Teacher’s Guide for Theme 6 on World War I

Sam Steele was 66 years old in 1914, but he was still very eager to serve actively as a Commanding Officer on the battlefield in World War I.  However, Sam Hughes, Minister of Militia in Prime Minister Robert Borden’s Conservative Cabinet, hesitated because he thought Sam Steele was too old for active service.  This angered Sam Steele because he was very healthy and fit.  He had a great deal of experience in military affairs with the NWMP, British forces in the Boer War in South Africa, in the South African Constabulary, and had been a district military commander in Western Canada since 1907.  

Steele was confident that he could recruit many Canadians to fight in the army and in August and September did recruit 5400 soldiers for the 1st Canadian Division.  By December 1914, Hughes was impressed and promoted Sam Steele to Major-General in charge of training all soldiers in Canada.  Most people thought that this would be a short war, but Steele thought “we’re in for a long war.” Sam Steele volunteered to help recruit and lead a 2nd Canadian Davison of 25,000 soldiers and was allowed to lead them to England in May 1915 when he was 67 yrs. old.  Nevertheless, he was healthy and confident in his abilities and asked his friends in England and Canada to support his appointment to a field command. However, the British Commander, Lord Kitchener, insisted on a younger leader with battle experience since September 1914.  Minister of Militia Sam Hughes insisted on a Canadian commander.  Finally, General Turner was selected instead of Sam Steele to lead the 2nd Canadian Division into action in France.  Sam Steele remained in command of the British and Canadian forces in southern England until March 1918.   Steele`s age controversy is highlighted on the front page of the Sir Sam Steele Collection website.  Teachers may reinforce the difference between historical  evidence in primary sources like these letters and historical evidence in secondary sources when they read the different interpretations by Steele`s biographer, Robert Stewart, and by Professor Rod Macleod, a scholar on the history of the RCMP and Sam Steele`s life.  

Two of Sam and Marie’s children served in World War I.  The youngest, Harwood Steele, was only 17 years old when war broke out in September 1914.  He wanted to enlist right away, but because he was under the age of 18, he needed his parents’ permission.  This created a sharp family disagreement.  Marie insisted that Harwood not enter the army.  In the activities that follow, students will have an opportunity to investigate the exchange of letters and telegrams between the Son, Mother and Father.  Flora Steele, their eldest child, served in the nursing corps during the war and tried a number of times to get sent a second time to the front in France.  The historical evidence provided by these letters will invite students to reflect on when teenagers should be allowed to make their own decisions on the future of their lives.  

In these discussions students must recognize that they cannot apply their own personal views of war and peace onto the decisions of historical actors like the Steele family in 1914-1918.  They must strive to understand the historical perspectives of the people in their own time. Students may be invited to offer a tentative Ethnical/Moral Judgment on the decisions of Harwood and Flora Steele to follow their father, the Canadian Government, and the public into World War I if the class has had an opportunity to explore in some depth the short- and long-term causes of World War I. 

Depending on the amount of class time that teachers have available, they may choose to focus on one of the issues explored in the Theme 6 documents such as:
A) Sam Steele’s attempt to fudge his actual age to gain a field command
B) Harwood Steele’s attempt to enlist in 1914 as an underage soldier
C) Flora Steele’s Nursing and attempts to get a posting in Egypt or France
     D) Coping with loss when a loved one is killed in the war 
	
Issue A), Sam Steele’s age and ability to command, challenges students’ historical thinking about evidence and historical perspective.

Issues B) and C, Harwood’s desire to enlist and Flora’s desire to nurse near the fighting fronts, challenge students’ historical thinking about the historical perspective of mothers vs. sons and daughters, and to review the evidence to consider the intensity of the disagreements.  They may also consider continuity and change in family attitudes towards the decisions of young adults in the past and today. 

Issue D), on the death of loved ones in war, invites students to consider continuity and change in these tragic circumstances that confront human society.

Introduction to Theme 6; [This has been edited slightly to provide more student friendly vocabulary.]  The original is on the website at:
http://steele.library.ualberta.ca/theme/6

World War I: The Final Chapter
Adapted from: http://steele.library.ualberta.ca/theme/6

When Sam Steele formally resigned from the Mounted Police in 1903, he ended a legendary 30-year career with the Police. After he returned to Canada in 1907 he assumed command of a military district and [turned] Lord Strathcona’s Horse [into] a permanent cavalry regiment.  [He also] settled down to write his memoirs, which were published in 1915 as Forty Years in Canada: Reminiscences of the Great North-West. He also found time to serve as president of the Canadian Club and Boy Scout Commissioner.

At the [start] of war in 1914, he [looked for a field] command, but the government hesitated because of his age. The public, astonished to see one of its favourite sons ignored, believed Steele was just the man to inspire troops and lift the spirits of the nation. As a result of this pressure, in 1915 Steele was appointed Major-General in command of the Second Canadian Division.  [He led] 25,000 [Canadian] troops to England. Deemed too old for an active combat command in France, Steele, at the request of General Sir Herbert Kitchener (1850–1916), was appointed overall commander of the Southwestern District in England.  [This] includ[ed] the Canadian training base at Shorncliffe… .

Appointed Knight Commander of the Order of St. Michael and St. George on 1 January 1918, Steele [gave up] his command two months later, and officially retired from military duty in July 1918. He [died from] influenza at Putney, England, on 30 January 1919, and was buried in Winnipeg.

In the following sections, teachers will find primary sources related to issues A, B, C and D. Questions related to each of these issues can be found at the end of this Teachers’ Guide.  Teachers may wish to use a range of strategies to have students engage with the primary sources in order to answer some or all of these questions. We recommend that teachers begin with some guided reading strategies to help students pull relevant information from the primary sources, before challenging students to do so on their own (or in small groups).  Depending on the grade level and ability of students, teachers may also wish to pull only the most relevant excerpts from the primary sources, in order to make the length of text manageable for their students. We have included the full length of the primary sources (in most cases) so that teachers have access to the full context of the content discussed in each one. 

Evidence and Historical Perspective
A) Who Should Command?  
Is World War I a Young Man’s War as well as a Young Man’s Graveyard?

7. 1  Lord Milner to Sam Steele: Lord Kitchener says "no chance”.  Dec. 1914
Original documents are on Sir Sam Steele Collection and this writing is almost legible. http://steele.library.ualberta.ca/units/2008/1/3/3/1/1/97

(Package:)	2 letters and 1 telegram
Transcribed at:
(EC 2) 2008.1.3.3.1.1.97
[pg 1]
a) 23.12.14  ( December 23, 1914 )
    Sturry Court,
    Sturry, 
    Kent.

