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Saturday 30 April 2016

Guysborough's "Valcartier Boys"—Part III

This month’s post profiles the last two of six Guysborough County natives who travelled to Camp Valcartier, Quebec in August 1914 and attested for overseas services with the 1st Canadian Contingent the following month.

*****

Leslie Seymour Mason was born at Isaac’s Harbour, Guysborough County on January 12, 1893, the third child and second son of Wentworth and Louisa Caroline (Cook) Mason. Wentworth, a miner by occupation, relocated the family to Springhill, Cumberland County, sometime after 1901 but returned to Isaac’s Harbour prior to Leslie’s enlistment for overseas service.

Shortly before the outbreak of the First World War, Leslie moved to Pictou County, where he worked in the local coal mines and trained for one year with the 78th Regiment Pictou Highlanders, a local militia unit. When the 78th received a request for volunteers after Britain’s declaration of war on Germany and Austria-Hungary, Leslie offered his services and joined a group of young recruits that made its way by train to Camp Valcartier, QC in August 1914. He attested for service with the 17th Battalion (Nova Scotia) on September 26 and departed for England with the 1st Canadian Contingent on October 4.

Upon arriving overseas, the 17th was re-designated a “reserve” battalion, as it was approximately 200 soldiers under full strength. As a result, Leslie was transferred to the 16th Battalion (Canadian Scottish) on April 1, 1915. Established at Valcartier from members of the 91st Canadian Highlanders (Argyll & Sutherland Highlanders), 79th Queen’s Own Cameron Highlanders, 72nd Seaforth Highlanders of Canada and 50th Regiment (Gordon Highlanders), the 16th had crossed the English Channel to France on February 14, 1915 and travelled northward to the trenches of Belgium’s Ypres Salient.

Leslie made his way to Rouen, France on April 24, his arrival coinciding with Germany’s infamous poison gas attack on Canadian units at St. Julien, Belgium. He reached the forward area in time to participate in the final stages of the Second Battle of Ypres, serving in the trenches until August 10, 1915, at which time he was admitted to No. 2 Canadian Field Ambulance with a case of enteritis (intestinal inflammation). Discharged after four days’ treatment, he returned to the line for the duration of the year, receiving a welcome four days’ leave on January 14, 1916.

Two months later, possibly due to his previous mining experience, Leslie was transferred to No. 3 Canadian Tunnelling Company. His new assignment proved no less perilous than infantry service, as Leslie received a gun shot wound to his right arm near Hazebrouk, Belgium on June 25. Admitted to No. 8 Stationary Hospital, Wimereux, France five days later, his injuries proved to be minor. He was discharged to a nearby Convalescent Depot the following day and returned to a nearby Canadian Base Depot on July 17.

Shortly after returning to the line, Leslie was once again wounded on August 4, this time in the left shoulder. As his condition was serious, he was invalided to England and admitted to Northumberland War Hospital, Newcastle on August 8. Five weeks later, Leslie was discharged to the Canadian Convalescent Hospital, Bearwood Park, Wokingham, relocating to a second convalescent facility at Woodcote Park, Epsom at month’s end.

On November 1, Leslie was discharged to the Canadian Corps Depot, Shoreham, where he waited for almost four months before being assigned to 1st Canadian Railway Troops Battalion on February 16, 1917. He once again crossed the English Channel to France and served the remainder of the war with 1st CRT without incident, with the exception of three days’ hospitalization for treatment of conjunctivitis (pinkeye) in late July 1918.

Leslie & Phyllis (Willard) Mason
Returning to England in mid-January 1919, Leslie married Phyllis Elizabeth Willard, a native of Edinburgh, Scotland, on February 12. He departed for Canada aboard HMT Grampian on April 11 and was formally discharged from military service at Saint John, NB on April 24,1919. Leslie and his new bride returned to New Glasgow, making their home on Forbes St. and welcoming their first child, Eva, the following year. The family subsequently relocated to Timmins, Ontario. Two sons, Wilfred and Ernest, joined the family as the years passed. Leslie Mason passed away at St. Catherine’s, Ontario on June 14, 1966 and was laid to rest in Timmins Memorial Cemetery.

*****

John Francis MacLean was born at Lakedale, Guysborough County on September 1, 1886 [his attestation papers list his DOB as September 3, 1887]. The youngest of John and Ann (McPherson) McLean's six children, John Angus departed for western Canada sometime prior to 1911, eventually finding employment as a hospital orderly in Kootenay, BC.

John Francis MacLean (front left) & extended family, Giant's Lake (c. 1907)
Shortly after the outbreak of war in Europe, John Francis commenced training with the 7th Battalion (East Kootenay, BC) on August 12, 1914 and travelled to Camp Valcartier, QC with the “East Kootenay quota” of overseas volunteers. Despite a lack of military experience. John Francis was transferred to the 5th Regiment (Royal Highlanders of Canada) on September 2 and attested for overseas service with the 13th Battalion (Royal Highlanders of Canada) on September 26.

The 13th Battalion was the first of three units recruited by the 5th Regiment (Royal Highlanders of Canada) during the First World War. Based in Montreal, the militia unit was affiliated with Scotland’s famous “Black Watch,” although the connection did not become official until after the war. The 13th departed Quebec aboard SS Alannia on October 4 as part of the 1st Canadian Contingent. The unit trained in England for four months, crossing the English Channel to St. Nazaire, France on February 15, 1915.

The 13th made its way to Belgium’s Ypres Salient with the 1st Canadian Contingent—subsequently re-designated the 1st Canadian Division—and was assigned to its 3rd Brigade. Its soldiers received their first major combat experience during the Second Battle of Ypres (April 22 - May 25, 1915), during which German forces subjected Canadian soldiers to a poison gas attack at St. Julien, Belgium on April 24. John Francis served with the 13th throughout the remainder of the year, receiving a welcome nine days’ leave in late November.

Following this brief rest, John Francis returned to the Belgian trenches. On February 3, 1916, he was attached to the 3rd Brigade’s Machine Gun Company, an appointment that became permanent on March 8. John Francis received eight days’ leave to England on May 25, rejoining his new unit on June 2. Three days later, John Francis was promoted to the rank of Corporal.

