“Loyal Canadians Prepare. Show Your Colors on Dominion Day! Make your City a City of Flags—let no home be too poor to do honor to our Natal Day. If you have not already secured a flag or flag outfit, no better time will be found than TO DAY. In honor of the Canadian Nation, in honor of the valiant deeds of Canadian Arms, in honor of the brave Canadian citizen soldiers who with incentive for national integrity and virtue are engraving our high ideals on the scroll of history with sword and bayonet—hang out our Union Jack.
A $4.00 Flag Outfit presented by the Intelligencer. While the flag alone can be had for $1.10 we strongly recommend the complete outfit at $1.48. ‘A Flag for Every Home!’ Clip the coupon printed on another page of to-day’s issue.”
Soldiers of the 39th Battalion in Belleville prior to going overseas in the summer of 1915
“Belleville’s Gift to Officers’ Mess. Col. Preston Last Night Received, on Behalf of 39th Battalion, Cheque for $600, as a Token of Esteem from Belleville People. The recent meeting of Belleville citizens to determine what form the city’s gift to the officers of the 39th Regiment should take, had a gratifying sequel last night at the Armouries, when $600 was handed over to Col. Preston as a contribution to the officers’ mess.
Col. Lazier, in opening the proceedings, said he had been accorded the privilege and pleasure by a number of his fellow citizens of being the medium of conveying to the officers of the 39th Battalion a token of their appreciation. … It was well known that the officers had given a great deal of their spare money and time that could not readily be spared in providing for the comforts of the men, a very laudable and proper thing to do, and they were to be congratulated upon the success which had attended their efforts in that direction. The Government makes no provision for the equipment of the officers’ mess and the citizens are glad to assist in this very desirable object, knowing that it would save the officers going down into their own pockets for that purpose. …
Mr. J.W. Johnson, M.P.P., then handed to Col. Preston a marked cheque for six hundred dollars, and said that raising the money was a labor of love on the part of the committee and an easy task, as the response was so hearty. … these men were going to save us and our possessions, this beloved Canada, these homes so dear, these precious mothers, wives, children and sweethearts; why generations of Canadians to be born and live in the long distant future will take up and carry forward to still more remote generations the loving gratitude that fills our hearts tonight.
The finest pedigree that any Canadian will boast in the days to come will be, my father or my grandfather or my great grandfather was a soldier of King George in the great war. We shall miss the men of the 39th when they have gone; they are our friends, we are theirs, and their every movement will be followed with keen and loving interest. … We humbly and reverently say, God bless you.”
“Military at Home at Zwick’s Island. Col. Preston and the officers of the 39th Regiment entertained a large number of ladies and gentlemen at an ‘At Home,’ at the military camp, Zwick’s Island, on Saturday afternoon, at which some hundred were present. Visitors were received by the wives of the commanding officers, Mesdames Preston, Smart and Bywater. The dainties of the season were profusely provided and all passed off joyfully and merrily. The Band of the 39th Regiment discoursed music during the entertainment. This Band is a credit to the regiment, considering the short time of its organization.
An interesting and gratifying event at this gathering of citizens and soldiers was the presentation by the Warden of the County, Charles Ketcheson, Esq., to Col. Preston, commanding officer of the regiment, of a cheque for $1,000, the sum generously voted in aid of the regimental fund, by the County Council of the County of Hastings at its last session.
Col. Preston, in a few words, gratefully acknowledged the same, thanking the Warden and members of the County Council for their thoughtful consideration of the wants and comforts of those who had enlisted for the defence of the Empire, of which Canada is an important part. Cheers for the kind hosts ended this most pleasant and agreeable entertainment.”
“Daughters of Empire Entertain Officers. About one hundred attended the At Home given by the Argyll Chapter of the Daughters of the Empire to the officers of the 39th Battalion, last evening. The scarlet and khaki uniforms mixed with the exquisite evening gowns of the ladies, made a brilliant scene. There were also many civilians in evening dress. The young people entertained themselves in the lecture room, and the remainder amused themselves in various ways. …
At a little after eleven o’clock light refreshments were served, consisting of cake, coffee, ice cream, lemonade and sandwiches. Following that a purse of gold was presented by Mrs. (Col.) Marsh, in a very pleasing manner, in which she said: ‘Col. Preston and officers of the 39th Battalion: we are very happy to have you here as our guests to-night. The Argyll Chapter is one that deals entirely with military events. We offered our services to manage the canteen recreation room and were always ready to do a service. We will send a box of socks to the regiment to-morrow, and will send boxes of field comforts periodically to the men. I am sure, Colonel, that when you accept this token from the Argyle Chapter of the Daughters of the Empire, you publicly accept what many a man has had a divorce for—the sincere love of every member of the Chapter.’
