Lt.-Col. Richard “Dick” Worrall, DSO & Bar, MC & Bar
Honi soit qui mal y pense
Sergeant Richard Worrall steadily rose through the ranks to become Lieutenant Colonel Dick Worrall, commander of The Royal Montreal Regiment, 14th Canadian Infantry Battalion in the Great War. Triumphantly greeted by General Hubert Plumer on the west bank of the Rhine River at Cologne, Germany, 13 December 1918.
In addition to being highly decorated, with the Distinguished Service Order and Bar, Military Cross and Bar, twice Mentioned in Despatches. Worrall succumbed to Influenza in Montreal, less than a year after his return to Canada. Finally, survived by his wife, Lorraine Mae Worrall of Crescent Street, Montreal.
Attestation
Born 8 July 1890 in Woolwich, England. Private Richard Worrall 25669, attested 21 September 1914, in Valcartier, Quebec. Yes, the late-great Lt.-Col. Dick Worrall attested as a Private just after the dawn of the Great War. Approving Officer, Major Frank Stephen Meighen.
Steward
Single, “Richard’s” occupation a Steward. His next of kin Mrs. Pennel, of Glen Holme, Green Road, Southsea (Portsmouth). He had served 8 years previously with the 1st Battalion, Dorsetshire Regiment.
Examined by the medical officer on 28 August 1914. He was 24 years and 3 months, 5′ 10″ tall, 150-165 pounds, with fair complexion, blue eyes and light brown hair. Extensive tattoos on both arms and right leg. Two vaccinations marks left arm. Medical Officer Lt. R. Wilson and Captain Richard Steacie, B Company, also approving.
Royal Montreal Regiment
The Royal Montreal Regiment organized in Valcartier Camp in September 1914. Naturally, composed of recruits from Montreal. Commanded by Lieutenant-Colonel Frank Stephen Meighen who led the 14th Battalion at the Battles of Ypres and Festubert in 1915. Meighen returns from France in June 1915 to establish the 87th Battalion CEF, Canadian Grenadier Guards.
Sergeant Richard Worrall and the Royal Montreal Regiment embarked from Quebec on 30 September 1914 aboard SS ALAUNIA and SS ANDANIA. Worrall a Sergeant in B Company prior to departure. His commanding officer, Captain Richard Steacie. Finally, disembarked in England on 16 October 1914, with a total strength of 46 Officers, and 1101 Other Ranks.
England
A miserable experience training on Salisbury Plain in the winter of 1914/1915 awaits the Battalion. Spiro-meningitis spreads through the camp.
Salisbury Plain
Rain all day at Lark Hill, Salisbury Plain, 1 January 1915. Rain all day at Lark Hill, Salisbury Plain, 2 January. Again, rain all day at Lark Hill, Salisbury Plain, 3 January. Heavy snow at night. In short time, everyone in the Battalion is anxious to leave the misery of Salisbury Plain, and find glory on the Western Front.
Spiro-meningitis
On 6 January 1915, Lt. Col. Frank Strange dies of meningitis. More soldiers die from meningitis, Gunner John Frederick Kennedy C/41001 on 10 January, Private Silas Hartley Chase 22559 on 16 January, Private William Goodyear 24133 the following day. Sergeant Major Godfrey Sandy Wunsch 21105, 11th Battalion, dies on 18 January, and the meningitis cases finally begin to fall a few days later. Finally, Private John Kellman Chandler 25935 dies on 23 January 1915, buried at Bulford Church Cemetery.
Finally, Corporal Arthur Sydney Randall 25793, 14th (Royal Montreal Regiment) Battalion, the final meningitis death of the month on 29 January 1915, also buried at Bulford Church Cemetery. Only one more meningitis death will follow in February. Regiment prepares to move 29 January 1915. Finally, Private George Chittleburgh 26534 died of pneumonia, 4 February 1915, buried at Netheravon (All Saints) Churchyard.
Bramshott Church
The first and most sacred distinguishing mark of any Regiment are the Colours. The Royal Montreal Regiment, like all Regiments in Commonwealth countries that recognize Elizabeth II as Monarch possess two: the Royal or Queen’s Colour and the Regimental Colour.
English Channel
On board HMT AUSTRALIND, Captain Sidney Angell, 11 February 1915. Sick, and unable to leave, the great Captain Francis A. Scrimger (VC). Then, crossing the English Channel, one man of battery onboard killed, thrown against an iron stanchion.
