Summer 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)

On 6 August, the Canadian National Nurses Association made the call for volunteer nurses. Women who were willing to perform their duty to the empire on the field of battle and wherever else they were needed were asked to answer this call. Only those who were prepared for such a duty were asked to register their names with Miss Rodgers, the Superintendent of the Berlin & Waterloo Hospital, or Miss Masters, the Secretary of the Graduate Nurses’ Association in the Waterloo Region. By 8 August, five young women from the region had offered their services and reported to Miss Masters. The women would join the volunteer Red Cross Society in overseas service with the first contingent.

(“Volunteer Nurses Wanted for War Duty,” Berlin Daily Telegraph, 6 August 1914; “Five have Volunteered,” Berlin Daily Telegraph, 8 August 1914; “Five have Volunteered,” Waterloo Chronicle Telegraph, 13 August 1914)

The Ontario government offered to contribute to the preparation of the Canadian Forces by bearing the cost to vaccinate the First Contingent. Typhoid and enteric fever had resulted in approximately 8200 deaths during the South African War. It was hoped that vaccination against typhoid, before Canadians went overseas, would save Canadians from a similar fate during this war.

The Department of Health in Ontario began preparations for a system of anti-typhoid vaccination to be carried out by the end of the month. This would require many health care professionals and a large amount of the serum. This was seen as a way for the province to demonstrate its support of the Dominion and by extension the motherland, and hopefully to help protect Canadian soldiers.

(“Offers Vaccine for Troops,” Waterloo Chronicle Telegraph, 13 August 1914.)