In the summer of 1916, the citizens of the Pontiac lived a dual existence. While the rhythms of rural life continued with agricultural fairs, strawberry picking, and harvest excursions, the grim reality of the First World War cast a long shadow over the community.
The pages of The Equity from this period paint a vivid picture of a county mobilizing its resources, anxiously scanning casualty lists, and clinging to the letters sent home by its boys in the trenches.
The war’s impact was felt in the daily mechanics of local life. By early July, the paper reported that « the scarcity of female help is becoming a serious matter in this section of the country, » as native domestics were nearly impossible to procure, likely due to women shifting into wartime industries.
To support the war effort, the community threw itself into relentless fundraising. Local social events were repurposed for the cause, from a recital by Miss Ballantyne (July 6), to a garden social at the local rectory featuring « Good home-made Ice cream and cake » (July 13), to a magic lantern show at Murrell’s hall (September 7).
The Shawville Patriotic Fund campaign was particularly active; it was reported that a highly successful canvas brought in $634.00 in a single day, helping them achieve a goal of $2,000 to assist the dependents of Canadian soldiers.
However, the war also strained the political and cultural fabric of Quebec. Tensions surrounding the French-English language issue and differing attitudes toward the war effort occasionally bubbled to the surface. The July 13th issue noted a report from the Toronto World claiming that « His Holiness the Pope has given explicit orders in this province that henceforth they must neither speak or write a word touching the language issue in Canada. »
Furthermore, the August 10th issue mentioned a political meeting in St. Hubert where French-Canadians were urged to resist the Conservative party, causing « a good deal of trouble » for the government.
The Fate of the 77th Battalion A major source of local heartbreak that summer was the fate of the 77th Battalion, which contained a large number of Pontiac’s young men. The August 3rd issue reported the disappointing news that upon arriving in England, the battalion had been « broken up to fill the gaps in other units whose ranks have been decimated in the severe fighting. »
This administrative decision stripped local men of their familiar officers and separated lifelong friends. In the August 10th issue, a soldier identified as « N.J. » wrote from Bramshott Camp: « The 77th Battalion has been all broken up… Jack Foot and I are with the Seaforth Highlanders… The morning we broke up I never saw such a parting. All the officers had tears in their eyes.”
The transition to Scottish Highland regiments brought its own unique complaints. In a letter published on September 14th, Pte. Raymond G. Telford—who was tragically killed in action just days after writing it—told his mother: « You will be surprised to hear that we are in a Scotch Battalion now. Our poor knees will get it now. This is awful. It really takes the heart out of everything when we are split up… we cannot even wear one of our 51st badges. »
Private Telford ends his letter: « Don’t worry about me for I will come out alive anyway and I will be home again. »
Despite the hardships, letters home often displayed a resilient, sometimes cheerful spirit. Writing on July 3rd (published August 24th), Cpl. Stanley Grant of Elmside described grueling 35-mile route marches and thrilling sham battles with blank ammunition that sounded « just like the real, live stuff. »
Dear Brother,—Hello, lad! How is everything going with you at present? I am getting along fine here; but they are working us rather hard now, as our period of military training is almost finished. We were busy all last week doing long route marches, and parading for general inspection. On Tuesday last we marched thirty-five miles between seven o’clock in the morning and eight o’clock that night, and had both dinner and supper away from camp.
On Wednesday we marched out to Chapel Commons, about eight miles away, to be inspected by Major General Sir Archibald Hunter, and the whole division of 24,000 troops was there, including the Division Artillery from Whitley Camp. On Thursday we went out to Borden for a brigade field day. We had a sham battle out there. The 44th and 50th battalions defended a splendid position, which the 46th and 47th battalions tried their best to take, but were unable to get near us. It was just like a regular battle, as we used machine guns, signallers, scouts, snipers and had several big guns; but, of course, we used blank ammunition, which is quite safe and makes a report just like the real, live stuff. It was a splendid day, but every one was tired out when we reached camp again.
Friday was the best day of the week, and it was pay day, and I drew £2-10s, which is about $12.50. It won’t last very long, I can tell you. Then on Saturday, which was July 1st—Dominion Day, the whole of the Fourth Canadian Division was inspected by the King and Queen on Hankley Common, which is about ten miles from Bramshott.