Dear Colonel Steele

	This is a P.S. to my letter of yesterday, due to the fact that I have just received another letter of yours, also dated Dec 5th, but written before the one, to which I have already replied –
[pg 2]
My first telegram evidently reached you in a [scintillated?] [form?]. 

What I said was “regret no chance”, not “no change”. 

	This naturally led to a misunderstanding 
[pg 3]
on your part, for which I am sorry but guiltless

	Yours very sincerely
		Milner
	You need not apologise for troubling me. I am 
glad to do anything I can for you or for Canada. 

[envelope]
			Colonel S. B. Steele
			C.B. +c +c
		Fort Osborne Barracks 
			Winnipeg
				Canada
[pg1]
b) Confidential
	 2Sturry Court,
          Sturry, 
          Kent.
	[from] Lord Milner 
re Kitchener and Steele’s prospects of command in field HES 26/7/74

My dear Colonel Steele
		Many thanks for your letter of Dec 5th, also for your kind Xmas greeting, which reached me at the same time. 
	I need hardly say that I cordially reciprocate it + wish for all good things for the coming year.  							
	[pg 2]
	I was sorry to have to send you the telegram. But having done my best with Lord K{itchener} + being quite convinced, that his mind was set in another direction, 
I thought it best not to leave you in any doubt. It seemed the only fair course. 
	I am not sure whether 							         [pg 3]

the indiscipline of the 1st Can. Contingent stood in your way. I hardly think so, for you are well known as a great disciplinarian, + I must say that Lord K. spoke most handsomely of you personally. I think that, rightly or wrongly, your age was rather a stumbling block. This is generally regarded as a “young man’s war”, though French, of course, is 62, + Joffre even older, But then 
											         [pg 4]
the generals in Chief Command are not exposed to the tremendous physical strain of the Generals in the Field, but even they, I am told, are feeling it. 
	I can’t say, that this was the determining curse, + indeed, as you will understand, it was not my place to argue the matter with Lord K. All I could do was to find out 									
[pg 5]

what his intentions were, + about these, while perfectly friendly, he left me in no doubt. 
	There is one thing to be said, + that is that the work you are doing, in organizing the 2nd Contingent over in Canada, is quite as important 
[pg6]

as anything. The material is good, + if the mistakes, were made in getting together the 1’st Contingent, can be avoided, I am sure the Canadian troops [will?] give a good account of 
[pg 7]
themselves. Personally I am as anxious to see Canada cut a good figure in this business as if I was myself a Canadian. It is the Empire, which has got to see this business through.
With cordial remembrances
	Yours very sincerely
			Milner 
[envelope]
	Colonel S. B. Steele
			C.B. +c +c
		Fort Osborne Barracks 
			Winnipeg
				Canada

c)   The Telegram - Lord Milner to Sam Steele, 9 Dec. 1914  

From:  Lord Milner -	re Kitchener + Steele’s command in Field – HES 
	
[/envelope]	[telegram]
Canadian Pacific Railway Company’s Telegraph

4-wnsm 1405k 9 Cable
London, Dec.9th, 1914.
To:     Colonel Steele, 
		Winnipeg (Man) 
Regret  to say it does. 
		Milner.

7. 2   Sam Steele’s bitter letter to Flora (whom he affectionately called Torla) about what could happen if he is not allowed to serve with the Canadian forces in France.  23 June 1015. Original document at http://steele.library.ualberta.ca/units/2008/3/1/1/1/167

(EC 5) 2008.3.1.1.1.167
[pg 1]
Shorncliffe, Kent, 
23rd June 1915,

My Dear Torla, 
		Yours of the 6th came yesterday and I hasten to reply It is 3:15 AM and having been so foolish as to go to bed at ten I cannot sleep and will write now lest I be too busy in the morning later on, I note all you say and all your aspirations my dear and would help you very much if I could, but to begin with I 
2
must tell you in strict confidence that it is not all certain that I shall have the honour to Command this division in France,   It has always been known that the war office has objected to a Canadian Commanding it or any other division and Lord Kitchener told me so when I called upon him at the war office,   He was perfectly plain and asked me to go over to France and see for myself.   I did so and on my return informed him that I was physically and mentally fit to take the [Command]
3
but that does not give it to me, and if I do not get it, I shall not remain here.

 I shall return to Canada and any idea of us being in England for one minute after I had been rejected should not be entertained and no son or daughter of my family should stand by and aspire to … assist when their father’s services had been rejected,   one who would tolerate for one moment such an insult is unworthy the name of Canadian, and the government or war Minister 
4
who would reject me or any other capable officer of Canada especially after the Canadians saved France and the Empire are unworthy of any support except for the reason that the battle has to be fought out now to save the world,  The whole idea is to get their own favourites into place and unless the Canadian gov’t supports me I shall most likely have to return and some Englishman take Command of the men that I have trained and 
5
organized,   on the other hand I may say that if I am to Command the division in France I intend to have you all over here, but at the same time I may tell you that you can do as much good for the soldiers where you are. There is not much to be done here as far as I can see, but as I stated if I go to France with the division I will bring you over, and again if I don’t, back to Canada I go.   Now all the above is strictly private, It is for you and your mother only and she has it before her 

6
and has much worry. She is an angel too good for any of us but I hope that she will have the backing of her daughters and that they will have too much pride of country and race to tolerate an insult to their family. 
	We are quite well my ADC are good boys and clever, all help me much, I am hard at work as if I were only twenty, God bless you dear and all of you, 
		Your loving Father, 

Strictly Confidential, 
[envelope]
Miss Flora Steele, 
	Pasadena Court
		Hugo, St
			Winnipeg, 
			Canada,

7. 3 Sam Steele to his brother-in-law, C. A. [Gus] Harwood, 26 April 1917
suggesting that age was not the real reason, but an excuse for not appointing him as Commanding Officer in the field.
Original document is typed and on the Sir Sam Steele Collection  at:
http://steele.library.ualberta.ca/units/2008/1/3/3/1/1/97

(EC 4) 2008.1.1.12.286.1
[pg 1]
Confidential 

Headquarters, Shorncliffe
26th April 1917.

