“When You’re A Long, Long Way From Home” The Establishment of Canadian-Only Social Clubs for CEF Soldiers in London, 1915-1919
Sarah Cozzi
hen Canada entered the First camp on Salisbury Plain in south- to involve themselves in matters WWorld War on 4 August central England. By 1915 Canadian extending beyond camp lines, and 1914, thousands of men rushed to units were scattered throughout generally maintained a hands-off volunteer. By war’s end in November England and Scotland, reaching a approach to the men’s off-duty 1918 approximately 470,000 men and peak strength of 131,029 officers lives. Some Canadian citizens, on women had served overseas with the and other ranks by the end of 1916.1 the other hand, were concerned Canadian Expeditionary Force (CEF). While the number and location with the moral well-being of the Arriving in England on 14 October of Canadian camps and training men and were troubled by the 1914, the first contingent, consisting establishments fluctuated, the CEF Résumé : L’article analyse les activités of more than 30,000 Canadians, remained a continuous presence in des membres du Corps expéditionnaire established the CEF’s initial training Britain until the force’s repatriation canadien pendant leurs temps libres en was completed in late 1919. Grande-Bretagne lors de la Première Abstract: This article examines Although much of the CEF’s time Guerre mondiale. Pour plusieurs de ces the off-duty activities of Canadian in Britain was spent training, leave soldats en poste outre-mer, ce pays Expeditionary Force (CEF) soldiers devint leur « chez-soi à l’étranger », et in Britain during the First World War. time allowed the men a welcome Londres, leur principal lieu de séjour. En For many CEF soldiers abroad, Britain opportunity to escape the monotony dépit du fait que des milliers de soldats became their “home away from home,” of camp life. Moreover, for those du Corps purent visiter la capitale with London serving as their main leave- already fighting in France and britannique, les autorités canadiennes, time destination. Although thousands Belgium, leave to Britain provided fédérales et militaires, conservèrent une of CEF soldiers visited the English approche passive en ce qui avait trait capital, Canadian federal and military a much sought-after escape from the aux activités des hommes en dehors de authorities maintained a hands-off horrors of war and the realities of leur service. Préoccupée de leur bien- approach to the off-duty lives of the trench warfare. Unable to journey être, la philanthrope canadienne Julia men. Fearing for the men’s well-being, back to Canada, Britain became a Drummond mit sur pied le seul King Canadian philanthropist, Lady Julia “home away from home” for the men George and Queen Mary Maple Leaf Drummond established the Canadian- Club réservé aux militaires canadiens. only King George and Queen Mary Maple of the CEF. Établi sur la base de critères fixés Leaf Club. Founded upon middle- and The idea of thousands of soldiers par la morale des classes moyenne et upper-class moral standards the Maple wandering throughout Britain caused supérieure, le Maple Leaf Club insistait Leaf Club emphasizes the role of public varying reactions from Canadians on sur la démonstration publique d’un patriotism at the time, while also the home front. Canadian military patriotisme, tout en stimulant un sens highlighting a rising sense of Canadian du nationalisme canadien et de la nationalism and self-awareness at a authorities, occupied by the larger conscience de soi, à une époque où l’on time of simultaneous loyalty to the logistical and administrative issues devait en même temps faire preuve de Empire. of organizing the CEF, were hesitant loyauté envers l’Empire.
© Canadian Military History, Volume 20, Number 1, Winter 2011, pp.45-60. 45 limited range of organized leave- CEF, embarking for England was tourists flocked to the British capital. time activities available to soldiers not a homecoming for all those who While they also visited other areas of in Britain. Spurred to action by joined in the fight. Even many British- the British Isles, London, according to ingrained ideals of patriotism, upper- born men, emigrating as children, travel historian Cecilia Morgan, “was and middle-class morality, and had spent little time in England at the core of their travels and integral goodwill, Canadian philanthropists prior to the war and, much like their to their having seen Britain.”9 And so took it upon themselves to establish Canadian counterparts, crossed the it was with soldiers of the Canadian Canadian-only social clubs, most Atlantic without fully knowing what Expeditionary Force. A study of notably the King George and Queen lay ahead. the leave list records of the Bustard Mary Maple Leaf Club, in the hopes While drill, physical training, and and Tidworth Camp for the period of keeping their “boys” off British route marches dominated the men’s spanning Christmas and New Year’s streets and out of trouble. This lives, military authorities recognized 1914-1915 indicates that 20 percent of article will provide a detailed look the importance of allowing soldiers men travelled to London, with the at the creation, organization, and a break from duty.5 As such, leave second-most popular destination, function of the King George and passes became a much sought- Glasgow, Scotland, attracting a mere Queen Mary Maple Leaf Club, while after commodity and were a luxury 6.2 percent.10 While many of these situating it within the broader context which every soldier looked forward men were travelling to small villages of Canadian participation in the to with eager anticipation. Upon to visit relatives, as the CEF grew to First World War. Organized on the first arriving in England, all ranks include an ever increasing number basis of upper-middle class moral were assigned six days’ leave, with of Canadian-born men, London standards, the Maple Leaf Club no more than 20 percent of a unit took on greater importance. Such serves to highlight the overwhelming allowed to travel away from camp was the popularity of the English nature of public patriotic concern at any one time.6 Subsequently, men capital that one report calculated for the men’s welfare in the face of were restricted to weekend leave, that in October 1916 alone, 15,000 government inaction, while also with 10 percent of a unit allowed Canadian soldiers had arrived at illustrating a rising sense of Canadian to leave camp from 1300 hours Waterloo Station, located in the heart nationalism and self-awareness at a Saturday until midnight Sunday. of London.11 The letters, diaries, time of simultaneous loyalty to the This continued until a unit was set to and memoirs penned by Canadian Empire. Overlooked by historians, leave for duty at the front, at which soldiers throughout the war are rife this club serves as an important time all other ranks were allotted with details of their experiences and reminder that the soldiers’ war four days of leave before embarking adventures in the English capital, experience extended beyond the for France.7 On average, enlisted demonstrating that London remained battlefields of Europe.2 men could expect approximately ten a popular destination for the duration The volunteers who filled the days of leave per year, while officers, of the conflict. But with so many men ranks of the CEF represented a much to the chagrin of the enlisted arriving, problems quickly followed. wide spectrum of Canadian society. man, could look forward to roughly Temptation and vice were British immigrants were the first to ten days off every three months.8 among the first problems with which respond to the call to arms in large Once at the front soldiers were still Canadian military authorities had numbers, and represented 64 percent able to use their leave to travel back to contend with when the First of men who sailed as part of the First to Britain. If a soldier did not have Contingent arrived in England. Early Contingent in 1914.3 In contrast, only enough leave time saved, one could attempts by the hard-nosed minister 29.9 percent of men in this group were hope to receive a “Blighty,” slang for of militia and defence, Sam Hughes, Canadian-born. As the war dragged a non-impairing wound that would to ban alcohol from Canadian camps on, this imbalance began to diminish require them to be sent to England for in Britain were met with disdain by so that by war’s end Canadian-born treatment and rehabilitation. After a the men. These actions did little to men accounted for 47 percent of all period of recuperation these soldiers curb drinking, and instead, drove soldiers serving overseas, while men were granted additional leave time soldiers into local villages in search born in the British Isles accounted before returning to the front. of alcohol. Enticed by locals offering for 36.8 percent. The remaining 16.2 While CEF soldiers used their to buy them drinks, and with a percent was comprised of various leave time to travel throughout the surplus of English pubs, reports of groups, including an estimated British Isles, London remained their the Canadians’ liquor-fuelled antics 35,000 Americans, and 4,000 Native preferred destination. Beginning in became increasingly common, with Canadians.4 While British-born men the 1870s and spanning well into the one soldier writing home that “[our remained a major component of the 20th century, Canadian transatlantic men] were constantly getting into
