Acting Southampton Legion President Mike Jukes (centre left) and former Southampton Legion President John Willets (centre right) presented a 1913 photograph and a reenacted 2018 photograph to Commanding Officer, Colonel James L’Heureux (second from right) and Regimental Sergeant Major Chief Warrant Officer Anthony Mayfield (second from left) from the 4th Canada Division Training Centre Meaford. Also pictured Sgt. of Arms Charles Schmalz (left) and Legion Executive Ralph Lynch (right).

Hub Staff

As part of the Southampton 2018 Remembrance Day ceremonies and the 100th anniversary of the Armistice organized by former Southampton Legion Branch 155 President John Willets, a photoshoot assembled outside the Southampton Town Hall recreated a historic 1913 picture of approximately half of the local soldiers sent out to battle in WW1.

Willets brought in 100 soldiers from the 4th Canada Division Training Centre in Meaford to reproduce the photograph and to participate in the Southampton Remembrance Day ceremonies. Photographer Eric Tolton managed to create an almost identical shot of the 1913 photo using today’s soldiers standing on the steps of the Southampton Town Hall.

On Wednesday, June 12 at the Southampton Legion Branch 155, Willets, along with acting Legion President Mike Jukes, presented framed copies of both the original 1913 photograph and the reenacted 2018 photograph to Meaford's Commanding Officer, Colonel James L’Heureux and Regimental Sergeant Major Chief Warrant Officer Anthony Mayfield from the 4th Canada Division Training Centre Meaford Base.

L’Heureux and Mayfield were touched by the gesture and grateful for the opportunity for their soldiers to partake in the events. “The guys that came back felt very connected to the community,” said L’Heureux. “It reminded them really what they’re part of.”

To further their community connection, Willets extended Legion Branch memberships to all soldiers who attended the Southampton Remembrance Day ceremonies.

Former Southampton Legion Branch 155 President John Willets (left) presented the reenacted photograph, created with soldiers from Camp Meaford soldiers who participated in Southampton's 2018 Remembrance Day ceremonies and the 100th anniversary of the Armistice, to Meaford Base Commanding Officer, Colonel James L’Heuruex.

From left, 4th Canada Division Training Centre in Meaford Commanding Officer, Colonel James L’Heuruex, former Southampton Legion Branch 155 President John Willets, Regimental Sergeant Major Chief Warrant Officer Anthony Mayfield