A new exhibit at Lougheed House commemorates the Calgary firefighters who fought in the First World War.

Many of the firefighters in Calgary in 1914 were new Canadians who felt drawn back to Europe to help with the war effort. Calgary supplied the personnel for three medical units in France: The 8th Canadian Field Ambulance, No. 2 Casualty Clearing Station, and No. 7 Calvary Field Ambulance.

Of the 61 firefighters that enlisted in the Great War, 43 returned to the department. Four others died overseas during the war: Private Walter Bartlett, Private Arthur Bowden, Lance Corporal Eric Burton and Corporal John Gallacher.

“I’m not sure a lot of people talk about our firefighters, so we have started the conversation, we’ve held our own Remembrance ceremony,” said Rebecca Melenka, Firefighters Museum Society of Calgary.

The men were sent over with four flags presented by the Calgary Fire Department to military units departing from Calgary. Those flags went to the front lines in Ypres and other battle sites.

“We have two of them in the collection, four of these battle flags were sent over with the guys in 1916, they were flown on site, wherever they would have been camping or set up and they have managed to make it back home again which is really amazing,” said Melenka. “Two of the flags are signed by the Calgary Fire Department leadership team at that time showing their support of our Calgary firefighters who went off to war.”

The flags and other items are on display at Lougheed House for the Pomp and Circumstance:Celebrations of the Fire Department Kind exhibit.

“The dates of the exhibition are about late 19th Century right up to World War One, and that is the time the Lougheeds actually lived in this house, so the objects are historically suited to the house,” said Caroline Loewen, Curator, Lougheed House. “The firefighters band actually played here for the housewarming ball in 1892, so it’s really fitting that they are here.”

For today’s firefighters, it’s a memorial that is close to the heart.

“For me, it evokes emotion everytime I see it, it sends a shiver, frankly, thinking about what that meant, where that flag has been,” said Chief Steve Dongworth, Calgary Fire Department

The firefighter exhibit at Lougheed House is there until January 29th.