46 trouble and excuses had to be made for them all the time.”12 Although drunken soldiers were a cause for concern, the problem of alcohol was inextricably linked to a much larger, more serious issue for the CEF. Government and military officials worried that Canadian soldiers, under the influence of alcohol, were being victimized by loose and immoral English women. Reporting on a meeting organized by Army medical officers in early 1916, the senior Canadian chaplain in the Shorncliffe area stated, that “the unanimous opinion of the Medical Officers was that fully 90 percent Canadian War Museum (CWM) 19760346-019_p.14 Canadian War of venereal disease [VD] would disappear if the use of intoxicating liquor were totally banished from the Area.”13 High rates of infection had plagued the CEF since its arrival in England in 1914, and by 1915 the number of cases reached an all-time high. Canadian military authorities were well justified in harbouring worries about the promiscuity of their men, as it was reported in 1915 that the number of VD cases had peaked at 28.7 percent of men in the CEF. This was in stark contrast to the British, whose rates were consistent at 5 percent, the Australians, who reported rates of 13 to 14.5 percent, and the New Zealanders with rates hovering at 13 percent.14 Canadian officials maintained that the onus of finding a solution lay with the British This grainy photo, taken by a soldier with an illegal camera, shows the authorities. Although Canadian front of the first Maple Leaf Club in Berkeley Square in London. Prime Minister Sir Robert Borden, supported by other dominion on leave. By the time the Ministry of had overwhelmed the Canadian representatives, pressed the issue Overseas Military Forces of Canada overseas bureaucracy.17 Until then, at a meeting of the Imperial War (OMFC) was formed in October and perhaps even subsequently, the Conference in London in April 1917, 1916, few government departments men’s recreational needs and the no agreement was reached.15 Much were free from “disorder, conflict, or provision of wholesome off-duty to the dismay of Borden and other outright corruption.”16 The creation activities for them was simply not a dominion leaders, soldiers on leave of the OMFC did help in alleviating Canadian military priority. were left to their own devices and many of the problems plaguing While a lack of time and resources good sense. the organization of the Canadian limited the amount of assistance the In spite of Borden’s consternation, military establishment in Britain, government could offer the men, Canadian military authorities had but it was not until the summer of there was also a general institutional little time or energy to spare in order 1917 that the OMFC was finally able belief that there was little that the to deal with the welfare of soldiers to rid itself of the confusion which military could, or should, do to take
47 In fact, Carson argued, it would be futile for the military to involve itself in such matters as he believed that soldiers would “very much resent any attempt to direct or lead them while on their short holiday.”19 Rather than perform any valuable function, the military in such a situation would be seen as meddling with the relative freedom of soldiers, and consequently, the men would resent being constantly under the watchful eye of their superiors. The men, Carson maintained, wished to be “absolutely independent as to their movements.”20 It became increasingly clear that neither the government nor the military was concerned with, or had the time to, provide services for the men while on leave. As a result, it was left to patriotic Canadian volunteer benefactors, such as Montreal’s Lady Julia Drummond, to assume the role the government would not. By establishing Canadian-only social clubs in London, Drummond and other philanthropists and donors successfully provided critical social outlets for thousands of CEF soldiers. While Canadians lined up to volunteer for overseas service, thousands of others on the home front, influenced by Victorian ideals of charity, selflessness, and noblesse oblige, were quick to volunteer their time and money to the war effort. A sense of wartime duty, patriotism, and morality animated the spirit and mood of the young Dominion. Home- Lady Julia Drummond was an advocate for soldiers’ welfare. She moved from Montreal front volunteers were instrumental to work with the Canadian Red Cross in England providing comfort to Canadian soldiers in organized fundraising campaigns overseas. She recognized a need for facilities to look after soldiers on leave leading her to help start the Maple Leaf Club. and in purchasing and shipping all manner of comforts and necessities to the men overseas.21 The financial care of soldiers once they were on Men come over animated with backing of the Canadian social elite leave. This sentiment was illustrated several ideas, first to have a beneficial was essential to the success of these in a series of memoranda exchanged holiday and rest, to be taken up endeavours. between Major-General John Wallace with sightseeing or other absolutely Montreal, at this time the centre Carson, Sam Hughes’s overseas innocent amusements, or else they of Canada’s corporate wealth, offered agent, and Sir George Perley, at that come over with the idea of having an impressive voluntary effort. time Canada’s high commissioner what they call a good time, and they Philanthropy was not new for the in London. Carson outlined the are going to have that good time Anglo-Montreal elite, who had prevailing mentality: regardless of the consequences.18 established a long tradition of using
48 their wealth to pursue social reforms to the soldiers’ off-duty hours.27 were opened: two clubs for nurses, in the years leading up to the war.22 Drummond recognized that there operated by the Canadian Red Cross Beginning in 1914 many of these was still a great deal that private and the Imperial Order Daughters affluent families became central citizens could do if they wished of the Empire, as well as an officers’ organizers in Montreal’s patriotic to look after the well-being of all club run by the Beyond the Seas drives.23 One such prominent family Canadian soldiers. It was then, in Association.33 was the Drummonds, who had early 1915, that Lady Drummond Canadian enlisted men, on the earned their fortunes in various first became aware of the growing other hand, were not as fortunate. private enterprises. In the pre-war need to provide rest and recreational Drummond, anxious to help the men, years George Drummond, and later services for Canadian soldiers on decided that what they needed was his wife, Lady Julia Drummond, leave.28 Drawing from the activities a club that would welcome them established themselves as main of the Red Cross, the YMCA, and and provide them with lodgings and philanthropic figures in Montreal the CWCA, Drummond devoted meals. However, she wished to build society.24 With the outbreak of her energies towards expanding something more than just a hostel, war, Lady Drummond shifted her the range of services provided to envisioning a space where Canadians attention overseas. In a meeting of the overseas men, hoping to offer soldiers could congregate and socialize with Montreal Local Council of Women a “touch of home,” where, according one another as Canadians. Catering (MLCW), Drummond argued that to Drummond, the men could be to a predominantly Canadian the women need “not waste money “cared for and mothered a bit.”29 clientele was of utmost importance on balls and dinners and fashionable The first clubs in Britain that to Drummond and the other founders luncheons…money should be spent welcomed Canadian soldiers were of the King George and Queen Mary on necessities for those who need gentlemen’s clubs which had existed Maple Leaf Club. Since many of the them, not in luxuries for ourselves.”25 in pre-war London. Within days troops did not have the luxury of With this sentiment in mind, she of arriving in England in 1914, returning home to their families, as offered her services to the Canadian Major-General Edwin Alderson, was the case with British soldiers, Red Cross in England, relocated commander of the 1st Canadian there was a concern that “more often there, and focused her attention on Division, had received letters from a than not, a Canadian…soldier in providing comforts to Canadian number of established British clubs London [would be] without home or soldiers overseas. offering free honourary membership friends.”34 One of Drummond’s first to all officers in the CEF. Institutions Drummond’s time at the Red activities with the Red Cross was in such as the Royal Automobile Club, Cross brought her into contact with organizing its Information Bureau, the Royal Colonial Institute, and the numerous soldiers who were eager headquartered in central London. The British Empire Club willingly opened to recount the problems of leave bureau opened on 11 February 1915 their doors to the Canadians.30 Bound time, particularly their inability to and was charged with the collection by their class-based traditions, these obtain proper accommodations in and distribution of information clubs strictly limited their facilities to London. Less expensive hotels were pertaining to sick and wounded CEF officers who could relax in the frequently crowded, while