forces sent a special message to General Mercer's family expressing his appreciation of the Toronto officer's achievement.
Was Wise to Germans
Like several of the British Army generals, including such notables as Lords Roberts and Kitchener, it has had to be recorded that the life of Major-General Mercer was lost to the service of the Kmpire before the great war had been two years in progress. Major-General Mercer was making a tour of the front-line trenches on a morning in June of 1916. He had some premonition that the Germans on this particular morning intended an offensive and was making an inspection to ensure that everything, down to the last detail, was in readiness to repel the attack. True to his expectation, the Germans suddenly "sent over" a hail of shells which formed a "barrage" between the front-line trenches and the Canadian divisional headquarters. Gen- eral Mercer was stunned by the explosion of a shell which burst close by, killing and wounding several of his staff officers. Realizing the importance of returning to headquarters. General Mercer tried to fight his way there in spite of the "barrage" danger facing him, but he fell, mortally wounded, while making the brave attempt. This was on June 2nd. His body was tound, with three wounds in it, in Armagh Wood. He was buried at the front, at Poperinghe.
An incident related by the men at the front throws a sidelight on the kindness of General Mercer and explains why he was held in such high esteem by the men, ot all ranks, who were his comrades-in- arms.
Corporal Saves Him
A corporal bf the 2nd Battalion was standing in a sheltered position during a rebombardment by the Germans of a section of the enemv front which the Canadians had just won by an early-morning surprise attack. He noticed another soldier standing unconcernedly at a spot where the German gunners were apparently trying to direct their fire.
Anxious to prevent his comrade from unnecessarily risking his life and also at a loss to understand the other's action, he called loudlv, in language oi vigorous terms, to him to seek shelter. In a few moments the other soldier joined the corporal but the hitter's astonish- ment can be imagined when he discovered he hail been giving direc- tions to General Mercer. The General, however, at once thankeil the corporal for the warning he hail given, remarked that he had done right in calling to him, and said, " I guess you and I will go tjown
below together for awhile." The corporal was Pioneer-Corporal Smith, better known as "Smissy," who had enlisted at Oshawa, Ont.
Had a Big Heart
After that, it frequently happened that when General Mercer was on his inspectional tours, although accompanied by a retinue of staff officers, he would halt for a moment or so to chat with the corporal, such occasions being of course times of mystery and wonderment to the other members of the corporal's battalion.
General Mercer's "gallant and distinguished conduct in the field" was the cause of his twice being mentioned in war despatches by General Sir Douglas Haig. On three different occasions General Mercer's family in Toronto have received letters from His Majesty, King George, referring to the General's part in the great war.
The divisional command held by General Mercer was succeeded to by Major General David Watson, who went overseas in command of the 2nd Battalion, the regiment of the First Canadian Contingent which contained a large number of soldiers who had enlisted in Toronto, their unit distinguishing itself at St. Julien, Festubert and Givenchy.
Toronto Pays Tribute
The tribute paid to the memory of General Mercer by Toronto, Ontario and the whole Dominion, was the great service held in St. Paul's Anglican Church, on Sunday evening, July 5th, 1916.
Those present at the service included Brig-Gen. Sir Henry Pellatt, representing the Duke of Connaught; Sir William H. Hearst, Premier (jf Ontario; Lieut. -Col. Alex. Fraser, representing the Lieut.-Governor, Sir John Hendrie; Lieut. -Col. Herbert Bruce, representing Major- Cieneral Sir Sam Hughes, Minister of Militia; Hon. Dr. R. A. Pyne, Minister of Education for Ontario; Lieut. -Col. R. C. Levesconte, Lieut.-Col. Arthur G. Peuchen, Lieut.-Col. W. G Mitchell; and Controller R. H. Cameron, officially representing the City of Toronto.
The mourners included Mr. Frederick T. Mercer, Mr. John Mercer, Mr. Frank xMercer, and Mr. S. Bradford, the deceased General's law partner.
The sermon was preached by Lieut.-Col., Ven. Archdeacon H. J. Cody. He said the example set by General Mercer was an inspiration to all Canadians. In an eloquent tribute, he described the General "as one of Canada's greatest military leaders, the pride of his regi- ment, a philosopher by nature, a lawyer by profession, a soldier by instinct, and above all a gentleman, a scholar and a Christian."
Major-General Malcolm Smith Mercer, C.B., was born in York County, near the City of Toronto.
10
WORK OF COL. NASMITH
C.M.G. Conferred ox Him bv King George
PROMINENT among the Toronto officers who have given war services of high value because of their scientific knowledge is Col. George G. Nasmith, C.M.G., now on the Medical Health Staff of the citv, who went to England with the ist Canadian Contin-
LiEUT.-CoL. Nasmith, C M.G.. Ph.D. (Inventor of tlic Gas Mask)
gent as advisor on sanitation and an expert on water purification, and later, in I-Vancc, had charge of the Canadian Mobile Laboratory.
.A work (jf extreme importance not only tor the Canadian Army but for the Allies in i^eneral was Colonel Nasmith's invention of gas
II
masks to be worn by the troops when the Germans made a gas attack. He also devised a system which provided a supply of pure drinking water for the soldiers and also did other immensely valu- able work in sanitation and hygiene. It was because the Imperial authorities recognized the indebtedness of the nation to Colonel Nasmith for services accomplished that he was decorated by the King as a Companion of the Most Distinguished Order of St. Michael and St. George.
In Charge of Field Laboratory
When the ist Canadian Division crossed from England to France, Colonel Xasmith became officer in charge of the Field Laboratory attached to the British Army. For eighteen months he carried on his work in France, always just in touch of the firing line. He returned to Toronto at the end of the year 1916 to resume his duties in the Department of Public Health. Since returning. Colonel Nasmith has written a book descriptive of his experiences in France. It is not only interesting and informative, but also important. The book is entitled, "On the Fringe of the Great Fight."
THE CALL TO ARMS MORE THAN 65,000 TORONTO MEN DON THE KHAKI.
TORONTO City has more than 65,000 men on the overseas honor-roll of volunteers who joined the colors from the opening of the war in August, 1914, to the proclamation of compulsory service on October 13th, 1917. All the members of the Toronto regiments, both officers and men, who had any chance of being found eligible, volunteered almost to a man for active service. In the sudden crisis, the Toronto militia officers put forth every dollar in the regimental treasuries to rush the work of mobilization, and went ^50,000 into debt before the Recruiting League was formed, which carried the recruiting campaigns forward with great success until Toronto city and district outstripped all other parts of Canada in the proportion of its sons in khaki.
First Military Camp
Major-General F. L. Lessard, C.B., established the first military camp at Exhibition Park in October, 1914, and was succeeded on January ist, 191 5, by Major-General W. A. Logie, who was then a colonel, and has since been promoted to the rank of brigadier-general and then to major-general, in recognition of his efficient administration
12
of the Toronto Military District. The appointment has met with the complete approval of the entire military and best civilian elements of the district.
It is to be remembered that the total of 65,000 Toronto men on active militarv service includes a large number of drafts of Artillerv-
MaJOR C.IiNERAL LociB
GOC. Military District No. 2
men, Cavalry, Engineers and members of the Cyclists, Signallers, Army Service Corps, Army Medical Corps, W-tcrinary Corps, Dental Corps, Pioneer Corps, Forestry antl Railway Construction Corps, and the Mechanical Transport Section.
The Toronto militiamen who formed the First Canadian Contin- gent from this city went from Toronto as drafts from the various
»3
regiments, not being welded into battalion form until after reaching the \'alcartier mobilization camp.
It was on August 20, 1914, that the first drafts that were to see active service as infantrymen went eastward from Toronto. They consisted of 360 members of the 12th York Rangers Regiment, 230 trom the 36th Peel Regiment, and about 150 men each from the Governor-General's Body Guard and the 9th Mississauga Horse.
Great Send-off
Nearly 1,200 more Torontonians left to take part in the war on August 23, 1 914, thousands of the citizens being at the station to cheer them off. That day's quota from Toronto comprised 800 members of the Queen's Own Rifles and about 350 members of the loth Royal Grenadiers.
Off to \\ai.cartier-
15'iH Battalion
A thousand members of the 48th Highlanders, under command of Col. John A. Currie, M.P., left Toronto for Valcartier on August
Col. John A. Currie, MP. 14
29, I9H- Although it was pouring with rain at the time, 25,000 of Toronto's citizens were at the station to bid the Kiltie soldiers farewell. Like the other Toronto regiments forming the first contingent from Canada, the 48th played a prominent and noble part in stemming the Hun forces when they tried to break the Allied line at Langemarck and St. Julien. At the front the Highlanders were known as the 15th Battalion.
Three other drafts from Toronto also went eastward on the 29th of August. The Queen's Own sent away 200, the Royal Grenadiers 80, and the Mississauga Horse, 75.
Toronto City has sent, or largely contributed the following in- fantry battalions to the Canadian front in France and Flanders: —
2XD Battalion
2nd Battalion, First Canadian Contingent, Ft. -Col. David Watson, commander, contained several hundred Toronto men, picked from the Governor-General's Body Guard and the 9th .Mississauga Horse. The commander of the 2nd Battalion, who prior to enlisting, was man- aging-editor of the Quebec Chronicle, is now a major-general, in the 4th Canadian Division. The 2nd Battalion members have made themselves justly famous, having participated in the same important engagements as the "Toronto" 3rd Battalion and the "Fighting Fourth."
3RD Batialion
3rd Battalion, First Canadian Contingent, Ft. -Col. K. Kcnnie, commander, contained several hundred members from both the 2nd Queen's Own Rifles, loth Royal Grenadiers, and a good contingent from the G.G.B.G. It has been on the firing line in France and Flan- ders from the>outset of the Canadian soldiers' participation in the fighting when the First Contingent stemmed the Germans' terrific onslaught at Langemarck, and has nobly "done its bit" by taking part in many decisive battles during the last three years. It is often, and quite properly, referred to as the 3rd "Toronto" Bat- talion and owing to its many casualties has been heavily reinforced bv Toronto infantrv drafts.
Lt.-Col. "Bart" Rogers is the present O.C, anil he went overseas with the 3rd as a lieutenant. Col. Rogers and one other soldier are the onlv two of the original 3rii Battalion now at the front.
On the elevation of (ieneral Rennie to the conmiand of the 4th Brigade, Lt.-Col. W . D. Allan was given command of the 3rd Battalion, which commanii he held until he ilieil, as a result of an operation necessitated by wounils received in action. Col. .Allan won the re-
»5
spect and esteem of all the men of his battalion. If he had been spared, he was in line for promotion to the command of a brigade.
Colonel Allan joined the Queen's Own Rifles as a private in "K" Company in 1895 under General Rennie, then captain of the company. Granted a commission in 1900, he finally became Captain of "K" Com-
Brig.-Gen. R. Rennie
pany which he commanded at the outbreak of the war. "K" Company joined No. i Company of the 3rd Battalion, ist Canadian Contingent.
