Sam Hughes
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Sir Samuel Hughes, was the Canadian Minister of Militia and Defence during World War I. After a stormy tenure in the position, he was dismissed by Prime Minister Sir Robert Borden in 1916.
Samuel Hughes, 1905
Major General Sam Hughes (left) at the saluting base during the review of Canadian troops at Camp Borden, ca. 1916.
Hughes visiting the Front in August 1916
Ross Rifle
MacAdam Shield Shovel
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The MacAdam Shield-Shovel, also known as the Hughes Shovel, was an item of Canadian infantry equipment during the First World War, combining the concept of a sniper shield with the blade of a shovel.
Sam Hughes
…made for difficult conditions for the men of the CEF, with many soldiers already complaining about the Ross rifle in training. Alderson replaced the Shield Shovels invented by Hughes's secretary, Ena MacAdam, with the standard British Army shovel, much to the relief of the CEF and to Hughes's fury. Hughes constantly…
Sir Samuel Hughes holding a McAdam Shield Shovel.
Colonel Sam Hughes watching Sergeant Hawkins demonstrating the MacAdam Shovel (Shield)