John Francis’s return coincided with the Battle of Mount Sorrel, Belgium (June 2 - 14), the Canadan Corps’ first major combat of 1916. The 3rd Brigade relocated to the Somme region of France with the Corps in early September 1916, its units conducting their first offensive action at Courcelette on September 15. Following the village’s capture, Canadian soldiers launched a six-week campaign against German positions along the adjacent Ancre Heights.

On October 9, during an assault on the German line, a piece of shrapnel struck John Angus in the left arm, resulting in his evacuation to field ambulance. He was subsequently transported to England aboard HS Antwerpen and admitted to Graylingwell War Hospital, Chichester. An x-ray detected a small shrapnel ball located in the anterior part of his left arm. Surgeons removed the “foreign body” on October 21, reporting: “No involvement of important structure.”

John Francis made a complete recovery and was discharged to the Canadian Convalescent Hospital, Epsom on November 17. Two days later, he reported to the Canadian Machine Gun Corps (CMGC) Depot, Crowborough. He remained there for more than a year, receiving a promotion to “Acting Sergeant with pay” on September 22, 1917. Longing to return to the front, John Francis “reverted” to the rank of Corporal on December 27 and proceeded across the Channel to the CMGC Pool, Camiers, France the following day.

On January 1, 1918, John Francis was “taken on strength” by the 3rd Canadian Machine Gun Company (CMGC) and returned to action in the forward area. He subsequently received a promotion to the rank of Sergeant on February 22. The following month, his new unit was absorbed into the 1st Battalion, CMGC. John Francis remained in the line throughout the spring and summer of 1918, with the exception of a month’s training at Army Musketry Camp, Metheringham, England from June 19 to July 16.

John Francis’s unit participated in the Canadian Corps’ major counter-attack on German forces, launched at Amiens, France on August 8. The offensive continued into the autumn, Allied forces making significant gains in a series of battles. On October 14, days after the fall of Cambrai, John Francis was wounded a second time when shrapnel struck him in the left leg. He was evacuated to No. 2 Canadian Field Ambulance for treatment and admitted to No. 1 Canadian Casualty Clearing Station two days later.

John Francis was transferred to No. 3 Australian General Hospital, Abbeville, but on this occasion did not require long term care. He was discharged to No. 5 Convalescent Depot, Cayeux on October 23, remaining there for the duration of combat. John Francis received 14 days’ leave on December 14. While he crossed the Channel to England on January 14, 1919, illness delayed his return to Canada. On August 9, he boarded HMT Caronia at Liverpool, and was discharged from military service at Halifax on August 24, 1919. In acknowledgement of his lengthy overseas service, John Francis McLean received the 1914-15 Star, British War and Victory service medals.

After the war, John Francis worked in the mining industry in northern Ontario and Quebec. He never married, returning in his later years to the Giant’s Lake area. Poor health eventually resulted in his admission to the R. K. MacDonald Guest Home, Antigonish, where he passed away on December 1, 1975. John Francis was laid to rest in St. Francis DeSales Cemetery, Giant’s Lake, NS.

*****

Sources:

Service file of Leslie Seymour Mason, number 47018. Library & Archives Canada, Ottawa: RG 150, Accession 1992-93/166, Box 6014 - 15. Attestation papers available online.

Service file of John Francis MacLean, number 24972. Library & Archives Canada, Ottawa: Rg 150, Accession 1992-93/166, Box 7046 - 17. Attestation papers available online.

Sunday 24 April 2016

Guysborough County CEF Enlistments - April 24, 1916

Three Guysborough County natives attested for overseas service with CEF units on April 24, 1916:

Fanning, Charles Robert:

Born January 9, 1886 at Canso, son of Thomas & Elizabeth (Kavanaugh) Fanning.

Enlistment: 193rd Battalion at Canso, NS. Transferred to 85th Battalion (Nova Scotia Highlanders) on July 4, 1917. Served with 4th Entrenching Battalion from July 22 to September 15, 1917. Joined 85th Battalion in the field on November 6, 1917. Wounded (right forearm, back, right ear) at Scarpe, near Arras, France on September 2, 1918 and invalided to England. Departed for Canada on November 22, 1918. Discharged as “medically unfit” at Halifax on January 27, 1919.

Post-war: Returned to Canso immediately after discharge, but was living at 40 Cleveland St., Gloucester, MA when he submitted a request for his service medals in April 1922. No additional information available.
 
Pembroke, Peter Thomas:


Born November 15, 1891 at Canso, son of John & Mary Elizabeth (Kelly) Pembroke.

Enlistment: 193rd Battalion at Canso, NS. No further details available on military service.

Post-war: Never married. Lived and worked in Halifax, NS. Died at Camp Hill Hospital Halifax, NS on March 3, 1949. Cause of death: severe burns from accidental house fire. Laid to rest in Star of the Sea Cemetery, Canso, NS.

Sullivan, Thomas William:


Born August 22 1885 at Canso, NS, son of David & Mary (Sutherland) Sullivan.

Enlistment: 193rd Battalion at Canso, NS. Transferred to 85th Battalion (Nova Scotia Highlanders) on July 10, 1917. Wounded on October 30, 1917 at Passchendaele, Belgium. Died of wounds at No. 3 Canadian Casualty Clearing Station, Poperinghe, Belgium on November 5, 1917. Laid to rest in Lijssenthoek Military Cemetery, Belgium. Thomas's story is among the 72 profiles published in "First World War Honour Roll of Guysborough County, Nova Scotia, Volume I: 1915 - 1917," available at Bantry Publishing.

Friday 15 April 2016

Guysborough County CEF Enlistments - April 15, 1916

Three Guysborough County residents enlisted for service with CEF units on April 15, 1916. None survived the war.

Hallett, Vincent Stephen:


Born December 20, 1898 at Country Harbour, son of Freeman & Sarah Elizabeth (Davidson) Hallett.

Enlistment: 193rd Battalion at Guysborough, NS. Transferred to 17th Reserve Battalion (Nova Scotia) on January 23, 1917, then to 161st Reserve Battalion (Ontario) on February 8, 1917. Assigned to 18th Battalion (Western Ontario) on March 8, 1918. Wounded (back) at Arras, France on August 27, 1918. Died of wounds at No. 2 Casualty Clearing Station on August 28, 1918. Laid to rest in Aubigny Communal Cemetery, Pas de Calais, France.

McDonald, Angus:


Born October 28, 1888 at Havre Boucher, Antigonish County, son of Duncan D. & Elizabeth McDonald. Family relocated to Mulgrave sometime before 1911.

