By Charlotte Morritt-Jacobs - (@morrittjacobs on Twitter)

Lethbridge’s Early Years at War

Nov 7, 2016 | 4:46 AM

LETHBRIDGE – While many are aware of Lethbridge’s contributions during WW1 and WW2, some might surprised to learn that Lethbridge’s military involvement spans years prior. 

Brett Clifton, local historian, noted that while the Boer War from 1899 to 1902, is one of the lesser known conflicts for the area, it is also one of the most colourful. 

“During this time the Canadian Military was under the control of the British and visited communities such as Fort Macleod, Pincher Creek and Lethbridge to recruit men,” Clifton explained. “They came to the area because they were looking for cowboys and knew that southern Alberta was world renowned for having excellent horse riders and marksmen.” 

The Boer War was Canada’s first foreign war. Inasmuch as the war showed Canadian’s militaristic strength, it also wedged a greater divide between projected British rule, French Canadian sovereignty and independent governance.  

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The First World War

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Before military volunteers could take quarters in an armory, they were welcomed along with tactical gear by John Smith Stewart. 

Stewart was born in Brampton, Ontario in 1877.  He graduated from the Toronto Dental College and lived in Edmonton prior to coming to Lethbridge in 1903. 

Dr. Stewart served in the Boer War and according to Glenn Miller, local historian he also housed military volunteers.

“Stewart had the attitude ‘built it and then they will come,’ so they built the unit first and then built an armory. Until those grounds were established Stewart kept everything in his little barn behind his house.”

Over the First World War Stewart was promoted to the rank of Brigadier General and commanded the 3rd Canadian Division, R.C.A. 

After the war he go on to serve in the Alberta Legislature for more than twenty years and represent the Lethbridge riding in the Federal House of Commons from 1930 to 1935.  

On the days leading up to Remembrance Day on Nov. 11, Lethbridge News Now will deliver an “11 Days of Remembrance – Did You Know” feature segment discussing topics of interest which illustrates Lethbridge’s direct and indirect involvement in military pursuits.