This is the second time the Canadians have been inspected by King George since I came to England. He looks particularly well at present, and was accompanied by an enormous staff as a life guard of fifty troopers and the Canadian guard of honor. With him were Sir John French and Sir William Robertson, Sir Archibald Hunter and Brigadier-General Lord Brooke, who is in command of our brigade, which is the 10th Brigade Canadian Inf. When he inspected us by riding down the line, which was a long one (for 25,000 men reach a long way even if they are formed up in mass), he was surrounded by the Imperial Staff followed by the Royal Standard Bearer and Body Guard. Then between the Body Guard and the Guard of Honor rode the King’s two grooms, dressed in black and with big silk hats. It was a splendid procession and well worth seeing. After they rode down the line the division marched past the « saluting base, » the artillery first, at the gallop, as if it were going into action, and then the infantry in close column of half company, with fixed bayonets, the King and Queen receiving the salute as we passed. Then at 1.30 p.m., when all were passed, the Royal procession climbed into their cars and motored back to London, which is only forty miles from here.
… Divisional sports day was a splendid day and a grand success. The 50th won a large number of prizes and mine was a gold wrist watch, won as first prize for putting up wire entanglements.
Now, I must close for this time, George, and hope to hear from you soon. Give my regards to Janet and Annie and all the rest.
Your soldier brother,
Stanley
In the August 10th issue, Pte. Benny Smith wrote earnestly to his mother about finding comfort in religion, describing an open-air service led by a Salvation Army captain who preached a gospel « that will save men’s souls. »
For some Pontiac families, the summer brought the agonizing news that their sons had been captured. The July 6th issue shared that Mr. R. Woodley’s fears for his son were relieved by a postcard stating he was a prisoner of war at Dulmen, Germany. By August 3rd, a letter from Pte. Clifton Woodley of Quyon arrived from the same Dulmen camp, stating he was suffering from deafness and a slight wound, but expected to be alright.
In the September 7th issue, Lieut. Gerald D. Murphy of the 28th Battalion wrote from a hospital in Munich: « I am wounded and a prisoner of war… doing nicely and expect to be sent to a prison camp. »
The Ultimate Sacrifice Ultimately, the local papers were anchored by the somber duty of reporting those who would not return. The July 6th issue noted the « depressing and abiding sorrow » darkening homes as five Pontiac boys appeared on Saturday’s casualty list alone.
The September 28th issue mourned the loss of Lt. Horner of South Clarendon, a university graduate and trained athlete, who was killed by a shell fragment.
Perhaps the most poignant reflection of the community’s grief and pride was found in the August 31st issue, which printed a chaplain’s letter to the widow of George Alfred Thomas. Seeking to offer comfort, the chaplain wrote: « He died not alone, but with hundreds of his fellows, in one of the biggest fights the Canadians have ever been in… First of all, he died in a great cause—the cause of righteousness, truth and final triumph was his side, and for that cause he gave up his life. »
Soldiers Mentioned in The Equity
Peter Sullivan
Mentioned: July 6, 1916
Status: Appeared on Saturday’s casualty list
Arthur Durocher
Mentioned: July 6, 1916
Status: Appeared on Saturday’s casualty list
Robert Johnston Lynch
Mentioned: July 6, 1916
Status: Appeared on Saturday’s casualty list
Lee Corp. Robert McKechnie
Mentioned: July 6, 1916
Status: Rumors of his death from wounds received on June 5th were untrue; he was doing nicely and expected to be back in the trenches soon.
Pte. M. V. Day
Mentioned: July 6, 1916
Status: Wrote to say he was back at Shorncliffe; he had been doing dangerous pioneer work as a sniper in France and Belgium until he was gassed and returned to England.
Sgt. A. L. Shaw
Mentioned: July 6, 1916; August 10, 1916; August 17, 1916
Status: Enjoyed a short visit home from Valcartier Camp in July. In August, he returned home suffering from a bad cold contracted at camp. He was subsequently transferred from the 136th Battalion to the 73rd Battery in Kingston.
Sgt. Kenneth Hodgins
Mentioned: July 13, 1916
Status: On furlough at his home from Valcartier Camp.
Pte. Harold Graham
Mentioned: July 13, 1916
Status: Stationed at Petawawa, he spent a few days visiting his cousin.
Pte. Lome Lester
Mentioned: July 27, 1916
Status: Serving with the 207th Battalion in Ottawa, he visited his mother in town.
Pte. Benny Smith
Mentioned: August 3, 1916
Status: Wrote a letter to his mother detailing an outdoor church service led by a Salvation Army captain and noting that they were preparing to go into the trenches.
