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Thursday, March 31, 2016

Lieutenant Edward Slattery #457479, 3rd Battalion

Photo by Bob Richardson 2007
Born December 15, 1893 Montreal, Quebec one of nine children to parents Patrick and Elizabeth, natives of Harbor Grace, Nfld. At the time of attestation, his next of kin was listed as mother, Elizabeth, living at 437
Magdalen Street, Montreal. He was a single, laborer when he joined  A" Coy, 1st Draft of the 60th (Victoria Rifles Canada). His height was noted as 5' 6", fair complexion, blue eyes, red hair and weighing 117 lbs. Religion was shown as Roman Catholic in keeping with the family's Irish background.

Joined the 60th (Victoria Rifles of Canada) Battalion on June 18, 1915 in Montreal. He was one of 250 men assigned to "E" Company which meant that he was put in the 1st Reinforcing Draft and sent ahead of the main body of the Battalion to England on the S.S. Scandinavian from Montreal on August 27, 1915. (the full battalion left on the same vessel and port on November 6, 1915). On arrival in England, this large draft was transferred to the 23rd Reserve Battalion in Shorncliffe. Edward Slattery was then sent to the 3rd Battalion along with a number of other men from the 60th Battalion on December 1, 1915 as badly needed Valley Cemetery, Vis-en-Artois, France, grave A.10
replacements.Treated for GSW to hand June 4, 1916 #1 Canadian General Hospital, Etaples. Returned to unit June 39. Awarded the Military Medal June 1916 for actions at the Somme.Promoted to rank of Sergeant October 8, 1916. Awarded bar to Military Medal April 9, 1917 for actions at Vimy Ridge. Awarded the Distinguished Conduit Medal for gallantry actions July 1917. Sent to 1st C.O.R.D. Cadet School December 31, 1917. Given Commission January 26, 1918 rank of Lieutenant. Rejoined 3rd Battalion April 9, 1918 as Lieutenant. Awarded 2nd bar to Military Medal June 7, 1918. Killed in action August 30, 1918 in the taking of Orix Trench, Vis-en-Artois, France. He is one of 31 men from the 3rd Battalion killed that same day, buried in mass graves in beautiful

Lieutenant Edward Slattery was considered the most decorated soldier to fight in the 3rd Battalion and one of the most decorated in the entire Canadian Corps. His brother, Michael Slattery #458270, who had also enlisted in the 60th Battalion, was killed in action August 14, 1917 while in service of the 87th (Grenadier Guards of Canada) Battalion. A younger brother, 16 year old William Slattery #660815, served in the 163rd (French-Canadian) Battalion.

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


Monday, March 28, 2016

L/Sergeant John Lamb Brereton #65112, 24th Battalion

Photo by Bob Richardson 2014
Born on August 22, 1890 in Kidderminster, Worcester, England To Richard Brereton, railway goods clerk, and Eleanor Lamb. At the age of twenty-four John made his way to the U.S.A. and eventually to Canada looking for steady employment. He may have have been given a Land Grant in South Saskatchewan as he crossed from Portal, North Dakota into Saskatchewan September 1914. By October 1914 however after war was declared, John Brereton is found in Montreal enlisting into the 24th (Victoria Rifles of Canada) Battalion. He enlisted October 26, 1914 in Montreal listing his occupation as "rancher", single. 5'4" tall, fair complexion, blue eyes, light brown hair, religion Church of England.

Officially joined the 24th Battalion on November 7,1914, the day Ottawa formally authorized the battalion\s formation. They left for England on the S.S. Cameronian. May 1915.On arrival Private Brereton forfeited 1 day pay for being AWL from East Sandling on May 20. 1915. September 1 promoted to Lance Corporal.The 24th Battalion traveled to France September 15. Promoted full corporal December 12, 1915. Suffered GSW wound to right hand and fingers February 23. 1916. Rejoined unit in field April 6, 1916. Appointed Lance Sergeant April 11, 1915. Granted 8 days leaves May 2. 1916. Killed in action May 23, 1916.

