Sinte Wakana Zuzuheceda Sinte Wakana
Grandson of Chief Sitting Bull
Private Joseph Standing Buffalo a Sioux Dakota from Fort Qu’Appelle, Saskatchewan, son of Grand Chief Julius Standing Buffalo, and Alma, of Fort Qu’Appelle, Saskatchewan, grandson of Chief Sitting Bull. Buffalo enlisted in the Canadian Forces during the Great War and killed-in-action on 29 September 1918 near Arras, Pas-de-Calais.
Charles Standing Buffalo
In an interview on 9 November 2001 with Julius’ last surviving son, Charles Standing Buffalo (1916 – 2006), Tahtopa Wakan recounted how he grew up in the days of Standing Buffalo First Nation, from school. He recalled the story of the day when his older brother Joseph Arthur returned from camp on leave, and the great celebration held in his honor. His Indian name “Sinte Wakana Zuzuheceda Sinte Wakana”, which means the tail of a rattlesnake.
Veteran’s Affairs Canada
VAC wrote in 2010 there is controversy concerning the bloodline of Joseph Standing Buffalo.
“…the close relatives information would have been provided by the Canadian military authorities and correspond to what was recorded in the Standing Buffalo soldier’s attestation documents…I understand, what is written on our site is “correct” because it corresponds to the official information. To delete this information or modify it, you need solid evidence. We are neither historians nor genealogists, but we did some research following your request. It appears that this information comes from the archivists of the Commonwealth War Graves Commission (CWGC). We will continue to investigate the origin of this information.
We can not confirm or refute that Joseph Standing Buffalo is the grandson of Chief Sitting Bull. However, we found that Sitting Bull would have had five women with many descendants. The genealogy of this period was based on the oral tradition, it can be difficult to find a definitive answer to your question. It is impossible at this time to give you a clear and precise answer but when we know more we will contact you. “
VAC
Enlistment
Joseph Arthur Standing Buffalo 2413310 born 3 June 1897 in Indian Head, Saskatchewan, son of Grand Chief Julius Standing Buffalo of the Fort Qu’Appelle Sioux Nation.
Joe enlisted on 11 June 1917 in Regina with the 95th Saskatchewan Rifles (later serving with the 78th Battalion of the Canadian Expeditionary Force). In addition, Lt SG Willoughby certifying, medical officer Captain Joseph Patrick O’Shea and Commanding Officer Lt-Col Harold Gordon McVean.
Joseph stood 5′ 6″ tall, 148 pounds, with dark complexion, brown eyes, and black hair. He was Roman Catholic.
Elders and Indian soldiers in the uniform of the Canadian Expeditionary Force
Legion Magazine claims “Standing Buffalo” among the CEF soldiers in this photograph.
Private Joseph Standing Buffalo completed his will on 18 June 1917, bequeathing all to his father, Julius Standing Buffalo. Witnesses Lt S.G. Willoughby and Sergeant Henry Claude Corbett. Private Buffalo began to send half his pay home to his father at this time.
95th Battalion
Organized in October 1915 under the command of Lieutenant-Colonel R. R. Barker. Authorization published in General Order 151 of 22 December 1915. Firstly, mobilized at Toronto, and recruited in Toronto.
The 95th Battalion embarked from Halifax 2 June 1916 aboard SS OLYMPIC. Then, disembarked England 8 June 1916 with strength: 36 officers, 1061 other ranks. Later, amalgamated with the 92nd and 169th Battalions on 4 January 1917 to form 5th Canadian Reserve Battalion. However, disbanded 4 August 1917 by Privy Council Order 1895 of 17 July 1917. Finally, perpetuated by The Queen’s Own Rifles of Canada.
England
Joseph embarked on HMS SCOTIAN, from St. John, N.B., on 21 January 1918, then disembarked Liverpool, on 6 February 1918.
Private Joseph Standing Buffalo admitted 18 February 1918 to No.12 Canadian General Hospital, Bramshott, with a post pharyngeal abscess, left. Previously, Joseph had had a tooth extracted on 15 February and required dressings everyday. Then, admitted Canadian General Hospital Bearwood, 6 March 1918. and finally discharged on 22 March 1918 to Canadian Casualty Depot, Bramshott, Medical Officer Captain C.B. Stammers.
Private Buffalo to 15th Reserve Battalion, Bramshott as of 8 February 1918.
15th Canadian Reserve Battalion (Saskatchewan)
Organized at East Sandling on 4 January 1917 under the command of Lieutenant Colonel Anson Dulmage. Firstly, authorization published in Canadians’ Routine Order 271 of 20 January 1917. Secondly, formed by absorbing 32nd and 188th Battalion, and absorbed 214th and 232nd Battalion on 29 April 1917, 243rd Battalion on 9 June 1917 and 249th Battalion on March 1918. Then, absorbed 19th Canadian Reserve Battalion on 15 October 1917, and reinforced 5th and 28th Battalions and on 15 October 1917, 46th Battalion and 1st Canadian Mounted Rifles. Finally, moved to Bramshott on 23 February 1917 and to Ripon on 21 January 1919, disbanded in England on 14 June 1919.
Joseph Standing Buffalo S.O.S. 15th Battalion, and attached 2nd Casualty Clearing Depot, Bramshott, 22 March 1918. Then, ceases to be attached to 2nd CCD, transferred to 15th Reserve Battalion, 26 April 1918. Finally, transferred to 46th Battalion on 19 August 1918.
46th Battalion
Organized in February 1915 under the command of Lieutenant-Colonel Hubert Snell. Firstly, mobilized at Moose Jaw. Recruited in Moose Jaw, Regina, Weyburn, Estevan and Arcola. Secondly, draft of 5 officers and 250 other ranks sent to England on 5 July 1915 and a smaller draft sent to England on 4 September 1915. Finally, embarked from Halifax 23 October 1915 aboard LAPLAND and disembarked England 30 October 1915 with a strength: 36 officers, 1115 other ranks.
