This tablet was erected by the Toronto Firefighters’ Association Local 113. Many Toronto Firefighters enlisted in the First World War. Captain Charles O. Ardagh of Rose Avenue Hall, enlisted in 1916 despite the fact that he was eligible for his pension and retirement. His two sons had enlisted and he was lonesome for his boys.
According to departmental records, five firefighters were killed in France between 1914 and 1918. They were: F.G. Fisher, Clarence Kerrigan, Walter Parker, A. Caskie* and Ed Blake* (* These men do not appear on the memorial plaque, but are referenced in the 1960 Toronto Fire Department History Book written by Melville Hodgson as having died in France during 1914-18).
Twenty-three Toronto Firefighters enlisted overseas during the Second World War. Their mandate was to extinguish fires and to protect both life and property in case of fire in Great Britain, Isle of Man, and Northern Ireland, on land, ships and vessels at sea. Their mandate also included both rescue and salvage. Upon arriving in the United Kingdom these men, serving in Companies 1 to 8, took a 4-week training course in various aspects of firefighting. After training was completed, Britain’s National Fire Service withdrew from their stations which were then staffed entirely by Canadians — 143 Professional Firefighters from across Canada enlisted. Canadian Firefighters attended all lull-time fires, as well as any blitz fires. They participated in normal life in England, complete with social and sporting events. They were regarded very highly on the fireground and it was noticed by one Fire Chief that the Canadians were always ready to volunteer for any sticky, dirty job… and they were never happier than when on the fireground.
While in England, there were a few casualties and many injuries. When the war ended, most firefighters returned home to their previous departments. Prior to their departure a farewell party was thrown in Trafalgar Square and they were paid tribute for saving British lives and property. By February 1945, they were back in Canada, along with 20 British brides.
