The forgotten history of Gore Bay’s WWI military training camp recalled

GORE BAY— “I’m sure most people around today would not know there was a military training camp located in Gore Bay (and other locations on Manitoulin Island) during the First World War,” stated Ann Claridge, a Gore Bay resident, who has photographs from her grandmother Hannah Maude Jackson’s collection to back up this statement.

“At the time of World War One there were military training camps around the Island including Gore Bay,” Ms. Claridge told The Expositor.

“Lieutenant-Colonel Rowland of the 119th wanted more than 200 volunteers from the Manitoulin, with a sizable proportion of them destined for preliminary drill in Little Current. The Army rented the rink for the winter of 1916, and troops were billeted in town for their initial military training. Many lacked uniforms and army rifles. Appeals were made for the loan of hunting rifles until the recruits obtained their own. A considerable amount of cash came to town as a result of the influx of troops. Because of the loss of the use of the rink, just one hockey game was played that year.”