Major A. H Kirkpatrick joined "K" Company (Old University Company), Queen's Own Rifles, as private, 1893; was promoted to corporal, sergeant, and finally colour-sergeant of "K" Company; was appointed Lieutenant in 1897, First Lieutenant 1900; was ap- pointed Captain of "E" Company in 1904; gazetted as Brevet-Major 1914; gazetted Major in 191 5.
At the outbreak of War in August, 191 4, he was appointed in command of No. i Company, and left with that battalion for Val- cartier; at Valcartier was appointed junior major of the 3rd Battalion. After training at Valcartier and Salisbury Plains he left for France
16
with his battalion and, shortly after the arrival of the battalion there, was appointed second in command of the battalion. In the second battle of Ypres he had command of " C " and " D " Companies of that battalion, took, up an advance position on the left of St. Julien and earned the title of "Hang-on Kirkpatrick," owing to the fact that he held the position until entirely surrounded by the Germans, and was taken prisoner with what were lek of his men. Aker twenty-two months a prisoner in Germany, owing to ill-health he was transferred to Switzerland, and not making sufficient progress towards health, he was later repatriated after twelve months in Switzerland, and returned to Canada.
Lieut. Alexander Douglas Kirkpatrick was an officer in the Governor-General's Bodv Guard at the outbreak ot war. Finding that Cavalry would not be taken, he transferred to Queen's Own Rifles and was chosen as Lieutenant in the P>xpeditionary Force, and left with the 3rd Battalion for Valcartier. He trained with the battalion at Valcartier and Salisbury Plains; accompanied the battalion to France and was lieutenant ot"C" Company, which was part of Major Kirkpatrick's command, and was ordered to occupy a position on the left of St. Julien in the second battle of Ypres and was killed while leading his platoon against the enemy, .April 23, 191 5.
Pte. C. E. Thomas, who is in charge of the circulation of this volume, was at Lieut. Kirkpatrick's side when he fell.
Capt. Gerald B. Muntz joined the Queen's Own Rifles as a private, and was appointed Lieutenant soon after. .At the outbreak of war he was appointed in command of "B" Company of the 3rd Battalion, and accompanied the battalion to \'alcartier; trained with the bat- talion at \'alcartier and Salisbury Plains; accompanied the battalion to France in command ot "B" Coy.; was wounded in the second battle ot Ypres while reconnoitring to ascertain whether it would be feasible for his company to occupy a certain position. He was re- moved to a hospital in Boulogne, and died in torty-eight hours after admission to the hospital.
"FiC.HTIXG FoLRrH"
The 4th Battalion, known as the "Fighting Fourth," Lt.-Col. A. P. Birchall, commander, has rendered distinguisheil service. .As it went originally to the front it was composed of detachments from the 1 2th York Rangers, 36th Peel Regiment, 38th Dufferin Rifles (Brantford), 19th Lincoln Regiment and also representations from Haldimand and Bruce counties. The "Fighting Fourth" has taken part in many of the war's big engagements incluiling St. Julien, Festubert, Kemmel Hill, (livenchy, 3rti Battle of "\'pres, \'imy Ridge,
n
and Passchendaele. It was at St. Julien that the 4th Battalion played an especially gallant part. Situated on the left flank of the brigade it had to advance through an avalanche of shells and machine-gun fire, but due to the undaunted spirit of the members and the fearless leadership of Col. Birchall, pressed on to the objective point. Col. Birchall fell mortally wounded at the head of his battalion.
Princess Patricias Leave Toronto
A large contribution of men has been made by Toronto to the famous Princess Patricia's Canadian Light Infantry. The first company of P.P.C.L.L men left Toronto in the early fall of the year 1914. Since then, several hundred more men have gone from Toronto to reinforce the P.P.C.L.L, and owing to the great distinction achieved bv the regiment several of the drafts have been made up to a large extent by students from the University of Toronto.
19TH Battalion
19th Battalion, Lt.-Col. John L McLaren, commander, was the first infantry regiment of the Second Canadian Contingent contri- buted to by Toronto men. The 19th Battalion was formed in the autumn of 1914. It was made up of about two-thirds Toronto men and over 400 men from the City of Hamilton. After training at Exhibition Camp during the winter and spring months, the 19th left for overseas in May, 1915.
35rH Battalion
35th Battalion, Lt.-Col. F. C. McCordick, commander, was organized in Toronto in the early spring of 191 5. It was made up of recruits from the Royal Grenadiers, Queen's Own Rifles, 48th High- landers, 1 2th York Rangers, and the 109th Regiment. The 35th Battalion trained at Niagara Camp during the summer of 191 5, and went overseas from that point in drafts.
5 8th Battalion
58th Battalion, Lt.-Col. H. A. Genet, commander, which was recruited in the summer of 191 5, contained a good representation of Toronto City men. The battalion spent the summer and fall at Niagara Camp. It took part in the trek of troops from Niagara to Toronto, and after a few weeks at F.xhibition Camp, left for the east in the early winter.
74TH Battalion
74th Battalion, Lt.-Col. R. C. Windeyer, commander, was organ- ized during the summer of 191 5, its membership being composed equal-
ly of men contributed by the 2nd Queen's Own Rifles, loth Royal Grenadiers, 36th Peel Regiment and the 48th Highlanders. The battalion was made up almostly entirely of Toronto City men. After being recruited in quick time, the 74th went from Toronto to Niagara Camp, where its 1,200 men put in several months of hard training. During the winter of 1915-1916, the battalion was quartered at Exhibition Camp, Toronto. It left for overseas in the late spring of '16.
75TH MississAUGA Battalion
75th Mississauga Battalion, Lt.-Col. S. G. Beckett, commander, was recruited in the late summer of 191 5, the 9th Mississauga cavalry
Lieut-Col. S. G. Beckett
regiment being the parent unit. Col. Beckett, its commander, was killed in action while gallantly leading his men during one of the Canadian advances on the western battlefront. The chaplain of the 75th, Major Rev. \V. I.. Bayncs-Reed, rector of St. John's, Norway,
»9
Anglican Church, is now on active duty with the troops on the firing line.
8isT Battalion
8 1st Battalion, Lt.-Col. B. H. Belson, commander, was organized in the early fall, 191 5, three of the companies being composed of Toronto men and one of men recruited in St. Catharines. Its com- mander was an officer in the ist Canadian Contingent and was wounded while serving with the famous "Fighting Fourth" Battalion, at Langemarck.
83RD Queen's Own
83rd Queen's Own Battalion, Lt.-Col. Reginald G. Pellatt, comman- der, was recruited mainly through the efforts ot the Queen's Own
Lieut. -Col. Reginald G. Pellatt
Rifles Regiment in the summer of 191 5. Only a few weeks were needed to recruit it. The 83rd trained during the late summer and early fall months at Niagara Camp, and in the winter of 1915-1916,
20
in Toronto. Its winter quarters were the old General Hospital building on Gerrard Street East. The battalion left for overseas in the early summer of 1916, entraining at the Union Station.
84TH Battalion
84th Battalion, Lt.-Col. W. T. Stewart, commander, was raised by the 109th Regiment, Toronto, early in 191 ^, and went under canvas at Niagara Camp tor the summer and tall. During the winter the battalion was divided in half, the headquarters staff and two com- panies of the unit being quartered at Brantford and the other two companies at Oshawa. Prior to going east in the spring of 191 6, the battalion was remobilized for a few weeks at Exhibition Park Camp.
92KD Battalion
92nd Highland Battalion, Lt.-Col. George Chisholm, commander, was another of the Toronto C.E.F. infantry regiments recruited in quick time in the late summer of 191 5, the 48th Highlanders being the parent unit. The 92nd put in a brief training period at Niagara and then returned to Toronto, going into quarters at the old General Hospital building, until the spring of 191 6, when it left for overseas. The departure of the 92nd Highlanders from Toronto was one ot the city's outstanding war-time events. One of the estimates placed the number of Torontonians who witnessed the 92nd's departure at twenty-five thousand. The send-oflf to the 92nd, which took place at Riverdale Station, will be always remembered as an historic occasion.
95TH Battalion
95th Battalion, Lt.-Col. R. K. Barker, commander, was also organized in the fall of 1 9 1 5, and also had a short training under canvas at Niagara. ^ It spent the winter and spring training seasons in the Process Building at Exhibition Camp, and went overseas in the late spring of 191 6. The 95th left Toronto on a Sunday afternoon, up- wards of 10,000 people taking part in the send-ofF.
97TH Battalion
97th Battalion, Lt.-Col. F. Jolly, commander, better known as the 97th American Legion, was organized early in January, 191^1. To be eligible for membership in the 97th, recruits had to be either born in the United States or be the sons of United States citizens. The unit was recruited to a total strength of about !,200 before it left for England, in May, practically all of this battalion's officers being
21
men who had seen service as officers in the army or the navy of the United States. A special feature of the 97th was a trumpet band, this taking the phice of the usual bugle band. The 97th's men partici- pated in the capture of Vimy Ridge, where they suffered heavy casualties.
123RD Royal Grenadiers
123rd Royal Grendiers Battalion, Lt.-Col. H. B. Kingsmill, com- mander, was recruited during the latter two weeks of December, 191 5. Prospective recruits were urged to "offer themselves as a Christmas present to their country." The unit had winter quarters in the Givens and Crawford Public School buildings. The 123rd left for overseas in the early summer of 1916.
124TH "Pals" Battalion
124th "Pals" Battalion, Lt.-Col. Vaux Chadwick, commander, was also recruited up to complete strength in a two weeks' whirlwind campaign. It only took from the day after Christmas, 191 5, until the end of the first week in January, 191 6, to secure one thousand men for this popular unit. The 124th put in its Canadian training at Toronto, Camp Niagara and Camp Borden. The unit left for over- seas in August, 191 6, and on reaching France became a "pioneer" battalion.
126th Peel and West Toronto
126th Peel and West Toronto Battalion, Lt.-Col. F. J. Hamilton, commander, was organized through the efforts of the 36th Peel Regiment and contained a good proportion of Toronto City men. It trained at Toronto, Niagara and Camp Borden prior to going overseas.
127TH York and North Toronto
127th York and North Toronto Battalion, Lt.-Col. F. F. Clarke, commander, contained several hundred men recruited in the City of Toronto. The unit was familiarly known as "Clarke's Foot Horse," owing to the prowess it displayed in making long route marches without fatigue. The 127th trained at North Toronto and at Camp Borden, leaving the latter place for overseas early in August, 1916. On reaching France the battalion was turned into a railway construction unit.
134TH Highlanders
134th Highlander Battalion, Lt.-Col. Duncan Donald, commander, was recruited in quick time in the spring of 1916. Its commander,
22
at that time also officer commanding the popular 48th Kiltie Regi- ment, met with little difficulty in rallying recruits for the overseas unit. The 134th was the third overseas battalion of Highlanders to be raised by the City of Toronto. After training at Exhibition Camp, the 134th went to Camp Borden, where it put in about six weeks of strenuous outdoor work and then left for overseas. Its members were used to reinforce the Highland units at the front that went from Canada with the First Contingent. The 134th band was chosen for Dominion Day service 191 7 in Westminster Abbey.
i66th Queen's Own
166th Queen's Own Battalion, Lt.-Col. R. C. Levesconte, comman- der, was another of the overseas units organized through the Queen's Own Rifles regiment. The i66th was recruited during the spring and early summer of 191 6. The unit, after mobilization, spent the first two months of its training at Exhibition Park. It was one of the first battalions from Toronto to go under canvas at Camp Borden. The i66th left Camp Borden for the east during the early fall of 1916.
