Small
The people of Innisfail participated in several 20th century wars. Predominantly settled by people of British origin, these residents of Innisfail and District retained a strong identity with Britain. When the call went out for people to join in the war effort during World War I, a proportionately large fraction of the male population answered and a proportionately large number (at least 55) died. Similarly, a relatively high proportion of young men from the region enlisted to fight in World War II, but the death toll was not nearly as severe. Thirty-one service personnel from Innisfail, a much smaller proportion of the total population, died in World War II. Innisfail’s participation in 20th century military action continued with the involvement of residents in the Korean War. This is the story of some of Innisfail’s residents who were impacted by the war. Stories of soldiers, nurses, cooks, war brides, and the wives left behind are told here. It is also a record of some of the activities that took place in the community during World War I and World War II, such as rationing, fundraising and other events in support of Canada’s war efforts.
