It has been more than 100 years since the newspaper headlines read “War Declared by All.”
When World War One was declared there were street celebrations in many European cities. No-one imagined trench warfare in August 1914 let alone the appalling casualties that occurred over 4 years of fighting. Canada’s contribution was significant, unprecedented and costly. The country came out victorious, heading towards national autonomy within the British Commonwealth, while mourning the loss or injury of 250,000 Canadians.
In 1914, The Canadian Corps, were little more than a collection of civilians in military uniform. They marched off to battle with only six weeks of training, carrying rifles that jammed when they needed them most. They faced rats, lice, thigh-deep mud, an infectious disease. They were shot at, bombed and attacked with poisonous gas. For most men it was the first time in their lives that they both witnessed and were responsible for death. The final death toll for the First World War was over 13 million people. Canadians lost one in 10 men who served. Many returned home broken in mind and body.
How is it possible to comprehend the horror of the war? Perhaps it is easier to understand when you are able to place names and faces to the individuals who sacrificed so much.
One of our treasured artifacts at the museum is the framed, handwritten “Bowen Island Roll of Honor” dedicated to the World War One Veterans. This document is the focus of the 2015 Remembrance Day exhibit. It is sobering to read the names of the Bowen men who volunteered to serve. Out of a population of approximately 90 people there are 15 names carefully written in calligraphy. They are fathers and sons, uncles and friends. We are fortunate to be able to have photographs and histories to go with many of these recorded names.
We invite you to explore the history of Bowen Island during the war years through artifacts from the Museum’s collection and archival photos at the museum Sunday to Wednesday from 10-3. We will have a special opening on November 11 with our digital presentation “Why Remember” in the Higgins Cabin. As well as an exhibit and movie “Object and Stories” in the museum following the Ceremony at the Cenotaph in Snug Cove.