Enlistment: 106th Battalion at Pictou, NS on April 15, 1916. Transferred to 26th Battalion (New Brunswick) on September 21, 1916. Died of wounds received in training (accidental explosion) near Bully-les-Mines, France on October 26, 1916. Laid to rest in Bully-Grenay Communal Cemetery, British Extension, Pas de Calais, France.

Angus’s story is among the 71 profiles published in “First World War Honour Roll of Guysborough County, Nova Scotia, Volume I: 1915 - 1917,” available at Bantry Publishing.
 
MacDonald, Thomas Howard:


Born December 15, 1877 at Mulgrave, son of Dr. Patrick Alexander & Annie B. (Condon) MacDonald. Married with children at time of enlistment.

Enlistment: Canadian Army Medical Corps (CAMC) at Canadian Convalescent Hospital, Bearwood, England on April 15, 1916. Commissioned rank of Major. Previous service with Nova Scotia militia units at Aldershot, NS, dating back to 1905. Served as Assistant Director of Medical Services (ADMS), Bath & London, England. Subsequently served with Canadian Military Hospital, Liverpool; No. 2 Canadian Stationary Hospital, Outreau, France; Medical Officer, 4th Canadian Labor Battalion; OC, CAMC Medical Staff, HMHS Llandovery Castle. Lost at sea on June 27, 1918 when a German U-boat torpedoed HMHS Llandovery Castle off the coast of Ireland.

Wednesday 13 April 2016

Guysborough County CEF Enlistments - April 13, 1916

Two Guysborough County natives attested for service with CEF units on April 13, 1916: 

Sangster, Willoughby Arthur:

Born May 24, 1894 at New Harbour, son of George Whitfield & Irma (Luddington) Sangster.

Enlistment: 193rd Battalion at New Glasgow, NS. Transferred to 246th Battalion (NS) prior to 193rd departure to England. No further service information available.

Post-war: Married Ida Nickerson and raised a family of five children. Lived and worked in Dartmouth, NS. Passed away at Cole Harbour, Halifax County on September 4, 1971 and laid to rest in Mount Hermon Cemetery, Dartmouth, NS.

Stewart, Donald Reid:

 
Born June 27, 1887 at Sherbrooke, son of John Henry & Harriet Jane (Jordain) Stewart.

Enlistment: 159th Battalion at Haileybury, ON. Married to Adele Jane “Jennie” McDonald, East Roman Valley, with two young sons at time of enlistment. Transferred to Canadian Engineers Training Depot after arriving in England. Assigned to No. 3 Tunnelling Company on August 19, 1917 and served with the unit at the front for the remainder of the war. Awarded Military Medal for bravery in the field on August 6, 1918 (circumstances unknown).

Post-war: Returned to Central Canada with his family, worked as an engineer. Third child—a daughter—born in 1919. Passed away at Haileybury, ON on April 2, 1965.

Monday 11 April 2016

Guysborough County CEF Enlistments - April 11, 1916

Four Guysborough County natives and one prominent resident attested for overseas services with CEF units on April 11, 1916.

Ellis, James Fraser:

Born June 11, 1872 at Upper Stewiacke, Colchester County, son of William & Margaret (Fraser) Ellis.

Enlistment: No. 9 Stationary Hospital (StFX Unit) at Antigonish, NS. Married to Ethel (Anderson) Ellis at time of enlistment, James operated a family medical practice at Sherbrooke. Served overseas with No. 7 Stationary Hospital (Dalhousie Unit), Arques, France; A. D. M. S. Office, London; CAMC Depot, Shorncliffe, England; Canadian Convalescent Hospital, Uxbridge, England; and King’s Red Cross Hospital, Bushey Park, England. Discharged from military service on July 25, 1919.

Post-war: Three children (two daughters and one son). Represented Guysborough County in the Nova Scotia Legislative Assembly (1904 - 20) and was Speaker of the House prior to enlistment (1912-16). District Medical Advisor, Camp Hill Hospital, Halifax (1919 - 23). Appointed Board of Pensions Commissioner, Ottawa (1923), a position he held until his death. Passed away at Ottawa, ON on April 3, 1937 and laid to rest in Beechwood Cemetery, Ottawa.

Fogarty, Patrick Augustus:

Born January 13, 1886 at Fox Island, son of Matthew & Abigail “Abbie” (Richard) Fogarty.

Enlistment: 193rd Battalion at Canso, NS. Transferred to 42nd Battalion (Royal Highlanders of Canada) on December 6, 1916. Wounded (shrapnel - right eye, left arm and hip) on September 12, 1918 at Arras, France and invalided to England. Discharged at Halifax on January 28, 1920.

Post-war: Married Della Richard. Passed away at Charlos Cove on October 7, 1947 and laid to rest in the local cemetery.

Jordan, John Abner:

Born April 9, 1884 at Sherbrooke, son of Thomas & Mary Catherine (Fraser) Jordan.

Enlistment: 193rd Battalion at Sherbrooke, NS.  Declared “medically unfit” on May 4, 1916.

Post-war: Married to Blanche MacDonald at time of enlistment. No further information available.

Jordan, Robert Elisha:


Born January 28, 1888 at Indian Harbour, son of Allan Hiram & Mary Alice (Atkins) Jordan.

Enlistment: 193rd Battalion at Guysborough, NS. No additional service information available.

Post-war: Married to Hannah E. Jordan; one son, Fraser, at time of enlistment. Raised a family of seven children. Passed away (tuberculosis) on July 3, 1930 at St. Martha’s Hospital, Antigonish. Laid to rest at Indian Harbour.

O’Brien, James Edward:

Born March 27, 1896 at Canso, son of John J. & Elizabeth (Landry) O’Brien.

Enlistment: 193rd Battalion at Canso, NS. Transferred to 47th Battalion. Killed in action at Amiens, France on August 11, 1918.

Saturday 9 April 2016

64th Battalion's Guysborough County Soldiers

The 64th Battalion (Maritime Provinces) arrived in England on April 9, 1916. Its nominal roll contains the name of eight soldiers whose next of kin resided in Guysborough County:

Dickson, John Rood:


Next of kin - Mrs. D. Dickson, Sonora, Guysborough County. Transferred to 25th Battalion (Nova Scotia). Died of bronchial pneumonia at No. 20 Casualty Clearing Station on February 26, 1919. Laid to rest in Charleroi Communal Cemetery, Haincourt, Belgium.

