The Saskatchewan Archives Board recently launched the second in a series of video exhibits commemorating Saskatchewan’s involvement in the First World War. From the Prairies to the Trenches – From Salisbury Plain to Flanders Fields, November 1914 – December 1915 explores the events of 1915 at the Front and at home in Saskatchewan.
“100 years ago, the people of Saskatchewan were fully engaged in the First World War,” Minister responsible for the Provincial Capital Commission Mark Docherty said. “This second video exhibit tells the next chapter in the conflict from both overseas and at home. Watching this series, we are learning about and honouring those who fought in the war through the amazing resource we have in our provincial archives.”
“ Archives tell the history of our province through the collective memory of its people,” Provincial Archivist Linda McIntyre said. “The stories and evidence discoverable in newspapers, photographs, diaries and official government records, reveal the many voices of those who experienced war at home and abroad.”
“The Archives is delighted to continue this video series exploring Saskatchewan’s involvement in the Great War,” archivist and project lead Curt Campbell said. “This video, along with the first installment released August 4, 2014, the 100th Anniversary of the beginning of the war, follows the lives of several Saskatchewan residents during the First World War. These glimpses into their lives provide a wonderful sense of immediacy for the viewer and help bring the history alive.”
The video exhibit highlights the training of Saskatchewan volunteers of the First Canadian
Contingent in Great Britain, their deployment to the Front in the spring of 1915 and their involvement in the battles of that year, including The Second Battle of Ypres. The exhibit also describes the pressures of the war on the home front, in particular, the growing demand for women’s suffrage which was intertwined with the province’s temperance movement. Members of the public are invited to view the exhibit beginning August 6. Two video installation locations are available, in the main foyer at the Legislative Building and on the second floor of Government House.
