13th Battalion, CRT (Canadian Railway Troops) organized at Purfleet in March 1918 under the command of Lieutenant-Colonel Stewart Percival McMordie. Personnel from Canadian Railway Troops Depot. Purfleet-on-Thames a town in the Thurrock unitary authority, Essex, England.
Lieutenant-Colonel Stewart Percival McMordie DSO
Stewart Percival McMordie born 15 November 1877 and worked in Prince Rupert, British Columbia, as a contractor. He enlisted in the 48th Battalion in August 1915 and went overseas as a major. Following an instructional tour of the front, he re-joined the 48th, later re-designated 3rd Canadian Pioneers. On 13 June 1916, McMordie badly wounded by a high explosive shell. A steel splinter resulted in the loss of his right eye.
After recovering from his wounds and being fitted with an artificial eye, McMordie returned to duty in England. Promoted to lieutenant-colonel with General Jack Stewart’s Canadian Railway Troops (C.R.T.) depot and later received the Distinguished Service Order. On 13 March 1918, appointed to command the 13th Battalion, C.R.T. and returned to France.
Sapper Sydney Priest
Sydney Priest born in Bream, Gloucestershire England 18 December 1876 to Elizabeth Priest, of Ames, Sam Miguel County, Colorado.
Sydney Priest 2498591 enlisted 24 September 1917 in Toronto, Ontario with the York and Simcoe Foresters Construction Battalion. A single Miner by trade. At this time, 40 years and 9 months of age standing 5′ 11″ tall, 165 pounds, with medium complexion, blue eyes and fair hair. Scar on back of right hand. Declared fit by the Medical Board Toronto Mobilization Centre on this date.
Sapper Priest to Base Hospital, Toronto, (chronic hydrocele) on 24 November 1917, later discharged on 3 December 1917.
Sapper Sydney Priest embarked St John, NB with his unit on 22 January 1918, later disembarking at Liverpool on 6 February 1918 and posted to the Canadian Railway Troops Depot.
13th Battalion CRT at Purfleet
Sydney one of only three OR posted from the Depot to 13th Battalion, CRT, Purfleet on 16 March 1918. The remaining OTR coming from CASC Mechanical Transport.
German Zeppelin LZ 48
In March 1916, anti-aircraft gunners based at Purfleet shot down the German Zeppelin LZ 48 (also listed as L15) — the first airship destroyed by anti-aircraft artillery.
On 15 March 1918, one of several officers posted to 13th Battalion, CRT, Lt Robert Bell-Irving, in command of No 4 Co. Robert the brother of Major Roderick Ogle Bell-Irving DSO, MC.
13th Battalion CRT in France
Sydney proceeded overseas on 28 March 1918, landing in France the next day. Most of 13th Battalion, CRT still in hospital, or quarantine, and would follow on another train.
Right-half battalion disembarked at Le Havre on 29 March 1918. Rifles, bayonets, scabbards and steel helmets issued to all troops. 13th CRT arrived in Abbeville on 31 March 1918, with a strength of 33 officers, 3 attached, 937 Other Ranks, 38 attached. Lt Col S P McMordie DSO commanding.
VDG
Within days of arriving on the Western Front, the first VDG cases begin with 3 Other Ranks admitted to No 3 Australian General Hospital on 1 April 1918. Another rank admitted on the 5th, then another on the 9th. Another case follows from Conteville on 15 April 1918. Honorary Captain (Chaplain) K C McLeod attached on 20 April 1918. McLeod having an immediate effect, with no other VDG cases until 7 May 1918. 13th CRT now working in the Noyelle-en-Chaussee sector.
Sapper R Rainey 3031383 tried by FGCM on 6 May 1918 for disobeying a lawful command given by his superior officer.
Captain J R Biggs, the Paymaster, admitted to hospital (motor-cycle accident, trivial injuries) on 22 May 1918.
Sentence of 90 Days FP No 1 awarded to Sapper Harris 24990576 on 27 May 1918 for stealing money from a comrade. Proceeding promulgated on this date.
First Death in 13th Battalion CRT
On 7 June 1918, Sapper Alf Goldstein 3106165 died from a heart attack. Buried in St. Riquier British Cemetery
Later in June, 13th CRT hit by the epidemic of influenza spreading through the camp. Five more FGCM’s held before the end of the month.
Dominion Day
A sad day for 13th CRT, as Battalion Sports postponed on account of the epidemic of influenza affecting a large number of men. On 5 July 1918, Sapper Samuel Bee Hardy 2499575 died and also buried at St. Riquier British Cemetery. He was 35 years old.