Killed in action May 23, 1916. The battalion war diary for that day nor the Circumstances of Casualty form include any details which is fairly strange. Lance Sergeant John Lamb Brereton is buried in Wysschaete Military Cemetery, grave IA.E.7

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




Tuesday, March 22, 2016

Private John Campbell #64036, 14th Battalion

Photo by Bob Richardson
Born August 5, 1985 Perth, Scotland to Mrs. Margaret Campbell and husband 1 Ishaffay Street, Perth. At the time of enlistment in 1914, John was working as a single stone mason in Quebec. He was 5'4 1/2' tall had fair complexion, brown eyes, poor teeth and and sandy hair. His religion was Presbyterian. Next of kin was his mother.Very strangely, he attested on the very last day just before the 23rd Battalion was entraining for Halifax, February, 1915.

Enlisted February 17. 19115 to the 23rd Battalion in /Quebec City before heading for Halifax. Perhaps this was his ticket home? The 23rd Battalion arrived in Shorncliffe England ultimately being broken up for reinforcements. John Campblee was given 4 days Field Punishment #2 and loss of pay for being absent from billets without leave. May 13, sent to 14th. Battalion. Killed in action December 15, 1915.

"KIA- Instantly killed by an enemy shell which hit the dugout which he was occupying". Buried in La Plus Douve Farm Cemetery, gave # II.C.2

Friday, March 18, 2016

Private Edward James Lock #9331, 3rd Battalion

Photo by Bob Richardson  2014
Born on May 5, 1886 in Compton, Quebec to Ernest Charles and Mary Lock, of Compton, Quebec. According to Private Lock's attestation paper, he was single, working as a tailor in Toronto, a member of the 2rd Regiment Queen's Own Rifles militia for six years. He was 5'9" tall, had dark complexion, blue eyes and black hair, religion was Baptist.

Pte Lock and Sgt Slater, Ploegsteert
Wood, winter 1915-16
Enlisted in the 3rd (Toronto) Battalion Valcartier, Quebec on September 22, 1914. He accompanied this battalion in the 1st Contingent , 1st Brigade on the S.S. Tunisian training the winter of 1914-15 in Bustard Camp on the Salisbury Plain in England. Private Lock forfeited 2 days pay on December 14, 1914 for "being absent without leave". On arrival in Armemtieres, France February 21, 1915 Edward Lock was given 2 MONTHS Field Punishment No.1 for Pt II No.4 "drunkenness". Apparently Private Lock survived the battles of 1915; 2nd Ypres, Festubert and Givenchy unscathed. August 28, 1915 attached to 3rd Field Company, Canadian Engineers, returning to 3rd Battalion October 7. He was given 9 nine days leave of absence on November 22, 1915. Assigned to 1st Canadian Infantry Brigade Wirers December 5. Returned to 3rd Battalion January 9, 1916. In trouble again on returning from leave given four days F.P. #1 December 6 for "Insolence to an N.C.O.". Finally  on January 10, 1916, Private Lock was given "14 days F.P. #1 for (1) Disobedience to a routine order (2) giving a false name (#) when in confinement escaping on 30.12.15". Killed in action February 11, 1916.

Killed in action February 11, 1916. Although the mention was made that he was taken to a dressing station, he possibly died en route. The casualty sheet in his service file states "Killed while wiring in front of trench, bullet through the abdomen". Buried in Wulverghem-Lindenhoek Road Military Cemetery, grave I.E.34
3rd Battalion War Diaries
Thursday, February 10, 1916
Location: TEA FARM
Entry: Capt ALLEY returned from leave. Pte. LOCK[E] killed while wiring. Pte. SORENSEM wounded by a stray while on working party.
Weather fine.
Friday, February 11, 1916
Location: TEA FARM
Entry: Capt. HUTCHESON returned from leave. Pte LOCK[E] buried.
Weather rainy.
His page on the Veterans Affairs Canada Virtual Memorial can be found HERE
His attestation paper can be found on the Library and Archives Canada database can be found HERE