Feltmate, James:

Next of kin - Mrs. Agnes Feltmate Hazel Hill, Guysborough County.

Gunn, John Berrigan: 


Next of kin - William Gunn, Fisherman’s Harbour, Guysborough County. Transferred to the 25th Battalion (Nova Scotia). Killed in action near Courcelette on October 1, 1916.

Hall, William George:


 Next of kin - Mrs. A. C. Giffin, Goldsboro, Guysborough County. Transferred to 2nd Battalion (Central Ontario & Quebec). Killed in action near Bapaume, France on September 3, 1916.

Jost, Arthur Cranswick: Rank of Major, 64th’s Medical Officer.

Next of kin - Mrs. C. Victoria Jost, Guysborough, NS.

Lawson, Edwin Lester:

Next of kin - E. R. Lawson, Sherbrooke, Guysborough County.

Meagher, William N.:

Next of kin - Mrs. M. A. Meagre, Mulgrave, Guysborough County.

Redmond, Rudolph:

Next of kin - Hanna Jane Redmond, Liscomb, Guysborough County.

Friday 8 April 2016

Guysborough County CEF Enlistments - April 8, 1916

Three Guysborough County natives attested with the 193rd Battalion on April 8 1916:

Giffin, Spencer Harrington:

Born July 18, 1898 at Isaac’s Harbour, son of Stephen M. & Catherine (Dillon) Giffin.

Enlistment: 193rd Battalion at Guysborough. Transferred to 85th Battalion on November 6, 1917. Transferred to Canadian Machine Gun Corps on April 19, 1918. Assigned to 4th Battalion Canadian Machine Gun Corps on June 2, 1918. Hospitalized (tonsillitis and influenza) in France on August 21, 1918 and invalided to England. Discharged at Halifax on February 11, 1919.

Post-war: Married Pauline Jean Frances Campbell. Passed away at Isaac’s Harbour in February 1989.

Henderson, Harry Wallace:

Born November 13, 1899 at New Harbour, son of Andrew William & Carrie Elizabeth (Luddington) Henderson.

Enlistment: 193rd Battalion at Guysborough. Due to his age, Harry remained at Halifax for winter 1916-17. Transferred to No. 3 Nova Scotia Forestry Company in April 1917 and departed for England in June 1917. Transferred to No. 115 Company, Canadian Forestry Corps after arriving in England in July 1917. Service in England with CFC.

Post-war: Married Gussie Lorinda Luddington on February 28, 1934. Passed away at Guysborough Memorial Hospital on October 15, 1983 and laid to rest in Riverside Cemetery, New Harbour.

Sangster, Herman:


Born September 3, 1898 at Coddles Harbour, son of Townshend & Laura F. (Sponagle) Sangster.

Enlistment: 193rd Battalion at Guysborough. Due to his age, Herman remained in Halifax for winter 1916-17. Transferred to No. 1 Nova Scotia Forestry Company in April 1917, No further service information available, although Herman likely accompanied Harry Henderson to England, as the two enlisted together—their attestation numbers are consecutive.

Post-war: Married Vivian Hayward at Amherst, NS on March 31, 1921 and subsequently moved to the United States, raising a family of two children. Passed away at Dearborn, MI on May 27, 1976 and laid to rest in Parkview Memorial Cemetery, Livonia, MI.

Wednesday 6 April 2016

Guysborough County CEF Enlistments - April 6, 1916

Three Guysborough County natives attested for overseas services with CEF units on April 5, 1916:

Dort, Thomas Leo:



Born August 6, 1892 at Canso, son of James A. & Bridget Dort.

Enlistment: 193rd Battalion at Canso, NS. Transferred to 42nd Battalion (Royal Highlanders of Canada) on December 6, 1916. Hospitalized in France (illness) on March 21, 1917 and invalided to England. Returned to 42nd in the field on July 9, 1917. Returned to Canadian Corps Reinforcement Centre on November 24, 1917. Transferred to 2nd Tramways Company, Canadian Engineers on March 4, 1918. Hospitalized in France (illness) on September 21, 1918. Discharged at Halifax on March 24, 1919.

Post-war: Returned to Canso and married Margaret Baker on January 18, 1920. Died at Canso on April 2, 1926. “Circumstances of Casualty” card lists cause of death as “kidney, lung & heart trouble. Death related to service.” Laid to rest in Star of the Sea Church Cemetery, Canso, NS.

McLeod, Harry:


Born August 29, 1887 at Halifax, raised in the home of his uncle and aunt, James & Alina (Sangster) O’Hara, New Harbour.

Enlistment: 193rd Battalion at Stellarton, NS. Transferred to 185th Battalion (Cape Breton Highlanders) on December 29, 1916. Transferred to 25th Battalion (Nova Scotia) on May 27, 1917. Wounded (shrapnel, right hand) on April 22, 1918. Returned to 25th in the field on June 6, 1918. Killed in action at Amiens, France on August 9, 1918.

Quinn, Edward Lloyd:


Born August 4, 1885 at Sonora, son of Edward & Martha E. (Mills) Quinn.

Enlistment: 219th Battalion at Halifax, NS. Transferred to 85th Battalion (Nova Scotia Highlanders) on December 28, 1916. Wounded (leg) while in support lines near Bouvigny, France on March 8, 1917. No further service information available.

Post-war: Married Laura Mailman at Port Hilford on April 28, 1920 and raised a family of three children. Worked as Inspector of Fisheries in the Guysborough area. Passed away suddenly (heart attack) at Port Hawkesbury, NS on August 9, 1937. Laid to rest in Riverside Cemetery, Sherbrooke.

Tuesday 5 April 2016

Guysborough County CEF Enlistments - April 5, 1916

Four Guysborough County natives and one resident attested for service with CEF units on April 5, 1916:

Archibald, Blair Fraser:


Born January 30, 1891 at Stillwater, son of William A. & Sarah Archibald.

Enlistment: 193rd Battalion at Guysborough. Struck off strength on October 9, 1916 as “medically unfit” (heart condition).

Post-war: No information available.

Hudson, George Manford:


Born October 8, 1897 at Country Harbour, son of George & Georgina “Jean” (McPherson) Hudson.

Enlistment: 193rd Battalion at Stellarton, NS. No additional service information available.

