Galt Collegiate Institute and Vocational School

Galt Collegiate Institute and Vocational School - 1925

Source: Wikipedia

Galt Collegiate Institute and Vocational School (GCI) is one of sixteen secondary schools in the Waterloo Region District School Board, located in Cambridge, Waterloo, and Kitchener, Ontario, Canada. Founded in 1852, GCI is one of the oldest continually operating secondary schools in Ontario, and has been recognized as a historical landmark by Heritage Cambridge and by the Ontario Archaeological and Historic Sites Board.

World War II Era, 1939-1945

When World War II broke out in 1939, the staff and students of GCI became immediately and vigorously involved in the war effort. The school raised about between $1000 and $1400 by means of various activities, including proceeds from bake sales, plays, concerts, and cash donations from pupils, all of which was donated towards relief organizations. Not a single penny was spent elsewhere. The school also offered its machine shop classroom for the training of Engine Room Artificers by the Royal Canadian Navy (RCN) and for the training of air mechanics of the Galt Aircraft School. Both programs were vital to providing the Canadian Navy and Air Force with enough skilled mechanics to properly maintain engines and machines.

By the end of the war, about 790 alumni from GCI had enlisted for active service. The majority served in Europe or on the Atlantic with the RCN, but some others also served in Asia. A significant proportion of GCI alumni served with the local Highland Light Infantry of Canada. Seventy-eight men from GCI ultimately lost their lives, and their names were later added to the memorial tablet in the main corridor.