Thoughts of War from an East Kootenay Soldier

November 8th, 2022 1 Minutes

*David James Black of Fernie – Image courtesy of the Columbia Basin Institute of Regional History*

History, through old postcards, letters, documents and diaries, allows one to reflect on the past – how things were done – and anticipate a better future. With Ukraine torn apart by war, a local glimpse of World War I might offer insight into our Remembrance Day.

Private David James Black of Fernie enlisted with the 1st Battalion, Canadian Pioneers, on October 28, 1915. Shipped to France, he served with the 9th Canadian Railway Troop in France before receiving a
medical discharge as “unfit for service” on July 15, 1918. Dave Black wrote a horrific account of WW I in notes with a small diary.

Here is a small sample dated August 14, 1917:

“The country [France] is a mess of shell holes, craters & amp; bog and much changed and battered up since we were here over a year previous, such old familiar spots as Bedford House – Ration Farm – Ry.
Dugouts are being blown to pieces, and the shell fire is pretty bad now.”

And later:

“This country is so wet and torn up with shells that these plank roads are numerous and more easily repaired than permanent roadways when hit with shells. Like many others on the western front, this road is lined with the flotsam & amp; jetsam of war in all its grim & amp; horrible aspect, not much glory or high spots to it but a cruel man’s slaughtering blood orgy.”

Dave’s brother, Major R.J. Black of Fernie, served with the Kootenay Battalion and did not return. He was interred in a military cemetery at Barlin, France.