Col. Preston in replying on behalf of the officers of the Battalion, said:—’Mrs. Marsh, Officers, ladies and gentlemen, it pleases me to remark that the Argyll Chapter was the first to volunteer their services as a whole. We have greatly appreciated the many services of the ladies of Belleville, and can only say that I thank them from my heart. … When we leave Belleville it will be hard to appreciate the fact that we are on active service, and many will leave their hearts in Belleville.’ ”
The Intelligencer June 19, 1915 (page 7)
“Useful Gifts. The ‘For-get-me-not’ circle wish to thank the members of the Ivanhoe Women’s Institute, who have sent through their president, Mrs. D.L. Fleming, to Mrs. Blagrave, the following beautiful bale:—10 white flannelette nightshirts, 15 gray flannel shirts, 35 pairs of socks, 3 dozen bandages, 1 doz. handkerchiefs, 4 lbs. absorbent. The Circle completed the box yesterday by the addition of: 300 machine rolled bandages, 100 gauze and absorbent dressings in cases, … 350 mouth cloths (contributed by Trent Road Circle) 19 triangular bandages. …
The box will be sent from the Red Cross and Patriotic Association of Belleville to the Toronto University Hospital. Mrs. S.D. Lazier, Convenor.”
“Hastings Boy Killed in Action. The Death Is Officially Reported of Pte. Thos. Broad, Rimington. The following is a copy of the telegram received by Mr. Thos. Broad, Rimington, from Ottawa, informing him of the death of his son: Ottawa, Ont., June 9, 1915. To Thos. Broad, Rimington, Ont, Via Madoc,—Deeply regret to inform you 12681 Private Thomas Broad, 5th Battalion, officially reported killed in action. Adj.-General.”
[Note: Private Thomas Carlisle Broad died on May 24, 1915. He is commemorated on Page 6 of the First World War Book of Remembrance.]
The Intelligencer June 18, 1915 (page 1)
“39th Battalion Parade Before County Council. In honor of the County
The 39th Battalion marches south down Front Street from Bridge Street East in 1915.
Council and their action in granting $1,000 to the regimental fund of the 39th Battalion, the battalion paraded this morning in full strength, under command of Col. Preston. The soldiers presented a fine appearance and in their march past in front of the City Hall they were liberally applauded by the members of the Council and friends upon their soldierly appearance.
The battalion then paraded to the spacious lawn in front of the Armouries where they were drawn up in review order, with the colors recently presented to them. Col. Preston, commanding officer, said on behalf of the men that he was pleased to welcome the Warden of Hastings County and the members of the County Council. … The money donated would be expended for the comfort of the men of the battalion, who were going to the front.
Warden Ketcheson addressed the battalion and expressed his pleasure on behalf of the County Council for the fine parade. All were proud of the 39th Battalion, who were going to the front to uphold the traditions of our forefathers, who did noble service for the Empire of which we form a part.”
The Intelligencer June 18, 1915 (page 1)
“Collection Fraud. Public Warned. School Children are Collecting for Imaginary Cots. Information has reached The Intelligencer that several children—who claim that they belong to one of the ward schools—have been collecting subscriptions for the purpose of providing cots for invalided soldiers in the residence of Mr. W.B. Northrup, which he has offered as a convalescent home.
The Chairman of the Board of Education states that no permission has been given the children to make these collections. Mr. Northrup also disclaims having given any authority for a collection to be made, and says the Government has thousands of cots.”
The Intelligencer June 18, 1915 (page 2)
“Mrs. Yateman, 82 Mill street, has received the following letters concerning her son, Tom, who has been wounded and is lying at Aldershot: London, N.E., May 31. My Dear Lylin and Walter—Nellie went to see Tom yesterday and he seems to be just the same. He is in no pain whatever, which is a blessing, and just wants to doze on and off. As I told you before he can have anything he wants, but it is very little he does want. Poor, dear boy, he is so very patient. He sends his love to you all.
We know this must be a great worry to you and we do think of you so much, but he is in God’s hands and perhaps it is well he is lying there in peace, better than some of the gas cases that are in that same hospital, gasping for breath, and some in such awful pain. But rest assured he can feel nothing of his wounds. Cheer up, leave him in the Almighty’s hands, and all will be right some day.
London, Eng. June 3. Dear Walter and Lylin:—I am glad to tell you that I have again visited poor Tom at Aldershot to-day. We found him much about the same, if anything a bit brighter in his conversation. We had a good hour’s quiet chat about everything. He showed us a book of views of Belleville, which he has just received by post, and pointed out all the spots of interest; one in particular, the river which runs at the back of your home.
