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HISTORY OF WORK POINT BARRACKSby Jack BatesPART 4 — 1907 to 19181917Esquimalt Archives Click here for Signal Hill Gunners as listed in 1917 directory. WW1 – Gunners and Others – Esquimalt (during war – then after). Two lists as detailed, courtesy Sherri Robinson. Times CYCLISTS PLATOON Third Unit Being Raised Here For Overseas Service Lieut. F.E. Dorchester, late of the 72nd Highlanders and now officer commanding the newly authorized Cyclists’ Platoon, is expected in the city within the next few days for the purpose of securing recruits for the new platoon. It should be observed that all recruits will recieve their training here, and in view of the fact that under forty men go to form the required number for a Cyclist’ Platoon, as soon as the proper strength has been raised, the men will proceed overseas. This will be the third platoon raised in Brirish Columbia, and is a branch of the service wherein men may get their full share of incident and interesting experience. Those who are intending to join would do well to secure information without delay from Capt. C. Tweedale, D.I.O., at Work Point. January 20, 1917 SOLDIERS AND UNIFORMS To the Editor: Regarding an article which appeared in the Times of the 18th, referring to returned soldiers wearing uniforms after discharge, I now beg permission to insert a few words from the point of view of one of the men most concerned. When I was discharged recently, I was given the princely sum of $8 and told that it was the clothing allowance, and was intended to enable a man to purchase a complete civilian outfit. I hastened into the city and proceeded to spend my $8 on clothing and bought a pair of boots and a pair of socks, the price of which amounted to $7. I then realized that there remained a balance of $1 with which to clothe the rest of my body, and I debated for some time as to how to spend that dollar to advantage ultimately arriving at the conclusion that a loin cloth was the only dollar article which a man could wear and at the same time observe the principal rules of propriety. But having spent sometime in a German prison, I had no desire to pay a lengthy visit to the lock up in this city, a visit I should certainly have paid had I appeared in the main streets garbed only in boots, socks, a loin cloth and a cane. Therefore, I ask, how is it possible for a man to cloth himself on $8 and at the same time be decent. But, to be serious, I have plenty of clothing myself, but such is not always the case with returned men, and it is for those who may be less fortunate that I am pointing out the unfairness of an order prohibiting the wearing of uniform by a returned soldier, who attaches a sentimental value to his uniform which few people realize. A RETURNED SOLDIER January, 1917 TWO SOLDIERS ARE HURT ON CAR TRACK In Darkness of Saturday Night Esquimalt Car Overtakes Belated Pedestrians To the list of accidents already reported on the Esquimalt Road, through soldiers and sailors walking on the car track, after nightfall, has to be added another on Saturday evening. A street car shortly after nine o’clock overtook a couple of figures in the dark section of the roadway between the Canteen Road and Signal Hill, and though the motorman, J. Teney, sounded a warning, the men appeared not to notice. The car was travelling slowly, and the fender threw them clear off the track. Both proved to be privates of the 143rd Battalion, with week end passes to Vancouver in their pockets. Pte. P. Salves was hurried to the Royal Jubilee Hospital, after examination by Dr. Boak, suffering from concussion of the brain, while Pte. Tirney’s injuries not being so discernible, he was removed to hospital for examination. The city, and Cameron & Calwell’s ambulances removed the injured men, the former on request of the B.C. Electric Railway. Chief Palmer attended on behalf of the Esquimalt Police. Daily Colonist Regarding courses of instruction held at Work Point, a Lieut. Loveland is credited with: “Last fall he took out a Lieutenant’s certificate at Work Point and then transferred to the 230th Forestry Battalion. While associated with that unit he was in charge of Vancouver Island recruiting in which he was highly successful. Being a tried soldier of active experience, as well as a competent woodsman and forestry expert, Lieut. Loveland is the ideal type of officer for a forestry battalion. COLONIST SNOW INTERFERES WITH CAMP ROUTINE Indoor Instruction and Training Feature Day for Soldiers Stationed in Victoria While yesterday’s heavy fall of snow did not occasion any very serious inconvenience at the various military barracks, forts and camps in Victoria and the surrounding district, the usual routine was somewhat interfered with and it was found impossible to carry on any outdoor training. Most of the overseas corps took advantage of the weather for holding classes under cover in various forms of instruction, and several lectures were given during the day on military tactics and field duties. The Army Service Corps experienced some difficulty in delivering the usual amount of goods to the various quarters although, end of the month, the orders were light. The greater portion of the supplies are sent out at the beginning of the month, so that if the cold spell continues for the rest of the week the Army Service Corps’ troubles will be much increased The haul to Esquimalt was found to be the most