June and July of 1919 saw welcome home parties springing up all over the area to pay homage to the valiant soldiers on their return. The names of those who served are listed in the local church. The names of the ones who did not return and would never again see the Boughton River are marked.

One lady from Bridgetown, Edith MacLeod, served as a nurse overseas in WWl.

World War ll again brought hardship to P.E.l., coming as it did on the tail of the Great Depression of the thirties. Young men of the area rushed to enlist. Since work was scarce and times were hard, perhaps the urge for travel and a steady income played a major part in their decision to enlist. Fund raising events sprung up all over to aid the war efforts. The soldiers who enlisted were con- sidered heroes, and indeed they were. The community of Little Pond for example, had twelve young men enlist, four of whom made the supreme sacrifice.

The Carry On Canada Corps sponsored the first Kings County Plowing Match and Field Day at Dundas in 1941. The ladies of the various church and community organizations were busy once again sending quilts, socks, gloves, and food. The Bridgetown W.|. sent a parcel overseas in January, 1943, con- taining five turtleneck sweaters and nine pair of woolen socks. Mrs. Wallace MacKenzie read a letter from England showing how Red Cross parcels of clothing

and food were appreciated and needed in R.C.A.F. sick quarters. She also read an item asking for Institute Members to join in daily prayer that a just peace would come.

At home, food was rationed and many commodities were virtually non— existent. Fresh fruit was not for sale. Sugar, raisins, tea, and candy were very scarce. Ration books were issued to every man, woman, and child and trading of stamps was very common.

The year 1945 brought an end to this tragic war but many lives had been changed by it. It is possible that our communities suffered the loss of many po- tential leaders when they were left behind to lie in foreign graves.

This song written by Mary (Banks) MacDonald expresses the feelings of those at home:

On the third day of September Solemn prayers sincerely offered

In the yearof ’39 Mingled with the tears and pain When war clouds hovered o’er us As they bid farewell to loved ones Brave Canadians fell in line. They may never see again.

Now the boys of our fair island They are Army, Navy, Airforce Many answered to the call With brave smiles their service chose Not one soul did ever falter Then they crossed the briney ocean Though they knew that they may fall. For to fight King George‘s foes. Many hearts were filled with sadness Now my story’s nearly ended

Many homes were filled with woe May my song be one of joy

When at last it was discovered When our flag shall fly victorious Over seas that they must go. God protect our Island boys.

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