Private John Bradeen #812161, 85th Battalion

Photo by Bob Richardson 2014

Born April 1, 1887 in Page, Nebraska to parents of German origin living in Berlin, (Otoe) Nebraska. In the 1911 Canadian Census, John Bradeen and his brother, Jake, are living and working in Edmonton, Alberta. In 1913, there were a series of devastating tornadoes that leveled the town and resulted in many deaths. It is possible that John parents perished at that time. See HERE. According to his attestation paper, John was married to Gertrude Irene, living at 12244-104th Street, Edmonton, occupation farmer. He was 5'6" tall, had fair complexion, blue eyes and fair hair. Religion was Church of England.

Joined the 138th  (Edmonton) Battalion in Edmonton on April 3, 1916. He was transferred to the 113th (Lethbridge Highlanders) before leaving Canada. Departed with the 113th on the S.S. Tuscania arriving England October 6, 1916. On arrival the entire 113th Battalion was transferred into te 17th Reserve Battalion in East Sandling.On December 11, 1916, John Bradeen was sent to the CASC Depot in Shorncliffe. He was transferred to the 85th Battalion July 4, 1917. Listed as missing in action October 30, 1917. The next day, October 31, was confirmed as killed in action in the taking of Passchendaele, the previous day.

Killed in action October 30, 1917 in Pacchendaele. Found by battlefield clearances and buried in Tyne Cot Cemetery, grave II.J.2.

His page on the Veteran Affairs Canada Virtual Memorial can be found HERE
His attestation page and service file can be found on the Library and Archives Canada site HERE