World War I Fallen: N-S

Harold Nash was born in Great Missenden, Buckinghamshire, London, England, on August 3, 1893, the son of Thomas and Alice Ruth (nee Fulford) Nash, of Buckinghamshire, England. On September 18, 1881, Thomas (the son of a blacksmith, born January 1860) married Alice Ruth (born January 1861) in Great Missenden, Buckinghamshire, England. Thomas and Alice had 13 children together: Thomas William (born April 1883); Sarah Maria (born December 1884); Lucy (born April 1888); Frank (born March 7, 1890); Kirby (born July 1891); Harold (born 1893); Alice Julia (born January 1896); Charles (born July 1898); Dorothy (born August 1899); Oscar (born April 1901, passed away in January 1903 before the age of two); Esther Ruby (born October 1902); Walter (born April 1904); and Mervyn (born August 1905).

For 17-year-old Harold, tragedy struck him and the family when their father, Thomas, passed away in October 1910, in England, at age 50. Several months later, in the spring of 1911, widowed Alice Nash was still residing in Buckinghamshire, England, along with her children Frank, Harold, Charles, Dorothy, Esther Ruby, Walter and Mervyn. Two of her sons, 21-year-old Frank and 17-year-old Harold, were both employed as gardeners.

In the early part of 1913, 19-year-old Harold and his older brother, Frank, age 23, both immigrated to Canada. They departed from Liverpool, England, aboard S.S. Tunisian and arrived in Halifax on March 30, 1913. They both recorded their intended destination as Sarnia; their occupations as gardeners; and their intended occupations as farmers.

Almost 10 years later, and four years after the Great War ended, the youngest Nash sibling, Mervyn Nash, also immigrated to Canada. Sixteen-year-old Mervyn, with $10 in his pocket, arrived as a 3rd Class passenger aboard S.S. Andonia at Quebec, in June 1922 (his passage was paid for by the Salvation Army). Mervyn recorded his intended occupation as farm work, and he came to live in Sarnia. Unfortunately, 10 months after his arrival in the country, on April 27, 1923, Mervyn Nash passed away at Sarnia General Hospital at the age of 17. His death was due to Landry’s ascending paralysis, and he is buried at Lakeview Cemetery in Sarnia.

On September 10, 1915, both Harold Nash and his older brother Frank enlisted in the Canadian Over-Seas Expeditionary Force in Sarnia. Both Nash brothers gave up good positions at Imperial Oil Company to enlist and to serve their country. Their widowed mother, Alice, still in England, now had four sons serving in the Great War. Besides Harold and Frank, two others were already fighting in the trenches in France.

Twenty-five-year-old Frank Nash (#123210) enlisted in the Canadian Over-Seas Expeditionary Force on September 10, 1915, in Sarnia. He was residing at 110 Brock St., N. at the time. He stood five feet nine inches tall, had dark blue eyes and brown hair, was single, and recorded his trade or calling as fireman, and his next-of-kin as his mother, Alice Nash at Great Kingshill, Buckinghamshire, England. He became a member of the 70th Overseas Battalion, Canadian Expeditionary Force. Seven months later, on April 24, 1916, Private Frank Nash embarked overseas from Halifax bound for the United Kingdom aboard S.S. Lapland. He arrived in Liverpool, England, on May 5, 1916, and was soon training at Shorncliffe. On July 6, 1916, he was transferred to the 39th Battalion. Three months after arriving in England, on August 10, 1916, Private Frank Nash was transferred to the 18th Battalion, and two days later, he arrived in France.

Frank Nash soon found himself engulfed in the horrendous mass butchery that was the Battle of the Somme. Waged from July 1-November 18, 1916, it was one of the most futile and bloody battles in history. The Somme, a battle of attrition, lasted for more than four brutal months and saw the Allies advance around 10 kilometers. A more telling statistic is the number of injuries and deaths: of the 85,000 Canadian Corps, there were more than 24,000 Canadian casualties.

Approximately six weeks after arriving in France, on September 30, 1916, Private Frank Nash was wounded in action by shrapnel at the Somme. He was first taken into a dug-out, and then to a field ambulance where his wounds were dressed. The next day, he was taken to a Casualty Clearing Station where he was operated on, and shrapnel was removed. He was then admitted to #10 General Hospital in Rouen with “gun shot wound buttock, left thigh, face, dangerously ill”.

He remained in various hospitals for close to 10 months, including Springburn Woodside Hospital in Glasgow; King’s Canadian Red Cross Convalescent in Bushy Park; and Canadian Convalescent Hospital Bearwood in Wokingham, where he would undergo two further operations (haemorrhage and abscess), treatment and convalescing. Frank Nash was finally discharged from hospital in late June 1917, though his wounds prevented him from returning to the Front.

He remained on duty in England for the duration of the war, at Bearwood, Shorncliffe and Orpington. In early March 1918, he was granted permission to marry. On March 13, 1918, Frank married Lucy Rosina Gray (born May 1889 in Paddington, London, England) at St. Columb Church in Notting Hill, London, England. Frank and Lucy’s first child, Irene Nash, was born June 17, 1919, in London, England. 

In mid-March 1919, Frank was admitted to Canadian General Hospital in Orpington, to receive further treatment for his “debility”, that included partial loss of function of his left leg—a permanent condition. He was discharged from the hospital three months later. In July 1919, he was discharged from military service in London, England on demobilization. After being discharged, Frank returned to life in Sarnia, initially residing at 153 Essex Street. His wife Lucy and their daughter Irene immigrated to Sarnia in 1919.

The following year, Lucy’s parents, her two sisters, and her brother, also immigrated to Canada and moved to Sarnia. In 1921, Frank, employed as a fireman, and Lucy, along with their daughter Irene, were residing at 228 Maria Street, Sarnia. Residing with them were Lucy’s parents Walter and Florence Gray; her sisters Amy (age 20), and Florence (age 9); and her brother Frederick Gray (age 12).

Frank and Lucy’s second child was born in Sarnia on March 4, 1922, a daughter, Dorothy Rosina (later Burt). In 1931, Frank, Lucy, Irene, and Rosina were residing at 252 Essex St. Fifty years later, on February 5, 1981, Frank Nash passed away in Sarnia. Four years later, in 1985, Lucy Nash passed away. Both Frank and Lucy are buried in Lakeview Cemetery. Their daughter Dorothy Rosina Burt passed away on September 29, 1996, in Sarnia, and she is also buried at Lakeview Cemetery.

Twenty-two-year-old Harold Nash enlisted in the Canadian Over-Seas Expeditionary Force on September 10, 1915, in Sarnia (along with his older brother Frank). He was residing at 137 Brock St., N. at the time. He stood five feet nine-and-one-quarter inches tall, had blue eyes and brown hair, was single, and recorded his trade or calling as stationary engineer, and his next-of-kin as his mother, Alice Nash at Great Kingshill, Buckinghamshire, England. He and his brother Frank became members of the 70th Overseas Battalion, Canadian Expeditionary Force. Both brothers embarked overseas together from Halifax bound for the United Kingdom on April 24, 1916 aboard S.S. Lapland.

Harold and Frank arrived in Liverpool, England on May 5, 1916, and both were soon training at Shorncliffe. On July 6, 1916, both brothers were transferred to the 39th Battalion at West Sandling. Six weeks later, on August 20, 1916, Private Harold Nash arrived in France as a member of the 39th Battalion (his brother Frank had

arrived one week earlier with the 18th Battalion). The next day, Harold became a member of the Canadian Infantry, 

73rd Battalion, Quebec Regiment.

Like his brother Frank, Harold Nash soon found himself engulfed in the horrendous mass butchery that was the Battle of the Somme. Waged from July 1-November 18, 1916, it was one of the most futile and bloody battles in history. The Somme, a battle of attrition, lasted for more than four brutal months and saw the Allies advance around 10 kilometers. A more telling statistic is the number of injuries and deaths: of the 85,000 Canadian Corps, there were more than 24,000 Canadian casualties.

Frank Nash had been seriously wounded by shrapnel on September 30 at the Somme, only six weeks after he arrived in France. Though he survived, his war was over. For Harold Nash, on October 4, 1916, just five days after his brother was wounded, he completed his Military Will on page 20 of his Pay Book. In it he wrote, “In the event of my Death I give the whole of my property & effects to my Mother – Mrs. Alice Nash, Hatches Lane, Gt. Kingshill Near High Wycomb, Bucks, England.”

Harold Nash survived the Battle of the Somme, but not for much longer. One month after the “end” of the Battle of the Somme, Private Harold Nash was wounded by enemy gunfire while fighting in the area of the Somme. On December 26, 1916, Harold was admitted to No. 23 Casualty Clearing Station recorded as “DANGEROUSLY WOUNDED”. Two days later, Private Harold Nash was recorded as “DIED OF WOUNDS. Dec. 28th, 1916, at No. 23 C.C.S.. Nature of Casualty ascertained to be gun shot wound right arm & abdomen.”

His Circumstances of Death Register records the following: Date of Casualty: 28-12-16. “DIED OF WOUNDS” (Gun Shot Wounds Right Arm, and Abdomen) at No. 23 Casualty Clearing Station. Lapugnoy Military Cemetery, 5 miles West of Bethune, France.

Harold Nash, 23, is buried in Lapugnoy Military Cemetery, Pas de Calais, France, Grave II.A.4.

Four years after Harold Nash’s death, in December 1920, his widowed mother Alice Nash passed away in Buckinghamshire, England at the age of 59.

Source: The Sarnia War Remembrance Project by Tom Slater

Editors: Tom St. Amand and Lou Giancarlo

Urban Joseph Noel was born in Bay City, Charlevoix, Michigan, on August 3, 1896, the son of Francis “Frank” P. and Marie Amanda “Maud” (nee Beaudoin) Noel. Frank (born May 23, 1865, in Quebec) married Maud (born March 9, 1868, in Quebec) on July 6, 1886, in Bay City, Michigan. Frank and Maud had 11 children together: Maud Grace (born November 1888, in Michigan); Francis “Frank Jr.” (born July 1889); Bertha (born June 1892, in Michigan); Laura (born June 1894, in Michigan); Urban Noel; Eva (born June 1898, in Michigan); Della (born May 10, 1900, in Michigan); Rita Belle (born February 4, 1902, in Ontario); Thelma Margaruite (born January 1, 1904, in Lambton); Verna (born May 31, 1908, in Sarnia); and Norma (born May 1911).

In 1900, the Noel family was residing in Munising Township, Alger, Michigan, where Frank Sr. was working as a “day labourer” to support his family. By 1904, the Noel family had moved to Sarnia, residing at 109 Collingwood Street and later 174 Cotterbury Street. In May 1910, 13-year-old Urban Noel was confirmed at Our Lady of Mercy Catholic Church, Sarnia.  

In September 1908, Urban’s older sister, Maud Grace, married Percival Guertin in Sarnia. Percival and Maud had four children together. Like Urban, Percival also served in the Great War. For Percival, 14 months after arriving in France, he was killed in action during fighting in the trenches in April of 1918. Percival, age 31, has no known grave. He is memorialized on the Vimy Memorial and on the Sarnia cenotaph. (Percival Guertin’s story is included in this Project).

Twenty-year-old Urban Noel enlisted in the Canadian Over-Seas Expeditionary Force on May 29, 1917, in Hamilton, Ontario. He stood five feet five-and-a-half inches tall, had blue eyes and light brown hair, was single, and was living in Peterborough, Ontario, at the time. He recorded his trade or calling as machinist and his next-of-kin as his father, Frank Sr., who was living at 226 Balcom Street in Eau Claire, Wisconsin, USA. Urban became a member of the Depot Regiment, Canadian Mounted Rifles, Canadian Over-Seas Expeditionary Force.

Urban Noel embarked overseas from Halifax bound for the United Kingdom aboard S.S. Scandinavian on October 20, 1917. He arrived in Liverpool, England, on November 1, 1917, and was transferred to the 8th Reserve Battalion the next day, where he was stationed at Shorncliffe. Five months later, on April 7, 1918, Urban became a member of the Canadian Infantry, 102nd Battalion, Central Ontario Regiment, with the rank of private. Two days later, Urban arrived in France at the Canadian Corps Reinforcement Camp (CCRC). Just over one month later, on May 20, 1918, Private Urban Noel arrived at the front lines with the 102nd Battalion.

Early in the summer of 1918, Allied Commanders proposed a plan to take advantage of German disarray following their failed Spring Offensive. Canadian troops were to play a key role as “shock troops” in cracking the German defences. They spent two months preparing for what became their Hundred Days Campaign. Urban was soon embroiled in this Campaign, one that featured intense and brutal fighting as the end of the war neared.

Just over two months after arriving at the front, Urban was taking part in The Hundred Days Campaign (August 8 – November 11, 1918, in France and Belgium). It was the “beginning of the end” of the Great War. Canadians were called on again and again over the three-month period to lead the offensives against the toughest German defences. The series of victories repeatedly drove the Germans back, culminating in Germany’s unconditional surrender on November 11, but it came at a high price: approximately 46,000 Canadians were killed, wounded, or missing.

The first offensive in the Campaign was the Battle of Amiens in France (August 8-14, 1918), a truly all-arms battle, one in which all four Canadian divisions were involved. Over the course of one week, in a battle that British Field Marshal Douglas Haig called “the finest operation of the war”, the Canadians would advance nearly 14 kms—but it came at a cost of 11,822 Canadian casualties.

On August 8, 1918, approximately 10 weeks after arriving at the front lines, Private Urban Noel was killed by enemy gunfire during an attack at the Battle of Amiens. His Circumstances of Death Register records the following: Date of Casualty: 8-8-18. “Killed in Action.” He took part with his Company in an attack and when emerging from Beaucourt Wood he was hit in the head by a bullet and killed, between the first and second objective. Cemetery: Beaucourt Churchyard, 3 ½ miles East of Moreuil, France.

In September 1918, Frank Sr. and Maud Noel at 174 Cotterbury Street in Sarnia, received a letter from the Battalion Chaplain. The following is an excerpt from that letter:

102nd Can. Inf. Battalion, France, Aug. 15, 1918

My Dear Mr. Noel,

It is my sad duty to announce to you the death of your son U.J. Noel, No. 226970 which occurred on Aug. 8th while he was in action with the enemy. I was with your son, but a few hours before he met death, and heard his confession and gave him Holy communion. In paying the supreme price for the cause of right your son merits a martyrs crown in Heaven and an inestimable debt of gratitude from mankind. He was a noble soldier and a good devout Practical Catholic.

Your son was buried in the 11th Can. Inf. Batt. Cemetery at Beaucourt en Santerre on Aug. 10th with Military honors and Catholic services…. His personal effects will be forwarded to you in due time through proper channels. Accept my heartfelt sympathy and assurance of prayers for the repose of your son’s soul.

                                                                                                Very Sincerely, Chas. A. Fallon, R.C. Chaplain

Urban Noel, 22, is buried in Beaucourt British Cemetery, Somme, France, Grave B.18. Urban’s sister, Maud, had lost her husband Percival Guertin only four months earlier.

In 1921, parents Frank Sr. (then a fireman) and Maud were still residing at 174 Cotterbury Street in Sarnia, along with their children: Frank Jr. (age 32, a pipefitter); Rita (age 19); Thelma (age 17); Verna (age 13); and Norma (age 10). Two years later, on September 2, 1923, Frank Noel Sr., a refinery employee, passed away in Sarnia at the age of 59. Amanda “Maud” Noel passed away in 1939, in Sarnia, at the age of 71. Both Frank Sr. and Amanda Noel are buried in Our Lady of Mercy Roman Catholic Cemetery in Sarnia.

Source: The Sarnia War Remembrance Project by Tom Slater

Editors: Tom St. Amand and Lou Giancarlo

James Miller Pirrie was born in Paisley, Scotland, on June 26, 1897, the son of John Alexander and Marion Harkness (nee Wylie) Pirrie. John Alexander (born January 27, 1867) and Marion Harkness (born December 23, 1866) were both born in Paisley, Renfrewshire, Scotland, and were married there on March 7, 1890. John Sr. and Marion Pirrie had six children together: John Jr. (born January 18, 1891); Annie (born 1894); Thomas Wyllie (born September 27, 1895); James Miller (born 1897); Catherine (born 1901); and Ferguson Stewart (born June 23, 1907).

In 1891, John Pirrie Sr. was employed as a hot presser, living in Paisley, Renfrewshire, along with his wife Marion and their two-month-old baby, John Jr. Ten years later, in 1901, the Pirrie family was still living in Renfrewshire—parents John Sr. (employed as a printers cutter) and Marion (both age 34), along with their children John Jr. (age 10), Annie (age 7), Thomas (age 5), James (age 3) and Catherine (age 5-months).

In 1913, John Pirrie Sr., age 46, immigrated to Canada. Departing from Glasgow, he arrived aboard S.S. Letitia in St. John’s, Newfoundland, on April 14, 1913. He recorded his final destination as Sarnia, and his former, and intended occupation, as printer’s cutter. The rest of the Pirrie family immigrated to Canada soon after.

Thomas Wyllie Pirrie, age 17, immigrated to Canada on his own. He departed Glasgow aboard S.S. Cassandra and arrived in Quebec on July 8, 1913. With $10 in his pocket, he recorded that he was going to his father in Sarnia and that he intended to resume his occupation as an engineer.

The rest of the Pirrie family immigrated the following year, departing from Glasgow aboard S.S. Athenia and arriving in Montreal in late April 1914. Their recorded ages and occupations were: Marion Pirrie (47, housewife); and children John Jr. (23, grocer, along with his 23-year-old wife Georgina); Annie (20, weaver); James (16, labourer); Catherine (13, scholar); and Ferguson (6, scholar). The Pirrie family resided at 304 Campbell Street, Sarnia.

Two of James Pirrie’s brothers also served in the war.

            Thomas Wyllie was the first Pirrie to join, enlisting in the Canadian Over-Seas Expeditionary Force on September 23, 1914, in Valcartier, Quebec, just days before his 19th birthday. He stood five feet seven-and-a-half inches tall, had light blue eyes and fair hair, was single, and recorded his trade or calling as machinist, and his next-of-kin as his father, Mr. John Pirrie Sr. at 304 Campbell Street, Sarnia. Thomas became a member of the Canadian Army Medical Corps (CAMC), No. 2 Field Ambulance. Private Thomas Pirrie embarked overseas from Quebec bound for the United Kingdom aboard S.S. Cassandra on October 4, 1914. Four months later, on February 9, 1915, he arrived in France with the 2nd Field Ambulance.

That month, the 1st Canadian Division embarked for the frontline trenches, and found themselves in a cratered, eviscerated wasteland of mud, wasted vegetation, and unburied bodies. In early April 1915, the Canadians arrived at the Ypres salient battlefield in Belgium, an area traditionally referred to as Flanders. It was here that the Canadians engaged in their first battle of the war, the Second Battle of Ypres—their baptism by fire.

It was here, on April 20, 1915, at the Second Battle of Ypres, that Private Thomas Pirrie was admitted to No. 2 Canadian Stationary Hospital in Le Touquet with a “sprained ankle”. On April 27, he was evacuated to England and moved to 2nd Southern General Hospital in Bristol. There he was treated for his fractured right (fibula) leg and ankle. On May 5, he was receiving treatment for his fractured fibula at the Military Hospital at Suffolk. One month later, on June 8, 1915, he was discharged to duty from hospital after seven days furlough. Private Thomas Pirrie spent the remainder of his service in England.

Thomas trained as a masseur and performed that duty at locations including hospitals in Monk’s Horton, Bushy Park, and Orpington. He was awarded Good Conduct Badges in late August 1916 and again in late September 1916. On May 18, 1918, he was granted permission to marry. Thomas, 23, married 24-year-old Florence Lillian Helena Fanner (born in England) on June 16, 1918, at St. John the Evangelist in Hammersmith, England. Thomas was living in the Military Hospital in Orpington at the time.

Private Thomas Pirrie survived the war. In mid-January 1919, he spent two weeks in No. 16 Canadian General Hospital in Orpington, receiving treatment for influenza. He was discharged from hospital two weeks later, and eight months later, in early September 1919, he sailed from Liverpool and returned to Canada. Thomas of the CAMC was discharged from service on demobilization on September 15, 1919. In 1921, Thomas (employed as a mail carrier), Florence, and their one-year-old daughter, Iris, were residing at 115 Ann Street, Sarnia.

