July 1 wasn’t always known as Canada Day. In 1916, the anniversary of the signing of confederation was known as Dominion Day.
It was also the day after the battle of the Somme began.
Since March 1916, the French army had been in a heated battle with the German army at Verdun. As allies, the British and Canadians had committed to starting a new battle to ease the pressure on the French. It was widely known across Canada that this second battle would be starting in the summer of 1916 and that many Canadians would be involved in the action.
On June 21, Robert boarded a train bound for the port of Montreal. This photo shows the chaos, excitement (note the military band) and emotion that would have filled the train station during his departure.
“28th Battalion leave for the front.” This photograph was taken in 1915 in Winnipeg by Advance Fotos, 341 Portage Avenue. (Photo from Archives of Manitoba, Edith Rogers fonds)
On June 17, 1916, Robert had travelled to Winnipeg, MB to enlist. He was assigned the identity number of 532379, a number that he would carry with him until the end of the war.
I imagine that enlisting was a proud thing to do. Something Robert was looking forward to as he was finishing high school {one of the facts I am trying to confirm that he was actually enrolled in secondary school until the spring of 1916}.
Robert’s witness was John MacAskill, also from Gladstone and who had enlisted three months earlier in March 1916. John had been a farmer. A full 14 years older than Robert, John had likely worked for, or alongside, Magnus Wilson at some point. My guess is that that family connection made Robert’s trip to Winnipeg, and then across the ocean to war a little easier to handle.
Below is a transcription of Robert’s attestation paper. Take some time to read through the kind of information that was asked and the way that things were phrased. I can’t imagine anything like that to get by now.
Attestation Paper
[means that he volunteered, he was not conscripted]
Robert Magnus Wilson’s attestation paper from June 17, 1916
What is your surname? Wilson
What are your Christian names? Robert Magnus
What is your present address? Gladstone, M
In what Town, Township or Parish, and in what Country were you born? Gladstone, Man
What is the name of your next-of kin? Magnus Wilson
What is the address of your next-of-kin? Gladstone, Man
What is the relationship of your next-of-kin? Father
What is the date of your birth? May 26th, 1898
What is your Trade or Calling? Student
Are you married? No
Are you willing to be vaccinated or re-vaccinated and inoculated? Yes
Do you now below to the Active Militia? No
Have you ever served in any Military Force? Reserve Militia 3 months
Do you understand the nature and terms of your engagement? Yes
Are you willing to be attested to serve in the CANADIAN OVER-SEAS EXPEDITIONARY FORCE? Yes
DECLARATION TO BE MADE BY MAN ON ATTESTATION
I, Robert Magnus Wilson, do solemnly declare that the above answers made by me to the above questions and that they are true, and that I am willing to fulfil the engagements by me now made, and I hereby engage and agree to serve in the Canadian Over-Seas Expeditionary Force, and to be attached to any arm of the service therein, for the term of one year, or during the war now existing between Great Britain and Germany should that war last longer than one year, and for six months after the termination of that war provided His Majesty should so long require my services, or until legally discharged.
Oath to be taken by man on attestation
I, Robert Magnus Wilson, do make Oath, that I will be faithful and bear true Allegiance to His Majesty King George the Fifth, His Heirs and Successors, and that I will as in duty bound honestly and faithfully defend His Majesty, His Heirs and Successors, in Person, Crown and Dignity, against all enemies, and will observe and obey all orders of His Majesty, His Heirs and Successors, and of all the Generals and Officers set over me. So help me God.
Description of Robert Magnus Wilson on Enlistment
Robert Magnus Wilson’s attestation paper from June 17, 1916
Apparent Age: 18 years
Height: 5ft 9ins.
Chest Measurement | Girth when fully expanded: 38ins
Chest Measurement | Range of expansion: 3ins
Complexion: dark
Eyes: gray
Hair: dark
Religious denominations: Presbyterian
Distinctive marks, and marks indicating congenital peculiarities or previous disease: Scar above right ear.
The medical officer considered Robert fit for service.
A couple months ago, I went on a little genealogy kick. I went on ancestry.ca and started to create my family tree. The history nerd in me was giddy. I really was having a lot of fun.
When I told my dad that I could go all the way back to my 22nd great-grandfather (1310-1383) it started us chatting.
For some reason, I always thought that I didn’t have any relatives who actively served in either of the World Wars. I wish I had asked the questions, that I’m now asking, a bit earlier in my life. Regardless, here’s how I got to today and why I’m posting what I’m posting now.
Robert Magnus Wilson, my great grandfather (my dad’s, mom’s dad) was born on May 26, 1898. My birthday is May 27, 1988. I don’t know why but the fact that he was born 90 years and one day before me, piqued my interest.
He turned 18 on May 26, 1916. Exactly 100 years ago today.
I then found that he was a stretcher-bearer in the first world war. So starting today, I’m using my history background to research and understand where he was, what he was doing, and as best as I can, share his journey through the trenches of WWI. Generally it will be week-by-week, but I’ll do my best to keep it interesting.
Stay tuned for my next post when Robert’s name first appears in military records. (hint: check back in mid-june)
Robert Magnus Wilson's War 