By Brian Roulston

As we stand for a moment of silence at the 11th hour on Remembrance Day, let’s remember those who fought overseas and those who stood guard close to home.  As the Great War began to escalate, there came compelling evidence of German-Americans gathering ammunition and arming themselves, conducting drills, fueling fears of a takeover of the United States and a potential invasion of Canada.

“I am a firm believer in the scouts’ motto, ‘Be prepared,’” said Mr. Charles W. Hemingway, a key figure advocate for the formation of the home guards in Canada to be ready for anything that could arise on the home front.  A solid local force was needed to watch for saboteurs, launch defensive operations against invading groups, and handle other malicious actors. Hemingway’s foresight and belief that Canadian cities would become vulnerable to attacks if more of the larger Canadian regiments were to be called overseas. This led to the defence of Hamilton and many other communities across the country.

The first recruits joined the Home Guard, also known as the Hamilton Auxiliary Defence Corps, around September 1, 1914. On the first Saturday in 1915, No. 1 company of the Home Guard displayed dedication as they marched through the streets of Hamilton. Through biting cold temperatures and uniforms soaked from the intermittent January rain, they marched past hundreds of onlookers, looking like a formidable force to reckon with, mud trailing in their wake.

Hamilton’s population was 100,808; it was felt that there should be no reason why a volunteer force of at least 1000 men capable of fighting off any potential threats would be easily achieved. There were no restrictions for joining, medical exams, or age limits; recruitment was open to young and old alike. Thousands of men from diverse professions—farmers, factory workers, lawyers, doctors, gospel ministers, tradesmen, and businessmen— eagerly enlisted in the Home Guard. Military experience or knowledge of firearms was not required for enlistment. Recruits were trained in using guns upon joining, ensuring everyone had the necessary skills for service. Some individuals opted to serve in Hamilton’s Home Guard as an opportunity to ‘try out’ military life. This experience often served as a stepping stone for those considering full-time military service. This posed a challenge in achieving and maintaining the goal of a 1000-person team and aim to expand it to 2000-person capacity.

Enlistment was only for the period of the war. If you were stressed financially or did not have the time to drill at least one night a week, you were allowed to withdraw from the Guards upon notifying your commanding officer. Home Guards had to purchase their uniforms; a decent khaki service uniform could be obtained for about $5.00. Guards were assigned 20-hour shifts, and  meals were in designated mess areas throughout the city. Home guards traversed solely on foot, their procession visible through the streets of Hamilton in all types of weather, from rain and sunshine to snow, frigid cold, or blistering heat. There was even talk of having a mounted unit, which never materialized.

Guards were not allowed to consume alcohol on duty. Civilians were prohibited from loitering around them while on active duty or attending to serious business. Home Guards were ordered to shoot to harm; not just over their heads.

After Canada and Britain officially joined World War II and declared war on Germany following the sinking of the S.S. ATHENIA passenger ship, Hamiltonians were mostly living the same lives as before. However, the threat to public safety and industry became real with the Blitzkrieg of Great Britain in 1940. It became apparent that Germany and its Axis members could strike anywhere worldwide, and cities across North America would have to look out for themselves once again.

Hamilton was the first in Canada to resurrect the home guards. The city felt that having a civil defence force similar to World War I added a sense of security for residents. Mayor William Morrison and Lieutenant-Col. Robert F. Inch established the Hamilton Auxiliary Defence Force which became The Home Defence Corps. A permanent office was set up at the Spectator Building on King Street East. Mayor Morrison asked Hamiltonians to donate firearms to the Civil Guard.

A Canadian first, the Home Defence Corps was promised three armoured cars. Aside from the revolving turret built in Toronto with a 45-calibre Thompson machine gun, the armoured cars were to be wholly designed and built in Hamilton. Before this, all armoured vehicles in the country were built in the U.K. The vehicle was a brute, built on a heavy truck chassis by Hamilton Harvester from steel produced by the Hamilton Bridge Company. It came with the latest radio technology and received military, police, fire and other emergency transmissions. One Hamilton policeman who examined and has watched the armoured car in action claimed, “I’ve seen times when I would be glad to be in that car.” The car was used day and night, with the Home Guard practicing several tactical exercises. The guards drove every inch of the city, roads, streets, back alleys, through high snow drifts, and anywhere a vehicle could go.  For whatever reason, only one was ever delivered. No one is sure who got the armoured car following the war, the police force or the fire department.

The Home Defence Corps name would change again to the Hamilton Civil Guard in 1941.

Among the volunteers were WW1 veterans who had already served overseas. Although some were injured and deemed unfit for overseas duty, they could very well defend Hamilton and surrounding areas against potential invasions. The war veterans’ military experience was invaluable to the Hamilton Civil Guards. Civil Guards were measured and fitted for uniforms, and $2 from each guard was contributed towards them. They received a four-piece blue cotton uniform with forage cap, windbreaker, shirt, and pants. Public donations and money from Hamilton City Council covered the remaining cost. The Hamilton Civil Guard was divided into eight companies. For example, there was No. 2 (Hess Company), No.3 (Bennetto Company), No. 7 (Queen Mary Company) and No. 8 (Mountain Company).

On a crisp October evening in 1941, spectators eagerly packed into the John Weir Foote Armory on James St. North to see what this volunteer force could do. An exhibition of infantry drills took place. Their boots were meticulously polished to a shine, and buttons and medals gleamed under the bright lights. The shouts of the drill instructors’ verbal cues, “Forward march!” or “Halt!”  pierced the air. The former World War I soldier’s rifles were perfectly shouldered, with each shiny barrel pointing skyward, and they proudly marched past the spectators in perfect unison. There was silence throughout the courtyard, and the click and clacks of the rifles moving parts echoed throughout the hall. The platoons of 40 men and eight drill companies, totaling 900 men, displayed their foot drills and inspections with precision that awed spectators. 

In 1942, the Polish community started a company of the Hamilton Civil Guard. Many worked night shifts in industries throughout town, and after their shifts, they would gather and practice their drills.

Members of the Civil Guards actively patrolled the streets of Hamilton. They would also practice air raid and blackout procedures. To give the volunteers authority, they were sworn in as wardens or auxiliary police officers. They patrolled the streets throughout 1944 and 1945. With Hitler defeated and the surrender of Japan after the Hiroshima and Nagasaki bombings, the need for the home guard diminished. 

One final parade of Hamilton’s Civil Guard in full uniform marched proudly at the Lions Club Grounds in Ancaster on June 24, 1945. Four hundred members who served from September 1, 1943, were presented a 12-gauge Springfield shotgun from Mayor Samuel Lawrence. 

Across the nation, the home guards, mainly former WWI soldiers, freed up young soldiers for active combat roles rather than guarding critical infrastructure and internment camps. This strategic move ensured that every willing and capable Canadian could in some way contribute to the nation’s defence.