One hundred years ago on August 4th, news arrived dramatically in Dawson that Britain and Canada were going to war.
The Yukon’s capital was very “empire” in those days and the news fueled an abudance of patriotic passion. Men enlisted right away. Klondike Joe Boyle sponsored a machine gun regiment of 50 men who left Dawson in October.
In 1916, Commissioner George Black raised a second regiment. And Robert Service served in France as a stretcher bearer and ambulance driver.
Per capita, the Yukon contributed more money and men than any other place in Canada, and earned more decorations for military service.
To mark the anniversary, an event has been organized at the Palace Grand Theatre at 7 p.m. on Monday August 4th.
The story as told by Martha Black will be re-enacted by staff of Parks Canada, and Yukon historian and author Michael Gates will be the featured speaker.
Please join us. Admission is free and a reception will follow.
Max Fraser
On behalf of the Yukon
Historical and Museums
Association, the Dawson
Legion, and Parks Canada