Twenty-four-year-old John Jr. was the third Pirrie to join, enlisting in the Canadian Over-Seas Expeditionary Force on September 20, 1915, in Sarnia. He stood five feet six inches tall, had brown eyes and dark hair, and recorded his trade or calling as brass worker, and his next-of-kin as his wife, Georgina, at 304 Campbell Street, Sarnia (the address was later changed to 143 Samuel Street, Sarnia). Private John Pirrie Jr. became a member of the 70th Battalion, CEF. He embarked overseas from Halifax bound for the United Kingdom aboard S.S. Lapland on April 24, 1916. He arrived in Liverpool, England on May 5, 1916.

Health issues would prevent John from having the opportunity to cross the Channel to fight in the front lines of France and Belgium. On June 2, 1916, John was admitted to Moore Barracks, suffering with a severe case of influenza. He recovered after three weeks but had suffered a hernia brought on by excessive coughing while in hospital. On June 29, 1916, he was admitted to Shorncliffe Military Hospital in Hastings where he remained for three-and-a-half months and received treatment for his hernia, varicose veins, and chest conditions. While there, on July 10, 1916, John Pirrie Jr. was made a member of the 39th Battalion. He was discharged from the military hospital on October 10, 1916.

Almost three months later, on January 4, 1917, he was transferred to the 6th Reserve Battalion at West Sandling. He remained in England, with some chest trouble, at the Canadian Casualty Assembly Centre (CCAC) at East Sandling, and then the Eastern Ontario Regimental Depot (EOR) at Seaford. On October 31, 1917, he was transferred to the Central Ontario Regimental Depot (CORD), and days later, transferred to Canadian Discharge Depot (CDD) in Buxton. On November 6, 1917, he sailed from Liverpool aboard S.S. Olympic, to be discharged in Canada. In early December 1917, he was admitted to the London Military Convalescent Hospital. In early January 1918, he was treated for bronchitis. On February 5, 1918, Private John Pirrie was discharged in Guelph, Ontario, “being medically unfit for further military service”.

James Miller was the second Pirrie to join, enlisting in Sarnia in the Canadian Over-Seas Expeditionary Force on July 12, 1915, one month after his 18^th birthday (he enlisted 10 months after his older brother Thomas had enlisted). The minimum age to join the military at that time was 18 years old. James stood five feet seven inches tall, had hazel eyes and light brown hair, was single, and recorded his trade or calling as labourer, and his next-of-kin as his father, John Pirrie Sr. at 304 Campbell Street, Sarnia. James also recorded his place of birth as Sarnia (though he was born in Scotland). James became a member of the 34th Battalion, Bugle Band, Canadian Expeditionary Force.

Private James Pirrie embarked overseas aboard S.S. California on October 23, 1915, arriving in England, on November 1, 1915. Six months later, in mid-May 1916, following a route march, he noticed swelling of his left leg that pained him when he walked. The pain was getting worse, and his puttees seemed to cause more pain. On May 17, 1916, he was admitted to Moore Barracks, Canadian Hospital, in Shorncliffe, due to varicose veins. Five days later, he was transferred to VAD Hospital in Ashford, where he remained until June 16, 1916. In early July 1916, he was transferred to the 36th Battalion, based at West Sandling, and by the end of the month, he was transferred to the 35th Battalion.

Approximately six weeks later, on September 10, 1916, James became a member of the Canadian Infantry, 4th Battalion, Canadian Mounted Rifles (CMR), with the rank of private. [Note: Initially it was the 4th Regiment, CMR, but in January 1916, it was re-designated the 4th Battalion, CMR]. Days after becoming part of this battalion, in mid-September 1916, James arrived in France.

When the war began, many of the traditional generals were not yet ready to concede that the day of the horse was over; however, as the war progressed, faced with deep trench complexes, machine guns, mechanized artillery, and barbed wire, there were few cavalry charges on the Western Front, as horse-mounted troop regiments became an outdated mode of warfare. Often the cavalrymen were required to dismount and fight as infantry during the larger battles. Other duties included mounted patrol work, escort duties, traffic control, trench mapping, stretcher bearing, as well as pursuit of the enemy during offensive operations.

The 4th Battalion, CMR, was soon thrust into the horrendous mass butchery that was the Battle of the Somme. Waged from July 1-November 18, 1916, it was one of the most futile and bloody battles in history. The Somme, a battle of attrition, lasted for more than four brutal months and saw the Allies advance around 10 kilometers. A more telling statistic is the number of injuries and deaths: of the 85,000 Canadian Corps, there were more than 24,000 Canadian casualties.

One month into the Battle of the Somme, on October 21, 1916, James Pirrie was admitted to No. 1 Convalescent Depot, in Boulogne, due to V.D.S. ulcers. The following day, he was transferred to No. 39 General Hospital in Havre, where he remained until being discharged on December 13, 1916.

On January 21, 1917, he was admitted to No. 8 Canadian Field Ambulance due to influenza where he remained for five days. On January 30, 1917, he was admitted to No. 10 Canadian Field Ambulance and the following day was transferred to Divisional Rest Station because of conjunctivitis. He remained there until February 8, 1917, when he rejoined his unit.

In the new year, the 4th Battalion, Canadian Mounted Rifles took part in two of the defining battles of that year in France. The Battle of Vimy Ridge (April 9-12, 1917) was the first time (and the last time in the war) that all four divisions of the Canadian Corps, with soldiers from every region in the country, would surge forward simultaneously. The four-day victory at Vimy Ridge was a seminal battle, a turning point in the war for the Canadian Corps and a significant victory for Canada, later referred to as “the birth of a nation”.  Of the 97,000 Canadians who fought at Vimy Ridge, approximately 7,004 were wounded and 3,598 were killed in four days of battle. 

The Attack on Hill 70 and Lens in France (August 15-25, 1917) was the second-largest Canadian military undertaking up to that point in the war, second only to Vimy. It was the first major battle orchestrated by Canadian commander Lieutenant-General Arthur Currie. It was also the first time German forces used flame-throwers and mustard gas against the Canadians. It became known as “Canada’s forgotten battle of the First World War”. The Canadians successfully captured Hill 70, but were unable to take the city of Lens. The 10-day battle came at a cost of approximately 9,100 Canadians listed as killed, wounded or missing.

By mid-October 1917, James was part of the Canadian Corps that arrived in an area of Flanders, Belgium, with some of the most ghastly and appalling battlefield conditions ever—a place known asPasschendaele.

The Battle of Passchendaele was fought between October 26 – November 10, 1917. The battle was waged in unceasing rain on a battlefield that was a nightmarish mess of rotting, mangled corpses, gagging gas, water-filled craters, and glutinous mud. Overcoming almost unimaginable hardships and horrific fighting conditions, the Canadians achieved a remarkable victory that few thought possible; however, it came at a cost of almost 12,000 Canadian wounded and more than 4,000 Canadians killed.

On October 26, 1917, Private James Pirrie of the 4th CMR, was killed in action during the grisly Battle of Passchendaele, Belgium. His Circumstances of Death Register records the following: Date of Casualty: 26-10-17. “Killed in Action.” Location of unit at time of Casualty: ATTACK WEST OF PASSCHENDAELE.

Note: Another Sarnian, Charles Edwin Knight, lost his life in the same battle on the same day (Charles Knight’s story is included in this Project).

James Pirrie, 20, has no known grave. He is memorialized on the Menin Gate (Ypres) Memorial, Belgium, Panel 30, 32. On the Sarnia cenotaph, his name is inscribed as J.M. Pierrie.

In 1921, the Pirrie family, 54-year-old parents John Sr. (a carpenter) and Marion, and their children Catherine (age 20) and Ferguson (age 14) were still residing at 304 Campbell Street, Sarnia. Catharine Pirrie later married James William West, on October 19, 1924, in Sarnia. On November 3, 1934, Ferguson Stewart Pirrie (a graduate of Sarnia Collegiate, residing at 214 Emma Street, Sarnia), married Marjorie Ruth Swainson (residing at 196 Queen Street, Sarnia) in Sarnia.

Source: The Sarnia War Remembrance Project by Tom Slater

Editors: Tom St. Amand and Lou Giancarlo

Leslie Playne was born in Amberley, Gloucestershire, England, on September 15, 1894, the son of Alexander Whateley and Florence Elizabeth (nee Field) Playne, of Stanley Street, Bedford, England. Alexander (born January 1854, Gloucestershire) married Florence (born 1863 in Bengal, India) on April 14, 1887 in West Kensington St. Andrew, England. Alexander and Florence Playne had nine children together: daughters Nora (born January 1888); Violet (born October 1889); and Doreen (born July 1906); and sons Penderel (born January 1894); Leslie (born September 1894); Osman (born March 1898); Norman (born July 1900); Vernon (born January 1902); and Courtenay (born October 1903). Leslie Playne was baptized on October 13, 1895, in Amberley. In 1901, the Playne family was residing in the town of Theescombe in Gloucestershire—parents Alexander and Florence, and their children Nora, Violet, Penderel, Leslie, Osman, and Norman, and their 14-year-old servant Lilian Lewis.

Ten years later, in 1911, the Playne family was residing in Bedford, Bedfordshire—parents Alexander and Florence, and their children Violet, Norman, Vernon, Courtenay and Doreen. Alexander supported his family as a master woolen cloth manufacturer who, at the time, was engaged in private indigo dyeing research work. Leslie, age 16, was a student residing in Horsham, Sussex, England, where he attended the Christ’s Hospital School, also called Bluecoat School in West Horsham, Sussex (at the time, approximately 100 boys were registered there, ages 12-18).

In February 1912, 17-year-old Leslie immigrated to Canada, sailing from Liverpool, England, aboard the passenger ship Corsican. He arrived in Halifax, Nova Scotia, on February 10, 1912. With $50 in his pocket, he recorded his final intended destination as Toronto, and his intended occupation as a clerk. At some point after, he ended up in Sarnia, working as an accountant at the Canadian Bank of Commerce, located at 190 Front St.

On his 20th birthday, September 15, 1914, Leslie enlisted in the Canadian Over-Seas Expeditionary Force in Sarnia. He had been a member of the 27th Regiment, St. Clair Borderers, with the rank of private. He completed his Attestation Paper on September 22, 1914, at Valcartier Camp, Quebec. He stood five feet six-and- three-quarter inches tall, had brown eyes and black hair, and was single. He recorded his trade or calling as bank accountant and his next-of-kin as his mother, Florence Playne at 9 Stanley Street in Bedford, England. He also recorded that he had three years prior military service, in the Officers Training Corps, Christ’s Hospital Division, England. Leslie embarked overseas bound for the United Kingdom aboard S.S. Laurentic on October 3, 1914, as a member of Canadian Infantry, 1st Battalion, part of the 1st Division of the Canadian Expeditionary Force.

Two months later, on December 1, 1914, Leslie was stationed in England acting as pay sergeant attached to a staff. Four months later, on April 1, 1915, Leslie was taken on strength into the Canadian Pay and Record Office Details in London, England, with the rank of sergeant. Nine months later, on January 6, 1916, Leslie was admitted to No. 2 London General Hospital, Chelsea, with a diagnosis of varicocele (a vein enlargement). He remained there for almost three weeks, being discharged to duty on January 26, 1916.

Approximately eight months later, on October 2, 1916, Leslie Playne ceased to be attached to the Pay Office, and was taken on strength to the 36th Battalion in West Sandling for duty. In late December 1916, Leslie proceeded to Royal Flying Corps (RFC) School for Officers Training Course. In early February 1917, he was transferred to the 3rd Reserve Battalion in West Sandling, and two months later in mid-April 1917, he received an appointment to commission in the British Army, Royal Flying Corps (RFC).

Flying, still in its infancy, was extremely dangerous. The wooden-framed planes were flimsy and equipping the light aircraft with heavy weaponry was problematic. The demands of war meant that pilot training was often cursory. Many recruits had only a few hours of instruction before being expected to fly solo; consequently, more pilots died from accidents and mechanical failure than from enemy fire. By war’s end, almost a quarter of all British flyers were Canadian. Of 6,166 British Empire air service fatalities, 1,388 were Canadian. An additional 1,130 Canadians were wounded or injured, and 377 became prisoners of war or were interned.

Eleven months after receiving his commission in the Royal Flying Corps (RFC), on March 27, 1918, Leslie Playne lost his life during action in France. An RFC 2nd Lieutenant, Playne was simply recorded as “missing 27-3-18, France”. In May 1918, the Sarnia Observer received a letter reporting that the former Sarnia man was missing. Following is a portion of the Observer article:

Former Young Sarnia Bank Clerk Is Reported Missing

Lieut. Leslie Playne Pouring Shot and Shell into Enemy When Last Seen

A letter has been received in this city, reporting that a former young Sarnia man was missing… He was reported missing March 27th. The following message was received by his parents: “Regret to inform you that Second Lieutenant Leslie Playne, R.A.S., reported missing March 27th.” Lieut. Playne, prior to his enlistment, was on the staff of the Canadian Bank of Commerce, in Sarnia, and was one of the first to respond to the call, going to England with the First Canadian Contingent, and has been in active service since the early days of the war. He returned to France on March 23rd, after a fortnight’s leave to England and had been on the firing line four days, when he was reported missing. From information received, the last seen of the heroic young officer, he was attacking German infantry with bombs and machine gun. Since then he has failed to return. There is a slight chance that he was taken prisoner and in the hands of the Germans. What ever his fate, the young man did his work nobly and fought to the last. While in Sarnia, he made a host of friends for his manly and gentlemanly ways and was esteemed by all who had the pleasure of his acquaintance. He was a lover of sports, and was actively engaged in the organization of an athletic association in Sarnia when the war broke out.

The Commonwealth War Graves Commission and the Canadian Virtual War Memorial (Veterans Affairs Canada) websites both record Second Lieutenant Leslie Playne as a member of the Air Force, Royal Flying Corps, 16th Squadron. Only days after Playne lost his life, on April 1, 1918, the Royal Flying Corps (RFC), which was the air arm of the British Army, amalgamated with the Royal Naval Service to become the Royal Air Force (RAF).

Leslie Playne, 23, has no known grave. He is memorialized on the Arras Memorial, Pas de Calais, France. His name is inscribed on the Sarnia Canadian Bank of Commerce Plaque (pg. 1173). His name was not originally on the Sarnia cenotaph, unveiled in November 1921. In November 2019, his name, along with 25 others, was added to the Sarnia cenotaph, engraved in stone to be remembered always.  

Source: The Sarnia War Remembrance Project by Tom Slater

Editors: Tom St. Amand and Lou Giancarlo

Albert Edwin Potter was born in Point Edward, Ontario, on July 9, 1896, the son of Albert Victor and Flora Louisa (nee Beaseley) Potter. (NOTE: Ontario Birth Records record Albert Edwin Potter’s birth date as July 10, 1896; however, Albert recorded his birthdate in his Military Personnel Files as July 9, 1896).

Albert Victor Potter (born September 29, 1867, in Dorsetshire, England) had immigrated to Canada in 1871 and married Flora Louisa Beaseley (born June 3, 1876 in Point Edward, Ontario) on December 27, 1893 in Point Edward. Albert Sr. and Flora had six children together: William Olive (born December 7, 1894); Albert Edwin Jr. (born July 1896); Gordon Clifford (born December 16, 1899); Clarence Willard (born August 21, 1901); Hubert (born 1907); and Lillian Genevieve (born October 7, 1910). The Potter family resided at 173 South Brock Street in Sarnia.

Albert Potter Jr. came from a family that had a long military background; for example, his father, Albert Sr., a GTR locomotive fireman, also tried to enlist in WWI but was not allowed to join. His maternal grandfather ran away at the age of 17 to fight his country’s battles, going through the Crimean and other wars in Europe. After serving for 15 years, Albert’s maternal grandfather immigrated to Canada. Many years later, Albert Potter Jr. trained at Aldershot, the same site in England where his grandfather had trained more than half a century before.

Albert’s older brother William also served in the war. Twenty-year-old William enlisted in the Canadian Over-Seas Expeditionary Force (CEF) on January 27, 1915, in Sarnia. He stood five feet nine inches tall, had blue eyes and fair hair, was single, and recorded his job or calling as painter and his next-of-kin as his father Albert Potter Sr. of Sarnia. William became a member of the 7th Canadian Mounted Rifles, with the rank of private. He embarked overseas bound for the United Kingdom on June 9, 1915. For almost a year, he remained in England training at locations including Shorncliffe, Aldershot, Bulford, and Newcastle. He was also hospitalized a few times while in England due to different illnesses. 

On May 21, 1916, William Potter embarked for France. Two months later, in late July, he was a patient in No. 3 Canadian General Hospital in Boulogne with an illness. In late August 1916, he returned to England where he remained for more than a year. While there, he served with a number of units including the Fort Garry Horse Reserve Regiment (FGHRR) in Shorncliffe; the 64th Battalion at Hastings; the 2nd Canadian Labour Battalion (CLB) at Seaford; the 16th Reserve Battalion; and the Canadian Reserve Cavalry Regiment (CRCR). William returned to Canada aboard S.S. Carmania on September 8, 1917, and was transferred to the Canadian Military Police Corps (CMPC), No. 1 Detachment. Lance Corporal William Potter was discharged on demobilization on February 6, 1919 in London, Ontario.

Albert Edwin Potter Jr. was a young man who got to the front through sheer determination, for he had been rejected three times for active service. On February 12, 1915, at the age of 18, he enlisted for the first time in the Canadian Over-Seas Expeditionary Force (CEF) in Sarnia (two weeks after his older brother William had

enlisted). Albert recorded his trade or calling as clerk, and his next-of-kin as his father, Albert Potter Sr. of 173 South Brock Street, Sarnia. He stood five feet six-and-a-half inches tall and was single. He became a member of No. 3 Stationary Hospital Corps and remained with that unit for three months. His first rejection occurred when he was discharged as medically unfit for service following a severe attack of pneumonia. When his strength returned, he volunteered himself through a reinforcement draft of his old unit, No. 3 Stationary Hospital Unit in July of 1915. He was in uniform barely 24 hours when he was again stricken with pneumonia. After his recovery, he was discharged— his second rejection.

Nineteen-year-old Albert Potter Jr. enlisted again in the Canadian Over-Seas Expeditionary Force (CEF) on February 9, 1916, in Sarnia. He stood five feet seven inches tall, had blue eyes and light brown hair, was single, and lived on Brock Street with his parents at the time. He again recorded his job or calling as clerk, his next-of-kin as his mother, Flora Potter of Brock Street, Sarnia, and that he had prior military service with #3 Stationary Hospital C.E.F. The Lambton 149^th Battalion was authorized and began recruiting in late 1915. Not long after, Albert became a member of the Lambton 149th Battalion Band in Sarnia. He trained with the battalion at London and Camp Borden. On August 22, 1916, he entered the hospital at Camp Borden where he remained for eight days due to influenza.

The following spring, on March 25, 1917, Albert as a member of the 149th Band, embarked overseas from Halifax bound for the United Kingdom aboard S.S. Lapland. He arrived in Liverpool, England, on April 7, 1917. One week later, local citizens read the news in the Sarnia Weekly Observer that the 149^th Battalion Arrives Safely in England. Also, on the front page of the newspaper that day, Sarnians first learned of some of the details of the Battle of Vimy Ridge that had taken place that Easter weekend.

In England, Albert remained with the band until drafts for active service in France dissolved the band. Upon arrival overseas, the Lambton 149^th, like most of the new battalions, ceased to exist—the men were absorbed into other battalions as reinforcements. Albert was initially posted to Segregation Camp at Camp Bramshott, a member of the 25th Reserve Battalion. On June 1, 1917, he was taken on strength into the 161st Canadian Infantry Battalion, at Camp Witley. Two months later, on August 6, 1917, he was transferred to the 156th Canadian Infantry Battalion, still at Camp Witley. He offered his services to fight but was again rejected as unfit, his third rejection, and he became a member of the 156th Battalion Band.

Albert went with that organization on a tour of all the hospitals, giving musical programs throughout England, cheering up the wounded British and colonial soldiers and sailors. He remained with the 156th Battalion

Band until February 1918. On February 28, 1918, Albert was at last successful in getting on a draft of

reinforcements, becoming a member of the Canadian Infantry, Eastern Ontario Regiment, 21st Battalion. More than three years after he had first enlisted in Sarnia as an 18-year-old, on February 28, 1918, 21-year-old Albert Potter finally proceeded to France, as a member of the 21st Battalion, with the rank of private.

