Pandemic kills on par with WWI

August 20th, 2020 1 Minutes
“Cranbrook boys leaving for the front.” Volunteers heading overseas – WW1. c. 1914.
#0226.0014 – Image courtesy of Cranbrook Archives

In 1911, Cranbrook had a population of 4,000 people. During World War I, from August 1914 to November 1918, Cranbrook lost 115 men, either killed-in-action or while on duty.

The number of men who died was significant, but the war was not the only event to take human lives in 1918.

World War I recruits on the steps of City Hall, Cranbrook, B.C. – 1914.
#0167.0003 – Image courtesy of Cranbrook Archives

The first case of Spanish Influenza was reported in Cranbrook on October 31st, 1918, and the last case was documented in the Cranbrook Herald on December 12th, 1918. The number of deaths amounted to 77 people. The infected either died directly from influenza or pneumonia.

Pandemics are not a new development, and if anything, the past teaches us that we must continue to be vigilant with COVID-19.

The year 2020 reflects previous epidemics, and it is good to remember that we have survived similar adversity.

St. Eugene School of Nursing Class of 1918
Mary McDougall of Cranbrook B.C. was the only nurse to graduate in 1918.
#0004.0012 – Image courtesy of CBIRH

If history is an indicator of things to come, it looks like we will make it to the other side; hopefully, with renewed preparedness and hopefully with the knowledge that we will overcome.

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