Post-war: Relocated to central Canada, where he found work as a miner. Died of tuberculosis on October 13, 1931 at Timmons, ON. Married at time of death - spouse’s name unknown.

Kennedy, Leo Joseph:


Born November 15, 1900 at Mulgrave, son of John & Annie (O’Neil) Kennedy and brother of James Aloysius Kennedy, who enlisted on April 4, 1916.

Enlistment: 193rd Battalion at Guysborough. Year of birth recorded as 1898 on attestation papers. Served in England until identified as “being underage.” Mother supposedly wrote a letter to King George V, informing him that her son was underage. Returned to Canada and discharged on November 1, 1917.

Post-war: Worked as a welder in Halifax shipyards. Never married. Passed away at Charlottetown, PEI on August 18, 1952, the result of a workplace accident. Laid to rest in St. Lawrence Roman Catholic Cemetery, Mulgrave, NS.

McLane, Frank Burton “Burt”:


Born November 29, 1897 at Stillwater, NS, son of Henry A. & Martha A. (McDaniel) McLane.

Enlistment: 193rd Battalion at Guysborough. Transferred to 42nd Battalion on December 5, 1916. Re-assigned to 2nd Canadian Tunnelling Company on January 1, 1917. Re-assigned to 11th Battalion Canadian Engineers on July 6, 1918 when tunnelling companies disbanded. Departed England for Canada on May 31, 1919 and discharged at Halifax on June 15, 1919.

Post-war: Married widow Annie Laurie (Newington) Bixby at Antigonish on February 12, 1925. Second marriage to Ella Marian Hines on June 30, 1943, more than a decade after his first wife’s passing. Both marriages were childless. Afflicted with Lou Gehrig’s disease (ALS) in later life, Burt passed away at Springville, Pictou County on August 5, 1947 and was laid to rest in Riverside Cemetery, Sherbrooke.

Click here to read a detailed description of Burt’s war service.

Ross, George William:


Born January 11, 1876 at Halifax, NS, son of William Graham & Grace Belle (McDonald) Ross. Family relocated to Sherbrooke, Guysborough County sometime before 1911.

Enlistment: 193rd Battalion at Guysborough. Married to Lena Harriet Marshall, with three children (two boys and a girl) at enlistment. No further service information available.

Post-war: Returned to Sherbrooke, where he was employed as a Magistrate Clerk. Passed away at South Maitland, Hants Co. on March 24, 1946 and laid to rest at Sherbrooke, NS.

Monday 4 April 2016

Guysborough County CEF Enlistments - April 4, 1916

Eight Guysborough County natives and one resident enlisted with CEF units on April 4, 1916:

Bright, James Kendall:


Born June 19, 1894 at Country Harbour, son of John William & Margaret Olive (Fenton) Bright.

Enlistment: 193rd Battalion at Guysborough. Transferred to 42nd Battalion (Royal Highlanders of Canada) on December 5, 1916. Shrapnel wound (leg) on April 9. 1917 at Vimy Ridge, France. Rejoined 42nd in France on November 21, 1917. Gassed at Cambrai (September 29, 1918), returned to unit on October 10, 1918. Discharged at Halifax on April 13, 1919.

Post-war: Returned to Sherbrooke, marrying Mary Viola Jordan and raising a family of four children (two boys and two girls). Served in Veterans’ Guard during the Second World War. Employed as Sherbrooke post office caretaker. Passed away at Camp Hill Hospital, Halifax on January 9, 1970 and laid to rest in St. James Anglican Cemetery, Sherbrooke.

Click here to read a detailed version of Kendall’s story.
 
Ehler, Leslie Charles:


Born July 30, 1893 at Queensport, son of David C. & Maria C. (Porper) Ehler.

Enlistment: 193rd Battalion at Guysborough. Married to Gladys Marie “Kerrie” McKay, with one son at time of enlistment. Transferred to 42nd Battalion (Royal Highlanders of Canada) on December 5, 1916. Hospitalized in France on December 7, 1916 (mumps). Transferred to 85th Battalion on February 24, 1917. Hospitalized (mumps) on March 26, 1917. Transferred to 4th Canadian Divisional Entrenching Battalion on July 18. 1917. Hospitalized on July 26, 1917 (laryngitis). Rejoined unit on August 26, 1917. Returned to 85th Battalion on September 1, 1917. Attached to 4th Canadian Divisional Train on October 4, 1917. Hospitalized on October 7, 1917 (appendicitis). Invalided sick to England. Discharged at Halifax on August 23, 1919.

Post-war: One son, John Charles Ehler (1915-1999). Passed away December 6, 1983 at Queensport, NS.

Fitzgerald, Simon Courtney:


Born September 2, 1893 at Queensport, son of Patrick & Barbara Elizabeth (Dort) Fitzgerald.

Enlistment: 193rd Battalion at Guysborough. Transferred to 3rd Canadian Labour Battalion on January 9, 1917. Hospitalized in England on March 7, 1917 (parotiditis - inflammation of parotid salivary gland). Transferred to 2nd Battalion Canadian Railway Troops on July 13, 1917 and proceeded to France. Hospitalized at Havre, France on January 23, 1919 (pneumonia - seriously ill). Recovered and returned to duty on June 6, 1919. Discharged at Halifax on July 17, 1919.

Post-war: Married Kate May Jellow on April 13, 1925 and raised a family of four while working as a fisherman at Queensport. Passed away on October 16, 1972 and laid to rest in St. Vincent de Paul Roman Catholic Cemetery, Queensport, NS.

Jamieson, William Lewis:


Born April 27, 1893 at Queensport, son of Alexander & Cynthia (Feltmate) Jamieson.

Enlistment: 193rd Battalion at Guysborough. Transferred to 42nd Battalion (Royal Highlanders of Canada) on December 5, 1916. Wounded by shrapnel on April 9, 1917 at Vimy Ridge, France and invalided to England. Returned to 42nd in France on March 9, 1918 and served in the line for  the remainder of the war. Discharged at Halifax on March 27, 1919.

Post-war: Married Reta Rhynold on October 13, 1919 and raised a family of six children (three girls and three boys) while working as a fisherman at Queensport. Known locally as “Soldier Bill”, Will passed away June 27, 1973 and was laid to rest in St. James Church Cemetery, Half Way Cove.

Click here to read a detailed version of Will’s story.

Jordan, Frank Archibald:


Born April 22, 1888 at Sherbrooke, son of Thomas & Mary (Fraser) Jordan.

