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HISTORY OF WORK POINT BARRACKSby Jack BatesPART 4 — 1907 to 19181907Daily Colonist WORK POINT GARRISON NEEDS REINFORCEMENT Desertions From the Fortress Have Been Quite Frequent of Late Those in charge of the Work Point garrison are looking forward to another reinforcement from the eastern recruiting stations. At present the force is not sufficiently large, being about half the required numerical strength. Some months ago about 25 men were sent from eastern Canada in order to assist in maintaining the Esquimalt defences. This, however, did not help matters appreciably, and although it is possible to carry on the ordinary routine with the available troops, their augmentation is generally considered imperative if it is intended that the garrison duties should be attended to satisfactorily. Some difficulty has been experienced since the local fortresses have been taken over by the Canadian government in preventing the desertion of numbers of the soldiers. It is authoritatively reported that several have succeeded in escaping the vigilance of their superiors in rank, taking the steamer to Seattle or other Sound points, and there entering employment in different lines of trade. In most instances those who have done this have been members of the Royal Engineers, having a knowledge, which is gained in the ordinary course of their training, of mercantile pursuits of which some understanding is required in the conduct of a campaign along modern lines. Those who have been successful in getting away have, it is reported, written to their former companions in arms, informing them of the high scale of wages in vogue throughout the United States. As a result many of those now in the service have been rendered somewhat dissatisfied with their conditions. May 4, 1907 DESERTERS ESCAPE Three deserters have escaped from the Work Point barracks – Corporal Macbeth and Gunners Ryan and Hadfield. The two former escaped a few nights ago and were captured by Constable Clayards on board the steamer Princess Victoria just before that vessel sailed for Vancouver. They were taken to barracks and placed in the guardroom with Hadfield as sentry in charge. The next night the sentry accompanied them in their flight. COLONIST REINFORCE WORK POINT THIRTEEN MEN COMING FROM QUEBEC TO JOIN LOCAL GARRISON Towards the end of the week a detachment of some thirteen men will reach Victoria from Quebec for the purpose of reinforcing the Work Point garrison. These together with a force of about the same size which arrived from the east last Monday, will bring the total strength of the local permanent corps up to approximately one hundred and sixty. This is considerable below the number maintained at Esquimalt during the regime of the Imperial government. Yesterday Col. Holmes, D.O.C., was asked what was considered the full strength of the Work Point garrison. To this he could give no answer asserting that the matter had not yet been decided. It is generally believed, and the impression is corroborated by information received from unofficial sources, that there will several more lots of recruits sent to this, the western gateway of Canada, before the authorities can consider that the local fortresses would be adequately manned in the event of an emergency. The apparent tardiness in the procuring of reinforcements is generally attributed to the difficulty in securing recruits, even in the most congested centres of eastern Canada. It is affirmed that the prosperity which prevails throughout the Dominion of Canada at the present time militates against the obtaining of the service of the young men for the military. There are so many opportunities apart from the service that the average man hesitates before signing for service for any specified period, despite the comparatively advantageous inducements offered. Victoria Times The Fifth Regiment will go into their annual camp at Macaulay Point on Sunday, June 10, for a fourteen or sixteen day stay, when the usual camp training and drill will be engaged in. Two of the companies will practice on the six inch guns and the third company will practice on the field guns. May 30, 1907 (8) SOLDIERS GROW TIRED OF LIFE IN BARRACKS GARRISON KEPT THINNED OUT BY REGULAR AND IRREGULAR DEPARTURES The situation at Work Point barracks at the present time is said to be far from satisfactory. Rumors are heard, at frequent intervals, of the increasing tendency of the members of the garrison to purchase their discharges, or, if this method of getting away from the army is not convenient, of leaving the city without informing the officers in charge of their intention. Although these reports may be somewhat exaggerated, there seems to be little doubt that they have at least some foundation. On every occasion on which the stories have found their way into print the authorities have protested that they were idle fantasies, the outcome of the fanciful imaginations of the men. Whether or not this is true, it is a fact which can scarcely be gainsaid that those of the Imperial troops who transferred to the Canadian forces, when Esquimalt defences were taken over by the Dominion government, are leaving the station just as quickly as circumstances permit. Not long ago a representative of the Colonist happened to be riding in an Esquimalt car in which were seated a number of the regulars. They were discussing quite freely the condition of affairs at the barracks, and the scribe, always of an inquisitive character, and scenting what might be termed “a good story,” joined in the conversation. I reply to questions it was acknowledged by them that the regular forces were dwindling very rapidly in strength. They could give no definite reason for it except that the men were of the opinion that they were wasting their time. They thought there were openings in the Canadian West or at points in the western United States, which it was a pity to allow to pass without taking advantage of them for their own betterment. Among the group was a member of the Royal Engineers, one of those who came to Esquimalt with the Imperial troops and who had just purchased his discharge. He was feeling in