169TH Battalion
169th Battalion, Lt.-Col. Jesse G. Wright, commander, was the second overseas unit raised entirelv through the work of the 109th Regiment of Toronto. The 169th was recruited in a little over two weeks during a whirlwind campaign, in the early spring of 191 6. Officers representing the 169th addressed meetings of factory employees and on the first Sunday of the campaign spoke for volunteers for over- seas infantry service from the pulpits of a great many of the city churches. After spending an entire summer in training at Niagara Camp the battalion left from that point for the east in the early fall of 1916.
lyOIH MlSSISSAUGA
170 Mississauga Battalion, Lt.-Col. L. (i. Recil, commander, was the third overseas regiment raised with the backing of the 9th Mis- sissauga cavalry regiment, the other two being the 75th and the 124th. Organization of the 170th took place during the spring of 1916. A feature of the 170th Battalion's recruiting campaign was the allotting of men from the same profession or trade into special sections (jr platoons and the use of this unique plan as a magnet to get vol- unteers to sign up. The 170th had several months of outdoor camp life at Borden and in the autumn of 1916 went from there overseas.
23
Sportsman's Battalion, i8oth
i8oth Sportsman's Battalion, Lt.-Col. Richard H. Greer, com- mander, was one of the best known overseas regiments raised by the
LipuT.-CoL. R. H. Greer
City of Toronto, including as it did many Toronto athletes not only of country-wide reputation but of world-wide note. These included such athletic stars as Lieut. "Bob" Dibble, contestant for the "Dia- mond Sculls" at Henley, England, and international sculling champion of America. Kvery branch of sporting activity supplied of its best to this battalion, with the result that the unit's representatives carried off many athletic trophies at the field games held in Canada, including the military championship at the Canadian National Ex- hibition, Toronto, and also when the battalion competed at field days held in England and France. The i8oth put in nearly four months of training at Camp Borden and went overseas in October of 1916. Capt. Tom Flanagan was prominently identified with the raising of the Sportsman's Battalion.
Lt.-Col. Greer is now at Ottawa directing the work of the Military Service Council's legal department which has to do with the ap- prehension of Military Service Act defaulters.
24
Capt. Flanagan Is now Chief of Dominion Police for the great- er part of Ontario, including New Ontario, his special work being the organizing and putting into effect of a police campaign for the arrest of men who try to avoid military service under the draft act.
Lieut. "Bob" Dibble, who was seriously wounded while on active service on the western battle-front, is assistant to Capt. Flanagan in his Dominion Police work in Ontario.
198TH "Blffs" BArrAi.ioN
198th Canadian-Buffs Battalion, Lt.-Col. John A. Cooper, com- mander, started recruiting in the late spring of 19 16 and was up to a total of about 1,200 by the time it left Toronto at the end of June, to go under canvas at Camp Borden. By special permission of the Imperial authorities, the 198th was affiliated with the famous "Buffs" regiment of Kent county, England, and allowed to wear the hand- some gold dragon crest of that regiment as the badge on the uniforms of its members. The Canadian Buffs trained at Exhibition Camp, Toronto, and at Borden. The unit went to England on February 23, 1917.
201 ST Battaijox
201 St Battalion, Lt.-Col. E. W. Hagarty, commander, better known as the Toronto Light Infantry, was recruited in the spring of 1916, most of its members being high school cadets. The members of the Toronto Light Infantry Battalion made a name for themselves both in military affairs and in athletics. At Camp Bortlen the 201st carried off the championship at one of the camp athletic fiekl days. Owing to the fact of the battalion's total strength being several hundred men below the required establishment of 1,200, it lost its identity, an arrangement being made in the fall of 1916 by which one-half of its members were alloted to the nySth Buffs Battalion and one-half to the 170th Battalion.
Beavers Baiialion, 204 fh
204th Beavers Battalion, Lt.-Col. \\ . H. Price, commander, which started its recruiting early in the spring of 1916, was sometimes re- ferred to as the "Parkdale" Battalion, owing to the large number of its members gained fr(jm that section of the city, also because its chief officer is a member of the Ontario Legislature, representing the
25
West end. As a matter ot fact ev^ery part of Toronto furnished a large quota of men for the Beavers Battalion, due to the enlistment cam-
LiBUT-CoL. W. H. Price. M.P.P.
paign of the unit having been carried out on a city ward basis. The 204th spent a few weeks' preliminary training at P'.xhibition Park, went north to Camp Borden for four months and then returned to Kxhibition Park, where several more months were spent in drill, the unit leaving Toronto for England in the spring of 191 7.
2o8th "Irish" Battalion
208th Canadian-Irish Battalion, Lt.-Col. T. Herbert Lennox, M.P.P., commander, held the first rally of its recruiting campaign on March 17th, 1916, St. Patrick's Day. The 208th was affiliated with the iioth Irish Regiment, which militia unit aided the overseas battalion in its sweep for recruits and also supplied a number of officers for overseas service with it. The 208th trained at Exhibition
26
Camp for a short time, at Camp Borden during the summer and fall of 1916, and then at Toronto until the spring of 1917 when it left for
LiEUT.-CoL. T. H. Lknnox, M.P.P.
overseas. While in London, Eng., the 208th took part in the Lord Mayor's Procession. Controller Capt. "Joe" Thompson signed up with this battalion.
213TH Battaliox
213th Battalion, Lt.-Col. B. j. McCormack, commander, was the second "American Legion" Battalion formed in eastern Canada with Toronto as the headquarters and mobilization point. This unit started organization work in the early spring of 1916 and signed on several hundred recruits by the early summer, gained not only from all parts of the eastern United States, but also in considerable numbers from the L'nited States-born residents of Toronto. The 213th trained at Exhibition Camp, at Borden anil then tluring the early winter of 1916-17 at St. Catharines. Its members went overseas in tlrafts from the latter city.
" Ba.N'I AMS" BAriAI.ION
2i6th (Bantam) Battalion, Lt.-Col. 1''. L. i^wrton, commander, was recruited during the late spring and early summer of 1916. .At
27
first the battalion's zone of recruiting campaign activities was limited to the City of Toronto, but later by special permission of the Ottawa authorities its scope of work was first extended to take in the whole of Toronto Military District and then the major part of the Province of Ontario. Upwards of a thousand men were recruited for the unit and then it went to Camp Borden, where it stayed until late October. Coming back to Toronto, the 21 6th Battalion was in training until the spring of 191 7 when it left tor overseas duty. The 2i6th's second in command was Major Alex. Lewis, Secretary ot the Toronto Harbor Commission. Major Lewis was wounded and " gassed." He was invalided back to Canada and is now second in command of the 2nd Battalion, 2nd Central Ontario Regiment.
220TH York Battalion
220th York Battalion, Lt.-Col. B. H. Brown, commander, which started to organize during the summer of 191 6, contained many recruits from the northern part of Toronto. The battalion went overseas early in the next year.
234TH Battalion
234th Battalion, known as the Peel County Battalion, had its headquarters in West Toronto and probably contained as many Toronto men as from the county. It was commanded by Lt.-Col. Wellington W^allace. The battalion started its recruiting campaign in the summer of 1916 and went overseas in the late spring of 1917. The unit trained at West Toronto and Exhibition Camp.
255TH Queen's Own
255th Queen's Own Battalion, Lt.-Col. George C. Royce, com- mander. Gen. -Manager and Secretary of the Toronto Suburban Railway Company, commenced its recruiting in the late fall of 1916. The second in command was L<-.-Col. S. W. Band, who gave up the command of the Q.O.R. to go overseas as a major in the 255th. Its campaign for members was featured by the "Give-us-his-name" scheme, citizens in general being urged to contribute names of men considered eligible for army service, to be followed up by the unit's recruiting sergeants. Thousands of names were received and the system yielded many recruits. The 255th went east in May of 1917.
256TH Battalion
256th Railway Construction Battalion, Lt.-Col. Walter McConnell, commander, had headquarters in Toronto and obtained several hundred of its recruits from Toronto and vicinity.
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257TH Battalion
257th Railway Construction Battalion, Lt.-Col. H. T. Martin, commander, also secured several hundred of its men in Toronto.
Both these railway units commenced recruiting in January of 1917. Within about two months they had signed on enough men to bring them up to strength and then left immediately for France.
Eatox Motor Machine Gux Corps
Sir John Uaton. Kt.
The Eaton Motor Machine Gun Corps, Major R. J. Nlorrison (now in charge of Toronto Jail Farm), commander, was formed in
29
Toronto during the winter o\ 1914-15. It was featured by a number of very large armored cars, donated by Sir John Eaton, and built by the Russell Motor Car Company. The armored cars were fort-like in construction, and in design something similar to the famous British "tanks." The Eaton Motor Machine Gun Corps trained at both Exhibition and Niagara Camps before going overseas in the summer ot 19K. Its membership included a great many university men, men highly skilled as motor-mechanics, also some experts in wireless telegraphy work. Present commander, Capt. R. D. Harkness.
Brig. -Gen. Sir Henry M. Pellatt, M.C.V.O. Commander Queen's Own Rifles
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4TH C.M.R.
The 4th Canadian Mounted Rifles Regiment, organized in the fall of 1914, under command of Lt.-Col. Vaux Chadwick, was mainly composed of members of the Gov^ernor-General's Body Guard and the 9th Mississauga Horse, cavalry regiments of Toronto. Mobilization of the 4th Canadian Mounted Rifles took place at Exhibition Camp, where the unit was in training until the late spring of 191 5, when it went to Niagara Camp, In the early summer, the 4th C.M.R., which has the distinction of being the only complete cavalry regiment formed in Toronto for overseas service in the great war (the other horsemen going as squadrons or drafts), was transferred to Valcartier, Que., from where after a brief period it lett for overseas. Col. Chad- wick, business partner in Toronto o\ Lt.-Col. S. G. Beckett who was killed in action while leading his command, the 75th Battalion, did not go overseas with the 4th C.M.R., but later went to the front in command of the 124th "Pals" Battalion ot Toronto.
On the western front in France and Belgium, the 4th Canadian Mounted Rifles has served as an infantry unit and taken part in many of the fiercest battles, including those at Sanctuary Wood, the Somme, Vimv Ridge anci Passchendaele. Its commanders have included Lt.-Col. S. F. Smith, Lt.-Col. J. F. H. Ussher, Lt.-Col. H. D. Lockhart Gordon, and Lt.-Col. \Vm. Patterson.
RECRUITING BUREAU
WHEN the fact became known to the Ottawa authorities that Canada' would have to be represented at the I-Vont by several divisions, a Government recruiting bureau was established in Toronto, which was first officially called the Toronto Recruiting Depot. This was organized by Major (now Lt.-Col.) LeGrand Reeil, who was succeeded by Major R. J. Christie, Q.O.R.