arduous yesterday, although things were facilitated to some extent by the use of sleighs, of which the corps now has four. The road to Willows Camp was pretty well beaten down and deliveries were made out that way without much delay. At Work Point the usual duties were carried out as in normal weather, except that the training of probationers on Macaulay Plains naturally had to be dispensed with in favour of inside work. Several lady stenographers are employed at Work Point, and they reported at their respective offices at the regular time in the morning. That was before the beginning of the storm, however, and in the afternoon a sleigh had to be sent for in order that they might be spared the necessity of combatting the elements on foot, as that was the only means of travel for some time yesterday on the Esquimalt Road. All the Work Point officers managed to arrive at the barracks in time to carry out their daily routine, but when it became time for the return to the city several of them clubbed together and hired a launch. They made the trip into town by water, but discovered on the way over that the snow was not confined to the land. A good deal of the time was saved, however, and that was the main consideration. PREPARED FOR TROUBLE Musketry practice and lectures were the features of the day at Beacon Hill barracks of the 143rd Battalion, B.C. Bantams. The camp was well prepared for just such a storm and it caused little or no trouble, although more snow might disrupt the general organization to some degree. Lieut.-Col. Bruce Powley, officer commanding the 143rd, has offered the services of the men of the battalion under his command to clear away the snow from the sidewalks in front of the houses of dependents of soldiers on overseas service who are on the Patriotic Fund lists. This only applies, of course, to those places which are not too far from the centre of the city. Any soldier’s wife wishing to avail herself of this offer should call at the office of the Patriotic Aid Society, or telephone 4198. The various artillery batteries in Esquimalt manned by the 5th Regiment at Signal Hill, Rod Hill, Black Rock and Macaulay Point have so far encountered the weather without serious complaint on any score and so long as the means of communication are kept open the men will be satisfied. They have the alternative of water transport, if conditions force them to go to that extremity. Good progress in physical training was made by the 50th Gordon Highlanders at Willows Camp yesterday, as outside work was made impossible. The snow made little difference to the daily procedure carried out by the Ammunition Column draft, which is also stationed at the Willows. The use of the spacious Horse Show Building is available for any necessary drill, but yesterday the men were engaged in saddlery instruction and learning how to take care of the horses, the classes being held in the stables. During last year’s cold snap, the aid of the soldiers was sought in clearing the city streets. It is improbable that they will be asked to perform this service during the present spell, unless the state of the weather should become much worse than it was yesterday. February 16, 1917 Tanker Arrives The tank steamer, Col. E.L. Drake, which left San Francisco on Monday morning with a cargo of oil for Victoria and Vancouver, arrived here yesterday morning and commenced discharging at the Imperial Oil Company’s wharf at McLaughlin Point. Colonist MILITARY NOTES Katamasa Kato is probably the first Japanese to be listed among Canada’s returning soldiers. He arrived with the party of veterans which reached Victoria on Thursday afternoon and is now undergoing treatment at the Esquimalt Military Convalescent Hospital as a shell shock patient. Kato was at Medicine Hat when war broke out and enlisted in one of the reinforcement drafts for the Princess Patricia’s as soon as given the opportunity. When passing through Vancouver he was met by a delegation of Japanese residents who presented him with a silver medal suspended from ribbons representing the colors of the allies. The inscription was “In recognition of services rendered to Great Britain in 1914.” Local Japanese held a celebration in his honor also. Colonist MYSTERY SURROUNDS WORK POINT FIRE Administration Building at Barracks Burnt to Ground A fire which started early yesterday morning completely gutted the Administration Building at Work Point Barracks and destroyed, besides the structure itself, a mass of valuable papers relative to the military organization of British Columbia. The flames were subdued shortly after 6 o’clock, after a corps of over 100 men – both soldiers and firemen from the Victoria West Station, directed by Chief Davis and Deputy Chief Stewart, had fought them for two hours. The actual loss in dollars is difficult to estimate, as the value of the documents destroyed would be hard to fix, and it has not yet been definitely ascertained just what was lost and what was saved. The building itself was probably worth between $10,000 and $12,000, it being a frame affair of one story, built on a foundation of concrete. It occupied a commanding position to the east of the drill grounds in the centre of the Barracks area. Insurance arrangements were made at Ottawa and figures were not available here. Origin is Mystery Mystery still surrounds the origin of the fire. A board of investigation, composed of several officers of the headquarters