Military Service

The number of Jews in Cornwall during the period just before and after the First World War dipped from 104 in 1911 to 89 in 1921. A few of these Jews were among the estimated 500 individuals from Cornwall who served overseas between 1914 and 1918.

Mark Goldhamer was regularly invited to speak on behalf of the Jewish community during Cornwall's Remembrance Day ceremonies. He noted that enthusiasm was high among Cornwall's Jews when it came time to enlist for service in the Second World War. Goldhamer estimated that almost all eligible young men and women signed up, a total of 43. One story Goldhamer told had to do with the attitude of some of Cornwall's non-Jews towards the war. A non-Jewish companion with whom he was playing ball outside the army barracks asked, "Why should you and I have to go to fight the war for the Jews …!?" The young man was very apologetic when he found out that his friend was Jewish, saying "I didn't mean you."

Prominent community member Archie Dover was among those who helped establish the Air Cadet League of Canada. The League was created in response to a need to stimulate interest in flying among aviation-minded youths. A Cornwall squadron was created in 1941 thanks to support from the Kiwanis Club and a number of men including Dover.

• Introduction
• Military Service
• Anti-Semitism
• Involvement in Community and Political Life