Thanks to Marika Pirie Toronto Star clipping December 6, 1915


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

Wednesday, March 16, 2016

Private Malcolm Hayes #3231791, 3rd Battalion

Photo by Bob Richardson 2008
Born on January 29, 1975 in Charlottetown, Prince Edward Island to Richard and Isabella (Patterson) Hayes. According to the details on Malcolm Haye's attestation paper, he was a cook residing 444 S. State St., Chicago, Ill. Details include being single, 44 years old with his next of kin being shown as his sister, Nellie, living in Chelsea, Suffolk, Mass. He was 5' 9 1/2" tall, had fair complexion, brown eyes, with fair hair, religion stated as Presbyterian. The 1891 Canadian Census showed the Hayes Family living in Charlottetown, PEI however by 1900 the family had moved to Chelsea, Suffolk, Mass. according to the 1900 U.S. Federal Census.

Recruited by the British-Canadian Recruitment Mission 1917-1918 in Chicago then enlisted into the 2nd Depot, 1st Central Ontario Regiment, Toronto, February 11, 1918. Departed on the S.S. Tunisian with a draft from Halifax April 8, 1918 arriving England April 19. On arrival posted to the 12th Reserve Battalion, Witley April 27.Taken on service 3rd Battalion arriving at the front line August 23, 1918. Killed in action 8 days later August 31, 1918.

Kill in action August 31, 1918. According to Private Haye's Certificate of Casualty sheet "KIA - He was killed by enemy shell fire whilst employed in carrying rations and water to the front line, during an attack on Upton Wood". Private Malcolm Hayes is buried in picturesque Valley Cemetery, Pas-de-Calais, France, grave A.10

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

Private Edward Edey #438101, 3rd Battalion

Photo by Bob Richardson 2014
Born on August 4, 1890 in Liverpool, England. At some point he emigrated to Fort William, Ontario. This man has proved rather elusive to trace. His "Form of Will" in his service file has his name as "Moses Elliot Edey". According to his attestation paper signed July 23, 1915 in Shorncliffe Camp, England, Private Edey was married, occupation was a switch man, 5' 9 1/2" tall, fair complexion, brown eyes, light brown hair and religion was Presbyterian. His next of kin was shown as Mrs. M. Edey, presumably his wife, living at 137 McVicar Street, Fort William.

Enlisted with the 52nd Battalion, Fort William. His attestation paper was signed July 23, 1915 in Shorncliffe Camp as a member of that battalion's early 1st Reinforcement Draft that had sailed from Montreal on the S.S. Scandinavian June 17, 1915. On arrival in England June 29, he was transferred to the 32nd Reserve Battalion. August 29, 1915, Private Edey was sent to the 3rd Battalion as a reinforcement while the battalion was serving in Ploegsteert Wood. Sent to the 1st C.I.B. Bombing School October 26, 1915. November 19, 1915 sentenced to 4 days Field Punishment #1 for "failure to obey an order". Killed in action December 29. 1915.

Killed in action December 29, 1915. His Certificate of Casualty reads "killed in action - Killed by an enemy shell while in the trenches in the vicinity of Wytschaete". Buried in Wulverghem-Lindenhoek Road Militaery Cemetery, Belgium, grave I.E.17.

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

Tuesday, March 15, 2016

Lieutenant Felix Oliver Bolte, 3rd Battalion

Photo by Bob Richardson 2011
Born April 24, 1894 in Toronto to Auguste and Margaret Elsie Armour, 14 Willcocks Street, Toronto. At the time of enlistment into the 35th Battalion, Camp Niagara, May 29, 1915, Felix Bolte was described as single, student with the 2nd Regiment Queen's Own Rifles of Toronto, dark complexion, brown eyes, dark brown hair and his religion was Church of England.

