The Home Front

This theme contains four case studies on the effects of war at home, both in preparing for it to happen and the all too real experience of coping with life while war was occurring. War preparation is highlighted in two British collections: the archives of Adrian Grant Duff show his government's methodical preparation for the First World War and the records of the City of London Engineer's Office reveal the advance procedures in place for dealing with air raids. With the First World War having become a reality, the Crombie archives demonstrate its far flung repercussions on a particular rural Ontario family. The case study entitled Racial Discrimination and Internment reveals the shameful overreaction of the Canadian government against its own citizens on "the Home Front" and the efforts of the committee formed to assist Canadians of Japanese descent.

In addition to the case studies discussed within this theme, there are others which are closely related to it. A case study entitled Socks for the Boys: Marion Simpson and the Knitters of the First World War can be found in the theme The Hamilton Connection as well as another entitled Support and Substitution”: Women’s Roles during World War I in the theme Women and War. In addition, the themes The Soldier’s Life and Representing War: propaganda, posters, pamphlets, publicity, music, artwork and memorials concern the home front. The Canadian Government's Nutrition Services issued a series of leaflets: their guide to a healthy breakfast appears here.

Case Study: London Prepares for War: The City Engineer’s Office in World War II

Air Raid Precautions Office, Poster, 2 September 1939

McMaster University’s extensive Air Raid Precaution collection contains detailed information about the centre of the City of London’s preparations for the Second World War. A detailed survey of all residences and businesses was conducted, and air raid facilities were established long before the bombs began to fall.

Case Study: Racial Discrimination and Internment: The Cooperative Committee on Japanese Canadians

Fowke, Edith, Pamphlet, 1952

The entry of Japan into the Second World War precipitated an immediate punitive reaction in North America which extended to Canadians of Japanese descent. The Cooperative Committee on Japanese Canadians tried to assist as the homes and businesses of Canadian citizens were confiscated and families torn apart.

Case Study: Adrian Grant Duff: Preparing for the First World War

Photograph, [1914?]

Professional soldier and Military Assistant Secretary in Britain’s Committee of Imperial Defence in the years before the outbreak of the First World War, Grant Duff contributed to the creation of the War Book, a systematic listing of war-related procedures and practices.

Case Study: The Home Front in Rural Ontario: The Crombie Family Archives

Photograph, [ca. 1917]

Through diaries and an “in house” farm newsletter, as well as extensive related correspondence, this archive provides an intimate and fascinating perspective on the Canadian “home front” for the entire period of the First World War.