Early in the twentieth century, Yorkton men who had served in the Boer Wars of the 1880s and 1890s began planning for the establishment of a local militia. With the influence of local Member of Parliament, Dr Cash, the Board of Trade and the Town Council, authorization to organize was granted. It was decided to renovate the former Immigration Hall located on Front Street South across the railroad tracks. It housed 75 men and was equipped as a training centre. A veteran of the last of the Boer Wars, Major Francis Pawlett was appointed officer in command of "B" Squadron, 16th Light Horse, and recruiting began. The drills consisted of both foot and mounted exercises. As it happened, not long after they were organized, the First World War was declared. Sixty men of "B" Squadron headed for more training at one of Canada's largest camps at Valcartier, Quebec. The local armoury kept on being used as a recruiting centre and for basic training.
1914 photo: We believe Major Pawlett (left) is the officer in charge. (He was a very tall man, being almost 7 feet.) It looks like a very cold day in Yorkton, with recruits not having their full military uniform; many wearing a variety of head gear for example. Their great hardships were only beginning.
At the going down of the sun
And in the morning
We shall remember them