Joined the 35th Battalion May 29, 1915 at Camp Niagara.Ontario  as a commissioned officer. He traveled with that battalion from Montreal on the S.S. Metagama Oct 16, 1915 for England. After arrival in England, Felix qualified as a machine gun instructor early 1916 and on April 6, 1916 is shown as a conducting officer for a reinforcement draft to the 5 CMR then entering the line with the 3rd Battalion shortly afterwards. Was shown as "shell shocked" August 16, 1916 (Somme) and sent to an Officer's Rest Station at Warloy. Granted 10 days leave November 6, 1916. Admitted hospital in England while on leave. Assigned officer's General List then 23rd Reserve Battalion May 23, 1917. Sent to 3rd Battalion, from Witley, March 22, 1918. Dispatched to 3rd Trench Mortar Battalion May 3, 1918. Returned to 3rd Battalion in the field June 4, 1918. Killed in action September 2, 1918.

Killed in action September 2, 1918. From the Certificate of Casualty, "KIA - While this officer was in a shell hole during the operation in the vicinity of Bois-de-Bouche, an enemy shell exploded nearby instantly killing him". Lieutenant Felix Oliver Bolte is buried in Dominion British Cemetery, grave I.G.5. Felix's brother, Auguste Armour Bolte served in the war, also as a Lieutenant, with the 75th Battalion.

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

Monday, March 14, 2016

Private William Joseph Hamilton #757786, 3rd Battalion

Photo by Bob Richardson 2011
Born April 28, 1893 in Hamilton, Ontario to Francis and Mary Ann Hamilton. At time of attestation in 1916, William Hamilton was living at 550 James Street North, Hamilton, single, working as a laborer, 5' 4 1/2" tall, had a dark complexion, blue eyes, light hair, religion was \Roman Catholic. His next of kin was listed as his sister, |Lillian, living at 516 John Street North, Hamilton.

Enlisted in the 120th (City of Hamilton) Battalion, in Hamilton on February 7, 1916. He left Halifax on August 8, 1916 on the S.S. Empress of Britain arriving Liverpool on August 23. In England, he was transferred to the 134th Battalion January 23, 1917. Proceeded overseas May 25, 1917 for service in the 3rd Battalion. However on arrival in France, Private Hamilton was directed to the 1st Canadian Entrenching Battalion on June 12, 1917. He joined the 3rd Battalion in the field August 24, 1917.

Killed in action August 31, 1918. His Circumstances of Death card states "Killed In Action - He was shot through the head when advancing on Olga Trench, east of Cherisy". Buried in Upton Wood Cemetery, grave B.25.

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

Wednesday, March 9, 2016

Private Charles Morris Gray #3132235, 3rd Battalion

Photo by Bob Richardson 2011
Born April 24, 1888 in Barrie, Simcoe County, Ontario to Thomas and Margaret Gray, of 331 Buller Street, St. Thomas, Ontario. Noted at time of being drafted in 1918: working as a merchant, single, member of the 22 Regiment Oxford Rifles militia, religion Presbyterian, 5" 8" tall, fair complexion, blue eyes, brown hair, hearing and eyes normal.

Drafted March 4, 1918 under the Military Service Act, 1917 in London, Ontario. Class AII. Embarked for England April 16, 1918 on the S.S. Scotian arriving England April 28. On arrival taken on service 4th Reserve Battalion, Witley. Transferred to 18th Battalion, Etaples France September 4, 1918. Arrived Canadian Reinforcement Camp September 8. Transferred to 3rd Battalion in the field Sept 12.

Killed in action September 27, 1918. His Circumstances of Death form states "Killed In Action, while taking part with his battalion in military operations in the neighborhood of Ecoust, St. Quentin, he was instantly killed by enemy shell fire". Unlike the previous post on 3rd original Thomas Fitzgerald, Charles Gray was only with the 3rd Battalion 15 days before being killed. He was buried in pretty Quarry Cemetery (Marquion) grave E.4.