staff, held a fairly exhaustive inquiry yesterday. Its finding will not be made public until it has been received at Ottawa, where all evidence will be forwarded immediately. It is understood, however, that the cause of the outbreak has not yet been ascertained, and probably never will be, as the time of the fire was long after everyone at the Barracks, except the guard, had retired for the night. As the building was entirely vacated on Thursday afternoon by about 5:30 o’clock and the flames were not noticed until 4 a.m. – ten and a half hours later – it is probable that a cigarette butt thrown among refuse, or defective chimneys, were responsible. Rain Damaged Papers Temporary quarters for the departments formerly occupying the Administration have been established in No. 4 Hut, immediately adjacent. The records and papers that were saved were carried there as soon as the fire was under control, and all day yesterday was spent in sorting them out and filing them. The heavy rain damaged a good many of the documents that were not burnt, but the majority were not even soiled. No. 3 Hut, now occupied by the 5th Regiment, C.G.A., as headquarters, will also be taken over. This will cause the removal of the 5th to the new drill hall. Practically the entire contents of the Paymaster’s office, where it is believed the fire commenced, was lost. The files and furniture of the office of the District Intelligence Officer, the Commanding Officer of the Royal Canadian Engineers, Department of Alien Reservists, The D.O.C., Assistant Adjutant General and the D.S.A, were also partially destroyed, although the most valuable material was saved through the energy and courage of the fire fighters. The extensive files in the Central Registry Office, probably the most valuable of them all, were got out of the flaming building just in time. It was thought at first they had been removed, and it was not discovered that they were still inside until the entire framework was a mass of flames. Volunteers were called for and Ptes. Duane and J. Macfarlane, of L Company, Royal Canadian Regiment, responded. Wrapping wet towels around their heads to protect themselves from falling shingles or beams, the two dashed in and rolled the big cabinets containing the papers out of the windows. The cases were smashed by the fall, but their contents were undamaged. Major H. Ritchie, of the Royal Engineers, was the first to notice the flames from hid house, only a few yards from the Administration Building. He sounded the alarm at 4 o’clock and in a few moments every man in the Barracks had turned out and was engaged in combatting the fire. Under the supervision of their officers 100 men worked without ceasing until the flames were finally overcome about two hours later. Fire Chief Davis answered a call sent into City Headquarters and was at the scene of the action in his own car before the fire had got much headway. He ordered out No. 4 engine, of the Victoria West Fire Hall, and this, together with the hose installed at the Barracks, was effective in protecting the Officer’s Quarters, situated just west of the Administration Building. Deputy Chief Stewart reported shortly afterward and the two directed the fire-fighting operations until danger was past. Weather a Handicap The weather could hardly have been worse. When the fire first burst through the roof a strong northerly wind was blowing. This fanned the flame until they were subdued and greatly handicapped the firemen and the soldiers. No sooner had the wind veered around and the contents of the building removed to the tennis lawn nearby, then a driving rain started and furthered the work of destruction. Tarpaulins were hurriedly spread over the material and it was rushed into adjacent buildings as rapidly as possible, the operation necessitating the withdrawal of several of the men needed for other duties. The fire lit up the sky so that it could be seen from miles away, and hundreds of Esquimalt residents hastened to the scene. The gates were locked, however, and all civilians were excluded from the grounds. COLONIST ALL OF ZALA FAMILY HAVE SEEN SERVICE "Arthur Zala married Evelyn Usher (Fred Usher Family) who lived at 1122 Lyall Street, the house, is still standing." Courtesy Sherri Robinson - June 18, 2022. Click here to view Colonist item as a PDF. TIMES HOPE TO FINISH ON MONDAY MORNING COURT OF REVISION DATE SET TODAY; The Court of Revision on the Assessment Roll .... Col. J. Duff Stuart has written a formal letter of thanks on behalf of the Militia Department in the City for the services of the department at the fire on March 23 at Work Point Barracks, in which he praises Chief Davis’s work, his “skill and energy in limiting the fire” and preventing it spreading to other blocks. TIMES PROPOSED TRANSFER OF HEADQUARTERS ATTEMPT TO HEAD OFF MOVEMENT TO MOVE MILITIA CONTROL TO VANCOUVER “That the council of the Municipality of Esquimalt should do all in its power to prevent the transferring of the staff offices of military district No. 11 from Victoria to Vancouver” was the text of a resolution that was received by the municipal body sitting in committee of the whole last evening. This movement comes as a result of action which has been taken by Colonel Duff Stuart, D.O.C. of Military District No. 11, recommending to the Ottawa authorities that the staff headquarters and administrative offices, which until now have been maintained at Work Point