The Kings Schilling

[Norm Cromie (RIP)]

The Kings Schilling

On September the 12, 1939 I was carried away by all the news and photos in the Toronto Daily Star. Stories of the first world War and all the exciting news of the declaration of the new war with the Germans. Being a history buff I felt this was an opportunity for a great adventure. So I rushed down to the old University armories and decided I had better get in this war now. There were predictions that it would all be over soon and I was afraid I would miss it all. I was impressed by soldiers rushing around with riding breeks, bandoliers and spurs and decided that the artillery was for me but I never got passed the weight requirement. I then raced over to Young St. where they were recruiting for the airforce, they took my name and told me they would call me as they were already filled up. I left for home very depressed that I was going to miss the war. The following afternoon on the 13th of September I went back to the armories were there was a turmoil of men in uniform and civilians milling all over the place. In the midst of this a 48th Highlander Sergeant Major in full Scarlet dress uniform was barking at the top of his voice, come on gentlemen for your King and Country who will have the Kings Schilling which he held up in his right hand. Which probably was not a schilling but a Canadian quarter. I seized the moment and timidly came forward and said, I will Sir. In a flash he escorted me into the armories and before a recruiting officer. To my stunned amazement he said you will make a fine soldier gave me over to a corporal and loaded me onto an open bed truck with a dozen or so other bewildered looking civilians and we were quickly driven to Grace Hospital were an MO told us to undress, had me bend over cough once put me on a scale and said you’ve passed. Being a skinny underweight kid I am sure he used the old butcher thumb trick. Back to the armories signed attestation papers swore my allegiance to King and country and on June the 1st 1945 I was discharged from the army. My fear of missing the war was certainly unfounded. Is there anyone, any history buff who can enlighten me on the true story of The Kings Schilling recruitment?