Sacrifices Business
Major Christie placed to one side, in large measure, his important business interests as head of the Christie, Brown & Co., Limited, and other important financial responsibilities, to devote himself to the duties as commander of what is now the Toronto .Mobilization Centre. Under Col. Reed and Nhijor Christie over 60,000 men have been given military medical examination in the Toronto .Armouries.
3'
Major Christie has two sons on active service. Gunner W. L. Christie went overseas as a Lieutenant in the 35th Battalion and is now in France with the Divisional Ammunition Column.
I.Huntley Christie is now overseas serving as a Lieutenant in the Royal Flying Corps.
MAJ(JK R. J. ClIKISTIU
STAFF OFFICFRS
The Staff Officers, who under direction of Major-General Logie direct the military affairs of Toronto Military District, are:— General Staff Officer— Col. H. C. Bickford. General Staff Officer, 2nd— Lt.-Col. W. R. Lang.
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Assistant Adjutant-General (in charge of administration) — Lt.-Col. James George.
Deputy Assistant-Adjutant and Quartermaster-General — Major F. P. Heaiey (86th Battalion).
D.A.A. and Q.M.G. 2.— Lt.-Col. G. F. Morrison, D.S.O. (i8th Battalion).
Orderly Officer— Lieut. C. T. Clark (4th C.M.R.).
Camp Engineer — Major R. B. McGiffin.
Assistant Camp Engineer — Capt. E. H. Yeigh.
Assistant Director of Supplies and Transportation — Col. G. A. Dodge, S.P.A.S.C.
Assistant Director of Medical Services — Lt.-Col. E. S. Ryerson, late of No. 4 General Hospital, C.E.F.
Deputy A.D.M.S.— (i) Sanitation— Lt.-Col. J. \V. S. McCullough, Provincial Health Officer.
Deputy x'^.D.M.S. — (2) Sanitation — Major J. C. Fitzgerald.
Officer in Charge of Dental Services for Toronto Military District — Lt.-Col. \V. G. Thompson.
Toronto District Paymaster — Lt.-Col. J. R. Forbes, C.A.P.C.
Senior Ordnance Officer — Lt.-Col. A. de L. Panet, C.O.C.
Chief V^eterinary Officer — \Lijor F. S. Macdonald, C.A.WC.
Assistant Judge Advocate General — Lt.-Col. J. A. Macdonald.
District Intelligence Officer — Capt. A. l'\ Coventry, Corps ot Guides (late 55th Battalion).
Senior Chaplain Toronto Military District Lt.-Col. Cico. H. Williams.
Officer in Charge of Records and Statistics — Capr. ) . 1- . K. Wilkes (late Royal Field Artillery).
District Signalling Officer — Nhijor S. dc W. Dunn.
Senior Musketry Officer— Lt.-Col. G. \' . Massey, C.O.T.C.
Administration Staff Branch— Lt.-Col. R. C. Windcyer (late 74th Battalion).
District Provost-Marshal — NLijor E. F. Osier
Assistant Provost-Marshal — Major James Widgcry (late 75th Battalion).
Officer Clerk— Capt. J. C. .Armstrong, C.NLS.C.
School of Infantry Lt.-Col. H. D. LcPan, comnKUulant.
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ROYAL CANADIAN DRAGOONS
Toronto Rf.gllar Army Unit from Stanley Barracks
A MOST enviable war-service record is that of the Royal Canadian Dragoons, the Toronto regular army unit which has head- quarters at Stanley Barracks, known for a hundred years by Toronto and "Muddy York" citizens as "the Old Fort." Since the present war started, this noted cavalry regiment has sent overseas in excess of a thousand of its members, all highly trained and all up to the Royal Canadian Dragoons physical standard. Major E. A. Hethrington is the officer commanding the Royal Canadian Dragoons at Stanley Barracks.
Among the prominent Toronto officers who were identified with the Royal Canadian Dragoons and now serving overseas are Lt.-Col. C. M. Nelles, C.M.G., Major C. V. Van Straubenzee, and Major A. y. S. Nordheimer. •
ROYAL FLYING CORPS
Toronto is One of the Greatest Aviation Instructional Centres of the British Empire
WITHOUT a doubt the work carried on by the Imperial Royal Flying Corps in the Toronto Military District is on a scale rivalling that of any aviation centre in the whole British Empire. Under the direction of the Royal Flying Corps headquarters in Toronto City, five great aviation camps are operated: at Borden, Leaside, Armour Heights, Long Branch and Deseronto. Two of these, Leaside Camp and Armour Heights Camp, are in the limits of Greater Toronto itself, at the north side of the city. Officers of the Royal Flying Corps, who have visited Toronto as representatives of the British Army authorities, have been unstinted in their praise of the equipment and arrangements of the Toronto aviation grounds. In fact, they declared without hesitation that there was nothing in the British Isles to surpass them.
Aviation Centre
Toronto is the aviation training centre for the whole Dominion of Canada, and during the summer of 1917 to a large extent also for the North American Continent, inasmuch as hundreds of members of the United States Army Flying Corps were sent to Toronto to be trained in aviation work.
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General Hoare at the Head
Lt.-Col. C. G. Hoare of the Imperial Royal Flving Corps and a staff of officers were sent to Canada by the British War Office to organize a Canadian Flying Corps Division, with headquarters estab- lished in Toronto. In consequence of the rapid growth of the Can- adian aviation work it was recognized by the Imperial authorities promoting Col. Hoare to the rank of General.
Spent Ten Million
Ten million dollars has been expended by the British Government for the establishment of the aviation plants and training grounds in Canada, practically all being within the Toronto District Royal Flying Corps area. Five great aviation training camps and one very large airplane factory were in full operation in Toronto District by the end of 1917, and within a few weeks the sixth training camp will be completed. It is at Beamsville.
GREAT WAR VETERANS' ASSOCIATION Started in Flanders
ONE of the City of Toronto's most rapidly growing organizations is the Great \Var Veterans' Association. It has 3,400 Toronto members. Three thousand of them were enrolled during the year 1917. To go back to the beginnings ot the Great War Veterans' Association it is necessary to go to Flanders, for it was on the Canadian fighting line in Belgium that the idea of forming such an association was first thought of. It was after one of the biggest battles on the Canadian front at St. Kloi, in which some of the Ontario battalions suffered exceptionally heavy losses, that the idea was broached ot forming an organization of war-veterans, for "comradeship" of those who had survived the battle of that day. Of course, since that time the association has added to its objects those of mutual assistance, and of being a club to stand strongly behind the dependents of the brave men who "Went West" and see that they were aided in every possible way.
First Local Meeting
When first organized in Toronto the war-veterans' club was named the Returned Soldiers' .Association. It was established at a meeting of returned soldiers held in St. John's Church, I^^rtland Street, on May 22, 1 91 6. Provisional officers were aj^pointeil as follows: — President, Regt. Sergt. -.Major W. Rowe Whitton, W.O., 20th Bat-
35
talion; Treasurer, Ralph Humphries, 15th Battalion. The organ- ization was chartered as the Great War Veterans' Association during January, 191 7. By a re-arrangement recently adopted the Toronto and all the branches of the association in the county have been merged into the York County Great War Veterans' ^Association, officered as follows: — Pres., Lt.-Col. E. B. Hardy, D.S.O.; Vice- Pres., H. F. Meredith; Treas., Major G. A. Sampson; Secretary, J. C. O'Connor.
Executive — H. W. Parson, James Tweedle, Lt.-Col. C. G. Williams, Capt. H. Marani, Major Carson McCormick, Capt. McCallum, M.C., and Comrades W'alker, Perkins, Cameron and Graham. For many months the secretaryship of the Toronto branch of the association was held by Sergt, Wm. Turley, a returned soldier, whose energy and executive ability has contributed much towards the success of the G.W^V.A. He is now secretary of the Ontario Great War Veterans' Association. Two of his brothers were killed in action on the western battle-front.
Five Toronto Branches
There are five Toronto branches of the G.W.V.A. They are: — A Company (Riverdale) — Pres., Major G. A. Sampson; B Company (Central) — Pres., James Tweedle; C Company (West Toronto) — Pres., Capt. H. Marani; D Company (Parkdale) — Pres., J. Cameron; Earlscourt Company — Pres., T. Campbell.
SPORTSMAN'S PATRIOTIC ASSOCIATION
Formed Sportsman's Battalion
THE Sportsman's Patriotic Association was founded in the month of August, 1916, with R. H. Greer, President; T. C. Flanagan, Vice-President; Fred Sutherland, assisted by Miss Nora Leigh, as Secretary, for the purpose of buying athletic goods for the soldiers' training camps for overseas. The idea met with such instant favor, and such sums of money were contributed by the public, that Messrs. George Wright, T. Herbert Lennox, and James Pearson were appointed a Board of Trustees to handle the funds, and arrangements were made to establish branches throughout Ontario in such places as Hamilton, London, Ottawa, Brockville, Windsor, and Calgary for the West. Each organization was carried as a subsidiary to the Toronto organ- ization and given the right to use the name, and a button was issued to be used as a symbol of membership throughout Canada. In all the sum of ^30,000 was handled by the Toronto organization in addition
36
to monies that were received hy the local organizations throughout the country, and the necessity for supplying overseas units with goods as well as entertaining the men of the various camps, was entered on along broad lines and with uniform success. Much assistance was
George Wright. Trustt'c .SPA
given to the military authorities in recruiting, largely through the
theatres on Sundays, which were used through the generosity oi the
theatrical profession both as a financial and enlisting agency to aid recruiting and finance the necessities of the sokliers.
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Formed i8oth Battalion
The Toronto organization was asked to organize the i8oth Overseas Battalion, which was done and given the name of the Sportsman's Battalion, to which many famous athletes were attached, both as officers and non-commissioned officers and men, and after a short training of eight months, arrived in England, where it was recognized as one of the best of our Canadian battalions and was subsequently broken up for drafts as reinforcements for the Front.
On the departure of Lieut. -Col. R. H. Greer and Capt. T. C. Flanagan overseas with the battalion in 1916, the duties of the organ- ization were taken over by the Sportsman's Patriotic Association, which was incorporated under the original name, and many of the well- known newspaper men ot Toronto are interested in it. Mr. Patrick J. Mulqueen is president, and the executive is composed of such men as Frank Nelson, of the "Globe;" W. J. Hewitt, of the "Star;" Mr, J. Shea, of Shea's Theatre, and James Norris.
Xmas Cheer
The "Christmas Tree" entertainments given each year in Toronto for the wives, mothers, and children of the ''soldiers overseas," under the auspices of the Sportsman's Patriotic Association, constitute a form of war-time cheer worthy of much praise. The events are held in Massey Hall. During the Christmas holiday season just past about 30,cxx) gifts from "Santa Claus" were placed in the hands of the children of the fighting men overseas. The gifts cost nearly $7,000.
THREE TORONTO V.C.'S
THREE Torontonians have won the V.C. The first Victoria Cross was won by Sergt. Frederick Hobson. This hero did not survive the wounds received at the time he performed the valorous deed for which he gained the coveted award.
