From the West Coast to the Western Front: An Epic Journey of Courage and Sacrifice

The First World War, often referred to as the Great War, was one of the deadliest conflicts in human history. Millions of lives were lost, and the war fundamentally reshaped the global order. While the war primarily took place in Europe, its impact was felt across the world, including the far reaches of the West Coast of the United States. In this article, we will take you on a journey from the serene landscapes of the West Coast to the harrowing battlefields of the Western Front. Brace yourself for a captivating tale of courage, sacrifice, and the indomitable human spirit.

The West Coast: A Beautiful and Tranquil Beginning

Our journey starts on the stunning West Coast, a region known for its breathtaking natural landscapes. From the towering redwood forests of California to the rugged coastline of Oregon and the picturesque beaches of Washington, this area is a paradise for nature lovers. With its idyllic surroundings, it is hard to imagine that this region played a significant role in one of the bloodiest conflicts in history.

The Call to Arms

As news of the war reached the West Coast, American patriotism soared. Men and women from all walks of life felt a deep sense of duty and eagerly volunteered to join the fight. Recruitment centers were set up across the region, and thousands of brave individuals signed up to defend their country and its values.

From the West Coast to the Western Front: British Columbians and the Great War

by Mark Forsythe (Kindle Edition)

4.7 out of 5

Language	:	English
File size	:	15660 KB
Text-to-Speech	:	Enabled
Screen Reader	:	Supported
Enhanced typesetting	:	Enabled
Word Wise	:	Enabled
Print length	:	264 pages

FREE

A Perilous Journey Across the Atlantic

Once trained and equipped, these brave soldiers embarked on a treacherous journey across the Atlantic Ocean to reach the battlefields of Europe. The voyage was grueling, with cramped conditions, unpredictable weather, and the constant threat of enemy submarines lurking beneath the surface. Many soldiers longed for the serenity of the West Coast as they braved the dangers of the open sea.

On the Western Front: The Harsh Reality of War

Upon arrival in Europe, the soldiers were thrust into the chaos of the Western Front, a grueling battle line that stretched for hundreds of miles. The serene landscapes they had left behind were replaced by the devastation of war - trenches, barbed wire, and cratered landscapes. The soldiers faced unimaginable hardships as they confronted enemy forces, endured relentless artillery bombardments, and battled the elements.

Stories of Valor and Sacrifice

Despite the horrors they faced, the soldiers from the West Coast displayed incredible valor and selflessness. Countless acts of bravery and sacrifice were witnessed on the Western Front. One such story is that of Private John Thompson, a young soldier from Oregon. In the heat of battle, Thompson risked his own life to save a fellow soldier who had been injured and left behind enemy lines. His unwavering courage and compassion serve as a testament to the human spirit in the face of adversity.

The Role of Women

It is important to note that women also played a crucial role during this time. Many women from the West Coast volunteered as nurses, providing vital medical care to the wounded soldiers. Their dedication and resilience were instrumental in saving countless lives.

The Aftermath and Legacy

The war eventually came to an end, but its impact continued to reverberate across the globe. The soldiers who made the arduous journey from the West Coast to the Western Front returned home forever transformed. The experiences they had endured shaped their lives and the lives of their loved ones. Memorials and remembrance ceremonies were held across the West Coast to honor the fallen and ensure that their sacrifices would never be forgotten.

From the serene landscapes of the West Coast to the hellish battlefields of the Western Front, this epic journey of courage and sacrifice is a testament to the resilience of the human spirit. The soldiers who made this journey, and the countless others who fought in the Great War, deserve to be remembered for their bravery and selflessness. May we always honor their memory and strive for a world living in peace.

From the West Coast to the Western Front: British Columbians and the Great War

by Mark Forsythe (Kindle Edition)

4.7 out of 5

Language	:	English
File size	:	15660 KB
Text-to-Speech	:	Enabled
Screen Reader	:	Supported
Enhanced typesetting	:	Enabled
Word Wise	:	Enabled
Print length	:	264 pages

FREE

It has often been observed that the First World War jolted Canada into nationhood, and as Mark Forsythe and Greg Dickson show in this compelling book, no province participated more eagerly in that transformation or felt the aftershock more harshly than British Columbia. In From the West Coast to the Western Front, Forsythe, host of CBC Radio’s mid-day show BC Almanac, marks the 100th anniversary of World War I by teaming with historian Greg Dickson and the ever resourceful BC Almanac audience to compile a sweeping portrayal of that crucial chapter of BC history.

Of the 611,000 Canadians who fought for King and Country,
55,570 were from British Columbia—the highest per capita rate of enlistment in the country. Of that contingent, 6,225 died in battle, a critical loss to a fledgling province of barely 400,000.

Compiling stories, artifacts and photos sent in by BC Almanac listeners from across the province, this volume tells of submarine smuggling, bagpipes lost on the battlefield and of the ongoing struggles by soldiers who made it home. It tells of battles that set records for mass death amid conditions of unequalled squalor, but also of the heroism of front-line nurses and soldiers like George Maclean, a First Nations man from the Okanagan, who won the Distinguished Conduct Medal.

By turns devastating, harrowing, insightful and miraculous, these stories reveal much about the spirit and resilience of a people who survived one of history’s greatest disasters to build the province we have today.