The Army, Navy, & Air Force Veterans in Canada is Canada's oldest veterans' association. It was federally incorporated in 1917 and traces its history back to the colonial days when British and French regiments were sent to protect their colonies and on there return home, left members behind in Canada. These members banded together for fraternal and information purposes and eventually became The Army Veterans in Canada. In 1840 Queen Victoria authorized the establishment of a unit in Montreal. Over the years the other services were added, until today the membership includes merchant seamen and Canadian Vietnam veterans.
January 1918 saw the formation of the first unit of the
Army, Navy Veterans of Canada in Victoria. The new organization prospered
immediately under the guidance and leadership of Admiral Storey. One of the
first items on the agenda was the pledge to form Railroad Construction Units
from the membership. Although a great deal of work was accomplished and some
units were actually raised, a more important item was the fact that the new
organization had no permanent home. The critical housing shortage which
permeated all facets of society had resulted in the first meeting being held in
the Belmont House on Langley Street. This building had been donated by the Bank
of Montreal as a temporary clubhouse, but the increase in membership following
the First World War soon forced the fledgling unit to look for more permanent
premises.
By August of 1918 the membership had reached 693, but the
club's financial situation was in dire straits. During the meeting of August 7,
Captain Martin CGM RN made the motion that dues be increased from two dollars
per annum to three dollars. This was adopted immediately with such enthusiasm
that over 200 members present at this meeting immediately paid their increases
to the secretary. The latter was a busy man indeed. At this same meeting,
Warrant Officer Hadley proposed discussions for new and larger quarters. This
motion was seconded by Captain Craddock during a speech in support of formation
of a Ladies Auxiliary, of which the club was in dire need. However, on this
matter, Mr. Beaumont Boggs persuaded the membership to defer this item. It was
stated that the proposed plan for a clubhouse/hotel too ambitious and beyond the
Capabilities of the club to sustain. Craddock then motioned for the creation of
a study group. This was adopted.
By January of 1919 the membership had reached 866. At
this time the post war recession was in full effect and assets were dismal to
say the least. These assets came to a grand total of $726.81. Of this amount,
$600.00 was tied up in furniture and the rest in buttons. This poor financial
record did not, however, prevent the new club from performing its function.
During the first year of operations, no fewer than 177 pension adjustments and
231 separation allowances for former military personnel were completed. In
addition, a city wide relief fund for needy families was inaugurated. Although
some money was available for worthwhile causes, the poverty side of the young
club was made apparent that due to lack of funds, the president did not possess
a gavel. This situation was remedied by Comrade Snelling, who graciously donated
a piece of lumber from the Steamer "BEAVER" in order to create the
necessary piece of equipment
Eventually funds were found through fund drives, private contributions, etc. in order to acquire a new clubhouse. On
January 18, 1919 the new club, now located in the Pemberton Block was
inaugurated. Captain Martin, who had held the leadership of the club since the
departure of Admiral Storey was elected honorary president, while Mr. G.A. Kirk
now took over the position as president. As a gift, the entire club was
furnished by the Naval Canteen.
Victoria Unit #12 thus became one of the earliest Army,
Navy Veterans clubs in Canada. On October 12, 1920, 250 members and guests
gathered in the Caledonia Hall to open the Dominion Convention. Among the guests
were the Lieutenant-Governor, the Premier of B.C. as well as several high
ranking Army and Navy officers. It was one of he high points of the early years.
The twenties and thirties-were a constant struggle for survival. Yet, somehow,
the new unit prospered. One of the many functions was he fight to secure
pensions for First World War veterans. In this capacity, Unit #12was very
successful. As the depression of the thirties bit painfully into many lives, the
Unit's role in society became more important than ever.
By 1939, the war clouds once again loomed on the
horizon., Victoria's Army, Navy Vets were as one with the rest of the country in
favoring conscription. In addition this unit was pushing for more consideration
from the Federal Government for the Canadian Merchant Marine. These activities
of course were carried out in addition the numerous contributions to various
charities and causes in Victoria and across the country.
World War II saw-the entire nation carry out a concerted
effort to achieve the victory Unit #12 did its share The Ladies Auxiliary grew
constantly and carried out thousands of activities on behalf of the fighting
men. Many joined the armed forces. Among the lesser known facts of World War II
was the struggle against beer rationing. But victory was achieved and the club
grew to astounding proportions with the return of Canada's soldiers from
overseas. The formation of the R.C.A.F. also necessitated a change in the
organizations name. It now became the Army, Navy and Air Force Veterans of
Canada.
The Korean War saw many of Unit #12's members going overseas as members
of the PPCLI, Once again Unit 12 took up the cause and backed its men and women
who served in all three services.