In the early years of World War I, it was not uncommon for Americans to enter into military service before the United States entered the war. Since the United States did not declare war on the Central Powers until 1917, Americans desiring to take part in the war enlisted in foreign armies. While one of the more common routes into service was to cross the border and enlist in the Canadian army, Americans fought on behalf of numerous Allied countries throughout the early war period.

The maple leaf badges on Robert Newton's collar show that he was a member of the Canadian army.

Identifier
NYSA_A0412-78_B14_F04_Newton_Robert

Date Original
1918

Language
English

Source
New York State Archives. New York (State). Education Dept. Division of Archives and History. World War I veterans' service data and photographs, 1917-1938. Series A0412-78, Box 14, Folder 4.

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