His attestation paper and service record can be found HERE
His page on the Veteran Affairs Canada Virtual Canadian War Memorial can be found HERE

Private Thomas A. Fitzgerald #9442, 3rd Battalion

Photo by Bob Richardson 2011
Born on November 1, 1977 in Cork, Ireland. Parents are unknown. As shown on on enlistment in 1914: working as a clerk, single, 8 years in the Royal Munster Fusiliers, religion Roman Catholic, 5' 3 1/2" tall, fair complexion, blue eyes, brown hair. His next of kin was listed as sister Mrs.Ralph Dooley, 86 Dalton Ave., Fernie, BC. Tattoo "Sailor" on right arm, tattoo "Hands Across Sea" on left arm.

Fernie, BC War Memorial includes
 Private Thomas Fitzgerald
Joined the 3rd Battalion in Valcartier on September, 22, 1914. Written on the reverse of his attestation paper is "6 Batt" which seems to indicate that he may have originally been in a militia draft forming the 6th Battalion, formed in Manitoba and the West. There is evidence Private Fitzgerald may have been living in Fernie at the time of enlistment. He accompanied the 3rd Battalion on the S.S. Tunisian to England spending the winter 1914-15 training on Salisbury Plain. Travelling with the 3rd across to France on February 11, 1915, Private Fitzgerald was treated for "corpillus" in Rouen on April 27, 1915. He was hospitalized May 27, 1915 in #10 General Hospital for a GSW to right shoulder and arm returning to duty on June 25, 1915.Granted 9 days leave November 11. Attached to "Traffic Control Construction" From February 19, 1916 to March 7. Attached to Canadian YMCA April 24, 1917 through to April 7, 1918 which included 14 days leave. Assigned to Canadian Reinforcement Camp May 2, 1918 rejoining the 3rd Battalion August 12, 1918.

Killed in action August 31, 1918. Circumstances of Death sheet claims "Killed In Action, during an attack on Orix Trench, east of Cherisy, whilst attempting to run from one shell hole to another, he was shot through the head by an enemy's sniper bullet". Private Thomas Fitzgerald was probably one of the last, if not the last, original 3rd Battalion enlistees, to be killed in action. He is buried in Upton Wood British Cemetery grave F.9.

His attestation paper and service record can be found HERE
His page on the Veteran Affairs Canadian Virtual Memorial can be found HERE



Tuesday, March 8, 2016

Private Rudolph Keyzer #63517, 3rd Battalion

Photo by Bob Richardson 2014
Born on May 13, 1891 in Manchester, England to Gerson Abraham Cohen and Mary Alice (Whiteley) Keyzer of Manchester, England. On enlistment in 1914 his details as follows: laborer, married, no miltary experince, relgion Methodist, 5' 5 1/2" tall, medium complexion, blue eyes, brown hair.

Joined the 23rd Battalion in Montreal October 29, 1914. Living at 133 Delisle Avenue, Montreal with wife Eliza  and one year old son, George Frederick Keyzer.  He had married Eliza Hall 1912 in Manchester England.Travelled with the 23rd Battalion to England on the S.S. Missanabie February 1915. Transfeered in the field to the 3rd Battalion May 3, 1915.

Killed in action on August 12, 1915  while on a work party of 100 men working on trench repair. Buried in Ploegsteert Wood Military Cemetery grave III.B.1

His attestation paper can be seen HERE
His Veteran Affairs Canada Virtual Memorial page can be viewed HERE

Private Wilson Davis #21460, 10th Battalion

Photo by Bob Richardson 2014
Born on January 19, 1876 in Sedgeberrow, Worcestershire, England son of George and Christiana (Winnett) Davis of Birmingham, England. At enlistment details were shown to be as follows: laborer, single, 5' 8" tall, fair complexion, blue eyes, sandy hair, religion Church of England.