On March 3, 1918, Private Albert Potter arrived at the frontline reinforcement camp with the 21st Battalion. In his first few months there, he saw two of his best chums killed, one on the 1st of April of 1918, and another on the 31st of May. This was a sad blow to the young soldier but, despite his troubles and heartaches, Albert’s letters home were never anything but cheery and optimistic. In his last letter to his parents in Sarnia, he told them not to worry, that he was enjoying himself and that he hoped to be back home with them soon.

Five months after arriving in France, Albert Potter found himself embroiled in The Hundred Days Campaign, one that featured intense and brutal fighting as the end of the war neared. The Campaign (August 8 – November 11, 1918, in France and Belgium) was the “beginning of the end” of the Great War. Canadians were called on again and again over the three-month period to lead the offensives against the toughest German defences. The series of victories repeatedly drove the Germans back, culminating in Germany’s unconditional surrender on November 11, but it came at a high price: approximately 46,000 Canadians were killed, wounded, or missing.

The first offensive in the Campaign was the Battle of Amiens in France (August 8-14, 1918), a truly all-arms battle, one in which all four Canadian divisions were involved. Over the course of one week, in a battle that British Field Marshal Douglas Haig called “the finest operation of the war”, the Canadians would advance nearly 14 kms—but it came at a cost of 11,822 Canadian casualties.

In the lead up to the Battle of Amiens, on August 6, 1918, Private Albert Potter of the 21st Battalion was killed in action. Albert and his battalion had been moving forward of Villers Bretonneux to occupy new positions in the frontline trenches when he was killed by an enemy shell. Albert Potter’s Circumstances of Death Register records the following: Date of Casualty: 6-8-18. “Killed in Action.” On the morning of August 6th, 1918, his Battalion moved forward of Villers Bretonneux to occupy new positions, and whilst passing an ammunition dump nineteen men were killed when an enemy shell hit the dump, causing a big explosion. Longueau British Cemetery, 2 ½ miles South East of Amiens, France.

Flora Potter at 173 South Brock Street in Sarnia received a telegram from the Director of Records in early-September 1918, informing her of the circumstances of her son Pte. Albert Potter’s death:

Madam,

I beg to transmit herewith a copy of the report setting forth the circumstances under which the late soldier marginally noted (A.E. Potter 845109) killed 6-8-18, met his death: “On the morning of August 6-18, the 21st Can. Bat. moved forward to occupy new positions and while passing one of our ammunition dumps an enemy shell hit the dump, causing explosion, and killing the above mentioned soldier and several others belonging to this unit.

Two days after Albert Potter met his death, the last of the quartet of chums, Sergt.-Major Traynor, “went

West.” This was also a blow to the Potter family, as Sgt.-Major Traynor was the one upon whom the Potter family depended on for all particulars of their soldier son. Back in Sarnia, Flora Potter received the following letter of condolence from the 21st Canadian Battalion Chaplain in October of 1918:

Dear Madam,

Our Colonel has asked me to express the sorrow of the whole battalion for the death of your gallant son, Albert Edwin Potter who was killed in the Battle of Amiens on August 8th. He died instantly and suffered no pain. His effects will be sent to you in due course. He was a good soldier.

Yours lovingly, Rev. Renison

Following is a portion of the Sarnia Observer newspaper article reporting on Albert Potter’s death:

What a price we are paying for liberty? Sarnia and Lambton sons a few years ago in the schools of this city or district – many of them are to-day sleeping in Flanders – because at the sound of the bugle which sounded the call of the Motherland, they went to stop the advancing hun….

The youngsters are the ones who are paying the toll in this great carnage. Albert was just a boy, barely twenty-two, with his whole life before him. He tried twice to do his bit and could have stayed in Canada with honor, but his was a spirit that would not stay down. His ambition to do his best to the full, and while his passing brings a tear to the eye of all who knew him, they have the consolation of knowing that they had a MAN to call a friend. His parents mourn the heroic passing of a noble son as “One more gone for England’s sake, Where so many go, Lying down without complaint.”

Albert Potter, 22, is buried in Longueau British Cemetery, Somme, France, Grave I.A.I. On his headstone are inscribed the words, THE LORD KNOWETH THEM THAT ARE HIS. II TIMOTHY 2.19.

In 1921, the Potter family was still residing in Sarnia—parents Albert Sr. (an engineer) and Flora, and children William (a painter), Gordon (a machinist), Clarence (a teacher), Hubert and Lillian (both students). Flora Louisa Potter passed away in January 1935, and Albert Victor Potter passed away in 1942. Both are buried in Lakeview Cemetery in Sarnia.

Source: The Sarnia War Remembrance Project by Tom Slater

Editors: Tom St. Amand and Lou Giancarlo

Thomas Powell was born in London, England, on February 22, 1892, the middle son of Edward Scott Powell Sr. and Fanny (nee Bennett, born about 1865) Powell. Thomas had an older brother, Edward Scott Jr. (born December 6, 1889) and two younger siblings: Henry John (born August 13, 1894); and Ada Louisa Powell (born 1896). Thomas Powell, and his two brothers, became members of a group known as British Home Children—they were sent to Canada by Barnardo Homes.

Between 1869 and 1948, over 100,000 children, most between six and fifteen years of age, were sent to Canada from the British Isles during the “British Child Emigration Movement”. Circumstances in Britain had resulted in their families experiencing hard times. There was no social system in place to help these families through difficult circumstances. Over 50 organizations, including churches and philanthropic groups, sent these impoverished, abandoned, and orphaned children to Canada in the belief that they would have a better chance for a healthy, moral life in rural Canada. Both the British and Canadian governments supported the program. Canadian families welcomed them; however, often siblings were separated, and far too many were used as a source of cheap farm labour and domestic help.

At the age of 12, in late March 1904, Thomas departed Liverpool aboard the Southwark and arrived in Portland, on April 5, 1904. His intended destination was Toronto, and he would initially reside in Forest, Ontario. Nine months after his arrival, in late January 1905, Thomas wrote a letter to Mr. A.B. Owen in Toronto, of Barnardo Homes. Following is his letter:

Dear Sir,

            I thought of writing to you to let you know how I am getting along. I am getting along very well. My boss thought that I was a great help to him last summer. I can hitch up the team, drive the pony, plough and harrow, disk,

stook, help to build a load of grain or hay. I can milk like a milkmaid. I have gained twelve pounds in weight since I came here. We are not milking any cows now since Christmas. I have been going to school since the first of November, and have not missed a day. I have got into the Third Book. I got a nice little Bible at New Year’s from my

Sunday school teacher. I hear quite often from my mother. She sent me a nice card at Christmas. I paid my brother a

visit. We are having a nice winter, but it is very cold now. We have fourteen head of cattle, three horses and a little colt that we call “Fly,” three pigs and a lot of hens, turkeys, geese and ducks. I have skates, and I have lots of fun. All for this time, I remain one of your devoted Home boys.

Thomas E. Powell

 In 1911, 19-year-old Thomas was residing as a “domestic” with the Core family in Plympton Township. The Core family comprised parents Amos (a farmer) and Lillie, and their three children: Wesley (age 12); Roy (age 6); and Bruce (age 3). But what of the other members of the Powell family?

Widowed mother Fanny, along with her 14-year-old daughter Ada (born 1896), immigrated to Canada in 1911. Mother and daughter arrived in Halifax aboard the Corinthian on May 8th, where Fanny recorded her previous occupation as nurse; her destination as Forest, Ontario; and her intended occupation as a domestic. Later that year, 46-year-old Fanny Powell was employed as a domestic at the Warwick home of brothers Samuel (age 48) and Walter (age 41) Scott, both farmers, and their mother Jeanette Scott.

Fanny and daughter Ada ended up moving several times. They later resided with Mrs. James Williams of R.R. #4 in Petrolia. In 1921, Ada was employed as a housemaid at the home of Isaac and Coubrough Adams and their three young sons, at 339 Blanche Street, Sarnia. Years later, on May 22, 1935, Ada, then age 38 and a cook, and residing at 109 N. MacKenzie Street, married 33-year-old Nelson Roy Yeates, a farmer, in Sarnia Township. They had one child together, John “Jack” Nelson, born in 1936. In 1978, Ada Louisa (nee Powell) Yeates passed away at age 81. She is buried in Blackwell Cemetery, Sarnia. 

Thomas’ two brothers led eventful lives. Also sent by Barnardo Homes, Edward Jr., the oldest sibling, arrived in Canada from Liverpool at the age of 11 in 1900 and was placed with the Evans Martin family in Forest, Ontario. In 1901, records show that the Martin family included parents Evans (farmer) and Elizabeth Martin, and their two young children, George (age 3) and Alice (age 2), with 11-year-old Edward Powell recorded as a domestic. A decade later, in 1911, Edward was a rooming at 171 Victoria Street, Sarnia, and was employed as a sailor on a steamer.

On December 25, 1916, 27-year-old Edward Jr., then a teamster residing in Sarnia, married 23-year-old Annie May Dobbie (born September 16, 1893 in Halton) in Kitchener, Ontario. Edward Jr. and Annie Powell would have one child together, Thomas Edward Powell, who was born in April 1918 in Sarnia. The parents named their son after his uncle, Thomas Edwin Powell, who had been killed in the war in April 1915. In 1921, Edward, a labourer at Imperial Oil, and his family were residing at 160 Bright Street, Sarnia.

Years later, Edward Jr. and Annie’s only child, Thomas, served in World War II as a warrant officer-pilot in the RCAF. Thomas was killed in action when his Wellington Bomber was shot down in October 1942. Thomas Edward Powell’s story is included in the WWII section of this Project. So, Thomas Edwin Powell (WWI) and Thomas Edward Powell (WWII), who was named in honour of his uncle, are an uncle-nephew pairing that are both on the Sarnia cenotaph.

The youngest brother, Henry “John”, was born August 13, 1894, in England. Like his brothers, John was a British Home Child, sent by Barnardo Homes to Canada. Departing from Liverpool, he arrived in the port of Boston aboard the New England on July 25, 1902. John was seven years old, one of 117 children on board that ship from Dr. Barnardo’s Homes with their intended destinations as Toronto and Peterborough. John would also serve in the First World War.

At age 21, John enlisted in the Canadian Expeditionary Force on August 19, 1915, Service #486571, in Niagara, Ontario. He stood five feet seven-and-a-half inches tall, had blue eyes and brown hair, was single, and recorded his trade or calling as lumberjack and his next-of-kin as his mother, Mrs. Fannie Powell of Petrolia, Ontario. John became a member of the 37th Battalion, CEF, with the rank of private. He embarked overseas from Halifax bound for England aboard S.S. Lapland on November 27, 1915.

He spent time in England, training at such camps as Aldershot, Shorncliffe and Bramshott. Six months after arriving overseas, on May 7, 1916, John was transferred to the 60th Battalion, and he arrived in France the next day. On June 22, 1916, Private John Powell completed his Military Will (a perforated sheet from his Pay Book). In it, he stated that “In the event of my Death I give the whole of my property and effects to my mother Mrs. Fanny Powell RR No 4 Petrolia Ontario”.

Ten months later, on April 23, 1917, John was transferred to the 87th Battalion, Quebec Regiment. Less than four months later, he took part in the second-largest Canadian military undertaking up to that point in the war, second only to Vimy. The Attack on Hill 70 and Lens in France (August 15-25, 1917) was the first major battle orchestrated by Canadian commander Lieutenant-General Arthur Currie. It was also the first time German forces used flame-throwers and mustard gas against the Canadians. It became known as “Canada’s forgotten battle of the First World War”. The 10-day battle came at a cost of approximately 9,100 Canadians listed as killed, wounded or missing.

On August 15, 1917, Private John Powell of the 87th Battalion was “Reported from Base missing”. Soon after, he was recorded as “Now for official purposes presumed to have Died on or since 15-8-17”. John’s Circumstances of Death Register records the following: Date of Casualty: On or since 15-8-17. “Previously reported Missing now for official purposes presumed to have Died”. ATTACK AT LENS.

Twenty-three-year-old Private John Powell has no known grave. He is memorialized on the Vimy Memorial, Pas de Calais, France. John Powell’s name is not inscribed on the Petrolia or the Sarnia cenotaphs.

Thomas Edwin Powell had many friends in Sarnia and in Forest, where he had formerly resided. Prior to enlisting, Thomas was employed at the Imperial Oil Works and boarded with Mrs. Cameron, of 192 Lochiel Street, Sarnia (the Observer recorded his address as the Union Hotel, Sarnia). The United Kingdom, including Canada and Newfoundland, declared war on Germany on August 4, 1914. Among the first to join was 22-year-old Thomas Powell, a member of the 27th Regiment, St. Clair Borderers. He enlisted in the Canadian Over-Seas Expeditionary Force on September 22, 1914, in Valcartier Camp, Quebec. He stood five feet five inches tall, had grey eyes and dark brown hair, was single, and recorded his trade or calling as ironworker, and his next-of-kin as his brother, Edward Powell, residing at 192 Lochiel Street in Sarnia (he later resided with the Wright brothers in Petrolia, Ontario).

Thomas embarked overseas bound for England on October 3, 1914, aboard S.S. Laurentic. He was part of the First Canadian Contingent that was comprised of a little more than 31,000 men, 100 nurses, and over 7,000 horses, that departed the port of Quebec in an armada of 30 ocean-liners, hastily painted in wartime grey, bound for the United Kingdom. Thomas became a member of the Canadian Infantry, Western Ontario Regiment, 1st Battalion, with the rank of private.

The Canadians underwent rigorous training over the cold, wet winter of 1914-1915 at Salisbury Plain, England. In February 1915, Thomas, as part of the 1st Canadian Division, embarked for the trenches in France. Arriving at the front, Canadian soldiers found themselves in a cratered, eviscerated wasteland of mud, wasted vegetation, and unburied bodies.

In early April 1915, Thomas and the 1^st Battalion arrived along with the rest of the 1st Division of Canadians at the Ypres salient battlefield in Belgium, an area traditionally referred to as Flanders. They were positioned at the centre of the salient jutting into the German line. The battlefield was an enormous open graveyard, a quagmire of mud and shallow trenches, littered with human excrement, pools of water and unburied corpses. They were surrounded on three sides by enemy soldiers and artillery.

It was here that the Canadians engaged in their first battle of the war, the Second Battle of Ypres—their baptism by fire. It was where the Germans unleashed the first lethal chlorine gas attack in the history of warfare. In the first 48 hours at Ypres (April 22-24), there were more than 6,000 Canadian casualties—one Canadian in every three became casualties of whom more than 2,100 died and 1,410 were captured.   

Fighting continued in the Ypres salient on and off until May 25, 1915, including battles at St. Julien, Festubert,and Givenchy. In just over one month at Ypres, one third of the Canadian force, over 8,600 soldiers were killed, wounded or captured. One of those was Thomas Powell.

It was during the Battle of Ypres that Private Thomas Powell, six months after arriving overseas, lost his life. On April 30, 1915, Thomas was killed during an attack in the area of Langemarck during the Second Battle of Ypres, Belgium. His Circumstances of Death Register records the following: Date of Casualty: 30-4-15. “Killed in Action”. ATTACK AT ST. JULIEN. No record of burial.

Thomas Powell, 23, has no known grave. He is memorialized on the Menin Gate (Ypres) Memorial, Belgium, Panel 10-26-28. The Memorial bears the inscribed names of 54, 395 Commonwealth Force soldiers who fell in the Ypres Salient before August 16, 1917, and whose bodies have never been identified or found. Thomas’ name is inscribed on the Sarnia cenotaph, and is also inscribed on the Village of Camlachie’s Memorial.

Source: The Sarnia War Remembrance Project by Tom Slater

Editors: Tom St. Amand and Lou Giancarlo

Albert Stewart Pringle was born in Sarnia, on June 18, 1881, the youngest child of William Elliott and Sarah Jane (nee Williamson) Pringle. William (born 1833 in Selkirkshire, Scotland) and Sarah Jane (born April 9, 1846 in York County, Ontario) were married on July 6, 1863, in St. Clair County, Michigan. William and Sarah Jane had six children together: William James (born 1869); Elizabeth (born 1871); Thomas Edward (born 1872); Margaret (born November 3, 1875); George (born September 2, 1877); and Albert Stewart (born June 1881). William Pringle was supporting his family working as a tailor in Sarnia at the time of Albert’s birth. In 1891, the Pringle family in Sarnia included parents William (a tailor) and Sarah, and children Elizabeth (a dressmaker), Thomas (a tailor), Margaret, George, and Albert (age nine).

Ten years later, in 1901, the Pringle family lived on Brock Street in Sarnia. Sadly, that year, the patriarch of the family, William, passed away in Sarnia on March 29, 1901, at the age 68. On the 1901 census, 19-year-old Albert (the youngest child, and a clerk at the time) was residing in Sarnia with his widowed mother Sarah, and his siblings George (age 23, a painter) and Margaret (age 25). In 1904, the Pringle family resided at 127 Vidal St., S. On April 30, 1914, the matriarch of the family, Sarah Jane, passed away due to heart disease in Elgin, Ontario, at the age of 68. William and Sarah Jane Pringle are both buried in Lakeview Cemetery, Sarnia.

On June 4, 1907, Albert Pringle, age 26, who was residing in Detroit and employed as a timekeeper, married 22-year-old Elizabeth Marie (nee Block, of Michigan, USA, born 1885) in Detroit, Michigan. Albert and Elizabeth had six children together, all born in Michigan: Albert Elliot (born 1907); Elmira May (born 1909); Marion Lorraine (born February 12, 1911); Dorothy Jane (born 1912); James Stewart (born August 17, 1913); and Virginia Jean (born February 5, 1914).

At the age of 36, Albert Pringle enlisted in the Canadian Over-Seas Expeditionary Force on February

26, 1918 in London, Ontario. Albert and his family lived at 1525 Canton Avenue in Detroit, Michigan, at the time. He stood five feet six-and-a-half inches tall, had blue eyes and black hair, was married with six children, and recorded his trade or calling as pipefitter, and his next-of-kin as his wife, Mrs. Elizabeth Marie Pringle of Canton Avenue, Detroit. He also recorded that he had two years of prior military experience with the 27th Regiment in Sarnia. For some reason, Albert recorded his birthdate as June 18, 1880; however, his birth certificate records his birthdate as June 18, 1881. Albert became a member of the 1st Depot Battalion, Western Ontario Regiment.

Albert Pringle embarked overseas bound for the United Kingdom on March 24, 1918, aboard S.S. Grampian, and arrived in England on April 3, 1918. He was initially posted to the 4th Reserve Battalion at Bramshott. After training for four-and-a-half months, in mid-August 1918, Albert was transferred to Camp Witley becoming a member of the Canadian Infantry, Western Ontario Regiment, 47th Battalion, with the rank of private. Days later, on August 20, 1918, Private Albert Pringle arrived in France with the 47th Battalion. He was soon embroiled in the last great campaign, one that featured intense and brutal fighting as the end of the war neared.

Early that summer (1918), Allied Commanders proposed a plan to take advantage of German disarray following their failed Spring Offensive. Canadian troops were to play a key role as “shock troops” in cracking the German defences. They spent two months preparing for what became their Hundred Days Campaign.

The Hundred Days Campaign (August 8 – November 11, 1918, in France and Belgium) was the “beginning of the end” of the Great War. Canadians were called on again and again over the three-month period to lead the offensives against the toughest German defences. The series of victories repeatedly drove the Germans back, culminating in Germany’s unconditional surrender on November 11, but it came at a high price: approximately 46,000 Canadians were killed, wounded, or missing.

The first offensive in the Campaign was the Battle of Amiens in France (August 8-14, 1918), a truly all-arms battle, one in which all four Canadian divisions were involved. Over the course of one week, in a battle that British Field Marshal Douglas Haig called “the finest operation of the war”, the Canadians would advance nearly 14 kms—but it came at a cost of 11,822 Canadian casualties.

The second offensive in the Campaign was the Battle of Arras and Breaking the DQ Line in France (August 26-September 3, 1918), where Canadians were part of a spearhead force tasked with crashing one of the most heavily fortified positions, the Hindenburg Line—a series of strong defensive trenches and fortified villages. General Sir Julian Byng called the Canadian victory at the 2nd Battle of Arras and breaking of the DQ Line “the turning point of the campaign”, but it came at a cost of 11,400 Canadian casualties. 

The third offensive in Canada’s Hundred Days Campaign was the Battle of Canal-du-Nord and Cambrai in France(September 27-October 11, 1918). Against seemingly impossible odds and a desperate and fully prepared enemy, the Canadians fought for two weeks in a series of brutal engagements.

