Muskoka and the Great War
Muskoka and the Great War
Each November, Canada honours Veterans who gallantly served in the nation’s armed forces. Our Online Exhibit explores pieces of our collection that are from World War I.
Uniforms
Each soldier’s uniform was specific to their unit or season. We have three different uniforms in our collection.
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The first uniform pictured (from left to right) is a summer uniform. This uniform was made of a lighter material and had less pockets than a standard uniform. The front pockets were meant for personal items and a soldier’s pay book.
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The second is a Royal Flying Corps (RFC) uniform, distinguishable by its unique cross-over buttoning. Among many other tasks, the RFC were responsible for some of the first war-time aerial surveillance.
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The third is a Calvary Brigade uniform. This uniform belonged to Mr. Garth Tassie. On the uniform you can see 2 service medal ribbons and a stripe on the sleeve for 3 years of service.
Handkerchief
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During the First World War, handkerchiefs were bought or made by soldiers as souvenirs for their loved ones back home.
This lace handkerchief depicts French General Joseph Jacques Césaire Joffre. General Joffre served as Commander-In-Chief from 1914-1916. In the First Battle of the Marne (September 5-12, 1914), General Joffre helped to defeat the Germans after organizing a group of retreating Allied soldiers.
Pocket Knife
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Pocket knives like this one were standard issue for most British and Canadian soldiers. The knife would be kept in a front pocket or attached by a lanyard for easy access.
This type of knife contained two blades and a “Marlin spike”, which could be used to help untie knots and clear horses’ shoes.
Over time, basic pocket knives evolved to include a screwdriver and pliers.
Phonograph Record
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The Postwar Era was a time of success but also struggle. Songs on these records lament some of these struggles, such as inflation and being separated from loved ones who were not yet back from Europe.
This song “I’ve Got the Profiteering Blues” from 1920 includes lyrics such as: “Thieves have stopped thieving to be landlords today, ’cause they don’t get arrested for stealing that way.” and “High prices make me sick, for all my clothes are worn through. I’ll have to dress like Adam, but what else can I do.” The Great War provided the inspiration for many famous works including Gustav Holst’s “The Planets – Mars the God of War”, and “In Flanders Fields” by Charles Ives based on the poem by John McCrae.
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