The war ended the previous year. The last-recognized British Empire soldier to die in battle fell two minutes before the Armistice. The soldier was Canada’s, a twenty-five-year-old fiancé, Private George Lawrence Price from Nova Scotia of the 28th, who was shot through the heart by a sniper east of Mons and died in the arms of a comrade. Buglers tooted the cessation of shot and shell. Soldiers were heartsore or downhearted. Further troops were simply tickled to death. Some were wary that all battles had ceased and kept fighting.
Ottawa saw more than twice the people who were at the declaration of war pour onto its streets to celebrate that the war was over. Not a soul lauded the Allies.
George and the Queen hosted a private luncheon to the man who was largely believed to be the finest General of the Allied Forces, Sir Arthur Currie.
Vimy Ridge stayed under British command and Germany did not endeavour to recover the region the remainder of the duration. From Vimy Ridge until the end of the war, the Canadian military did not lose one battle. Haig admitted that Canada had become a minor, though sovereign, ally to England. That not one soldier perished from starvation was a monumental milestone in Empire history.
Usually, the Canadian soldier spent two years, and at most five years, overseas. Those who suffered due to gas were made to stay in Europe for further care. Distraught over the effort and desperate to be reunited with loved ones, troops often lied about injuries. In the future, untrue testimony would haunt soldiers when their health benefits and veteran pensions were denied over supposed clean bills of health from wartime physicians’ declarations.
Canadian soldiers stayed on as an army of occupation until 1919 by the Rhine river. By fall, almost the entire Corps had returned. Countless parades, dinners, speeches, and other celebrations were showered on the Old Boys.
Much had changed in the colony the soldiers left. In June, the Paris Peace Conference, The Treaty of Versailles, affirming the war to be over, came into effect. Canada’s signature, autonomous from Great Britain’s, was penned to the declaration. Thus, from Canada’s war effort, the dominion was granted nationhood status. Borden was given membership to the Councils of the Empire and represented Canada as independent from Britain in the League of Nations.
Laurier died of a stroke in February. September saw the Prince of Wales lay the cornerstone for the Peace Tower.
Along with the returning soldiers came the Spanish Flu. Government did everything in its power to halt the epidemic. Surpassing all educational services and quarantines, the virus traversed the country in a week. Entire communities disappeared. The Indigenous and Inuit Peoples endured the worst. Labrador saw one third of its citizens die and half the Inuit. Prince Edward Island isolated itself from the rest of the country. Fifty thousand Canadians were gone in mere weeks. The average life expectancy fell to the late thirties from the early fifties.
Nicolas heard his parents discussing Okak, Labrador, when they thought he was not present. Almost all two hundred and sixty residents succumbed to the flu. The mere tens who did live attempted to save the corpses from the starving sled dogs before escaping. Thankfully, his family was spared. One in six Canadians had been infected by the flu. More than four hundred Ottawans died. The countrywide crisis led to the creation of the Federal Department of Health.
The patriot’s blood’s the seed of freedom’s tree240. It was an ugly winter day in Vauréal’s oak grove. At peace after war241, the Laurentiens were privately commemorating the first anniversary of the Armistice. Those who lived and those who died, they were one in noble pride242; Michel and Étienne were quietly discussing numbers with one another. Currie had disclosed to Borden a detail about the war that happened the year before: “Sir Douglas Haig himself told me that in the dark days of last spring, the one comforting thought that he had was that he still had the Canadian Corps intact, and that he should never regard himself as beaten until that Corps was put into battle.” Auré was standing with Michel and Étienne in silence, his new normal.