Enlisted in the 11th Battalion, "D" Coy on September 23, 1914 at Valcartier, Quebec. The 11th Battalion were raised from mostly North Saskatchewan militia units therefore we have assumed that Wilson Davis was working or farming in North Saskatchewan. We found a listing in the Canada Land Grants database for this man showing he tried homesteading Fort Pitt Meridian 3, SE Section 5, Township 52, Range 16 "The Standard Trusts Co.for late Wilson Davis". The 11th Battalion traveled to England with the 1st Contingent training winter 1914-15 on the Salisbury Plain. Late January 1915 the decision was made to use the 11th Battalion as a reinforcement battalion for existing units. Therefore Private Davis was transferred to the 10th (Alberta) Battalion in Lark Hill Camp on January 1, 1915. He was with this battalion when they embarked fro France on February 11, 1915. The 10th Battalion first entered the front lines on February 22.

Killed in action on February 25, 1915. On February 25 at 16:45, "C" and "D" Companies entered the line near Ploegsteert, training with the Royal Dublin Fusiliers. The war diaries states"21460 Pte.W Davis was KIA and buried with Dublin Fusiliers men at 27.19B.20A. This location became Prowse Point Military Cemetery. I believe Private Wilson Davis was the first man from the 10th Battalion to be killed in action and one of the first Canadians in the 1st Canadian Division.

His attestation  paper and service record can be found HERE
His Veteran Affairs Canada Virtual Memorial page ca be found HERE

Sergeant William James Young #10186, 3rd Battalion

Photo by Bob Richardson 2014
Born on September 21, 1892 in Stockton-on-Tees, Durham, England, as son of John Fisher and Alice (Longstaff) Young, Middlesbrough, Durham. At time of enlistment details as follows: 6' 1/2" tall, fair complexion, hazel eyes, brown hair, religion Presbyterian, and single. He was working as a laborer in Toronto and a current member of the 10th Royal Grenadiers militia having had 4 years in the 4th Yorkshire Regiment in England. Strangely, the newspaper clipping in the Toronto Star announcing his death, refers him living with a "brother-in-law" with no mention of a wife.

Thanks to Marika Pirie
Was one of 15 officers and 386 ranks of the 10th Royal Grenadiers to volunteer and proceed in August 1914 to Valcartier Camp, Quebec where the 1st Contingent was forming. Enlisted September 22, 1914 in the 3rd Battalion. Private Young accompanied the 3rd Battalion overseas on the S.S. Tunisian where they trained through the winter of 1914-15 on Salisbury Plain. The 3rd Battalion traveled to France on February 11 entering the line several weeks later. At some point, William Young was promoted to Corporal and eventually Sergeant. He had an older brother, Charles Young, who had proceeded him to Canada. Charles was a Boer War veteran and served in the CEF 28th Battalion #73973.

Killed in action on August 12, 1915 with several of his mates while the 3rd Battalion was in reserve trenches Ploegsteert Wood, Belgium. Presumably he was one of the 100 men sent out that day to work on trenches. Buried in Ploegsteert Wood Military Cemetery grave III.B.2.

His attestation paper can be viewed HERE
His page on the Veteran Affairs Canada Virtual War Memorial can be viewed HERE


Monday, March 7, 2016

Private Walter Ian Brown #63070, 3rd Battalion.

Photo by Bob Richardson 2014
Born July 21, 1893 in Pekin, Illinois - son of Robert Fulton and Ann (McIntyre) Brown natives of Bridge-of Weir, Scotland, living in Ville-St-Pierre, Montreal. At time of enlistment in 1914: trade as a grocer, single, 5'10" tall, complexion dark, eyes hazel, hair brown, religion Presbyterian.

Private Brown enlisted in the 23rd Battalion November 10, 1914 in Montreal, Quebec from the 1st Grenadier Guards. He traveled with the battalion on the S.S. Missanabie to England February 23, 1915. Transferred to the 3rd Battalion May 3, 1915 in the field. Treated for knee synovitis July 4, 1915 at #3 Field Ambulance. Returned to duty July 9. Extensive dental work August 17, 1915 at #2 Field Ambulance. Returned to duty August 28.

