Through the courtesy of Colonel Brown the Aylmer recruits of the 18th Battalion and Field Battery, were permitted to come home over Sunday.
Had the boys been to Europe, annihilated the German army and captured the Kaiser, they could not have been given a more hearty reception. More than a dozen autos, headed by Sam Stewart, his Hup one mass of British flags, met them at St Thomas, and within the half hour they arrived in Aylmer amid the ringing of bells, and tooting of every whistle in town and repeated cheers of more than a thousand citizens, who had lined up to greet them on Talbot street. The boys presented a more soldierly appearance and carried them selves with the British dignity.
In the evening they were tendered a banquet at the Mansion House, by David Marshall, M.P. Mayor Wagner was called to the chair and stirring speeches were made by Mr. Marshall, W. Harold Barnum, Major Matt. Connor, Lieut. L.F. Clarke, Capt. Geo. Stewart and J.M. Wrong. Several musical numbers were given and the pleasant affair brought to a close by the soldier boys declaring “We’ll hang the Kaiser to a sour apple tree.”
At 10.30 Sunday morning the soldiers lined up on John street, with the 30th Battery, and headed by the Citizen‘s Band, marched to Trinity church, where Rev. C. Miles addressed them in a truly patriotic sermon. The choir sang suitable music, the organist, Prof Campbell, rendered some patriotic organ numbers and A.R. Lemon gave one of his ever acceptable solos.
The boys will not soon forget their splendid welcome home. While here the Travel Club presented them with knitted and flannel Cholera Bands and Balaclava Caps, and the Women’s Institute with knitted wristlets for their future comforts.
Published December 11,1914
Aylmer Express Newspaper
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