This third offensive began with the audacious plan to assault the canal, launched in the early morning hours of September 27. It began with a massive shock and awe operation, with a creeping barrage of shrapnel and high explosive shells, smoke and gas shells, plus Vickers machine-guns adding tens of thousands of bullets, all thrown ahead of the infantry’s assault. The infantry moved forward at a measured pace, through a firestorm of enemy machine-gun and artillery fire, up and into the canal, across the canal, then scrambled up the far wall of the canal. Those lucky enough to survive, once on the other side, continued to advance in single file, going to the ground when necessary. Follow-up battalions leapfrogged the spearhead battalions and fanned out to an ever-widening front against a torrent of enemy fire.

Bourlon Wood, was a German strongpoint, a forested hill overlooking the flat, exposed plain and canal. On that first day, Canadian battalions fought with great grit and determination to capture the village of Bourlon, then battled through the Bourlon forest, tree by tree, bush to bush, in fierce fighting that continued into the night. The Canadians were successful in crossing the Canal-du-Nord and capturing Bourlon Wood, but suffered terrible casualties—more than 840 killed and wounded in a single bloody day of battle. One of those casualties was Albert Pringle.

Just over one month after arriving in France, on September 27, 1918, Private Albert Pringle of the 47th Battalion, was killed in action by an enemy shell during an advance in the Battle of Canal-du-Nord and Bourlon Wood. Albert’s Circumstances of Death register records the following: Date of Casualty: 27-9-18. “Killed in Action.” Whilst taking part in the advance from North West of Moeuvres to Bourlon Wood he was instantly killed by enemy shell fire. Quarry Wood British Cemetery, Sains-lez-Marquion, France.

 Over the two-weeks that was the Battle of Canal-du-Nord and Cambrai, the Canadians successfully channelled through a narrow gap in the canal, punched through a series of fortified villages and deep interlocking trenches, and captured Bourlon Wood, and the city of Cambrai. General Arthur Currie would call it “some of the bitterest fighting we have experienced” and it came at a cost of 14,000 Canadian casualties.

One-and-a-half months after Albert’s death, the Great War ended.

In mid-October 1918, Albert’s sister, Mrs. Hugh Oliver, formerly of Sarnia, then living in St. Thomas, Ontario, received the news of her brother’s death in action. Albert’s widow, Elizabeth, returned to her home state of Michigan, residing at 1011 Forest Avenue, and then 4230 Granby Avenue in Detroit, where she received Albert’s medals and her War Service Gratuity. In 1920, Elizabeth Pringle was living at 541 Mack Avenue in Detroit, along with their children Albert Elliott, Elmira May, Marion, Dorothy, James, and Virginia.

Albert Pringle, 37, is buried in Quarry Wood Cemetery, Pas de Calais, France, Grave II.B.30. His name was not originally on the Sarnia cenotaph, unveiled in November 1921. In November 2019, his name, along with 25 others, was added to the Sarnia cenotaph, engraved in stone to be remembered always.  

Source: The Sarnia War Remembrance Project by Tom Slater

Editors: Tom St. Amand and Lou Giancarlo

John Duthie Buchan Rae was born in Falkirk, Stirlingshire, Scotland, on May 11, 1888, the youngest son of William and Janet (nee Sutherland) Rae. William (born 1852) and Janet (born 1855) were married on July 28, 1876, in Falkirk, Scotland. William and Janet had five children together: Livingston Alexander Baird (born April 27, 1877), James Sutherland (born 1880), Maggie McIndoe (born January 22, 1885), John (born 1888), and Mary Hay (born 1890). The Rae family resided at 107 Union Road, Camelon, Falkirk, Scotland, and William supported his family working as an iron-moulder. In 1901, John was living with his family in Falkirk, and in 1914, was living in at Gibsongray Street in Bainsford, Scotland. At some point after he immigrated to Canada.

John’s sister, Mary Hay, at age 23, immigrated to Canada aboard S.S. Scandinavian, arriving in Quebec on May 10, 1914. Just over one month later, on June 21, 1914, Mary Hay Rae married Robert Liddell Hastings in Sarnia. Scotland-born Robert Hastings was working as a carpenter in Sarnia. They resided at 121 John Street, and later 199 Kathleen Avenue in Sarnia.

Twenty-seven-year-old John Rae enlisted in the Canadian Over-Seas Expeditionary Force on April 8, 1916, in Sarnia. He was residing with his sister and brother-in-law, Mary and Robert Hastings, at 121 John Street at the time. John stood five feet six-and- a-half inches tall, had blue eyes and brown hair, was single, and recorded his trade or calling as carpenter, and his next-of-kin as his father, William Rae, in Falkirk, Scotland. His parents’ address was later changed to Pennure, Stenhouse St., Cowdenbeath, Fife, Scotland. John became a member of the Canadian Engineers. On September 1, 1916, John allocated $20 a month of his pay to Mrs. Robert L. Hastings, of 121 John St., Sarnia.

Five months after enlisting, John embarked overseas aboard S.S. Scandinavian and arrived in the United Kingdom on September 22, 1916. He was initially taken on strength into the Canadian Engineers at the training depot at Shorncliffe. Three months later, on December 27, 1917, he completed his Military Will and bequeathed all of his cash, property and effects to his father, William. On January 21, 1917, John was taken on strength as a member of the 4th Army Troops Company, Canadian Engineers (4ATCCE) at Crowboro. Two days later, on January 23, Sapper John Rae of the 4ATCCE arrived in Havre, France.

Army Troop Companies and Canadian Engineers worked in the corps area on the construction of defences, accommodations, and route communications. In addition, they ran corps workshops and parks, built positions for heavy guns, and worked on water supply, frequently in forward areas. One of the most important functions of the sappers was to dig trenches and dig tunnels for mines underneath enemy trenches.

During the year of 1917, the Canadian Engineers were part of some of the defining battles of that year in France and Belgium. The Battle of Vimy Ridge (April 9-12, 1917) was the first time (and last time in the war) that all four divisions of the Canadian Corps, with soldiers from every region in the country, would surge forward simultaneously. The four-day victory at Vimy Ridge was a seminal battle, a turning point in the war for the Canadian Corps, and significant victory for Canada, later referred to as “the birth of a nation”.  Of the 97,000 Canadians who fought at Vimy Ridge, approximately 7,004 were wounded and 3,598 were killed in four days of battle. 

The Attack on Hill 70 and Lens (August 15-25, 1917) was the first major battle orchestrated by Canadian commander Lieutenant-General Arthur Currie. It was also the first time German forces used flame-throwers and mustard gas against the Canadians. It became known as “Canada’s forgotten battle of the First World War”. The 10-day battle came at a cost of approximately 9,100 Canadians listed as killed, wounded, or missing.

The Battle of Passchendaele (October 26 – November 10, 1917) was waged in unceasing rain on a battlefield that was a nightmarish mess of rotting, mangled corpses, gagging gas, water-filled craters, and glutinous mud. Overcoming almost unimaginable hardships and horrific fighting conditions, the Canadians achieved a remarkable victory that few thought possible; however, it came at a cost of almost 12,000 Canadian wounded and more than 4,000 Canadians killed.

On December 8, 1917, John Rae was granted 14 days leave in the United Kingdom. However, the endless digging, strain of prolonged fighting, and nightmarish conditions of war had taken a toll on John Rae as it had many others. Ultimately, it became too much for him. Thirteen months after arriving in France, at about noon on February 19, 1918, Sapper John Rae was in a dugout when he took his own life by committing suicide.

In the investigation that followed, it was determined that the “cause of death has now been ascertained to be died from wounds willfully self-inflicted during temporary insanity.”

A Court of Inquiry was assembled in the field the next day for the purpose of inquiring into and reporting on the death of Sapper John Rae. A number of witnesses from 4th ATCCE gave their testimony of the event. Corporal

R.B.C. Hammond stated, At about 12 noon on Feb 19th I was having dinner in the dugout of the forward billet. I had previously noticed Sapper Rae standing by his bunk about 8 feet away from me. I had my back to where he had been standing. I heard a peculiar squeal or shriek and turned about. I saw Sapper Rae draw his hand (right) across his throat. I slipped around him got behind him and grabbed both of his wrists. He was still hacking at his throat with a razor and blood was gushing from the wound. He was making peculiar squealing noises. I struggled with him for a fraction of a minute when he fell to the ground with me on top of him. I succeeded in wrestling the razor from him and handed it to Sapper Deans who was standing close by. Nothing could be done to stop the bleeding. He was dead in 3 or 4 minutes. The deceased had lately seemed despondent, especially the last few days. He was very quiet and seemed to be brooding. I remarked to him a few days previously cheer up Jack. He then said every body was looking at him.

Sapper Andrew Deans stated, At about noon on Feb. 19th I was in the same dugout with Sapper Rae but in another aisle. I was sitting on my bunk. I heard a peculiar squeal and a sound like rushing water. When I heard the squeal I got up and went to the passage. I saw Corp. Hammond seize the deceased and struggle to take a razor away from him. They fell to the floor and Corp. Hammond succeeded in getting the razor which he handed to me. I did not actually see the deceased cut his throat. I left the dugout to find an officer. When I returned in about 8 minutes Sapper Rae was dead. Sapper Rae had seemed very quiet and despondent lately and unlike his usual self.

Sapper J.R. Kerr stated, At about noon on Feb. 19th I was having lunch in the dugout with my back to the deceased. When I came in I had noticed him standing by his bunk but we did not speak. I heard several short squeals and turned around. I saw Sapper Rae striking at his throat and thought he was choking. I then noticed blood flying and a razor in the hand of deceased. Corp Hammond then stepped around him, got behind him grabbed him and attempted to take the razor away from him. They both fell to the floor and Corp Hammond obtained the razor and handed it to Sapper Deans. Spr. Rae had seemed unusually quiet and depressed lately.

Corp. Hammond said get the Sergt. and I left the dugout. When I got outside the dugout I found that the Sergt. Had gone down to the scene of the accident by another entrance. I at once returned to where Spr. Rae was lying. He was dead by this time. This was not more than five minutes from the time I first noticed him striking his throat. It was impossible to stop the flow of the blood.

Lt. R.V. Heathcott stated, I was in the Officers dugout at about 12:15 on Feb. 19th at the forward billets of the 4^th A.T.Coy.C.E. Sapper Deans came into me and said an accident has occurred. I said what has happened? He replied Sapper Rae has cut his throat. I immediately went to the front dug out which was about 100^X-150^X distant and found Sapper Rae lying on the floor in a pool of blood. Corp Hammond, Spr. Kerr and a few others were standing about. Spr Deans gave me the razor. Sapper Rae’s pulse had stopped and he was dead. I arranged to have his body removed to Company Headquarters.

Captain J.D. Stewart, C.A.M.C. examined the body of Sapper Rae about 10 o’clock the next morning. He stated, I found a large wound extending from one inch below the right ear to about two inches below the left ear, apparently caused by a sharp instrument. The large blood vessels on the right side of the neck had been severed and the resulting hemorrhage had been profuse. Death was due to loss of blood.

The Court concluded that Sapper J.D.B. Rae “committed suicide by cutting his throat with a razor while temporarily insane.”

John Rae, 29, was given a full discharge after his death and a military burial. He is buried in Quatre-Vents Military Cemetery, Pas de Calais, France III.C.2. On his headstone are inscribed the words FOR LIBERTY AND RIGHT.

Source: The Sarnia War Remembrance Project by Tom Slater

Editors: Tom St. Amand and Lou Giancarlo

William Henry Reynolds was born in Kent County, England, on October 9, 1892. William Reynolds was a British Home Child, who had been sent to Canada by Barnardo Homes. Between 1869 and 1948, over 100,000 children, most between six and fifteen years of age, were sent to Canada from the British Isles during the “British Child Emigration Movement”. Circumstances in Britain had resulted in their families experiencing hard times. There was no social system in place to help these families through difficult circumstances. Over 50 organizations, including churches and philanthropic groups, sent these impoverished, abandoned, and orphaned children to Canada in the belief that they would have a better chance for a healthy, moral life in rural Canada. Both the British and Canadian governments supported the program. Canadian families welcomed them; however, often siblings were separated, and far too many were used as a source of cheap farm labour and domestic help.

At the age of 10, William Reynolds departed Liverpool aboard Dominion and arrived in Montreal, Quebec, on July 24, 1903. William was among a group of 209 boys on board the ship from Dr. Barnardo’s, and their intended destination was Toronto. Soon after, William was living in the community of Blackwell, Ontario, with Mr. West. Approximately a year-and-a-half after arriving in Canada, on February 13, 1905, William wrote a letter from Blackwell Post Office (his employer was Mr. David May) to Barnardo Homes in Toronto. Following is a portion of his letter: [Note: “Ups and Downs” was a quarterly publication printed in Toronto under the auspices of Dr. Barnardo’s Homes].

Dear Sir,

            As I have seen so many of the boys’ letters in the UPS AND DOWNS, I thought I would like to write too, and let you know how I am getting along. I am going to school just now; I started at the New Year, and I am getting along very nicely. I have learned to do a great many kinds of work on the farm, and I am going to try to learn a great deal more, if I can. I have learned to drive the horses, and to plough with the riding plough, and if there is any other boy that can do that at twelve years old I would like to hear of them; and I can rake hay with the horse-rake, and harrow and lots of other things. Last summer I used to go to the lake, about half a mile away, and go in swimming. It was great fun. We have eighteen head of cattle and three horses and two colts. We have a nice warm barn, with concrete stables underneath. It is nice and warm to go into to do the chores…. I am going to church and Sunday school, and I have only missed about two Sundays since I came here, and I will be here a year in April… I have got

into as nice a home as any boy would want. I sometimes go out hunting with Mr. West, and we get some rabbits. We

set some snares to-day, and we hope to catch some that way. I am having a good time living here, and I hope all the boys and girls who came out the same time as I did (that was in June 1903) are having as good a time as I am. I have a good home and lots of good food….

William Henry Reynolds  

William later lived in Sarnia, making his home with Mrs. Frederick Sproule at 115 Mitton Street. Prior to enlisting, William, an active worker in the Salvation Army, was promoted to lieutenant and was stationed at Leamington and Goderich.

Twenty-three-year-old William Reynolds enlisted in Sarnia in the Canadian Over-Seas Expeditionary Force on April 11, 1916, and became a member of the 149th Battalion. He stood five feet nine inches tall, had blue eyes and light brown hair, was single, and recorded his trade or calling as Officer in Salvation Army and his next-of-kin as Mrs. Frederick Sproule, Guardian, 115 Mitton Street, Sarnia. Six months later, on October 10, 1916, William was discharged from the 149^th Battalion at Camp Borden “in consequence of being medically unfit”. William had a pre-service joint condition in his left foot that “hinders him from marching, causing him discomfort and pain”.   

Five months later, on March 16, 1917, 24-year-old William enlisted again with the Canadian Over-Seas Expeditionary Force, Western Ontario Regiment, 149th Battalion, in London, Ontario. With a new regimental (service) number 845197, he was recorded as five feet eight-and-one-quarter inches tall, with brown eyes and dark brown hair, and was single. He recorded his trade or calling as pipe fitter, his present address as 115 Mitton Street, Sarnia, and his next-of-kin as his friend, Mrs. Fred Sproule, at the same address in Sarnia. Twelve days later, on March 28, 1917, Private William Reynolds embarked overseas from Halifax bound for the United Kingdom aboard S.S. Lapland.                                                                                                                

William arrived at Liverpool, England, on April 7, 1917, and was processed at the Segregation Camp at Bramshott, and then taken on strength into the 25th Reserve Battalion at Bramshott. After 10 months of training, on February 15, 1918, he was transferred to the 4th Reserve Battalion, still at Bramshott. Three weeks later, on April 7, 1918, he proceeded across the English Channel to the Canadian Corps Reinforcement Camp at Etaples, France, as a member of the 18th Battalion. One month later, on May 15, William joined the 18th Battalion as a stretcher-bearer at the front. He soon found himself embroiled in the last great campaign of the war, one that featured intense and brutal fighting as the end of the war neared.

Early that summer (1918), Allied Commanders proposed a plan to take advantage of German disarray following their failed Spring Offensive. Canadian troops were to play a key role as “shock troops” in cracking the German defences. They spent two months preparing for what became their Hundred Days Campaign.

The Hundred Days Campaign (August 8 – November 11, 1918, in France and Belgium) was the “beginning of the end” of the Great War. Canadians were called on again and again over the three-month period to lead the offensives against the toughest German defences. The series of victories repeatedly drove the Germans back, culminating in Germany’s unconditional surrender on November 11, but it came at a high price: approximately 46,000 Canadians were killed, wounded, or missing.

The first offensive in the Campaign was the Battle of Amiens in France (August 8-14, 1918), a truly all-arms battle, one in which all four Canadian divisions were involved. Over the course of one week, in a battle that British Field Marshal Douglas Haig called “the finest operation of the war”, the Canadians would advance nearly 14 kms—but it came at a cost of 11,822 Canadian casualties.

On August 8, 1918, Private William Reynolds of the 18th Battalion was wounded in action by machine gun fire while fighting in the Battle of Amiens. He was transferred to No. 5 Casualty Clearing Station with wounds recorded as “gun shot wounds thumb and chest”. The following day, on August 9, 1918, William lost his life as a result of his wounds. His Circumstances of Death Register records the following: Date of Casualty: 9-8-18. “Died of Wounds.” While taking part in operations east of Amiens, on August 8th, 1918, he was severely wounded in the chest by enemy machine gun bullets. His wounds were dressed and he was taken to No. 5 Casualty Clearing Station where he died the following day. Crouy British Cemetery, 10 miles North West of AMIENS, FRANCE.

In August 1918, William’s friend and next of kin in Sarnia, Mrs. Fred Sproule on Mitton Street, received the following telegram: DEEPLY REGRET TO INFORM YOU 845197, PTE. WM. HENRY REYNOLDS, INFANTRY, OFFICIALLY REPORTED DIED OF WOUNDS, 5TH CANADIAN CLEARING STATION AUGUST 9TH, 1918 GUNSHOT WOUNDS TO CHEST.

In late August 1918, over 400 local citizens of Sarnia joined the Salvation Army in a packed memorial service for William at the citadel. The following is an excerpt of the address given by Captain Ashby, Commander of the Sarnia Salvation Army Corps:

Sarnia’s first Salvationist, William Reynolds has fallen in the fight for liberty and freedom “Somewhere in France.” ‘Billie’ died of wounds on August 9th, 1918, from gunshot wounds in the chest, and there is no doubt he would be trying to help some mother’s boy when he received the fatal shot. He enlisted during 1916 in the 149th Battalion but was rejected for further service in the fall of the same year as medically unfit, but on returning here

again felt that God had special work for him to do. “If only I could get into the trenches as a stretcher bearer just think of how much I could do for Jesus”, was a frequent saying of his and so he tried again and proceeded overseas as a stretcher bearer in the 18th. As a man in khaki, he took every opportunity to work for his Master and there are many who will thank God that he enlisted. The writer would like to bear witness to his work when at Camp Borden, open air services were conducted at every chance that came his way and it was not a matter of entertaining the boys but always the leading of them to his Saviour and many sought and found Jesus in that camp, thank God….

In mid-November 1918, only days after the Great War ended, a special service was held at the Salvation Army in which a memorial tablet was unveiled by Colonel John Rawling, Divisional Commander for the London division, in memory of Private William Reynolds. The tablet commemorated William’s death on August 9th, 1918, and by then, more details of his death had been released: A young man named Billings found young Reynolds lying in a shell hole badly wounded and asked him if there was anything he could do for him. Willie’s last reply was, “Yes, write to my mother and tell her I was not afraid of death and I was game to the last.”

Following the war, William’s mother, Mrs. Harriet Moon of 67 Forest Road, Tunbridge Wells, Kent, England, received a Plaque and Scroll Memorial, and the Memorial Cross for the loss of her son. William’s brother, Horace Sellar, was also residing at that address.

William Reynolds, 25, is buried in Crouy British Cemetery, Crouy-Sur-Somme, Somme, France, Grave VI.A.13. On his headstone is inscribed the word CROWNED. William Reynolds was the first member of local Sarnia Salvation Army Congregation to lose his life in the war.