splendid spirits over the prospect of being freed from the strict military discipline which for many years had regulated his life. And he was kind enough, in reply to queries, to explain why he felt gratified at having been able to sever his connection with the forces. It was, he thought, ridiculous for a man to stay with the regulars in such a country as British Columbia, on the pay which was allowed. There were so many opportunities. To use his own words – “ I have served my country for more than the usual period already, and now I think it is time I got out and did something for myself.” He stated that much the same sentiment prevailed among the troops stationed at Work Point. Those who had signed on the Canadian army from the Imperial troops were specially inclined that way. The understanding upon which they had entered the service was that they should be permitted to purchase their discharges within a specified period, providing they paid two dollars, or some such amount, for every month unexpired of three years. This amounts, figuring from the present date, to about forty-eight dollars. To those who had been contemplating leaving it was not a particularly large sum, in fact many had already left under the agreement, and others were considering taking the same action in the near future. It was affirmed by the same ex-soldier that even the Canadian troops were not satisfied with their lot. He added that, despite any contradiction which might be offered, it nevertheless was a fact that there had been more desertions recently than in previous years. He then went on to say that some of the troops which had been sent from the East had lost their way in Vancouver, taking the train from there to the other side instead of catching the Princess Victoria. Others, having taken that vessel and reaching Victoria, had inadvertently of course, boarded the Indianapolis and proceeded to the American side. This statement is given for what it is worth. It may not be correct. But as “where there is smoke there is fire,” there seems every reason to believe that the accounts of repeated desertions, which are constantly being received, are substantially true. “You see,” the discharged Royal Engineer proceeded, “It is different in the Old Country. The conditions there, as you probably know, are altogether different to those prevailing here. Wages are not so high, living is not so expensive, in a word values are much lower. The renumeration which those in the service receive there, in view of the comparatively short hours and the, speaking frankly, easy time they have, makes the army more or less attractive. The soldiers practically are on the same footing with the tradesman. Out here, however, all this is changed. While we get the pay which is allowed in the Old Country, it doesn’t go as far. It is a mere bagatelle. Therefore, the men, naturally, get dis-satisfied. And then again there is no doubt that the Canadian West is a fine place for young men to start. As I said before, the opportunities are innumerable and the majority, at least all of those having ambitions, are anxious to get away from military discipline, to become free citizens, and at liberty to take a crack at the chances of life on their own account.” COLONIST AMERICAN GUNS ARE HEARD IN VICTORIA RESIDENTS OF CITY ALSO SEE GUNS FLASH AND SEARCH LIGHTS ACROSS STRAITS The reverberations from cannonading at Forts Flagler and Wilson shook the window and doors in residences along the waterfront and the upper levels of Victoria last evening. Considerable activity has been prevalent at the various Unites States coast defence stations along the Pacific for the past fortnight and although the United States war department is emphatic in its denials, it is thought to have been inspired by the same causes which shortly will result in the presence of a fleet of United States battleships in the western waters of the great republic. Whether such proceedings will curb the warlike utterances of the Japanese press is problematical. From the elevations to the south of this city the play of searchlights and the flashes of heavy artillery at practice firing could be plainly discerned. Although there has been gun practice across the straits for the past two weeks and the noise could be heard in this city, never were the reports so loud or the flashes so vivid, giving indication of the heavy charges, as was noticeable last evening. The war department some weeks ago assigned the ex-army transport, Evan Thomas, to the force at Port Townsend for naval manoeuvres. The forts manned by regulars of the engineers and artillery supported by the state militia were supposed to be on the defensive. The Evan Thomas, representing an invading fleet, was to attempt to run the gauntlet. Detecting her by means of their searchlights the guns of the forts were to open fire. Daily Colonist SOLDIERS IN CAMP Royal Garrison Artillery Went Under Canvas at Rodd Hill Yesterday The Royal Garrison Artillery went into camp on Wednesday morning at Rodd Hill. Practically all the Work Point force has gone under canvas and will remain there for over a week. During the outing both officers and men will be subjected to a rigid course of training. Actual firing commences on Monday. In the morning the 6 inch guns will be in use and during the afternoon the 12 pound ordnance will be brought into active play. A moving target, towed about the straits within sight of the fort, will be utilized as a mark. It is understood that the different gun teams of the corps are out for records so that some exceptionally high class shooting is expected. WILL RECOMMEND AN INCREASE IN GARRISON Dominion Officer has Just Completed an Inspection of Esquimalt Defences Lieutenant Colonel P. Weatherbe, O.C., R.C.E. at Halifax, whose departure for the east was mentioned in the Colonist of Saturday, has just completed an official tour of the Canadian military stations, commencing at Halifax and including, Quebec, Toronto, London, Kingston, Montreal, St. Johns, P.Q., Ottawa and Victoria. He has been on the road for the past month. As a result of his visit it is altogether likely that he will recommend an increase in the number of men stationed