others, soldiers and prisoners of war.26 While reading rooms, eat a warm meal, and, too expensive for the average soldier, of the utmost importance in helping if space was available, stay overnight. were especially unwelcoming to men both soldiers and their families, the With many of these organizations coming directly from the front.35 scope of the Canadian Red Cross was affiliated with Canadian clubs, Men stumbling in at late hours and limited in function, concentrating such as Ottawa’s Rideau Club and still covered in mud were not ideal primarily on assisting those in need Toronto’s York Club, for some officers customers for discerning hotels who of medical care or recuperation. in the CEF these British institutions were quick to discriminate against The Red Cross was joined by other served merely as an extension of such guests.36 Men dispatched from organizations, namely the Young their pre-war lives.31 With officers hospitals on sick furlough proved to Men’s Christian Association (YMCA) already taken care of, the pressure be another challenge. Separated from and the Canadian War Contingent to open “Canadian-only” officers’ their units and friends, Drummond Association (CWCA), in helping clubs was drastically reduced. As worried that these men would overseas soldiers. However, these a result, it was not until December become “bewildered by the darkness additional groups focused primarily 1917 that the first of these officer- and immensity of London.”37 on providing food and basic only clubs, the Canadian Red Cross Fearing for their wellbeing, necessities to men in the camps and Home for Officers, was opened.32 The Drummond wrote to the Montreal in the hospitals, rather than tending following year three additional clubs Gazette, reminding readers that,
49 Prime Minister Robert Borden (with hat in hand) was an early advocate of providing services for soldiers on leave. Here he visits the Maple Leaf Club, accompanied by Lady Drummond. CWM 19940003-087 “apart from the comfort of the men, one has to reckon the value to the country and the Empire of their health and fitness when they go back to the front or when they go home.”38 Happy soldiers, she argued, would be more efficient soldiers. As a result, Drummond developed the idea of the “Maple Leaf Club,” a place where the men “would have a warm welcome, congenial companionships and board and lodging at a reasonable rate; and where those who came from France could have a chance to get ‘cleaned up’ after the hardships of trench life.”39 The death of Drummond’s own son, Lieutenant Guy Drummond, at the Second Battle of Ypres on 22 April 1915, may have influenced her decision to actively involve herself in the welfare of the men. For Drummond, the cause had become both patriotic and personal. Although established as a Canadian-only club, from its beginnings, the Maple Leaf Club relied heavily on the patronage of prominent British elites. An ongoing champion of Canadian causes, famed author and poet Rudyard Kipling was one of the club’s first supporters. Kipling, having spent time visiting wounded Canadian soldiers, had
CWM 19940003-081 developed a growing concern for their welfare following their release from hospital.40 “When a man was wounded,” he argued, “he was sent to a hospital…when he was a convalescent he went to a convalescent home…” but what was the soldier to do between the convalescent home and the front?41 He saw the Canadian club as the ideal way to solve this problem. Wishing to become directly involved, Kipling contacted Lady Drummond and volunteered his efforts to the cause. His wife Caroline, also eager to contribute, agreed to be
50 the chairwoman of the Maple Leaf Canadians fighting on behalf of the mere shilling. For breakfast soldiers Club committee, a position she held Empire. Accordingly, the Maple would be treated to porridge, and for more than three years.42 Once Leaf Club was very much a product either sausages, bacon, eggs or fish, the word spread of the intention of “Canadian” national identity, bread and butter, and tea or coffee. to found the club, it did not take but one still firmly situated within For lunch, they could expect a meal long for other prominent Britons to the broader framework of British consisting of cold meat or meat pies, lend their support. With a number imperialism. potatoes, cheese, and dessert. A hot of families willing to donate their These British and Canadian bath, pyjamas, and a bed for the sizeable London homes to the cause, elements came together for the night cost the soldier an additional Drummond eventually accepted official opening of the club on 4 shilling per night.53 Men could also the offer of the Honourable Mrs. August 1915. Presiding over the have their laundry done and their Ronald Greville, British socialite and festivities were Canadian Prime kit cleaned and stowed away for philanthropist. The house, located Minster Sir Robert Borden, Canadian safe-keeping. Organized around at 11 Charles Street, became the first High Commissioner Sir George the needs of the men, breakfast was home of the Maple Leaf Club.43 Perley, and writer Rudyard Kipling. served as late as 1000 hours to allow From its inception the Maple Their Majesties the King and Queen, tired soldiers the chance to sleep in. Leaf Club straddled the intertwined although not present at the official As well, soldiers leaving for the front notions of British imperialism and opening, visited the club a few were housed separately so that they growing Canadian nationalism. months later on 29 February 1916.49 would not disturb other men when While the club existed as a venue Yet, despite the presence of such they departed at 0400 hours to catch to cater to Canadian soldiers, it also high-profile dignitaries, the club’s the early morning train back to their found itself part of a broader imperial opening garnered very little attention units.54 Soldiers could also rely on the organization known as the King in the Canadian press. It was a very club to keep them informed of military George and Queen Mary Clubs, which inauspicious beginning for a club that matters. The army, recognizing that was created in late 1915.44 Consisting was to become a temporary home a large number of Canadian troops of the Maple Leaf Club, the Victoria for tens of thousands of Canadian frequented the institution, used League Club, and the Peel Club, soldiers over the next three years. the club’s bulletin boards to post the three branches catered solely to The first Maple Leaf Club orders. Private James Robert Johnson soldiers of the Empire.45 As historian building, open only to privates and recalled one such occasion when Carl Berger noted, promoting the non-commissioned officers, was a passing through the Maple Leaf ideals of Canadian nationalism modest facility, able to accommodate Club he noticed “posters all over the and wider British imperialism was 50 to 60 men. Although the number place ordering all members of the 9th not a contradiction.46 Imperialist- of beds was soon increased to Reserve Battalion back to camp for a nationalists ardently believed that the 110, the club was quickly filled to draft to France.”55 only way for Canada to successfully capacity. Offering more than just Soldiers visiting the Maple achieve national fulfilment and sleeping accommodations, the club Leaf Club were generally free to international status was to work also boasted a billiards room, two come and go as they pleased. Club within the structure of the British dining facilities, a lounge, and a organizers did, however, make Empire and, indeed, benefit from smoking room.50 Soldiers could relax efforts to curb traits which they the “sense of power” it offered. By while reading Canadian and British viewed as undesirable. For example, working through imperial councils, newspapers, while writing materials organizers maintained a strict anti- some imperialist-nationalists were made available to those who alcohol policy, insisting that the club believed that one day Canada would wished to write letters to family back be a dry institution. Men were not assert its growing influence and gain home.51 Art decorating the walls permitted to leave the establishment a meaningful voice in determining spoke to the institution’s national and while under the influence of alcohol, the affairs of the Empire.47 Although imperialistic ties, with Imperial and and drunken soldiers who entered the club was, in principle, “solely, provincial flags adorning the dining the premises were encouraged to wholly and only a Canadian Club, room, and paintings of Canadian sober up in the lounge or to go a Canadian Institution opened by landscapes appearing elsewhere in to bed. Concerned with limiting Canadians, managed by Canadians the club.52 Meal prices ranged from drunkenness and immoral behaviour, and financed by Canadians,”48 it an affordable eight pence each for the club’s policies were supported still maintained a strong British breakfast and lunch, while dinner, by groups on the Canadian home connection, firmly supported British often consisting of soup, meat or fish front, such as the Women’s Christian war aims, and sought to assist those course, vegetables, and dessert, cost a Temperance Union, who saw
51 Photos of the inside of the Maple Leaf Club. top: The billards room; above left: The dormitory; above right: the reading room; Opposite: The dining room. CWM 19940003-286; -288; -287; -289.