Sgt. Richard Worrall disembarked in France at Le Havre, 10 February 1915. Then, onboard train heading to front, 16 February 1915. Arrived Hazebrouck, 6 am. In billets at Fletre, 19 February. March to Armentieres via Meteren and Nieppe, 23 February. Finally, in billets at Armentieres, 24 February 1915.
Command
Second in command, Lt.-Col. William Watt Burland, adjutant Lt. Henry Aubrey Thompson, Chaplains Major Frederick George Scott and Captain Adolphe Ludger Sylvestre. No. 2 Company (Sgt. Worrall) commanded by Major Paul Rennard Hanson, with Captain Richard Steacie, and Lt’s, Alfred Soden English, Walter Kirkwood Knubley, Wilfrid Cashel Brotherhood, and Kenneth Lionel McQuaig (Signalling Officer, R.M.C.).
Battle of Neuve-Chapelle
Battle of Neuve-Chapelle began with tremendous bombardment on 10 March 1915. Stretcher-Bearer Reginald Harry Drake 25707 recommended for DCM, 11 March 1915. He went to the assistance of a man who was wounded in the open behind our front line. Drake almost immediately wounded himself but remained with the man after he had bound up his wounds, being under continuous fire, until assistance came which enabled him to get the wounded man back to our lines.
POW Private Arthur Jones
Private Arthur Jones 25732 missing on night of 12 March. Known he was either taken dead or alive by the Germans. Indeed, Private Jones captured, and spends no time in Germany. Switzerland and Holland repatriated many POWs from both sides of the conflict, with the caveat they would not return to battle. Then, treated for GSW right ankle at 3rd London General Hospital, Wandsworth on 7 October 1915. A Blighty/POW ticket home, invalided to Canada in November 1916. Jones died 19 February 1979.
Heaviest casualties to date on 20 March, with 3 men killed. Moved to very comfortable billets in northeast end of town at Estaires, near cemetery on 29 March 1915.
Very rare image of the Cloth Hall at Ypres, only slightly damaged by shell-fire, 16 April 1915, as the Royal Montreal Regiment proceed over the Yser Canal.
The First Gas Attacks
Relief of French Zouave troops completed at midnight on 16 April 1915 at St. Julien. Trenches in very bad condition. Under considerable sniper fire, the men rebuild the trenches over the following days. First casualties found, buried on foreign soil, Private William James Keenan 25598 and Private Wilfred Lorenzo Lefebvre 26347, died 17 April 1915. Both buried at Perth Cemetery (China Wall).
Second Battle of Ypres
Unlike so many casualties that follow, unusual to have been recovered, and not among the Missing. Total casualties, seven killed, 10 wounded in the past week. Relieved by the 13th Battalion the night before Second Battle of Ypres, 22 April 1915. The first gas attacks of the Great War.
The Battle of Kitchener’s Wood
At 5 pm. on 22 April 1915, orders received to move back towards St. Julien. Then, No.2 Company encounters one gun of a British R.H.A. Battery in retreat outside Wieltje, and spring into action in the field left of the road above Wieltje. Finally, No.1 Company west of Brigade HQ with No.3 and 4 Companies in trenches east of Brigade HQ between them and Ypres-St.-Julien Road.
Captain Richard Steacie
Dick’s friend, Captain Richard Steacie killed 22 April 1915. Buried at Poelcapelle British Cemetery. Widow Mrs. Alice Steacie of 353 Grosvenor Ave., Westmount. Captain Steacie’s grave one of many Canadians visited by CEFRG on the centenary of their death, 22 April 2015.
Captain Richard Steacie’s body found in 1920. Identified as a Canadian Captain of the RMR by his clothing. He was buried at Poelcapelle British Cemetery on 13 October 1920. His grave marker changed in 2014, following research by Captain G Furholter. However, Steacie’s name still exists on the Menin Gate Memorial today.
The Greatest Act of the War
9 April 1917 (Battle of Arras – Battle of Vimy Ridge) not a turning point in the Great War. Like Second Battle of Passchendaele, a great achievement for the Canadian Corps, but a strategically inconclusive campaign. However, 22 April 1915 (Second Battle of Ypres) very much a decisive day of action.
