Lieutenant Colonel W. E. S. Knowles
129th (Wentworth) Battalion

If you don’t like me and do not care to serve under me, go elsewhere, but go to the front. You married men who have been waiting no longer need hold back, as your wife will now get the $20 and your hours are from 9 to 6 and you are allowed to go to your home. Last week we only got 27 men, and to-night I found only three men in this audience who are willing.

(Quoted in Hamilton Spectator, 27 March 1916, 11)

William Edward Sheridan Knowles was a barrister, former mayor of Dundas (1894—1895) and commanding officer of the 77th Regiment. He was born in Wentworth County, Canada West on 3 October 1862. In December 1915, he was authorized to raise the 129th Battalion from his home region. Reporting on reluctant volunteers, a newspaper stated Knowles, “felt compelled to use more strenuous methods. They had not yet said anything ungentlemanly to anyone, but he was going to fill the battalion and was prepared to be rude if necessary to get them.” Continue reading →