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WAR IS DECLARED
August
4th, 1914,
Moncton, Canada
The headlines of the newspapers that day rang loudly with the news that German troops had entered Belgium. Old Sam brought in the latest edition when he came into work, and they gazed at it gloomily. Eventually Mr Huntingford demanded that they focus on the job-in-hand, but it was hard to concentrate on anything, and little got done.
At midday, Georgy and Joe went into the city to find out the latest. People were gathered outside the newspaper offices, waiting, in case there was a special edition. There were rumours that anything could happen at any moment. Crowds took to the streets, roaming uneasily, unable to settle.
The afternoon dragged slowly on, with no news. The deadline that Britain had given Germany was due to expire at 6pm Canadian time. After an ineffectual day, Mr Huntingford finally gave in and told them all to pack up early. At home, the family ate dinner in silence, a mixture of dread and excitement in the air.
Six o’clock came and they heard a commotion nearby. Church bells were ringing, and the streets were alive with people. The Huntingfords went outside to see what was happening. Instead of fear and despair, the atmosphere seemed to be one of celebration. War had been declared by Britain, and therefore Canada was now also at war. Yet there was singing in the streets, flags waving and people cheering. In the main square, in front of the ruins of the city hall which had burnt down only a few months before, speeches full of patriotic fervour were being made. The public were roused in support of their home nation. William was excited and ran off to join the throng, listening to the speakers as they motivated the people.
Georgy was surprised at such a keenness for war. He supposed it must be the right thing to do, but at what cost? True, you couldn’t let someone go walking into another country to try and claim it for themselves. That should never be allowed. Britain had done well to stand up to the Germans, he thought, and he suddenly felt proud. But to celebrate the start of a conflict? Well, he wasn’t sure he could go that far.
Ellen had tears running down her face, leading her younger children gently through the outskirts of the hubbub, though Arthur sulked throughout. Ethel and Gilbert went hand in hand, waving flags, though they weren’t too sure why. It was a strange evening. The newspapers ran special late editions declaring ‘Britain at War – Canada too!’ So that was that, thought Georgy.
It seemed so strange to be getting up the next morning, going to work as if nothing had happened. The world had changed and yet everything appeared the same. Georgy rose at 6am, just as usual, but he noticed a difference in his brother. William was normally reluctant to get out of bed and had to be constantly chivvied along to get him to work on time, but not this morning. He was up and dressed, before Georgy had barely risen. Whistling cheerfully, he rushed downstairs, grabbed a hasty breakfast and left the house before them all. Georgy was instantly suspicious. What was William up to?
Georgy and his father reached their place of work for the day to find a state of chaos. The householder who had requested the work no longer wanted it done and said so in no uncertain terms.
‘Don’t you know we’re at war?’ exclaimed the customer, Mr Briggs. ‘I can’t go paying out for luxuries like plumbing, when who knows what might happen. My son, he works for me, but today he’s gone to sign up, so what’s going to happen to my business, I ask you? Not to mention the shortages we’re bound to have. I’m sorry, but I’ve got to cut back.’
Harsh words were said on both sides. George Huntingford always hated to be messed around. Eventually they headed back to their base, only to find no Joe. Sam was there and told them why.
‘He’s gone to the recruitment office, silly man. His girl’s got it into her head that he’s a coward if he don’t, so there you go! I heard there’s a queue a mile long down the street.’ He turned to Georgy. ‘Hope you’re not planning to sign on as well, my lad.’
‘Well, no, I’m not sure,’ stammered Georgy. ‘I hadn’t thought about it.’
‘I should think not!’ said his father. ‘You’re far too young to be doing that. Anyway, they won’t need Canadians, they’ve got a whole British army already.’
Joe came in at lunchtime and told them, rather sheepishly, that he would be leaving next week.
‘We have to go to training camp for a few weeks first,’ he said, ‘then overseas later. That’s if it’s needed. It may all be over in a few months they reckon. I hope so, but at least this keeps Elsie, my sweetheart, happy.’
‘I hope she’s worth it,’ remarked Sam sourly. ‘I wouldn’t have no woman telling me to go off and fight!’
Joe turned red. ‘She’s promised to marry me when I get back,’ he replied, ‘so of course she’s worth it.’ Then he said something which shocked Georgy. ‘Saw your brother down there, trying to sign up.’
‘My brother!’ exclaimed Georgy. ‘William?’
‘Yes, but they didn’t take him. He tried to pretend he was eighteen, but they saw right through him, knew he was too young.’
‘Thank goodness!’ breathed Georgy.
‘That stupid youngster!’ cried his father. ‘What on earth does he think he is playing at? Just wait till I see him!’
‘Father, don’t be too hard on him,’ begged Georgy. ‘You know he’s always wanted adventure. It’s in his nature.’
‘I’ll give him ‘adventure’!’ muttered his father ominously but said no more.
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