52 temperance as a means to curb the spending or losing their money.”57 accounts. Eager to keep the men “out perceived moral degeneration of While setting a moralistic tone, she of the road of temptation...and loss society.56 These measures served was correct in noting that it was not of money,”60 pay clerks were known to reinforce contemporary societal unusual for soldiers to overspend to close the bank early, or to find an ideals which, in part, sought to while on leave. With the costs of excuse to deny a soldier funds until impose paternalistic moral principles goods rising, and with soldiers eager the next day. The club’s attempt to on the impressionable men of the to enjoy their time off, men found that silently police the activities of the CEF. their time was “either all too brief for men seemed to work as more than Lady Drummond was also eager a proper enjoyment...or a ‘wee’ bit too $2.7 million was deposited between to curtail soldiers’ spending while long for the pocket book.”58 Military 1916 and 1919.61 in the big city. Concerned with authorities approved of the venture All of these services were made soldiers carrying large amounts of and agreed to supply a clerk to run possible because of a dedicated team money while in London, Drummond the office. The Maple Leaf Club Pay comprised of civilian volunteers and proposed that a pay office be opened Office was officially opened in early Canadian military personnel. The at the Maple Leaf Club for the cashing 1916. Many soldiers took advantage club’s daily running was overseen of leave cheques and the safekeeping of this opportunity and, by the end by Captain W.F. Watson of the 1st of money on deposit. Although of the war more than $8.8 million Canadian Division. From the start, Canadian military authorities worth of cheques had been cashed.59 he was joined by others from the 1st already had a pay office in London, Pay staff went out of their way to Division who had been wounded Drummond’s hope was that, “cashing encourage soldiers to deposit their and were unfit for front-line service. the men’s cheques at any of these cheques and valuables at the pay Serving as orderlies, their duties Clubs [would] keep them from going office, in order to limit the amount included registering newly arrived out again that night and perhaps of money withdrawn from their guests, collecting money for lodging
53 Visit of George V to the Maple Leaf Club in April 1919.
and meals, attending to the kit and clothing of guests, as well as other services. This handful of soldiers CWM 19940003-479 represented the principal contribution of the federal government to the Maple Leaf Club. In lieu of monetary support, the Canadian military was willing to allocate manpower resources, albeit limited in nature, in order to assist the club. Also assisting in various duties was a civilian support staff consisting mainly of women volunteers who, among other duties, would help to serve meals to the men.62 Despite limited advertising the Maple Leaf Club proved immensely popular and much to the dismay of club organizers, they soon had to turn away patrons owing to insufficient accommodations. In order to remedy this problem, the Maple Leaf Club began working in conjunction with the Imperial Order Daughters of the Empire (IODE). With many of the IODE chapters in Canada providing donations, it was not long before the organization had enough funds to acquire two additional houses for
CWM 19940003-480 the Maple Leaf Club, both located near the Marble Arch Underground station.63 Like the Maple Leaf Club, the IODE Annexes were exclusively for Canadian enlisted men, though if space permitted other Allied soldiers were allowed to stay. The first IODE building opened in the spring of 1916 and had space for 126 beds, though on occasion it could host as many as 140 men. Even on such overcrowded nights the Annex rarely turned men away, opting instead to arrange blankets forming temporary beds on the floor. In such cases men were allowed to stay free of charge.64 With overcrowding common, a second, larger Annex, was opened in the fall of that same year. Able to accommodate nearly 400 men
54 the IODE Annexes helped to provide regarding funding for wartime endeavours like the Ontario Military the Maple Leaf Club with a welcome charities. Borden worried about Hospital in Orpington, England, solution, though a brief one, to the “the difficulty and embarrassment the Canadian Patriotic Fund, and ongoing problem of overcrowding.65 which would undoubtedly result the Red Cross.75 Concerned for the Serving as an extension to the main from giving aid to one Association interests of soldiers, Hearst focussed club building, the Annexes provided in the performance of its worthy and his province’s efforts towards the care many of the same amenities, always patriotic work while many other and comfort of the men overseas. As with a focus on offering soldiers a associations of a similar character such, Lady Drummond’s Maple Leaf “touch of home.” Soldiers could look were in need of assistance.”70 Perley Club was of particular interest to the forward to spending time relaxing on supported this view, believing that premier. the verandah overlooking Hyde Park, the club should raise the necessary Hearst lauded the Maple Leaf or lounging in the recreation room funds via private donations. Club, remarking that its work “in where they had access to a piano, However, Perley’s strong belief in London is of the greatest importance billiard table, and gramophone. the value of the Maple Leaf Club and too much praise cannot be As with the central Maple Leaf was such that should the club not be given to Lady Drummond and her Club building, the Annexes offered able to obtain sufficient financing to excellent voluntary committee for breakfast and dinner.66 The staff meet demand, he noted that he would the splendid work they are doing.”76 was overwhelmingly made up of personally appeal to Parliament for Echoing Drummond’s sentiments, volunteers, with many of the women the additional funds. As a token of Hearst was concerned that London’s being members of IODE chapters his support, Perley donated £200 of high cost of living would mean that in Canada. One occasional staff his own money to support the club.71 many Canadians on leave from member of note was Her Royal In lieu of federal support, the hospitals, training camps, and from Highness, Princess Patricia, first Maple Leaf Club was able to secure the front, could not afford respectable cousin to King George V, who visited most of the necessary funding accommodations.77 Hearst was also a the dining hall of the Annex on a from the Government of Ontario. strong supporter of the temperance weekly basis.67 The royal presence Provincial premier William Hearst, movement and saw the club as a way further emphasized the relationship in office since 2 October 1914, was of getting the “boys” off the streets between the Canadian Club and its a strong supporter of the war effort and away from the temptations of