46th Battalion disembarked in France 10 August 1916 with the 4th Canadian Division, 10th Canadian Infantry Brigade. Firstly, reinforced by 19th Canadian Reserve Battalion, and returned to England 27 April 1919. In addition, disembarked in Canada 4 June 1919, and demobilized 9 June 1919. Finally, disbanded by General Order 149 of 15 September 1920 with Brass and pipe bands, no colours. In addition, perpetuated by The King’s Own Rifles which was redesignated 20th Saskatchewan, Armoured Regiment in 1946 and, in 1954, The Saskatchewan Dragoons.
France
Private Joseph Standing Buffalo entered France on 20 August 1918 with the 46th Battalion at Hallencourt. The Battalion moved to the transport lines in the Le Quesnel area on 23 August 1918, and enjoyed baths at Caix the following day.
The 46th Battalion moved to GENTELLES WOOD on 24 August 1918, and later a Church Parade held on 25 August, followed by Holy Communion. Finally, the 46th Battalion left the Amiens sector on 27 August, entraining at Boves for Aubigny.
Before entraining, Private Joseph Standing Buffalo transferred to 78th Battalion in the field (GENTELLES WOOD), 27 August 1918. Then, the 78th Battalion entrained at Longeau, and found in Triangle Wood on the night of 31 August 1918.
78th Battalion
Organized in July 1915 under the command of Lieutenant-Colonel JB Mitchell who was soon succeeded by Lieutenant-Colonel James Kirkcaldy. Mobilized at Winnipeg, and also recruited in Winnipeg district with a draft of 5 officers and 250 other ranks sent to England on 25 September 1915. Embarked from Halifax 22 May 1916 aboard EMPRESS OF BRITAIN, and later disembarked in England 29 May 1916. with a strength of 37 officers, 1097 other ranks.
The 78th Battalion disembarked in France 12 August 1916 with the 4th Canadian Division, 12th Canadian Infantry Brigade. Reinforced by 11th Canadian Reserve Battalion and, later by the 18th Canadian Reserve Battalion. Finally, returned to England 1 May 1919, and disembarked in Canada 7 June 1919. In addition, demobilized 12 June 1919 and disbanded by General Order 149 of 15 September 1920. Furthermore, Colours donated by 100th Winnipeg Grenadiers and deposited in Canterbury Cathedral for duration of war, later deposited in St Matthew’s Church, Winnipeg, with Brass band, and published a photographic record in 1915. Perpetuated by The Winnipeg Grenadiers.
Brigade Reserve
Early September 1918 finds the 78th Battalion in Brigade Reserve in the Guemappes area. Twice the battalion assembles in the trenches for an attack which does not materialize. Parade in Battle Order on 7 September 1918, moving to WAILLY WOOD the following day, where they remain until 26 September. The Battalion crosses the Canal du Nord during the Battle of Canal du Nord on 27 September 1918, supported by the guns of the 61st Field Battery, and CEFRG’s grandfather, A/Bbdr Richard Francis Walshe.
Battle of Canal du Nord
The 78th Battalion withdrawn to Brigade Reserve on 28 September 1918, pending continuation of attack on Bourlon Village. However, stiff resistance confronts the Battalion as the 2nd phase of Bourlon Wood operations begins on 29 September 1918. Unfortunately, Joseph took part in the battle, wounded and died on 29 September 1918 of wounds received (GSW buttock) in the sector of Arras at No. 30 Casualty Clearing Station. Finally, he is buried at the Bucquoy Road Cemetery in Ficheux (Pas-de-Calais, France). Lt. Samuel Honey VC dies of his wounds the following day.
The Battle of the Canal du Nord, 27 September 1918. Firstly, on the left, troops of the Canadian Corps reach the Douai-Cambrai road and make its main objective, the Blue Line, by 2:00 p.m., in the face of a reawakened German resistance at Chapel Corner (see photo today at end of video). Then, on the Corps right, having advanced roughly four kilometers, Canadian troops are held up just past Bourlon Wood.
61st Field Battery
There are many photos included of Canadian 18-pounder field batteries, and my grandfather, A/Bbdr Richard Francis Walshe may very well be in one, as his unit was supporting this battle. The 61st Field Battery was firing from just outside Inchy-en-Artois, moved across the canal at Moeuvres (firing again), then moved into N.E. corner of Bourlon Wood on night of the 28th. In direct support of attack on Cambrai, they moved up just north of Fontaine-Notre-Dame until the end of the Battle of Cambrai 1918.
Bucquoy Road Cemetery
Bucquoy Road Cemetery situated on the D919 heading south from Arras to Ayette. The Cemetery on the right hand side of the road, 9 kilometres from Arras, just before a crossroads with the D36 between Ficheux and Boisleux-au-Mont.
In November 1916, the village of Ficheux behind the German front line, but by April 1917, the German withdrawal had taken the line considerably east of the village and in April and May, the VII Corps Main Dressing Station posted near for the Battles of Arras. Followed by the 20th and 43rd Casualty Clearing Stations, which remained at Boisleux-au-Mont until March 1918, and continued to use the Bucquoy Road Cemetery begun by the field ambulances.
From early April to early August 1918 the cemetery not used but in September and October, the 22nd, 30th and 33rd Casualty Clearing Stations came to Boisleux-au-Mont and extended it. By the date of the Armistice, it contained 1,166 burials but greatly increased when graves brought in from the surrounding battlefields and from small cemeteries in the area.
Bucquoy Road Cemetery, Plot IV, Row B, Grave 34.
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