Barracks, be transferred to the mainland, and that Vancouver be the seat of the executive department of the militia in the future. The opinion seems to prevail that the present selected by the authorities as the opportune moment to make the change. Recently a fire occurred which destroyed the administrative offices at the local barracks, and as only temporary premises are being occupied now it is thought by many that the authorities are anxious to have the transfer to the mainland accomplished before steps are taken to rebuild permanent structures at Work Point. The Esquimalt council will undoubtedly take decisive action as far as it lies within its power. After considerable discussion at last evening’s meeting it was decided to leave the matter in the hands of the Reeve, Arthur Coles, to take what steps he could in bringing the situation to the attention of the City of Victoria Council, the Board of Trade and other important organizations of the district. The opinion naturally prevails that there is no legitimate reason for the contemplated change in the military quarters. Residents of both Victoria and the surrounding districts feel that this city is the central and reasonable place for the head executive offices. Esquimalt harbor is the naval base not only of the Island, but also of the Pacific Coast so far as Canada is concerned, and there is no reason why Victoria should be deprived of a military department which it has always been found possible to handle in a satisfactory manner in this city. The matter will be officially discussed by the Esquimalt council at their regular meeting which will be next Monday evening. TIMES MILITIA HEADQUARTERS SUBJECT IS MENTIONED IN CITY COUNCIL, FOLLOWING RUMOR OF CHANGE In regard to the rumored indication of the removal of the military district headquarters from Work Point Barracks, where they have been for a quarter of a century, to the Mainland, a statement was made in City Council last evening, by Alderman Dilworth. The alderman had been a member of a Council committee appointed to see the D.O.C. on the matter. Alderman Dilworth said he had talked the matter over with Col. Duff Stuart, and was told that while he personally preferred to live in Victoria, if he was asked from headquarters to advise on the situation, he would certainly advise either Vancouver or Kamloops, or a similar central position. The mail, the Colonel told him, was so much delayed here, and there were other reasons. So long as he held an official position, however, he would not move on the matter. April 17, 1917 PLANTING MAPLES AT ESQUIMALT SCHOOL Trees Will Commemorate Former ... Maple trees will be planted next Wednesday at the Lampson Street School in memory of its late assistant principal, Lieut. Jack Dowler, and three former pupils, Pte. Guest, Hardie and Nankerville, who have died in the present war.
The ceremony will take place in the school grounds, commencing at 2:30 o’clock, and clergyman from the Esquimalt churches will conduct appropriate services. The school cadet corps will form a guard of honor. All residents of Esquimalt are cordially invited to attend the planting, which should be of an exceedingly impressive character.
Daily Colonist COMMEMORATE HEROES OF ESQUIMALT SCHOOL Impressive Ceremony at Lampson Street Institution When Maples Are Planted Six hundred residents of Esquimalt attended, yesterday afternoon, the planting of maples at Lampson Street School to commemorate former assistant principle Lieut. Jack Dowler and three old boys who have made the supreme sacrifice for their country in battle. The ceremony took place in the eastern corner of the school grounds, at the junction of the Old Esquimalt Road and Lampson Street. The trees were planted in an inclosed area, and after the sods had been replaced a firing party, under Capt. Ian McKay, of the school cadet corps, fired three volleys, accompanied by the playing of the Last Post. Mr. Leonard Tait, chairman of the Esquimalt School Board, acted as master of ceremonies, and the clergymen of all three denominations represented by a church in the municipality took some part in the service. Rev. W. Baugh Allen, of St. Paul’s Naval and Garrison church, opened the ceremony with prayer, and it was closed by Rev. Robert Hughes, of the Esquimalt Methodist church, while Rev. Father J.F. Silver, of the Roman Catholic Church, delivered an impassioned address on the significance of the occasion. “It is sweet and noble to die for one’s country!” declared Father Silver. “That phrase, now quite familiar, gives us not only what was the pagan idea of good citizenship, but it also expresses in its best sense the highest conception of what Christian citizenship should be, and the men in honor whose memory we are assembled here today attained to the full measure of citizenship by going out to the field of battle and there laying down their lives, not only for the mighty Empir4e which was endangered, but also to ensure the safety of us who are left at home. War’s Test of Citizenship “In times of peace the burden of good citizenship rests comparatively light upon us; for the most part it means obedience to the law, respect for lawful authority, contribution of goods and occasionally personal service. But when the life of the state is threatened, then is the time citizens must be prepared to sacrifice all to defend it. War is the most severe test of citizenship, and true citizenship in a war of this character