Source: The Sarnia War Remembrance Project by Tom Slater

Editors: Tom St. Amand and Lou Giancarlo

Frederick John Robinson was born in England, on October 23, 1898, the son of Thomas Robinson. At some point, Frederick immigrated to Canada and lived in Sarnia. On October 12, 1916, approximately two weeks before his 18th birthday, Frederick enlisted in the Canadian Over-Seas Expeditionary Force in London, Ontario. He stood five feet five inches tall, had brown eyes and brown hair, was single, and recorded his trade or calling as tinsmith and his next-of-kin as his friend, C.K. White of 109 Brock Street, N., Sarnia. Both Frederick and C.K. White were residing at a boarding house at 109 Brock Street, Sarnia at the time. Frederick’s next-of-kin/guardian was later changed to Mrs. John Courtney of Mooretown, Ontario, and later 294 Devine Street, Sarnia. At enlistment, Frederick was attached to the Divisional Cyclist Depot in Toronto.

In late April 1917, Frederick embarked overseas from Halifax bound for the United Kingdom aboard S.S. Justicia, and arrived in Liverpool, England, on May 14, 1917. At Chiseldon Camp, he was taken on strength into the Canadian Reserve Cyclists Company. On June 30, 1917, he became a member of the 4th Canadian Reserve Battalion. Nine months later, on March 28, 1918, at Bramshott, he became a member of the Canadian Infantry, Western Ontario Regiment, 1st Battalion, with the rank of private. He soon crossed the English Channel with his battalion and arrived in France. Approximately four months later, he was taking part in the last great campaign of the war.

Early that summer (1918), Allied Commanders proposed a plan to take advantage of German disarray following their failed Spring Offensive. Canadian troops were to play a key role as “shock troops” in cracking the German defences. They spent two months preparing for what became their Hundred Days Campaign.

The Hundred Days Campaign (August 8 – November 11, 1918, in France and Belgium) was the “beginning of the end” of the Great War. Canadians were called on again and again over the three-month period to lead the offensives against the toughest German defences. The series of victories repeatedly drove the Germans back, culminating in Germany’s unconditional surrender on November 11, but it came at a high price: approximately 46,000 Canadians were killed, wounded, or missing.

The first offensive in the Campaign was the Battle of Amiens in France (August 8-14, 1918), a truly all-arms battle, one in which all four Canadian divisions were involved. Over the course of one week, in a battle that British Field Marshal Douglas Haig called “the finest operation of the war”, the Canadians would advance nearly 14 kms—but it came at a cost of 11,822 Canadian casualties.

The second offensive in the Campaign was the Battle of Arras and Breaking the DQ Line in France (August 26-September 3, 1918), where Canadians were part of a spearhead force tasked with crashing one of the most heavily fortified positions, the Hindenburg Line—a series of strong defensive trenches and fortified villages. General Sir Julian Byng called the Canadian victory at the 2nd Battle of Arras and breaking of the DQ Line “the turning point of the campaign”, but it came at a cost of 11,400 Canadian casualties. 

The third offensive in Canada’s Hundred Days Campaign was the Battle of Canal-du-Nord and Cambrai in France(September 27-October 11, 1918). This offensive began with the audacious plan to assault the canal, launched in the early morning hours of September 27. It began with a massive shock and awe operation, with a creeping barrage of shrapnel and high explosive shells, smoke and gas shells, plus Vickers machine-guns adding tens of thousands of bullets, all thrown ahead of the infantry’s assault. The infantry moved forward at a measured pace, through a firestorm of enemy machine-gun and artillery fire, up and into the canal, across the canal, then scrambled up the far wall of the canal. Those lucky enough to survive, once on the other side, continued to advance in single file, going to the ground when necessary. Follow-up battalions leapfrogged the spearhead battalions and fanned out to an ever-widening front against a torrent of enemy fire.

They then fought with great grit and determination to capture the village of Bourlon, then battled through the German strongpoint, Bourlon Wood, in fierce fighting that continued into the night. The Canadians were successful in crossing the Canal-du-Nord and capturing Bourlon Wood, but suffered terrible casualties—more than 840 killed and wounded in a single bloody day of battle. In the days following, the Canadians continued their advance toward the city of Cambrai, in intense battles against a desperate enemy.

On September 27, 1918, on that first brutal day of the Battle of Canal-du-Nord, Private Frederick Robinson of the 1st Battalion was killed in action. His Circumstances of Death Register records the following: Date of casualty: 27-9-18. “Killed in Action.” Location of Unit at time of Casualty: Attack west of HAYNECOURT. Ontario British Cemetery, 6 miles West of CAMBRAI, FRANCE.

The Canadians fought for two weeks at the Battle of Canal-du-Nord and Cambrai in a series of brutal engagements, against seemingly impossible odds and a desperate and fully prepared enemy. They successfully channelled through a narrow gap in the canal, punched through a series of fortified villages and deep interlocking trenches, and captured Bourlon Wood and the city of Cambrai. General Arthur Currie would call it “some of the bitterest fighting we have experienced” and it came at a cost of 14,000 Canadian casualties.

One-and-a-half months after Frederick Robinson’s death, the Great War ended.

In late October 1918, Frederick’s next of kin, Mr. White of Brock Street, received a telegram informing him that, PTE. F.J. ROBINSON, INFANTRY, WAS OFFICIALLY REPORTED KILLED IN ACTION ON SEPTEMBER 27TH.

Frederick Robinson, 19, is buried in Ontario Cemetery, Sains-Les-Marquion, Pas de Calais, France. Grave I.B.4.

Source: The Sarnia War Remembrance Project by Tom Slater

Editors: Tom St. Amand and Lou Giancarlo

Albert Rodber was born in England, on June 9, 1896, the son of Alice Mary Rodber (born in Suffock County, England about 1871). Albert was a British Home Child, who had been sent to Canada by Barnardo Homes. Between 1869 and 1948, over 100,000 children, most between six and fifteen years of age, were sent to Canada from the British Isles during the “British Child Emigration Movement”. Circumstances in Britain had resulted in their families experiencing hard times. There was no social system in place to help these families through difficult circumstances. Over 50 organizations, including churches and philanthropic groups, sent these impoverished, abandoned, and orphaned children to Canada in the belief that they would have a better chance for a healthy, moral life in rural Canada. Both the British and Canadian governments supported the program. Canadian families welcomed them; however, often siblings were separated, and far too many were used as a source of cheap farm labour and domestic help.

In the fall of 1901, at age five, Albert departed Liverpool aboard Tunisian and arrived in Montreal, Quebec, on September 27, 1901. Young Albert Rodber was among a group of 117 children on board the ship from Dr. Barnardo’s, and his intended destination was Peterborough. Albert Rodber came to live in Arkona, later at R.R. #1 Forest, and later still at 212 Durand Street, Sarnia, working for families throughout his childhood.

In 1911, 15-year-old Albert was residing and working as a “Home Boy” (servant), with the family of Laman Armitage (age 39, a farmer), Margaret Armitage (age 84, Laman’s mother), and Mary Wells (age 58, Laman’s sister) in Forest, Bosanquet District.

On December 20, 1915, at age 19, Albert enlisted in Arkona in the Canadian Over-Seas Expeditionary Force and became a member of the 149th Battalion. He stood five feet six inches tall, had blue eyes and red hair, was single, and recorded his present address as Arkona, Ontario. He recorded his trade or calling as farmer, and his next-of-kin as his widowed mother, Mrs. Rodber in Arkona. Albert underwent training at London, Ontario, and Camp Borden (where he was hospitalized for 13 days due to influenza).

Albert Rodber embarked overseas from Halifax bound for the United Kingdom on March 28, 1917, aboard S.S. Lapland, and arrived in Liverpool, England, on April 7, 1917. He was processed to the Segregation Camp at Bramshott, and was then taken on strength into the 25th Reserve Battalion at Bramshott. After 10 months of training, on February 15, 1918, Albert became a member of the 4th Reserve Battalion, still at Bramshott. Approximately six weeks later, on March 28, 1918, he became a member of the 47th Battalion at the Canadian Base Depot. Days later, he arrived in France with that battalion, and moved to the front lines. Four-and-a-half months later, he was taking part in the last great campaign of the war.

Early that summer (1918), Allied Commanders proposed a plan to take advantage of German disarray following their failed Spring Offensive. Canadian troops were to play a key role as “shock troops” in cracking the German defences. They spent two months preparing for what became their Hundred Days Campaign.

The Hundred Days Campaign (August 8 – November 11, 1918, in France and Belgium) was the “beginning of the end” of the Great War. Canadians were called on again and again over the three-month period to lead the offensives against the toughest German defences. The series of victories repeatedly drove the Germans back, culminating in Germany’s unconditional surrender on November 11, but it came at a high price: approximately 46,000 Canadians were killed, wounded, or missing.

The first offensive in the Campaign was the Battle of Amiens in France (August 8-14, 1918), a truly all-arms battle, one in which all four Canadian divisions were involved. Over the course of one week, in a battle that British Field Marshal Douglas Haig called “the finest operation of the war”, the Canadians would advance nearly 14 kms—but it came at a cost of 11,822 Canadian casualties. Private Albert Rodber survived this first offensive, and as it closed, on August 14, he was transferred to the 44th Battalion, Canadian Infantry, Manitoba Regiment.

The second offensive in the Campaign was the Battle of Arras and Breaking the DQ Line in France (August 26-September 3, 1918), where Canadians were part of a spearhead force tasked with crashing one of the most heavily fortified positions, the Hindenburg Line—a series of strong defensive trenches and fortified villages. General Sir Julian Byng called the Canadian victory at the 2nd Battle of Arras and breaking of the DQ Line “the turning point of the campaign”, but it came at a cost of 11,400 Canadian casualties. 

In the days leading up to this second offensive, and just over one week after joining the 44th Battalion, Private Albert Rodber was killed in action on August 22, 1918, after being hit by enemy shrapnel. His Circumstances of Death Register records the following: Date of Casualty: 22-8-18. “Killed in Action.” His Battalion was holding the line in the vicinity of FRANSART when a shell burst at his machine gun post, shrapnel hitting him in the legs and shoulder, killing him instantly.

While Albert was serving overseas in France, his widowed mother, Alice Mary Rodber, lived in Sarnia (according to the 1921 Census, she had immigrated to Canada in 1908). On July 8, 1918, 47-year-old Alice Mary Rodber married 53-year-old widower Angus William Mitchell (born in Strathroy, a labourer) in Sarnia. Alice Mary and Angus Mitchell resided at 212 Durand Street in Sarnia.

Two months after marrying, in early September 1918, Alice Mary Mitchell of Durand Street, received an official telegram informing her that her son PRIVATE ALBERT RODBER HAD BEEN KILLED IN ACTION ON AUGUST 22ND.

Three years later, in 1921, 50-year-old Alice Mary Mitchell and her 56-year-old husband Angus William Mitchell, were still residing at 212 Durand Street, along with their daughters, May Rodber (age 22, born in England) and Gladys Rodber (age 4, born in Ontario).

Albert Rodber, 22, has no known grave. He is memorialized on the Vimy Memorial, Pas de Calais, France.

Source: The Sarnia War Remembrance Project by Tom Slater

Editors: Tom St. Amand and Lou Giancarlo

Archibald Rogers was born in London, Ontario, on June 6, 1892, the son of Edward John and Alice (nee Harwood) Rogers. Both of Archibald’s parents were born in England—Edward, born August 22, 1861, had immigrated to Canada in 1875; and Alice Harwood, born June 12, 1860, had immigrated to Canada in 1874. After their marriage, Edward and Alice had four children together: sons William (born August 29, 1883); Archibald (born 1892); and Alfred (born July 2, 1899); and daughter Nellie (born August 10, 1886).

In 1891, the Rogers family was residing in London, Ontario, where Edward supported his family working as a carpenter. Along with Alice, were their children William (age 7) and Nellie (age 4). Ten years later in 1901, the Rogers expanded family was residing on Lyle Street in London—parents Edward (still a carpenter) and Alice, and their children William (age 17, a bookmaker), Nellie (age 14), Archibald (age 9) and Alfred (age 1). Edward later worked as a car builder in London.

On December 26, 1910, Archibald Rogers, age 18, an electrician in London, married 18-year-old Annie Gould in Petrolia, Ontario. Annie, born on October 10, 1892, in Oil Springs, was the daughter of Robert McNaughton (a driller) and Frances “Fanny” Letitia (nee Wade) Gould of Petrolia. Archibald and Annie initially resided at 408 Cromwell Street in Sarnia, and the following year they, along with Annie’s 17-year-old brother, John, were residing at 317 Maxwell Street, Sarnia. Archibald continued his work as an electrician, and John Gould was a waiter at a restaurant.

On February 23, 1917, Archibald Rogers, age 24, enlisted in the Canadian Over-Seas Expeditionary Force in Sarnia. He stood six feet tall, had brown eyes and fair hair, was married and resided at 408 Cromwell Street at the time. He recorded his trade or calling as electrician, and originally recorded his next-of-kin as his father Edward Rogers of 389 Lyle Street, London. Later, his next-of-kin was changed it to his wife, Annie, of 408 Cromwell Street. Archibald became a member of the Canadian Engineers with the rank of private.

Archibald embarked overseas from Halifax bound for the United Kingdom aboard S.S. Justicia on May 3, 1917. He arrived in England on May 14, 1917, where he became part of the Canadian Engineers Training Depot at Crowborough. Six months later, in November 1917, he proceeded from the Canadian Engineers Pool in Seaford to France. He arrived in France on November 17, 1917. Approximately 10 weeks later, on February 3, 1918, Archibald joined his unit in the field, a member of the Canadian Engineers, 7th Field Company with the rank of sapper.

Only four-and-a-half months later, on June 26, 1918, Private Archibald Rogers was admitted to No. 8 Canadian Field Ambulance, recorded as PUO (Pyrexia – of unknown origin fever of an undetermined cause). The next day, he was transferred to No. 4 Casualty Field Ambulance. Two days later, on June 29, 1918, he was admitted to No. 42 Casualty Clearing Station, recorded as dangerously ill with pleurisy.

Only nine days later, on July 8, 1918, Sapper Archibald Rogers lost his life as a result of the conditions of war, recorded as “Died of Sickness (Pneumonia) attributable to Field Operations”. His Circumstances of Death Register records the following: Date of Casualty: 8-7-18. “Died (Pneumonia), at No. 42 Casualty Clearing Station.” Aubigny Communal Cemetery Extension. 8 ¼ miles North West of ARRAS, FRANCE.

Archibald Rogers, 26, is buried in Aubigny Communal Cemetery Extension, Pas de Calais, France, Grave IV.J.39.

Just over one year later, on July 12, 1919, his widow Annie, 26, married 36-year-old John McDonald (born Chatham Township, a labourer), in Wallaceburg, Kent County.

Source: The Sarnia War Remembrance Project by Tom Slater

Editors: Tom St. Amand and Lou Giancarlo

Earl Sylvester Simmons was born in Petrolia, Ontario, on May 1, 1894, the youngest son of Charles Solomon and Ellen Jane (nee Cleland) Simmons. Note: On both the 1901 and 1911 Censuses, Earl Simmons’ birth year was recorded as 1893; however, on his Attestation Paper, Earl recorded his birth year as 1894. 

Charles Simmons (born November 15, 1864 in Stratford, Ontario) married Ellen Jane Cleland (born January 27, 1864 in Adelaide, Ontario) on November 15, 1884, in Oil City, Ontario. Charles worked as a machinist to support his family, and Ellen Jane and he had three sons together who were all born in Petrolia: John Edward (born September 27, 1885, was later employed with Mueller Manufacturing Co.); Melville James (born March 10, 1889, he served in the Great War, losing his life fighting in France–see below); and Earl Sylvester Simmons (born 1894).

In 1891, Charles and Ellen Jane Simmons lived in Petrolia, with their two children at the time, sons John (age 6) and Melville (age 2). In 1901, the Simmons family was living in Sarnia and included parents Charles and Ellen Jane (both age 35), and their children: John (age 15), Melville (age 12) and Earl Sylvester (age 8).

Six years later, on April 11, 1907, eldest son John, age 21 and a machinist, married 21-year-old Sarah Rosanna Zealand in Sarnia. In 1910, John and Sarah Rose were living in Wayne Michigan, and in 1921, they were residing at 309 Maxwell Street in Sarnia. John and Sarah Rose had seven children together: Earl Melville, Noble Charles, Dwight Sylvester, Edward John, James Percival, Margaret Gertrude and Ellen Maria Simmons.

In 1911, Charles and Ellen Jane (both age 44) were residing at 112 Euphemia Street, Sarnia, with their two sons: 22-year-old Melville, and 18-year-old Earl Sylvester. Both father Charles, and son Melville, were employed as machinists at the time, while Earl was a labourer. On September 4, 1911, middle son Melville, age 23, married Rhoda Jane Clark, age 22, in London, Ontario. They resided at 175 Christina Street, Sarnia. By then, parents Charles and Ellen Simmons were residing at 257 Christina Street.

The next year, on August 12, 1912, Earl Simmons, age 21, a machinist residing in Sarnia, married 18-year-old Florence Cora Wagner (residing in Dawn Township) in Petrolia. Cora Wagner was the daughter of George (a farmer) and Sara (nee Morningstar) Wagner of Oil Springs. Earl and Cora Simmons resided at 299 Vidal Street, Sarnia.

Earl, 21, and Melville, 26, enlisted together in the Canadian Over-Seas Expeditionary Force on January 26, 1916, in Sarnia. Earl stood five feet eleven-and-a-half inches tall, had brown eyes and black hair, was married, and recorded his trade or calling as machinist, and his next-of-kin as his wife, Cora at 299 Vidal Street, Sarnia. Earl became a member of “A” Company, the Lambton 149th Battalion, Canadian Expeditionary Force (his brother Melville was part of the same battalion). Approximately nine months later, on October 10, 1916, Private Earl Sylvester Simmons was discharged at Camp Borden, Ontario. Though his conduct and character while in the service was recorded as “good”, he was discharged being declared “medically unfit”.

One and a half years after Earl was discharged, in mid-April of 1918, parents Charles and Ellen Jane received the news that their middle son, Private Melville James Simmons, was officially reported dead, having passed away from wounds received in action in France.

Three months later, on July 27, 1918, Earl Simmons, age 24, enlisted a second time with the Canadian Over-Seas Expeditionary Force. He enlisted in Toronto, becoming a member of the Canadian Infantry, 1st Depot Battalion, 1st Central Ontario Regiment, with the rank of private. This time he recorded his birthdate as May 1, 1893, in Sarnia, and his “present address” as Independence Road, Kansas City, Missouri, U.S.A. He recorded his trade or calling as machinist, and his next of kin as his wife, Mrs. H. Simmons, of 257 Christina Street, Sarnia (his parents’ address. It was later changed to 3rd Street, Fort Madison, Iowa). Earl also recorded that he had 10 ½ months prior military experience with the 149th Overseas Battalion, as a private. On August 1, 1918, Private Earl Sylvester Simmons was approved for service by the Medical Board at Niagara Camp.

Two weeks later, on August 14, 1918, Earl was admitted to the hospital station at Niagara Camp, diagnosed with dermatitis seborrhoeica. Six days later, on August 20, 1918, he was discharged, recorded as “skin condition cured, readmission advised on surgical ward, diagnosis orchitis”. On August 26, 1918, he was admitted to Toronto Base hospital diagnosed with orchitis (inflamed, enlarged and tender testicles).

In early October 1918, he was suffering headache, chills, and pain. He remained in hospital until mid-October, being discharged on October 16, 1918 with the recommendation for seven days sick leave. Two weeks later, on October 30, he was admitted to a Toronto Stationary Hospital with influenza, pneumonia and tonsillitis. He remained in hospital for 32 days until December 2, 1918. He was then transferred to Toronto Stationary Hospital at Exhibition Camp, for convalescence, diagnosed with influenza. He remained there for 4 days, recovered, and was released on December 6, 1918, and recommended for a 10 days leave. Earl Simmons never had the opportunity to serve overseas.

Eleven days after being released from hospital in Toronto, on December 17, 1918, Private Earl Sylvester Simmons of the 1st Depot Battalion, Central Ontario Regiment, suddenly lost his life while at his Christina Street home in Sarnia. At the time of his death, the Sarnia Observer reported that, “he was a returned soldier, having been up and about the city up to almost the time of his death, which resulted from heart trouble”.

On the official death report, the doctor recorded that his death was the result of “accidental poisoning” at home. His Veterans Death Card records his death as, “Died at his residence, No. 257 Christina St., Sarnia, Ontario, 17-12-18, Auto Intoxication”. His Canada War Grave Register records the following: Circumstances of Death: Auto Intoxication – Taken ill at his home on December 16th, 1918. Dr. A.R. McMillan, of Sarnia, and Dr. R.G.R. McDonald, of Sarnia, were in attendance. Died at 12:30 A.M. December 17th, 1918. Lake View Cemetery, Sarnia, Ontario.

