Honour and Disgrace
Was Private Charles de Bellefeuille Aumond the most undisciplined soldier in the CEF during the Great War? Or was he a whistleblower, and victimized by his fearless, hard-drinking Commanding Officer (a VC recipient in the Boer War), and his two brothers in Borden’s Armoured Battery?
Is this a story of honour and disgrace? Or just another story of how dangerous it is to be a whistleblower in the Canadian Military? An example of why the Canadian Armed Forces justice system is still broken today?
Turns out the answer to all these questions is Sir, Yes, Sir!
Most undisciplined soldier of the Great War
Private Charles Aumond went AWOL about as often as he changed underwear. A joke at the time for those having served – a fresh change of underwear after coming out of the trenches not guaranteed.
Pte Aumond caught Absent Without Leave more than 30 times during his four years of service. To be fair to Charles, he was set up by the Holland brothers in several of those instances.
Aumond vs the Hollands
Major Edward James Gibson Holland VC
Pte Aumond’s fearless commanding officer in Borden’s Armoured Battery, a Victoria Cross recipient, Major Holland.
Holland enlisted as a sergeant in The Royal Canadian Dragoons in the Boer War. One of three men from his regiment awarded the VC during a desperate rearguard action on 7 November 1900 at the Battle of Leliefontein. The others – Lieutenant Hampden Zane Churchill Cockburn VC and Lieutenant Richard Ernest William Turner VC.
While no one could question Lt-Gen Richard Turner’s bravery or integrity, his inadequate performance in battle shifted him gracefully to administrative duties in England. Holland’s conduct as an officer and a gentleman, not his performance, would prove to be his undoing. Unceremoniously dismissed from the service, the reasons only now coming to light.
Private Aumond’s absenteeism tolerated, until he beat Private Lewis Harold Holland, the OC’s younger brother for having called him a Son of a bitch. Private Charles de Bellefeuille Aumond would be tried by FGCM (Field General Court Martial) four times in the Great War.
Lieutenant Ernest HUDSON Holland MC
As fearless as his older brother and commanding officer, Lt Ernest Hudson Holland earned his Military Cross before meeting his death on the darkest day of the battery. In a rare instance, his body lost after dying at an aid post in March of 1918.
QMS Lewis Harold Holland
QMS Holland reduced in rank in order to proceed overseas, Lewis a private in Borden’s Armoured Battery during Aumond’s first altercation with him. Private Holland promoted to Quarter Master Sergeant a few months before Aumond leaves the battery.
Lieutenant George Hibbard Holland
Private Aumond would eventually transfer to the Canadian Forestry Corps (CFC). Not a coincidence his superior officer in No. 24 Company, CFC would become Lt George Hibbard Holland. The Holland’s all big strong men, like Charles.
Enlistment of Charles de Bellefeuille Aumond
Charles de Bellefeuille Aumond born in Ottawa, Ontario on February 4, 1884. His father William Henry Aumond (1841-1922), a long-time civil servant. His mother Mary Elizabeth Thompson (1849-1944). Charles de Bellefeuille Aumond an automobile salesman. He lived at 1952 Alberni Street, Vancouver, BC in 1911.
Charles had married Maida Charlotte Aloys Lloyd Hamilton. She was born in Ireland on 23 May 1889. Her father John Lloyd Hamilton, her mother Marjorie Meade. Charles and Maida divorced. On 4 December 1909, Charles married Mary Hamilton in Seattle, Washington.
Living at 2 Rideau Apts, Ottawa, Aumond enlisted 1 April 1915 in Montreal, with Borden’s Armoured Battery, previous service 5th Princess Louise Dragoon Guards, standing 5′ 9″ tall, 163 pounds.
Private Charles Aumond initially employed as 2nd Class Automobile driver, with Borden’s Armoured Battery.
Service of Private Charles de Bellefeuille Aumond
A chronological record of Aumond’s service follows. Interspersed are snippets of his statement on 30 October 1917 during one of his four Field General Court Martials (FGCM). The detail in Aumond’s service record comes not from his service file, but rather the battery’s log of Private Aumond provided at his FGCM vs Major Holland VC. Charles serves a week in the battery before first getting into trouble.
- 8-4-15 Montreal, AWOL from 12 pm to 2:20 am.
- 26-4-15 Montreal, AWOL 18 1/2 hours.
- 22-5-15 HMS CARPATHIA, Disobedience of Orders – gambling.
- 7-6-15 Dibgate, Refusing to card when ordered by Military Police.
- 8-6-15 Dibgate, Giving false name, 9 1/2 AWOL.