He appears very hopeful of recovery and reckons to come to our home soon to play me billiards. He, of course, poor lad, does not know how bad he really is and is quite ignorant of the serious view the doctors at the hospital look upon his case.
King George V and Queen Mary
He had the most distinguished visitors recently to wish him a speedy recovery. No less a personage than His Majesty the King. He spoke very kindly to him and said how proud he was of the Canadians and their bravery. I forgot to mention that the Queen also accompanied His Majesty and spoke cheerfully to him. … Hoping all of you are well. With love from Amy and children. Yours faithfully, Herbert.”
“A very successful Towel Shower and afternoon tea was held yesterday at the home of Mrs. (Dr.) MacColl, and Mrs. J.P. Thomas, Victoria Ave., by the Quinte Chapter, I.O.D.E. The towels, of which there were a large number, will be sent to one of the Canadian Base Hospitals in France in a miscellaneous box of hospital supplies.
The Regent, Mrs. E. Guss Porter, received with Mrs. MacColl and Mrs. Thomas. Tea and coffee were served by Mrs. Corby and Mrs. J.W. Johnson.”
The Intelligencer June 17, 1915 (page 3)
“Mrs. Cook has received the following letter from her son, who is a prisoner in Germany:—Kriegsgefangenenlager. Geissen, April 30th, 1915. Dear Mother,—Well, I suppose by the time this reaches you, you will be quite worried over the report that I was missing. You needn’t worry any longer, for I shall pull through alright.
I bet the papers are certainly publishing something these days! Last Thursday night we went into the trenches. Saturday afternoon we were taken prisoners. We simply had to surrender. There was nothing else to do. The whole time we were there it was awful. Well, Ma, you and the rest needn’t worry, for we are in a good place—good barracks and grounds. …
Please don’t send any newspapers or clippings, and be careful not to say anything out of the way in your letters. … All letters are dearly welcomed, but be careful. It takes such a long time for a letter to go home. I hope you and the rest are in good health and enjoying life. I am well. Good-bye, ARCHIE.”
The Intelligencer June 17, 1915 (page 3)
“Intelligencer Tobacco Fund. To Provide the Soldiers at the Front With Tobacco, Cigarettes and Chewing Gum. We have received a gratifying start for the fund we opened yesterday, but hope to be able to publish a much longer list of subscriptions tomorrow.
The fund should particularly appeal to young men, who up to the present have possibly not given a cent to the Patriotic Fund. Unless they are acquainted with young ladies belonging to Knitting Circles they have probably never been asked to contribute. Here is an easy means of showing their appreciation of the tiring and hazardous work being carried out by the boys from Belleville and neighborhood in the trenches. They have declared over and over again that a cigarette affords real pleasure when they are not actually fighting; and it is up to us all to make the lives of our brave soldiers as comfortable and happy as possible.”
The Intelligencer June 17, 1915 (page 3)
“The 39th Batt. School Parade. Board of Education Thank Col. Preston for the March Past the Schools. Lieut. Colonel Preston, Commanding 39th Battalion, C.E.F. Belleville,—Dear Colonel Preston,—I am desired by the Board of Education of the City of Belleville to express to you their very cordial appreciation of your public spirited kindness in today visiting the schools of the city, and inspiring the boys and girls and also the teachers with a new note of patriotism and loyalty which will have for its special objective hereafter the gallant Battalion which you have the honor to command.
Your parade was an object lesson which the boys and girls will never forget, and the hearty God Speed, which you received from every School and Scholar will accompany you wherever you go. … Again thanking you most heartily and feeling sure that we do so not merely on behalf of the board, but also on behalf of the parents and fellow citizens of those animated children who cheered you today. I am Yours sincerely, W.N. Ponton, Lt.-Col. Chairman.”
“Tobacco For Our Soldiers At The Front. Intelligencer Readers Asked to Contribute Small Sums to Help Cheer the Boys. Numerous requests from the boys at the front for tobacco and cigarettes have reached Canada, and it is plain from their letters that they greatly enjoy the soothing weed, when not actually engaged in warfare.
We propose to open a special fund for small contributions, for the purpose of providing Canadians at the front with tobacco, cigarettes and chewing gum, and will undertake to despatch the articles purchased to France. All contributions forwarded to us, however small, will be acknowledged in these columns.”
“Patriotic Lawn Social. Last evening at the residence of Mrs. Aylesworth, 214 Church street, a successful lawn social was held under the auspices of the Cadet Blue Circle. A very pleasant evening was spent, the refreshment booths being liberally patronized.
