We Remember Them
The Last Step
THE LAST STEPS MEMORIAL ARCH
“Nova Scotia played a role in the conduct of the War which will redound to her glory for all time”
(Nova Scotia’s Part in the Great War - M. Stuart Hunt 1920)
Near this spot, on 20 May 1915, soldiers of the 22nd Battalion (now the Royal 22nd Regiment - Quebec), the 24th Battalion (Victoria Rifles - Montreal), and 25th Battalion (Nova Scotia Rifles) of the Canadian Expeditionary Forces left Halifax abroad His Majesty’s Transport Ship Saxonia. For hundreds of them, this would be the last time that they stepped on Canadian soil. We can only imagine the thoughts they may have had as they boarded the ship and watched the Port of Halifax disappear from view behind them.
The 25th Battalion, Nova Scotia Rifles was the first complete infantry unit raised in this province to leave Nova Scotia and on 12 October 1916, the 85th Battalion, Nova Scotia Highlanders also embarked for overseas service. These were the only two Nova Scotia infantry battalions that stayed together throughout the First World War and were not broken up for reinforcements. Over the course of the War, 350,000 Canadian troops sailed from this port to an uncertain future. Of that number, 67,000 died in Belgium and France. The lives of those who returned to Canada were changed forever. 30,000 Nova Scotians volunteered for military and naval service and 3400 didn’t come home. The Army Museum Halifax Citadel commemorates their legacy of service and sacrifice.
