“Muskokans Fight the Great War / Striking Back for the Empire, 1914-1918,” my initial Modern History of Muskoka book, explores the many conflicting factors that propelled Canada’s British-born men into that global battle of eight empires, Britain (us included) being just one.

War started in August 1914. Young men of all backgrounds rushed forward, feeling the widespread exhilaration, fearing they’d miss war’s adventure, encouraged by neighbours and friends to join up. They heard knowledgeable people smugly assert “The fighting will all be over by Christmas!” It was a widespread opinion, reflecting unchallenged belief in the vast superiority of all things British, war-making ability included.

Through no special effort of their own, hundreds of abandoned children from Britain settled in Muskoka since the 1870s kept aging. Thus by 1914 many scar-hardened boys, physically fit and tough, had reached fighting age, 18 to 45. Lacking any family, and desperately clinging to their Britishness as a thread of personal identity, they rallied to the “Mother Country” by enlisting. For orphans on society’s margin, this bond, sealed with a uniform and rifle to fight for King and Empire, became a fragile personal validation.

Young recruits from Muskoka’s outlying settlements, once issued their uniform and primed by a few weeks training and hearty meals, were dispatched home to induce neighbours and friends to sign up. All messages exhorting patriotic duty included a secondary pitch: financial gain. The Muskoka Herald listed the clothing and equipment given free to a soldier, the amount of his pay, and how at no personal cost he’d go abroad on a unique adventure.

Many Muskokans, whether sent here as British cast-offs or originating elsewhere, rushed into the army thinking far less about Britain or the war’s ostensible purpose than escaping poverty. Those who’d found Muskoka difficult to farm were living hand-to-mouth. Why not get paid for doing what Muskoka farm hands normally did: shooting rifles (in the infantry), riding horses (in the cavalry), felling trees (in forestry units), or digging ground (as sappers or trenchers)? Enlistment was their honourable ticket out.

Two years on, in 1916, Muskoka formed its own 122^nd Overseas Battalion. Many joining were Home Boys. So, why hadn’t these ones enlisted earlier? Some had only just turned 18, of course. But others who were older had imagined in the war’s opening days going straight to France or Belgium to fight and defeat the Germans, a quick trip over and back before Christmas.

But they’d witnessed how Canada’s soldiers went first to England, sometimes parked there for months. Having that time and periods of army leave induced more of England’s orphan sons still in Muskoka to enlist. Their “ticket ’ome” enabled sleuthing out their true story. In most cases, they hadn’t been orphaned, but abandoned or given up.