Enlistment: 193rd Battalion at Guysborough. Married at time of enlistment. No further service information available.

Post-war: He and his wife, Eva, raised a family of ten on their farm in the Indian Harbour area. Passed away August 27, 1965 at Camp Hill Hospital, Halifax and laid to rest in Indian Harbour Cemetery.

Kennedy, James Aloysius:


Born October 27, 1897 at Mulgrave, son of John & Annie (O’Neil) Kennedy.

Enlistment: 193rd Battalion at Guysborough. Transferred to 42nd Battalion (Royal Highlanders of Canada) in December 1916. Promoted to the rank of Lance Corporal, awarded Military Medal for bravery at Cambrai on September 27, 1918. Discharged at Halifax on April 16, 1919.

Post-war: Married Bridget Loretta “Rita” Keating on November 9, 1926 and raised a family of four. Employed as captain of CNR train ferry at Mulgrave. Passed away on February 20, 1952 and laid to rest in St. Lawrence Roman Catholic Cemetery, Mulgrave.

McKenzie, Arthur:


Born November 12, 1897 at Canso, son of David & Maria (Uloth) McKenzie.

Enlistment: 94th Victoria Regiment Argyll Highlanders (militia) at Canso. Served with the 94th Regiment at Canso for eleven and a half months. Hospitalized with diphtheria on March 13, 1917, developed myocarditis and passed away at Canso on May 13, 1917.

Bruce MacDonald’s “First World War Honour Roll of Guysborough County, Nova Scotia, Volume I: 1915 - 1917,” available at Bantry Publishing, contains a detailed description of Arthur’s family background and military service.

Potter, Gordon Vincent:


Born October 13, 1897 at Fisherman’s Harbour, son of Thomas & Martha (Bingley) Potter.

Enlistment: 193rd Battalion at Guysborough. Transferred to 85th Battalion on June 7, 1918. Killed in action at Scarpe, France on September 2, 1918.

Suttis, Thomas William “Tommy” (Waterhouse):


Born Thomas William Waterhouse on July 20, 1884 at Leeds, England, son of Isaac & Caroline (Townson) Waterhouse. Adopted by David & Emma Eunice (Atwater) Suttis, Indian Harbour.

Enlistment: 193rd Battalion at Guysborough. Transferred to 42nd Battalion (Royal Highlanders of Canada) on December 5, 1916. Transferred to 85th Battalion (Nova Scotia Highlanders) on February 24, 1917. Killed in action at Passchendaele, Belgium on October 30, 1917.

Bruce MacDonald’s “First World War Honour Roll of Guysborough County, Nova Scotia, Volume I: 1915 - 1917,” available at Bantry Publishing, contains a detailed description of Tommy’s family background and military service.

Sunday 3 April 2016

Guysborough County CEF Enlistments - April 3, 1916

Six Guysborough County natives attest for overseas service with Canadian Expeditionary Force units:

Chisholm, John Lawrence:

Born November 18, 1872 at St. Francis Harbour, son of Alexander & Annie (Grady) Chisholm.

Enlistment: 193rd Battalion at Guysborough. Transferred to 17th Battalion on January 23, 1917. Suffered from “stomach trouble,” a pre-enlistment condition, in England and transferred to Canadian Discharge Depot, Buxton on November 4, 1917 for return to Canada. Departed England on December 7, arriving in Halifax on December 19, 1917. Hospitalized on February 20, 1918 with suspected case of pulmonary tuberculosis. Discharged as “medically unfit” at Halifax on August 26, 1918.

Post-war: Returned to St. Francis Harbour, where he operated a farm. Passed away at St. Martha’s Hospital, Antigonish on October 9, 1936. Cause of death listed as “gastric carcinoma.” Laid to rest at St. Francis Harbour.

Connolly, John Francis “Frank":

John F. Connolly's grave marker.
 Born June 15, 1881 at Milford Haven Bridge, son of Patrick & Margaret (Cudahee) Connolly.

Enlistment: 224th Forestry Battalion at Guysborough. Married with four children (two boys and two girls) at time of enlistment. A history of digestion problems before enlistment, developed gastric ulcer and hospitalized in England on November 25, 1916. Departed for Canada on October 18, 1917. Discharged as medically unfit on May 31, 1918.

Post-war: Returned home to Milford Haven Bridge, where he returned to farming. Passed away (tuberculosis) at Nova Scotia Sanatorium on October 1, 1964.

Grady, John Joseph:

Born December 19, 1876 at St. Francis Harbour, son of Michael & Catherine (Chisholm) Grady.

Enlistment: 193rd Battalion at Guysborough. Discharged at Camp Aldershot, NS on October 27, 1916 as “medically unfit.”

Post-war: Never married, farmed at St. Francis Harbour. Passed away from tuberculosis at St. Martha’s Hospital, Antigonish on September 7, 1937 and laid to rest at St. Francis Harbour.

Lipsett, Ralph Stanley:


Born March 16, 1892 at Middle Manchester, son of Edward Stanley & Caroline E. “Carrie” (O’Brien) Lipsett.

Enlistment: 193rd Battalion at Guysborough. Transferred to 42nd Battalion (Royal Highlanders of Canada) on December 6, 1916. Wounded in the shoulder at Passchendaele on October 29, 1917 and hospitalized, returning to active duty on April 18, 1918. Killed in action on September 29, 1918 at Cambrai, France.

Luddington, James Albert:


Born April 18, 1896 at New Harbour, son of William & Mary Jane (Hull) Luddington. Raised at Middle Manchester by his uncle Albert Hull, a brother to his mother, and aunt Esther.

Enlistment: 193rd Battalion at Guysborough.

Post-war: Returned to Middle Manchester and married Annie Clancy. Raised a family of seven boys and one girl. Passed away at Lower Manchester on December 19, 1952 and laid to rest in Middle Mahcnester.

Nichols, Henry McCurdy:

Henry McCurdy Nichols, daughter Pauline and mother Lucy (Fisher) Nichols.

Born December 13, 1893 at Aspen, son of William D. & Lucy (Fisher) Nichols.

Enlistment: 224th Forestry Battalion at Antigonish, NS. No further service information available.

Post-war: Henry married and relocated to western Canada, where he and his wife, Gladys, had one daughter, Pauline. Passed away at Edson, AB in 1961.