My Dear Gus:-
	I have received your letter of the 21st March, and have written a letter to the Director of the Organization being formed to protect the interests of returned Canadian soldiers, and have sent this letter under separate cover to yourself. 
	With reference to the matter you mention in the first paragraph of your letter, I note that you are trying to get the other sides version of my case.  As desired I send you herewith a narrative from the time of my appointment to the command of the 2nd Canadian Division, practically to date.  Also some notes showing action taken by me to secure the efficiency in all respects of the Canadian Expeditionary Force in England, in spite of my very difficult position here, and of the fact that I never received proper recognition as General Officer Commanding all Canadians in England, to which position Major General Sir Sam Hughes, stated I had been appointed, … copy of cablegram on page (5) of the narrative enclosed.
	I further attach hereto copy of recommendations which I made at the time [that] Sir George H. Perley, was appointed Overseas Minister of Militia, and which recommendations have been adopted. 
	Briefly referring to the whole matter, I feel that the question of age was not in any way the deciding factor, being merely an excuse, and that possibly there was in Canada and in France an undercurrent antagonistic towards me. 
-2-

	The late G.O.C. Canadian Army Corps, Sir E.A.H. Alderson, acted most probably on the advice and information given by those under him who were Canadians. 
	Apart from this I think that General Alderson desired to see an Imperial [British] Officer in command of the 2nd Canadian Division. 
	Regarding the ex-Minister of Militia and his endeavour to explain his position relative to myself, in the House at Ottawa, there is one observation of his to which I would refer, and that is, when he mentions the matter of administration. I have never worked at Administration under Sir Sam Hughes, and if there is any point on which I am strong it is administration, and my past records show what I have done in this respect, namely, in the R.N.W.M.P., in the South African Constabulary, and in Western Canada, when I built up the Militia there, and set a pace ahead of any other Militia District or Division. 
	Regarding my ability to command, that question never came up to my knowledge, and from the point of view of efficiency and ability to command, also as an Administrator and Disciplinarian, I was, when named for the command of the 2nd Canadian Division, as I am now, thoroughly capable to take my place in the Field as a Major General. Anent this, I may add, just to show the ex-Minister of Militia’s manner in 1915, that he personally remarked to me that his son, (Brig. General Garnet Hughes, D.S.O.) who had seen service in the Field, and who could be regarded as having some Military knowledge, remarked to Sir Sam Hughes that I was in every way superior as a commander to General Alderson, then commanding the 1st Canadian Division. 
	In regard to my health, on account of false reports which had been made here from time to time, I recently visited Sir James Mackenzie, the highest recognized medical authority, who 
][pg 3]

 informed me that my heart was sound and my arteries in excellent condition, and that I was in good health, and fit for General Service. I also visited another very eminent Surgeon in London, who told me that I was of exceptional physique. 
	I may say that during the whole time I have held the appointment of G.O.C. Troops, Shorncliffe, from the 3rd August 1915 to the present date, I have given satisfaction to the War Office and the Eastern Command Authorities. 
	I am sending on to my cousin, Jim Clarke of Toronto, copy of this letter and of the enclosures referred to. 
His address is:- 

	Whilst naturally, I do not wish any intrusion of politics in my case, I would welcome anything that could be done to get at the bottom of the mischief which has caused me to be so unfairly treated and prevented me from being properly placed in my rightful position. 
			With kind regards, believe me, 
				As Always, 
					Yours affectionately, 

C.A. Harwood, (K.C). Esq
		Quebec Bank Building, 
				Montreal, Canada.

7. 4  The controversy about Sam Steele’s Age and Birth Date
A Confusing Birthdate  - The original discussion of this issue is found at
http://steele.library.ualberta.ca/news-item/1168

Feb 22nd, 2012 by Lynn McPherson 
We have recently had inquiries at the Bruce Peel Special Collections Library about what the actual year of Sam Steele’s birth is, and why there is ongoing confusion about this date. As the archivist working with the Steele papers, I totally understand this confusion. Sam himself ‘accepted’ various dates for his birth, often not correcting the birth-dates assigned him for various “Who’s Who” publications, or adding and subtracting years depending on a particular situation. It helps, I think, that he does not appear to age very quickly; Sam at 35 years does not look very different from Sam at 50 years. He keeps his dark hair, his sturdy build, and stern gaze, and while there is some fluctuation in his weight over the years, it is never terribly noticeable in his photographs. In an attempt to more fully understand why Sam has various birth years credited him, Dr. Rod Macleod, Professor Emeritus of History at the University of Alberta, was asked to ponder this question. His response follows and … sheds much-needed light on the question:
Steele’s birthday was January 5. In his autobiography, Forty Years in Canada, he gives the year as 1849 (p. 1). Steele’s most important biographer, Robert Stewart, accepts that date. [Robert Stewart, Sam Steele: Lion of the Frontier (Doubleday Canada: Toronto, 1979), p. 6.] During the First World War, when Steele was trying to convince the government to give him a front line command, he revised his birth date to 1851 to make himself appear even younger at age 64 instead of 66. (Stewart (p. 297)  

Stewart seems to have relied on Steele’s son Harwood, who was extremely protective of his father’s version of his life, for the 1849 birth date. Steele’s birth certificate gives his birth date as 1848 and must be taken as correct. Since he was born January 5, 1848 and his parents had married April 8, 1847, it seems probable that both Sam and Harwood also had the family’s respectability in mind when they changed his birth date to 1849.
(Note: this version has been edited slightly to accommodate younger readers.)

B) Harwood Steele’s attempt to enlist in 1914 as an underage soldier

7.5   Harwood to Family requesting permission to join his father’s original 
        cavalry regiment, the Lord Strathcona’s,  9 Sept. 1914
         2008.2.1.1.2.5
[pg 1]
“A” Section
3rd Field Ambulance, 
Valcartier, P.Q. 
Sept. 9, 1914. 
Dear family – 
	Either the mail service of the camp is very defective or you are neglecting me shamefully. At any rate I have not received one word from you, though I have written at least ten communications of sorts. 
	As I told you in my last letter I have been to Vaudreuil. On Sunday afternoon we were all feeling very 
2
downhearted when a gentleman whom I knew at once for Uncle Gus, popped his head into the tent and inquired for me. We went over to Dad’s office and sat there until almost train-time. We had been discussing the prospects for my visiting them when all of a Sudden (note the capital) it struck me that the next day was Labor Day + a public holiday. “Why not go tonight with you?” I said. “Why not?” he said. I got a pass for 48 hours, my kit-bag + my ticket in five minutes. In another five we were off to Quebec in a train reeking]
3
with tobacco + whiskey. 
…  When we arrived to in Quebec we went to the house of Mr. Burrows + there we had supper + talked war. At half-past eleven we embarked for Montreal, sleeping on the train. We took train for Vaudreuil at 7 and arrived in time for breakfast. As we drove up two very pretty little girls ran to Uncle. “Great Scott!” quoth I, “Est-ce que these are my cousins?” They were. Uncle made me kiss both of them 

4
which I did not mind doing in the least. I can tell you they are peaches – especially – … Cecile.
	…
	I had a bath next, a very welcome luxury. 

6
…  We had an early breakfast + I left at 7.40, arriving at Camp at 7.30 p.m. yesterday. 
	There are two outstanding features of my visit which I will always remember. They are the kindness of everybody + the girls. The first could not be surpassed. Nor for that matter could the second. The willing way they help Aunt Mime. + the skilful way too is simply great  And as for their behaviour – two nicer, sweeter little girls I have never met. 

