To research and write his book, Unwanted Warriors: The Rejected Volunteers of the Canadian Expeditionary Force, Canadian War Museum historian Dr. Nic Clarke read the service files of 3,400 men who tried to enlist during WWI, but were rejected.
Dr Nic Clarke with his new book, “Unwanted Warriors.” Photo courtesy of the Canadian War Museum.
In his book released earlier this month, Dr. Clarke explores the mechanics of the medical examination, the physical and psychological qualities that the authorities believed made a fighting man, and how evaluations changed as the war dragged on.
Unwanted Warriors also brings to light the experiences of those who deliberately claimed disability to avoid service — a minority within the large population of rejected volunteers who felt denigrated, if not emasculated, by their exclusion from duty.
Published by the University of British Columbia Press in association with the Canadian War Museum, the 256-page book comes with a hefty price tag of $95. Fortunately, the book is also available on Google Play now for $17.95, and a paperback edition will be released in 2016.
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