2-710-882 - The Print Collector/Heritage Images

'Departure of the Victorian (B.C.) Contingent', c1914, (1919). Scene from the First World War: crowds in the harbour at Victoria, British Columbia, Canada, bidding farewell to troops leaving on the steamer 'Princess Sophia' to fight in Europe. 'Not until Britain was plunged in war did the nation realise the full significance and glory of the word Empire. Then, in response to the needs of the Motherland, from every corner of the widely-distributed domain came money, material, and above all - men; loyal sons of Empire from India, Africa, Australia and Canada.' From "The History of the Great European War: its causes and effects", Vol. III, by W. Stanley Macbean Knight. [Caxton Pulishing Company, Limited, London, 1919]