Second Award
The second was won by Corp. Colin Barron, 23-year-old teamster, who went overseas, after only two months' training, in 191 5. He came from BanflFshire, Scotland, and was only in Toronto three years when he enlisted with Lt.-Col. McCordick's Battalion. He was absolutely without any military experience, and after two months' training at the Exhibition Camp, went overseas in June, 191 5. For two years he has been constantly on the firing-line and has escaped injury. His father, Joseph Barron, lives in Scotland.
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Corp. Colin Barron, single-handed, rushed enemy guns, killed four of the crews and captured the others, and then turned the captured guns on the retiring enemy, causing severe casualties.
Third Award
Lance-Sergt. S. Robinson, of the Canadian Infantry, also won this enviable distinction.
PATRIOTIC FUND
Organized August, 1914. More than $6,500,000 Collected in
Three Whirlwind Campaigns. How Money Was Disbursed.
191 8 Campaign Brought $3,133,348.39
Hon. SiK Wii.i.iAM Mii.<»ck, K.C M.(V, President Toronto and York I'utiiotic l-'und
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Organized at City Hall
A FEW days after the declaration of the war, August 4, 1914, at the instance of several public-spirited citizens, a meeting was held at the City Hall Council Chamber, to discuss ways and means of augmenting the financial resources of families of soldiers who were to go on active service. This meeting was held on August 14, and the Toronto and York County Patriotic Fund Association was founded. Sir William Mulock was made the president and an ex- ecutive and organization committee was formed.
Organization
It was decided at a meeting held at the City Hall, August 20, 1914, to hold a Mass Meeting at Massey Hall and inaugurate a campaign to solicit funds from the public during a four-day campaign. The aim was to raise one million dollars. The meeting was held the following Monday after the 20th, and the campaign more than came up to the expectations of the organizers.
Raise Over One Million
The amount collected from that campaign amounted to ;^ 1,005,- 552.46.
Offices were opened at 30 King West, and by the end of December, 1 9 14, 900 families had been cared for and |2 1,567 had been spent on relief work.
Up until Oct., 1915, 5,427 families had been cared for and |88.8 17.08 had been expended.
At the end of Dec, 191 6, 9,621 families had been cared for and ^148,388.34 expended.
Up until the end of 191 7, 8,306 families had been cared for and $142,336.10 expended during the month of Dec, 1917.
The 1916 campaign brought $2,363,356.
The 1917 campaign brought $3,195,780.98.
The amount of moneys expended in the carrying on of the work was only $79,505.96 up until the end of December, 1916.
The total number of dependents, women and children, in receipt of aid from the funds during December, 1917, 22,859, as against 26,753, December, 1916, and about 14,000 in the month of October, 1915.
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i
Officers
Patron, His Excellency the Duke of Devonshire. Hon. Pres., Sir John S. Hendrie, K.C.M.G. Hon. Pres., Hon. Sir William Hearst, K.C., LI..D. President, Sir William Mulock, K.C.M.G. Hon. Treasurer, E. R. Wood.
Hon. Solicitor and Secretary, E. T. Malone, K C. Asst. Treasurer, A. S. Muirhead. Asst. Secretary, C. D. Gower. Business Manager, J. A. McElroy.
Offices: Corner Yonge and Wellington, and Room 914, C.P.R. Building (Subscription Dept.). Phone Main 1986-7-8.
H H \\ IL1.IAM.S, Chairman Patriotic Fund Kxecutivc — lyi?
4«
A large measure of the great results attained through the cam- paigns is due to the sterling activities of Col. \V. S. Dinnick, the organizer, and H. H. Williams, chairman of the 1917 executive, and team captains and workers.
1918 Campaign, $3,133,348.39. The result by teams and special subscriptions in the 191 8 campaign, Jan. 22, 23, 24, 25, is as follows: —
Chairmen. Totals.
C. Marriott $245,442.00
Rotary Club 324,601 .00
H. B. Wills 226,534.07
T. Findley 363,194.68
Thos. Roden 290,200 . 50
Justice Ferguson 67,762.76
Women's Committee 205,613.38
City 1 ,000,000 . 00
York County 300,000.00
Civic Employees 36,000.00
Civil Servants 12,000.00
University of Toronto 12,000.00
T. Eaton Co 50,000 . 00
I3.i33>348.39
CANADIAN RED CROSS TORONTO BRANCH
More than $3,000,000 Raised in Cash and Material
Contributions
T
HE Toronto Branch of the Canadian Red Cross Society was organized 2nd September, 19 14.
The value of materials contributed is as follows: —
1914 t 18,330.98
1915 108,580.71
1916 263,741.65
19 1 7 102,082.63
^492,735-97
The amount of money received each year: —
Year ending Sept. 30th, 1915 $166,872.31
Year ending Sept. 30th, 1916 171,485 .08
Year ending Sept. 30th, 1917 30i)50^-33
^639,863.72 42
Bruish Red Cross In the fall ot 191 5, the British Red Cross sent in an appeal to all cities of the British Empire for aid. Toronto made the following contributions in 3 three-day whirlwind campaigns: —
1915 ^538,873
1916 699,533
1917 835,000
Total contributions to Red Cross were more than $3,000,000.
LiBi'T.-Coi.. N'oKi, Marshall. Chairman Caiiailiaii Red Cross
Executive, Canadian Red Cross Chairman, Et.-Col. Noel Marshall. Hon. Rec. Sccty., B S. Mac(Jinnis.
Hon. Scctv., Mrs. (Canon) A. M. Phimptrc. Offices: Imperial Oil Bldg., cor. Church and Kinu'. Phone .Main 3560.
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Toronto Executive
Pres., Kenneth J. Dunstan. Chairman and Hon. Treas., Senator Nicholls. \'ice-Pres., A. E. Ames and A. F. Rutter. Hon. Treas., J. J. Gibson. Hon. Secty., C. N. Candee. Hon. Asst. Secty., F. A. Mulholland, C.R.C.
Offices: 92 King W. Mrs. R. Stearns Hicks in charge. Phone Add. 784.
A Hfe membership in the C.R.C. costs ^^25.
The Canadian Red Cross receive a portion of the money collected on the Patriotic Fund Campaign, and from the 191 8 campaign they received one-third.
VICTORY LOAN
Toronto Creates World's Record for NuiMber of
Subscribers
TORONTO created a world's record by subscribing 176,256,315. The number of Torontonians subscribing being 126,390. This announcement was made Monday, December 3, 1917, at Massey Hall. The campaign lasted virtually two weeks, and created a world's record with respect to the number of subscribers.
Toronto Executive
Honorary Chairman — Sir Edmund Osier. Chairman — J. W. Mitchell. Vice-Chairman — H. R. Tudhope. Secretary — G. A. Warburton. Chairmen of Districts:
District "A"— W. N. Mcllwraith.
" "B"— Major O. Heron.
" " C "— Lt.-Col. F. H. Deacon.
" "D"— John A. Tory.
" "E"— H.H.Williams. Publicity Committee — W. P. Gundy, Chairman. Industrial Groups Committee — C0I..W. K. McNaught, Chairman. Committee — T. Bradshaw, W. C. Noxon, F. G. Osier, H. M. Pea- cock, D. H. Pettes, W. E. Rundle, Lieut. A. F. White, E. G. Willis, G. H. Wood.
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WAR WORK OF Y.M.C.A.
Red Triangle a Welcome Sign.
FEW institutions have rendered the same amount of assistance to the boys as the Y.M.C.A., and this work has not been confined to the trenches. Directly a young man enlisted he came under the influence ot this organization, which followed him on all his travels, and, finally on his return to Toronto, his first meal on landing would invariably be obtained at the Central Y.M.C.A.
From the outset, the Y.M.C.A. took a prominent interest in the boys who enlisted, and even those whose physical condition prevented their enlistment were taken in hand, and by dint of much training and exercise they were made fit and able to pass the examination.
At the various camps throughout the city, the Y.M.C.A. was always represented; in fact, the Y.M.C.A. war worker is ubiquitous. He took charge of the canteens, and supplied everything for the well- being and interest of the soldiers.
House for Soldiers.
At the city hospitals a special selection of secretaries was made for the express purpose of brightening the lives of the young fellows who have fallen by the wayside through over-exertion in training, and other causes not brought on by themselves.
For those who come to Toronto on leave, or visit the city en route for some other encampment, the Y.M.C.A. placed the Red Triangle Club, corner Queen and \'ictoria Streets, at the disposal of the boys.
A great deal of this organization was ot a voluntary character, the supervision being, of course, under men whose lite training has made them specially adapted for the work. The business men of the city have contributed a great deal of time and money to this work. A staff of approximately 20 men at the Exhibition Camp handle the 3,000 and more men there. The Red Triangle Club, with a staff of 15 men, take care of 3,000 men a week, for beds and meals, to say nothing of the thousands constantly making use of the club for reaiiing, writing, billiards and general recreation purposes.
One secretary is stationed at the Toronto Rase Hospital, arui he has some 725 men to look after. At the Orthopeiiic Hospital, one secretary looks after 700 men.
The committee which looks after this work consists of Messrs. L. F. Moneypenny, Chairman; T. L. Brown, W. H. Scott, John Westren, Jr., Geo. Ross, P. J. Lee, Secretary.
George A. Warburton is the General Secretary, with offices at the Central '^'.M.C.A., 34 to 36 College Street. Telephone N. S400.
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TORONTO WOMEN'S NOBLE WORK
Thousands of Mothers, Wives, Sisters and Sweethearts
DO Their "Bit" Lady Hendrie Gave Generous and General Support
LADY HENDRIE, wife of the Lieutenant-Governor of Ontario, has been associated with the War Work of Toronto since its very inception. She has attended numberless meetings, by which she gav^e encouragement and assistance to many patriotic projects, and has been an undoubted strength to the work of the women ot Toronto. She gave personal time and superintendence to the Duchess of Connaught Prisoners' of War Fund, which turned out so
Lady Hendrie
46
\
successfully. She has also taken keen interest n the work of the children in the schools, receiving their donations to various patriotic campaigns, delighting teachers and children by hfer enthusiastic re- cognition. Measuring up to the needs of the times the response of Lady Hendrie to patriotic calls has been gracious and general.
WORK OF LADY HEARST
Sympathetic Assistanxe of Premier's Wif?.
NATl'RALLY sympathetic, Lady Hearst, the wife of Sir William Hearst, the Premier of Ontario, has found man\ ways in which to help in the various avenues by which Toronto's women have assisted the soldiers both overseas and at heme. In
Lady Hsarst 47
various campaigns she has given personal service and was Convener of the S.O.S. Committee in the last British Red Cross Campaign. She has also done her "bit" by knitting and sewing, and has ever been at the call o* meetings and gatherings where her presence might lend support to the patriotic work of the times.
DEEDS THAT WILL LIVE
What Toronto Women Have Done
T "T TOMEN'S War Work in Toronto began on the very day that
\/\/ Great Britain declared war on Germany. On August 4th,
19 1 4, the first meeting of women for war purposes took place
on the large verandah and grounds of "Deancroft," the home of Mrs.
Mrs K. S. Wilson.
