Expert: Ron - 5/21/2006

Question
Hi I have a question on World War 1 - Ghosts have warm hands by Will R. Bird. A memoir of the great war 1916- 1919. the 42nd battalion, the black watch of canada.
Can you tell me anything about the views and memories of 1st world war war and the strongest memories during that time period and what effect did it have.

Thanks!

Answer
Hi Sue:

Your question is pretty broad, which makes it hard to answer.

Most Canadians beleived in God King and country.

Most felt that war was a glorious thing and that we should be proud to go. Most had no idea the horry that would be waiting for Canada's young men in the trenches on the western front.

Most were niaive ...at the end of the war Canadian's were not niaive anymore.

Most felt that the Allies were right and the Axis were wrong. We had a strong feeling of nationaizm tied to Great Britian.

At the beginning it was more like a party than going off to war. Most beleived it would only last 6 months.

Ron