- 18-6-15 Ross Barracks, Absent without leave and breaking barracks.
- 24-6-15 Ross Barracks, Absent from Parade.
- 1-7-15 Ross Barracks, Drunk.
- 16-7-15 Folkestone, Drunk.
- 17-7-15 Shorncliffe, AWOL 38 hours.
- 10-8-15 Caesars Camp, AWOL from Sick Parade.
- 7-9-15 Shorncliffe, AWOL 107 hours.
Son of a Bitch
Sometime after 26 September 1915, an incident occurred in which Private Holland called Aumond a Son of a Bitch.
Private Lewis Harold Holland’s record reveals he had been reprimanded by Major Holland (his brother). Once for disobeying an order in December of 1915, and later for being drunk in October of 1916. Also severely reprimanded at Base HQ in February of 1916 by another officer.
- 13-11-15 Billets, late at Reveille.
- 4-12-15 Billets, Forfeits 1 days pay when on active service late for Reveille.
- 7-2-16 Field, Private Holland severely reprimanded for not complying with an order promptly.
Bronchitis
Private Charles Aumond admitted No 4 CFA, bronchitis, 26 February 1916, discharged the next day.
Gassed
Private Aumond gassed at Mount St Eloy 29 April 1916, and spends three weeks in hospital.
- 7-5-16 Field, sentenced to 28 Days F P No 1 (entry later expunged on 27 March 1918).
Bedford House, 4 June 1916, Major Holland and Lt Holland at A Camp. On 30 June 1916, Private Holland re-appointed as QMS.
- 10-7-16 and sentenced 21 Days F P No 1 10 July 1916. (These entries later expunged on 27 March 1918.)
On 12 July 1916, the Battery falls under orders of 1st Canadian Motor Machine Gun Brigade.
- 17-7-16 Billets, Absent without leave from Billets, 17 July 1916.
Court of Inquiry
Court of Inquiry, 8 August 1916, convened to look into charges brought by Private Arnaud of C Battery against Major Holland VC. All duties and parades cancelled on this date.
Major Holland reports from the front on 10 August 1916 the enemy has sent over 8 Whizz Bangs.
Close Arrest
With Major Holland still in the trenches, Corps order received to place Pte Aumond under close arrest as he is to be tried by a FGCM for bringing false charges against his CO in accordance with the finding of Court of Enquiry.
One should not be flabbergasted as to what will transpire, considering the case of pedophile Reverend Charles Lester and his batman Private Edward Cogger. Cogger too was FGCM-ed for bringing false charges, sent to die at the front, while Lester was subsequently returned to Canada unpunished. Two officers, one a man of the cloth, the other a VC recipient. Formidable adversaries in a military (kangaroo) court.
Private Edward Cogger
The court wrote regarding Private Cogger (one of four slight, and very young soldiers to testify against Reverend Lester).
“…wicked suggestions made by a man of depraved physical development. A man of a degenerate type, with only one redeeming virtue viz that of having had the desire to serve his Country…a liar, a skunk, and a most despicable creature.”
FGCM of Private Edward Cogger
Undersized (85 pounds) and underage (Edward only 16 when he enlisted). Just a boy completely unable to defend himself, unlike a big strong man like Private Charles Aumond.
Summary of Evidence
On 21 August 1916, Summary of evidence taken by Lt Col Brutinel for final hearing of the charges made by Pte Aumond against Major Holland VC. Case temporarily dismissed without prejudice to further action.
Lieutenant-Colonel Raymond Brutinel
In 1916, Lieutenant-Colonel Raymond Brutinel pioneered the use of indirect fire from Vickers Machine Guns. He took command of the Canadian Motor Machine Gun Brigade in 1917.
Open Arrest
On 26 August 1916, Pte Aumond under open arrest and notified he is to be tried at 10 am on 27 August 1916 at Corps HQ by FGCM for making false statements against Major Holland VC.
1st FGCM
Summary of evidence in case presented at 9 am on 27 August 1916, and at 10 am a FGCM convened at the Soldiers Institute L’Abeele. Pte Aumond acquited on the charge, of making a false statement against his superior officer on the technicality – “Knowing it to be false.”
Honourably Discharged
On 11 September 1916, Major Holland went to Pozieres to reconnoiter.
Battle of Flers Courcelette
On 17 September 1916 the battery on a ridge NW of Courcelette, and sustain several casualties under heavy shellfire. More casualties follow as the battery returned to billets by 5 pm in Albert. Abruptly at 1 pm the following day, Major Holland VC resigned his command and received orders to report to Canadian Training Depot at Shorncliffe.