Killed in action September 9, 1915 in the line at Ploegsteert Wood. According to the war diary for that day, no casualties were mentioned His "C" Coy was in the trenches 124 and 125 to Birchall Ave, However the month of September casualty list claims "No.63070 Pte Brown, W, killed Sept 9, buried "C" Coy at Somerset House Cemetery (in extreme north-east corner), U20  B.2.9, grave marked with an inscribed cross". (Somerset House Cemetery, was later known as Canadian Cemetery, Strand) and eventually was renamed Ploegsteert Wood Military Cemetery. His grave is located III.A.1

His attestation paper and service record can be viewed HERE
His page on the Veteran Affairs Canada Virtual Memorial can be found HERE


Corporal Albert Snape Schofield #63797, 3rd Battalion

Photo by Bob Richardson 2014
Born on January 27, 1893 in Bollington, Cheshire as the son of Walter and Eliza Schofield, Macclesfield, Lancashire. At time of enlistment in 1914: trade as carpenter, single, 2 weeks in the 5th Grenadier Guards, Church of England, 5' 10 1/2" tall, medium complexion, brown eyes, brown hair. Next of kin Walter Schofield. Emigrated to Canada May 2, 1913 from Liverpool on the SS Empress of Britain.

Enlisted in the 23rd Battalion, CEF, in Montreal, Quebec on October 29, 1914. Traveled to England with the battalion on S.S. Missanabie February 23, 1915. Transferred to the 3rd Battalion May 3, 1915. Promoted to Corporal.

Killed in action October 7, 1915 in the line at Ploegsteert Wood. According to the War Diary 3rd Battalion for Oct. 7, 1915 7:00am, "Cpl. A. Schofield No. 63797 "D" Coy Killed in action". Later in the day, the 3rd Battalion was taken out of the line and ensconced in huts Aldershot Camp, Dranoutre. Corporal Albert Schofield was buried in  (Canadian Cemetery, Strand) Ploegsteert Wood Military Cemetery III.E.4

His attestation paper can be viewed HERE
His page on the Veteran Affairs Canada Virtual War Memorial can be viewed HERE

Private Frederick James Cope #63214, 3rd Battalion

Photo by Bob Richardson 2014
Born on July 14, 1887 in Berkeley, Gloucestershire as the son of William and Eliza Cope, Montreal Quebec. Enlistment records provide the following: trade as a painter, single, no current military service, Presbyterian, 5' 7" tall, dark complexion, hazel eyes, dark brown hair. Next of kin listed Mrs. Eliza Cope (mother), Longueuil, Quebec. The entire family had emigrated from England about 1912.

Joined the 23rd Battalion in Montreal Quebec on November 2, 1914 (service number 63214) Embarked for England on the S.S. Missanabie February 23, 1915. Taken on strength the 3rd Battalion May 3, 1915. GSW left eye June 6, 1915 being treated at #5 General Hospital, Rouen. Returned to unit duty July 15, 1915.

Killed in action on August 14, 1915 near Ploegsteert Wood when the 3rd Battalion which was in reserve, having sent out 100 men on a night work party to Hyde Park Corner. Buried (Canadian Cemetery, Strand) Ploegsteert Wood Military Cemetery, grave III.A.2.

Private Frederick Cope had two younger brothers that served in the CEF. Corporal Albert John Cope #457702 60th (Victoria Rifles) Battalion was KIA October 9, 1916 Courcelette, Somme. Private Ernest Egbert Cope #919263 199th (Irish Canadian Rangers) was stricken off strength in Montreal May 9, 1916 as "a recruit within 3 months of enlistment considered unfit for service, with good character".

The attestation paper and service file of Private Frederick Cope can be found HERE
The Veteran Affairs Canada Virtual Memorial page can be found HERE