For parents Charles and Ellen Jane Simmons, their youngest son Earl’s death came only eight months after they had received the news that their middle son, Melville, had been killed in action in France.

So, a few days before Christmas 1918, Charles and Ellen Jane Simmons bid goodbye to their second child. Earl Simmons’ funeral was held with full military honors from the family home on Christina Street. Services were conducted by Reverend George Hazen of the Devine Street Methodist Church, and included members of the Great War Veterans’ Association, the Sarnia Citizen’s band, a firing party, and a bugler playing the “Last Post”.

Earl Sylvester Simmons, 24, is buried in Lakeview Cemetery, Sarnia. On his headstone are inscribed the words, 845301 PRIVATE SYLVESTER E. SIMMONS CENT. ONT. REGT. C.E.F. 17^TH DEC. 1918 and on the lower half is 845299 SAPPER MEL J. SIMMONS 11^TH FIELD CO. C.E.F. DIED OF WOUNDS IN FRANCE 6.4.18.

After the war, Charles and Ellen Jane Simmons moved to Fort Madison, Iowa, U.S.A.

Note: Earl Sylvester Simmons signed all documents in his Military File as “Earl Sylvester Simmons”; however, the name on his grave is inscribed as, “Sylvester E. Simmons”.

Source: The Sarnia War Remembrance Project by Tom Slater

Editors: Tom St. Amand and Lou Giancarlo

Melville James Simmons was born in Petrolia, Ontario, on March 10, 1889, the middle son of Charles Solomon and Ellen Jane (nee Cleland) Simmons. Charles Simmons (born November 15, 1864 in Stratford, Ontario) married Ellen Jane Cleland (born January 27, 1864 in Adelaide, Ontario) on November 15, 1884, in Oil City, Ontario. Charles supported his family working as a machinist, and he and Ellen Jane had three children together, all boys, all born in Petrolia: John Edward (born September 27, 1885, was later employed with Mueller Manufacturing Co.); Melville James (born 1889): and Earl Sylvester Simmons (born May 1, 1894, also joined the 149th Battalion, Canadian Infantry, 1st Battalion–see above).

In 1891, Charles and Ellen Jane Simmons lived in Petrolia, with their two children at the time, sons John (age 6) and Melville (age 2). In 1901, the Simmons family was living in Sarnia, and included parents Charles and Ellen Jane (both age 35), and their children John (age 15), Melville (age 12) and Earl Sylvester (age 8). Six years later, on April 11, 1907, eldest son John, age 21, and a machinist, married 21-year-old Sarah Rosanna Zealand in Sarnia. In 1910, John and Sarah Rose Simmons were living in Wayne Michigan, and in 1921, they were residing at 309 Maxwell Street in Sarnia. John and Sarah Rose had seven children together: Earl Melville, Noble Charles, Dwight Sylvester, Edward John, James Percival, Margaret Gertrude and Ellen Maria Simmons.

In 1911, Charles and Ellen Jane Simmons (both age 44) resided at 112 Euphemia Street, Sarnia, with their two sons: 22-year-old Melville, and 18-year-old Earl Sylvester. Both father Charles and son Melville were employed as machinists at the time, while Earl was a labourer.

Later in the year, on September 4, 1911, middle son Melville, age 23, married Rhoda Jane Clark, age 22, in London, Ontario. Rhoda Jane Clark, residing in Eastwood, Ontario at the time, was the daughter of Alfred Henry (a farmer) and Georgina Elizabeth (nee Sibbans) Clark, of Woodstock, Ontario. Melville and Rhoda Jane resided at 175 Christina Street, Sarnia. By then, parents Charles and Ellen Simmons were residing at 257 Christina Street. The following year, on August 12, 1912, the youngest Simmons boy—Earl Sylvester, age 21, married Florence Cora Wagner, age 18, in Petrolia, Ontario. They resided at 299 Vidal Street, Sarnia.

Melville Simmons was a resident of Sarnia for 19 years and, prior to enlistment, was an employee of the Sarnia Fence Company. Twenty-six-year-old Melville and his younger brother Earl, 21, enlisted together in the Canadian Over-Seas Expeditionary Force on January 26, 1916, in Sarnia. Melville stood five feet ten inches tall, had grey eyes and black hair, was married and resided at 175 Christina Street in Sarnia at the time. He recorded his trade or calling as mechanic, and his next of kin as his wife, Rhoda Simmons of 175 Christina Street. Melville and Earl became members of the Lambton 149th Battalion, Canadian Expeditionary Force. Melville’s training took him to Camp Borden, where in early September 1916, he spent six days in hospital due to an illness.

One year after enlisting, on January 26, 1917, Melville embarked overseas from Canada bound for the United Kingdom aboard S.S. Grampian. He arrived in England on February 6, 1917. Initially, Melville was taken on strength into the Canadian Engineers Training Depot, at the Army Camp at Crowborough. Three months later, on May 9, 1917, he sailed from England and arrived in France the next day to be part of the Engineers Pool. Eleven days later, on May 21, 1917, he was transferred to the 11th Field Company, 4th Division of Canadian Engineers, with the rank of sapper. Sapper Melville Simmons joined this unit on the front line on May 23, 1917.

Approximately 11 months after arriving in France, on April 6, 1918, Sapper Melville Simmons of the 11th Field Company Canadian Engineers was wounded by a bomb from an enemy aeroplane. The attack happened at approximately 1:00 p.m. Melville lost his life half an hour later, the result of the wounds received after being hit. His Circumstances of Death Register records the following: Date of Casualty: 6-4-18. Died of Wounds. Wounded by a bomb dropped from an enemy aeroplane at about 1 p.m. on April 6th, 1918, and died about half an hour later. ROCLINCOURT MILITARY CEMETERY, 2 miles North of ARRAS, FRANCE.

His death, outside a formal, designated battle, was a common occurrence. In the daily exchange of hostilities—incessant artillery, snipers, mines, gas shells, trench raids, and random harassing fire—the carnage was routine and inescapable. High Command’s term for these losses was “wastage.”

Thirteen days later, on April 19, 1918, Charles Simmons at 257 South Christina Street in Sarnia, received the following telegram from the Director of Records in Ottawa: DEEPLY REGRET TO INFORM YOU THAT 845299 PRIVATE MELVILLE J. SIMMONS, ENGINEERS, OFFICIALLY REPORTED DIED OF WOUNDS, APRIL 6, 1918.At the time of his Melville’s death, his wife Rhoda was living in Woodstock, Ontario.

Melville Simmons, 29, is buried in Roclincourt Military Cemetery, Pas de Calais, France, Grave VI.B.14.

Eight months after Melville’s death, tragedy struck Charles and Ellen Jane Simmons again. In December 1918, their youngest son, Earl (who had enlisted with Melville), a former member of the 149th Battalion, lost his life in Sarnia, the result of accidental poisoning. Earl’s funeral was held with full military honours, originating at the family home on Christina Street. Charles and Ellen Jane’s thoughts that day would also have been with their son, Melville, buried somewhere in France. Earl Sylvester Simmons, 24, is buried in Lakeview Cemetery in Sarnia. On his headstone are inscribed the words, 845301 PRIVATE SYLVESTER E. SIMMONS CENT. ONT. REGT. C.E.F. 17^TH DEC. 1918 and on the lower half is 845299 SAPPER MEL J. SIMMONS 11^TH FIELD CO. C.E.F. DIED OF WOUNDS IN FRANCE 6.4.18.

After the war, Charles and Ellen Jane Simmons moved to Fort Madison, Iowa, U.S.A.

Source: The Sarnia War Remembrance Project by Tom Slater

Editors: Tom St. Amand and Lou Giancarlo

William Wallace Wellington Bruce Skinner was born in St. Thomas, Elgin County, Ontario, on January 2, 1897, the son of Peter Cunning and Bella (nee McKerry) Skinner. William’s grandparents were Angus and Mary McRury, both originally from Scotland. Angus McRury was born about 1830 in North Uist, Outer Hebrides, Scotland, had immigrated to Canada with his parents in 1851, and settled in Middlesex County. After farming there until 1883, Angus moved to Point Edward where he was employed by the Grand Trunk Railway. Mary (nee McKenzie) McRury was born about 1833 in North Uist, Outer Hebrides, Scotland, and had immigrated to Canada in 1852. Mary also moved to Point Edward and married Angus in 1854. They had 11 children together.

William was raised by his Point Edward grandparents, Angus and Mary McRury, after his own mother and father had passed away when he was an infant. William’s other local relatives included his aunts Miss Sarah McRury, of 175 North Front Street (later 281 Emma St. Her brother, also named Angus, was born in Point Edward in 1896; he enlisted in October 1915 in Sarnia; and was killed in action on October 2, 1916 in France); Mrs. George Culley; L. McRury; and Mrs. D.J. McRury of the city of Sarnia.

Angus and Mary McRury’s children included John, Alexander, Catherine Georgina, Donald John, Jessie Margaret, Lachlan John, Archibald Ronald, Bella and Sarah Ellen McRury. In 1901, Angus (a dock labourer) and Mary were residing in Point Edward with two of their children: 27-year-old Archibald (a farm labourer) and 19-year-old Sarah McRury.

In 1911, William, age 14, was living on Alexandra Avenue in Point Edward with his grandparents, 72-year-old Angus McRury (a labourer, GTR shed) and 68-year-old Mary McRury, and their daughter Sarah McRury (age 29, a grocery clerk). At the time, despite his young age, William was employed as a labourer at the Grand Trunk Railroad shed, alongside his grandfather Angus.

On October 26, 1915, William Skinner, age 18, enlisted in the Canadian Over-Seas Expeditionary Force in Sarnia. The minimum age to join the military at that time was 18, but the military later changed the minimum age to 19. William stood five feet ten inches tall, had blue eyes and brown hair, and was single. He recorded his trade or calling as machinist and his next-of-kin as his grandfather, Agnes McRury of Point Edward. William became a member of the “B” Squadron, 2nd Depot Regiment, Canadian Mounted Rifles, with the rank of trooper.

Trooper William Skinner embarked overseas bound for the United Kingdom on April 2, 1916, aboard HMS Olympic. He arrived in England on April 12, 1916, and was taken on strength at Shorncliffe into the Royal Canadian Dragoons (a heavy cavalry unit). Almost three months later, in early July 1916, William completed his Military Will (a perforated sheet from his pay book) in which he wrote; “In the event of my death, I give the whole of my property and effects to my aunt, Miss Sarah McRury, Point Edward, Ontario.”

On July 6, 1916, William arrived in France where he became a member of the Canadian Cavalry Brigade (CCB) with the rank of private. When the war began, many of the traditional generals were not yet ready to concede that the day of the horse was over; however, as the war progressed the style of warfare changed and, out of necessity, senior officers adjusted their tactics to overcome the obstacles the Germans mounted. The enemy’s system of deep trench complexes, deadly machine guns, mechanized artillery and barbed wire reduced the number of cavalry charges on the Western Front. Horse-mounted troop regiments became an outdated mode of warfare. Often the cavalrymen were required to dismount and fight as infantry during the larger battles. Other duties included mounted patrol work, escort duties, traffic control, trench mapping, stretcher bearing, as well as pursuit of the enemy during offensive operations.

Seven months after arriving in France, on February 21, 1917, the unit was renamed the Canadian Light Horse (CLH). One month later, on March 28, 1917, William was attached to the Assistant Provost Marshal (APM) Canadian Corps (a group of military police). He served with them for five months.

On August 28, 1917, William Skinner rejoined his CLH unit and was then granted leave until September 9, 1917. By mid-October 1917, William was back with his unit, part of the Canadian Corps that arrived in an area of Flanders, Belgium, with some of the most ghastly and appalling battlefield conditions ever—a place known asPasschendaele. On October 24, 1917, William was briefly attached to No. 1 Canadian Motor Machine Gun (CMMG) Brigade before returning to the CLH.

The Battle of Passchendaele was fought between October 26 – November 10, 1917, Passchendaele was waged in unceasing rain on a battlefield that was a nightmarish mess of rotting, mangled corpses, gagging gas, water-filled craters, and glutinous mud. Overcoming almost unimaginable hardships and horrific fighting conditions, the Canadians achieved a remarkable victory that few thought possible; however, it came at a cost of almost 12,000 Canadian wounded and more than 4,000 Canadians killed.

Three weeks after arriving at Flanders, on November 7, 1917, Private William Skinner of the Canadian Cavalry, Canadian Light Horse, lost his life while fighting in the Battle of Passchendaele. William’s death was officially recorded as Date of Death: 7-11-17. Killed in Action. He has no known grave.

Private William Skinner, 20, is memorialized on the Menin Gate (Ypres) Memorial, Belgium, Panel 10. William’s name is also inscribed on the plaque on the Memorial in the Village of Point Edward.

William’s grandfather, Angus McRury, passed away on March 22, 1919, at the age of 88. He had been laid up with a sore heel which resulted in gangrene setting in. No permanent abatement of his suffering could be secured, and after several months of illness, he passed away. William’s grandmother, Mary McRury, passed away in May 1920, at the age of 86. Both Angus and Mary McRury are buried in Lakeview Cemetery, Sarnia.

Source: The Sarnia War Remembrance Project by Tom Slater

Editors: Tom St. Amand and Lou Giancarlo

Harry Smith was born in Burton-on-Trent, Stafford, England, on June 11, 1889, the son of William and

Minnie (nee Wood) Smith of England. Harry had at least one brother, William Smith Jr., born about 1888 in Staffordshire, England. At some point in his youth, Harry lost his father William Smith Sr., who passed away at the age of 40. In 1902, still residing in England, Harry had an attack of pneumonia and was sick for six weeks. He worked for a time in a brewery, but was forced to quit because of the damp conditions. He developed a persistent cough that stayed with him for the rest of his life.

In 1907, Harry, age 18, and his older brother William Jr., along with their mother Minnie, immigrated to Canada. Only six weeks after arriving in Canada, Harry suffered a second attack of pneumonia and was unable to work for 10 months. Harry ended up living in Sarnia with his widowed mother Minnie Smith at 492 Confederation Street. While living there, Harry became a member of St. John’s Anglican Church.

Two years before joining the military, Harry fell off an engine in the Sarnia round house that left him unconscious and coughing up a lot of blood. He was employed for a time with Imperial Oil Company before becoming a letter carrier.

As the war dragged on in Europe, with the Canadian troops thinning at an alarming rate, and no end to the war in sight, the government instituted the Military Service Act (MSA) in July 1917.

Twenty-eight-year-old Harry Smith was drafted under the Military Service Act of 1917, Class One. He underwent his medical examination in Sarnia on November 15, 1917. He was called to service on January 9, 1918, reporting to the 1st Depot Battalion, Western Ontario Regiment (W.O.R.) in London, Ontario. Harry stood five feet eight-and-a-half inches tall, had blue eyes and dark hair, and was single. He recorded his trade or calling as letter carrier, and his next-of-kin as his mother, Mrs. Minnie Smith of 492 Confederation Street, Sarnia.

Approximately 125,000 men were conscripted into the CEF, and only 48,000 were sent overseas. The first conscripts went to France in April 1918. That summer, thousands more of them, mostly infantry, were funnelled across the English Channel to Canadian Corps reinforcement camps in France. Only about 24,000 Canadian MSA conscripts reached the Western Front lines. They helped keep the ranks of the ragged infantry battalions at or near full strength during the crucial final months of the war, thus allowing the Canadian Corps to continue fighting in a series of battles.

Private Harry Smith never had the opportunity to serve overseas. Less than two weeks after being called to service, Harry’s obvious poor health became an issue. After experiencing chills, malaise, and coughing, he was admitted to the Army Medical Centre in London on January 19, 1918. While there, he was diagnosed with pneumonia. His mother was able to visit him from Sarnia on January 23. During this hospital stay, Harry had difficulty sleeping and experienced breathing difficulties, headaches, coughing with phlegm, and considerable chest pain. Each passing week saw his condition deteriorate. By February 13, his condition had worsened and he was recorded as “breathing very difficult, pulse irregular, eyes rolling backward, respiration very laboured, perspiring profusely and condition shows no improvement.”

On February 15, 1918, Private Harry Smith passed away at 1:15 a.m., as a result of tuberculosis, at Wolseley Barracks Hospital, London, Ontario. His remains were brought back to Sarnia where a funeral was held at his late residence. The Canada War Grave Register recorded his death as Acute Tuberculosis – admitted to hospital Jan. 20th, 1918 – had had previous attacks of lung trouble. Nursed by special nurse. Died from exhaustion. Lake View Cemetery, Sarnia, Ontario.

Harry Smith, 28, is buried in Lakeview Cemetery, Sarnia, Ontario. On his headstone are inscribed the words, UNTIL THE DAY BREAK AND THE SHADOWS FLEE AWAY.

On December 17, 1919, Harry’s 31-year-old brother William Smith Jr. (a clerk) married 32-year-old Rhoda Evelyn Lakin (born in England, immigrated to Canada in 1919) at St. John’s Church in Sarnia. In 1921, 60-year-old widowed Minnie Smith was still residing at 492 Confederation Street in Sarnia, along with her son William Jr. (a labourer), his wife Rhoda Evelyn (both age 33), and their infant daughter Miriam Smith.

Source: The Sarnia War Remembrance Project by Tom Slater

Editors: Tom St. Amand and Lou Giancarlo

David Radcliffe Smuck was born in Sarnia, on May 18, 1893, the son of Peter and Emily (nee Porter) Smuck. On November 25, 1876, in Brantford, Ontario, Peter Smuck, a 23-year-old railway employee from Stratford, Ontario, married Emily Porter, age 20, who was born November 14, 1856 in Ancaster, Ontario.

Peter and Emily had nine children together: George (born February 9, 1876); twin sisters May and Mabel Smuck (born May 24, 1884); Peter (born April 1, 1886); Blanche Emily (born January 5, 1888); John Wesley (born July 2, 1891); David Radcliff (born 1893); Bertha (born November 30, 1895); and Marygald Cathelene Smuck (born March 12, 1898).

In 1881, Peter and Emily, along with their four-year-old son George, were residing in Goderich, Ontario. Ten years later, in 1891, Peter and Emily had moved to Sarnia with their five children: George, May, Mabel, Peter and Blanche. Eight years later, on November 2, 1899, when David was six years old, his father Peter was killed accidentally when he was working as a railroad brakeman. The young father of nine was only 46 years old. In 1901, 42-year-old widowed Emily Smuck was residing at 202 South Mitton Street, S., in Sarnia, the head of the household, with all nine children ranging in age from 29 to 3: George (a brakeman with the GTR), May, Mabel, Peter, Blanche, John, David (age 7), Bertha and Marygald.

David’s brother, John Wesley, two years older, enlisted in the Canadian Over-Seas Expeditionary Force on September 23, 1914, in Val Cartier, Quebec. Twenty-three-year-old John stood five feet six inches tall, had blue eyes and light brown hair, was single, and recorded his trade or calling as a machinist, and his next-of-kin as his mother, Emily Smuck in Sarnia.

John became a member of #2 Stationary Hospital, Canadian Army Medical Corps (CAMC). He embarked overseas on October 3, 1914, as part of the First Canadian Contingent. A little more than 31,000 men, 100 nurses, and over 7,000 horses, departed the port of Quebec aboard an armada of 30 ocean-liners, hastily painted in wartime grey and bound for the United Kingdom.

 In November 1914, Joseph Hay, a G.T.R. locomotive foreman at Sarnia tunnel, received a letter from his friend John Smuck, with the Canadian Army Medical Corps, of the First Overseas Contingent. Following is a portion of that letter:

On Board H.M.T. City of Benares, November 7, 1914

My Dear Mr. Hay,

Just a few lines to give you a rough idea of our trip to date. We spent three weeks at Long Branch, seven miles outside of Toronto, and then to the notorious Valcartier camp. This place was more like a young city, board walks, electric lights, water works, and sewage system and banks. After three weeks more of life under tents we embarked at Quebec city on H.M.T. Scotian.

Here life was a change. Good beds or rather berths, and plenty to eat. We had 22 transports, besides our escorts. At night not one light was seen. Sometimes we felt a little creepy, but would retire to our large dining room to play cards or enjoy good music. After 21 days on water we arrived at Devenport. We were on board one week before disembarking. All noncoms. were granted shore leave to see the old historic city and also Plymouth. The reception given us was something to be well remembered.