If not for the defensive sacrifices of the 10th and 16th Battalions at Kitchener’s Wood, an entire elite division of the German Army would have over-run the GHQ Line. In addition, the strategic port of Ypres would have fallen within days, and the Allied Powers would have been forced to surrender within weeks.
Ferdinand Foch
In the words of the Supreme Allied Commander Marshal Foch following the Great War, the “greatest act of the war” had been the assault on Kitchener’s Wood by the 10th and 16th Battalions.
The greatest act of the war (the assault on Kitchener’s Wood by the Canadian 10th and 16th Battalions).
Supreme Allied Commander Marshal Foch
Then, at 9 am. on 23 April 1915, No.3 and 4 Companies ordered up to reinforce 16th Battalion in front of Kitchener’s Wood. By dusk, both companies along with No.2 Company ordered up to St. Julien to reinforce the 13th Battalion. Still, No.1 Company remaining at GHQ lines, out of the engagement should the remainder of the Regiment become decimated in battle. Finally, by midnight, all three companies have dug themselves in along the Poelcapelle Road.
Second Gas Attacks
A heavy bombardment opens up at 3:30 am. on Saturday, 24 April 1915. This time, Canadians in the front line witness to the second mass-deployment of gas in the Great War. The opening bombardment of high-explosive shells ruins the newly dug trenches, and the Canadians are forced to retire, literally having been blown out of the trenches. They rally before the ridge behind them – Frezenburg Ridge.
At day break, an ominous and eerie, heavier-than-air cloud of green gas creeps over the countryside. The men are better prepared than the French two days earlier. This time, they begin to urinate on cloths to cover their face.
Battle of Frezenburg Ridge
However, by 11 am. the line is rendered untenable, and they pull back another 300 yards to older trenches. What is left of the 13th Battalion ordered to retire behind the GHQ Line at 5 pm. Following their retirement, the 14th Battalion then took up positions immediately behind the GHQ Line.
Immediately, the same three companies took up and improved trenches between St.-Jean and the GHQ Line. Finally, No.1 Company is relieved on night of 26/27 April, by which time the remainder of the Regiment had retired to the Transport Lines.
On 27 April the entire Battalion is dug in, and comes under continuous heavy bombardment, until retiring to the Transport Lines at night. Then, 28-29 April spent under fire in a position on the west bank of the Yser Canal. In addition, moving to the east bank on 30 April, they join remnants of the 13th and 16th Battalions.
Transport Lines
Moved back to the trenches on 1 May until 3 May under heavy shell fire. Finally, rifle fire from the 14th Battalion brings an enemy plane down behind his own lines in the morning of 3 May 1915. On the night of 4/5 May, the Battalion finally relieved and marched to Transport Lines.
Thus ended the 14th’s engagement in the Second Battle of Ypres. Of the 73 dead from The Royal Montreal Regiment in April 1915, 59 are listed on the Menin Gate Memorial. The probability of becoming Missing, and Presumed Dead, much higher in the first two years of the Great War, prior to the establishment of the Imperial War Graves Commission.
Captain Francis Alexander Caron Scrimger VC
Victoria Cross Citation
Captain Francis Alexander Caron Scrimger, Canadian Army Medical Service, Medical Officer, 14th Battalion, Royal Montreal Regiment.
On the afternoon of 25th April, 1915, in the neighbourhood of Ypres, when in charge of an advanced dressing station in some farm buildings, which were being heavily shelled by the enemy, he directed under heavy fire the removal of the wounded, and he himself carried a severely wounded Officer out of a stable in search of a place of greater safety. When he was unable alone to carry this Officer further, he remained with him under fire till help could be obtained.
During the very heavy fighting between 22nd and 25th April, Captain Scrimger displayed continuously day and night the greatest devotion to his duty among the wounded at the front.
London Gazette, No. 29202, 22 June 22 1915
Cross of the Order of St. George, 4th Class
For his actions during the Second Battle of Ypres, when Canadians prevented the fall of the strategic town which would have led to a German victory, Sergeant Richard Worrall awarded the Cross of the Order of St. George, 4th Class, London Gazette No. 29275, 25 August 1915.
Over 1,200,000 soldiers received the Cross of the Order of St. George, 4th Class in the Great War.
