1914

After the war was declared on the evening of 4 August, Canadians across the country stated their intentions to volunteer. However, it was not just men who displayed this strong level of patriotism and support for the British Empire; women too proclaimed their intentions. Although there had not yet been a request made by the Canadian government or the Red Cross Society in Canada, nurses in the Twin City (Berlin-Waterloo) stated their desire to volunteer if such a request was made. Several nurses were ready to go overseas and take to the field. They were told that a medical corps would be organized within two or three days, if the need were present.

(“Nurses Ready to Volunteer,” Berlin Daily Telegraph, 5 August 1914; “Nurses for the Front,” Waterloo Chronicle Telegraph, 20 August 1914.)

On 5 August, the Berlin Daily Telegraph reprinted an article from Ottawa that explained the requirements for enlistment if Canada sent a contingent overseas. Although the article was originally published on 3 August in Ottawa, its content became all the more important by 5 August since Britain had declared war. As the possibility of Canada contributing a contingent increased, Canadians needed to know what the requirements for enlistment were.

Across Canada military corps were proclaiming their willingness to serve overseas. The Canadian Government responded to this by informing Canadians that there would be stringent requirements for enlistment into an overseas force. Every man would need to pass a medical exam, and secure a certificate of physical fitness. The article further informed the Waterloo Region readership that while it was expected that most of men in artillery batteries and cavalry troops would pass, few infantry regiments would see all of their men pass the physical. Additionally men with officer ranks would be under scrutiny as well, because only those with the most military experience and training would be entrusted with the command of Canada’s young men. The Canadian Government planned to accept only the best men for overseas service.

(“Need Certificate of Fitness,” Berlin Daily Telegraph, 5 August 1914.)

Thirty-five members of the “C” Squadron, 24^th Grey’s Horse, volunteered to go to the front for active service overseas on 5 August. At this time however, Canada’s offer of a Contingent had not yet been accepted by Britain. Regardless, these men displayed their patriotism and their desire to support the motherland during the present crisis.

The 24^th Regiment Grey’s Horse was a militia cavalry regiment in the Oxford and Waterloo counties. The “C” Squadron was stationed in the Waterloo Region, while their headquarters and the regiment’s “A” squadron were stationed in Woodstock, Ontario. At this point they did not know if they would be ordered to go to camp as scheduled on 17 August, or if they would receive orders from Ottawa to mobilize. When Canada’s offer to send a contingent overseas was accepted by Great Britain, men across Waterloo Region and Canada rushed to try to enlist; among those men were members of the “C” Squadron.

(““C” Squadron is Ready for Service,” Berlin Daily-Telegraph, 6 August 1914)