On disembarking we marched to the railway station to entrain for Salisbury Plains, where we arrived the following day. It rained 23 out of 24 days we were camped there and we had wet feet continually, but not one man sick, which is considered a good record. Our unit is the first of the Canadians to leave for the front and are on our way now for the continent. Where? We do not know and if we did it would be impossible to let you know, but it is probably France. In sight of land now, but are anchored in the English channel. Why? Ask Kitchener! Our company is ready for anything from good to bad and hope to be home some day to relate my experiences in full.

Sincerely yours, John Smuck

No. 11 Stationary Hospital, C.A.M.C. First Canadian Expeditionary Force

Private John Wesley Smuck of the CAMC arrived in France with #2 Canadian Stationary Hospital on

November 8, 1914. By April 1915, he had been promoted up the ranks to lance-sergeant and then sergeant. While overseas, John was hospitalized on a number of occasions: in late October 1915 due to a hernia; in late January 1916 (back in Shorncliffe, England) due to epilepsy; in late February 1917 (in Boulogne, France) due to influenza; and on two occasions in 1918 (in France) due to mumps.

In early August 1917, John reverted to the rank of private at his own request so he could be transferred to the 15th Battalion. He served in England and France and survived the war, being discharged on demobilization in London, Ontario on June 12, 1919. 

Eight months after being discharged, on February 11, 1920, 28-year-old John Smuck married Emilie Olikier, 20, in St. John, New Brunswick. Emilie was born around 1899 in Belgium and had immigrated to Canada in 1920. In 1921, John (a machinist) and Emilie Smuck were residing at 186 Ross Avenue, Sarnia. Two days before Christmas of 1922, tragedy struck the young couple when John, 31, passed away in Sarnia. The cause of death was recorded as rheumatic endocarditis (an infection of the inner lining of the heart). The War Graves Register (Circumstances of Casualty) recorded that his death was attributed to his military service.

John Smuck is buried in Lakeview Cemetery in Sarnia.

A letter written by Captain John Adda MacDonald of the Army Medical Corps in France, to his parents in Sarnia is included in this Project in the bio of David Bentley. Sgt. John (Jack) Smuck is mentioned in that letter.

Nine months after his older brother John had enlisted, 22-year-old David Radcliffe Smuck enlisted in the Canadian Over-Seas Expeditionary Force on June 28, 1915, in Sarnia. David stood five feet eight-and-a-half inches tall, had blue eyes and fair hair, was single, and recorded his trade or calling as a barber, and his next-of-kin as his mother, Mrs. Smuck at 202 Mitton Street, Sarnia. He also recorded that he was an active member of the 14th Field Artillery Militia. One month later, by late July 1915, David arrived overseas in England. Once there, he became a member of the Canadian Army Medical Corps (CAMC), No. 3 Stationary Hospital, with the rank of private. Only days after arriving in England, on August 1, 1915, David proceeded to Dardanelles in Turkey.

            In early September 1915, David wrote a letter to his mother Emily in Sarnia. In it, he described his travels so far aboard ship as it travelled from England, up the English Channel out into the North Sea, passing along the coast of Spain and Portugal, through the Straits of Gibraltar (but I did not see the rock as it was about 2:00 a.m. in the morning), into the Mediterranean Sea, along the north coast of Africa, and then by Algeria. Following is a portion of the letter he wrote while his ship was anchored in the harbor of Malta:

My Dear Mother,

Just a few lines to let you know we are this far on our trip, and I am feeling fine, hope everybody is well at

home. We had a fine trip so far, excepting last Monday, and it was very rough coming through the Bay of Biscay, and I guess I know now what sea sickness is. We left Southampton a week ago today about 2:30 p.m., and we are still on board ship. I hope we soon get off as I am tired of travelling. We have No. 1 stationary hospital from France on board with us. From what I hear they are going to put all the Canadians down in the Dardanelles. They expect to have Constantinople in three months, but you can never tell…

The weather here is awfully warm, 110 to 114 in the shade, so that is going some. They are going to give us all a new outfit of clothing, something like overalls with big helmets. We do not hear much about the war at all. I haven’t seen a paper for over a week, so I do not know what is going on. When in Shorncliffe all we could see was men in khaki. There seems to be great numbers of them, and signs up “Enlist Today.” I saw young “Wireless” Smith since I have been over here, from Sarnia, and he said it was something awful in the trenches last winter for a couple of weeks. The water was up to his knees, and you had to half stand up, and if you stood straight up you would get a bullet….

Well, mother, I think I have told you all for the time. Give all at home my very best.

From your loving son, Dave

Certainly, the young barber from Sarnia did not have an easy time of it. On October 17, 1915, David was admitted to No. 3 Stationary Hospital in West Mudros (island of Lemnos, Greece) due to diarrhea. He would be discharged to duty three weeks later. On December 30, 1915, he was again admitted to No. 3 Stationary Hospital, Mudros, this time due to jaundice, and recorded as “seriously ill”. By mid-January 1916, he had been transferred to No. 3 Canadian Stationary Hospital in Abasia, Egypt, where his status had changed from “previously reported seriously ill” to “now reported dangerously ill”. On January 17, 1916, Emily received the following telegram from Ottawa at her Mitton Street home: SINCERELY REGRET TO INFORM YOU NO. 3676, PTE. DAVID RADCLIFFE SMUCK, NO. 3 STATIONARY HOSPITAL, OFFICIALLY REPORTED SERIOUSLY ILL. JAUNDICE. WILL SEND FURTHER PARTICULARS WHEN RECEIVED.

ADJT.-GENERAL

On January 21, 1916, still suffering with jaundice, David was admitted to Valletta Military Hospital in Malta,

and the next day he was transferred to St. Andrew’s Military Hospital in Malta. One month later, on February 19, 1916, he was invalided back to Shorncliffe, England, aboard the hospital ship Essequibo. On February 27, 1916, he was admitted to Royal Victoria Hospital in Netley, near Southampton, England, where his condition was recorded as “casualty now reported to be ineffective – jaundice” and “enteric fever”. On March 16, 1916, he was transferred to Addington Park War Hospital in Croydon because he suffered from enteric fever. One month later, on April 19, 1916, he was admitted to the Woodcote Park Convalescent Hospital in Epsom, still with enteric fever. Nearly five weeks later, David was declared fit for duty and was discharged from Woodcote Park on May 22, 1916. 

More than nine months later, on March 5, 1917, David Smuck returned to Canada on furlough aboard S.S. Metagama. He remained in Sarnia until May 14, 1917. By October 1917, David was back in Shorncliffe, England. Three months later, on January 22, 1918, he was posted to No. 16 Canadian Field Ambulance, Shorncliffe. Two months later, on March 21, 1918, Private David Smuck was posted to the Canadian Hospital Ship Llandovery Castle.

HMHS Llandovery Castle was a 11,000-ton, 152-metre long Canadian Hospital Ship. Built in 1914 in Glasgow as RMS Llandovery Castle, she was one of five hospital ships chartered by the Canadian Government that served in World War I. Recommissioned in July 1916, she was equipped with 622 beds and a medical staff of 102, and was in the service of transferring the wounded and sick from England to Canada for many months.

In June 1918, the ship set off from Liverpool to Canada with a full complement of 644 wounded and convalescent soldiers. It arrived safely in Halifax on June 17, 1918, where many of its discharged patients spoke in the highest terms of the treatment they had received.

Three days later, the Llandovery Castle sailed out of Halifax harbour on her return journey to Britain with more than 250 people on board. The passengers enjoyed comfortable summer weather for much of the return trip. By the evening of June 27, 1918, she had reached the southern end of the Western Approaches, a roughly rectangular area of the Atlantic Ocean to the west of Ireland and extending to the extremities of the British coastline – Land’s End in the south west and the Orkney Islands in the north.

In 1917, the German Imperial Admiralty had authorized its U-boat fleet to strike all Allied vessels in the Mediterranean Sea and a stretch of water from the English Channel to the North Sea, including hospital ships, which it alleged were smuggling weapons and soldiers. On that fateful night, the Llandovery Castle was about 114 miles from the southern coast of Ireland, and wasn’t in either location, and she was clearly identified as a hospital ship.

Being a hospital ship, she was, in accordance with international law, clearly identified as such. Llandovery Castle, like all hospital ships, was painted white with green horizontal stripes interspersed with red crosses along each side. At night, a brightly illuminated Red Cross was displayed, and the vessel was adorned with full strings of electric lights. She was abiding by the rule of not carrying armed soldiers, munitions or weaponry. The ship was unarmed and was sailing without escort. On board, the crew comprised 164 men, 80 officers and men of the Canadian Army Medical Corps (CAMC), including Private David Smuck, and 14 nurses, for a total of 258 persons on board. According to the Hague Conventions, at that time, an enemy vessel had the right to stop and to search a hospital ship, but were not allowed to attack it.

 As it grew dark on the clear night of June 27, 1918, the Llandovery Castle steamed quietly through the waters of the war zone, her crew watchful for any enemy activity. Unfortunately, she was sighted by U-86, a U-boat captained by Oberleutnant zur See Helmet Patzig. At about 9:30 p.m., German submarine U-86 made no attempt to search the hospital ship. Captain Patzig was suspicious, and, without warning, U-86 torpedoed the Llandovery Castle, about 114 miles southwest of the Fastnet Rock (Ireland). The crew of U-86 later testified that they knew their target was a hospital ship from her lights, but Patzig attacked it nonetheless.

After receiving a direct hit on her port side from a torpedo, there was a massive explosion, and the Llandovery Castle listed badly. The ship’s forward momentum intensified flooding through the hole left by the blast. Captain Edward Sylvester rang the engine room to stop, then reverse the engines, but there was no response—the men in that section were either dead or incapacitated. The vessel’s Marconi wireless was wrecked, so a distress signal could not be sent out. The vessel kept plowing ahead, even as it rapidly sank. Sylvester gave the order to launch lifeboats.

All those who survived the explosion began the evacuation, made worse by the extreme slopes of the deck, and attempted to reach the lifeboats. Two of the boats were already swamped with water and had broken away, and everyone was soon climbing aboard those which were lowered successfully. Soon, the stern of the Llandovery Castle went under, the boilers blew up and the bow stood up in the air. Within 10 minutes of being struck, the ship disappeared in the increasing swell of the Western Approaches.

Those who survived the blast proceeded to attempt to rescue many of the survivors struggling in the water. One of those lifeboats contained all the nursing sisters. Sergeant Arthur Knight was on board that lifeboat and later recalled these events;

Our boat was quickly loaded and lowered to the surface of the water. Then [we] faced the difficulty of getting free from the ropes holding us to the ship’s side. I broke two axes trying to cut ourselves away, but was unsuccessful. With the forward motion and choppy sea the boat all the time was pounding against the ship’s side. To save the [life] boat we tried to keep ourselves away by using the oars, and soon every one them was broken.

Finally, the ropes became loose at the top and we drifted away, carried towards the stern of the ship, when suddenly the poop deck broke away and sank. The suction drew us quickly into the vacuum, the boat tipped over sideways, and every occupant went under.

I estimate we were together in the boat about eight minutes. In that whole time I did not hear a complaint or murmur from one of the sisters. There was not a cry for help or any outward evidence of fear. In the entire time I overheard only one remark when the matron, Nursing Sister Margaret M. Fraser, turned to me as we drifted helplessly towards the stern of the ship and asked: “Sergeant, do you think there is any hope for us?”

I replied, “No.” A few seconds later we were drawn into the whirlpool of the submerged afterdeck, and the last I saw of the nursing sisters was as they were thrown over the side of the boat. All were wearing lifebelts, and of the 14, two were in their nightdress, the others in uniform.

It was doubtful if any of them came to the surface again. I myself sank and came up three times, finally clinging to a piece of wreckage and being eventually picked up by the captain’s boat.”

Those floundering in the choppy sea were interrupted by Captain Patzig, who, seeing the lifeboats and men in the water, ordered his submarine to surface and to move towards them. An English-speaking German crew member ordered some of the survivors onto the U-boat. He started interrogating crew members one at a time to obtain proof that the Llandovery Castle was also an ammunition carrier or was sheltering American airmen on board. When the German Captain could secure no proof, he concluded that the ship hadn’t been doing anything illicit. He knew the attack was unjustifiable, and he had committed a serious breach of Hague rules. He then returned the survivors to their lifeboats, and prepared for diving, ordering most of his crew below deck.

Captain Patzig, two officers, and the boatswain’s mate stayed on deck. The U-boat did not dive. Instead, Patzig ordered the German officers to start firing with machine guns at the life boats, intent on killing all witnesses to conceal what had happened. When the submarine did leave, she attempted to ram the lifeboats in the water, and once clear, launched shells into the area of the survivors—one witness stated that at least 30 shells were fired by the submarine. The appalling scenes of terror would last for close to two hours. To further conceal this event, Patzig extracted promises of secrecy from his crew, and faked the course of U-86 in the logbook.

Only one lifeboat survived the attack, the others were either sucked under the ship as it went down or were targeted by the U-boat. Starting at about 11:00 p.m. that night, the surviving lifeboat headed for the Irish coast, covering around 70 miles by alternately sailing or rowing. Thirty-six hours after the atrocity, those on board were finally rescued by the British destroyer HMS Lysander that was on patrol. They were taken to Queenstown before being moved to Plymouth. Twenty-four survivors were rescued in the remaining lifeboat—six of them were CAMC medical staff. In total, 234 persons lost their lives in the sinking of the Llandovery Castle Hospital Ship, including 88 of the 94 Canadians on board, and all 14 Nursing Sisters who had managed to board one of the lifeboats.

Private David Smuck of the Canadian Army Medical Corps, lost his life in the brazen June 27, 1918 enemy attack on the Canadian Hospital Ship Llandovery Castle. Initially listed as Missing, David was later officially listed as Previously reported missing believed drowned now for official purposes presumed to have died on or since 27-6-18. Lost at sea on “Llandovery Castle”. The Halifax Memorial, Halifax, Nova Scotia.

The attack on and the sinking of the Llandovery Castle was not only one of the most controversial events during World War I—it was also the most significant Canadian naval disasters of war. The sinking of the hospital ship caused global outrage and led to a flurry of anti-German propaganda. Canadians were rightly incensed after the attack and used the fate of the doomed hospital ship as a rallying point for the Canadian troops during the final months of the war in its Hundred Days Campaign. “Remember the Llandovery Castle!” became the battle cry of Canadian soldiers at the Battle of Amiens in August 1918.

After the War, among the Treaty of Versailles provisions was the agreement that German leaders would be tried for war crimes. These trials were held at the German Imperial Court of Justice (Reichsgericht) in Leipzig. The agreement declared that the Allies could provide lists of suspects, witnesses and evidence, while Germany handled prosecutions and defence. The Leipzig war trials commenced in early 1921, but only a handful of cases—one of which involved the Llandovery Castle—were heard.

The German Captain Helmut Patzig could not be found, so German authorities arrested the two U-86 officers and built a case around them. When the trial opened on July 12, 1921, they were unrepentant, one stating “I obeyed my commander. His orders were law. I am not guilty.” Llandovery Castle survivors were witnesses for the prosecution, but not Captain Sylvester—he had died of heart failure a year earlier.

The German court delivered its verdict four days after the trial started. While largely ignoring the initial torpedo attack, the justices convicted the two officers for their role in the attempted murder of survivors. In its ruling, the court set two precedents (principles that are part of today’s International Criminal Court): war crimes should be judged by international standards, and following orders is not a defence for committing illegal acts in wartime. The legal precedents established at the Llandovery Castle trial guided subsequent war crime prosecutions including at the Nuremberg trials after World War II.

The two officers were sentenced to four years of hard labour. On their way to prison, with the help of supporters, the officers escaped. They were never recaptured, and never served any time in prison. Helmut Patzig would re-appear in time to serve with the German Navy in the Second World War.

A number of the Smuck family members passed away not long after David was killed. His 20-year-old sister, Marygald Cathelene (a bookkeeper), passed away from pneumonia on October 18, 1918, in Sarnia. David’s 28-year-old sister, Blanche Emily Smuck (then Arnold), passed away on January 3, 1919, in Chicago, Illinois. David’s 31-year-old brother, World War I veteran John Wesley Smuck, passed away on December 23, 1922, in Sarnia, the result of rheumatic endocarditis that was attributed to his military service. The matriarch of the family, Emily Smuck, a housekeeper, passed away at the age of 69 on July 31, 1929, in Sarnia. A number of the Smuck family members, including war veteran John Wesley Smuck, and matriarch Emily Smuck, are buried in Lakeview Cemetery in Sarnia.

Private David Smuck, 25, of Sarnia has no known grave. He is memorialized with his shipmates on the Halifax Memorial, Halifax, Nova Scotia, Panel 2.

Source: The Sarnia War Remembrance Project by Tom Slater

Editors: Tom St. Amand and Lou Giancarlo

Russell Wright Soper was born in Whitby, Ontario, on April 20, 1889, the son of Armon (born June 16, 1846) and Elizabeth Ann (nee Wright, born July 16, 1854) Soper. On November 25, 1875, Armon, a professor of electricity at the time, married Elizabeth Wright in Prince Albert, Ontario. Armon and Elizabeth had two children together. Unfortunately, their first child, Clarence Percy, born December 12, 1877, passed away at a young age. Nine-year-old Clarence died as a result of diphtheria on October 12, 1887, a year-and-a-half before Russell was born.

In 1891, Armon and Elizabeth, along with 2-year-old Russell, were residing in Port Perry, Ontario, where Armon supported his family by working as a telegraph operator. Ten years later, in 1901, Armon and Elizabeth, and their 11-year-old son Russell, along with their 16-year-old domestic, Victor Wilson, and 12-year-old servant, Maud Buchanan, were residing in Cardwell District, Ontario. At the time, Armon was employed as a merchant, and domestic Victor Wilson was employed as a clerk. Tragedy struck the family the next year, when on September 25, 1902, Armon passed away in Port Perry at the age of 56. Russell Soper was 13 years old at the time.

Russell was educated in Port Perry public and high schools and, upon graduating from collegiate, he taught there for two years. Russell then attended the University of Toronto in the Applied Science Program and obtained a four-year degree in Architecture (1909-13). In 1911, 22-year-old Russell was rooming at the house of Hannah Stiver (age 60) at 225 Robert Street in Toronto, along with two other roomers: Gertrude Sewell (age 59) and James Stiver (age 27). The following is a portion of what was written below Russell’s photograph in the 1913 University of Toronto yearbook: As a student of Architecture at S.P.S., he has fully justified his choice of a profession, both from the excellence of his work in design, his geniality, and his ability to cope with any situation as it arises. That same year, on April 21, 1913, one day after Russell’s 24th birthday, his mother Elizabeth Ann passed away at the age of 58.

Russell worked as an architect in Sarnia for several years and opened his office in the Carter building on Front Street. Rapidly making a name for himself among local builders and contractors, Russell drafted plans for several buildings in the city and vicinity. He was also an active member of the Sarnia Tennis Club and a member of the 27th Lambton Regiment. In the 1916 Sarnia City Directory, Russell was recorded as residing at 168 Front Street.

Provisional Lieutenant Russell Soper of the 27th Lambton Regiment attended a School of Infantry in London, Ontario, from March 6, 1916 to April 30, 1916, where he obtained his Certificate of Military Qualifications, and earned the rank of lieutenant. On May 20, 1916, he obtained another Certificate of Military Qualification at an Officer’s training course in London, Ontario. He passed a prescribed examination that qualified him for the rank of captain.

Four days later, on May 24, 1916, Russell, age 27, married 24-year-old Alma Priscilla (nee Nutting) in Uxbridge, Ontario. Alma, born July 6, 1891, in Cannington, Ontario, was the daughter of Marshall Lafayette, a teacher, and Priscilla Sarah (nee Jones) Nutting, of Uxbridge, Ontario.

Alma’s younger brother was Ernest Hartley Nutting, born December 18, 1894. Ernest enlisted with the 116th Battalion on November 26, 1915, in Uxbridge. He arrived in England on July 31, 1916, and in France on February 11, 1917, where he rose to the rank of sergeant with the 116th. He allocated much of the money that he earned each month while serving overseas to his widowed mother, Priscilla Nutting, in Uxbridge. Both Ernest Nutting and Russell Soper served with the 116th Battalion; in fact, they were together in the same trench when Russell was killed. Ernest survived the war and was discharged on demobilization in Toronto in March 1919.

Russell and Alma Soper had one child together, Ernest Haig Soper, born April 13, 1917, in Uxbridge, Ontario, while Russell was overseas.

