Local historian a guardian of war history

April 30, 2014 · 0 Comments

By Mark Pavilons
History is, in some ways, immortal.
People are not. But people are what bring history to life.
King author and historian Gavin Watt has been in battle dozens of times. From the Seven Years’ War to the Second World War, Watt has seen it all.
He’s not immortal – just a good actor who’s passionate about military history.
Considered by many as the “grandfather of re-enacting” in Canada, Watt has led many groups into simulated combat, recreating crucial battles from the Plains of Abraham to Vimy Ridge. Wearing military uniforms and carrying period firearms, these “weekend warriors” reinvigorate our history, through the smoke and gunfire. It goes way beyond hobby or sport.
It’s all an adventure, a tremendous amount of fun, he said. But aside from the camaraderie and sharing this passion is a strong respect for Canadian contributions through several key conflicts. The heart and spirit of our forefathers – our soldiers – live through today’s reenactors.
Watt’s recent focus has been on 18th century conflicts. His latest book is titled “Poisoned by Lies and Hypocrisy, America’s First Attempt to Bring Liberty to Canada, 1775-1776,” and he’s just put the finishing touches on his next book “Loyalist Refugees – Non-Military Refugees in Quebec 1775-1784.”
Watt’s devotion knows no bounds and literally spans centuries. His love of period firearms is evident and he’s owned hundreds over the years. He can tell you the drawbacks of the American Tommy Gun and the incredible firepower of the German MG42.
It’s hard to explain one’s passion for firearms, especially to those who don’t care much for weapons designed to kill.
It has nothing to do with male bravado, but rather an appreciation of mechanical engineering, design and function.
These are historic artifacts, not unlike medieval crossbows, suits of armour or ancient Greek arrowheads.
Humankind’s history is filled with conflict, struggle, war and implements of destruction. Some can’t help but appreciate the significance of it all.
From his very first U.S. army M-1A1 carbine to a 1700s British Brown Bess musket, Watt has a special place in his heart for them all.
Following Watt’s personal evolution through militaria is almost like a virtual tour of Canadian and world history. It goes beyond a personal interest as Watt’s involvement in several Ontario organizations has preserved and resurrected everything from military strategy and period uniforms to regimental pride from the two last major conflicts – The Great War and the Second World War.
Watt has had his finger in almost every pot, sometimes unwittingly.
His interest began at a young age growing up during the Second World War. He received his first artifact, a German bayonet and scabbard, from his cousin who served in the Royal Canadian Engineers. His father gave him his first rifle, a Lee Enfield and then Watt saved his own money to buy his first M-1A1 carbine.
His interest snowballed and in 1960 he joined the Ontario Arms Collectors Association which included members from all walks of life and all ages. He served two terms at secretary and president of the OACA through 1965 when he and some colleagues founded the Service Rifle Shooting Association.
Members of both groups did a tremendous amount of research into military firearms, reaching expert level of knowledge. Members also included current and former service personnel. The focus switched a little from firing weapons to historic displays, exercises and pageant demonstrations, bringing history to life for the first time in this manner.
The first field exercises or “war gaming” events were held in the late 1960s against the U.S. 19th Special Forces National Guard at West Point. These continued with their counterparts in the Buffalo area.
Watt said while enthusiasts were well versed in the technical and practical aspects of the firearms, these exercises gave them a sense of adventure. Moving through the woods with a rifle, field stripping it and knowing its strengths and weaknesses, gave it all a sense of realism.
The early historical pageants gave the public its first close-up glimpse of military regalia in action. The groups’ expertise and reputation grew and they became Ontario’s roving military historians.
They engaged in exercises with regular forces at CFB Borden, as well as security and intelligence personnel. Watt and his colleagues were invited as guest lecturers at Borden’s Combat Arms School. It was later moved to CFB Gagetown, but this relationship lasted for almost two decades.
In the early 1970s the members continued with uniformed historical enactments supporting Canadian bases at Borden and Kingston and events at Fort Niagara, to name a few. They provided many small arms and accoutrements for static displays at several bases, including Petawawa and North Bay.
Competition shooting events continued with Canadian regulars and reserves at Borden through the early 1980s.
The group narrowed its focus to more specific regiments and in 1975 they formed the King’s Royal Yorkers, a Revolutionary War unit which played a role in protecting Canada and founding Ontario. It was during this time that Watt fell in love with early military gear and began reading and researching everything he could about military engagements of the late 1700s.
The creation of Great War, Second World War Canadian and German military units followed as the membership expanded.
By “adopting” regiments, such as the Perth Regiment that served in Italy and northwest Europe, the group actually helped restore our past, and they worked with veterans’ associations to keep Canadian pride alive.
Given the combined amassed collections of artifacts, military knowledge and firearms expertise, the group evolved into a private travelling museum of sorts, and the Museum of Applied Military History was born.
They drew interest and support from across Canada and beyond. They’ve appeared in many spectacular reenactments celebrating anniversaries – from the War of 1812 and the Battle of Waterloo to Vimy Ridge and Mons. The group participated in reenactments in England and marked the 75th anniversary of the Great War, on Nov. 11, 1989 in Mons, Belgium.
A group of veterans in the Brantford area were trying to establish a museum of their own, and Watt and his colleagues rolled up their sleeves and helped create the Canadian Military Heritage Museum, a fabulous collection that literally spans centuries. Former military dealer and reenactor Rick Shaver runs the operation which is open to the public for a nominal charge. Watt said Rick has done a “fabulous job” maintaining and improving the facility. Visit http://www.cmhmhq.ca/.
Watt’s love of history has led to many meaningful contributions. Every little piece of militaria – from shell cases, ammo pouches, and helmets, to halftracks and cannons – is vital to keeping history alive.
It all means something.