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

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

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

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

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