Richard Worrall’s Commission
The 14th Battalion inspected by Lt.-Gen. E.A.H. Alderson on 9 May 1915 at Bailleul while in Divisional Reserve. On the same day, based much more on his performance and leadership, rather than loss among the Officers, Sergeant Richard Worrall to be Temporary Lieutenant.
No.1 Canadian Field Ambulance
A day after relieving the 13th Battalion in the trenches at FISHERS PLACE, Lieutenant Richard Worrall admitted 30 December 1915, haemorrhoids, No.1 Canadian Field Ambulance. Divisional Rest Station, Mt. Noir, 30 December 1915. Lt. Worrall incredibly disappointed. To be sidelined by a medical ailment, an embarrassing situation for such a brave soldier. Finally, discharged to duty on 7 January 1916. The following month, proceeded on 9 days leave, 3 February 1916.
Leave
Lt. Worrall once again proceeded on 8 days leave, 11 May 1916. Unfortunate Lieutenant Richard Worrall had no say in the matter regarding opportunities for leave. He returns at a most inopportune time.
Sanctuary Wood
During the attack at Sanctuary Wood, Lieutenant Richard Worrall, suffered a bullet wound to the left arm. In fact, all the Officer’s in No.2 Company wounded.
Sergeant Henry Hunt
Sergeant Henry Hunt 404372 who aside from taking over and leading No.2 Co. when all the Officers were casualties, showed magnificent courage in leaving his trench time and again under heavy fire to recover wounded and to dress their injuries. He was subsequently killed by a trench mortar bomb. Sgt. Hunt’s body not recovered, and therefore his name listed on the Menin Gate Memorial.
K-I-A Captain Edward Ashworth Whitehead, son of Edward Ashworth Whitehead, and Ella May Sicotte (his wife), of Montreal (Railway Dugouts Burial Ground). K-I-A Lieutenant Albert Frederick Major, Son of Mr. F. G. and Mrs. E. C. Major, of 172 South St., Halifax, Nova Scotia (Railway Dugouts). K-I-A Lieutenant Maurice Marcel Grondin (Railway Dugouts) all killed-in-action.
Three CSM’s also killed including CSM Ludovic Duhamel of No.4 Company (Son of Mr. and Mrs. J. E. Duhamel, of L’Assomption, P.Q., Canada; husband of Bridget Duhamel (nee Fahy), of 82, Regent St., Walsall, England., Menin Gate Memorial). In addition, a total of 379 casualties All Ranks in the action. Lieutenant Richard Worrall admitted to No. 10 Canadian Field Ambulance, 3rd Division, 3 June 1916. Later, Victor Buchanan sends a letter of condolence to the Regiment.
Lt.-Col. Victor Carl Buchanan
I regret the casualties you have suffered and for the lives lost.
Lt.-Col. Victor C. Buchanan, The Canadian Scottish, 17 June 1916
Lt.-Col. Victor Carl Buchanan DSO, son of William Oliver Buchanan and Ellen Chrysler Buchanan, of Montreal, Quebec. Spouse of Maggie S. Buchanan, of Montreal, Quebec. Mentioned in Despatches. Killed during the Battle of Flers-Courcelette. 26 September 1916. Buried at Albert Communal Cemetery Extension.
Albert Communal Cemetery Extension
In mid-June, the Canadian Official Photographer captured the graves of several men of the 14th Battalion, killed-in-action in the latter stages of Second Battle of Ypres.
Le Touquet
Lt. Worrall admitted Duchess of Westminster Hospital, Le Touquet, GSW left ankle (slight), 4 June 1916. Bullet removed from ankle. Subsequently, admitted No.4 London General Hospital, Denmark Hill, GSW ankle, discharged 3 July 1916. Finally, signed by Major David Donald, CAMC, Station 86, Strand, London.
Captain Richard Worrall
Lieutenant Richard Worrall to be Captain, 5 February 1916, (London Gazette, 17 October 1916). John Francis Sumption appointed CQMS. Then, Captain Richard Worrall attached to 23rd Battalion, 26-30 August 1916. Finally, Captain Richard Worrall proceeded overseas to the 14th Battalion, to be second-in-command, on 27 October 1916.
Major Richard Worrall
Captain Richard Worrall to be Major whilst commanding A Company, 26 December 1916. Worrall now second in command of the Regiment.
Military Cross
Major Richard Worrall awarded the Military Cross, London Gazette No. 29886, 1 January 1917.
