Category: Soldiers
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Private John James Todd in the Great War
Private John James Todd 426762 died 104 years ago today, 6 September 1916. John James Todd was born in Lauder, Berwickshire, Scotland on 28 June 1892. He was a Farmer. He attested 14 April 1915 in Regina with ‘B’ Company, 46th Battalion, CEF. John stood 5’8″ tall, with fresh complexion, blue eyes and red hair.…
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Corporal Alexander McGregor McRae in the Great War
Corporal Alexander McGregor McRae 147847 was born 9 November 1895 in Neepawa, Manitoba. Son of John, and Elizabeth Cameron McRae, of Winnipeg. He was a clerk. Alexander’s widowed mother lives in Neepawa. He is currently in the militia, with 100th Winnipeg Grenadiers. He attests with the 78th Battalion (Winnipeg Grenadiers) on 17 July 1915, at…
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Honorary Captain Charles Valentine Lester in the Great War
Chaplain and Honorary Captain Reverend Charles Valentine Lester, was born on 2 April 1877 in Kingsbridge, Ontario. He had four years prior service as a volunteer Lance-Sergeant in Devonshire. He was living at 158 Elgin Street, Brantford, Ontario, just across the street from St. Luke’s Anglican Church. His parents lived at 21 Brock Street, Bath,…
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Private Roy Edward Henley in the Great War
Private Roy Edward Henley 670194/514204/27643 of the 42nd Infantry Battalion (Royal Highlanders of Canada) was interviewed by the CBC, and the late Canadian Historian Desmond Morton, shortly before Roy’s death. His video interview with the CBC concerned his actions at the Battle of Vimy Ridge. Then, he was filmed on Vimy Ridge, shortly before the…
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Canadian National Vimy Memorial of the Great War
Construction The construction of Canadian National Vimy Memorial began in 1925. Completed just after the intended unveiling of 1 July 1936. 15,000 tonnes of concrete, hundreds of tons of steel, and 6,000 tonnes of specially selected limestone from Croatia were used. Walter S. Allward designed the most magnificent war memorial in the world. Described by…
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The Grant Brothers in the Great War
J.D. and Mary Ellen Grant of Smith Falls, Ontario had two sons serve in the Great War. The elder boy, Donald enlisted first and served with the 38th Battalion. He was wounded on the Somme. Younger brother, Baxter served in France for only three months, in the 2nd Battalion. Only one of the Grant Brothers…
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Private Jacob Isaac in the Great War
Private Jacob Isaac of the Six Nations Reserve 739554 was born on 3 December 1893. He was the son of Silas and Lucy Isaac, Ohsweken, Tuscarora Township, Ontario. Jacob enlisted on 29 November 1915, with the 114th (Haldimand) Battalion. Also known as “Brock’s Rangers.” Recruited in Haldimand County, and on the Six Nations Reserve. Almost…
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Bombardier Robert Elmer Adams in the Great War
Bombardier Robert Elmer Adams 7721, is born on 18 February 1885, in Durham, Ontario. Son of Thomas and Maria Adams, of Pontypool, Ontario. He is a Brakeman. Began his service by attesting 5 February 1915, in Toronto. Firstly, joins the 7th Canadian Mounted Rifles. Robert stood 5’10” tall. He has fair complexion. Robert also has…
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Signaller Guy Wray Garrett in the Great War
Signaller Guy Wray Garrett 678042 was born 5 November 1894 in Toronto. He resided at 264 Clifton Street, Toronto. Guy was a Hardware merchant, working for his father. Parents George and Alice Garrett resided at 582 College Street, Toronto. During his training in England, he will marry Ethel, of 63 Knatts Green Road, Leyton East,…
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Lieutenant Raymond Collishaw in the Great War
Lieutenant Raymond Collishaw joined the Royal Naval Air Service (R.N.A.S.) in January 1916. He began as a probationary Flight Sub-Lieutenant, and eventually commands the famous Black Flight (No.3 Squadron, R.N.A.S.). Raymond Collishaw was the first pilot to claim six victories in one day. He was the highest scoring ace of the R.N.A.S. to fly the…