7

Was this not funny? The moment I arrived almost Cecile told me I looked like the Prince of Wales! She looks like one of the Russian Princesses – I don’t know which. 
	You, mamma, by the time you get this will have received a telegram. I can get a commission in Strathcona’s for service if you are willing – 2nd Contingent. If this is all right I will be on my way to Winnipeg by this time. It is a splendid chance + I hope you will not stop me.
	Love etc.
		Har.
[envelope]
Mrs. S.B. Steele, 
A 6 Pasadena Court, 
Winnipeg Man, [Canada.]
7. 6  Telegram:  Marie [nickname: Maye] to Sam – Harwood must not go!	14 Sept. 1914 
2008.1.1.1.1.367
[pg 1]
Canadian Pacific Railway Company’s Telegraph

50Ra A C
	42 N L
		Winnipeg man 2 sept 14
Col S B Steele
	Valcartier Camp Q
Yours of fourth rec’d you have not acknowledged receipt of my letter I have written daily sometimes several wired yesterday Harwood must not go be firm and bring him back I do not consent he is under age and not robust answer
		Maye

7. 7  Telegram Sam to Marie, Harwood not going West,  14 Sept 1914
         2008.2.1.1.1.1098
[pg 1]

Canadian Pacific Railway Company’s Telegraph

[from]		Montreal Q Sep 14th
[to]	  Mrs. S.B. Steele
	  Pasadena Court
		Winnipeg.
Harwood not going go west 	          This day week writing.
					Sam.
Telephoned
Time 8-34
To Mrs S.
By [RG?]

[envelope front]

TELEGRAM
Mrs S B Steele
Pasadena Court
No. 14
Charges				TELEPHONED

7. 8  Sam to Marie on sending Harwood to School instead of  joining the
 Army, 15 Sept., 1914
          2008.1.1.1.1099
[pg 1]
	Montreal		
		15th Sept 1914

from [UM?] V.IMP

My own Darling pet, 
	I saw Harwood yesterday, Gus had seen him previously and after a long talk in which I described your unhappiness I convinced him that he should go to Highfield - boys school in Hamilton, Ont.]

2
and complete his education, and he is getting a suit of clothes and a few things to enable him to start off next week. I have wired Professor Collinson to the effect that I wish him to take the lad at once and so forth, I 

3
am sure that you will be glad to see him there   you did not care to see him out of your sight I know but it is good for him to be a man early in life, In Connection with this he made the stipulation that if I took a Contingent out to the war he would go. I do not
4
expect anything of the kind but if it does come which is extremely unlikely I would see that he never gets under fire so my darling you must be content, I have done my best for you and it is a thousand times better for the boy to 

5
to be at Highfield than in Winnipeg.   He will be a better man and on the other hand if he went to the war with me he would become a fine man , I do not for one moment suppose that 
6
I shall go, I am not going to ask about it
	Ketchen and Colonel Mitchell are still at that hell hole Valcartier and when I go west will go with me, 
	I got the last touches done to my teeth 

7
teeth yesterday and they are in fine shape, I was told by Frank that my teeth are very fine better material than some of the best he has known all other dentists have said the same, which is satisfactory to note, I went up 

8 
to Gus at five and at 6.20 we walked to the Windsor and were dined Frank, Gus and I by Mr [Marechal?] a fine type of French Canadian gentlemen, We then had a drive to the park and to 162, I came home at 11.15 and had a 
9,
good nights rest, my maid got the room ready while I was at breakfast and I then set to work to write you and I hope that this letter will set your mind at rest. Now be assured my dearest that this is the

10
best I can do, have no fears for your boy. he is quite well, is beloved by the family and Marie in particular for his nice manners which he got from his mother and his ancestors, 
	The weather is fine   I wrote Williams

11
yesterday asking to be relieved so I could go back to work in the west and in the interests of the militia I am better there,  I note what you say about Mr Regan, the new Paymaster, I remember Alderson

12
a nice man who had a good deal to-do with the Canadians in S,A,  I met him often the last year of the war, It is an outrage that there is such a state of Affairs that a Canadian cannot go,   It is a reflection 

13
on the Canadian permanent force and I shall take good care that it is made public later on.  I feel very much inclined to return my decorations to His Majesty as they evidently do not represent

14
the truth about us.  A large force of Canadians and Englishmen want a certain Canadian to lead them in war, but in spite of that there is no heed paid to it at all, and one who 
15
is unknown to all and sundry is selected, This is what we have to expect here, 
	Now Darling I must close, love to the girls, tell them all about Highfield College. and that uncle Gus and last [but?]

16 
Aunt Marie think it is the best thing and will send Roderick there, 
God bless you again Darling
	Yours ever.
		Sam.

Mrs. S.B. Steele,
Suite 6. Sec A, 
	Pasadena Ct
	Winnipeg, Hugo St,	Man – 
7.9  Marie to Harwood, Explaining her concerns about the war, 
      September 27 1914
WW1 EC 13 (2008.5.1.1.1.1)  
pg 1]
6a Pasadena Court
Winnipeg. Sept 27th

My darling laddie:-
	Your last letter to “everybody” came on Friday & we as usual were delighted to get it. Your telegram asking for books set my heart at rest by letting me know you were safe under “Highfield” roof, where I hope you are going to spend many
[pg 2]
happy days. Your surroundings are very different from the Winnipeg schools & I am ???. You will appreciate the change – gentlemanly boys, for one thing, which was not always the case here. Papa arrived last evening at six fifteen & we welcomed him warmly I assure you – notwithstanding his hard work he looks very well I think – his worry over every-thing annoyed us for he did not meet with the treatment he deserved down there [Ottawa? Sam did not receive an appointment with the 1st Canadian division to go to France]  & the Westerners are roused over it & are going to assert
[pg 3]
themselves before long. There is not much news for me to give you. Your Sisters are on the go continually & no doubt keep you informed of their doings. My usual outings consist of I.O.D.E. meetings & that sort of amusement: they of course last for hours, & every person returns home very weary. I shall go & purchase your trunk tomorrow & send it as soon as possible. I could not find the “Merchant of Venice” & yesterday found two more French books, which I shall put in the trunk. Did you give Papa the holdall & handkerchiefs I sent him & put in your kit bag? he says he does not think you did. You must have enjoyed your trip – it gave you an opportunity of seeing the relatives & a taste of war under favourable conditions. Really, Harwood dear, when I read the papers & learned of all the awful things the Germans have been doing I fancied you in every situation & knowing how helpless you would be in their hands. The thought of never seeing you again or having you
[pg 4]
return maimed or sightless to me, was so terrible for me to contemplate that I could not bear to let you go. Had you been a full grown man, well trained in the use of firearms, etc. I should not have objected, but as things were, well I had to. There is plenty for you to do for a few years more over here. You can be training & perfecting yourself in every way my dear. This is not the last war. That would be too good to be true.
[pg 5]
Papa enjoyed his stay in Montreal & I am sure you did also. I wonder if I should send the cricket bats & all that. Tennis racket too? When Papa was packing I fear he destroyed the Prospectus of “Highfield” sent by Mr Collinson so I am not quite sure of what you require …
[p. 6]
 Well, my dear Laddie, all are well & send love. Write as often as you can. I shall be so anxious to hear from you. God bless you – be sure & attend church & do not forget good advice given you by Your loving little Mum
Too bad your Cousin Henri Paust is not at Highfield this year. You remember meeting many such chums in Montreal after we returned from Africa & England do you not?