“Six hundred and twenty thousand in uniform… Four hundred and twenty-five thousand overseas… One hundred and seventy-two thousand wounded… More than three thousand, eight hundred were Prisoners of War… Twenty thousand underage fought. More than two thousand, two hundred were killed in battle. The fifteen and sixteen-year olds who fell in the line of duty numbered nearly one hundred… Three thousand nursing sisters volunteered. Almost all went overseas. Fifty-three Bluebirds laid down their lives… Four thousand or one in three Aboriginal men, who were able to fight, served. Aboriginal Canadians were amongst the most admired snipers in France and in Belgium. Corporal Francis Pegahmagabow, an Ojibwa man from Perry Sound Band, Ontario, was awarded the Military Medal as well as two bars. Pegahmagabow was the highest decorated Indigenous soldier of the war… Eight thousand, eight hundred served in the Royal Navy… One in four Canadian men of military age were in uniform… One in ten Canadians had been in uniform… One in five Newfoundlanders were in uniform. Newfoundland had more than six thousand two hundred sons and daughters serve in its Regiment. More than one in five Newfoundlanders in uniform were killed in action. Two thousand five hundred were casualties or Prisoners of War. One hundred and seventy-nine sailors perished at sea. Thirteen hundred and five found their final resting place overseas… Seventy Victoria Crosses were awarded to the Corps. One Victoria Cross was awarded to Newfoundland, garnered by seventeen-year old Private Thomas Ricketts. Ricketts would remain the youngest living Victoria Cross recipient soldier in history… The death toll: sixty thousand Union Jacks were buried around her Canadian sons as all British subjects were laid to rest under their King’s flag… The Western Front had not moved more than forty kilometers in either direction from the commencement of the duration.”
The young nation of eight million offered exceptional assistance to the Allies. But the extraordinary achievements Canada accomplished and obstacles overcome were not done in solidarity. Centuries of tolerance between the two families came to the vanguard of stupendousness, not to be seen again.
Conscription concluded solely by the Armistice. Forty thousand conscripts went to England. Twenty-five thousand were sent to France. Conscripted men made critical contributions to the Corps’ successes in the last year of the war, and at the same time, the conscription crisis had almost caused civil war. The country had never nor would see again the brink of such a calamity.
The grand pride of Quebec, the 22nd Battalion, fought with distinction in all operations of war the battalion had seen action in. Over the duration, the 22nd’s strength was reinforced in surplus of ten additional times. In 1921, the battalion would be bestowed the title of “Royal” by George after its accomplishments in the war.
Federal soldiers remained in Montreal until 1919, and the effects of the 1917 election would disfigure politics and the veil of solidarity between the two families for years to follow.
Mme. Laurentien was wearing black except for her white collar. Older females often wore second mourning until death. The strict Victorian mourning traditions had lessened considerably as a result of the war. However, the majority of Edwardians retained their old customs.
‘Tis only those that have loved & lost can realize the bitter cost243.
“Words fail our loss to tell244,” Mme. Laurentien said quietly, as tears fell down her cheeks to Fr.—. “Beneath this stone in soft repose is laid a mother’s dearest pride245,” she finished as Fr.— pulled her towards him.
“Greater love hath no man than he lay down his life for his brother246,” he replied. He tried to comfort her in an embrace.
“Our baby boy247 has given us great joy, though,” she smiled faintly while wiping tears away. She was holding the hand of Toulouse, a primary school-aged boy they adopted, orphaned by Influenza. Thousands of children were left without parents after the flu. Many families took in orphans and raised them as their own.
She went on the explain the loveliest way to mend a broken heart was to give away what one wished one had. After burying three sons in as many years, for the first time since they lost Pierre, because the family adopted Toulouse, she felt like the sun would shine tomorrow.
O mother of sorrow, for the love of this son248, Mme. Laurentien would shortly receive three Silver Crosses, informally called the medal that no mother wanted.
He wrought his country lasting good249; Étienne had been granted the Military Cross and the Distinguished Service Order. The measure of life is not its span but the use made of it250; Auré had been given his wife’s various medals, awarded to her posthumously, for services rendered during the epidemic. The purple ribbon with the Lion and “For Valor” was pinned to Nicolas’ chest. Auré had disposed of his Victoria Cross to Nicolas.
The daughters were all present. Pierrette had been given permission to leave the convent to attend the ceremony. Not all the Laurentien daughters were yet married. Given so many young men died during active service, many girls would never go on to marry.
The servants stood behind the family. After centuries of estates demanding one hundred servants, the same properties needed less than fifty after the war. Vauréal now employed mere tens of servants.