demands nothing but real heroism. We are here to pay tribute to the bravery and heroism of these true men, who, in the critical time of this country’s need, responded to the call. They went forth to war. They left their homes, severing perhaps the dearest ties that bind strong human hearts, sacrificing the comforts of life, subjecting themselves to hardship in unaccustomed surroundings, and bravely they made the supreme sacrifice, and by falling on the blood soaked battlefield of Europe, added their names to the long and glorious list which shall live for all time in the annals of history”. “It takes occasions of this kind to make us value at its full that sublime courage which has shown us once more what men can be; to make us realize the power of that sacred spirit of patriotism which raises even the ordinary soldier to the rank of a hero”. Memory Will Not Die “And today the planting of the maples, which in time will grow to great trees, will remind us and generations yet to come that during the greatest conflict of all time there went out from the classrooms of this splendid school men who were not afraid to put into practice the lessons they taught and learned, who were not afraid to go out and die in the fight of right against might, in defence of a cause which they knew to be just. – Lieut. Dowler, Ptes. Guest, Hardie and Nankivell, we salute you fallen heroes; and though you lie buries far across the sea, yet your deeds still live, and may the memory of what you have done be an inspiration to us all”. The four trees, in memory of Lieut. Jack Dowler, Ptes. Hardie, Guest and Nankivell, were planted respectively by Mrs. (Col.) Peters, Mrs. Fitzherbert Bullen, Mrs. Harry Pooley, and Mrs. Bilson. The school cadet corps paraded seventy five strong, under Cadet Major P. Mulcahy, and formed a guard of honor at the ceremony, which was closed by the singing of the National Anthem. Following the planting, refreshments were served in the domestic science class rooms by Mrs. Mulcahy, Mrs. Cunningham, Mrs. Manthrop, Mrs. Tait, Mrs. Stacey and Miss McKinnon, assisted by other teachers of the school. The maple trees were supplied by Mr. Leonard Leigh, and were grown at his residence on Lampson street. May 8, 1917 VICTORIA NURSES LEAVE FOR OVERSEAS Another Party Departs for Montreal to Enter Service Eight more Victoria nurses for overseas left the city yesterday and are now on their way to Montreal, where they will be assigned to their various units and given transportation to England, to serve in the Canadian Army Medical Corps. Those in yesterday’s party were Misses. Leonora Gregory Allen, Jessie Nelson King from the Work Point Hospital; Beatrice McNair, Jane Dennison, Clover Jane Walker, Lillian Annie Garrard, Grace Isobel Bruce, Ray McLeish. Other local nurses who are well on their way east are Misses Meta Adele Perry, Rachel Morrison, May Lea, May Taylor Shand, Helmina Hamilton, Jessie Ethylwyn McLaughlin, Olive Beatrice Duncan and Carry Middleton Roxon. June 2, 1917 MILITARY NOTES Military authorities at Work Point have been induced to again remind officers that they are not to wear their uniforms in the United States, except with special authority obtained from militia headquarters, which will not be granted except for special duty. The Prairie Hotel, Saanichton, and the Sidney Hotel, Sidney, have been placed out of bounds for troops, dating from yesterday, according to an announcement made at Work Point yesterday. Anyone knowing the present whereabouts of George Inkley, late of the 88th Regiment, Victoria, is requested to communicate with the A.A., D.M.S., Military District No. 11, Work Point. Brigadier R.G.E. Leckie, D.S.O., C.M.G., who is returning to take over the command of Military District No. 11 after active service overseas for the past two years and a half, will arrive in Vancouver this morning. He was expected to have reached the coast yesterday, but was unable to makre connections. A party of returned soldiers arrived in Victoria yesterday afternoon and were conveyed by motor to the Esquimalt Military Convalescent Hospital. The men were: Cpl. E. Aspinault, Ptes. J. Brennan, A. Brougherton, A. Termandy, G. Gott, W. Johnson, M. McFadyen, J. Richards, E. Scarfe, J. Doherty, G. Craycott, Morrison, Quigg, Smith. Sergt. Evans, Cpls. Edwards, Harris, Hadden, Sapper C. Fielding and Gnr. McMillan. The veterans represented almost every setion of the province. REJECTED MEN GO TO NON-COMBATANT UNITS Recruits Eligible For Service With Infantry Will be Transferred Instructions have been received at Work Point to the effect that men found on medical examination to be unfit for infantry units, but fit for forestry or railway construction corps, are to be transferred to the nearest depot of each. In the case of men already enlisted in infantry and subsequently found unfit for each unit, but fit for forestry or railway construction services, the authority for transfer of these men must be obtained from the A.A.G. in charge of the administration, M.D. No. 11, Work Point, before such is carried out. June 14, 1917 WOULD BUILD SHRINE TO ESQUIMALT HEROES Residents Give Support to Proposed Erection of Memorial The proposal to erect a “war shrine” in memory of the Esquimalt soldiers who have entered the army or navy during the present war is meeting with general support throughout the municipality, and a public meeting to discuss the details of the proposition will be held