36- MIMINEGASH VETERANS WHO FOUGHT FOR KING AND COUNTRY

Among many other attributes, Canadians are known and respected throughout the world for their patriotism and their highly regarded fighting abili-

ty which have brought great honor to Canada and to the British Empire.

While military service for early settlers of Prince Edward Island started during the War of American Independence when men either volunteered for militia service in such units as His Majesty’s Loyal Company of Saint John Volunteers or else were impressed into service in the British Navy or in the British Imperial Army.

The War of 1812 caused some concern among maritime interests, but suc- ceeding wars such as the Fenian Raids by Irish Nationalists and even the Boer War in South Africa seemed not to arouse the citizenry until 1914 and the advent of World War I when in an outburst of patriotic fervor, Prince Edward Island men rallied to enlist to fight the German enemy.

The personal as well as the military consequences of World War I were traumatic for the tiny villages of Prince Edward Island, and into many homes came the dreaded notice of a dear member of the family who had been killed in action against the enemy. In some instances, these messages were kept in almost sacred places in the households to be thought of and revered through another generation and until still another world war would demand even greater sacrifices than ever before.

105111 Ba alion, Iminegash Cass Coll Back row, left to right: Guy Maclnnis, Wilbert Mclnnis, Harry Costain.

Front row, left 10 right: Cecil Palmer, George Wilkinson.

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