Here is a pre-Great War era (pre-1914) postcard titled, “Signal Drill-Spelling the word N.I.A.G.A.R.A.” Signalling through flags helped with communication when soldiers could not speak due to distance, safety or security reasons. It could be crucial when information needed to be conveyed quickly. The use of the Niagara Commons area for military training began when the British troops were withdrawn from Canada in 1870-71. In June 1871, the Commons at Niagara were converted to a large-scale summer militia training camp called for Military District No 2. Niagara Camp brought a steady stream of troops to Niagara who went to fight in the Boer War, the First World War, the Second World War and the Korean War.