within the next few days. The matter was considered at some length at a meeting held Thursday night at Heald’s hall, Esquimalt, and the following committee was appointed to ascertain the sentiment of the residents regarding the plan: Rev. W.W. Bolton, Rev. Father J. Silva, Rev. Robert Hughes, Capt. A. Mulcahy, Messrs. T.H. Slater and S.J. Heald, Miss Pooley and Mrs. Nelson. The cost of erecting such a memorial, it is said, would amount to $300, and it is believed by those supporting the movement that this sum can easily be secured through public subscription. The shrine would be of white enamel, the names inscribed in black characters, while receptacles for flowers would be affixed. It would be in the form of a triptych and about 14 feet in height. It has been suggested that the location be near St. Paul’s Naval and Garrison church. June 20, 1917 TO PRESERVE MEMORY OF ESQUIMALT HEROES War Shrine to Commemorate Their War Service Will be Erected Immediately Residents of Esquimalt, at a meeting held in the Rex theatre last night, decided unanimously in favor of the immediate erection of a war shrine, commemorating the men that have gone forward from their municipality to fight on land or sea in the present war. A start will be made at once in building the shrine, which will be an imposing affair, 14 feet high constructed of wood with a heavy coating of white enamel. It will stand in the northwest corner of the grounds of ST. Paul’s naval and garrison church. The front section of the shrine will contain seven panels, the centre one being for the names of those who have given their lives for their country, and the outside ones for those who have enlisted and have been on active service during the war. Below will be placed receptacles for flowers, while above will be a crucifix, under which will be inscribes: “Greater love hath no man than this, he gave his life for his brethren”. At the foot of the panels will be inscribed on a single panel the names of the donors. Reeve Coles was chairman of this meeting, and about fifty persons were in the theatre, the principal address being given by rev. W.W. Bolton, who explained the nature and purpose of the war shrine. Reeve Coles and Mr. Bolton, together with an architect who is anonymously rendering his services free, will form a committee to hasten construction, and a general committee composed of members of the Esquimalt clergy, Red Cross, and other patriotic societies will attend to the other details, such as the securing of names for the honor roll, and caring for the shrine after it has been completed. Public Will Subscribe The cost of the shrine is set at $250, the lumber and painting being furnished at special rates, while the designing is to be done gratuitously. The money will be raised by public subscription, and Reeve Coles told the Colonist last night that donations of any amount, from 5c upwards, would be welcomed by the committee. Circular letters will be addressed to every resident of Esquimalt, asking for a contribution, and it is expected that by the time it gets fairly underway there will be no lack of funds. The shrine will be finished in about two months, it is estimated. There are 150 names already to be placed on the roll of honor, and it is believed that there are fully another 100 more. Arrangements will be made so that names can be added as found necessary. TIMES TWO STORY EDIFICE PLANNED FOR WORK POINT HEADQUARTERS PLANS IN COURSE OF PREARATION; Building activity is always a good sign and Victorians generally will be gratified to hear that Major Ritchie has plans in course of preparation for a two-story fire proof brick building to be erected on the spot where the old Administrative Buildings of Military District No. 11 stood at Work Point Barracks. The buildings which did duty for so long, it will be recalled, were destroyed by the fire some weeks ago. The plans of the new edifice will provide for sufficient accommodation to enable all the multifarious detail, connected with Brigadier-General Leckie’s command, to be dealt with under one roof. INQUIRIES MADE Persistent rumors some weeks ago to the effect that Vancouverites had hopes of being successful in netting the administrative offices of Military District No. 11 for the Mainland, led to action on the part of the Victoria Board of Trade. Inquiries were made at Ottawa and elicited the fact that no such recommendation had been made by the late District Officer Commanding, neither, so far as could be ascertained, was there any ground for belief that such action was contemplated in the future. That the military headquarters should be permanently established at the Capital City of the Province as the generally accepted, as well as the official theory, dispelled doubt on the point. The Board of Trade Committee, appointed to keep a weather eye on any contemplated change, was thus discharged from further activity on this score. THE FIRE Then came the disastrous fire which swept away the major portion of the administration buildings at Work Point, together with a good deal of documentary valuables appertaining to the records of the many soldiers who have gone with the Canadian Expeditionary Forces from British Columbia. As a temporary arrangement nearby premises connected with the barracks were commandeered and the work has since been carried on with more or less difficulty in the somewhat cramped accommodation. Less than a month ago military engineers concluded