Oakville at War
Correspondence
Panels
IntroductionFirst World WarSecond World WarFurther ResearchVeterans Interviews (click on Details to play video)Kenneth Dean Marlatt left a comfortable life, made possible by his family’s successful tannery business in Oakville, to join the fighting during the First World War. Initially with the 9th Mississauga Horse, Marlatt later went to France with the 4th Canadian Mounted Rifles on 24 October 1915. While in France, he carried out administrative duties as Quarter Master where his combined business and engineering experience were likely welcomed. In 1917, Marlatt was sent to the United States where he worked to recruit soldiers with the Canadian Recruiting Mission.
As an officer, Marlatt would have been required to report on everything from small purchases to war casualties. The Correspondence Books issued for this purpose were ruled in ¼ inch squares to aid with map drawing. Copies of the reports remained in the Correspondence Book. Reading Marlatt’s correspondence gives us a sense of the great tragedies of the war – a man presumed missing is confirmed dead – as well as the overwhelming organization and detailed administration required to keep a large army functioning – finding cod-liver oil for a sick man, or tallying the amount spent on supplies.
As an officer, Marlatt would have been required to report on everything from small purchases to war casualties. The Correspondence Books issued for this purpose were ruled in ¼ inch squares to aid with map drawing. Copies of the reports remained in the Correspondence Book. Reading Marlatt’s correspondence gives us a sense of the great tragedies of the war – a man presumed missing is confirmed dead – as well as the overwhelming organization and detailed administration required to keep a large army functioning – finding cod-liver oil for a sick man, or tallying the amount spent on supplies.
Cover from the Army Book 152-Correspondence Book (Field Service) belonging to Kenneth Dean Marlatt. Details
Page dated 15 October 1916 from the Army Book 152-Correspondence Book (Field Service) belonging to Kenneth Dean Marlatt. Details
Page n.d. from the Army Book 152-Correspondence Book (Field Service) belonging to Kenneth Dean Marlatt. Details
Page dated 31 October 1916, from the Army Book 152-Correspondence Book (Field Service) belonging to Kenneth Dean Marlatt. Details
