World War I Service
Patton was one of 4 participants in the first game to aid troops in World War I (Wilbert Carey, Raymond Kaighn, and George Day all aided in the effort in the United States). The YMCA's in France, UK, Canada, and the United States were all heavily involved in supporting troops in the war. With huts located in army camps, on the battlefronts, and at home, the Association served to develop the mental, social, and physical well-being of soldiers.
To learn more about the YMCA's WWI effort, click here!
To recognize the services of students and alumni involved in the war as both enlisted men or engaged in Association service, President of Springfield College (named International YMCA College at the time), Lawrence Doggett, sent out letters to alumni and students about their experiences to be read to students and faculty at a ceremony in their honor (April 24, 1916).
In response to Doggett, Patton details his service. Patton was serving as General Secretary of the Winnipeg YMCA branch when WWI began. Starting in November of 1915, he devoted all of his time to the well being of soldiers in Canada, first as the army work secretary for the soldiers in Winnipeg, and then as the army work secretary supervisor from 1916-1920. In these positions, Patton worked to attend to the spiritual and social needs of soldiers of tens of thousands of soldiers. He led programs, provided stationery for soldiers to write to their families, and provided entertainment in the form of magazines and physical activity. Soldiers informed him that his Christian work helped them to live clean and wholesome lives.
However, Patton's letters also reveal the troubles of war:
"Every few days, we go to the station to see that a trainload or more of soldiers, leaving the city or moving East from some more western point, are supplied with stationery, magazines, games and hymn sheets. We cheer them off and wish them God speed but knowing only too well that many will never come back."
Patton concludes his letter by acknowledging that he will most likely not go overseas, as he is needed for a supervisory role in Winnipeg. Nevertheless, he recognizes there is good work to be done on the homefront and urges students to stick to their bibles and keep their faith.