Nursing Sister (Lieutenant) Helen Donaldson Shearer born 8 May 1888 in Brockville, Ontario to William and Sarah Shearer. In addition, Helen married Captain William Wallace Chipman, C.A.M.C., who had a brother in the Canadian Field Artillery, Acting Bombardier Charles Clifford Chipman.
Enlistment
Helen Donaldson Shearer attested 5 January 1916 at Kingston, Ontario. She was Presbyterian. Taken on Strength (T.o.S.) on 3 March 1916 and posted to Duke of Connaught’s Hospital the following day.
On 27 March 1917 Helen admitted to the Convalescent Home at Havelot (Neuralgia, intercostal nerves). Then, on 13 July 1916, Helen Donaldson Shearer arrived in France and admitted to Le Treport – No.3 Canadian General Hospital (inflammation of connective tissue of her finger).
Later, transferred to the Convalescent Home at Havelot on 18 July 1916, rejoining her unit on 4 August 1916. Eventually, granted leave in January 1917, and this leave is extended to Valentine’s Day, February 1917. Finally, on 6 March 1917 admitted to No.24 General Hospital at Etaples (inflammation of connective tissue – face), and transferred to the Convalescent Home at Le Touquet on 27 March 1917.
Royal Red Cross
On 1 January 1918, Helen awarded the Royal Red Cross – 1st Class. Again, NS Shearer admitted to hospital on 4 April 1918 at No.24 General Hospital, Etaples, and discharged 10 days later. Consequently, granted 14 days leave again on 26 June 1918, and proceeded back to England for a posting with No.7 Canadian General Hospital on 5 September 1918, and On Command of No.15 Canadian General Hospital the following day.
Then, on 19 September 1918, NS Shearer posted to HMAT NEURALIA, and on 7 December 1918 to the CAMC Casualty Company. However, NS Shearer treated for dysentery in December, and on 10 February 1919, posted to No.14 Canadian General Hospital after having served with HMAT NEURALIA. Finally, Helen sailed for Canada aboard SS MEGANTIC on 23 May 1919.
Note that Helen’s rank is specified as “Lieutenant (Nursing Sister)” on her demobilization paper. In addition, Canadian Nursing Sisters afforded the same rank, privileges and pay as a Lieutenant in the Canadian Corps, with Matrons recognized as Captains.
Later, Helen married to Captain William Wallace Chipman, C.A.M.C. In conclusion, Helen Donaldson Shearer died 3 November 1934, presumably in the United Kingdom.
Captain William Wallace Chipman, C.A.M.C.
Captain (Doctor) William Wallace Chipman born 10 June 1883 in Elgin, Ontario. Chipman enlisted 3 August 1917 at Barriefield Camp, Ontario with No. 3, C.A.M.C., Training Depot. In addition, noted his next-of-kin as his mother, Mrs William Chipman, 346 Frank Stret, Ottawa. Moreover, he was a Methodist with 9 months military service in Military Hospitals. Finally, Doctor Chipman stood 6 feet tall, 228 pounds and had perfect vision.
Captain Chipman proceeded overseas 7 August 1917, served at the General Hospital in Brighton, and was posted to No. 10 Canadian General Hospital on 17 May 1918. Then, on 2 June 1918, posted to No.3 Casualty Clearing Station in France. However, on 28 February 1919, Chipman dispatched to England for return to Canada on Compassionate Grounds. Finally, sailed aboard SS CEDRIC on 19 March 1919, and struck-off-strength on 23 June 1919 at Ottawa. Furthermore, William had a brother, Gunner Charles Clifford Chipman of the Canadian Field Artillery.
Captain William Wallace Chipman later returned to Canada without Helen Donaldson Shearer and moved to Dawson City, Yukon, as the medical officer operating the hospital until after the Gold Rush. He later retired, and died in Vancouver, B.C. His sisters had his body exhumed and returned to the Halliday Burial Place, also known as Elgin Cemetery in Ottawa.
Acting Bombardier Charles Clifford Chipman
Charles Clifford Chipman 40349, born 1 February 1891, in Ottawa, a Lumberman.
Enlisted with the 2nd Field Battery, 22 September 1914 at Valcartier, Quebec. At this time, Charles stood 5′ 10″ tall, 175 pounds, with fair complexion, blue eyes, and fair hair. Charles sailed on 3 October 1914, and was to be Acting Corporal, at sea, on 13 October 1914, but reverted to ranks in England on 13 November 1914. In due time, Gunner Chipman embarked 8 February 1915 at Avonmouth for France.
On 14 August 1915, Charles leaves his post, and is awarded 14 days F.P. No. 1 on 16 August 1915. He is in trouble again on 1 December 1915, where he is being held in confinement awaiting F.G.C.M. for “When on Active Service disobeying a lawful command” and sentenced to be imprisoned with Hard Labour for six months. Moreover, this confirmed by GOC H C Thacker, 1st Canadian Divisional Artillery. Finally, on 14 May 1916, the proceedings of the trial squashed.
Pozieres
On 23 June 1916, Charles appointed Acting Bombardier. Then, on 9 October 1916, killed in action, serving with the 22nd Field Battery, Canadian Field Artillery.
The Battery to which he belonged was in action near Pozieres, with their guns about fifty yards from an old trench. This trench was occupied by the men when not actually in action, owing to the fact that the hastily constructed gun pits offered little shelter. Then, at 7 P.M. on October 9th, the enemy started shelling our line and a shell which exploded in the trench instantly killed Bombardier Chapman.
Circumstances of Death Register
Military Medal
Charles awarded the Military Medal posthumously on 8 December 1916. Likely his brother William afforded the opportunity to visit his grave while awaiting demobilization.
More
Please subscribe to CEFRG to be notified by email when there are new posts. Subscription is free, and your email kept confidential.