The Soldiers’ Tower: resources
Help for students and researchers
Find the facts you need about the history of the Soldiers' Tower and U of T's contributions in the First and Second World Wars.
All about the Soldiers' Tower
Features of Soldiers’ Tower
Take a virtual tour, from the memorial wall and memorial arch to the portraits, books and inscriptions in our museum.
The story of the Soldiers’ Tower (pdf)
This essay by Gordon MacKinnon, a member of the Soldiers' Tower committee, reviews the University’s military history and relates how the Tower was funded and built to serve as an eternal memorial.
The story of U of T in wartime
Biography of Thain McDowell (pdf)
This U of T graduate received the Victoria Cross for his heroism at Vimy Ridge.
U of T's alumni veterans (pdf)
Short biographies of some remarkable Canadians who have been honoured on stamps.
![In Memoriam Graduates and Undergraduates of the Faculty of Forestry killed in Action in the War of 1914-1918. Courtesy U of T Archives A1972-0025/006 [P006.101].](/sites/default/files/styles/landscape_3_2_crop_560x374/public/assets/landing_page/summary-block-small-images/Faculty%20of%20Forestry%20war%20dead.jpg?itok=yg_AiuXd)
Roll of Service 1914-1918
Read about the war effort home front at U of T, short biographies of those who lost their lives, and a list of postings for all who served.*
Researching U of T's fallen
Search for U of T community members by name at the Canadian Virtual War Memorial or Library and Archives Canada.
Video Recording: The Role of Canadians in the Second World War
At a virtual lecture on May 2, 2021, we commemorated the 75th anniversary of the end of the Second World War. Watch the video recording now to learn more about the Canadian contribution to victory.
* Published in 1921. Researchers might also wish to consult the Canadian Virtual War Memorial for the latest information. The Roll of Honour for those killed during the Second World War is not yet available online, but we are working towards that goal. In the meantime contact us directly for further information.
Stories from U of T Magazine’s archives
A university changed by war
How the First World War transformed U of T.
History of the carillon
Building “an audible and daily reminder”.
Toast to 18 comrades
A silver chalice became a poignant reminder to members of the first U of T corps sent overseas.
Restoring Soldiers’ Tower
After years of gradual wear and tear, the 87-year-old monument received some much-needed repairs.
Remembering John McCrae
One hundred years on, poppies still blow in Flanders Fields.
Thain MacDowell’s Victoria Cross
What eight intriguing objects tell us about U of T.
Behind Enemy Lines
U of T grads John Kenneth Macalister and Frank Pickersgill trained as spies. An unlucky event brought their lives to a tragic end.
Requiem for the Brave
Soldiers’ Tower honours John Kenneth Macalister and Frank Pickersgill for their military service during the Second World War.
Archival photos:
In Memoriam Graduates and Undergraduates of the Faculty of Forestry killed in Action in the War of 1914-1918. Courtesy U of T Archives A1972-0025/006 [P006.101].
Harold Reid Wilkonson, killed in action in 1917. Photo courtesy U of T Archives A1973-0026/515P (03).