Vimy Ridge
At Vimy Ridge, the 14th Battalion, Royal Montreal Regiment (RMR), commanded by Lieutenant-Colonel Gault McCombe. Of McCombe’s 701 officers and men, 287 became casualties on the first day of the battle, 9 April 1917. Earlier, Gault McCombe enlisted at Valcartier, Quebec on 22 September 1914 and assigned to the 14th (Royal Montreal Regiment) as Captain.
Gault’s sister, Mildred Andrews McCombe a Nursing Sister with C.A.M.C.. McCombe with the Regiment through all of its major battles, until he was severely wounded 19 April 1918 (GSW right thigh, right wrist), at which point Worrall takes command. Lieutenant-Colonel Gault McCombe DSO, four times Mentioned in Despatches, died 24 April 1970.
Captain Worrall to England on duty, 7 July 1917. To Senior Officer’s Course, Aldershot.
Major Worrall proceeded on 14 days leave from Houdain to England, 9 January 1918.
Lieutenant-Colonel Richard Worrall
Major Richard Worrall to be Lieutenant-Colonel while specially employed, 22 February 1918.
Seconded for Duty
Lieutenant-Colonel Richard Worrall Seconded for Duty with the 1st Divisional Wing C.C.R.D, 22 February 1918. Lieutenant-Colonel Gault McCombe, now commanding the 14th Battalion, wounded in the Spring of 1918. Then, Worrall proceeds back to France to join the Regiment. In addition, as second-in-command, Worrall begins writing the battalion war diary on 1 April 1918, in Brigade Reserve at the Ronville Caves.
Worrall ceases to be attached to C.C.R.D. on 9 May 1918, and retains Acting rank of Lieutenant Colonel. Back to France, but the Canadian Corps not particularly active at the time with the German Army doing their best to avoid their nemesis.
Injured
At Frevillers, Lt.-Col. Dick Worrall admitted to No. 57 C.C.S., 7 July 1918, injury left shoulder, possible fracture. Simple fracture of outer third of right clavicle. Colonel Worrall was thrown from his horse while practising for Divisional Gymkhana. During one of the races, the Colonel’s horse stumbled, fell, and threw him to the ground. No soldier exempt to an inquiry in non-combat related cases. Finally, the opinion of Commanding Officer Major C.B. Price, Dick injured in the performance of military duty. Discharged to duty, 20 July 1918.
Lieutenant-Colonel Richard Worrall MC, Bar to MC
Lieutenant-Colonel Richard Worrall action for Bar to MC, London Gazette, No. 30801, 18 July 1918.
Bar to M.C. for conspicuous gallantry and devotion to duty while in Command of his Battalion, he moved about on open-ground between his Company reconnoitering the position under heavy fire, and obtained information which was of the greatest value in the sub sequential operations. His resolute and courageous conduct and splendid leadership were an inspiration to his Battalion.
London Gazette, No. 30801, 18 July 1918
Lieutenant George Burdon McKean
Lieutenant McKean earned the Victoria Cross while serving with the 14th Infantry Battalion near Gavrelle in France on 27-28 April 1918. At the time, McKean leading a party of scouts against a German trench being staunchly defended by troops using rifles and hand grenades.
When his men hesitated, he ran forward alone and threw himself head first into the trench, killing two of the enemy with his revolver. Inspired by Lieutenant McKean’s action, his men advanced and swept the German defenders aside, capturing both the trench and its remaining occupants.
Victoria Cross Citation
For most conspicuous bravery and devotion to duty during a raid on the enemy’s trenches.
Lt. McKean’s party, which was operating on the right flank, was held up at a block in the communication trench by most intense fire from hand grenades and machine guns. This block, which was too close to our trenches to have been engaged by the preliminary bombardment, was well protected by wire and covered by a well protected machine gun 30 yards behind it.
Then, realising that if this block were not destroyed, the success of the whole operation might be marred, he ran into the open to the right flank of the block, and with utter disregard of danger, leaper over the block head first on top of the enemy.
London Gazette, No.30770, 28 June 1918
Single-handed
Whilst lying on the ground on top of one of the enemy, another rushed at him with fixed bayonet; Lt. McKean shot him through the body and then shot the enemy underneath him, who was struggling violently. This very gallant action enabled the position to be captured. Lt. McKean’s supply of bombs ran out at this time, and he sent back to our front line for a fresh supply. Whilst waiting for them he engaged the enemy single-handed.