Those who desired to live went out to death251. Nicolas looked to the graves of his brothers. Unis dans la mort comme ils l’étaient dans la vie252 (United in death as they were in life), he thought. Nicolas knew he was fortunate; many families lost more than three immediate relatives from the effort and Influenza. The three marble tombstones sat upon empty graves. Young men, ye have overcome the wicked one253; Canada’s sons were laid to rest in Empire war graves overseas. A large maple leaf was carved at the top of each tombstone. The youngest of three brothers who gave their lives for humanity254, Pierre was buried underneath the largest oak along with his brothers. Their epitaphs were in Latin. Pierre’s epitaph read, Sleep on, my brave young hero son, beneath your laurels so bravely won. Mum255. Just a high-school boy, but a real man256, Pierre had a second inscription that read, Age Fifteen. On either side of Pierre were his brothers. Sorrow vanquished, labour ended, Jordan passed257, Frédéric’s epitaph stated, Like Moses’ bush he mounted higher, flourished unconsumed by fire258. He was killed when he was twenty-six years old, the average age of a Canadian soldier. He saved others, himself he could not save259; Jean-Baptiste’s inscription read, He died to save another260. He perished at Ancre Heights during the Somme and was one of 18,000 Canadians with no known grave.
Death is swallowed up in victory, memoria in aeterna261 (Latin for “In everlasting memory”); epitaphs for Canada’s Glorious Dead in France, Belgium, England, and at home were of, Nothing left but beautiful memories, his loving wife and baby… Write upon his grave, he died that Britain might endure… A son of England—from Canada, given to the Empire… He responded to the mother country’s call… Who died for King and country… A Canadian boy who gave his life for the Empire and freedom… Britannia, guard well in peace our loved one’s resting place… One of the many Canadian Indians who died for the Empire… Via Sacra. Of such are empires made… Beloved daughter & sister who answered the call of country and honor… For love of the Empire he lives in the freedom he died to save… For King and country thus he fell, a tyrant’s arrogance to quell… He died for England. It is well… Duty nobly done for King and Motherland… For King and country. Pour la patrie (For the homeland)… She fell facing Britain’s foe… For England, Home and Duty… Our only boy is sleeping in Flanders fields where poppies blow… One of Canada’s gifts to the Empire, a life… Au Roi et au Patrie un fils du Canada a noblemen tout donné (To King and Country a son of Canada has nobly given all)… Indian—Tribe 6 Nations. Died for honour of Empire… British Columbia Indian. Died for King and country… England called, who is for liberty? Who for right? I stood forth… She did her duty for King and country… Killed in action doing his duty like a British soldier… Our boy, England’s man… In loving memory of our beloved sons who died for King and Country… For the Glory of the Grand Old Flag… For his country’s sake… Mortuus est pro Canada (Latin for “He died for Canada”)… He is not dead whose memory still is living within a nation’s heart… O Dieu, prenez ma vie pour votre gloire et celle de Canada-Francais (O God, take my life for your glory and the glory of French-Canada)… An Indian. To his country’s call doing his duty. That is all… One of Canada’s best… A gallant soldier under his own and adopted flag… He gave his word & died for home & country… For Canada he served… Beloved only son, gone home with his uniform on and his duty done… He died fighting for the country he loved so much… I lie here, mother, but victory is ours… Far from his Canadian home our soldier boy is sleeping… Spirit in Heaven, Body in France, Memory in Canada… He died for Canada and the Empire… ‘Tis the mark of a nation’s hero… Died at Vimy Ridge… Over him now the red poppies grow, nodding a lullaby of rest to our dear boy… He fought the foes of Canada and died on a battle-field… Our lad is a hero, Great Canada’s pride. For glory he died… Honour the memory of Canada’s bravest and best… He shall have dominion from sea to sea… For Canada… A French Canadian’s love of mother and Canada… Vive le Canada (Long Live Canada)… He died to help the maple leaf to live… A gallant Canadian who gave his life for his country… Beloved son, proud Canadian… The brave rest in a nation’s love and never die… This corner of a foreign field shall be forever Canada… Tomorrow will be Canada’s day… The Maple Leaf Forever… O Canada, He stood on guard for thee… In years to come when time is olden, Canada’s dream shall be of them.
