Leftovers

21-27 July 1916: The Citizens’ League

  Sir Sam, you need to reconsider who your friends are The Royal Commission that investigated the fuse and shell scandal released their findings. Both Militia Minister Sir Sam Hughes and Colonel Carnegie, the Shell Committee’s ordinance expert, were cleared of negligence. The minister was in the dark; the ordinance expert was overworked and “under-qualified” to […] Read more…

Potatoe Puffs with Cod - ryeandginger.ca

07-13 Apr 1916: Of plug hats and tweed caps

240 men in three weeks The local military recruitment committee’s aggressive “700 men in three weeks” campaign limped to an end. The 118th Battalion’s numbers stood at 735 men—short of the desired 1000. The previous 21 days’  tonal shifts seemed to track to the waves of interest in the crusade. It began with optimism when […] Read more…

Potatoes Lyonnaise - ryeandginger.ca

11-17 Feb 1916: And the band played on

11 February: “Should we not consult the people?” Citizens who wanted to discuss changing Berlin, Ontario’s name jammed Council Chambers. Organized by the Board of Trade and some city councillors, the room was heavily lopsided—some hinted seeded—for change. A draft resolution was conveniently on hand. In amongst the requisite whereases and a therefore, its supporters […] Read more…