When the bombs arrived, he fearlessly rushed the second block, killing two of the enemy, capturing four others and drove the remaining garrison, including a hostile machine-gun section, into a dug-out. The dug-out, with its occupants and machine gun, was destroyed.
This officer’s splendid bravery and dash undoubtedly saved many lives, for had not this position been captured, the whole of the raiding party would have been exposed to dangerous enfilading fire during the withdrawal. His leadership at all times has been beyond praise.
London Gazette, No.30770, 28 June 1918
Death of Lieutenant George Burdon McKean
McKean stayed in England after the war. On 28 November 1926, McKean tragically killed in an industrial accident.
Lieutenant-Colonel Dick Worrall MC & Bar, DSO
Lt-Col Dick Worrall DSO, London Gazette No. 29886, 11 January 1919.
Under difficulty of mist he personally led and directed his battalion in the attack and capture of the front-line system of enemy positions, including the guns. He displayed great skill and courage in directing the operations on this and other occasions during which the battalion had lost 23 officer casualties.
London Gazette No. 29886, 11 January 1919
Lieutenant-Colonel Dick Worrall MC & Bar, DSO & Bar
The second DSO citation for Lieutenant-Colonel Richard Worrall DSO MC.
On 1st September, 1918, for conspicuous gallantry during the attack on the Crow’s Nest and Hendecourt Chateau Woods while in command of his battalion. He advanced his line half a mile, and under heavy fire maintained his position all day. The following day, though his left was exposed to withering machine-gun and artillery fire, he captured a village, taking prisoners a whole battalion. Still pushing on, he took the final objective, and established his position, having advanced some 5,000 yards from the jumping off line. He displayed fine courage and leadership.
London Gazette, 11 January 1918
Lieutenant-Colonel Richard Worrall granted 14 days leave to UK, 14 September 1918. While on leave, to be Temporary Lieutenant Colonel commanding 14th Battalion, 17 September 1918.
Statutory Declaration
The Allied Occupation of Germany
The Royal Montreal Regiment won the honour of leading the 1st Canadian Division over the Rhine at Cologne by a coin toss. The procession as long as over the Rhine at Bonn, lasting more than five hours, and yet many units not able to participate, left on the west side of the Rhine.
Forty-five minutes after the first Canadian troops crossed, the author’s grandfather, A/Bbdr. Richard Francis Walshe of the 61st Field Battery, crosses the Hohenzollern Bridge on way to billets in Vingst.
Bonn
Up river at Bonn, the Second Division literally soaked to the skin on 13 December 1918. A downpour during the entire procession. Then, taking possession of the best accommodations (Sir Arthur Currie sleeping in the bed of the Kaiser’s Princess), immediately, the troops enjoyed their first bath in over a month. Meanwhile, Princess Victoria sleeping in another room of the palace at Bonn.
The 3rd Brigade Battalion commanders, triumphant and relaxed, only two days after the grueling March to the Rhine, at Immekeppel, 15 December 1918.
Lt.-Col. Dick Worrall MC & Bar, DSO & Bar, Mentioned in Despatches
Lieutenant-Colonel Dick Worrall Bar to DSO, Mentioned in Despatches by Sir Douglas Haig, London Gazette No. 31089, 31 December 1918.
Colours
The first and most sacred distinguishing mark of any Regiment are the Colours. So, as part of the Army of Occupation, at Unter-Eschbach, Germany, on 4 January 1919, the first King’s Colour and Regimental Colour presented to the 14th Battalion (Royal Montreal Regiment) C.E.F..
Hitherto the Regiment has been incomplete, not having its own colours, but Mrs. E.A. Whitehead of 306 Peel Street, Montreal kindly donated very fine colours which were brought to Germany by her son, Captain George Victor Whitehead and Capt. Hugh Graham Brewer, MC.
Lt.-Col. Dick Worrall
![Presentation of Regimental Colours to 14th Battation, R.M.R. by Prince Arthur of Connaught. January, 1919 [Royal Montreal Regiment]
Lieutenant Colonel Dick Worrall](https://i0.wp.com/cefrg.ca/wp-content/uploads/2021/03/3522537-a004017-v8.jpg?resize=1000%2C816&ssl=1)
Mrs. E.A. Whitehead, mother of the late Captain Edward Ashworth Whitehead. Firstly, Colours presented by Prince Arthur of Connaught. Afterwards, Major (Reverend) Creegan made a short address and consecrated the colours.
