1. The story of Major Ballachey SCHOOL
Your connection to the Great War

2. Major Panayoty Ballachey
Who was he?
Why was your school named after him?
Why you should care…

3. The Great War – the War to End All Wars
vs.
Germany and its allies were called the ‘Central Powers’
Britain and its allies were called the ‘Triple Entente’
Canada declared war as part of the British Empire
Canadians enlisted, died
Total casualties for the war: 9 million military personnel, 7 million civilians

4. Brantford During the War
Estimated to have the highest rate of enlistment in the Dominion (Canada), roughly 1:8
Over 5000 men and women enlisted just from this area (Brantford, Brant County and Six Nations)
Population of Brantford in 1914 was only

5. Brantford’s Response to the War

6. Panyoty Ballachey – ‘the best man in the 58th’
Lived at 64 Brant Ave (Dentist)
A member of the school board (Trustee and former Chairman)
Resigned from the school board once he was sent overseas
Rose to the rank of “Major” quickly and was recognized for excellent leadership and bravery
Struck by shrapnel and killed instantly at Sanctuary Wood on June as part of the “Battle of Mont Sorrell”
“A good man and a good soldier”

7. The Dedication
“Public recognition of the great debt this community owes to its fighting men as well as recognition of those who will not return, thereby providing a lasting, living and just memorial to all of Brantford’s noble heroes”

8. Major BallaCHEY ScHOOL – the first school built after the war
Ballachey’s name was chosen to represent all of the soldiers of Brantford who died in the Great War
The name by which this school will be known, “The Major Ballachey School” has been chosen to commemorate the men and women who gave us victory and peace. He was a manly, honest and brave man. He died that his children and ours might continue to enjoy freedom. His name has been chosen out of respect not only for himself, but for all the men and women of his type who did their bit, that the present generation and future generations might continue to enjoy freedom.

9. Major Ballachey School – named for an honorable, brave man

10. Questions?
Information on any of the men and women of Brantford, Brant County and Six Nations who were in the Great War can be found at