The Militia in Waterdown and East Flamborough

WEFHS December 16, 2022

Originally Published in Heritage Happenings, September 1996
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Some newly discovered information about the history and involvement of local residents in military affairs

Prior to the 1837 Mackenzie Rebellion, East Flamborough was part of Halton County and a battalion under Col. Hamilton was formed and called the Halton Rifles. Records of this are reputedly to be found in the Dundas Armouries. During the time of the rebellion, Col. Hamilton was in command of forces in the area.
In 1838, two companies known as the Gore Militia were formed from Flamborough residents, under the command of a Captain Ottman.
In 1856 two cavalry companies were formed and commanded by Captain Knotman, two companies of artillery were commanded by James Meredith (later the first M.P. of Wentworth) and two rifle companies under Captain Grafton.
From 1868 to 1872 Waterdown had the 13th Rifle Company. Members included Philip Metzger, James McMonies, Charles Ryan and William Stock. Captain James Glasgow who resided on the 5th Concession of East Flamborough was the Captain. These men all took part in suppressing the Fenian Raid.
In the Spring of 1872, the 77th Wentworth Battalion was formed, with No. 2 Company at Waterdown. James McMonies served as captain. At about the same time, a large drill shed was erected on open ground just slightly to the north of the Waterdown Public and Continuation School on Main Street South. The building was torn down c.1920-1930, and the area became the Waterdown Bowling Green. Presently tennis courts and a playground are located on the site.
No. 2 Company trained in Dundas Park for two weeks each year in June and later camped at Niagara-on-the-Lake, with approximately 1000 men involved.
Dr. J. O. McGregor was the next appointed captain and a Mr. Kerr his lieutenant. Other men who served as captain prior to World War I include Luke Mullock, Dr. C. K. McGregor, Arthur Clark, W. Mallet and C. W. Drummond.
In 1915 Waterdown men joined other united – mostly the 129th Wentworth Battalion with Col. Knowles in command. One platoon was recruited in Waterdown and trained in the old drill shed during the winter of 1915-16 by Captain C. Nicholson and Lieutenants Sawell and Tuck. These went overseas the following year. Many were awarded decorations for bravery. Of the 106 enlisted men from the area, 21 did not return home.
Among the local residents who saw early action during WWI was Leo Clarke of the 5th Concession, East Flamborough who enlisted in Winnipeg, February 1915 and was in Europe by the summer. He was wounded in action on December 8th, 1915, but returned to duty three days later.

“After most of his part had become casualties, he was building a ‘block’ when twenty of the enemy with two officers attacked. He boldly advanced against them, emptied his revolver into them and afterwards two enemy rifles which he picked up in the trench. One of the officers then attacked him with the bayonet, wounding him in the leg but he shot him dead. The enemy then ran away, pursued by Acting-Corporal Clarke, who shot four more and captured a fifth. Later he was ordered to the dressing station but returned next day to duty.”

Corporal Leo Clarke died of wounds received in action October 19, 1916.