Photo credit: Osler Library of the History of Medicine, McGill University
At the outbreak of World War I, the Osler family did not hesitate to join in the war effort. Lady Osler volunteered for the Red Cross and assisted in gathering provisions for soldiers on the home front and the refugees that were pouring into Europe. Sir William and Lady Osler even took some of the refugees into their own home to offer aid. During this time, William was also assisting in military hospitals and giving medical care to soldiers. It was during WWI, that Osler would suffer a great loss with the death of his son, Revere.
With the coming of war, Revere Osler joined the Officer Training Corps (OTC). He was stationed at the McGill hospital unit, but desired to be on the front lines to assist in the war effort firsthand. He finally achieved this once he was transferred to an Artillery Unit and held the rank of 2nd lieutenant. On August 27, 1917, Revere was fatally wounded with shrapnel from a shell that went off near him and some other officers. Though several world-renowned surgeons, including Harvey Cushing and George Washington Crile, attempted to save his life, Revere Osler died in the early morning hours on August 28.
Though Sir and Lady Osler continued assisting in the war efforts until its end, the loss of their only son was a devastating blow, and one that many say William Osler never recovered from. In his own words in Letter 57 to Ned Milburn, he stated that "the blow is a hard one but we must face it bravely. He was such a dear laddie, always so loving & considerate & had developed into a fine character. We had so much in common so that the parting is a terrible wrench."
William Osler letter to Ned Milburn, (48) September 4, 1914
In this letter Osler tells Ned of his change in travel plans due to World War I.
William Osler letter to Ned Milburn, (49) October 9, 1914
In this letter Osler mentions Ned being "laid up". He also explains that he will not be back to Canada until after the war. He also enclosed an address he gave to soldiers at a camp.
William Osler letter to Ned Milburn, (50) no date, 4, 1914
In this letter Osler discusses his Christmas holiday. He also updates Ned on the war effort and Revere joining the Universities and Public Schools Regiment.
William Osler letter to Ned Milburn, (51) May 5, 1915
In this letter Osler discusses Ned's issues with his eyes and ears. He also discusses the war and his assistance in treating many of the wounded including his nephew, Campbell Gwyn. He also mentions Revere joining the McGill unit under a Colonel Birkett.
William Osler letter to Ned Milburn, (52) December 10, 1915
In this letter Osler discusses the sad Christmas with all of the war casualties, including the sons of many of his friends. Also, he mentions that Revere is transferring to the Field Ambulance as it is more active than hospital life.
William Osler letter to Ned Milburn, (53) March 26, 1916
In this letter Osler asks Ned to send word from time to time and says that all is well with Revere.
William Osler letter to Ned Milburn, (54) no date, 4, 1916
In this letter Osler mentions the death of his nephew in the war. He also mentions that Revere is stationed at a camp at Newcastle.
William Osler letter to Ned Milburn, (55) November 24, 1916
In this letter Osler updates Ned on Revere's progress and his move to his battery in France.
William Osler letter to Ned Milburn, (56) April 25, 1917
In this letter Osler mentions his hope that Ned's daughter, Nonie Milburn, comes to visit while she is on leave. She was a trained nurse serving in the Canadian army.
William Osler letter to Ned Milburn, (57) September 2, 1917
Osler writes to Ned about the difficult loss of his dear son, Revere, in the war.
William Osler letter to Ned Milburn, (58) November 30, 1918
This is a post card written by William Osler to his life-long friend Ned Milburn at Christmas time. It was written two weeks after the end of World War I.
Photo credit: Osler Library of the History of Medicine, McGill University