Lt. Harold Clifford Charles Beaumont MC
‘Harry’ Clifford Charles Beaumont was born on 25 May 1889. Married to Edith Beaumont of Medicine Hat, Alberta (later 450 Indian Road, Toronto, Ontario). They had no children. Harry was an Insurance Broker by trade, and had six years previous service with the 90th Rifles, and four years with the 16th CFA. Belonged to the 21st Alberta Hussars at time of enlistment.
Enlistment
Harry enlisted with the 175th Overseas Battalion. He stood 5′ 8″ tall, 155 pounds, with good physical development, examined at Medicine Hat on 25 January 1916. Harry sent $30 of his $45 monthly pay back to his wife while in service (Edith now living at 177 Dowling Avenue, Toronto).
Lt. H.C. Beaumont sailed for England on 3 October 1916, as per SS SAXONIA.
Lt. Harold Clifford Charles Beaumont S.o.S. to 21st Reserve Battalion, 10 January 1917. Qualified 1st Class in course instruction, Canadian Trench Warfare School, Crowborough, 23 April 1917.
Lt. Harold Clifford Charles Beaumont S.o.S. proceeding overseas to 31st Battalion, 14 June 1917. Harry entered the Western Front in advance of the Battle of Hill 70.
Battle of Hill 70
The Canadian Corps launched its attack on Hill 70 at 4:25 a.m., 15 August 1917. German forces counter attack before 9 a.m. the next day. The Allies broke each enemy attempt to reclaim the ground. Canadians eventually captured the heights of Hill 70. By the end of the first day, 1,056 Canadians dead, 2,432 wounded and 39 taken prisoner.
After four days of hard combat, the Canadians turn back 21 German counter attacks and held on atop Hill 70. About 9,000 Canadians killed or wounded in the overall battle, with an estimated 25,000 Germans killed or wounded. Vicious fighting continued around Hill 70 through 18 August, and shortly afterwards, Lt. Beaumont’s battalion was called upon to probe the enemy’s new positions.
Wounded
The 6th Canadian Infantry Brigade carried out an attack on the enemy’s position North of Lens at 4:35 am on 21 August 1917. Thirty four Officers and 806 Other Ranks participated from the 31st Battalion. Five Other Ranks are killed, and three Officers wounded including Lt. Beaumont. Reported from base wounded, 21 August 1917. GSW back and scalp.
Admitted No. 20 General Hospital, Camiers, 21 August 1917. Invalided to Alberta Regiment Depot, 25 August 1917. Admitted 1st West General Hospital, Liverpool, 31 August.
On 18 September 1917, the Medical Board determines Harry has recovered from his wounds, though he still has small pieces of shrapnel embedded in the lumbar region below last rib. There is some nervousness present, and his hands are cold and damp. Lt. Beaumont on sick leave from 18 September 1917 to 18 October 1917.
Military Cross
Lt. Harold Clifford Charles Beaumont awarded the Military Cross for actions following the Battle of Hill 70 on 18 October 1917.
Reported to 21st Reserve Battalion, 24 October 1917. Posted to Alberta Regiment Depot, 12 January 1918 on account of being absent from 31st Battalion for four months. Then, S.o.S. to Depot on Command pending return to Canada 16 January 1918. On duty with War Office – Instructional duty in USA as of 25 February 1918, London Gazette No. 30541.
Following six months of duty in the USA, ceases to be graded for purposes of Pay as Staff Lieutenant 1st Class, to be seconded for duty with War Office, 29 August 1918, London Gazette No. 30998.
Special Mentioned for services rendered, by Secretary for War (N.B. Baker U.S.A.), 31 March 1919. Unknown when Lt. Harold Clifford Charles Beaumont discharged. Date of death and place of burial also unknown to CEFRG.
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