Lieutenant Frederick Hope Stockhausen son of Frederick William and Louise Ethel Stockhausen, of 1098, Dufferin St., (earlier 369 Markham St.) Toronto, Canada. Born at Jamaica, British West Indies, 23 December 1892. Fred was an electrician by trade and educated at Collegiate High School, Kingston, Jamaica. A fine athlete, the champion of his school in cricket, baseball, and rowing, and played well at football. Fred’s family emigrated to to Canada before the Great War.
Private Frederick Hope Stockhausen enlisted with 170th Battalion on 18 February 1916 in Toronto. His mother resided at 369 Markham, Toronto. He stood 5’8″ tall, medium complexion, blue eyes and brown hair. He was Methodist.
Prior to sailing, Fred completes his will on 1 October 1916. His mother has moved to 685 Spadina Ave., Toronto. Sailed from Halifax per SS MAURENTANIA, 26 October 1916.
England
Upon arrival in England, Private F. H. Stockhausen 681229 began working as an electrician in Witley Camp.
France
Private F. H. Stockhausen landed in France, taken on nominal roll of the 58th Canadian Infantry Battalion (Central Ontario Regiment), 29 November 1916. Joined his unit in the field on 4 December 1916. Bathing parade to Moreuil on 12 December. Corps Commander visited on 19 December. The next day, a raid on the German lines captures 56 prisoners.
On Christmas Day, no casualties (and no fraternization with the enemy). On New Year’s Day, Lt. Lancelot William Empson is sniped in the back (buried at Ecoivres Military Cemetery, Mont-St. Eloi).
Battle of Vimy Ridge
The 58th Battalion relieved the Royal Canadian Regiment in the line at Bois de la Folie on 11 April 1917, the third day of the Battle of Vimy Ridge. During operations coming down the ridge in Bois de la Folie, and to the outskirts of Petit-Vimy, snipers a constant threat, accounting for many casualties. The battalion spent a week in the line, relieved by the 1st C.M.R. on the night of 17 April. Marched to billets in Villers-au-Bois the same night, with 3 OR killed along the way, and 18 wounded.
Returned to the line at Quarry Line Trench on 24 April 1917, relieving the 5th C.M.R. Private Frederick Hope Stockhausen promoted Corporal on 10 August 1917.
Return to England
Transferred to England with a view to obtaining a Commission and posted to 2nd C.C.R.D., Shorncliffe, 28 December 1917. Detailed to Detail Company, East Sandling, 21 January 1918. Stockhausen attends Cadet’s Dinner at the Metropole Hotel, 24 April 1918.
William “Bill” McLean the stout chap who is casting his lamps my way is a great friend of mine and one of the best chaps going. When we land in Toronto I am going to bring him home with me. We have had some great times together.
Frederick Hope Stockhausen
Frederick Hope Stockhausen promoted from Corporal to Temporary Lieutenant, 28 April 1918 (Authorization: R.E.W. Turner, London Gazette No. 30684). To 8th Reserve Battalion, 28 April 1918.
Influenza
S.o.S. to 58th Battalion cancelled, admitted No. 13 Canadian General Hospital, Hastings, Influenza, 20 June 1918. Canadian Convalescent Officer’s Hospital, Matlock, 10 July 1918, discharged 20 July 1918. Posted to the 58th Battalion from Witley Camp, 14 September 1918.
Return to France
Arrived in France 23 September 1918. Joined unit 26 September 1918. Less than a week later, Lieutenant Frederick Hope Stockhausen KIA 1 October 1918.
Battle of Canal du Nord
Death of Lieutenant Frederick Hope Stockhausen
During the Battle of Canal du Nord, Lt. Stockhausen at first wounded in the leg. However, he refused to leave his men, and kept on directing their movements until he was fatally wounded in the head by shrapnel.
Major Andrew Henry Jukes
Major Andrew Henry Jukes (58th Battalion) wrote of his death.
It was in rather a difficult place and the Huns counter attacked and managed to hit him…You have one consolation in knowing he did his duty in the noblest and best way. He was always a good soldier, and I always liked and respected him….He was one of our best.
Major A.H. Jukes
Lt.-Col. Henry John Lamb
Lt.-Col H.J. Lamb (Commanding Officer 58th Battalion) also wrote.
He refused to leave his platoon but had his leg dressed and carried on. Some hours later, fatally hit near a little wood, just captured. We were all very, very sorry he had been killed, but he died a glorious death, and his work was of the kind that wins wars and makes those in his command follow him to the end.
A very excellent soldier, and a very gallant gentleman, whose loss greatly felt by the whole battalion. We were always very proud of ‘Stocky’ and I feel sure you will be glad to know he earned the admiration and regard, not only of his whole platoon, but of his Commanding Officer and every one who knew him in the Battalion.
Lt.-Col J.F. Lamb
Memorial Cross sent to his mother on 7 October 1920.
Canada Cemetery, Tilloy-les-Cambrai
Tilloy-les-Cambrai is a village on the north-western outskirts of the town of Cambrai and a little east of the road to Douai. Tilloy captured by the Canadian Corps about the 1st October, 1918, in the face of strong opposition, and the cemetery made by their Burial Officer on the 13th October. Enclosed by a brick wall, and sheltered from the road by a row of willows; and a maple tree planted at the South-East corner.
More
Please subscribe to CEFRG to be notified by email when there are new posts. Subscription is free, and your email kept confidential.