Returning

A British woman who married a Canadian soldier during the First World War faced a host of complications in relocating to a new country. This pamphlet was intended to answer some of the most basic questions.

Through the Soldier Settlement Board, veterans could receive discounted rail tickets for travel in connection with taking up farming work.

The program that aimed to turn First World War veterans into farmers allowed them to purchase livestock at reduced prices. Ivor Eastwood had served in the 46th Battalion in France, after enlisting in Weyburn, Saskatchewan, in 1915.

This pamphlet reflects on Anglo-American relations as they relate to Canada and the British Empire.

Harry Rose was working as a waiter in Toronto when he enlisted in 1914 - after serving with the 3rd Battalion at the front, he enjoyed minor success as a songwriter with songs like this one, which was written to welcome other Canadian soldiers home.

This mimeographed newsletter was produced on a transport ship, possibly the SS "Pasteur," that was bringing home Canadian soldiers at the end of the Second World War. It was evidently printed on the day that the ship was due to arrive in Halifax, and its poor condition suggests that it passed through many hands.

In an effort to help returning servicemen find civilian careers, many post-secondary institutions offered them special entry into their education programs.

One popular government program allowed a veteran to purchase low-cost farmland - but only if he could provide references that attested to his good character.

With thousands of men returning from active service, guides like this aimed to smooth the transition back to peacetime. The information helped servicemen to understand what they might receive from the government upon demobilization, and what to do to reestablish themselves successfully in civilian life.

This proclamation was handed out to men and women from Moncton, New Brunswick, as they returned from overseas after the end of the First World War.