Friday 1 April 2016

Guysborough County CEF Enlistments - April 1, 1916

A total of 25 Guysborough County natives attested for overseas service with the Canadian Expeditionary Force on April 1, 1916, the largest number for any day throughout the war years. All but one enlisted with the 193rd Battalion. Six were killed in action while serving at the front, while two died of causes related to their military service, following their return to Canada.

This post provides information on each soldier's family background, military service and post-war life, where available.

Armsworthy, Buckley Andrew:


Born at Halfway Cove on May 10, 1896, son of Truman & Elizabeth “Abigail” (Cox) Armsworthy.

Enlistment: 193rd Battalion at Canso. Transferred to Royal Canadian Regiment in December 1916. Wounded (left hand) on July 4, 1917 and invalided to England. Subsequently diagnosed with varicose veins; also suffered several seizures in 1917. Diagnosed with epilepsy in October 1918 and invalided to Canada. Discharged March 11, 1919 as medically unfit.

Post-war: Died January 29, 1921 at Aberdeen Hospital, New Glasgow, NS. Cause of death listed as “abscess of brain,” attributed to military service. Laid to rest in All Saints Church Cemetery, Canso, NS.

Dort, David Duke:


Born August 12, 1897 at Cole Harbour, son of William P. & Margaret M. Dort.

Enlistment: 193rd Battalion at Canso. Transferred to 42nd Battalion (Royal Highlanders of Canada) in December 1916. Wounded April 9, 1917 (Vimy Ridge), shrapnel penetrating skull and brain. Invalided to England. Wounded a second time on August 22, 1917 in air raid while in England, suffering head and right leg injuries. Subsequently reported right leg paralysis. Invalided to Canada February 1918 and discharged July 1918. Suffered from seizures and diagnosed with “Jacksonian epilepsy, and admitted to Camp Hill Hospital for treatment. Died at Camp Hill on May 8, 1919. Laid to rest in Port Felix Roman Catholic Cemetery.

Dort, Leo Harold:


Born June 11, 1896 at Cole Harbour, son of David H. & Lila (O’Leary) Dort.

Enlistment: 193rd Battalion at Canso. Transferred to 42nd Battalion (Royal Highlanders of Canada) in December 1916. Wounded by artillery fire near Avion, France on July 4, 1917. Died of wounds before day’s end.

Euloth, Albert William:


Born November 6, 1895 at Cole Harbour, son of George Adam & Melissa Ann (George) Euloth.

Enlistment: 193rd Battalion at Canso. Married to Claire J. Green, one son at time of enlistment. Transferred to Canadian Machine Gun Pool in March 1918. Attached to 2nd Battalion, Canadian Machine Gun Corps in August 1918. Gassed at Arras on September 7, 1918. Returned to the line in late October 1918. Discharged at Halifax in December 1919.

Post-war: Lived in Halifax area, raising a family of five children. Enlisted in Home Service during the Second World War. Passed away at Dartmouth, NS on February 1, 1945

Feltmate, Percy:


Born September 20, 1893 at Hazel Hill, son of James William & Charlotte A. (Munroe) Feltmate.

Enlistment: 193rd Battalion at Canso. Transferred to 25th Battalion in May 1917. Wounded in chest on November 6, 1917, rejoined unit on January 29, 1918. Killed in action near Mons, Belgium on November 7, 1918.

George, Leo Alexander:

Born March 12, 1897 at Halfway Cove, son of Joseph & Gertrude “Minnie” (King) George.

Enlistment: 193rd Battalion at Canso. Transferred to 246th Battalion on September 1, 1916. Assigned to No. 6 Special Service Company, Halifax in October 1916. Departed for England in April 1918. Transferred to 85th Battalion in September 1918, reassigned to 21st Battalion (Eastern Ontario) in October 1918. Served in France & Belgium with unit until war’s end. Discharged at Halifax on May 18, 1919. Re-enlisted with Special Guard, Canadian Military Police Corps from October 1919 to March 1920.

Post-war: Passed away on April 4, 1971, buried in All Saints Anglican Cemetery, Canso.

Giffin, Vincent Arthur:


Born February 19, 1897 at Goldboro, son of Arthur Crawley & Louisa E. (Miller) Giffin.

Enlistment: 193rd Battalion at Guysborough. Transferred to 42nd Battalion (Royal Highlanders of Canada) in December 1916. Re-assigned to 2nd Canadian Tunnelling Company in January 1917. Received severe shrapnel wound (right thigh) at Ypres, Belgium on July 7, 1917, leg amputated above right knee the following day. Invalided to England for recovery. Returned to Canada in November 1917 and discharged on October 31, 1918.

Post-war: Married Sarah Rose Aloy and had at least one son, Rupert. Worked as a telegrapher immediately after the war, later obtaining employment as a harbour policeman in Halifax. Passed away at Camp Hill Hospital, Halifax on July 26, 1959 and laid to rest in Mount Olivet Cemetery, Halifax.

Hendsbee, David Steele:


Born September 26, 1897 at Queensport, son of David Steele & Jennie Alice (Cook) Hendsbee.

Enlistment: 193rd Battalion at Guysborough. Transferred to 42nd Battalion (Royal Highlanders of Canada) in December 1916. Wounded in left arm (fractured bone) at Passchendaele, Belgium on November 4, 1917 and invalided to England. Returned to Canada and discharged at Halifax in January 1919.

Post-war: Married Tina Sophia Hendsby in 1919 and worked as a welfare officer in New Glasgow, NS. Passed away at Camp Hill Hospital, Halifax on July 27, 1961.

Jamieson, John Christopher:


Born May 26, 1900 at Half Way Cove, son of John P. & Margaret E. “Maggie” (Murphy) Jamieson.

Enlistment: 193rd Battalion at Guysborough. Reported year of birth as 1898 at time of enlistment. No further information available.

Post-war: Married Hattie Viola Carter and had one son, Alonzo George. Passed away on October 19, 1945 at Fredericton, NB, laid to rest in Evergreen Cemetery, Guysborough.

Lumsden, Albert Edward:


Born June 2, 1895 at Canso, son of Frank & Annie Lumsden.

Enlistment: 193rd Battalion at Canso. Transferred to 85th Battalion on February 25, 1917. Wounded at Lens, France on June 29, 1917.

