Overview
This lecture examines the composition, experiences, and legacy of Canadian soldiers during the First World War, highlighting recruitment, demographics, diversity, conscription, and their battlefield reputation.
Early Recruitment and Enlistment
- Canada entered World War I as part of the British Empire on 4 August 1914 with a small, professional army.
- Initial enlistment was driven by patriotism, adventure, peer pressure, and expectations of a short war.
- The first deployment of about 31,000 men was mostly British-born; by war's end, about 51% of enlistees were Canadian-born.
Selection Criteria and Demographics
- Early recruits had minimum height and chest requirements, which relaxed as more men were needed.
- Medical exams excluded men with illnesses, injuries, or poor teeth, though many lied or bribed to join.
- The average age was 26; underage and overage enlistment was common, with about 20,000 underage soldiers serving.
Social, Regional, and Economic Backgrounds
- Most soldiers had education up to grade six; officers had higher education.
- Ontario and Western Canada provided most soldiers; Quebec contributed proportionally fewer, mainly English speakers.
- 64.8% of soldiers were labourers; other large groups included clerks and farmers.
Diversity in the Ranks
- At first, the CEF was predominantly white and Anglo-Saxon, with few visible minorities.
- About 4,000 Indigenous soldiers served, often as snipers or scouts; a few became officers, especially in air forces.
- In 1916, Black, Japanese, and other minorities were allowed; the No. 2 Construction Battalion was a notable Black unit.
Ethnic Minorities and Foreign Enlistment
- About 4,000 Ukrainians and thousands of other Eastern Europeans served, despite suspicion and internment.
- Nearly 40,000 Americans enlisted in the CEF before the US joined the war.
Conscription and Its Impact
- Recruitment slowed by late 1916; conscription was introduced in 1917 via the Military Service Act.
- Conscription targeted men aged 20–35 but allowed exemptions; only a fraction saw front-line service.
- Conscription created significant national divisions, especially affecting Quebec.
Reputation and Legacy
- Canadians were mythologized as rugged warriors but were mostly urban recruits.
- The CEF earned a real reputation for effectiveness in key battles like Second Ypres and Vimy Ridge.
- By war's end, 619,636 Canadians enlisted; 425,000 served overseas, suffering 234,741 casualties.
Key Terms & Definitions
- CEF (Canadian Expeditionary Force) — The main Canadian military force in World War I.
- Conscription — Mandatory enlistment in the armed forces, introduced in Canada in 1917.
- No. 2 Construction Battalion — A Black Canadian military unit formed during WWI.
- Military Service Act — 1917 Canadian law establishing conscription.
- Canadian Patriotic Fund — Organization providing financial support to soldiers’ families.
Action Items / Next Steps
- Review specific battles for which Canadians gained their reputation (e.g., Second Ypres, Vimy Ridge).
- Prepare to discuss the social impact of conscription and diversity in the CEF in class.
- Read further about the roles of minorities in the Canadian military during WWI.