by Chris Belfontaine
John (Jack) Belfontaine enlisted in the Canadian Overseas Expeditionary Force in Halifax, Nova Scotia on his 17th birthday, June 21st 1915. According to family folklore the recruitment officer, in lieu of a birth certificate, had my Grandfather swear on a bible that he was 19 years of age and suitable for active service. Continue reading
Transcribed by Sandy Wightman – grandson of Alec W Jack
Mr. Chapel’s two tape recorded undated Interview with Alec Jack – from the CBC Continue reading
Before and after photo of L/Cpl James Smart, 25th Bn Nova Scotia Rifles, winner of the light heavyweight wrestling championship at the Canadian Corps Championships, July 1, 1918. Canada. Dept. of National Defence/Library and Archives Canada/PA-003505
When COBWFA member Rod Henderson turned in a story about the Canadian Corps Championships of 1918 for an upcoming edition of branch magazine The Maple Leaf, one of the photographs available to illustrate it was of an unnamed corporal of the 25th Battalion, Nova Scotia Rifles, who was described as the winner of the light heavyweight boxing title. As managing editor, I smelled a challenge and set about trying to identify the man whose striking photo I was marveling at for its sharpness and detail – along with his arresting gaze. There had to be a way to track him down. Continue reading
THE NEW ARMY IN TRAINING
BY RUDYARD KIPLING
IV
CANADIANS IN CAMP
Before you hit the buffalo, find out where the rest of the herd is. – Proverb. Continue reading
Canadian Army Journal article about how the battalion leadership was found and formed into a deadly fighting force. Continue reading
Mike Dobson contributed this a few years ago.
These are the letters of our Father, Grandfather and Great-grandfather, #157114 Pte JG Sproule, 3rd Cdn MG Coy, BEF, France written to his cousin Marie Golay. Continue reading
A series of short videos on life of the soldier with BBC presenter Dan Snow. Continue reading
By Hack-Wheeze
Colonel.
It’s almost time to plan your attack on the Western Front. Your trip will take you through pleasant places that sell strangely interesting drinks and cakes. If you want to experience the sound of a Whizz-bang in your head – just have a few pleasant drinks and you will hear the barrage coming down at 0 dark 30 when the concierge says “M’Sir, Herr Oberst Kerr wants to speak with you.” Continue reading
See a new, modern map of the Vimy Ridge Attack as well as contemporary versions. Continue reading
This gallery contains 4 photos.
Images of the stone memorial tablets just inside the Newcastle Memorial Hall remembering the men of the town who served.