imperial ties, while also providing and was quick to pick up where his London pubs.78 Of equal importance a pleasant surprise to the men, equally enthusiastic predecessor, to him, the club provided soldiers especially to those of the Princess Sir James Whitney, had left off.72 In with a “homelike atmosphere,” Patricia’s Canadian Light Infantry, a speech delivered on 17 February keeping the men in a safe and well- the unit named in her honour and of 1915, Hearst maintained that it was organized environment, which which she was the colonel-in-chief.68 the duty of the province to “aid fostered “healthy amusements, [and] The IODE buildings quickly the Motherland in whatever way good companionship.”79 reached their capacities and Lady [it] can while she is engaged in her Hearst was so moved by the work Drummond was obliged to appeal present titanic struggle on behalf of being done by the Maple Leaf Club once again to Canadians in order humanity.”73 Hearst’s enthusiastic that he immediately announced that to acquire additional facilities. response stemmed in part from the the Government of Ontario would Quickly becoming overcrowded, overwhelming number of Ontario rent and equip five additional houses it was evident that the Maple Leaf men serving in the CEF. By the fall of to assist the club. The Maple Leaf Club Club struck a positive chord with 1917, Ontario had provided 191,632 committee members decided that the Canadian soldiers visiting London. recruits, representing 43.5 percent new facilities should be located near In order to keep up with demand of the total Canadian contribution, a Victoria Station, close to the leave Drummond set a fund-raising goal number which remained consistent trains, and therefore more easily of $25,000 – an ambitious amount.69 throughout the final months of the accessible to the men.80 Providing The federal government, although war.74 As a result, numerous families accommodation for between 350 and supportive of the club’s intent and in Ontario were directly affected by 400 men, it was hoped that these new recognizing its moral value for the war, and with two sons overseas, buildings would alleviate some of the CEF soldiers, was unwilling to Hearst’s own family was no exception. traffic from the existing buildings, contribute to the venture. Regular Firmly committed to the war, by 1918 which were already operating at full correspondence between Perley and the province had spent nearly $8.5 capacity.81 In keeping with the close Borden indicates that both were million on war relief efforts, with association between the Canadian- worried about setting a precedent much of the money going to major only club and the British monarchy,
55 the buildings were officially opened order to increase charitable donations Hut providing meals and lounging by former Canadian governor- coming from Canada.87 Lists of areas for the men, the nearby clubs general, His Royal Highness, the donors published in The Globe on were able to free up room, allowing Duke of Connaught, on 21 December 27 December 1916, and again on 27 them to increase the amount of space 1916. Underscoring the importance December 1918, attest to the generous devoted to sleeping accommodations. of the clubs to the men, Connaught contributions made by well-to- However, as more Canadian soldiers remarked to the audience that, “We do businesses and individuals. By passed through London it became must recognize that, after all, in this December 1916 the club was able to necessary to find yet more space sad war there is a very human side.”82 collect $9,965 in donations, with an for the men to stay. Accordingly, Following a brief trip to London, additional $11,000 raised in 1918.88 four small additions to the Maple England in August 1916, Hearst Large corporations such as the Leaf Club were added. In doing so, addressed an audience at the Guelph Canadian Bank of Commerce, the the club annexed a local swimming Canadian Club where he commended T. Eaton Company, and the Canadian bath located on Buckingham Palace the work of Lady Drummond and all Northern Railway, all of whom had Road, a house on 57 Eaton Place, those at the Maple Leaf Club.83 The large numbers of former employees and thanks to the generosity of the premier put forward an “impassioned serving overseas, were consistent province of British Columbia, the appeal” stressing that more needed sponsors. Support from Canada and club also accepted the use of a floor to be done to support Canada’s Britain ensured that the increasing in the British Columbia Building war effort.84 With this sentiment in demands put on the Maple Leaf Club located on Regent Street.91 The final mind, and perhaps wishing to be an were met. Social and political elites post-Armistice addition to the Maple example to his constituents, Hearst joined in these efforts as tangible Leaf Club was the construction of promised the Maple Leaf Club even demonstrations of their patriotic an additional Hut at King’s Cross more support. Although funding impulses while also indicating their Station. Located at the railway for the Ontario-sponsored club fervent desire to provide aid and station, this Hut was used exclusively buildings decreased from $16,719.85 comfort to the men whose lives as a canteen, rest room, and kit- in 1916, to $6,242.10 in 1917, Hearst were at risk overseas. Like Julia storage facility for men travelling was still committed to supporting Drummond, many of these families, to Scotland and northern England. Lady Drummond’s venture and, in too, had members in harm’s way. The popularity of this venue, and March 1918 the province opened five The opening of the Ontario- attesting to Scotland’s popularity additional buildings.85 With extra funded club buildings in March with the men, is evidenced by the funds needed to rent and furnish the 1918 rounded out the major changes 30,893 meals served, and 11,200 buildings, the Ontario Government’s to the Maple Leaf Club’s wartime soldiers’ kits checked and stored commitment increased drastically to activities. But despite the war’s during the month of March 1919 $58,224.75 for the year. By the end end in November 1918, the work alone.92 of 1918, Hearst’s government had of the club was far from over. In The opening of these final become the major sponsor of the an attempt to alleviate the troops’ locations took on greater importance Maple Leaf Club, spending $81,186.70 boredom following the Armistice, as soldiers anxiously awaited their on renting, equipping, and furnishing the army allotted each soldier two return to Canada. Recognizing the its ten Ontario-sponsored locations.86 weeks’ leave. As expected, the major ongoing need for their institution, the While Ontario remained centres in England were overrun.89 Maple Leaf Club committee opted to the club’s chief sponsor, Lady With thousands of Canadian soldiers keep its doors open until the end of Drummond’s ongoing appeal for sitting idly in England waiting to the summer. By then most Canadian funds elicited positive responses