7.10   Harwood to Marie and Sam from Highfield School, Hamilton, 		12 Nov. 1914
         2008.2.1.1.2.2
[pg 1]
Highfield School,
Hamilton, Ont.
Nov. 12th 1914.

Dear Dad and Mum – 
	I hope you’ll excuse the combination letter but, having to economize, and besides having very little time, I must do so. 
	I can’t say there is any news. Mr. Spratt very kindly had me to dinner again on Sunday and treated me as well as ever to chicken with the usual trimmings. It was great. He is a very nice man and his wife and young sons are as nice as himself. Mr. Collinson tells me to expect an invitation from Miss Cartwright soon, so you see I have more dinners coming. …  I seem to be getting on quite well in the school work and satisfying Mr. Collinson. The extra Algebra lessons are going on well too. 
	Yesterday we had Col. Hendric’ long looked-for holiday. Six of us walked to Dundas a little town some six miles away and enjoyed it greatly, 
[pg 2]
Being hungry, on arrival we had a whip-around and bought sausages + buns on which we fed like young elephants. We then returned to school by a “so called” short cut which led us into a marsh through which we had to wade; then it rained; then it hailed. Finally, rather wet and very muddy, most of us having sunk up to our knees in slush at one time or another, we struck Hamilton and returned to school, hilarious though dirty. Mr. Collinson only laughed at us and we had dinner which he had kept warm for us and I can tell you we ate, though we had eaten already. In the afternoon I cleaned up + went to the movies. Altogether we must have covered 20 miles that morning, so you see I am taking plenty of exercise. 
	Monday was the day of the first paper-chase. About 30 fellows started and I finished half-way down, taking my time over it. The run lasted half-an-hour over ploughed fields, through streams and under fences and was great sport. The next one is to come off about two weeks hence and then we
	The Old Boys played the school yesterday and got well beaten by a score of 30-10. This 
[pg 3]
was in Rugby. We start inter-class soccer in a few days. They keep us busy in this way. 
	The Cadet Corps goes on well, especially our Junior Company. Paisley is a born Captain and so everything goes well. Then we have a training class for the R.M.C. boys where we are learning the Platoon drill.
	Apart for this there is really no news. I see M.D. 10 is as much to the fore as ever in its work. The calling for men to fill Montreal vacancies is just what I expected as well as the ??? additional corps raised in affore-said district. I haven’t much doubt about M.D. 10 Dad as far as efficiency goes. Everyone seems to know it, too, though I never told of it or compare it with others except in my own mind. 
	… 
	I have nothing to tell about the poetry as I suppose Flo. + Gert. have given you all details. {Harwood had a publisher agree to pint a book of some of his poetry  and the family was very amused as it was to come out before Sam’s book of memoirs that he had been working on for 5 years.]
	Thanks for letters. Please write again soon, 

Your loving son 
Harwood,	        	
P.S. Love to all not 
forgetting Grandma, 

(over).
[pg 4]
Mum, you seem to be rather delusioned about these trips. Every one makes them. I am not an exception, as you seem to think but merely one of a crowd. At least one of the boys goes off for the week-end every Friday. It is not against the rules, mum. Mr. Collinson is ready + willing to let you go provided, of course, you have permission + he knows where you’re going. I hope this will clear everything up on this point. 

The hockey things consist of
skates,
			pads,
			stick
			puck.
	The rest I can get on order for here, except the pads stick. By except the stick I mean send all above which you will find somewhere around the house except the stick which is sure to be broken on the way and will cost more than it’s worth to bring down. The skates, pads + puck I want sent down. It wont be needed before xmas, however, so don’t be in any hurry. …
			Har. 

7. 11  Sam Steele’s pocket diaries on his children and WWI [transcribed]
	
Harwood

1909
from Friday, 10 September, 1909, Ft Osborne Barracks, Winnipeg:
“Did not call Harwood until 8.30 as he seemed nervous and irritable last night He was up at 6.00 and at the rifle range shooting all day. His first shot out of a rifle to-day age 12 years. He was delighted with his day.”

from Thursday, 21 October, 1909, Ft Osborne Bks:
“Harwood busy at the Scout book for boys of Gen Sir Robert S Baden-Powell.”

from Sunday, 31 October, 1909, [Ft Osb. Bks.]:
“Harwood very lazy indeed not ready for church in time, had no trouble in getting ready to scout but not to church.”

1910
from Tuesday, 5 July, 1910, Winnipeg:
“Harwood went to Camp to-day at Stone Fort with the Boy Scouts. He is not to swim, play cricket or use his arm at any game but may use his legs as much as possible. His collar bone was broken some time ago and requires care for a time.”

from Tuesday, 9 August, 1910, [Winnipeg]:
“Harwood went off by train to Grenfell in high glee to camp there with Colonel Gwynnes 16th L.H. Cadets and will have a pleasant time no doubt,”
 
1914
from Wednesday, 23 December, 1914, Winnipeg:
“letter from Harwood Re R.M.C he wants to go to the front”

1915
from Thursday, 29 April, 1915, [Winnipeg]:
	“Recommended Harwood to go. as A.D.C”

from Saturday, 1 May, 1915, Winnipeg:
“No word yet about Harwoods appointment to the extra A.D.C place,”

from Tuesday, 11 May, 1915, “En route to Ottawa”:
		“Up at 4.30 and after a cup of coffee took train at 8.00 Maye and the children Sir Daniel McMillan, Col Mitchell and Colonel Ruttan saw me off. I am accompanied by Lt Col Corelli and my son Harwood who is an ADC extra, All were sorry to see us go and cheered us very heartily at the station, I am on my way to England via Ottawa to Command the Second division of Canadian troops for the “Great War” A great honour to me and I pray to God that I may do my duty well and be a credit to my native land dear Canada,”

from Tuesday, 15 June, 1915, Shorncliffe Kent:
	“I motored to Dover and back taking Captain Cochrane and Lieut Steele, (Harwood) with me, A great number of ships were in the harbour and soldiers and sailors in town.”