Firstly, on trooping the Colour, the Colour Party will always be augmented by an Escort to the Colours – a guard composed of an Officer, Non-Commissioned Officer and selected soldiers whose drill and bearing is of the highest standard.
![Presentation of Regimental Colours to 14th Battation, R.M.R. by Prince Arthur of Connaught. January, 1919 [Royal Montreal Regiment]Lieutenant Colonel Dick Worrall](https://i0.wp.com/cefrg.ca/wp-content/uploads/2021/03/3522538-a004018-v8.jpg?resize=1000%2C809&ssl=1)
The RMR the first regiment of the British Empire to be awarded its Colours on conquered soil after a successful campaign. One of two Canadian units ever so honoured. The Highlanders of Canada – 15th Battalion, repeat the honour four days later on 8 January 1919.
Major Charles Basil Price
Major Charles Basil Price, DSO, DCM handed the King’s Colour to the Prince who then presented it to the Battalion, being received by Lieutenant Christopher Healey Sullivan on bended knee.
![Presentation of Regimental Colours to 14th Battation, R.M.R. by Prince Arthur of Connaught. January, 1919 [Royal Montreal Regiment] Lieutenant Colonel Dick Worrall](https://i0.wp.com/cefrg.ca/wp-content/uploads/2021/03/3522542-a004022-v8.jpg?resize=1000%2C813&ssl=1)
The Regimental Colour
The Regimental Colour was then handed to the Prince by Capt. Joseph Ernest McKenna, MC and received by Lieutenant Alfred Douglas C. Parnell.
![Presentation of Regimental Colours to 14th Battation, R.M.R. by Prince Arthur of Connaught. January, 1919 [Royal Montreal Regiment] Lieutenant Colonel Dick Worrall](https://i0.wp.com/cefrg.ca/wp-content/uploads/2021/03/3522540-a004020-v8.jpg?resize=1000%2C805&ssl=1)
When the Prince ended his address, the Divisional Commander called for three cheers for His Royal Highness.
![Presentation of Regimental Colours to 14th Battation, R.M.R. by Prince Arthur of Connaught. January, 1919 [Royal Montreal Regiment] Lieutenant Colonel Dick Worrall](https://i0.wp.com/cefrg.ca/wp-content/uploads/2021/03/3522541-a004021-v8.jpg?resize=1000%2C823&ssl=1)
The Battalion them marched past in column of fours, the Prince taking the Salute. Many times during the past four years the Battalion has proved it mettle on the enemy, and today showed that also on an important ceremonial parade that it is second to none.
![Presentation of Regimental Colours to 14th Battation, R.M.R. by Prince Arthur of Connaught. January, 1919 [Royal Montreal Regiment] Lieutenant Colonel Dick Worrall](https://i0.wp.com/cefrg.ca/wp-content/uploads/2021/03/3522539-a004019-v8.jpg?resize=1000%2C827&ssl=1)
Colours deposited in Church of St. James the Apostle, Montreal, on 28 September 1919. However, the Colours now rest in a glass case on the north wall of the Officers’ Mess in the Westmount Armoury. In addition, the Colours are protected on parade by an armed escort consisting of a Warrant Officer and two Sergeants. The Queen’s Colour is carried by the senior subaltern, while the junior most regimental officer carries the Regimental Colour. The original colours are hanging in St. Matthias Anglican Church, Westmount.
Colours are saluted by all ranks and are only dipped in the presence of royalty. Once the Colours have been returned to the Officers’ Mess following a parade, the senior subaltern offers refreshments to the Colour party, at which time the Regiment is toasted.
Huy (La-Sarte) Communal Cemetery
The O.C., Officers and many ranks of The Regiment attend the funeral of Lance-Corporal John MacDonald 140129 (Influenza) at Huy in the afternoon of 27 February 1919.
