BOOK ALERT - "We are the Dead"

BOOK ALERT !

"We are the Dead" by Larry Gray (General Store Publishing, Box 1694 Burnstown Road, Burnstown, Ontario, K0J 1G0) - also available from the author at 183 Moffat Street, Carleton Place, Ontario, K7C 3K9 - telephone 613-253-2006. ISBN 1894263243

Several years ago, Larry Gray realized that, although school children attending Remembrance Day ceremonies were able to draw connections with the names on the local cenotaph. Mr. Gray set out to write a book - part military history, part local biography - which would explain many things. Who were these "glorious dead" ? They were, in many cases, the great uncles and great-grandfathers of the children. What were they doing ? He traced the campaigns in which Carleton Place soldiers fell, trying whenever possible to pinpoint their individual roles. What had they experienced ? He looked at everything from enlistment through pay (and compares Canadian pay scales with those of British, French and Italian soldiers). What happened afterwards ? Mr.Gray looks at how next-of-kin were informed of losses, what compensations were made, how medals were distributed, and how families were either shattered or solidified by their losses.

The illustrations are disappointing, and the book lacks an index (its most serious defect), but these are trivial matters when one deals with his subject matter, compiled from diverse sources including official histories, newspaper accounts, and personal letters. The whole is thoroughly footnoted. Beyond Carleton Place itself, "We are the Dead" should inspire others to compile similar works on their communities in war. Indeed, it could serve as a model for such studies.

This volume deals only with the First World War, which claimed 51 Carleton Place citizens; a forthcoming volume will deal with the Second World War which, by coincidence, also took 51 members of the community. Although it may be ordered from the publisher, it is suggested that people buy directly from Mr.Gray, who has invested much time and $ 20,000 of his own money in the project. The cost is $ 37.05 (Canadian) which covers book, appropriate taxes and mailing.

Other General Store publications (which include many additional military titles) may be checked on their website (http://www.gsph.com).

I used to live just outside of Carleton Place (which is a town outside of Ottawa, Ontario) as a child. Everyone on the forum is familiar with the town's most famous Great War soldier, although opinions on his claim to fame vary greatly.

Arthur Roy Brown, of 209 Squadron and pilot of Camel B7270 on April 21, 1918.

[Michael]

Hugh wrote: "Several years ago, Larry Gray realized that, although school children attending Remembrance Day ceremonies were able to draw connections with the names on the local cenotaph." Hugh - shoot your proofreader! When I was in school we were taught to use a RULER to draw connections. Michael

Michael

Mea culpa.

Hugh

[Michael]

Ignosco tibi.

Michaelis