On 5 August, the Minster of Militia, Colonel Samuel Hughes, was authorized by the Canadian government to carry out a partial mobilization. In the week prior to the declaration of the war, there had been extensive efforts to ensure that the main defense posts of Canada were well prepared and fully manned. The Royal Canadian Regiment (RCR) had been mobilized and sent to strategic ports for the coastal defense of Canada. Additionally, harbours were fortified and mines were placed in strategic locations for the defense of Canada. Britain encouraged Canada to secure her self-defence before raising Canadian troops for overseas service.
(“House is Summoned,” Berlin Daily-Telegraph, 5 August 1914; “Canada in a State of War,” Elmira Signet, 13 August 1914; “Are Guarding Coal Ports,” Hespeler Herald, 20 August 1914; Photo Origin: London Advertiser, 3 August 1914.)