HUY (in Flemish, Hoei,) is a town in the Province of Liege, on the river Meuse, between Namur and Liege. Firstly, the Huy Communal Cemetery of La Sarte serves the hamlet of that name. Secondly, it stands high up the hill on the South side of the town, commanding wide views of the Meuse valley. Finally, it contains German, French and Russian War Graves, and in the North corner is a plot, of 329 square yards, in which are buried 55 Canadian soldiers and 54 soldiers and airmen (including two unidentified) from the United Kingdom.
The loss of this splendid non-commissioned Officer who has rendered such gallant and faithful service was deeply regretted by all ranks.
O.C. Lt.-Col. Dick Worrall
Lance-Corporal Joe MacDonald
Lance-Corporal Joe MacDonald had been wounded 3 June 1916 in the Battle of Festubert (GSW left arm and back). Shrapnel removed from his back and arm at Bushy Park. Then, admitted 16 February 1919 with Influenza at Huy. Died 25 February.
Lance-Corporal Joe MacDonald Son of Annie Allen McDonald of Westview Cottage, Regent St., Fife-Keith, Banffshire, Scotland, and the late Thomas McDonald.
Extremely rare to find original head stones in CWGC cemeteries. Although, Joe, like RSM James Kay of the 16th Battalion, had become a beloved member of the community in a very short time.
Lt.-Col. Dick Worrall Mentioned in Despatches
Lieutenant Colonel Dick Worrall, DSO & Bar, MC & Bar, Mentioned in Despatches by Sir Douglas Haig, London Gazette No. 31448, 11 July 1919.
Demobilization
Lieutenant Colonel Dick Worrall DSO & Bar, MC & Bar, returned aboard SS CARMANIA on 10 April 1919.
At the dock to bid the troops farewell were Major-General Sir A.C. Macdonnell, to whose famous “Red Patch” Division all the battalions belonged, and Brig.-General G.S. Tuxford, who for three years had commanded the 3rd Brigade. Both officers, realizing that neither the Division nor the Brigade would ever assemble again, bade the battalions goodbye with deep emotion.
RMR Foundation
RMS CARMANIA
With the return of the Regiment to Canada, the RMR found itself without a home station. To their honour, the 58th Regiment, Westmount Rifles, gave up their place in the order of battle so the RMR could continue to exist.
Thus began a long relationship between the Regiment and the City of Westmount, which continues to this day. In addition, with the aid of a plot of Westmount civic land, leased for 99 years at the generous rate of $1 per annum, and the fundraising efforts of the Westmount Armoury Memorial Association, the RMR moved into the St.Catherine Street Armoury in December 1925.
Influenza
A week after being admitted to Montreal Military Hospital, Lieutenant Colonel Dick Worrall, DSO & Bar, MC & Bar died, 15 February 1920.
He apparently contracted influenza while caring for his new wife. He was buried with full military honours in Mount Royal Cememtery in Montreal. It was a large funeral, and it was filmed.
Dick Worrall was at the head of the 14th Battalion Canadian Infantry (Royal Montreal Regiment) when it arrived back in Montreal in 1919. It seems Dick Worrall settled in Montreal to be with his Regiment. He had no other connection to the city.
Michel Gravel, Historian, The Royal Montreal Regiment
Funeral of Lieutenant Colonel Dick Worrall
The Governor-General represented by Colonel Godson-Godson and aide, while General Sir Arthur Currie prevented from attending by a sudden attack of influenza. However, the Band of the Royal Montreal Regiment in attendance.
Then, the cortege proceeded from the Church of St.James the Apostle to Fletcher’s Field for the Last Post. Finally, the remainder of the ceremony a private affair at the family plot on Mount Royal.
Montreal (Mount Royal) Cemetery
The modest recumbent head stone of Lt.-Col. Dick Worrall, DSO & Bar, MC & Bar, Montreal (Mount Royal) Cemetery. Catholic soldiers of The Royal Montreal Regiment buried in the military plot of the adjacent cemetery of Notre-Dames-des-Neiges.
Lieutenant Colonel Dick Worrall lies in the family plot at Sect. L4/1249, a considerable distance from several other members of the Royal Montreal Regiment in the military plot of Montreal (Mount Royal) Cemetery.
The location in Montreal, the family plot, rather than the military plot, an option of the Worrall family.
Wimereux Communal Cemetery
However, sometimes recumbent headstones used in sites like Wimereux Communal Cemetery where the unstable soil unable to support the upright headstones.
The Royal Montreal Regiment website.
No.1 Canadian General Hospital in the Great War
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