Six weeks after marrying Alma, 27-year-old Russell Soper enlisted in the Canadian Over-Seas Expeditionary Force (CEF) on July 10, 1916, at Niagara Camp, Niagara on the Lake. He stood five feet nine inches tall, had hazel eyes and brown hair, recorded his present address as Uxbridge, Ontario, his trade or calling as architect, and his next-of-kin as his wife, Alma Soper in Uxbridge, Ontario. He also recorded his prior military experience with the 27th Regiment in Sarnia, six months as a lieutenant. On July 23, 1916, Russell was appointed acting sergeant in the Canadian Infantry with the 116th Battalion, Central Ontario Regiment at Camp Borden.

Two months after getting married, Russell embarked overseas from Halifax on July 23, 1916, bound for the United Kingdom aboard S.S. Olympic. He arrived in Liverpool on July 31, 1916. Two-and-a-half months later, on October 14, 1916, Russell was promoted to temporary lieutenant of the 116th Battalion at Camp Witley. Four months later, on February 12, 1917, he was transferred to the 2nd Reserve Battalion at Camp Bramshott. After five more months, on August 2, 1917, Lieutenant Russell Soper proceeded from East Sandling to France with the 116th Battalion. He arrived the following day, and by the first week of September 1917, he arrived at the front lines.

By mid-October 1917, Russell and the 116^th Battalion were part of the Canadian Corps that arrived in an area of Flanders, Belgium, with some of the most ghastly and appalling battlefield conditions ever—a place known asPasschendaele. The Battle of Passchendaele was fought between October 26 – November 10, 1917, and was waged in unceasing rain on a battlefield that was a nightmarish mess of rotting, mangled corpses, gagging gas, water-filled craters, and glutinous mud. Overcoming almost unimaginable hardships and horrific fighting conditions, the Canadians achieved a remarkable victory that few thought possible; however, it came at a cost of almost 12,000 Canadian wounded and more than 4,000 Canadians killed.

Surviving this battle, the 116th saw action on the Lens Front into the winter months.

On January 26, 1918, Lt. Russell Soper was granted 14 days leave in Nice, France. He rejoined his unit at the front lines on February 10, 1918.

Approximately three weeks later, on April 2, 1918, Lieutenant Russell Soper of the 116th Battalion was killed in action while fighting in France. When the unit to the left of his was forced to retire near Mericourt, the position of his Battalion was threatened. He was in charge of filling in a communication trench to block the enemy’s advance. At approximately two minutes past midnight, while in the trench with his brother-in-law Ernest Hartley Nutting, the Sarnian was killed.

Lieutenant Russell Wright Soper’s death was officially recorded as Killed in Action, In the Field (France)

on April 2, 1918. Following is an excerpt from the records of the 116th Battalion in France that includes a reference to the death of Russell Soper:

Towards the end of February the battalion moved back to its old familiar hunting ground around Avion, where, although the trenches and general conditions were excellent, we sustained a series of misfortunes. Patrols went out every night through the ruins of Avion to try and locate enemy posts and whilst engaged in this work we lost two of our officers, Lieutenant C. R. Hillis and Lieutenant R. W. Biggar, within a few days of each other. From this front we moved south and on the 1st of April we were situated in the New Brunswick trench, in front of Mericourt.

During the last three months two important changes in our organization took place which it may be wise to record.

Major G. R. Pearkes, recently awarded the Victoria Cross for gallant work at Passchendaele with the 5th C.M.R., was appointed Officer Commanding 116th Battalion, to replace Colonel Sharpe, whose illness in England seemed likely to keep him away from France for an indefinite period.

Major J. Sutherland, at one time a Company Commander in the 52nd Battalion, but recently an instructor at Ferfay, was appointed second in command to Lt.- Colonel Pearkes.

The German grand offensive, which was to land him at the gates of Paris, had commenced, and in consequence the “staff” were showing very distinct signs of nervousness commonly called “wind up.”

The First, Second and Fourth Canadian Divisions had been, or were being withdrawn from the line to be in readiness for action wherever they might most be needed, and the Third Division was left to defend Vimy Ridge as best it could, with nothing behind it except its own artillery and a couple of labour battalions employed in agricultural work, which had lately become a feature of modern warfare. During the day the Brigadier paid a visit to Battalion Headquarters, and, amongst other things, suggested that we might carry out some kind of raid in order to get identification, and by this means discover the enemy plans.

At 6 p.m. a meeting of the Company Commanders was called, and within the hour it was arranged to send out a battle patrol of one officer and twenty-five O.R s. from each Company, to work independently on given frontages. It was also arranged that whichever patrol was successful in capturing a prisoner, would send up a red flare immediately. The operation was scheduled to commence at 11 p.m., without artillery or machine gun support.

At 9 p.m. a message was received from the Divisional Commander stating that identification on our front might be necessary, and at 10 p.m. the Corps Commander wired in saying that it was necessary, so that, all things considered, our preparations were probably well timed.

“D” Company patrol, under Captain Baird, was the first to start the quarry, for shortly after setting out it ran into a strong German patrol on its way over to our lines. With the battle cry “Come on Toronto,” Captain Baird, followed by his patrol, rushed on the Germans before they had time to move and a regular scrimmage took place, during which Captain Baird lost the use of his right arm, due to the displacement of one of the muscles. He was in the act of capturing the German patrol leader when his right arm collapsed and his revolver dropped from his hand. The German officer immediately seized him round the neck and was giving him a rough time when one of our party shotthe German dead. In the meantime the remainder of our patrol had succeeded in capturing two prisoners and put the rest to flight.

Red flares were immediately sent up and all parties returned to our lines in high spirits, having obtained the “necessary identification” asked for by the Corps only two hours previously, although this achievement was greatly dimmed by the loss of two officers killed (Lt. J. A. Gibson and Lt. R. W. Soper).

Russell Soper left behind his wife, Alma, and their one-year-old son, Ernest. Russell was killed 11 days before his son Ernest’s first birthday.

Russell Wright Soper, 28, is buried in La Chaudiere Military Cemetery, Vimy, Pas de Calais, France, Grave I.C.3.  

In 1921, widow Alma Soper, age 29, a teacher, and their 4-year-old son Ernest, were residing in Uxbridge, along with her 63-year-old mother, Priscilla Nutting, and 83-year-old grandmother Elizabeth Jones. Years later, on November 5, 1940, Russell and Alma’s 23-year-old son, Ernest, of Uxbridge, married 19-year-old Phyllis Marie Murphy, in Toronto. Ernest was a soldier at the time, and he would serve in World War II, earning the Italy Star, the Defence Medal, the France and Germany Star, the CVSM and Clasp, and the War Medal 1939-1945. Ernest and Phyllis named their first child, a son, born October 1941, Russell. Ernest Soper passed away on August 24, 1989, in Toronto, and is buried in Uxbridge Cemetery.

Alma Soper lived to 100 years of age, passing away in December 1991. In the Uxbridge Cemetery in Durham, Ontario, there is a grave commemorating both Russell and Alma Soper. Inscribed on the gravestone are the words IN LOVING MEMORY OF RUSSELL WRIGHT SOPER LIEUT. 116 BATT. C.E.F. APRIL 20, 1889 – APRIL 2, 1918, KILLED IN ACTION AND HIS BELOVED WIFE ALMA PRISCILLA NUTTING JULY 6, 1891 – DEC. 27, 1991.

Source: The Sarnia War Remembrance Project by Tom Slater

Editors: Tom St. Amand and Lou Giancarlo

James Steele was born in Shotts, Lanarkshire, Scotland, on May 6, 1883, the son of Mary Steele. At some point, James and his sister, Margaret Steele, immigrated to Canada and came to reside in Sarnia. In 1914, James and Margaret were residing at 232 Devine Street. In 1916 and 1917, James was still residing at 232 Devine Street and was employed as a pumper at Imperial Oil Company.

As the war dragged on in Europe, with the Canadian troops thinning at an alarming rate and no end to the war in sight, the government instituted the Military Service Act (MSA) in July 1917.

Thirty-four-year-old James Steele was drafted under the Military Service Act of 1917, Class One. He underwent his medical examination in Sarnia on October 12, 1917, and was called to service on January 3, 1918, reporting to the 1st Depot Battalion, Western Ontario Regiment in London, Ontario. James stood five feet ten inches tall, had blue eyes and brown hair, was single, and was residing at 360 Maria Street in Sarnia at the time. He recorded his trade or calling as locomotive fireman and his next-of-kin as his sister, Margaret Steele, who was residing at 284 Davis Street in Sarnia.

One month later, on February 4, 1918, James embarked overseas bound for the United Kingdom aboard S.S. Grampian. He arrived in England on February 16, 1918. He was taken on strength into the 4th Canadian Reserve Battalion at Bramshott. Approximately three-and-a-half months later, on June 2, 1918, James departed from Camp Witley and arrived in France that day, where he was transferred to the 47th Battalion.

Two weeks later, he was taken on strength into the Canadian Corps Reinforcement Camp (CCRC)—where troops were held prior to being sent to reinforce existing units. Nine weeks later, on August 14, 1918, Private James Steele became a member of the Canadian Infantry, 5th Battalion, Saskatchewan Regiment, joining that unit at the front line the next day. He was soon embroiled in the final campaign of the Great War, one that featured intense and brutal fighting as the end of the war neared.

Approximately 125,000 men were conscripted into the CEF, and only 48,000 were sent overseas. The first conscripts went to France in April 1918. That summer, thousands more of them, mostly infantry, were funnelled across the English Channel to Canadian Corps reinforcement camps in France. Only about 24,000 Canadian MSA conscripts reached the Western Front lines. They helped keep the ranks of the ragged infantry battalions at or near full strength during the crucial final months of the war, thus allowing the Canadian Corps to continue fighting in a series of battles.

Early that summer (1918), Allied Commanders proposed a plan to take advantage of German disarray following their failed Spring Offensive. Canadian troops were to play a key role as “shock troops” in cracking the German defences. They spent two months preparing for what became their Hundred Days Campaign.

The Hundred Days Campaign (August 8 – November 11, 1918, in France and Belgium) was the “beginning of the end” of the Great War. Canadians were called on again and again over the three-month period to lead the offensives against the toughest German defences. The series of victories repeatedly drove the Germans back, culminating in Germany’s unconditional surrender on November 11, but it came at a high price: approximately 46,000 Canadians were killed, wounded, or missing.

The first offensive in the Campaign was the Battle of Amiens in France (August 8-14, 1918), a truly all-arms battle, one in which all four Canadian divisions were involved. Over the course of one week, in a battle that British Field Marshal Douglas Haig called “the finest operation of the war”, the Canadians would advance nearly 14 kms—but it came at a cost of 11,822 Canadian casualties.

The second offensive in the Campaign was the Battle of Arras and Breaking the DQ Line in France (August 26-September 3, 1918), where Canadians were part of a spearhead force tasked with crashing one of the most heavily fortified positions, the Hindenburg Line—a series of strong defensive trenches and fortified villages. General Sir Julian Byng called the Canadian victory at the 2nd Battle of Arras and breaking of the DQ Line “the turning point of the campaign”, but it came at a cost of 11,400 Canadian casualties. 

On September 1, 1918, less than three weeks after arriving at the front, Private James Steele was killed in

action during the Battle of Arras and Breaking the DQ Line. He was killed after being hit by enemy shrapnel. On that day, Private Steele was recorded as “dangerously wounded” and “shrapnel wound hip”. He was taken to No. 7 Casualty Clearing Station, and passed away that day as a result of the wounds he had received.

In early September 1918, Margaret, James’ sister in Sarnia, received word that her brother Pte. James Steele, infantry, had been dangerously wounded and admitted to the 7th Canadian Casualty Clearing Station. Later, she received the news that Private James Steele was officially recorded as Died of Wounds – No. 7 Casualty Clearing Station. James’ mother, Mary Steele, who was residing at South Bridge Street in Airdrie, Scotland, received the Memorial Cross after the war for the loss of her son.

James Steele, 35, is buried in Ligny-St. Flochel British Cemetery, Averdoingt, Pas-de-Calais, France, Grave III.D.2.

Source: The Sarnia War Remembrance Project by Tom Slater

Editors: Tom St. Amand and Lou Giancarlo

Herbert Stott was born in Ravensthorpe, Yorkshire, England, on March 1, 1882, the son of John and Annie Stott, of Dewsbury, England. At some point while in England, Herbert married Annie Hicks (born about 1888 in Bingley, Yorkshire, England). The young couple had five children together: John Alfred (born about 1905); William (born about 1907); Leonard (born about 1908); Sarah Annie (born about 1910); and Edith (born about 1915 in Ontario).

In 1911, Herbert, 28, and Annie, 23, were residing in Yorkshire, along with their four children. At the time, Herbert was employed as a silk spinning overlooker, and Annie was a labourer in the silk mill. Two years later, the Stott family immigrated to Canada, and by 1916, they were residing at 294 Queen Street, Sarnia.

Thirty-three-year-old Herbert Stott enlisted in the Canadian Over-Seas Expeditionary Force (CEF) on December 3, 1915, in Sarnia. He stood five feet three inches tall, had blue eyes and brown hair, and recorded his trade or calling as labourer, and his next-of-kin as his wife, Annie Stott of 294 Queen Street, Sarnia. Herbert became a member the Lambton 149th Battalion, CEF. In early December 1915, the Sarnia Observer reported that the first recruit to be taken on by the Lambton 149th Battalion was Herbert Stott. One year later, in mid-December 1916, Herbert Stott of the 149th Battalion, spent a week in the military hospital in London due to rubella. In the 1916 and the 1917 Sarnia Directory’s, Herbert’s occupation was recorded as “soldier”.  

The married father of five embarked overseas from Halifax bound for the United Kingdom aboard S.S. Lapland on March 25, 1917. He arrived in Liverpool on April 7, 1917, and was first taken on strength into the 25th Reserve at Bramshott. Approximately two months later, on June 1, 1917, Herbert was taken on strength into the 161st Battalion at Camp Witley. Eight-and-a-half months later, on February 24, 1918, he was transferred into the 4th Reserve Battalion at Bramshott.

Four days later, Private Herbert Stott arrived at the Canadian Base Depot in France, where he became a member of the Canadian Infantry, 1st Battalion, Western Ontario Regiment (WOR). In the early days of April 1918, he was at Canadian Corps Reinforcement Camp, and on May 13, 1918, he joined his unit at the front lines. Herbert soon found himself embroiled in a final great campaign, one that featured intense and brutal fighting as the end of the war neared.

Early that summer (1918), Allied Commanders proposed a plan to take advantage of German disarray following their failed Spring Offensive. Canadian troops were to play a key role as “shock troops” in cracking the German defences. They spent two months preparing for what became their Hundred Days Campaign.

The Hundred Days Campaign (August 8 – November 11, 1918, in France and Belgium) was the “beginning of the end” of the Great War. Canadians were called on again and again over the three-month period to lead the offensives against the toughest German defences. The series of victories repeatedly drove the Germans back, culminating in Germany’s unconditional surrender on November 11, but it came at a high price: approximately 46,000 Canadians were killed, wounded, or missing.

The first offensive in the Campaign was the Battle of Amiens in France (August 8-14, 1918), a truly all-arms battle, one in which all four Canadian divisions were involved. Over the course of one week, in a battle that British Field Marshal Douglas Haig called “the finest operation of the war”, the Canadians would advance nearly 14 kms—but it came at a cost of 11,822 Canadian casualties.

On August 8, 1918, less than three months after arriving at the front lines, Private Herbert Stott was wounded in action while fighting in the early stages of the Battle of Amiens. On that day, he was hit by enemy gunfire in his left thigh. He was admitted to 1st Canadian Field Ambulance and then to a Canadian Casualty Station where doctors examined his gunshot wounds. The next day, he was admitted to #5 General Hospital, Rouen, and his injuries were recorded as “gun shot wound lower extrens. Flesh Lt.” Five days later, on August 14, he was admitted to a War Hospital in Exeter, England. Herbert’s condition was now described by doctors as seriously ill because of his gunshot wounds.

Herbert’s parents, John and Annie Stott in England, even had the opportunity to visit their son in hospital during his recovery. Doctors operated on Herbert on August 15, where an incision showed gas gangrene. To stop the spread of gangrene, doctors had no choice but to amputate Herbert’s left leg. Early the next day, he was assessed as “dressed stump looks well, general condition much improved.” Later that evening, on redressing the wound, some gas was noticed, and his pulse was very low. The following morning, on August 17, 1918, at 6:00 a.m., Herbert Stott lost his life as a result of the wounds he had received. His death was later officially recorded as Died of Wounds – (SW.Lt. Side) War Hospital, Exeter.

On August 19, 1918, Annie, who was still residing on Queen Street, received the following telegram about her husband from the Director of Records in Ottawa: DEEPLY REGRET TO INFORM YOU 845252, PTE. HERBERT STOTT, INFANTRY, OFFICIALLY REPORTED DIED OF WOUNDS AT WAR HOSPITAL EXETER, ON AUGUST 17TH, 1918, GUNSHOT WOUND IN SIDE AND AMPUTATION OF LEG.

Only days prior to receiving the above telegram, Annie had been sent a message that Herbert had been wounded. When Annie received the telegram announcing her husband’s death, she and their five children—the youngest child Edith being three years of age—were preparing for a picnic. There would be no picnic that day.

Following is an article from a Dewsbury, England, newspaper, reporting on the death of Herbert Stott:

Westtown Soldier Buried with Military Honors

Another painful local casualty is that of Pte. Herbert Stott, the son of Mr. and Mrs. J. Stott, of 12 Cemetery Road, Westtown, who has died of wounds. He was a Canadian soldier, joining the Dominion forces in Lambton’s Own at the beginning of the war, and a sad feature of the case is that his wife and five young children are left at Ontario, Canada. He was wounded in the trenches in the thigh on the 10th August, and was brought to Exeter. On Thursday last week his parents received a wire saying; “Son seriously wounded, come at once.” They immediately visited him and though the amputation of his leg had become necessary and the operation had been performed, when they left him on the Friday evening he was quite cheerful. Mr. and Mrs Stott reached home on Saturday morning, and at six o’clock in the evening came a wire to say their son was dead.

The internment, with military honors, took place at Dewsbury Cemetery on Wednesday, the Rev. J.J. Baldwin, Vicar of St. Matthew’s, Westtown officiating. There was a very considerable expression of public sympathy,

and a military escort (with firing party), under the command of Sergt. Major Hemingway. A band with muffled drums was in the procession. The coffin, wrapped in the Union Jack, was borne by the soldiers from the top of the Cemetery road to the graveside, where after the last rites had been performed, several volleys were fired and the “Last Post” sounded.

It was a strange coincidence, which Pte. Stott himself remarked, that when he arrived in Canada several years ago it was on the 28th March, that he sailed from Canada with his unit on that date, and that he went to France from Bramshott this year on the same date. “I wonder,” he said, “where I shall be the next 28th of March?”

Herbert Stott wasn’t the only member of his family to see action. His brother, Robert, was a private with the Northumberland Fusiliers and survived being gassed in France. He was unable to attend his brother Herbert’s funeral. Herbert’s brother-in-law, Private Herbert Drake, had his knee-cap blown off and had been discharged.

On December 23, 1920, thirty-three-year-old widow Annie Stott remarried, her new husband being Englishman John Horace Hyne, 26, a boilermaker who had immigrated to Sarnia in 1907. Annie and John resided at 501 Confederation Street, Sarnia, along with Annie and Herbert’s five children: John Alfred, William, Leonard, Sarah Annie, and Edith Stott.

At least three of the Stott children married in Sarnia: John Alfred (at age 20, of 480 Wellington Street, a CNR employee) married Helen Victoria Ash on September 11, 1924 at St. John’s Rectory in Sarnia; Sarah Annie (at age 17, of Sarnia, a spinster) married Eric Wray on June 26, 1926 in Wainfleet, Welland County, Ontario; William (at age 20, of 480 Wellington Street, a machinists helper) married Mildred Marshman on September 6, 1926 in Sarnia; and Leonard (at age 21, of 418 Wellington Street, a Sectionman) married Mildred Vietta Waite on June 16, 1928 in Sarnia.  

Herbert Stott, 36, is buried in Dewsbury Cemetery, Yorkshire, United Kingdom, Grave K.”U” 340, in his father’s plot. On Herbert’s headstone are inscribed these words: GREATER LOVE HATH NO MAN THAN THAT HE LAY DOWN HIS LIFE FOR HIS FRIENDS.

Source: The Sarnia War Remembrance Project by Tom Slater

Editors: Tom St. Amand and Lou Giancarlo