Sailing Home: Bertram Howard Cox, May 20, 1919

 http://www.canadianletters.ca/content/document-41716?position=30&list=4I1KgSU0MkzqO4As-E0IWO2igb0rNtl2gdbYN3KN0yg


Whitley Camp , England May 20th 1919

My dear Carl, Back at the old camp once again, where we spent 11 months, 2 years ago. Came over from France on May 11th. Seems like getting back home Am going on leave to Scotland on Saturday. Expect to sail for Canada about June 15th. The first five days we were here, we did nothing but parade before medical boards, answer questions, sign papers etc. SOME demobilization system!

It is pretty official, that we sail for Canada on June 11th. Left France on May 11th and arrived at our good old pre-France camp, Whitley, on the 12th. Seemed like getting back home again. For the first 4 days we did nothing but go through medical boards and sign demobilization papers. Of course, now, there are no parades. We have had ideal weather since we've been in England. Will wire you when I get on the other side.

Lots of love for Mabel and self, from your affectionate brother, Bertie.

Between January and July, 1919, most of the Canadians sailed home. Despite the celebrations and parades, making the adjustment to civilian life was not easy. Many could not leave the war behind, today we would call it PTSD - Post Traumatic Stress Disorder. Many could not re-establish relationships with their families, loved ones and friends. Even for those who could, there were problems. Many soldiers feel their new employers were not showing them sufficient respect. They resent being bossed around by men who did not fight in the war and they expected better pay for their work.

The situation reached a boiling point in Winnipeg in May-June, 1919. Returned soldiers help organize a General Strike that was only broken up after charges by armed and mounted RCMP. Most soldiers eventually get better jobs and pay but the resentment lingers. Prosperity didn't start for many returned soldiers until 1922 or 1923.