General Byng inspected the line on 11 July 1918, the same day Hon-Capt and Chaplain T Harrison attached from 5th Canadian Divisional Artillery. July ends with only two more FGCM’s.
On 4 August 1918, Sapper John Lawrence Foley 2350333 died and buried at St. Riquier British Cemetery.
FGCM’s in 13th Battalion CRT
Three more FGCMs before the battalion moved to Weincourt (near Villers-Bretonneux) on 12 August 1918, the same day Captain Robert Bell-Irving admitted to hospital (influenza).
With the battalion in a much more hostile area, all companies under shell fire, machine-gun fire, and aerial bombing on 14 August 1918.
First Casualties of 13th Battalion CRT
With all companies subject to shell fire on 16 August 1918, three Other Ranks admitted to hospital, fortunately, their injuries only slight. Another casualty the following day, and more than a dozen on 18 August 1918.
Under very heavy shell fire, Lt Roberts and 8 men salvaged 44 pieces of French Rolling Stock (locomotives, box cars, and stone cars) on 19 August 1918. Not a day passes without the men being subject to shell fire and/or gas.
Captain Robert Bell-Irving Invalided to UK
Captain Robert Bell-Irving invalided to England on 23 August 1918.
The next day, orders received to move to Vecquemont, near Albert. The men now employed laying track on the Amiens-Arras Railway. By the end of August, the casualties have dropped, and weeks since a man tried by FGCM or sent to hospital for VDG. The adjutant now commenting on the weather in the unit’s war diary.
Military Cross Citation of Lt E F Roberts
For previous action on 19 August 1918, Lt Eric Frederick Roberts awarded the Military Cross on 20 September 1918.
For conspicuous gallantry at the railway yards. While the track was repeatedly blown up by shell fire, this officer, by his courage and untiring efforts, succeeded in repairing the breaks and in evacuating a large quantity of valuable rolling stock, which the enemy was endeavoring to destroy. His skill and daring were entirely responsible for the work being completed.
London Gazette No 30997, 7 November 1918.
Death of Sapper Frank Kloleski
On 29 September 1918, Sapper Frank Kloleski 929030 buried at Tincourt New British Cemetery.
13th CRT moved back to Roisel on 30 September 1918, and immediately the troubles in 13 CRT resurface with Sapper D Franklin awarded 90 Days FP No 1 for disobeying a lawful command by his superior officer. Three more FGCM’s follow in the first week of September.
Bouchain
Bouchain reached on 26 October 1918, 13th CRT now moving toward Valenciennes. La Sentinelle reached on 7 November 1918, still building sidings towards Valenciennes. Reconnaissance made of line from Onnaing to Quievrain.
Emergency Issue of Rum
All companies repairing track on 11 November 1918 when unofficial reports that armistice with Germany signed. Emergency issue of rum made.
The men very busy repairing track over the next week, but two more FGCMs promulgated on 19 November 1918. The battalion now in Quievrechain on 21 November 1918.
Mons
13th CRT employed in the Mons sector during December 1918. Major J L Charles awarded the DSO on 12 December 1918, the same day Sergeant A McDonald awarded the DCM.
All track repaired, and work discontinued on 15 January 1919. The men only training from this date. The unit, less horses, entrained for Etaples on 25 January 1919. The war diary ended on 2 February 1919, as the balance of the unit despatched to Le Havre.
On 12 February 1919, Sapper Reuben Jacob Fish 270235 died and buried at Ste Marie Cemetery, Le Havre. The following day, joined by Sapper Frank Lawrence 782136.
Sapper Sydney Priest AWOL
Sapper Sydney Priest AWOL from noon 8 January 1919 until apprehended later on 30 January 1919. Sydney awarded 23 Days Detention and forfeits 23 days pay on 4 February 1919, when he proceeded to Wandsworth.
Sapper Priest reported back to duty at Knotty Ash from Woodsworth later on 26 February 1919. Sapper Sydney Priest discharged in Toronto on 11 April 1919.
Veterans Affairs Canada received notice of Sydney Priest’s death in Telleuride, Colorado on 23 July 1940. His place of burial unknown.
Death of Lieutenant-Colonel Stewart Percival McMordie DSO
LCol S P McMordie DSO served as Prince Rupert mayor for two terms from 1928 to 1929. During the Second World War, he unsuccessfully sought an appointment as commandant of an internment camp.
McMordie died on 12 December 1945.
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