27

Medicine and Mourning Epidemic
1918
Unknown

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The turn of the century marked an era of commitment and development for the Mounted Police force. They had become an integral part of the community and were not exempt from the events that affected their community. After the reorganization of federal policing in 1917 to the Alberta Provincial Police, came the dreaded 'Spanish Flu'.

In 1918, Dr. Peter Aylen, now a resigned police officer and Fort Saskatchewan's practicing physician, had to close the Castle School. He resided in Fort Saskatchewan until his untimely death on May 5, 1925.

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Medicine and Mourning Indian Grave
1919
Muskeg River, Alberta

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The 1918-19, Spanish Influenza epidemic was indiscriminate of white, native or otherwise and resulted in an affliction of 38,000 cases and 4,000 deaths in Alberta's population of 579,000 people.

31

World War I Greetings from Abroad

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Medicine and Mourning Keith Aylens letter home
5 May 1916
Front Lines, 1st World War

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Belguim, April 5th, 1916.

Dear Mother -

I received your very welcome letter a few days ago in the trenches and as I had no writing paper there I waited till I got back to the Battery. By the way you always address my letters to the a.m. Col. I am in the 27th Battery 7th Bde C.F.A. etc.

I sent you a parcel containing a side board cover an apron and a handkerchief for Pat (her birthday present). Everything was all hand worked and I thought very well done. I sent Aunt Edith and Aunt Lollie each a centre piece and Aunt Dae a handkerchief. I had a few days off and rambled around the country, having a great old time. I cannot tell you any of the places I have been but I have them all entered up in my diary which has been sadly neglected on not a few occassions.

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Medicine and Mourning Keith Aylens Letter Home Part II
5 May 1916
Front Lines, 1st World War

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We are having a fairly nice time as you may judge from the papers. When things get slack sometimes in the trenches I borrow a rifle and do some sniping, it is a great sport. Of course I am only in the trenches when I am F.O.O. for the Battery. Which is only three days out of nine. I received a parcel from Aunt Georgy today. She sent me a muffler and some chocolate. Needless to say they were greatly appreciated.
Please excuse this writing because I am writing on my knee by a very bad light.

I received the parcel from the Fort Bible Class and sent a letter thanking them for it the very same day. I can not account for them not having received it at all.

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Medicine and Mourning Keith Aylens Letter Home Part III
5 April 1916
Front Lines, 1st World War

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I received two bundles of papers which were very interesting. I don't think that Canada especially the West ought to go in for recruiting especially as the biggest province of Canada has only one Battalion actually at the front.

There are also thousands of people who are eligible for active service swaggering about the streets of Great Britian. If Sam Hughes wants his 500 thousand men he should take them from each province according to their parilamentry representation. Seeing also that the Gilisians, Ruthenians, Ducabours and French Canadians do their share. If we are not nightly careful we will be overwhelmed by French Canadians and foreigners.

There is not anything else I can think of at present.

From your loving son

Keith

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Following images are photographic copies of the original letters written by Keith Aylen.

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Medicine and Active Forces World War I Greetings from Abroad Pg 1
5 April 1916
Front Lines, 1st World War

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Medicine and Active Forces World War I Greetings from Abroad Pg 2
5 April 1916
Front Lines, 1st World War