Fresh flowers gave the beautiful lawn an added attractiveness, and aided by the brilliant Chinese lanterns, and the Fifteenth Regimental Band, made the evening one long to be remembered. Many thanks are due the band for donating the evening’s musical programme, and also to the ladies who did so much to make the social a success.”
“Recruits Required for 4th Contingent. Patriotic Appeal to the Young Men and the Women of Belleville and District. Recruits are now being enlisted for the 4th Contingent and it is hoped that the young men of this district will respond to the Empire’s call with the same alacrity as was shown in the recruiting for the 3rd contingent. …
It cannot be brought home too plainly to people that this is Canada’s war as much as it is Great Britain’s. The Dominion is vitally interested in this war. Should Germany succeed and the British Navy be defeated Canada would undoubtedly be invaded by the Huns. …
The patriotic women of Canada have done splendid service for their country and the Empire; but unfortunately other women have proved to be a stumbling block to recruiting. Several letters have been received at headquarters, demanding that their sons should be released, as they enlisted without their consent. One woman is so totally destitute of patriotism that she remarked: ‘I would rather my son was in jail than in the army.’ This insult to the gallant fellows flocking to the colors arises from sheer ignorance. The training and discipline her son would get in the army would make a man of him. …
This war has been brought home to the youth of the Empire that he owes something to his country for the liberty and privileges he enjoys. It is his bounden duty to defend his country if occasion requires. Other nations recognizing this fact, make compulsory military service a law of the land. In the British Empire we are depending upon voluntary service, and where a mother, wife or sister uses her influence to prevent a young man enlisting she is committing a crime against the State.
It is to be hoped that the women of Belleville and vicinity will sink their own personal feelings and look at the matter from a national standpoint. There are some dark days ahead for the British Empire, and Canada must bear her fair share of the sacrifice, which is required in order that another contingent may be sent to the front, which will be worthy of this great and growing Dominion.”
The Intelligencer June 14, 1915 (page 2)
“Alleged Alien Is Apprehended. Mr. Ernest Walter Shoener, whose home is at 54 Murney street was arrested on Saturday night by the military police in connection with the 39th Battalion. It was alleged that Shoener was a German and had never taken out his naturalization papers. His arrest caused considerable comment, owing to the fact that for many years he had been a resident of the city and had always been a hard working and industrious man.
This morning his release was effected by parties who interested themselves in his behalf. Shoener admitted that he was born in Prussia, but had lived in this country for upwards of 30 years. He claimed that at one time he took out the oath of allegiance, but was perfectly content to do so again, if it was desired. This was done and he also signed a document to report regularly to the proper authorities after which he was formally discharged from custody.”
“One of the most important, interesting and impressive ceremonies which has ever occurred in this city, took place yesterday afternoon. It was the consecration and presentation of colors to the 39th Battalion, which is mobilized in this city, and is composed of recruits from Hastings, Prince Edward, Peterboro’, Northumberland, Durham and Lennox and Addington Counties.
The colors were the gift of the members of the Women’s Canadian Club of Belleville, an organization which has made itself felt in many respects for good. The colors were beautiful in the extreme. One flag was purple in color and of silk. It bore the inscription of the 39th Battalion C.E.F., and was adorned with a beaver worked in gold. The second flag, a Union Jack, represented the King’s colors, and was also of silk. Both flags were trimmed with gold fringe.
The ceremony took place on the parade grounds in front of the Armouries. About the grounds were assembled hundreds of citizens, who took a deep interest in the proceedings. The affair was, if possible, made more significant owing to the fact that Major-General Hon. Sam Hughes, Minister of Militia and Defence, was in attendance. …
Shortly after 2 o’clock the 39th Battalion, headed by the Battalion Band rendering appropriate marching airs, paraded from the headquarters on Pinnacle street, and took up a prominent position on the parade ground. The Battalion was in command of Col. Preston. …
Mrs. J.W. Johnson, President of the Women’s Canadian Club, delivered the following address: Colonel Preston, Officers and Men of the 39th Battalion:—On behalf of the Women’s Canadian Club of Belleville, I have the honor and pleasure to present these colors to the Regiment. … You are going forth to fight for liberty, justice and humanity. May the ideals which these colors represent, be ever present with you. … We wait to welcome you back; you, and those other dear sons of Belleville, whose heroism and patriotic devotion are our deepest pride, assured that you will return with victory and honor. Our gratitude and our prayers go with you. On behalf of the Women’s Canadian Club of Belleville, I entrust these colors to your care for consecration.”
First World War Belleville 