William Irvine had three sons aged 24, 21, and 19. All prime age to volunteer and go to war. William was 71 at that time, probably too old to look after the farm on his own. The three boys were integral to the running of the farm. William's diaries attest to the daily tasks they all did, from cutting hay, bringing up the potatoes, taking loads to town, getting ready for winter etc etc.
Dec. 2, 1915 was "Mild - Ned and Stanley hauling straw and hay. Alex went to town to stop at the Barracks." This is the only reference to Alex signing up - not part of the daily running of the farm, I suppose.
Alex's "Attestation Documents" show that he signed up on December 2nd, that he was 5'6", with a ruddy face, blue eyes and auburn hair.
April 1st "Fine. Ned hauled on load straw. Stanley Enlisted as a private."
Stanley's attestation documents list that he is fair with blueish eyes and brown hair. He was the youngest child, the son who's birth was accompanied by the death of his mother and his twin. I imagine it would have been hard to let him go.April 1916 Alex back for the Spring - to help with planting I presume, and both boys were home for the harvest August 22 that year. Sept 19th "Alex and Stanley returned to Camp Hughes. I wish them a swab of good luck." (underlined and starred)
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"Dinnertime at Camp Hughes"
March 16, 1917
"News came from the front that Charley Irvine is Killed" Charlie died March 28, 1917. He would have been 20.
May 19th, 1918 "I am being sorry to hear by that both my boys Alex and Stanley are wounded at the Front."
July 13th 1918 "Saw in Prince Albert Herald that my boy Stanley had left Quebec on the 11th June on his way home." He was invalided back from the front. Stanley arrived on June 16th. On July 21st Dora and Ida with their families came on a visit. (Interestingly, William often refers to Alfred and Milton bringing their families for a visit, instead of naming his daughters.) "The neighbors had a party in the school in honor of my Boy Stanley, who is leaving here for Regina on Monday 29th."
August 24, 1918 Heard the sad news that my boy Alex was wounded in the chest and foot.
William's diaries came to an end on October 11, 1918. The influenza of 1918 finally took hold of William. He died Nov 4th, 1918. Armistice was declared 7 days later, on November 11th.
Unfortunately, Stanley was admitted to hospital in Regina, and died on November 23rd of that same year. His death is listed as being from wounds received in battle, and on another form it says he died from Tuberculitis. No comfort for home either way.
At some point a letter arrived from the King! This letter was found in Rose’s items, so we are not sure to whome it was addressed. We assume it was to Stanley, because of the timimg.
In January, Rose Irvine, the oldest daughter to still be living at home, received a telegram regarding her brother Alex's health. His leg was healing, but his right hand was suffering some paralysis.
Alex would lose his right hand, using a hook for the rest of his life. He had a stuffed glove that he would use for dress occasions.
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| Alex Irvine, 1918 |
The war was over. Stanley and his cousin Charley had been killed, Alex was injured in a way that would make farming difficult for the rest of his life. Ned had worked the farm for the duration of the war, shouldering the responsibility of the farm with his aging father.
All were affected. All were touched.
All were affected. All were touched.
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| Soldiers' grave marker at St. Andrew's Church, Halcro SK. |
