Photograph depicts newly returned soldiers who served in the Great War. They are from the Canadian Mounted Rifles (battalion unspecified, but likely the 2nd CMR as per formation patches on many soldiers' uniforms), many of whom would have been recruited through the British Columbia Horse. They appear to be waiting for futher instruction, possibly in regards to discharge as many soldiers appear to be holding forms.
Photograph depicts a line of soldiers at what appears to be Willows Camp. They have just returned home from service in the Great War. They are from the Canadian Mounted Rifles (battalion unspecified, but likely the 2nd CMR as per formation patches on many soldiers' uniforms). It is interesting to see the items the soldiers have brought back with them including a Mark I trench helmet, webbing equipment and Lee-Enfield Rifles, none of which were issued to them on their departure from Canada in 1915.
Photograph depicts a group of soldiers who have recently disembarked at Victoria. According to formation patches on their sleeves (also known as 'battle' or 'divisional' patches), the troops are mainly from the 2nd Canadian Mounted Rifles with some soldiers from the 3rd Division Canadian Engineers. Many civilians have joined them in front of the parliament where they wait for a special address from the premier and other dignataries.
Photograph depicts a view from inside the boat as the ocean liner RMS Empress of Asia sails the ocean toward Victoria (seen in the distance). Onboard are troops returning from service in the Great War.
Photograph depicts a scene from the Peace Day Parade in 1919. This event was organized to celebrate the signing of the Treaty of Versailles which took place a few weeks before. The event was hugely successful with an estimated 30,000 people in attendance. This "Peace float" designed by the James Bay unit of the Red Cross features a white vehicle with arches of blossoms and ribbons. Near the back of the float is a girl dressed in white wearing a crown who represents the "Angel of Peace". The delegation marching behind them is the Imperial Order of the Daughters of the Empire.
Photograph depicts crowds of civilians outside the provincial parliament in Victoria. They are gathered to commemorate the 1 year anniversary of the Armistice being signed. The Inner Habour is also full of boats carrying more spectators. A special sign above the entrance to parliament also reads "PEACE WITH HONOR".
Photograph depicts a scene from the Peace Day Parade in 1919. This event was organized to celebrate the signing of the Treaty of Versailles which took place a few weeks before. The event was hugely successful with an estimated 30,000 people in attendance. This snapshot was taken at the corner of Government and Belleville streets. This parade float, made by the Hellenic community to represent Greece in war features a miniature Parthenon. In between its columns are children wearing white and light blue sashes. At the head of the float are women dressed as figures of classical and modern Greece and a banner that reads "Liberators of Small Nations". On the left side of the women is a soldier wearing khaki to represent their modern army while on the right side is a man in traditional Greek dress (kilt) to represent the people.
Photograph depicts a scene from the Peace Day Parade in 1919. This event was organized to celebrate the signing of the Treaty of Versailles which took place a few weeks before. The event was hugely successful with an estimated 30,000 people in attendance. This snapshot was taken at the corner of Government and Belleville streets. The float in this picture was designed by the Red Cross. It was described by the Daily Colonist (July 20, 1919) as "a great white float drawn by the four biggest white horses in the city. Piled high on the platform were serried rows of nurses in their blue service uniforms, and their passage was greeted with great applause." Behind them, Muggins the Red Cross Dog rides on top of an ambulance alongside a young girl. The banners on the sides of the ambulance read: "Muggins" and "Still doing his Bit".
Photograph depicts the SS Princess Adelaide arriving in Victoria from Vancouver. The CPR ship is carrying soldiers from the 2nd Canadian Mounted Rifles who served in the First World War and who are finally returning home.
Photograph depicts a parade of local soldiers following the arrival of the 2nd Canadian Mounted Rifles after many years at war. They are marching on Government street where many spectators line the streets.
Photograph depicts a parade of local soldiers following the arrival of the 2nd Canadian Mounted Rifles after many years at war. They are marching on Government street where many spectators line the streets.
Photograph depicts a parade of local soldiers following the arrival of the 2nd Canadian Mounted Rifles after many years at war. They are marching on Government street where many spectators line the streets.
Photograph depicts a scene on the CPR station docks in Victoria. Newly returned soldiers mingle with family and friends for the first time since leaving to serve in the Great War. It is unknown which battalion(s) or regiment(s) are pictured in this photograph.
Photograph depicts the main deck of the SS Princess Patricia as it arrives in Victoria's Inner Harbour. On board are soldiers returning from service in the Great War, alongside regular passengers of the Vancouver-Victoria ferry service.
Photograph depicts artillery soldiers assembled on the pier at Victoria's CPR station, having just arrived from Vancouver. These are some of the first pictures of the men since returning home from the Great War.
Photograph depicts a scene at the Victoria CPR station at Inner Harbour. In this shot, civilians briefly mingle with newly returned soldiers who served in the Great War.
Photograph depicts Pier 'D' of the Canadian Pacific Railway station in Vancouver. The side of the ocean liner RMS Empress of Asia can be seen on the left side of the photo. The pier is crowded with civilians who watch as the ship departs with soldiers returning home to Victoria.
Photograph depicts the corner of Government and Belleville streets during the Peace Parade celebrating the signing of the Treaty of Versailles which took place a few weeks prior. It is estimated that approximately 30,000 people attended the event. Civilians line the streets to watch the parade.
Photograph depicts the corner of Government and Belleville streets during a Peace Day Parade celebrating the signing of the Treaty of Versailles. In this shot, a parade float made by "Courts Canada and Excelsior" with the banner "Peace. Progress. Prosperity" makes its way down the street.
Photograph depicts huge crowds of civilians gathered on the lawn of the Provincial Parliament. The people below are likely waiting for an address from the Premier and other dignataries for Peace Day, a day celebrating the signing of the Treaty of Versailles which was signed a few weeks prior.
Photograph depicts the corner of Government and Belleville streets during the Peace Day Parade celebrating the signing of the Treaty of Versailles. In this snaphot, Highland pipers, including a woman with bagpipes, march in the parade.
Photograph depicts the corner of Government and Belleville streets during the Peace Day Parade celebrating the signing of the Treaty of Versailles. In this shot, various touring cars drive down the street carrying soldiers, nurses and others.
Photograph depicts the corner of Government and Belleville streets during the Peace Day Parade celebrating the signing of the Treaty of Versailles. In this shot, veteran soldiers march down the street.
Photograph depicts two portraits taken of soldiers at Willows Camp near Victoria, B.C. Both soldiers are wearing the M1913 Canadian pattern uniform with 1916 Pattern waist belts. Regiment unknown.
Photograph depicts two portraits taken of soldiers at Willows Camp near Victoria, B.C. Both soldiers are wearing the M1913 Canadian pattern uniform with 1916 Pattern waist belts. Regiment unknown.
Photograph depicts two portraits taken at Willows Camp. In the first picture, a soldier poses in his uniform in front of the encampment. In the second photo, a returned soldier wearing a suit and a CEF service pin on his breast pocket poses in front of a small crest made of pebbles at the camp. The crest is in the shape of a spade and has the number "4" in the middle, possibly indicating a platoon.