The Great War, the War to End All Wars, swept over the Grey County countryside in 1914. Before it was over, scores of hometown boys had gone to the trenches of France. But many stayed on the home front. And they too, had memories. Max Knechtel remembered that many of Hanover’s citizens had parents or grandparents who had come to Canada from Germany. At a time when the Ontario city of Berlin was changed to Kitchener, many people in Hanover still spoke German in their homes.
In nearby Chesley, the First World War stirred strong feelings. Strong enough that in 1914, a band of young Chesley men and boys decided that it was time to teach the disloyal people of Hanover a thing or two. The decision was made to march on Hanover but news of the impending invasion reached the town ahead of time.
J. S. Knechtel, son of Daniel Knechtel, founder of the furniture company of the same name, took action. He drew up plans to stop the march at the northern edge of town at the bridge over the Saugeen River. Gathering friends and neighbours, he rallied the town to the crown, claiming its citizens loyalty to Great Britain, Canada and the righteous cause of the war.
At the bridge, a defence post was established and manned night and day. But cooler heads prevailed and the whole incident ended peacefully. In the next great world war, the Knechtel Furniture Company manufactured wings for the famous Mosquito bomber and the question of Hanover’s loyalty was never again brought up.
Originally aired January 14th 2016
Comments