A. E. Gooderham. A telegram, dated Aug. 3rd, from a Toronto girl, Miss Mary Plummer, then in Victoria, B.C., had been received by the Daughters of the Empire in Toronto. The telegram asked that the organization throughout Canada get together and work for an Hospital
48
Ship. The meeting held at the home of the President of the Order was the response to the request. Mrs. R. S. Wilson, Regent of the Municipal Chapter, presided, and during the course of the meeting Miss Plummer arrived, coming direct from the train.
The Women of Canad.a
On Aug. 6th a second meeting was held and organization was completed for the work of the Hospital Ship, which it was decided should be the offering of no special organization hut that it should come from the Women of Canada. The objective was ;^ 100,000. The result surpassed all expectations, amounting to ^284,000. It was later found that the Hospital Ship was not needed, and after consulta- tion it was decided that 3ioo,ooo should be given to the British War Office for the Canadian Women's Ambulances, the remaining 5iH4,ooo to go for a group of buildings at the Hasler Naval Hospital, Ports- mouth, England. In addition to collecting Toronto's share of the gift on "Flag Day," all the executive work in connection with the enterprise was done by the women of Toronto, with Mrs. A. K. Gooder- ham as President, Miss Plummer, Secretary, and Mrs. John Bruce, Treasurer. Miss Plummer, and Miss Joan Arnoldi, another Toronto girl, went to Fngland, where both were given commissions and have since been overseas working in connection with the superintendence of the Field Comforts' Commission.
Toronto Women's Patriotic League
The next big movement was that which resulted from a gathering held in the City Hall on .August i8th, to which all Toronto women, and especiallv representatives of all societies, were invitcil. On that morning the rain came down in torrents, but that did not prevent a wonderfully large and enthusiastic turn-out. The object of the meeting, broadly speaking, was to prepare for any service that women could do. Manv names were suggested, and after debate, the name Toronto Women's Patriotic League was tlecided ujion, and Mrs. Willoughby Cummings was elected President. Headquarters were procured through the offer of a beautiful and commodious house at 559 Shcrbourne Street, and various activities were carried on there until headquarters were changeil to their present address, So King Street West.
X'ariei) .Acii\iriKs
The activities carried on by the Patriotic League were colossal, embracing comforts for soKliers, which meant the making and rc- ceivinij: of thousands of socks, pyjamas, hamlkerchiefs, mitts and other
49
articles; supplying clothes and other needs to the destitute of the city, a class very numerous in the early days of the war; sending supplies to the Belgians; giving and getting employment for women and girls, and assisting in any way that the emergency seemed to demand. The officers of the "League," in addition to the President, Mrs. Cum- mings, were: Vice-Presidents, Mrs. H. D. Warren, Mrs. McClelland; Secretary, Mrs. F. Featherstonhaugh; Treasurer, Mrs. Hamilton Burns. The work became so heavy that it was thought advisable to divide it in charge of Sub-Committees, which since then have been working under various names. Their activities are given under their Sub-Committee name.
WAR WORK OVERSEAS
Mrs. a. E. Gooderham's Services
PATRIOTISM of the women of Toronto has not stopped short at the boundaries of our City. Some have followed our men overseas and have done noble things to add to their comfort and safeguard their interests. Among those who have done this is Mrs. A. K. Gooderham, who spent many months in England, and while there saw to the equipping and furnishing of the Daughters of the F.mpire Hospital, near High Park, London. The funds for this were given by Col. Gooderham, and the beautiful and generous furnish- ing was all done under instructions from Mrs. Gooderham. The institution is for officers and will accommodate twenty-five. The house was secured for the duration of the war through the influence of an English friend of Mrs. Gooderham, and placed under the auspices of the Red Cross Department of the Daughters of the Empire. She also interested herself largely in the Maple Leaf Club, which has two I.O.D.E. Annexes for the entertainment of soldiers.
Oiher Activities
In addition to overseas work, Mrs. Gooderham, as President ot the National Chapter of the Daughters of the Empire for Canada, has been interested more or less directly in all the vast activities of the Order, the work of which goes through the head office in Toronto. She is also on the Hoard or in some way connected with almost every patriotic endeavor, and it was in her home, " Deancroft," that the initial meeting — that which launched the idea of the Hospital Ship — was held. Recently her influence has gone through the Dominion
50
MKS a li. CiOODERHAM
for the purpose of inspiring the project of the I.O.D.K. Home tor Nurses in Kngland. Nlrs. Gooderham is untlouhteilly among the women of Toronto who have spent themselves unsrinrinL'l\ in patriotic
service.
WORK FOR WAR VETERANS
Miss Chirch a Hk. I^'acior
OUTSTANDINC; is the work of Miss Church, sister of Mayor Church, for the (jreat War Veterans, for whom she was in- strumental in procuring a large and handsome home to he used as Club quarters. Much preliminary work led to "Women's Tribute Night," Nov. joth, \<)i(\ memorable for the enthusiastic scene in
51
Massey Hall, when the returned heroes were given their first general recognition and the sum of $8,500 was either received or promised by the audience of women. The quarters at 22 Carlton were rented and the 26 rooms furnished at a cost of about $3,200. The total collected
Miss R. Church
is now about ^2,800. The example of Toronto stimulated other centres, and Hamilton, Brantford and Winnipeg followed in having a "Tribute Night" to the returned soldiers and other work in their interest.
WORK OF MRS. AMBROSE SMALL
C)\F, OK Toronto's Best Assets
AMONG the women who have worked along individual lines y\ as well as taking part in practically all the big campaigns that have been launched since the war, is Mrs. Ambrose Small, who was one of the first interested in the Citizens' Recruiting League, for which she procured meeting places such as theatres, also orchestras, besides taking personal charge of all the monies collected at the Sunday
52
MkS. Amiik<
meetings. On some Sundays no less than ten meetings were held at the same time. She was also chairman of the Ways anil Means Committee which raised over ;^75,ooo tor overseas Battalions anil ncniifti! ahout i,ioo men.
Italian Rkd Cross
The founding of the Italian Red Cross Society was the work ol' Mrs. Small, through which 17,500 lira was sent to Italy in the first few months. For this work this indefatigahle Toronto worker re- ceived letters of recognition from the Minister of I'oreign .Arf'airs in Italy. Mrs. Small was President of this Society for three years and
53
Hon. President of the Italian Patriotic Society, her knowledge and facile use of the Italian language making her of great use to these organizations.
Mother of "Irish" Battalion
Another channel in which Mrs. Small did exceptional service was in connection with the 208th Irish Battalion, which she "mothered" from the time they were started until they went overseas, and for which she raised 325,000. To this work she gave almost her entire time, having an office down town to facilitate her various activities in this connection.
Other Patriotic Service
She also raised money for different patriotic interests through lectures given in different parts of the country, and with the assistance of various committees raised ^i 5,400 for Patriotic and Red Cross Funds in ten campaigns in which she took part, and sold $40,000 of Victory Bonds. She is now President of the Women's Auxiliary of the Great War Veterans, Central Branch, Toronto, and Honorary Regent of th? War Veterans' Chapter in Hamilton. In the first year of the war she had a Milk and Bread Fund, supplying 400 families with money raised through private donations and entertainments. As Regent of Sir Henry Pellatt Chapter, I.O.D.E , Mrs. Small has to her credit a fair representation of the activities reported through the Municipal Chapter.
TORONTO COUNCIL OF WOMEN Mrs. a. M. Huestis, President
THE Toronto Council of Women, of which Mrs. A. M. Huestis is President, is composed of a federation of seventy-two societies, every one of which in addition to regular activities has done "war work" of one kind or another, the total amount handled an- nually amounting to thousands of dollars.
The President has formally represented the Council in every patriotic campaign since the work began, and together with the members has shared the responsibilities.
The Executive directly distributed all posters and cards for the National Service Board. It did not take a war to make the Council patriotic, its work for twenty-five years being along those lines.
54
Mrs. a. M. Hiestis
EMERGENCY WORK-ROOM
THE Emergencv Work-room of the Patriotic League was in charge of Mrs. H. I). Warren, which got its employees through the In- dustrial Employment Bureau opened by the organization. Through this avenue manv women were phiccd both in the city and country. The total number of registrati(jns until the Bureau was taken over by the Government was 6,127, the number placet-! 1,684, <^^ which 481 were out of town. Day's work through the work-rooms were 20,1/33 and work through the knitting department to be taken home 259. A work-room for unemployables who could not be left to starve was filled to capacity for many months, the simplest work being tound tor them. The making of rag dolls was a feature ot the Emergency work, many being sold in different parts of Canada, and in New York, Boston and different parts of the States. In connection with the knitting-rooms of the Patriotic League there were two departments, one in charge of Mrs. Lewis and the other under the directit)n ot .Mrs. Van Nostrand.
55
Mrs. H. D. Warren Apart from her connection with the League, Mrs. Warren has from the very beginning of the need for service spent herself in many directions; and by the noble way in which she continued her work under the trying sorrow that came to her early in the war in the loss of her son overseas, proved an inspiration and example for other women, thousands of whom have since had the same sad experience. Mrs. Warren gave a large room at her home, "Red Gables," where work has been carried on continuously. She also gave the Officers' Hospital on Jarvis Street, and has helped in almost every movement launched for war service. Mrs. Warren has been decorated with the insignia of a Lady of Grace of St. John of Jerusalem, an honor which she bears with the modesty that distinguishes her whole life-work.
SOLDIERS" COMFORTS DEPARTMENT
ytMONG the women who have been on duty without relief
AA guard since the first blast of the bugle sounded the call "to
arms," is Mrs. Arthur Van Koughnet, who has applied herself
to many things which she found at hand to do, and to many others
Mrs. Akthuk Van Koughnet
56
that found her tor their doing. As Convener o\ the Soldiers' Comforts Department of the Patriotic League, "Comforts" in the shape oi shirts, socks, service shirts, slippers, towels, pillows, sheets, hags, cigarettes, hot-water bottles, surgical-dressings, musical instruments, games, toilet articles, and multitudes of other articles for the comfort of the men here and overseas have passed through her hands, the total amounting to 328,169 articles valued at 5^ '58,44s. 00.
TORONTO RED CROSS
Women Spare Neither Time Nor Money
THE Toronto Red Cross — which is a branch of the Canadian Red Cross — with headquarters at 88 King Street West, has been in operation almost since the first call to arms sounded through the land. Its principal mission has been to supply needs and com- forts to the men in the Hospitals, and most heartily and systematically has the work been carried out.
The material has been supplied through various channels, largely through circles of which there are now three hundred in Toronto, many attached to various church organizations and others to various groups of women working in different parts of the city. A feature ot the work is, that every circle finances itselt, so that when the supplies come in thev are altogether unencumbered and a tree gift from the women. Through the instructions issued by the "War Work," which is published quarterly by the Canadian Red Cross, the articles made are turned out according to directions which are carefully followed, anil the work of the women may be said to be standardized and exquisitely finished. Some of the circles work almost continuously, others having special days of the week upon which to assemble for sewing anil knitting.
