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July 28, 2014 marked the 100th anniversary of the start of the First World War. Although a century has now passed, there is no question that this war transformed the world in which we now live. Few communities went unaffected as their young men enlisted and found themselves fighting overseas, forever changed by their experiences. Many never made it home and countless families lost their husbands, sons, and brothers.

Both Innisfil and Bradford West Gwillimbury experienced their fair share of tragedy between 1914 and 1918, and we'd like to take a moment to remember a few of these men with their photos.

Duncan Reid, son of Phyllis and Joseph Reid. Killed in action November 1917 in France.

Roy Brown, with his sister Sadie Carr. Killed in action November 1917. 

J. Percy Bloxham, enlisted in the 177th Battalion, served with the 19th Battalion. Killed in action at Amiens on 16 August 1918.

Matthew Archer, son of Thomas and Jennie May Archer, died in France.

Hilliard Rainey, son of Jonathan and Emma Rainey, born and raised at SH lot 4, concession 3 of Innisfil. Killed in action at the battle of the Somme on 13 October 1916.

Pte. Roy Brown, son of Mr. and Mrs. George Brown of Holly. Killed in action November 1917.

Bert Marwood in his cadet uniform, in front of Fisher's Store in Cookstown (later Chestnut Inn). Killed in action. 

George Douse, son of J.G. Douse of Lefroy. Killed in action at the Battle of Cambrai with the 42nd Battalion on 29 September, 1918. 

Henry Christopher Douse, also son of Mr. and Mrs. J.G. Douse of Lefroy. Killed in action at the Battle of Cambrai with the 42nd Battalion on 29 September 1918. 

John Harrison Douse. Killed in action  with the 3rd Battalion at Amiens on 8 August 1918.