a minute examination of various business blocks in the city where accommodation had been offered as a substitute for the demolished quarters. Full stock of the buildings was taken and a complete report submitted to the authorities at Ottawa by Colonel Duff Stuart, then the District Officer Commanding. A suite of twenty-two offices in the Belmont Block was one suggestion, the major portion of a floor in the Arcade Building was another, while quarters of the B.C. Permanent Loan Building made a third recommendation. Engineers, it is understood, presented their reports on all three buildings. The apparent intention to maintain the old site for the continually increasing administration work of M.D. No. 11 which embraces the Yukon Territory, would seem to dispel any idea of up-town offices and effectively quash the chance of removal to the Mainland. ESQUIMALT MUNICIPAL COUNCIL MINUTE BOOKS Councillor Bridie referred to a fire that had broken out at Mr. Thomas Williams residence near the barracks and which had been extinguished by Sgt. Major Farley and his men. Councillor Bridie suggested that their services should be recognized. Resolved: “That a letter of thanks be sent to Sgt. Major Farley (Albert T.) and $5.00 for his men.” COLONIST ORDERS ELIMINATION OF FOOD WASTE Strict Economy Must Be Practiced in Barracks and Military Camps in B.C., Every precaution is to be taken by military organizations in British Columbia to ensure the elimination of waste in the matter of food, and the following instructions, just issued from Work Point headquarters, will be rigidly observed wherever troops are congregated in this province:
ESQUIMALT MUNICIPAL COUNCIL MINUTE BOOK A letter was read from Chief Palmer drawing attention to the services rendered by returned soldiers under the direction of Captain Crompton at the bush fire at Lang’s Cove on the 10th instant. Resolve: “That the clerk be instructed to write to Captain Crompton expressing the Council’s appreciation of the services rendered by himself and his men on this occasion.” COLONIST WERE FIRST VICTORIANS TO ANSWER COUNTRY’S CALL Three years ago today, on August 26, 1914, Victoria said good-bye to its first overseas contingent for service in the present war. Seventy men of the 5th Regiment, C.G.A., made their departure on that day. They furnished the vanguard of the 14,000 or more soldiers that have since gone away to represent this city on foreign battlefields. Upper picture, reading from left to right, the names are as follows – Corpl. B. Keogh, Gunners J.E. Farmer, H.C. Laundy, H.B. Carter, E. Dingle, C. Morris, A. Grice, H. Whaite, Corpl. E. Waller, Bombr. T.H. Gaunt, Gunners E.D. Carter, J.O. Orr, S.G. Field send, E.V. Robley, Ed. Dowling, T. Loader, P. Thunder, J.A. Chisholm, E.W. Dingle, H.J. Ramsay, Corpl. H.L. Robinson, Gunners, K.C. McCallum, M.T. Harrison, H.G. Warren, B.W.M. Compton, P. Mulcahy, S.G. Evans, Bombr. St. J Hodson, Gunners T.W. Buss, J.M. Armstrong, J.B. Armstrong. Second picture – Gunners W.C. Clare, V.W. Carter, A. Phillips, P. Foreman, Corpls. W.G. Eden, F. Fox, Gunners R. Harvey, A. Corbett, F.W.T. Alexander, R.L. Price. The lower left hand picture contains – Sergt.-Major R. Parker, Sergt. V. Zala, Trumpeter J. Ward, Gunner E. McMillan. The three officers in the centre picture are Capt. R.P. Clark, Capt. P.T. Stern and Lieut. H.K. Bovill. Capt. W.B. Shaw, who also left with the draft, was not present when the picture was taken. Gunner Carleton Hanington name omitted. The photographs are not legible but available on the British Colonist website. September 2, 1917 Where Memories of Heroes of Great War Will Be Perpetuated
Here is a view of the war shrine erected in front of St. Paul’s Naval and Garrison church, Esquimalt, in commemoration of the war service of Esquimalt’s sons and daughters who have volunteered for active service. The shrine was formally opened by Major General Leckie last Sunday. Dates of related articles covering the names, ceremony and photos are:
ESQUIMALT MUNICIPAL COUNCIL MINUTE BOOKS The clerk was instructed to write Major-General Leckie (Brig.-Gen. Robert Gilmour Edwards Leckie, 1869-1923) expressing the council’s appreciation of the valuable assistance rendered by the men under the command of Lt. Bridgman (Lt.-Cmdr. Montague Arthur Weaver-Bridgman 1891-1951) at the recent fire on Head Street. Times ESQUIMALT CADETS INSPECTED BY DUKE Boys, Veterans and I.O.D.E. Congratulated by His Excellency the Governor The soldiers of yesterday and the soldiers of tomorrow presented a brave appearance in the grounds of the Lampson Street school yesterday afternoon on the occasion of the visit of His Ezcellency the Governor General. Drawn up on one side were the Esquimalt School Cadet Corps under Lieut. J.M. Paterson, and on the other, the little band of the British Campaigners Association under the command of President Beaumont Boggs. His Excellency, who was accompanied by His Honor the Lieutenant Governor and Mrs. Barnard, Loed Richard Neville, C.V.O., C.M.G., Compttoller of the Household, Captain V.F. Bulkeley Johnston, A.D.C., and Lt. Col. the Hon. Harold G. Henderson was greeted by Capt. Mulcahy, R.G.A., Reeve Coles and Principle Francis. Soldierly Bearing The Governor General was warm in his commendation of the smart, soldierly appearance of the boys of the Cadet Corps, His Excellency learnt, from Cadet Major Mulcahy, of the work accomplished by the troop assembled to greet him, his