be returned to Canada, the need for troops had been shipped home, with from many Canadians. Sir Max leave clubs remained important. With only handfuls of men remaining Aitken, head of the Canadian War 13 club buildings already established, in England. When the Maple Leaf Records Office, generously donated it was determined that what was Club buildings closed in August, £500 from the profits of his book, needed next was a Maple Leaf Club the majority of those on staff also Canada in Flanders, while others, Hut. Unlike the other club buildings, headed home. A small fraction of such as Toronto’s wealthy Angus the Hut would not provide sleeping the administrative body of the club Sinclair and Dominion archivist quarters, but rather would be used remained in order to organize its A.G. Doughty, were vital for the solely for meals and recreation.90 The financial records. Closing its doors on club’s campaign drives, soliciting Hut opened just before Christmas 15 August 1919, the final act for the politicians and affluent Canadians in 1918. With the newly-established London club was to publicly auction
56 off the last of its effects.93 Selling the [of clothes].”99 The importance of London buildings, including two remaining furniture and equipment the club was not lost on the men. huts, supplied more than a million netted approximately $20,000, of One soldier wrote to thank club meals and provided accommodation which, $1,946.64 was donated to organizers, commenting that upon for 565,830 soldiers.104 While other the Victoria League Clubs.94 It is arriving at the Maple Leaf Club there organizations such as the Red unknown how the remaining funds was a: Cross, the YMCA, and the Canadian were dispensed. War Contingent Association were Amidst these final preparations, feeling of thankfulness that comes already working on behalf of the men the Maple Leaf Club committee from knowing that somebody cares overseas, there was still much work took time to recognize Drummond’s enough about us…to provide such to be done. Recognizing early on the good work in spearheading the quarters. It keeps us from feeling we problems associated with leave time, development of the club and to are absolutely alone when we get to Canadian upper- and middle-class acknowledge her ongoing efforts in London, and a big city like this is citizens, eager to volunteer their time caring for soldiers. On behalf of the pretty well calculated to instil [sic] and effort, saw an opportunity to board, Drummond was presented loneliness into the cheeriest.100 help soldiers find pleasant, familiar with a silver salver engraved with the surroundings while away from crest of the club and an inscription Others, such as George Perley, who training and combat. As such they expressing the appreciation and was in contact with many overseas developed an organization which admiration of the committee charity organizations, wrote to allowed Canadians the opportunity members. Board members thanked Borden explaining that although to mix with other Canadians while her for her “unceasing efforts on other groups had appealed to him surrounded by reminders of home, behalf of the soldiers during the for help “the Maple Leaf Club stood featuring paintings of Canadian war years.”95 Other distinctions on a somewhat different plane, and landscapes and newspapers from were conferred upon her, including that the need of homelike Clubs for across the country. To help the the British Red Cross Medal, the our men while in London is more men avoid idleness and to diminish Serbian Red Cross Medal, the French urgent than elsewhere.”101 Military the likelihood of their engaging Médaille de Reconnaissance, and the authorities also acknowledged the in morally questionable activities, title of Lady of Justice, Order of St. good work done by the organization, these clubs provided the men with a John of Jerusalem, the first Canadian “regarding the club as one of the most place to rest and the chance to escape to receive such an honour.96 There valuable institutions yet promoted the streets of London. Previously were also attempts by Lady Perley, by private enterprise, giving men... overlooked by historians, these clubs wife of George Perley, to secure proper accommodation and ensuring help develop a clearer understanding an Order of the British Empire for their safety from harpies who infest of the Canadians’ First World War Drummond, a plan supported by the arrival station.”102 The Maple experiences, one which extends Prime Minister Borden who felt Leaf Club’s four years of service left beyond the battlefields of Europe. that “recognition of [Drummond’s] an indelible impression on many Furthermore, a detailed examination own wonderful service during the Canadian soldiers passing through of the King George and Queen Mary war would be most appropriate and London. Drummond’s work became Maple Leaf Club emphasizes the would command public approval.”97 the inspiration for numerous other Canadian government’s inability Perhaps the most appropriate organizations which were modelled to respond to the needs of overseas acknowledgments for Drummond after the Maple Leaf Club. While soldiers, stresses the overwhelming came indirectly from the soldiers the Victoria League and the Peel sense of public patriotism which themselves. In a letter to his father, Club were the first institutions to be remained dominant in this era, Andrew Munro mentioned the founded on such a premise, they were and illustrates the interconnected Maple Leaf Club, writing: “When I later followed by other organizations notions of Canadian nationalism landed in England, I was mud from such as the Canadian Knights of and British imperialism. While head to foot, unashamed and dirty, Columbus Hut opened in the fall recognizing the importance of some sight believe me,” but after of 1917, and the YMCA Beaver Hut establishing a Canadian-only club, taking a bath at the club “[I] soon opened on 31 July 1918, all of which Lady Drummond remained a staunch felt like a new man.”98 Others also were located in London.103 advocate of working alongside her remarked that they were grateful Starting with only one house British counterparts and firmly within for the opportunity to have a “good in 1915, by war’s end the Maple the sphere of the British Empire. The hot bath,” and a “clean change Leaf Club had expanded to 18 popularity and recognition garnered