here. The number stationed here is about 130, including engineers, artillery, ordnance, pay department, army service corps and army medical corps. At Halifax there are over 1,500 men and any supplementary draft will probably come from there. The complement at present is quite inadequate to take charge of the work at work Point and Esquimalt fortifications, and the matter will probably be brought to the attention of the authorities by Colonel Weatherbe. October 25, 1907 SAILORS VICTORS OVER SOLDIERS Garrison Beaten by Shearwater Football Team in Decisive Fashion H.M.S. Shearwater football team made an auspicious beginning in the Victoria District league series yesterday when they won from the garrison at Work Point barracks in decisive fashion by a score of 5 goals in all. The sailors had it on the soldiers all the way and soon after the start it was plain to be seen that it would be only a matter of how big the score would be. Quite a few spectators witnessed the game. The Shearwater team proved to be well balanced aggregation, strong in both attack and defence. The forwards showed great speed on the ball and played a nice combination game. They scored three goals in the first half and two in the second period, one of the latter goals being from a penalty kick in front of the goal. Findlay was responsible for two goals, the Collier brothers for one each and Connor the odd one. The Garrison did not play as well as against the Fifth Regiment last Saturday, their team work being faulty and the men slow. They played through the second half with only ten men, Rondeau quitting, but strangely enough they did better when a man short than with the full team on the field. The teams displayed good spirit throughout and the game was very cleanly contested. The Garrison apparently realized however that they were up against it, for their play lacked their accustomed snap. The Shearwater men should cut quite a figure in the championship race this season judging on yesterday’s form. Findlay, the centre forward, is a splendid player and the men along side of him are both unselfish and good. The halves are better than the average while the fullbacks are both good kicks. Wyatt in goal pulled off several clever saves. This is the way the teams line up: Garrison – Goal, Macdonald; backs, Sullivan, Wardner; halves, Dunn, Bailey, Rondeau; forwards, Chapman, Ingle, Dogan, Robertson, Greenwood. H.M.S. Shearwater – Goal, Wyatt; backs, Williams, Clarkson; halves, Holmes, Connor, Fortune; forwards, Partleton, Burrows, Findlay, R.Collier, A. Collier. Referee – R. Kell. November 1, 1907 HOLIDAY SOCCER GAMES PRODUCE BIG SURPRISES Garrison Defeats Esquimalt While Y.M.C.A. and Fifth Regiment Tie The holiday games in the Victoria District League produced a couple of unlooked for results. The Garrison won in decisive fashion from the Esquimalt team by a score of three games to one, while the best the Y.M.C.A. team could do with the Fifth Regiment was to get a draw, two goals all. The results of the games leave the league standing as follows:
Games tomorrow: Garrison vs Victoria United, Work Point Barracks; Shearwater vs James Bay A.A., Oak Bay; Y.M.C.A. vs Esquimalt, Oak Bay. November 10, 1907 WILL RECOMMEND AN INCREASE IN GARRISON Dominion Officer Has Just Completed an Inspection of Esquimalt Defences Lieut. Col. P. Weatherby, O.C., R.C.E. at Halifax, whose departure for the east was mentioned in the Colonist of Saturday, has just completed an official tour of the Canadian military stations, recommending at Halifax and including Quebec, Toronto, London, Kingston, Montreal, St. Johns, P.Q., Ottawa, and Victoria. He has been on the road for the past month. As a result of his visit it is altogether likely that he will recommend an increase in the number of men stationed here. The number stationed here is about 130, including engineers, artillery, ordnance, pay department, army service corps and medical corps. At Halifax there are over 1,500 men and any supplementary draft will probably come from there. The compliment at present is quite inadequate to take charge of the work at Work Point and Esquimalt fortifications, and the matter will probably be brought to the attention of the authorities by Colonel Weatherby. November 10, 1907 More Men For Garrison Tomorrow a draft of twenty five non-commissioned officers and men of the R.C.G.A. at Quebec will leave to join the garrison at Work Point barracks. They will be under the command of Lieut. A.B. Macdonald and will bring the garrison up to strength. Owing to the difficulty in getting sufficient men to enlist here drafts from the east from time to time are necessary. Among the 25 men from Quebec were # 4116 Gunner Percy Buxton, in service 9 months, and brother # 4117 Gunner Fred Buxton, in service 6 months. They arrived at Work Point Barracks on November 11, 1907, and were now members of No. 5 Company, R.C.G.A. ____________________ Letter
Sir: I have the honour to confirm a coded telegram sent to you yesterday, of which the following is a translation: “Authority requested to enlist for Royal Canadian Garrison Artillery beyond establishment, up to 10. Good class of recruits offering.” In connection with the above I beg to state that the establishment of No. 5 Co. R.C.G.A. is 92 N.C.O.’s & men, the present strength of the Coy. Is 70, and with the arrival of the draft of 25 now en route from Quebec will be 95 – 3 over establishment. As a good class of recruits are now offering for enlistment, and casualties such as discharges by purchase, time expired, and desertions are always going on, I strongly recommend that authority be given for enlistments over establishment up to at least ten gunners. I have the honour to be, Letter
Recruiting Sir, I am directed by the Minister in Militia Council to acknowledge the receipt of your letter of the 9th instant (5460), and in reply, regret to state that the vote available for pay, & c, of the permanent force will not permit of the enlistment of men beyond the establishment at present authorized. 2. It is hoped, however, that every effort will be made to keep the unit up to its authorized strength. I am, |
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