29th (Vancouver) Battalion in the Great War

Tobin’s Tigers

29th Vancouver Battalion organized in October 1914 under the command of Lieutenant-Colonel Henry Seymour Tobin. Also known as “Tobin’s Tigers”.

Lieutenant-Colonel H S Tobin

Tobin a veteran of the R.N.W.M.P., the 72nd Regiment and the South African War (Lord Strathcona’s Horse).

The 29th Vancouver Battalion mobilized at Vancouver, and also recruited in Vancouver, and New Westminster.

Captain Richard Bell-Irving

An original member of Tobin’s Tigers, Richard Bell-Irving born 31 May 1888. On 27 June 1913, in Vancouver, Richard married Kathleen Hume Morris (born on June 30, 1885, in Hamilton, Ontario). Richard’s brother, Major Roderick Bell-Irving DSO MC seated at left. Richard wearing his RAF uniform.

It is not unusual in war to have two decorated heroes in the same family, but more than that is rare. However, in the case of the Bell-Irvings, a noted British Columbia family, in the First World War four brothers were awarded nine bravery decorations between them.

Vancouver Sun, Published Nov 08, 2014

Henry, Roderick, Malcolm, Duncan and Richard Bell-Irving enlisted immediately after the outbreak of the Great War. Aeneas, the youngest son, joined later.

Private Reginald George Woods

Another original member of Tobin’s Tigers, Pte Reginald George Woods 76088, the son of Alfred and Mary Jane Woods, of Brighton, Sussex.

Reginald had a brother in the Royal Field Artillery, Second Lieutenant Alfred Marcus Woods, of ‘C’ Battery, 78th Brigade.

Second Lieutenant Alfred Marcus Woods killed in action on 26 February 1917 and buried in Combles Communal Cemetery Extension.

1915

29th Vancouver Battalion embarked from Montreal 20 May 1915 aboard RMS MISSANABIE. Disembarked England on 30 May 1915 with an initial strength of 37 officers, and 1104 other ranks.

Service

The 29th Battalion arrived in France, 17 September 1915, as part of 2nd Canadian Division, 6th Canadian Infantry Brigade, and later reinforced by 1st Canadian Reserve Battalion.

1st Canadian Reserve Battalion

Organized at Shorncliffe on 4 January 1917. Under the command of Lieutenant-Colonel John Herbert Donald Hulme. Formed by absorbing 30th Canadian Reserve Battalion, and 158th Battalion. Reinforced by 7th, and 29th Vancouver Battalions.

Moved to Seaford 8 March 1917. Absorbed 24th Canadian Reserve Battalion, on 20 May 1917. Absorbed 16th Canadian Reserve Battalion, and British Columbia Regimental Depot, on 15 February 1918. Reinforced 7th, 29th, 47th and 72nd Battalions.

1916

Belgium

In July 1916, Canadian Official War Photographer Captain Henry Edward Knobel captures the 29th Battalion behind the lines.

This series of photos illustrates life behind the forward trenches.

Col Tobin remained with 29th Vancouver Battalion until the end of July 1916 when recalled to England.

Major John Spottiswood Tait took Tobin’s place in command.

Posted to training and reserve brigades in England, Tobin did not rejoin his original battalion for over two years.

Col Tobin returned to the field and succeeded Lieutenant Colonel W S Latta and Major L A Wilmot on 5 September 1918.

Grenade Course

Pte Reginald George Woods to Grenade Course on 14 August 1916, later returning to his unit on 25th August.

Lewis Gun Course

Pte Reginald George Woods to Grenade Course on 5 November 1916, later returning to his unit on 14th November.

Major Richard Bell-Irving OBE

Captain Richard Bell-Irving seconded to the Royal Flying Corps on 20 November 1916. He commanded an air training station for the Royal Flying Corps in Turnberry, Scotland. Later made a Commander in the Order of the British Empire, London Gazette No 304460, 7 January 1918. Bell-Irving would complete his service with the Royal Air Force on 10 April 1919.

Influenza

Shortly after returning from his Lewis Gun Course, Pte Reginald George Woods admitted to No 6 Canadian Field Ambulance (influenza) on 29 November 1916.

Granted 10 days leave to help his recovery, Reginald again admitted to No 13 Canadian Field Ambulance upon his return from leave. Finally discharged to duty on 12 December 1916.

1917

Good Conduct Badge

Pte Reginald George Woods awarded a Good Conduct Badge on 28 January 1917 in the field.

Battle of Vimy Ridge

Unfortunately, the 29th Battalion fell victim to the deception of Canadian Official War Photographer Captain Ivor Castle. MIKAN No. 3233066 a famous image from the Battle of Vimy Ridge. He was not the first to use trickery in his photographs. But, he became one of the last. The British government introduced Propaganda of the Facts. Legislation which forbade such trickery, as it devalued the war effort.

Lt Benjamin Bell Gray

Lieutenant Benjamin Bell Gray an original of the 29th Vancouver Battalion. Son of th elate Reverend William Alerxander Gray and Dora Cecilia Gray (nee Bell). Nephew of Dr James Bell (surgeon at the Royal Victoria Hospital, Montreal).