57 by the Maple Leaf Club remains a emigration. Many of these men grew up History of the Canadian Forces in the Great in Canada and had been socialized as War, 1914-1919, p.141. testament to the untiring efforts of Canadians. 15. LAC, Borden Papers, Reel C-4407, Drummond and other volunteers 4. James St. G. Walker, “Race and “Temptations of Overseas Soldiers in in offering comfort to Canadian Recruitment during World War I: London,” 24 April 1917. British officials at Enlistment of Visible Minorities in the the meeting were open to suggestions on soldiers abroad. With the opening Canadian Expeditionary Force,” Canadian how to deal with such problems, though of the Maple Leaf Club in August Historical Review 70, no.1, (1989), pp.18-1; Dominion leaders provided no viable 1915, Canadian soldiers finally had Andrew Iarocci, Shoestring Soldiers: The alternatives at the time. 1st Canadian Division at War, 1914-1915 16. Morton, “Junior but Sovereign Allies: a central place to gather and a place (Toronto: University of Toronto Press, The Transformation of the Canadian where they could be provided with 2008), p.20, n.21. Expeditionary Force, 1914-1918,” Journal all the comforts of home. 5. See Iarocci, Chapter 2, for details on daily of Imperial and Commonwealth History, 8, training regimens. no.1 (1979), p.61. 6. A.F. Duguid, Official History of the 17. See Morton, A Peculiar Kind of Politics Canadian Forces in the Great War, 1914-1919 (Toronto: University of Toronto Press, Notes (Ottawa: King’s Printer, 1938), p.138. 1982). 7. Library and Archives Canada (LAC), RG 9, 18. LAC, RG 9, III, Vol.30, A1, Series 8, File III, Vol.30, File 8-1-44, Major M.K. Greene, 8-1-44, Carson to Perley, 24 December The author would like to thank Dr. Serge DAAG Canadians, to the Secretary, 1915. Durflinger for his advice throughout the Headquarters CEF, Cleveland House, 19. Ibid. research and writing of this article, Andrea London, England, 23 November 1916; 20. Ibid. Quaiattini and Robyn Kuehl for their editorial Lieutenant-Colonel E.F. Mackie, DAA 21. Joan Sangster, “Mobilizing Women suggestions, and to the anonymous reviewer and QMG for GOC Canadian Training for War,” in David Mackenzie, ed., whose suggestions and comments were most Division, to Secretary, Headquarters CEF, Canada and the First World War (Toronto: helpful in improving this article. England, 23 November 1916. University of Toronto Press, 2005), p.176. 8. Morton, When Your Number’s Up, p.234. 22. Campaigns to reduce infant mortality The title of this article is derived from a 1914 Extra leave was often granted for and typhoid, as well as efforts at reducing hit song, music by George W. Meyer, lyrics by Christmas and New Year’s, as well as poverty, were already on the agenda of Sam M. Lewis. Library and Archives Canada, for religious holidays. In 1916 Jewish wealthy Montrealers. Morton, Fight or “Popular Songs, 1914,” Virtual Gramophone. soldiers were granted three days’ leave Pay (Vancouver: UBC Press, 2004), p.52; 1. Ministry of Overseas Military Forces of for the feast of Passover. LAC, RG24, Regarding Montreal philanthropy at Canada, Report of the Ministry of Overseas Vol.518, HQ 54-21-5-65, Adjutant- this time see Serge M. Durflinger, Lest Military Forces of Canada 1918 (London: General to the Officers Commanding We Forget: A History of the Last Post Fund, H.M. Stationery Office, 1919), p.57. Military Districts, 8 April 1916. Russian 1909-1999 (Montreal: The Last Post Fund, 2. To date the only comprehensive study of immigrants were allowed to leave camp 2000), pp.1-28. Canadian soldiers in wartime Britain is in order to celebrate Orthodox Christmas, 23. Morton, Fight or Pay, p.55. C.P. Stacey and Barbara Wilson, The Half- LAC, RG 9, III, B1, Vol.416, File E-6-1, 24. Sir George Drummond, a native of Million, which details the activities of the General Officer Commanding, Canadian Scotland, entered the sugar industry Canadian Forces stationed there during Division, Bustard Camp to Director of after his marriage to Helen Redpath the Second World War. Desmond Morton Military Operations, 11 December 1914. in 1857, founding the Canada Sugar and Tim Cook provide the greatest 9. Morgan, “A Happy Holiday,” pp.161-162. Refining Company in 1878. He later insight thus far published into the social 10. LAC, RG 9, III, B1, Vol.449, File L-3-1, became president of the Bank of Montreal. experiences of Canadian troops in the Leave Returns Xmas 1914 - Bustard and Richard Feltoe, Redpath: The History of a First World War. However, owing to the Tidworth Camp. Statistics broken down Sugar House (Toronto: Natural Heritage broad scope of their works, they only and compiled by the author. Books, 1991), pp.45 & 192; William H. provide a glimpse into the off-duty lives 11. LAC, RG 9, III, Vol.30, File 8-1-44, H.M. Atherton, Montreal: From 1535 to 1914 of soldiers. Cecilia Morgan documents the Imbert-Terry, Director, Canadian Forces Vol.3 (Montreal: S.J. Clarke Publishing travels of Canadians as they voyaged to Reception Committee, to George Perley, Company, 1914), pp.304-310. Europe and the British Isles, but omits any 7 November 1916. 25. “Montreal’s Patriotic Women,” The Globe, discussion of travel during the wartime 12. George Anderson Wells, The Fighting 17 August 1914. years. See C.P. Stacey and Barbara Wilson, Bishop (Toronto: Cardwell House, 1971), 26. LAC, RG 9, III, D1, Vol.4719, File 11, The Half-Million: The Canadians in Britain, p.188. Despite Hughes’s opposition, by Folder 115, “The Canadian Red Cross 1939-1946 (Toronto: University of Toronto late October 1914 wet canteens were Society in England and France, 1918.” Press, 1987); Desmond Morton, When opened. With British and Canadian 27. Charles W. Bishop, The Canadian YMCA in Your Number’s Up (Toronto: Random generals pushing for wet canteens as the Great War (Toronto: National Council House of Canada Ltd, 1993); Tim Cook, a means of maintaining morale and of Young Men’s Christian Associations At the Sharp End: Canadians Fighting the discipline, Hughes wisely stayed clear of Canada, 1924), p.112; and LAC, RG 9, Great War 1914-1916 (Toronto: Penguin of the final decision on whether to allow III, A1, Series 8, File 8-3-5, Canadian War Group, 2007), Chapter 6; Tim Cook, them in camps. See Tim Cook, “Wet Contingent Association pamphlet, March Shock Troops: Canadians Fighting the Canteens and Worrying Mothers,” Social 1916. Great War, 1917-1918 (Toronto: Penguin History 35, no.70 (2002), pp.311-330. 28. Although Drummond was heavily Group, 2008); and Cecilia Morgan, “A 13. LAC, RG 9, III, C15, Vol.4672, “Chaplain involved in the establishment and Happy Holiday:” English Canadians and Services,” Senior Chaplain - Shorncliffe to running of the King George and Queen Transatlantic Tourism, 1870-1930 (Toronto: Director of Chaplain Services, 10 March Mary Maple Leaf Club, she did not give University of Toronto Press, 2008), p.22. 1916. up her duties at the Canadian Red Cross. 3. J.L. Granatstein and J.M. Hitsman, 14. Jay Cassel, The Secret Plague (Toronto: Upon the resignation of Lieutenant- Broken Promises: A History of Conscription University of Toronto Press, 1987), p.123. Colonel Claude Bryan, Lady Drummond in Canada (Toronto: Oxford University In the first 14 weeks that the CEF was was appointment to the position of Press, 1977), p.23. These numbers are camped at Salisbury Plain, there were Assistant Commissioner for England deceptive as they do not account for the some 1,249 men admitted to hospital in April 1918. “Lady Drummond’s Red age of individuals at the time of their with venereal disease. Duguid, Official Cross Post,” The Globe, 13 May 1918.