interest in their wee being reflecting visibly in the cheerful accountances of the youngsters who are imbued with the idea that to ensure peace is to prepare for war. The link with the past battles of the empire was provided by those stalwarts of old, the members of the British Campaigners Association. To each one of these veterans His Excellency directed some question and manifested considerable interest in their deeds performed in some instances more than half a century ago. Despite his four score years and two, the “youthful” bearing of George Smith, a naval veteran, stirred within the Duke a modicum of envy. “I hope I may look as young as you when I am eighty-two,” said His Excellency, as he greeted heartily the old campaigner. Presentation Not the least pleasing ceremony was the presentation to His Excellency of Mrs. H.W. Bishop, regent of the Esquimalt Chapter, I.O.D.E., together with those members of the organization who were able to be present. Subsequent to the singing of “O Canada” by the assembled school children, the Governor General presented the thrice won shield, and a cup to the Cadet Corps. In felicitous terms the Duke expressed his admiration of the splendid record of the cadets, coupled with the hope that the years would see the fulfillment of the promise which they had so early shown, of the glory of the past achievements of the Veterans, which laid the foundations for the work being so successfully carrie don today, and of the wonderful efforts of the women of the British Empire. Referring to the school children as the citizens of tomorrow of the country for which their fathers and brothers were fighting, the Governor General won the hearts of the pupils by his announcement of a holiday to-day in commemoration of his first visit to the school. Daily Colonist OLD GLORY FLIES FROM CITY HALL Old Glory flew from the tower of the Victoria City Hall yesterday for the first time in history. It was right up at the top of the mast beside the Union Jack. The mayor yesterday morning issued orders that the Stars and Stripes be raised in honor of the party of 300 United States naval and military officers and their wives who came over for the Victory Loan Ball. Mr. Evan Davies, custodian of the flags at the city hall, assisted by Mr. Martin, ran up the United States emblem. The mayor is preparing a memorandum of the occasion which he will ask the city council to endorse Monday night. The memorandum will then be files for all time among the city’s records. The Stars and Stripes also flew over the Parliament buildings yesterday. COLONIST LAMPSON STREET SCHOOL CADET CORPS Click here to see Colonist photo of Corps At Lampson Street School - 1917 TIMES ROYAL FLYING CORPS Mechanics Asked to Send in Duplicate of Application; Others Destroyed Owing to the recent fire at Work Point Barracks, the applications of some two hundred mechanics for service with the Imperial Royal Flying Corps were totally destroyed, and it is especially asked that those applicants send in a duplicate immediately, to Captain Tweedale, D.I.O., M.D. 11, at Work Point Barracks. THE LISTENING POST TIMES WORK OF YEAR IN MILITARY DISTRICT ENLISTMENTS NUMBER 5,546 MEN AND 34 OFFICERS; FLYING CORPS, 1,102 DEPOT BATTALION SYSTEM INITIATED IN VICTORIA Early in 1917, the Dominion military authorities having discontinued the policy of organizing whole battalions, originated a system of “reinforcing drafts,” which was continued until July at the Victoria headquarters. It was then found that this plan was a bad dispersion of effort, and entailed waste of energy. A system of “Depot Battalions” in proportion to the population of the military districts, then came into operation the Depot Battalions being made permanent organizations from which reinforcing drafts were sent overseas when sufficiently advanced in training. This system, which was adopted a month after Major-General R.G. Edwards Leckie, C.M.G., took over the command here, following his return to Canada after being severely wounded at the front, was first adopted at the Victoria headquarters. It has since been put into operation at all the other military districts of the Dominion, has continued to work smoothly, and has proved satisfactory. HEADQUARTERS STAFF In addition to Major-General Leckie, general officer commanding, Military District No. 11 (British Columbia and the Yukon Territory), the headquarter staff is composed of the following officers: Major E.A. Seely-Smith, general staff officer; Major F.W.L. Moore, assistant adjutant-general; and Captain G. Sisman, deputy assistant-adjutant and quartermaster-general, these three officers belonging to the Canadian permanent force. In addition there are, of course, a necessary number of officers, non-commissioned officers and men to carry on the administration work of the headquarters. Those headquarters have only been centered at the Belmont Building since last September. For years the military headquarters of this district were at Work Point Barracks, but, last spring, a fire which gutted the building, burning four fifths of it to the ground, necessitated other quarters. While awaiting instructions on the subject from Ottawa temporary headquarters were provided by the taking over of huts close to the ruins, and when the Ottawa authorities decided not to rebuild, offices were taken in the Belmont Building, where, at the present time, all the four upper floors are occupied by the military staff. |
