Remembering our Last Great War Veteran: John Babcock

At an antique store, time can seem to stand still as we are surrounded by objects that contain much historical significance and many past remembrances. Learning on Thursday that our last WWI veteran had passed away, we here at Toronto Antiques on King & The Cynthia Findlay Collection were unsure how to best give homage to not only the deceased, John Babcock, but to all those who fought in this world-changing conflict. As Canadians, we truly came together as a nation during the Great War, as it was known. This is where our iconic maple leaf emblem was first associated with our country and who better to carry that emblem than our servicemen, who fought to change the course of history.

John Babcock passed away at the age of 109 on Thursday. John had been eager to serve, attempting to join the army at ages 15 (deemed too young) and again at 16.  He made it as far as Halifax before his age was discovered for a second time, and he was sent to join the Battalion of Young Soldiers (1917).  He eventually joined the 26^th reserve in England.  He never saw active service, but his keen desire to help his country and fellow soldiers is evident in the extreme measures he took to enlist at so young an age.

Sweetheart pillows, like the Canadian example above, were purchased by soldiers when they reached their military camp and were sent home to mothers or loved ones left behind. John Babcock might have witnessed this tradition during his service in Halifax and England.  This particular pillow reads:

“Sweetheart

I thought that you would

like to know

That someone’s thoughts go

where you go;

And now my constant prayer

will be

That God may keep you

safe for me.

SUSSEX N.B.”