4,491,627 Ariri.es Shipped
To imagine the bulk anil number of articles that have passed through the hands of the workers at 88 King Street West, seems almost an impossibility. Their bulk was many tons and they numbered 4,491,627 articles. The supplies included thousands of pairs of socks, bed-linen, pyjamas, bandages, warm comfortable dressing- gowns and jackets, property-batis, bandages, and scores of other much appreciated articles. The value of money and material collected from the beginning by the Toronto Red Cross amounts to ;?545,5I7.57 at the date of report — Feb. iSth. Headquarters have sent out 21,000 letters and cards of acknowledgment, and 2;,i;o bulletins, copies of "War Work" and patterns.
57
Xmas Cheer in Trenches
Another most interesting part of the work was the Christmas Cheer sent annually to the boys in the Hospitals overseas. Every season since the men and boys of Toronto crossed the Atlantic they have been remembered, the Christmas of 191 7 seeing no less than 1,100 of the most beautiful and generous Christmas stockings piled up to greet the men at Christmas-tide. So generous was this last response that it was made possible to give a special treat to the men at the Base Hospital and to the convalescents at the Exhibition Camp.
Mrs. K. Stiiakns-Hicks
The work at headquarters has been all superintended by Mrs. R. Stearns-Hicks, who took over the honorary office at the beginning and has since been one of the most devoted of war-workers, giving her day's attention and labor and often her night's thought to the interest of the things that go to guard and comfort our sick soldiers.
Toronto's total collection for the British Red Cross since the beginning of the war is ^2,123,716.00.
58
HAS WORKED NATIONALLY
Mrs. Plumptre's Activities
THERE have been few if any women who have stuck closer to patriotic service than Mrs. Plumptre, but as a large portion of her time and talents have been given to the Canadian Red Cross, results may not be given in figures as the offering of Toronto alone. Mrs. Plumptre has convened the Women's Committee of the British Red CrossCampaigns,and in the interest*^ of the cause toured Western Canada. A keen observer of men and things, her advice and exec- utive ability have been of great value to manv undertakings. As a logical and interesting speaker she has often been called upon to represent various interests, her addresses being always entertaining and informing. Mrs. Plumptre gives almost daily personal attention to the work at the headquarters ot the Canadian Red Cross.
Lahv 1',m,c»)NKR
5y
UNIVERSITY HOSPITAL SUPPLY ASSOCIATION
Lady Falconer Directs Work
THIS group of women workers, of which Lady Falconer is the President, began work in April, 191 5, for the purpose of equipping No. 4 General Hospital. In three months the equipment of bed linen, surgical and other supplies was complete. Since then the work has gone on for the Canadian Red Cross, a certain proportion of the socks being sent to the Canadian Field Comforts Commission. The supplies are packed in cases ready for overseas shipment, and consist of sheets, pillow cases, towels, surgical shirts, bed-jackets, bed-socks, dressing-gowns, pyjamas, shirts, socks, personal property bags, and other useful and necessary articles. Towels numbering 42,005, socks 22,211, p)jamas 18,769, and surgical shirts 14,516, have been despatched in 2,146 cases and 16 bales, under the convener- ship of Mrs. Hilda Kenrick.
MUNICIPAL CHAPTER, LO.D.E.
Hundreds of Women Give Their Services
SOME idea of the colossal work of the Imperial Order Daughters of the Empire in Toronto, may be gleaned from the following figures, which, however, only cover the activities to March, 191 8. From the beginning of patriotic service until that date the Order in Toronto has sent 700,000 articles to the Red Cross, 75,000 pairs of socks to Red Cross and overseas, 40 layettes containing 1,500 articles of clothing to soldiers' wives in Toronto, canned fruit, tobacco, cigarettes, maple sugar, maple syrup, chewing-gum in unlimited quantities to the Military Convalescent Homes and Hospitals in England and France; gave a Drum and Bugle Band to the 35th Battalion C.E.F.
Equipped Gymnasium
The Municipal Chapter, I.O.D.E., also equipped the Gymnasium at Exhibition Camp for the first Battalions that were quartered there. Cots were given, and wards in Military Hospitals and Base Hospitals, also the Sun-room at Davisville Hospital, were furnished. Cots were supplied to the Duchess of Connaught Hospital at Cliveden and to the Hospital at Shorncliffe. Six Ambulances to be used in France and Toronto were among the gifts from the I.O.D.E. Another branch of the work was that of visiting the dependents of soldiers, for the Toronto and York County Patriotic Fund, ten thousand families being on the list in January, 191 7, though the number has since decreased.
60
Other Patriotic Work
In addition to strictly war work the I.O.D.K. of Toronto have supported lo cots in the "Preventorium," where children predisposed to tubercular diseases are assisted to perfect health. A thousand baskets of Christmas Cheer is provided annuallv for poor children. Through the efforts of the Westminster Chapter the beautiful gates at the High Park Boulevard entrance to High Park were completed.
Money Raised
Money raised tor all purposes from 191 4 to 19 17 totalled ;$26i,- 196.91. This was distributed amongst the Canadian Red Cross, British Red Cross, Patriotic Fund, Prisoners of War Fund, Belgian Fund, French Relief Fund, Maple Leaf Club in London, Kngland, Canadian Navy League, Great War \'eterans' Club, Preventorium and other Homes for children. In addition. War appeals of many kinds were more or less assisted, the summary being highly creditable to the patriotism o\ the members and to the executive ability of the President, Mrs. R. S. Wilson, and to her assistants, Mrs. .Angus MacMurchv the Treasurer and Miss Klizabeth C. Dixon the Secretary, for upon these ladies devolved a great deal of the responsibility anil real hard work of the organization.
THE BELGIAN RELIEF COMMITTEE
A Splendid Work. Done
THF", Belgian Relief Committee is a lievclopment of the Women's Patriotic League, and under its chairman, .Mrs. .Arthur Pepler, has done continuous work since its institution shortly after war conditions hat! begun, October 14th, 191 4, being the date of its organ- ization. Its headquarters are at ^>^ King Street West, and here the business of the Committee goes on daily in just the same systematic manner as if it were a large commercial concern in which the staff were paid workers insteati of being as they are volunteers doing their " bit" for the cause.
The primary object of the Belgian Relief was to despatch clothing and supplies to Belgium as quickly as possible, anii so expeilitiously was the first call answered that through many channels of publicity I2>^ tons of clothing and supplies were gathered and shipped to a relief ship in Halifax in four days.
Since then cash has been collected up to date, Feb. 15th, 191S, amounting to ;^I32, 582.1 1. The greater part of this has been expended
61
on wheat and other foodstuffs. A few of the methods used to raise this amount were a Tag Day, through which $24,519.72 were raised; distribution of 18,000 circulars in Toronto; distribution of Christmas envelopes by Boy Scouts and mail, resulting in 110,187.32; Easter egg
Mrs. Arthur Prpi.ur
posters,$i,853.27; Special Sunday School appeal, $1,295. 50; Children's Milk Fund, largely due to the initiative of Mrs. Littlejohn, $1,500; concerts, lectures, golf tournaments; advertising in 50 Ontario papers and circulation of 120,000 leaflets — results not yet ascertained.
Relief to Belgian Canal Boat Fund
Especially interesting is the help given the Belgian Canal Boat Fund, a work taken over by a Toronto woman, Mrs. Agar Adamson, who has been assisted overseas by two other women from Toronto, Mrs. Innis-Tavlor, who is still with the work, and Miss Margaret Saunders, a journalist who was wounded by a bomb and had to with- draw her physical assistance though not her interest.
The principal effort of these ladies was for the succor of Belgian children, the nuns who taught them in the schools, and refugees
62
generally. Through the Belgian Relief of Toronto from 4CX5 to 1,000 children and 300 refugee families have been fed and clothed during the past two and a half years. The total value of clothing and supplies sent being :$2i 5,439,25. This clothing came from 453 places in Ontario outside of those sent from Toronto citizens, but it was all handled, packed and sorted by the staff at the Belgian Relief of Toronto. The Women's Institutes have been most generous, especially those in the counties nearest the city, also many patriotic and church circles, organizations such as the I.O.D.P.., U.K. Loyalists, private sewing circles and individuals.
A unique feature of Belgian Relief in Toronto is that its mainten- ance, such as printing, postage, stationery, telephone, have been met by the twenty-nine members oi the Committee and their friends, also the entire work of administration has been carried out by voluntary effort. The first Hon. Treas. was Mrs. H. C. Rae, her successor being Miss Isabella L. George. The Hon. Treasurer ot the Maintenance Fund is Mrs. C. S. Laidlaw; Hon. Secretaries, Miss Constance B. Laing and Miss Mabel Cory.
Committee
Mrs. Arthur Pepler (Chairwoman); Miss C. B. Laing, Miss NL Cory, Hon. Secretaries; Mrs. C. S. Laitllaw, Treasurer of Maintenance Fund; Mrs. M. Alexander, Mrs. Arthur Barnard, Mrs. K. H. Bickforii, Mrs. R. C. Brown, Mrs. B. K. Bull, Mrs. C. K. Burden, .Mrs. T. Brough, Mrs. \V. H. Cawthra, Mrs R. J. Christie, Mrs. Lionel Clarke, Mrs. R. Connable, Mrs. Ganong, Mrs. Hanning, Miss W. Hoskin, Mrs. A. Johnson, Madame Ledoux, Miss H. Leys, Miss Lizars, Mrs. H. C. Rae, Mrs. Campbell Reaves, Mrs. Robert F. Scott, Mrs. S. H. Thompson, Mrs. Van Der Linde, .Mrs. B. P. Watson, Mrs. F. C. Williams.
WORK OF SECOURS NATIONAL
Pledged ro Rkbi ild \'imv
TO help the people in the devastated areas of France is the work of the Secours National, with headquarters at 14 King Street West. By means of special appeals, such as French Flag Day and various other devices, couplcii with an infinity ot hard work, the organization, of which Mrs. William Beardmore is chairman ot the
6j
Women's Committee, has been able to send to France cash amounting to ;?56,628.39; foodstuffs valued at $10,575.16; socks (28,573 pairs) valued at 121,429.75; supplies such as clothing, bedding, boots, flannel, amounting to ^i 60,8 10; Red Cross and Hospital supplies valued at $52,100; 12 motor cars, valued at $5,581; and a portable
Mks. Wili-iam Bkakomoke
house worth $100. The Society is now working enthusiastically for the rehabilitation of the historic town of Vimy, which they hope through the generosity of Canadians everywhere to completely reinstate, as far as living comforts make this possible.
OlKICERS AND F',XFXUTIVF.
Patron — H.R.H. The Duke of Connaught.
Honorarv President — His Honor Colonel Sir )ohn S. Hcndrie, K.C.M.G., C.V.O.
64
Officers
President — The Honorable Sir Glenholme F'alconbridge, C.J., K.B. Honorary Treasurer — \V. R. Johnston, Esq. Honorary Secretary — John M. Lyle, Esq. Chairman Ladies' Executive — Mrs. W. W. Beardmore. Vice-Chairman Ladies' Executive — Miss P>nid Hendric. Secretary Ladies' Executive — Miss Helen Cattanach. Treasurer Ladies' E,xecutive — Mrs. K. C. Mcllwraith. Chairman Sewing Committee — Mrs. Grayson Smith. Chairman French Red Cross Committee — Miss Dorothy Walker. Chairman Relief Committee — Mrs. P Gilbert. Chairman Ways and Means Committee — Mrs. W. W. Beardmore. Chairman Sock. Committee — Madame Rochereau De La Sabliere. Chairman Town Adoption Committee — Mrs. Trumbull Warren. Chairman House Committee — Mrs. G. G. .Adams. Lady White, Mrs. Sidney Small, Mrs. X. W. Rowell, Mrs. j. H. MacLean, Mrs. Strachan Johnston, Mrs. G. Plunkett Magann.