Post-war: Married Jennie Armsworthy on May 20, 1916, prior to departing for England. Raised family of five children after the war, while working at Trenton Steel Works. Passed away on November 3, 1967, laid to rest in Heatherdale Memorial Gardens, New Glasgow, NS.

MacIsaac, Joseph Manson:



Born August 2, 1899, son of Sarah “Sadie” MacIsaac, grandson of Daniel & Jane (Watkins) MacIsaac.

Enlistment: 193rd Battalion at Canso, NS. Year of birth recorded as 1897 on attestation papers. Transferred to 25th Battalion in May 1917. Killed in action near Maroc, France on July 21, 1917.

McMillan, Wallace Graham:


Born October 8, 1890 at Isaac’s Harbour, son of Robert C. & Fannie (Cunningham) McMilan.

Enlistment: 193rd Battalion at Guysborough. No additional service information available.

Post-war: Returned to Isaac’s Harbour and married, working as local customs collector. Passed away in October 1971 at age 81, laid to rest in Isaac’s Harbour United Church Cemetery.

McPherson, Wesley Whitfield:


Born May 15, 1897 at Guysborough Intervale, son of John & Margaret “Maggie” Belle (Ferguson) McPherson.

Enlistment: 193rd Battalion at Guysborough. No additional service information available.

Post-war: Married Martha A. Cook. Passed away at Fredericton Junction, NB in 1977.

Munroe, Abram Arthur:

Born February 22, 1892 at Whitehead, son of Arthur & Lizzie A. (Greencorn) Munroe.

Enlistment: 193rd Battalion at Canso. Transferred to 85th Battalion April 21, 1917. Wounded by artillery shrapnel near Lens, France on August 6, 1917—compound fracture, left thigh; left arm amputated the following day. Invalided to Canada and discharged December 1919.

Post-war: Married and relocated to central Canada. Passed away at Pickering, ON on January 30, 1935 from osteomyelitis of left femur, a complication related to his war wound. Laid to rest in Mount Hope Cemetery, Toronto.

Munroe, Allan Ellsworth:


Born July 31, 1894 at Whitehead, son of Andrew David & Anna Ernest “Annie” (Ehler) Munroe.

Enlistment: 193rd Battalion at Canso. Transferred to 42nd Battalion (Royal Highlanders of Canada) in December 1916. Killed in action at Vimy Ridge, France on April 9, 1917.

Munroe, Curtis Cleveland:


Born June 13, 1893 at Cole Harbour, son of John P. & Margaret “Maggie” (McKay) Munroe.

Enlistment: 193rd Battalion at Canso. No additional service information available.

Post-war: Married Levina Maud Dort, worked as a fisherman and lighthouse keeper in Queensport. Passed away on September 8, 1948 at St. Martha’s Hospital, Antigonish and laid to rest at Queensport.

Myers, Willard Spurgeon:


Born June 27, 1892, son of Frederick Levi & Margaret Catherine (Gillie) Myers.

Enlistment: 193rd Battalion at Canso. Transferred to 42nd Battalion (Royal Highlanders of Canada) in December 1916. Promoted to rank of Corporal on August 31, 1918. Killed in action near Cambrai, France on September 29, 1918.

O’Haley [Haley], Simon:

Born October 28, 1897 at Port Felix, son of John Adam & Natalie (Richard) Haley.

Enlistment: 193rd Battalion at Canso. Transferred to 85th Battalion on July 29, 1917. Killed in action at Drucourt-Quéant, France on September 2, 1918.

Rossong, Charles:


Born August 20, 1897 at Hazel Hill, son of Maurice & Margaret “Maggie” (Boudrout) Rossong.

Enlistment: 193rd Battalion at Canso. No additional service information available.

Post-war: No information available.

Snow, John William:

Born June 2, 1893 at Canso, son of Henry Seymour & Emmeline Almira Ann (Feltmate) Snow.

Enlistment: 193rd Battalion at Canso, NS. No additional service information available.

Post-war: Married Myrtle Lavinia Warrington at Halifax on July 26, 1921. No additional information available.

Snyder, Abner Lohnes:



Born June 29, 1900 at Halfway Cove, son of George Christopher & Maude Abigail (Dort) Snyder.

Enlistment: 193rd Battalion at Guysborough. Birth year recorded as 1898 on attestation papers. Transferred to 85th Battalion on July 29, 1917. Wounded at Oppy on March 30, 1918, rejoined battalion on August 15, 1918. Transferred to Canadian Corps Reinforcement Centre (CCRC) on October 18, 1918.

Post-war: Married Violet Margaret Chisholm at New Glasgow on October 6, 1926, subsequently raising a family of three children. Worked as a barber in the New Glasgow area and later as a Commissionaire in Halifax. Passed away in 1968.

Swaine, John William:


Born September 19, 1891 at Canso, son of Rupert & Eunice J. “Jennie” (Talbot) Swaine.

Enlistment: 193rd Battalion at Canso. Transferred to 85th Battalion on April 13, 1917. Killed in action at Éleu-dit-Leauwette, France on June 28, 1917.

Uloth, Frederick Louis:


Born April 17, 1896 at Cole Harbour, son of Henry Allen & Mary Jane (Fitzgerald) Uloth. Brother of Richard Alphonso Uloth.

Enlistment: 193rd Battalion at Canso. No additional service information available.

Post-war: Relocated to the United States. No additional information available.

Uloth, Richard Alphonso:

Born February 20, 1890 at Cole Harbour, son of Henry Allen & Mary Jane (Fitzgerald) Uloth. Brother of Frederick Louis Uloth.

Enlistment: 193rd Battalion at Canso. No additional service information available.

Post-war: Married Olga Margaret Ehler at Guysborough on April 6, 1922 and raised a family of five. Worked as a fisherman in the Guysborough area. Passed away at St. Martha’s Hospital, Antigonish on December 5, 1978 and laid to rest in Evergreen Cemetery, Guysborough.

Wilson, Lambert Ernest:

Born April 27, 1894 at Country Harbour, son of Augustine & Ida Elizabeth (Mason) Wilson.

Enlistment: 224th Canadian Forestry Battalion at New Glasgow. No additional service information available.

Post-war: Married Dora Bella MacMillan at Argyle, NS on August 19, 1933 and raised a family of two children while living at Cross Roads Country Harbour. Passed away at Camp Hill Hospital, Halifax on March 5, 1966 and laid to rest in Cross Roads Country Harbour Cemetery.