Tommy in Greatcoat is another monument designed by Emanuel Hahn and executed by the Thomson Monument Company. This version is in Victoria Park in Moncton, facing John St between Weldon and Cameron. It was erected by the local chapter of the IODE and dedicated in 1922.
The bronze figure stands on a granite base carved with the standard names of those killed and battles in which they fought. Black granite “books” were added on three sides at a later date, to mark WW2 and the Korean War.
One nursing sister is listed amongst the soldiers. Ruth Esther McKay was born in Moncton in November 1891. She graduated as a nurse in 1916 at the Winnipeg General Hospital. She enlisted as a nursing sister in March 1917. The January 1921 edition of The Canadian Nurse marks her death: “Miss Ruth McKay (WGH 16), at Albany NY, of septicemia following an operation for appendicitis. 1920” (vol 17, p 119)
Another Tommy in Greatcoat can be found in Lindsay, ON. As with other popular Hahn statues, several imitations in other locations borrow heavily on the design.
Great War 100 Reads 