On March 12 and March 13, Berlin and Waterloo, respectively, held their official send-offs for a combined total of 99 soldiers for the third contingent of the Canadian Expeditionary Force. In both cases, the mayor handed out a $10 gold piece to each recruit. The ceremonies were attended by many of the townsfolk who gave the soldiers their support.
In Berlin, where there were 94 soldiers, the ceremony was held during the intermission of a double feature at the Grand Opera House, and the men were provided a dinner at the local restaurant, Gettas and Gettas. In Waterloo, there were only five volunteers, but a ceremony was still held for them at Waterloo Town Hall. The Waterloo soldiers also received a “package of clothing and comforts” from the ladies of Waterloo. Reflecting the large German population, one speech at the Waterloo ceremony reminded the volunteers that they were fighting Prussian militarism, not the German people.
(“Official Send-Off to Boys of the 3rd Contingent,” Berlin Daily Telegraph, 12 March 1915.; “Enthusiastic Send-Off to the Third Contingent Volunteers,” Berlin Daily Telegraph, 13 March 1915.; “Volunteers from Waterloo Receive Sendoff To-Night,” Berlin Daily Telegraph, 13 March 1915.; “Gifts for the Waterloo Volunteers,” Berlin Daily Telegraph, 15 March 1915.; “Volunteers Appreciated Sendoff,” Berlin Daily Telegraph, 20 March 1915.
Visual: http://images.ourontario.ca/Partners/Waterloo/WatPL29737.jpg)
Waterloo Town Hall