Many Toronto schools display lists of students, former students, and teachers who volunteered for active service during World War I (1914–1918) and World War II (1939–1945). A much smaller number of memorials exist for other conflicts. Some lists name only those who died, but most include all who enlisted.
While other records exist to document the military service of these volunteers, school memorials connect these young men and women to community, and show us the impact of war on that community.
The memorials may be in the form of books of remembrance, bronze plaques, or sculptures, etc., but most are hand lettered lists, framed under glass. Many World War II memorials were designed by Group of Seven artist A.J. Casson, and are headed ”For King and Country,” thus suggesting an appropriate title for this project.
We are grateful for the cooperation and support of the following organizations:
Toronto District School Board
Toronto District School Board War Veterans’ Association
So many schools… So many names…
What is included in the database right now?
Number of schools: 80
Number of names on memorials: 29,524
New additions:
Brock Avenue Public School, Hodgson Public School, Jesse Ketchum School, King George Public School, Lambton Park Public School, Long Branch Continuation School, Oriole Park Public School, Plains Road Public School, R.H. McGregor Public School, Sackville Street School
The project is a work in progress. The list of schools and the database of names will continue to grow. We hope to enrich the site with more biographical and historical information, and information about military research.
Can you help us with the project?
If you’re intrigued by what you see on this site, and would like to help with the For King and Country project, please contact us first. (We may already be working on your school’s memorials.)