Lt Benjamin Bell Gray of ‘B’ Company fell on the second day of the battle. Like so many other men, his body lost, and therefore his name commemorated on the Vimy Memorial.

Battle of Hill 70

The 29th Battalion suffered heavy casualties on 21 August 1917. Very few men recovered. Only eighteen men of this period from the 29th Battalion buried in Barlin Communal Cemetery, Fosse No 10 Communal Cemetery Extension or in cemeteries close to aid stations further behind the lines. The Vimy Memorial contains the names of 123 men of the 29th Battalion from the Battle of Hill 70 with no known grave.

An exceptionally tough day among officer’s, on 21 August 1917 seven Lieutenant’s of the battalion lost in action. All named on the Vimy Memorial.

Death of Pte Reginald George Woods

Private Reginald Woods severely wounded on 21 August 1917 (GSW back, injury to spine). Transported from No 23 Casualty Clearing Station to No 18 General Hospital, Etaples.

Reginald finally succumbed to his wounds on 3 September 1917. Pte Woods lies buried in Plot XXV of Etaples Military Cemetery.

Reginald and his brother Second Lieutenant Alfred Marcus Woods commemorated on the Brighton War Memorial.

1918

Dominion Day

On Dominion Day, 1 July 1918, the 29th Battalion attends the Corps Sports Championships held at Tincques, Pas-de-Calais. The battalion performs well in the Lacrosse final, prevailing in an exciting match. As well, the 29th Battalion are crowned champions in the Tug-of-War event.

Battle of Cambrai

For gallant leadership during the battle of Cambrai in October, Col Tobin received the Distinguished Service Order.

“He went forward with advancing troops, directed their movement under heavy fire, and greatly contributed to the success of the operation. Later, when his troops were held up by heavy fire in a swamp, he went forward, reorganized them, and secured valuable information, which materially assisted in the ultimate success of the operation.”

DSO Citation of Lieutenant-Colonel Henry Seymour Tobin

March to the Rhine

Nominal roll of officers landed in France that crossed the Rhine river on 13 December 1918 as part of the Allied Occupation of Germany.

• Lt Col Henry Seymour Tobin DSO
• Major Lemuel Allan Wilmot MC
• Major Frederick Wilbur Kirkland MC, DCM
• Captain R S Moore DSO
• Captain E H Dabiel
• Capt H R N Clyne MC
• Captain J F Thom MC
• Lieutenant G A Cruickshank MC
• Lt D C Ross
• Lt W Stevenson
• Lieutenant C H Bunce
• Lt M H W Gardner
• Lt A J Burridge
• Lieutenant C E Smith MC, MM
• Lt F W Mitchell MM
• Lt J A Fletcher

Decorations

More than 4500 soldiers serve in the ranks of the 29th Battalion in the Great War.

Over 600 were killed, and another 1400 were wounded in battle. A 44% casualty rate. Further, more than 355 decorations for gallantry were earned by the men of the 29th.

Among them, one Victoria Cross awarded to Company Sergeant-Major Robert Hill Hanna for actions during the Battle of Hill 70.

1919

Demobilization

Presentation of Colours

The 29th Battalion returned to England 12 April 1919.

On 7 May 1919, at Witley Camp, H.R.H. The Prince of Wales presents Colours to the 25th, 27th, 28th and 29th Battalions. Lt.-Gen. Sir Arthur Currie attending.

Return to Canada

The 29th Battalion disembarked in Canada 16 May 1919, and later demobilized on 24 May 1919. Finally, disbanded 15 September 1920. Banner presented to pipe band by Francis Alexander MacKinnon, 35th Chief of Clan Mackinnon. Two bands: brass (28 pieces), pipe (16 pieces). Colours deposited in Christ Church, Vancouver, in June 1919.

At first, 29th Vancouver Battalion perpetuated by The Vancouver Regiment. Now, perpetuated by The British Columbia Regiment (Duke of Connaught’s Own).

Epilogue

On February 27, 1947, Francis Alexander MacKinnon passed away at his home. He was just shy of 99 years of age. He had retired to Drumduan, in Forres, Morayshire, Scotland.

Tobin’s Tigers

On returning to British Columbia, Col Tobin resumed his law career and became a successful industrialist. At the outbreak of the Second World War, Tobin called on manufacturers and businessmen to do their share.

“Everyone must realize that we’ve got to pay for the war as well as fight for it… I’m all in favor of excess war profits, taxes and conscription of capital. If Canada’s lives are going to be sacrificed, her capital should be sacrificed, too.”

Henry Seymour Tobin

Lieutenant-Colonel Henry Seymour Tobin passed away on 9 August 1956, aged 79. He was one of the five Mounties of the Klondike Patrol who made the 1600-mile overland trip from Edmonton, to Fort Selkirk, in 1897 – 1898. He lies buried in Ocean View Burial Park, Burnaby, B.C.

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