Soldier N. J.
Mentioned: August 3, 1916
Status: Wrote from Bramshott Camp in England, reporting that the 77th Battalion had been broken up, scattering the local boys to fill gaps in other units. He was transferred to the Seaforth Highlanders.
Jack Foot
Mentioned: August 3, 1916
Status: Transferred alongside « N. J. » from the 77th Battalion to the Seaforth Highlanders.
Sergt. Lewis
Mentioned: August 3, 1916
Status: Transferred from the 77th Battalion to the 87th Grenadier Guards, stationed at Bramshott Camp.
Pte. Raymond G. Telford
Mentioned: August 10, 1916
Status: After his battalion was split up, he was transferred to a Scottish Battalion. Tragically, he died shortly after being wounded on June 9th, after only three days in the trenches.
Capt. P. C. Smyth
Mentioned: August 10, 1916; September 7, 1916
Status: Visited Shawville from Camp Borden.
Cpl. Stanley Grant
Mentioned: August 17, 1916
Status: Wrote a letter to his brother describing grueling 35-mile route marches, thrilling sham battles with blank ammunition, and a Dominion Day inspection by King George at Bramshott Camp.
Lieut. Gerald D. Murphy
Mentioned: August 17, 1916
Status: Missing after an engagement at Hooge; he later wrote to his father that he was wounded, doing nicely, and being held as a prisoner of war at a hospital in Munich, Germany.
Pte. Salisley Dale
Mentioned: August 17, 1916
Status: Serving with the 207th Battalion, he visited town over Sunday.
Sergt. C. E. Shaw
Mentioned: August 17, 1916
Status: Transferred alongside A. L. Shaw from the 136th Battalion to the 73rd Battery in Kingston.
Gordon Harold Main
Mentioned: August 24, 1916
Status: A member of the Princess Pats from Renfrew, he died from wounds in a German prison hospital.
Capt. (Dr.) Lippiatt
Mentioned: August 24, 1916
Status: Promoted to the rank of Captain, he was engaged on an ambulance train conveying the wounded to hospitals in England.
Pte. Clifton Woodley
Mentioned: July 6, 1916; August 24, 1916
Status: Held as a prisoner of war at Dulmen, Germany. He wrote his father that he was suffering from deafness and a slight wound, but expected to be alright.
Carlton Wainman
Mentioned: August 24, 1916
Status: His fate was unknown according to a letter from fellow prisoner Clifton Woodley, causing intense anxiety for his family.
Jack Landry
Mentioned: August 24, 1916
Status: His fate was also reported as unknown by fellow prisoner Clifton Woodley.
Emerson L. Thomson
Mentioned: August 24, 1916; September 7, 1916
Status: A confirming telegram noted he was wounded in action. He was shot through the arm by a German sniper and was recovering in a hospital in Leeds, England.
Pte. Frank Armstrong
Mentioned: August 31, 1916
Status: Serving with the 5th Field Ambulance in France, he received a delayed Christmas parcel of « comforts » that arrived months late.
Lt.-Col. McDougall
Mentioned: August 31, 1916
Status: Promoted to a brigadier-generalship to command a brigade.
Major Gerald White, M.P.
Mentioned: August 31, 1916 Status: Appointed lieutenant-colonel to succeed Lt.-Col. McDougall in command of the 224th Forestry Battalion.
Pte. James McLarnon
Mentioned: September 7, 1916 Status: His name appeared in the casualty list as wounded in action.
Sgt. Lorne Smiley
Mentioned: September 14, 1916
Status: Serving with the 136th Battalion, he made a farewell visit home to Quyon before his battalion was expected to go overseas.
Chas. Smiley
Mentioned: September 14, 1916
Status: Enlisted with a western battalion, trained at Camp Hughes, Manitoba, and visited his parents in Clarendon before going overseas.
Rev. J. A. Elliott
Mentioned: September 14, 1916 Status: Chaplain of the 136th Battalion, the paper noted he was not going overseas.
Lieut. Horner
Mentioned: September 14, 1916
Status: A university graduate and athlete from South Clarendon, he was tragically killed in action by a shell fragment.
George Alfred Thomas
Mentioned: September 21, 1916
Status: Killed in action on June 5, 1916. A moving letter from the Chaplain was published, noting he died with his face to the foe alongside hundreds of his fellows.
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Timelines: July - September 1916
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