from Monday, 21 June, 1915, Shorncliffe:
	“Harwood was with me, Poor good boy he is very bright and soldierlike,”

from Monday, 13 September, 1915, Shorncliffe – Folkstone [sic]:
	“The second division is busy getting ready to Cross to France, Harwood is keen to go,”

from Tuesday, 14 September, 1915, Shorncliffe – Folkstone [sic]:
	“I left at 5.00 and got back in time to say good bye to dear Harwood”
from Friday, 24 December, 1915, Folkestone – Shorncliffe – Kent:
	“Harwood got here on time by to-days boat […] Harwood looks well and is very, jolly indeed,”

from Monday, 27 December, 1915, Folkestone – Shorncliffe – Kent: 
	“Wired to Gen, Turner to ask for ten days more leave from France on account of having a cold, for Harwood, who has a cough”
1916
from Sunday, 23 January, 1916, Folkestone:
“Harwood returns to France tomorrow”
from Sunday, 20 February, 1916, Folkestone, Shorncliffe:
	“Wrote letters, […] One to Harwood. Jarvis came. he stated that the lad is lost over there in France meaning that he is too good for the job of, A.D.C.”

from Monday, 17 April, 1916, Folkestone, Shorncliffe, Kent:
	“Letter from Jarvis about the fight at St Eloi and about Harwood, he says the boy is as brave as a lion but does not get a chance, he is always in a hot place and had many close calls.”

from Wednesday, 26 April, 1916, Folkestone, Shorncliffe, Kent:
	“Thompson and Mrs Sneyd my Cousin to dinner and we had at [sic] the great pleasure of having Harwood from the front. He says that the casualties of the 6th brigade were terrific they had the Ypres salient and two thousand shells were fired in forty minutes,”

C) Flora Steele’s Nursing and attempts to get a posting in Egypt or France    

7.12  Sam Steele’s pocket diaries on his children into W W I [transcribed]

Flora
1915
from Sunday, 3 October, 1915, London:
“on our way home to the hotel we called at the Queen Alexandra hospital for Flora”
from Tuesday, 19 October, 1915, Folkestone, Shorncliffe, Kent:
	“Drove in motor around and called at the Bevan hospital for Mrs Gordon of Winnipeg and Flora who were there to pass the examination for Surgeon nurses   Flora was in good health and reported “very fit”   Mrs Gordon fit but heart action irregular and she is ordered not to smoke cigarettes so that all would be satisfactory”

from Wednesday, 13 October, 1915, Folkestone, Shorncliffe, Kent:
	“The night dark but some stars, There was a Zeppelin raid on London about 11 o’clock and eight people killed, We did not come off so well the same Zeppelin it is thought dropped bombs upon the 5th brigade of artillery of the second division killing outright eleven men and wounding eight, 
	Mrs Gordon, Flora and Gertrude got back about 11.30. The train was delayed on account the danger of Zeppelins, the trains had to be stopped and kept in total darkness,”

from Sunday, 31 October, 1915, Folkestone, Shorncliffe, Kent:
	“Mason was sent to London with his motor in which Mrs Gordon, Flora and Gertrude journeyed to the city and Flora went to the hospital in London to which she is to be attached for a month prior to taking up nursing of the Canadians at the front with Mrs Gordon.”

from Friday, 19 November, 1915, Folkestone, Shorncliffe, Kent:
	“Maye returned this P.M. Gerty remained, she states that Flora has not found the delightful Mrs Gordon quite so nice a friend, as she expected her to be, she was quite cool and the poor dear feels her first taste of the world rather chilly, I hope she will not go to an overseas hospital she does not need to do so yet,”

from Sunday, 28 November, 1915, Shorncliffe:
	“Maye drove to London in a motor for Flora, and brought her back”

1916
from Sunday, 30 January, 1916, Folkestone, Shorncliffe, Kent:
	“Flora poor dear, went off to nurse at the Bevan hospital, She is a V.A.D, volunteer aid nurse, she is very keen to do something to help the cause”

from Monday, 31 January, 1916, Folkestone, Shorncliffe, Kent:
	“Poor Torla went this A.M. as a voluntary aid nurse at the Bevan hospital Sandgate, She left at a quarter to eight AM to be there at 8 o’clock,”

from Sunday, 6 February, 1916, Folkestone, Shorncliffe, Kent England:
	“Torla off to the Bevan hospital as usual, she is very keen indeed,”

from Sunday, 12 March, 1916, Folkestone, Shorncliffe, Kent:
	“Flora is anxious to go to Egypt to nurse, poor little girl she does not know what it means but I will not oppose her in the least, I hope she will succeed,”

from Friday, 21 April, 1916, Folkestone, Shorncliffe, Kent:
	“Flora goes to the hospital as usual She is a splendid strong minded girl”

7. 13  Flora to British Red Cross Society and Order of St. John.   			 2008.3.1.3.7
[pg 1]
J.W. 51E(1).
Joint Women’s V.A.D. [Volunteer Aid Nurse] Department
Territorial Force Association.
British Red Cross Society and Order of St. John.

Devonshire House, Piccadilly, 
	London, W.1.		
War Service Bar Regulations.

	The War Service Bar is given to V.A.D. Nursing and General Service Members who have served for 13 months in a Military Hospital or 2,688 hours in an Auxiliary Hospital (in a period of not less than 13 months). 
	An additional bar is given for each further period of 12 months in a Military Hospital or 2,496 hours in an Auxiliary Hospital (in a period of not less than 12 months).
	The Bar is White Herring-bone and should be worn on both sleeves, 4 inches below the shoulder on indoor and outdoor uniform. 

Military Hospitals.
	Members serving in Military Hospitals or the latter part of whose service towards the War Service Bar has been in a Military Hospital obtain the Bars from Devonshire House.
	Certificates of recommendation must be forwarded by the Matron or Member, together with 1s. 1d., the cost of 1 dozen, including postage. 

V.A.D. and Auxiliary Hospitals, Rest Stations or Other Units.

Application for Bars for Members serving in these Hospitals and Units, or the latter part of whose service towards the bar has been in an Auxiliary Hospital or other Unit, must be made to
The Secretary, 
			British Red Cross Society, 
				9, Victoria Street, S.W.1, 

on behalf of B.R.C.S. and T.F.A. Members; and to

The Secretary,
		St. John’s Gate, 
			Clerkenwell, E.C., 
for members of St. John Detachments.
Such applications must be accompanied by Certificate Form J.V.A.D. 80, duly filled in, in duplicate. ]
[pg 2]
Service Abroad Under Joint Committee.

