As the case studies included in this theme make clear, the City of Hamilton, Ontario, was an important centre of industrial production and a transportation hub during both World Wars. Since this website has been developed in that city, it seems only appropriate that we pay some attention to the past contributions of its citizens during wartime. The case studies incorporate materials from our two partner institiutions, the Canadian Warplane Heritage Museum and Local History and Archives at Hamilton Public Library, as well as McMaster's own collections.
As one of Canada’s largest manufacturing and transportation centres, Hamilton, Ontario, a major Great Lakes port close to the U.S. border, played a crucial role during the two world wars. During the 1914-18 conflict, as well as training troops for land, sea, and air, Hamilton was lauded for industrial productivity and the extraordinary achievement of its citizens in raising funds.
Citizens of Hamilton, Ontario became leaders in a vast array of activities during World War II, among them fundraising – a staggering half billion dollars collected – as well as in weapons production, recruitment, training and many other endeavours.
Swithin King, Photograph, [1914-1918]
For a young man from a large Hamilton family, the First World War must have represented the chance to see the world. An athlete, he adapted quickly to life as a machine gunner in training in England, and he was sent to the front in the spring of 1917.
Canadian War Contingent, Card, [1914-1918]
Marion S. Simpson of Hamilton, Ontario was one of many women who played an important role on the home front, knitting socks for the soldiers during the First World War. The socks were invaluable on both a psychological and practical level: gifts of socks from home both raised morale and helped keep the men in the trenches warm and dry.
Gerry Bell, a native Hamiltonian, is regarded as Canada’s first black airman. He served in England during World War II and continued to be closely connected with aviation until his death.
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