The story of the Welland Canal Force’s role in First World War

Column written by Cathy Roy, Local History Librarian, originally published in Niagara this Week on Thursday, November 10.

Every year in November, we pause to reflect upon the men and women who served and sacrificed for our country. Recently, I came across some First World War history that I wasn’t familiar with. While most of us would think all the military action took place in Europe, hundreds of soldiers were involved in protecting Canada right here in Niagara.

After war was declared in 1914, the Gov. General called upon selected units across the country and placed them on active duty. In Niagara, the 19th Lincoln Regiment and the 44th Lincoln and Welland Regiment were placed on active duty and would become known as The Welland Canal Force.

It was decided that precautions should be taken to prevent damage to the canal, “the most important link in the great inland waterway from the head of the lakes to the sea.” Any damage to the canal and the bridges would place a serious handicap on Commonwealth war efforts.

When Lt.-Col. J.S. Campbell took control of the Welland Canal force in 1915, he immediately rearranged the force. Not only did they protect the canal, but also the bridges over the Niagara River as well as the power houses at the Falls. Guards were also placed on the Welland River to guard the river from Chippawa to Welland. At one time, close to 1,250 soldiers were involved in the protection of these strategic areas.

The duties of the Welland Canal Force were to guard and protect by means of guarding and patrolling all government property on or near the canal. Any person trespassing in the vicinity of the canal property would be subject to questioning by the troops and any incivility or suspicious actions would be subject to the penalty of arrest or even being fired at by the troops on guard.

In Niagara Falls, there were four major buildings to protect, the Toronto Power House, the two power houses of the Canadian Niagara Power Company located in Queen Victoria Park and the Ontario Power House. As well, there were three bridges to protect; the Upper Steel Arch Bridge, the Lower Steel Arch Bridge and the Railway Cantilever Bridge.

In winter, horses and sleighs were rented to help patrol along the Niagara River from Fort Erie to Chippawa. In warmer weather, a bicycle patrol was used to patrol the same area. At Chippawa, the detachment was quartered in the old Macklem homestead.

During the war, many rumours of threats to the Welland Canal area spread quickly. Perhaps the most well-known threat occurred in September 1914, when a man named George Fuchs entered Canada from the United States and made a two-day survey of the Welland Canal shipping, locks and bridges. These efforts were eventually thwarted (some reports say that George was a bit too fond of his alcohol) which led to his arrest as well as the conviction of a few German agents in the United States.

The last day of duty for the Welland Canal Force was on Nov. 18, 1918 when the remaining 10 soldiers returned to Toronto. Since these events occurred more than 100 years ago, it is important that we all take a few moments to pause and remember so that the sacrifices made to protect our freedom and our country will never be forgotten.