Aside from changes in farming techniques, the way of life of the farmer did not change much over the years. Some special events however, did have profound effects on their daily routines. One of these events was the outbreak of war. In many cases, the farmers went shipping out to war and the women and children were left to tend the farm while the men fought for their country. The men from Brackley who served in World War I and World War II, are listed. WORLD WAR I Guy Rodd 1st Canadian Siege Battery Douglas Carr World War II Howard Stewart Edward Younker Wylie Bryenton Lester Sellick Ralph Carr Ross Carr Douglas Mayne Ernest Walker Helen Carr Nursing Sister Bertha Pierce Nursing Sister In 1917, the Great Halifax Explosion caused quite a commotion throughout the Island. Some of the older residents can even remember the exact spot on which they were standing when they heard the explosion. In 1918, the Spanish Influenza struck. Those farmers who had the misfortune to catch this severe flu had to take to their beds and rely on their neighbors for aid. In Brackley , now as then, the neighbors were only too willing to offer assistance. Following the war, the Soldier Settlement Board was established to help the veterans start their life's work all over again. However, many farmers who did justice to their country in battle, "did not receive a cent from the government" upon returning to their farms. Life was extremely hard. Prices were high and incomes were low. It was twenty cents for a pound of sugar sticks, and twenty-one dollars for a small horse drawn scuffler for cultivating potatoes. But, as in the past, the farmers toiled long fruitful hours and managed to build up their farms, slowly, to a very high quality. The early 20's, saw the appearance of small farm tractors, some of which had been converted from old cars. The gas engine for machinery 12