The Yukon in World War I

Book cover courtesy Harbour Publishing

2017 has been quite a year for Canada. The country celebrated its 150th year of independence with coast to coast events that brought Canadians together in record numbers.

The Canadian military has rightfully been remembered as well, with both the 100th anniversary of the battle at Vimy and the 75th anniversary of Dieppe being commemorated not only in France, but in museums in Canada.

In addition, author Michael Gates has written a book called – From The Klondike To Berlin, which details the Yukon’s contributions to the First World War.

The Gold Rush years in Canada’s north have been well documented and celebrated but little is known about the men and women who answered the call in 1914 and went to Europe.

“The Yukon and the Western Front were as far apart in distance and in contemplation as it was possible to be,” writes Mr. Gates. “Yet during the Great War of 1914-1918, these two places were linked by bonds of patriotism and the British Empire as though bound by strands of steel.”

Mr. Gates describes in detail how Yukoners answered the call to war a century ago. Nearly a quarter of the male population enlisted by the end of the war. Women fundraised and made clothes for soldiers.

For those you went overseas, they were met with a horrible reality. 

“Volunteers who were eager to get to the front quickly lost their enthusiasm when they saw, smelled and felt the austere horror of the trenches, which were populated with countless rats,” writes Mr. Gates.

From The Klondike To Berlin is filled with many interesting stories of individual Yukoners who answered the call to war. Some returned home; many did not.

If you are interested in either Canadian history or military history, this book will be of interest to you.