The John Weir Foote armoury provides an important Hamilton history lesson
- Kara Savas
- 28 Nov 2019
If you live/work/play/were born and raised in Hamilton, but know very little about its heritage, you’re not alone. While there is a great deal of Hamilton lore to be shared and no shortage of places of historical significance, much of it is surprisingly unknown to many. How often we walk by a beautiful century building, a plaque or a statue just hidden in plain sight, yet pay it no mind.
One place that I admittedly pass by often but knew very little about was the John Weir Foote Armoury. I always referred to it as “The Armoury;” to me it seemed mysterious, like a fortress, far removed from the bustle of the street at its doorstep. As always, there are rumours of ghosts and tunnels, but more importantly, this building is a symbol of the significance and presence of the military on a local and global level. Since this is the month of Remembrance (and really, shouldn’t every month be?) it seems only fitting to get to know a bit more about this mysterious place that is certainly much more important than a big building you pass on your way to dinner.
First, let’s clarify some key terms. An armoury is a place that stores military arms. Infantry is another word for combat soldier; they are tasked with engaging the enemy in battle (forces.ca). Light infantry refers to foot soldiers who would be responsible for carrying lighter arms or weapons. This made them more agile and more maneuverable in battle.
The John Weir Foote VC Armoury, located at 200 James St North, is a training site for army reservists, a museum, and a designated national historical site as of 1989. It is home to the Argyll and Sutherland Highlanders and the Royal Hamilton Light Infantry Unit. The Argyll and Sutherland Highlanders of Canada (Princess Louise’s) is a unit from the Canadian Forces 31 Canadian Brigade Group, a division of the Canadian Forces. They were established in 1903; their battalion fought in important battles at Vimy Ridge, Normandy, Afghanistan, etc, and established an active presence in countries like Bosnia and Kosovo, among many others. Their Colonel-in-Chief is Her Majesty, Queen Elizabeth II.
The Royal Hamilton Light Infantry Unit was originally established in 1862 (perspective: Canada became a country 5 years after this, so technically the RHLI is older than Canada itself). They are known as “Rileys,” and members have served in the Boer War, both World Wars, the Korean War, etc, and established an active presence in Haiti and Afghanistan, among many others. Their Commander-in-Chief is His Royal Highness Prince Philip, Duke of Edinburgh. Sometimes we forget our enduring ties to the Crown, but they still very much exist.
The Armoury itself is technically split into two sections; the North section was built in 1888, and the South section was built 20 years later in 1908. When the 1936 addition was built to join the North and South drill halls, it effectively established the courtyard that is visible from the street sometimes, thus joining the sections into one cohesive unit. Occasionally, the Armoury will open its doors to the public (most notably during Doors Open Hamilton), allowing visitors and possible recruits to get a glimpse of what lies beyond its walls. Inside, the museums house various exhibits of items with historical significance; there are training facilities, arsenals, and of course, soldiers.
What might be most profound is the story of who the Armoury was named after. Honorary Lieutenant-Colonel John Weir Foote was a Chaplain in the RHLI, and was the only one to be awarded the Victoria Cross. The Victoria Cross is “awarded for most conspicuous bravery or some daring or pre-eminent act of valour, self-sacrifice or extreme devotion to duty in the presence of the enemy” (Veteran Affairs Canada). It is the highest decoration of honour in the British Army.
Foote was awarded this for his extraordinarily brave actions during the Dieppe Raid in 1942, when as German soldiers were closing in, Foote ventured across the beaches, ministering and tending to wounded soldiers. He also carried many soldiers back to their unit post to receive First Aid, and eventually to landing crafts, under enemy fire.
When after receiving orders to withdraw, he refused to vacate the beaches and his fellow soldiers still in need of help. This bravery and loyalty to his troops and his country cost him his freedom, as he was taken as a prisoner of war. He was imprisoned for three years, and continued his ministry as he was sent to various camps until he was finally freed and sent home in 1945.
He later entered politics as an elected Progressive Conservative Member of Provincial Parliament for Durham region. When hearing the magnitude of his life story, I was almost ashamed that I did not know it sooner, and that so many others do not as well.
While citizens have mixed feelings about war and the military, one cannot argue that these stories are examples of the selflessness that comes with choosing to risk one’s own freedom and life in order to protect something greater than oneself. Canada’s reputation as a peacekeeping nation is part of our foundation, and is evident as seen in our roles in various military events throughout history.
We are reminded of bravery of soldiers like Honorary Lieutenant-Colonel John Weir Foote, or Cpl Nathan Cirillo, who was killed five years ago while on ceremonial sentry duty at the Canadian National War Memorial in Ottawa. Cirillo was a member of Hamilton’s Argyll and Sutherland Highlanders.
The Armoury is a tangible landmark of the bravery of these and so many other soldiers, and those who served and continue to serve our country in the armed forces. It’s a haven, a training facility, an educational institution, a piece of history, and a pillar of our city and national identity.
When making your way down James Street North, perhaps you’ll choose to pause and observe this place which has existed for so many years before our time. Read the plaque, marvel at the structure and the Hamiltonians who built it (quite literally). Most importantly, understand its significance and what it stands for.
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