During the First World War, rapid communication was crucial. In this era, telegrams emerged as the swiftest method for transmitting written messages, serving as a vital tool for governments, war correspondents, and soldiers alike. But What Is A Telegram exactly, and why was it so important?
Telegrams, also known as wires or cables, facilitated the swift exchange of critical information. Governments and war correspondents relied on them for efficient communication, while soldiers used them to inform their families about their movements or survival in battle. Tragically, telegrams also delivered news of soldiers’ deaths, captures, or woundings.
The Essence of Telegram Communication
What is a Telegram in terms of its structure and language? Due to the high cost of sending telegrams, messages were concise. Senders shortened words and omitted “unnecessary” terms to minimize expenses. This resulted in a unique, abbreviated style of communication. Today, these historical telegrams offer an intriguing comparison to modern forms of rapid, abbreviated communication, like text messages and social media updates. The constraints of telegrams forced individuals to convey essential information in the most efficient way possible.
Telegrams During World War I: Stories from the Archives
The Archives of Manitoba house several collections of records containing telegrams from the First World War era. These telegrams offer a glimpse into the lives of soldiers and their families during this tumultuous period. They encompass personal messages relaying news of Manitoban soldiers at the front, government communications from the files of Manitoba Premier T.C. Norris, and reports sent to the Canadian Press by war correspondent J.F.B. Livesay. Let’s delve into some specific examples:
Personal Telegrams: News from the Front
These telegrams often carried crucial updates about soldiers’ well-being.
For instance, a telegram from Charlie Francis to his family in Headingley, sent weeks after the Battle of Vimy Ridge on April 30, 1917, simply stated: “B F M Francis. Headingly Man. Safe. Charlie Francis.” This brief message brought immense relief to his family, confirming his safety amidst the horrors of war.
However, not all telegrams brought good news. The Battershill family fonds reveal the harsh reality of war through a series of telegrams.
One telegram, dated April 22, 1917, from Jack Battershill to his sister, Mrs. Frank (Amelia) Simmons, in Savannah, GA, somberly announced: “George killed.” This stark message underscores the devastating impact of war on families, delivering news of loss across continents.
Further telegrams in the Battershill collection reveal the family’s anxieties about their mother’s health amidst their grief.
A telegram from John Battershill to his daughter, Mrs. Frank (Amelia) Simmons, on April 23, 1917, stated: “Mother sick.”
Followed by another to Frank Simmons on April 30, 1917: “Mamma holding up fairly well.” These messages highlight the interconnectedness of family life and the anxieties exacerbated by war.
Government Telegrams: Navigating Wartime Challenges
Government telegrams reflect the challenges faced by political leaders during the war.
A telegram from H. Finger, Mayor of The Pas, to Premier T. C. Norris on June 1, 1915, pleaded for assistance: “Five thousand foreigners railway laborers demanding food work or transportation town unable to cope with situation immediate relief necessary.” This message illustrates the social and economic strains caused by the war.
Another telegram highlights the logistical challenges of wartime recruitment.
A telegram from Lieutenant J. P. Lyle to Premier T. C. Norris on June 24, 1915, requested authorization for recruitment: “No J P in camp to attest recruits Could you have captain Adams and self appointed and wire authority to act at once.”
Premier Norris also used telegrams to address financial matters related to the war effort.
On November 3, 1915, he sent a telegram to Hon. W. T. White, Minister of Finance, Ottawa, assuring cooperation: “Anxious to co-operate with your Government in any way possible to serve the interests of the Empire at this time.”
And on February 4, 1916, he expressed sympathy to Prime Minister Robert Borden regarding the burning of Parliament Buildings at Ottawa.
Telegrams and War Correspondents: Reporting from the Front Lines
Telegrams played a vital role in war reporting, enabling journalists to send timely updates from the front lines.
A telegram from J. S. Lewis to Livesay on February 27, 1915, inquired about sending a Canadian press correspondent to the front.
Followed by one from Prime Minister Borden to E. H. Macklin on March 2, 1915, requested a nomination for a war correspondent.
A subsequent telegram from E. H. Macklin to Livesay on March 3, 1915, hinted at the possibility of Livesay becoming a war correspondent.
The Legacy of Telegrams
What is a Telegram today, beyond its historical context? While largely replaced by modern digital communication methods, the telegram’s legacy endures. It serves as a reminder of a time when rapid communication was a luxury and messages were carefully crafted to convey maximum information with minimal words. The telegram offers valuable lessons in brevity, clarity, and the importance of effective communication, qualities that remain relevant in today’s fast-paced world. The telegrams from the First World War provide a poignant window into the past, revealing the personal stories and historical events that shaped the world we live in today.
