We are indebted to the many newspapers that reported on the news of World War One. One can only imagine how folks anxiously looked to their local newspaper for the latest news, often more bad than good. Example of headlines were: Missing In Action; Killed in Action; Taken Prisoner, etc. The Yorkton Enterprise of May 1, 1919, reported on very good news: "Fourteen men of the Fighting Fifth Battalion belonging to Yorkton and District returned to their homes on Friday, Saturday and Monday last and given a most enthusiastic welcome. Large numbers assembled at the railway depot on each occasion, with a band heading a parade to the town hall where they were the recipients of hearty cheers." The fourteen were affectionately called "the boys" and their names are listed in the article: Lieut. W.J. Cowan; Q.M. S. Butterfield, M.M., Jack McIvor, D.C.M.; H. Hing, M.M., all of Yorkton; Pts. Sentence and Biggs of Foam lake; Sergt. Esson, Saltcoats; Sergt. Hamilton and Ptes. Hawkins and Swan of Preeceville, and Pte. Stelby of Rokeby; Capt. E.R. Osler, M.C.; and Sargt. Inglis, M.M. of Yorkton; and Pte. Atkins of Springside. On Monday Acting Captain Tom Jenkins arrived by motor car from Melville. The "Fighting Fifth" Battalion was in service at the front line trenches from February 1915 to the end of the war in 1918.It took active part in most of the important and decisive battles of the war.
We are always looking for photos, documents and family histories of Yorkton and vicinity.
Contact Terri Lefebvre Prince,
Heritage Researcher,
City of Yorkton Archives,
Box 400, 37 Third Avenue North
Yorkton, Sask. S3N 2W3
306-786-1722
[email protected]
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