Lines from Lieutenant-Colonel physician John McCrae’s “In Flanders Fields” were impressed upon all Empire war graves.
Michel opened the ceremony by stating, “Que ton sacrifice et nos prières t’ouvrent les portes du ciel. La famille262 (May your sacrifice and our prayers open the gates of Heaven to you. The family).”
After the final blessing was given, Bijou stepped forward. “That Canada has become a nation in her own right, there is an on-going discussion for a new flag. The Prime Minister would like a new flag to represent the country’s new identity. Many say that since Canada fought under the Union Jack, the country should remain steadfast to England. The debate is causing quite a stir, though it has nonetheless garnered some few thousand entries. One flag in contention is blue, red, and white. There is a bar on either side and a tri-maple leaf in the center.
However, there is another in consideration. The poem I wrote for this one is entitled, ‘The Red and White Flag.’” The gathered stood in stoic resignation. Bijou drew breath,
“What Canadians are fighting for
What this young man died for
His casket was draped with the red and white flag
The maple leaf rested atop
The blocks wrapped around either side of the casket
This Canadian flag
Was chaperoning one of her son’s home
Duty bound to accompany this man across the Atlantic
The flag will ensure the soldier is seen
On the long journey in place of his family
For she carries with herself the weight of the nation
The flag draped over the casket
Embraced the soldier with the debt of all Canadians
And all others in countries who this peacekeeper paid the ultimate sacrifice to free
Ambassador to thy nation
The flag will be presented to his mother in condolence of servitude of the soldier’s homeland
Guarding this lifeless body
The soldier is laid to rest
With the respect of the nation
Like a torch holding an eternal flame
Symbolized in thy flag”
Bijou then read Binyon’s “For the Fallen.” “At the going down of the sun and in the morning—,” but Nicolas was not paying mind. He was looking up at his uncle. Ottawa and Regina named parks and buildings after Auré for his Victoria Cross status. Nicolas did not need to be told that Auré was perpetually smoking and in alcoholic spirits. Such was obvious from his appearance. His normally broad shoulders now looked almost monstrous in their decrepit state. People stopped going to church twice on Sundays due to the war. What worried Nicolas most was his uncle had stopped attending church altogether. A widower wore mourning for at least one year and joined society three months after the death. His uncle had been well taken care of after the war and the epidemic from those who his wife had aided. However, after a short time, Auré had become a recluse. Nicolas was reminded of a ghost when he looked at Auré, given his unnaturally white pallor. When one visited Pembina, one spoke solely to Llewellyn. Étienne would wake the manor with his nightmares. Nicolas wondered if Auré did too. At least Étienne had his family to comfort him. There was a fecklessness, almost abhorrence, among the returned men. Auré was no exception. He was moving away. He gave no indication to where he was to go. He rarely spoke to the Laurentiens anymore, declining all regular invitations to dine. Michel could not ask him where he was moving to, as the gentleman’s code did not permit Michel to ask such questions. A gentleman should honour another’s privacy. Even so, Nicolas desperately wanted to know.
After the last post was played, the family and servants started for the manor. Nicolas stood looking at Auré while he walked by. During the war, numerous strikes and riots, notably the Winnipeg General Strike, prompted speculation that revolution could follow. These problems reached crisis proportions the last year of the war. Government responded by way of a federal police organization. In 1920, the Dominion Police would disband and become part of the Royal North-West Mounted Force. The King would change the name to the Royal Canadian Mounted Police.
Nicolas wanted to cheer Auré and said loud enough only for Auré to hear, as the others walked around the pair, “You’ll always be my captain.”
Auré turned back and ran a hand through Nicolas’ hair and, trying to comfort him, said, “The brave never die, being deathless they but change their country’s arms for more, their country’s heart263.” Auré then made for the manor alone. The image of his fallen red knight would give Nicolas nightmares the rest of his childhood. In saluting the army, Auré removed his top hat, and as gracefully as a dancing master, made a final dashing bow to the armed forces and retired with full military honours.