SERBIAN RELIEF
Aid War-Ridden People
TO aid the Serbians in their dire necessities ot flight from home and its accompaniment of famine, together with all the other excruciating suffering that came to the Serl>ian jK'ople as the result of war, the Canadian Serbian Reliet was formcii with head- quarters in Toronto. At the beginning it was women who interested themselves in the movement, and clothes and other supplies were sent overseas- Latterly assistance has been confined to money con- tributions. The sum of ^54,185.47, prior to January, 1918, passed through the Toronto offices. In 191 6 the work was reorganizeil anil there are now two women on the Board, Mrs. L. A. Hamilton, birst Vice-President, and Miss Naomi Boulton, Correspomling Secretary.
THE FRANCO-BRITISH SOCIETY
Do Thf.ir " Bn " for I'rance
THIS Society had its origin in a group of women who thought they would like to do their "bit" for suffering France. Mdc. Malaval was in Europe at the beginning of the war and returned to Canada, thinking she could serve her country better here than there. She with Mrs. William Rose, Mrs. Squair and the Misses Beatrice
65
Embree and Neelands, got together for the little organization which has since done such good service. Their first care were the Belgian refu- gees, then the blind soldiers, and suflFering France generally.
They have succeeded in raising about $2,000 a year — about $8,000 in all having been sent to the Mayor of Nantes for distribu- tion. The staff of the University, particularly Prof. Keys and Prof. Kittredge, helped through the lectures given by several of its mem- bers and by the aid they gave in the presentation of French plays, by which methods most of the money was raised, private contributions also forming a means of revenue. Prof. Squair is President, Sir William Mulock, Hon. President, and Mrs. Plunkett Magann, Vice- President.
NURSES FROM TORONTO HOSPITALS
Hundreds Serving Overseas
TORONTO Nurses are represented overseas and were among the first to be organized for service. The Toronto General Hospital sent 85, and 25 are in Military work at home; St. Michael's has 17 overseas and 9 in different Military Hospitals in Toronto and Hamilton; the Western Hospital has 22 overseas and 17 at home, and Grace Hospital sent 35 overseas and has 15 in Toronto. One of the nurses from the Western Hospital— Miss Davis — gave her life, dying in England from an illness contracted in Saloniki. War reports have chronicled the splendid work these fine women and girls have done; but it is the men who in the Hospitals have come under their ministration who are their best recorders, and from them no praise is adequate for the work of Toronto nurses.
WOMEN'S EMERGENCY CORPS
Inaugurated Women's Work in Munition Plants
fkS its name implies, the Women's Emergency Corps was organized /-\ to do anything that might arise and required doing in the ^ ^ interests of the country. Formed in January, 1916, with Mrs. Willoughby Cummings as President, Vice-Presidents Mrs. Adam Ballantyne and Mrs. R. J. W. Barker, Treasurer Mrs. W. E. Groves and Secretary Miss Florence Roland, the Corps concentrated on the registration of women for the purpose of relieving men to go to the Front. To this side of the activities Mrs. Austin Hutchinson
66
gave a great deal of time and attention, having charge of all the clerical work and much of the interviewing of factories and firms that followed. The City was divided into seven districts, to each of which officers were appointed and an educational campaign launched for the pur- pose of inducing wives and mothers to relinquish their men willinglv.
Mrs. WiLi.uriiUbv Ci mminus
Speakers were sent to many Red Cross and other meetings and re- cruiting assisted thrf)ugh this medium. .A Bureau was also estahlishcil for the registration of women and the things they couKl do in taking the place of men. Through the Kmergency Corps women were first taken into the munition plants.
The Corps continued its services until their activities were taken over hv Dr. RitKlell in the name of the (iovernment, when the Ontario Government Bureau was establisheii.
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WOMEN'S CONSERVATIVE CLUB
Send "Goodies" to the Boys
THIS is another organization that has worked in season and out of season for patriotism. The things they have done to raise money and the various comforts they have sent overseas would make a book in themselves. Their total is 1,445,513 articles, besides 35 barrels of jam, 800 pounds of lump sugar, and specially addressed boxes and packages of Christmas cheer. Mrs. Van Kough- net is the President.
MILITARY HOSPITALS COMMISSION WORK
More of Mrs. Van Koughnet
IT is a Toronto woman, too, who has charge of the work in con- nection with Comforts for Military Districts i, 2 and 3. Mrs. Van Koughnet as Hon. Superintendent, with offices at 71 King Street West, has had charge of comforts to the value of $13,899.00.
CONSERVATION OF RESOURCES
Toronto Newspaper Women Active
ANOTHKR channel through which patriotism has and is expend- A\ ing itself is the women's work in the Government enterprise -^ -^ for the Conservation of Resources. This teaches and incul- cates Food Production and Conservation together with general economy in the interest of the country. Mrs. L. A. Gurnett, formerly of the "Mail and Kmpire" of Toronto, is in charge of the women's work of the Province.
Miss I. M. Ross, formerly of the "News," is now identified with the Food Control Office at Ottawa.
THE THRIFT COMMITTEE
UNDFR its energetic chairman, Mrs. Losemore, the Thrift Committee carried on a successful campaign, principally as an educative factor to teach economy to the housewives and citizens generally. It was very successful in the work of its Garden Committee, through the leadership of Mrs. J. M. Tyrrel and Mrs. J. M. West; its Savings Committee under Mrs. H. D. Warren; the distribution of the Food Pledge Cards and its general principles of conservation. Mrs. L. A. Gurnett was able to give the work much assistance through her knowledge of food conditions. Miss Church was Secretary of the organization.
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WAR RELIEF AUXILIARY
THE War Relief Auxiliary, formerly called the Suffragist War Auxiliary, was organized in Nov., 1916, to give aid in any war work that seemed necessary. The needs were met through various committees, the names ot which show the:r function: The Recruiting Committee, Registration Committee, Camp Kapuskasing
Mk^. .\. H. OkMSUY
Committee, Blind .Aid Committee, Brittany Hospital Committee, Northern Fire Sufferers' Committee and the Foresters' Battalion Committee. Some of these committees are now dissolved, having accomplished the specific work for which they were formed. The Serbian Committee raised about ;?4,ooo, also large supplies of clothing. The Blind .Aid sent about ;?2,300 to the National Library for the Blind. The Brittany Committee have forwanled ^3,400 to the Brit- tany Hospitals and 200 cases of Hospital supplies. Mrs. .A. B. Ormsby, Presiiient, has been leader in this work.
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TORONTO WOMEN'S LIBERAL ASSOCIATION
NONE have worked more assiduously than the members of the Liberal Women's organization, who through their various circles did splendid things in the way of piling up thousands of various articles for the comfort of the men overseas and for those on this side of the ocean. One of the most important things they have done is that in connection with furnishing wards in hospitals and other attentions for the comfort of sick soldiers. The President is Mrs. G. S. Decks.
SCHOOLS AND TEACHERS
WHAT Toronto schools and teachers have done would fill a good-sized volume. One of the teachers some time ago attempted to make a summary but gave it up, as any record would be incomplete. Here a very general statement may be made. When it is said they have collected and distributed many thousands of dollars and prepared and distributed other thousands in materials and supplies for Red Cross and soldiers generally, besides attending to the needs of the civil portion of our own community, the statement may be accepted in as large a way as the mind may see fit, for there is scarcely any limit to the things done. From University to Kinder- garten all have done their share and have done it nobly.
AN ENTHUSIASTIC RECRUITER
Mrs. L. a. Hamii/ion a Worker
MRS. L. A. HAMILFON was one of the first to jump into the breach to bring success to the Empire and her Allies. Like others among the most ardent workers, her efforts in many directions have extended outside of Toronto and may not be listed here. One direction, however, in which she was conspicuous and to which she gave much strenuous work and time was when she did personal recruiting, speaking throughout the whole winter season in Toronto and in the country districts to enthuse men to answer the call to the colours.
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MRS; F. H. TORRINGTON
President N. C. of W.
ANOTHER woman who has been associated with much of the interest evoked by war conditions, is Mrs. Torrington, President of the National Council of Women, but while she has been ready to respond to any call that might reach out to her — and these were many — it was tor the most part in a national or provincial way that she was able to give official assistance. This being so, while we may not tabulate and claim for ourselves the manv enterprises of the National Council of Women and other large organizations, we may note Mrs. Torrington as a Toronto woman whose influence in war work has reached out through her societies from coast to coast of the Dominion.
DR. MARGARET PATTERSON
D
Honored by King Edward
R. MARGARET PAITERSON was already an experienced worker at the outbreak of the war, having spent ten years in India, where she was one of the leaders in combating; the
Dr. Margaret Pattkrson
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Bubonic Plague, for which service she was decorated at the time of the coronation of King Edward.
At the formation meeting of the Patriotic League, Dr. Patterson was appointed Convener of Red Cross work, and during the first year gave three hundred addresses to various groups of women. She organized " First Aid" and "Home Nursing" classes, in which a thou- sand women have received training, and formed the "College Volun- tarv Aid Division," of whose members forty are now overseas on active service and thirty are giving daily aid in the Hospitals and Convalescent Hospitals here. The roll-call has two hundred and thirty names.
Dr. Patterson has devoted all fees from classes to patriotic work.
SUMMARY
THIS record of Women's War Work is by no means complete, and but touches on the women who by their office were at the head of organizations. The thousands who have given of their nights and days, together with financial assistance, may not be mentioned — the Women's Institutes who did colossal work, the Women's Christian Temperance Union, the Battalion Auxiliaries who have worked incessantly for their men, the Women's Musical Club who raise thousands by their concerts, Hebrew Women's Associ- ations, the various Church circles, the Catholic Ladies' Literary Association who were among the first to work for the Mrs. Adamson's Belgian Children, Rosary Hall Association, Rosary Hall Guild, the Colleges and Convents that have opened their houses for Red Cross and other activities along patriotic lines, the Women's Canadian Club, the Women's Press Club, the Heliconian Club, the Women's Volunteer Corps, the Association for the Welfare of the Blind, with Mrs. Fred. Leach as president, which has done so much for the blind, and incidentally for blind soldiers; Mrs. Frank Ball, who has done much in a special way for the entertainment of the men in the hospitals and from overseas; the Alumnae of the various Colleges, Queen Mary's Needlework Guild, Women's Historical Society — these and scores of others have worked incessantly and well, and their example should be an awakener for the many who unfortunately are not yet aroused to the fact that it is their place and duty to have a share and do their part in what is Toronto's splendid showing in doing her "bit" for the cause of democracy and the liberty of civilization.
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R. G. McLEAN, LdHITEO TORONTO
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