Members serving under the Joint Committee obtain the bars from Devonshire House, and must forward a Certificate signed by the Principal Commandant in France. (J.V.A.D. 80.)

The Scarlet Efficiency Stripe. 

A Scarlet Efficiency Stripe has been granted by the War Office to be given to Nursing Members only who have served 13 consecutive months in a Military or War Hospital. 
A Second Stripe is given for a further 12 months’ Consecutive Service. Not more than two stripes can be obtained. 
	This Bar is not issued from Devonshire House, and if Members wish for information regarding it, they must apply to the Matron under whom they were serving. 
	The Scarlet Efficiency Stripe is worn on the indoor dress only, on the right arm below the shoulder. 
	When in possession of the Scarlet Efficiency Stripe the number of white bars to which a Member is entitled may be worn on the outdoor uniform only. 

		Directions For Wearing Chevrons For Service Overseas.

	Chevrons are worsted embroidery, ¼ inch in width, the arms 1¼ inch long. They will be worn inverted on the right forearm. 
	In the case of officers the lowest chevron will be midway between the seams of the sleeves and 2 inches above the upper row of braid; in the case of ordinary Members the apex of the lowest chevron will be midway between the seams and 4 inches above the bottom edge of the sleeve. The red chevron will be worn below the blue one. They will not be worn on greatcoats. 
	A Certificate signed by the head of the department or organisation to the effect that the bearer, stating name and employment, is entitled to the chevrons, should always be in the possession of the wearer. 
	The chevrons may be worn in plain clothes by retired Members who would, had they continued in their employment, have been entitled to wear them on uniform clothing, but no issue will be made from Government stores.
	It is an offence under the Defence of the Realm Regulations for any unauthorised person to wear a chevron or chevrons, and it is an offence for anyone to supply, without lawful authority, one of these chevrons to an unauthorised person. 
 
The Abbey Press (F.S. Bond), 32 & 34, Great Peter Street, Westminster, S.W.1.

Date……………………………

With the Compliments of the Chairman,
Women’s V.A.D. Committee.
[/pg 3]
[envelope]
Miss Flora Macdonald Steele
22 Gwendolen Avenue
Putney SW 15

7. 14  Flora’s return from service in France noted, 16 Feb. 1917
          2008.3.1.3.1
[pg 1]
Joint Women’s V.A.D. Department
Devonshire House,	 
London, W.
16th February, 1917.

Dear Madam, 

	We have received official notification that you have returned from France at the end of your first contract. 

	I very much regret that you were not able to remain longer, as when possible we like our members to continue their work for as long as their service [sic] are required.

	If you have not already done so, you should report your return to the Matron-in-Chief at the War Office. I conclude that your brassard and identity certificate have been left in France. Your camp equipment should [sic] be returned to the Army and Navy Stores. 
	
	We shall be glad to hear from you when you are available once more, as I think very probably we shall be able to offer you a post in England; but not abroad, as the Matron-in-Chief has expressed a wish that members who have resigned from Hospitals in France should serve a term in England before going out again.
		  Believe me, 
			Yours truly, 
		                     [signed: M. ???]

Miss Flora M. Steele, 
	25, Grimstone Gardens,
		Folkestone.

7. 15   Flora’s request for a posting abroad 26 Juke 1917
           2008.3.1.3.2
[pg 1]
Joint Women’s V.A.D. Department
Devonshire House,
London, W.
26th. June, 1917

Miss Flora Macdonald Steele, 
25 Grimston Gardens, 
Folkestone.

Dear Madam, 
		Thank you for your letter of the 25th. June. There is no need for you to fill in any further papers, but merely to let us know when you are ready to be called up for service again. I regret that it is extremely unlikely that we shall be able to offer you a post abroad, as we are getting no requisitions for foreign service, and are not expecting any, but we shall be glad of your services elsewhere, I am sure, as soon as we hear that you are available.

			Believe me, 
				Yours truly
					[signed: M ???]
               For Secretary Joint Selection Board.
[envelope]
Miss F.M. Steele,
23 Grimston Gardens, 
Folkestone.

7. 16  Flora’s Request to transfer to French Red Cross, 27 Sept. 1917  
          2008.3.1.3.3
[pg 1]
The St. John Ambulance Brigade Overseas

		St. John’s Gate,			
Clerkenwell, London, E.C. 1. 
27th.Sept.1917.

Dear Madam, 

	Your letters of the 10th. and 25th. inst. have been duly received, addressed to Mr. Morgan, Deputy Commissioner St. John Ambulance Brigade Overseas.
	Mr Morgan is at present on leave.
	I have personally no objection to your transferring your services temporarily to the French “Croix Rouge” should that body require them, but you will require permission from the Joint V.A.D. Women’s Committee, Devonshire House, W4., as I presume you came over from Canada with a batch of V.A.D. members and therefore are temporarily outside my jurisdiction. 
	I presume your name will remain on the books of the Fort Rouge Nursing Division.
			Yours faithfully,
				[signed: Jas Cecil Dalton
					maj genl.]
				Chief Commissioner
				Brigade Overseas.
Miss F.M. Steele,
25, Grimstone Gardens
Folkestone,
[/pg 1]
[envelope]
Miss F.M. Steele,
	25, Grimstone Gardens,
		Folkestone, 
[/envelope]

7. 17  Flora’s Request to transfer to French Red Cross denied, 29 Sept.   
          1917
          2008.3.1.3.5
[pg 1]
Joint Women’s V.A.D. Department.
Devonshire House,
London, W.	
29th September, 1917

Dear Madam, 

	General Dalton has forwarded us your letter to him in which you ask for sanction to proceed to France under the French Red Cross.
	
	I am directed to say that at present this sanction cannot be given, as owing to the shortage of V.A,D. members all our troops are required for service with the British troops. 

	We shall be glad therefore to offer you an appointment in a British Military Hospital when you are in readiness to take it up.

			Yours truly,
				[signed: B.C. Oliver]
			Quarter-Master-in-Chief,
				St. John V.A.Ds T.B.
Miss F.M. Steele,
	25 Grimston Gardens, 
		FOLKESTONE.

