Dear Journal,
Yesterday I received the great pleasure of meeting Arthur Currie. After our victory at Vimy Ridge, Sir Currie replaced General Byng, and was the first Canadian to command Canadian troops. In my eyes he is a hero!
Some of the men while they appreciate his smarts and strategic planning, feel he is lacking charisma and don't like him much. I however am inspired by such a great man. He began as militia officer. He then moved on to command the first Canadian Division.
Many men say that due to his careful preparations and willingness to demand more guns before a major attacked saved many's lives. I tend to agree with them. For I first hand saw some of Curries strategic planning during the attack of Vimy Ridge and saw his leadership during the Battle of Passchendale.
Before attacking Vimy Ridge the manoeuvres were practiced thoroughly. The ridge was bombed continuously for three weeks in order to weaken the Germans. The preparations were made almost to perfection, trying to ensure the safety of as many men as possible.
During the Battle of Passchendale, General Currie's excellence in leading was shown. He was concerned about the lives of the men and said that the town could not be taken due to the inability of the troops to move through the mud. Although he was overruled and the attack was to commence, we were able to take the town and hold it until reinforcements to come.
General Currie is a great leader. Meeting and talking with him has been one of the few positive experiences of war.
Dear Journal,
Today when I walked into the town square the signs again, caught my eyes. Along the streets there was an abundance of posters and signs. You can't even get a break while reading the newspaper even. All questioning my stay here at home. These posters sure know how to reach my heartstrings. I sympathize for those whose families have lost their husbands, fathers and brothers. Yet I also feel ashamed that I am not among those men. A few are questioning my stay at home. Others encouraging to purchase war bonds and few even advising the necessity of rationing.
You can't escape these questioning.
The war has now been occurring for two years. Joining the army has crossed my mind several times. Why am I relaxing here at home while men just like me are sacrificing their lives? I certainly am capable to fight for my country. I want to fight for my country.
However the thought of going years with out seeing the family is dreadful. I'd like to see young Howard mature into a man. As well as watch Rose fall in love and marry. Heading off to sea might mean I will never see these dreams come true.
At least father would be extremely proud. Working with the Mayer it would be important for his own son to partake in the war. What a shame it would be if I didn't. I wonder what Henrik is thinking. Hopefully he is okay with my decision of enlisting. Maybe he'll even enlist with me.
I have decided though. Tomorrow I will enlist for the army. My fate has been sealed. I am awaited by glory and sacrifice.
Dear Journal,
Although the war is over, I am still not home yet. I'm anxious to return home for I've been gone for two years. The letters from home have kept me updated though, on all that has been occurring back home.
I don't except it to be the same when I return home. How can it be? So many have lost their husbands, brothers and sons. It is difficult to fathom the pain and grief that they are suffering through.
Mother told of the rations which were brought in. It must have been difficult having the limit on their food but I am grateful that they did otherwise we would have had less over seas. I do hope that it stops soon.
Father mentions of a new tax, the income tax. It is meant to be mandatory. The war had cost Canada over $1 million a day. This would be hard to earn back, but maybe with the victory bonds, we will be closer. Germany was forced to pay all the reparations, which does seem a bit cruel. However if it'll help with the economy it might seem a bit less cruel.
Looking at the war politically, it has been beneficial to Canada. We gained independence from Britain. Our bravery during the battles has shown the world that Canada is a brave and independent nation. At the Paris Peace Conferences Canada even had a separate seat from Britain. Along with our autonomy, this war has helped women gain the right to vote as well. I know mother and Rose are happy of this achievement and I can't wait to return home and see their new found happiness!
Price of Victory:
| Enlisted | 595 000 |
| Served overseas | 418 000 |
| Killed in Action | 35 666 |
| Died of wounds | 12 420 |
| Died of disease | 5 405 |
| Wounded | 155 799 |
| Prisoners of War | 3 575 |
| Presumed dead | 4 671 |
| Missing | 425 |
| Deaths in Canada | 2 221 |
| Total Dead | 60 383 |
| Population of Canada | |
