Remembrance and Recovery: After the "Great War"

The Transition to Normalcy

Scrapbook no.2 (HSO No. 50.) is a well of information and a window to the early postwar years and shows us a glimpse of the process of peacetime. According to the scrapbook’s articles, these three years were of peace and hope. Much of the relevant articles are about soldiers coming home, recognizing the troops, and demobilization. Fresh off the heels of victory, there weren't many thoughts of future war. Half a year after the war and already museums were already collecting and presenting war trophies. The war may have been over, but issues of everyday life were always tied back to the war in some way - what did the officers returning think of the bank mergers? . The temporal proximity of the war makes the articles kept by the scrapbooker paint a picture of relief.

HSO No. 50. Historical Society of Ottawa: [1918-1921], City of Ottawa Archives, 36

HSO No. 50. Historical Society of Ottawa: [1918-1921], City of Ottawa Archives, 44

Demobilization

Much of the news in Ottawa centered around the demobilization period and a slow return to civilian life. Though the war was over, there was yet work to be done, with troops trickling back into the country, visitations from British Royalty, and the transition of

The 38th Battalion

One of the many stories that exemplified the demobilization efforts within Ottawa was that of the returning 38th Battalion. Originally formed and recruited in Ottawa, the 38th Battalion would go to Bermuda to defend shipping routes. They would then arrive in France on the 17th of August, 1916 and fight on the Western Front till the end of the war.

Upon their return in 1919, leadership of the 38th Battalion was tasked organizing the logistics of sending soldiers back home, relieving them of their solemn duty. Many such returning soldiers were also tasked with the duty of ushering veterans back into civilian life. The logistics of war would not stop even after the fighting had ended, not for a long time.

HSO No. 50. Historical Society of Ottawa: [1918-1921] , City of Ottawa Archives, pg. 19

HSO No. 50. Historical Society of Ottawa: [1918-1921], City of Ottawa Archives, pg. 35

Soon after returning to Ottawa, the officers of the 38th would form an association to help in the affairs of veterans and address some "after the war" problems. This would mirror other efforts both civilian and military who were working in service of the war.

Now that the war was over, married women were pulled out of service, civilian buildings were returned to their original purpose after being acquired for military purposes. Returning soldiers were slowly being reintroduced to the workforce and getting involved in Ottawa's local issues like bank mergers.

HSO No. 50. Historical Society of Ottawa: [1918-1921], City of Ottawa Archives, pg. 27

HSO No. 50. Historical Society of Ottawa: [1918-1921]City of Ottawa Archives, pg. 100

Ottawa welcomed back their veterans with great vigor, and the 38th was no exception to their joyous reunions. There was an initial attempt at order and a speech, but the return of family and friends proved too strong a pull for the crowd and they rushed to greet their loved ones once more.

Though far from the only significant unit, let alone battalion, the 38th Battalion's journey through the Great War and the year proceeding as presented by the scrapbook present a good example for what military service coming out of the war would look like. Some would be discharged quickly but others would have to pick up the mantle of logistics and the slow process of peacetime.

HSO No. 50. Historical Society of Ottawa: [1918-1921], City of Ottawa Archives, 99

Stories and Memory

HSO No. 50. Historical Society of Ottawa: [1918-1921], City of Ottawa Archives, 113

A large portion of the articles saved talk about the returning soldiers and their exploits and experiences, of celebrations and commemorations from prominent figures like the Prince of Wales. The exhaustion and relief of the era is felt through the stories kept by our intrepid scrapbooker.

As pictured on the right, King George's letter to the veterans is saved. The Prince of Wales would also spend a few days in Ottawa to thank the Canadian effort during the war.

Princess Patricia was another important royal to the story of Ottawa's military. Her regiment, Princess Patricia's Canadian Light Infantry (PPCLI) was one of the major fighting forces in the Canadian Expeditionary Force.

Unfortunately, war means death, and the scrapbook was no stranger to it. Throughout the clippings there are numerous memorials, casualty lists, and stories of the sacrifices given for the war.

Our dear scrapbooker has compiled many of these tributes and gripping recounts of the Great War.

HSO No. 50. Historical Society of Ottawa: [1918-1921], City of Ottawa Archives, 23

HSO No. 50. Historical Society of Ottawa: [1918-1921] City of Ottawa Archives, pg. 102

HSO No. 50. Historical Society of Ottawa: [1918-1921], City of Ottawa Archives, pg. 30

Remembering the 38th at Vimy Ridge

The article does a fantastic job of recounting the events of Vimy Ridge from the perspective of the 38th and their contribution to the battle, detailing the events and includes a casualty list. For more information check out the scrapbook's article on page 102.

Awards Given to Officers

A typical exhibition was held presenting awards to officers for commendable leadership and personal sacrifice. Their deeds were commemorated in the event and recounted in the article. This is just one example of many similar presentations paying tribute to the soldiers who participated in the war. More information on page 30 of scrapbook 2.

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