D) Coping with the loss  when a loved one is killed in the war 

7.  18  Sam Steele’s pocket diaries on his children into W W I [transcribed]

Gertrude

from Wednesday, 13 October, 1915, Folkestone, Shorncliffe, Kent:
	“The night dark but some stars, There was a Zeppelin raid on London about 11 o’clock and eight people killed, We did not come off so well the same Zeppelin it is thought dropped bombs upon the 5th brigade of artillery of the second division killing outright eleven men and wounding eight, 
	Mrs Gordon, Flora and Gertrude got back about 11.30. The train was delayed on account the danger of Zeppelins, the trains had to be stopped and kept in total darkness,”

7. 19  Mrs. Macdonell to Captain Harwood Steele for his letter of 27 July  
          1916 on the loss of her pilot husband
          2008.5.1.1.2.1
[pg 1]
Weybridge 27 7/16

My dear Harwood
	Your extremely kind note so full of sympathy came to-day, many thanks for it, it is very kind of you to write, 
	Ian’s major could give me no hope when I saw him, his machine was shot down from a height + came down out of hand which would indicate the pilot was hit, as Ian would have worked the controls as long as he could. 
	In days to come what you say will be a source of consolation, but at present it is hard enough to face it + the future looks black + dreary enough. 
	I recognise tho – that it is doubly hard for his little mother + Alison + they are as brave as brave can be, 
	Thank you again for writing, 
	Commend me to your Father Mother + the girls!! Young Ladies I mean, when you write them. 
		yours sincerely
		A.C. Macdonell 

[envelope]
Captain Harwood. E. Steele
Staff Captain
Head Quarters
2nd Canadian Division
1st Canadian Corps
		B.E.F

7.  19    Letter from Kathleen Brooks to Harwood Steele, 12 October 1916
             2008.5.1.1.2.2.1 
Oct. 12th
Bridge Cottage    
Mersham
Ashford
Kent

My dear Captain Steele  [Harwood]
	Your very kind letter has touched me deeply – for indeed my dear husband more than “mentioned” you as you so modestly say-
	It is a happy memory to me now – that “leave” week in June - & there he told me that you had come up to the 25th trenches & been a good deal with him. He
[pg 2]
spoke so affectionately of you that I knew on his side a warm feeling of friendship had sprung up – and it is a comfort to me now in my dreadful loss to know that the friendship was mutual – 
	Both your parents were good enough to write me and Mrs. Steele has taken much trouble to get Miss [Herlen Stairs] address for me – as John Stairs & Mahor Tupper both went that awful day- General Steele enclosed

[pg 3]

one of your vivid articles written after some of your many experiences in the 25th trenches – under the impression that my dear man was your “Major”_ But I find it is not he in this particular one_ If you wrote any other with him in it – may I beg a copy?
	I have been very comforted by getting every assurance of the speedy but glorious last moment and I believe my dear husband did not suffer –

[pg 4]

but now some of the men who wrote so soon to help me in my trouble have now gone themselves.
	These letters were very real & vivid & if you could gain anything from them for your writing – I shall be happy to have them sent you to read.
	In my dreadful sorrow I fear this may not convey to you very clearly my gratitude for your tribute to my husbands memory & your expressions of sympathy – but there is no need to explain.
						Yrs Faithfully
							Kathleen Brooks   

Historical Perspective and Evidence

A)  Who should command?  Is it a Young Man’s War?

1. Sam Steele used his personal contacts developed during his earlier
service in South Africa and Canada to try and secure a battlefield command and to find out why this had not happened.  
What did Lord Milner tell Steele after meeting with Lord Kitchener?

3. In his letter to Flora in 1915, what 3 reasons does Sam suggest (other
than his age) for him not being appointed as Commanding Officer for the 2nd Canadian Division in France?  

(- British High Command wants to put forward their own favourites  - British High Command was prejudiced against Canadian officers  - Canadian Government was not supporting him.)  

( Note: The British High Command did resist putting Canadian troops in a single formation and opposed appointing Canadian officers to lead Canadian troops, but eventually Hughes and Borden insisted on Canadians and General Turner was appointed to Command the 2nd Division in France.)

4. Why did Sam tell Flora that his letter was  “strictly confidential” and
   “strictly private”? 

5. a) Why did Sam tell Flora that he would go back to Canada if he did not 
get the Command and that he would take his son and daughter with  him?  

b) In the end, why do you think that he did not carry out his threat when 
    General Turner was appointed ?

6. If Sam Steele did not believe that his age was an issue according to his
letter to his brother-in-law, Gus Harwood, why did he suggest that he was  2 years younger than he really was?  

7. What reason do Mr. Stewart and Dr. Macleod give for Sam changing his 
    age between 1914-1917?

8. Dr. Macleod disagrees with Mr. Stewart’s claim that Sam Steele was
    born on January 5, 1849.  

    a) What evidence does Professor Macleod give for stating that Sam  
        Steele was born on January 5, 1848?

    b) What additional reason does Professor Macleod suggest for Sam 
	Steele hiding his actual birth date and why do you think that this 
         mattered to Sam Steele and to his son, Harwood?
 
    c) Who is the more credible secondary source on this issue, Stewart or
         Macleod and why?

Historical Perspective and Evidence

B) Harwood Steele’s attempt to enlist in 1914 as an underage soldier

9. Why do you think that Harwood was so eager to enlist in the Canadian
    Army in September 1914?  Consider his family background, extra   
    curricular activities and education.

10.  What was his Mother, Marie’s, reaction to his request for permission to
       enlist as an underage soldier?

11. What does the evidence of the type of communications between Marie
       and Sam tell us about the depth of Marie’s feelings?

12.  What would your Mother’s reaction be if you sent her a text or asked 
       her to give you permission to join the Canadian Armed Forces on your
       eighteenth birthday?

12. How did Sam handle the very strong emotions of his wife, Marie, and  
      his son, Harwood?

13. How did Marie explain her reaction to her son, Harwood, and what 
      conditions did she put on her approval for him to join the army?

14. Would your Mother put any conditions on you joining the Canadian
      Armed Forces?  What would they be?  If you are not sure, ask her.

15. As a high school graduate, how was Harwood Steele’s army career  
      opportunities improved?  (Note: he became Lieutenant and then a 
      Captain)

16. In the end, how did Harwood get an army position and a transfer to 
      England?

C) Flora Steele’s Nursing and attempts to get a posting in Egypt or France    

17. How did Flora contribute to the Canadian and Allied war effort?

18. Why would Flora be so eager to get an overseas posting to France or 
      even Egypt?

19. Why were her requests consistently turned down and why do you think 
      that Flora felt that she could make a greater contribution in France? 
Continuity and Change

D) Coping with the loss  when a loved one is killed in the war 

20.  What are Zeppelins and how could they kill civilians in England and 
       soldiers in France?  How did the Allies counter these attacks?

21. Why were officers like Harwood expected to write to the relatives of
      their soldiers and friends who were killed in the war?

22. What was the reaction of the women who received Harwood’s letters?

23. How does the Canadian Armed Forces support the family of any 
members who are killed while serving their country today? (Opportunity for further research for students who want to investigate questions 23 & 24 some more. Teachers could also invite a member of the Armed Forces as a guest speaker, if desired.)

24. How does the Canadian Armed Forces support any members of the
service who are injured physically or psychologically  while serving their country?