58 29. LAC, RG9, III, D1, Vol.4719, Folder 115, 41. Kipling to Edmonia Hill, 4 August 1915, For those interested in helping, it was File 27, “King George and Queen Mary as cited in Thomas Pinney, ed., The Letters requested that the newspapers be “clean Maple Leaf Club,” Lady’s Pictorial (1 of Rudyard Kipling, Vol.4 1911-1919 (Iowa and not more than a week old.” See, April 1916). City: University of Iowa Press, 1999) “Newspapers Bring Cheer to Wounded: 30. LAC, RG9, III, B1, Vol.392, Series 1, File p.312, n.5. Lady Drummond Gratified at Canada’s C-13-1 “Clubs. Honourary Membership 42. Moore, p.6. Response,” The Citizen (Ottawa), 21 (B and T),” Unknown sender to General 43. “King George and Queen Mary Maple August 1915; The lounge was also Officer Commanding, Edwin Alderson, Leaf Club,” Lady’s Pictorial (1 April 1916) equipped with games, books, and a piano 16 October 1914; David Love, A Call to RG9, III D1, Vol.4719, Folder 115, File 27. for musical entertainment. Arms: The Organization and Administration 44. “King George and Queen Mary Clubs for 52. LAC, RG9, III, D1, Vol.4719, Folder 115, of Canada’s Military in World War One Overseas Soldiers.” Moore, pp.7-8. LAC, File 27, “King George and Queen Mary (Winnipeg: Bunker to Bunker Books, RG 9, III, D1, Vol.4719, Folder 115, File 27, Maple Leaf Club,” Lady’s Pictorial (1 April 1999), 265. Love, possibly citing Report Report “King George and Queen Mary 1916). of the Ministry of Overseas Military Forces Maple Leaf Club,” 1917. 53. One British pound (£) is equivalent to 20 of Canada 1918, maintains that the Royal 45. Unlike the Canadian-run Maple Leaf shillings (s). One shilling corresponds to Automobile Club did not admit CEF Club, these two institutions did not cater 12 pence (d). CWM, Dead Horse Corner officers until 1917. Archival records show, to soldiers from any particular country Gazette (June 1916); Canada in the Great however, that membership was granted or Dominion. The Victoria League Club World War: Days of Preparation, Vol.2 as early as 16 October 1914. limited itself to “men serving in the (Toronto: United Publishers of Canada 31. Love, 265; LAC, RG9, III, B1, Vol.392, Oversea [sic] Forces or from the Crown Limited, 1918), pp.233-234. Series 1, File C-13-1, Herbert Lyndon, Esq. Colonies.” LAC, RG 9, III, D1, Vol.4719, 54. Moore, p.21. to General Officers Commanding CEF, 3 Folder 115, File 26, Victoria League 55. James Robert Johnson, Riding into War: November 1914. Pamphlet, 1917. The Peel Club, however, The Memoir of a Horse Transport Driver, 32. Report of the Ministry: Overseas Military took in a broader range of soldiers, 1916-1919 (Fredericton, New Brunswick: Force of Canada 1918, p.489. focussing on providing “comfortable Goose Lane Editions, 2004), p.30. 33. See Report of the Ministry: Overseas Military sleeping and living accommodation for 56. Sharon Anne Cook, “Through Sunshine Force of Canada 1918, p.513; W.A. Craick, members of the Dominions and other and Shadow”: The Women’s Christian “A Noble Order and the War,” Maclean’s, oversea [sic] Contingents. LAC, RG9, Temperance Union, Evangelicalism, and 15 June 1915, p.29; Katie Pickles, Female III, D1, Vol.4719, Folder 115, File 27, Reform in Ontario, 1874-1930 (Montreal: Imperialism and National Identity: Imperial King George and Queen Mary’s Club for the McGill-Queen’s University Press, 1995), Order Daughters of the Empire (New York: Oversea [sic] Forces: Peel House, 1917. p.6. Support for the Women’s Christian Manchester University Press, 2002); The 46. Carl Berger, The Sense of Power: Studies in Temperance Union was already strong in IODE in Wartime: A Record of Women’s the Ideas of Canadian Imperialism 1867-1914 Ontario at the beginning of the war, with Work for King and Empire (1919); LAC, (Toronto: University of Toronto Press, half of its 16,000 members coming from Borden Papers, Reel C-4392, “Soldiers’ 1970), p.259. that province. Clubs: Lady Drummond Tells of Their 47. Carl Berger, Imperialism and Nationalism, 57. RG 9, III, A1, Vol.4, File, 2-2-35, Lady Work and Needs,” Montreal Gazette, 19 1884-1914: A Conflict in Canadian Thought Drummond to Carson, 12 February 1916. July 1916. (Toronto: Copp-Clark Publishing 58. J.M. Inglis Jr., ed., O’Pip: 58th Battery 34. LAC, RG 9, III, D1, Vol.4719, Folder 115, Company, 1969), p.3. On the other hand, C.F.A. (London: King and Jarrett), p.9. File 27, King George and Queen Mary some Canadian nationalists tended 59. Moore, p.18. Actual figures for cheques Maple Leaf Club, n.d. While both the to see imperialism as antagonistic to cashed amounted to $8,840,262. author and the date of the article are Canadian national interests, unity, and 60. LAC, RG 9, III, A1, Vol.4, File, 2-2-35, unknown, the document, which provides autonomy. See also Patrick H. Brennan, Carson to Lieutenant-Colonel Ross, Chief a summary of the role of the club, was “The Other Battle: Imperialist versus Paymaster, 16 February 1916. written on Red Cross letterhead, and was national sympathies within the Officer 61. Moore, p.18. Actual figures for funds likely written by a member of the Maple Corps of the Canadian Expeditionary deposited amounted to $2,730,445. Leaf Club committee, perhaps Lady Force,” in Philip Buckner and R. Douglas 62. Ibid., pp.16-17. Drummond herself. Francis, eds., Rediscovering the British 63. Ibid., p.10. 35. Average wage for a private was a $1.00 World (Calgary, University of Calgary 64. LAC, MG28, I17, Vol.23, IODE pamphlet, per day, plus $0.10 field allowance. A Press, 2005), pp.251-265. 12 July 1916. lieutenant, on the other hand, could 48. RG 9, III, Vol.4, A1, File 2-2-35, Carson to 65. LAC, RG9, III D1, Vol.4719, Folder 115, expect to earn $2.60 per day. See, Morton, Colonel Ross, 16 February 1916. File 25, London District Clubs, April When Your Number’s Up, pp.12, 95. 49. C.P. Stacey, Canada and the Age of Conflict, 1917, 6. “IODE Does Splendid Work,” The 36. LAC, Borden Papers, Reel C-4392, Vol.1, 1867-1921 (Toronto: University Globe, 21 June 1916. “Soldiers’ Clubs: Lady Drummond Tells of Toronto Press, 1984), pp.187-188. 66. LAC, MG28, I17, Vol.23, IODE pamphlet, of Their Work and Needs,” Montreal Borden was abroad 9 July to 25 August 12 July 1916. Gazette, 19 July 1916. 1915 to meet with British prime minister 67. The first Annex employed at least two 37. Mary MacLeod Moore, The Story of the Lord Asquith, and the newly-appointed staff members, a kitchen maid and a King George and Queen Mary Maple Leaf Colonial Secretary, Bonar Law. Borden charwoman. LAC, MG28, I17, Vol.23, Club (London, 1919), 5 and LAC, Borden also used his time to meet with wounded IODE pamphlet, 12 July 1916. Princes Papers, Reel C-4392, “Soldiers’ Clubs: Canadian troops in both England and Patricia’s father, Prince Arthur, Duke of Lady Drummond Tells of Their Work and France. The Maple Leaf Club was visited Connaught, was Queen Victoria’s son Needs” Montreal Gazette, 19 July 1916. seven times by various members of the and served as Canada’s governor-general 38. LAC, Borden Papers, Reel C-4392, British Royal Family, including two visits from 1911 to 1916. “Soldiers’ Clubs: Lady Drummond Tells by the King and Queen. Moore, p.23. 68. The IODE in Wartime: A Record of Women’s of Their Work and Needs” Montreal 50. By 1918 the Club provided a recreational Work for King and Empire (1919), p.11. Gazette, 19 July 1916. facility which included its own boxing 69. Moore, p.11. All monetary values are 39. LAC, RG 9, III, D1, Vol.4719, Folder 115, program. “Soldiers Box for Maple Leaf provided in their original amounts. File 27, King George and Queen Mary Club,” The Globe, 10 July 1918. According to the Bank of Canada, Maple Leaf Club, n.d. 51. Canadian newspaper publishers, as well $1 CAD in 1914, equates to $19.68 40. LAC, Borden Papers, Reel C-4238, Lady as the general public, donated copies of CAD in March 2011, after adjusting Drummond to Borden, n.d. their newspapers to institutions overseas. for an annual average rate of inflation
59 of 3.12 percent, See Bank of Canada, 86. Hopkins, p.7. 22 November 1918; CLIP, William “Inflation Calculator,”
60