Private Aumond discharged from 1st MMG and re-enlisted with Mechanical Transport, September 1916. Private Aumond, Shorncliffe, ToS CASC Training Depot, 13 September 1916. The timing suggests Holland and Aumond may have been on the same transport ship back to England.
Without Public Expense
Meanwhile, Major Holland VC returned to Canada per SS OLYMPIC 30 September 1916. The call to the Canadian Training Depot just a ruse. His career finished, though his reputation and dark secret remained intact. Officially granted two months sick leave to Canada without public expense. On 28 December 1916, SoS from His Majesty’s Service and the CEF.
QMS Holland’s Military Medal
QMS Holland severely reprimanded for being drunk in the town of Amiens on 7 October 1916. Twenty days later awarded the Military Medal.
Lt Holland promoted Captain in charge of ‘B’ Battery on 23 December 1916, finally replacing his older brother. Captain Holland wounded at duty 24 May 1917. Meanwhile, back in the UK, Pte Aumond manages to stay out of trouble for several months, and will never return to battle.
- 28-1-17 Shorncliffe, AWOL 3 days.
- 28-2-17 Shorncliffe, Absent from Parade.
- 1-3-17 Shorncliffe, AWOL.
- 15-3-17 Shorncliffe, AWOL from Tattoo Roll Call.
- 30-4-17 Folkestone, AWOL and Insolence to Military Police.
- 3-5-17 Shorncliffe, AWOL.
Canadian Forestry Corps
Private Charles Aumond SoS to Canadian Forestry Corps, No 53 Company, Sunnydale, 14 May 1917. By the end of the summer, Charles finds himself working under Lt George Hibbard Holland.
Captain Holland awarded the Military Cross on 18 June 1917. Holland gassed on 19 August 1917, and invalided to England. He returned to France in November 1917.
- 21-8-17 Field, AWOL, Neglecting to obey orders, being improperly dressed, 21 August 1917.
SoS to No 24 Co CFC, 28 September 1917. Coincidence? A fourth Holland brother, Lieutenant George Hibbard Holland in charge of No 24 Co. About this time, Private Aumond begins experiencing severe pain in large joints, but does not complain.
Request to destroy records
On 30 October 1917, Private Charles Aumond writes and requests his first FGCM record be destroyed, as he was unjustly punished by Major Holland VC. He also requests his conduct sheet be destroyed.
Second FGCM
Details of Aumond’s first FGCM in 1916 can only be gleamed from his statement of 30 October 1917. Given Aumond’s conduct both before and after the FGCM, difficult to understand the court sided with Aumond against the three Holland brothers. However, the conduct of the Holland brothers proved his case.
- 2-11-17 Field, Absence from Duty.
- 20-11-17 Field, AWOL and apprehended by Military Police.
- 24-12-17 Field, Drunkeness.
Arrested in Paris
At Marcilly-sur-Eure, 23 January 1918, Pte Aumond AWOL until apprehended in Paris at 3 pm on 27 January 1918. SoS to No 34 Co, CFC, 11 February 1918.
Third FGCM
Private Charles Aumond, FGCM, Field, 15 February 1918. Awarded 60 Days FP No 1, but later found Not Guilty, the sentence not being confirmed on 23 February 1918.
- 10-3-18 Field, Absent from Duty, 10 March 1918.
The Black Day of the Battery
On 26 March 1918, Captain Holland MC killed in action during Operation Michael. In command of a battery of eight machine guns during an engagement between Clery and Mericourt he left shelter of the trenches to aid a wounded comrade and was struck in the stomach by an enemy bullet.
Holland received first aid and was hurried to a dressing station in an armoured car but succumbed to his wounds shortly after being admitted. Grave could not be located as of 29 July 1918. Unbelievably, he has no known burial and is listed on Vimy Memorial.
Hem Farm Cemetery
Many men hit by sniper fire, also lost Private Hector Cameron Roy, Lt Frederick George Waldron, and Lt Randolph Hadden Arnold West.
However, Private Greenless, Private Runford and Private Cecil Anthony Lynch buried in Hem Farm Military Cemetery, Hem-Monacu, a few kilometers from where the battery engaged. Sergeant Frank Fair DCM died of his wounds two days later at Rouen.
- 12-6-18 Field, Absent from Duty, 12 June 1918.
- 17-6-18 Field, AWOL, 17 June 1918.
- 28-7-16 Field, AWOL, 28 July 1918.
- 10-8-18 Arrested in Paris at 8:15 pm on 10 August 1918, and placed in confinement.
Fourth FGCM
Following 27 days of being held in confinement, FGCM on 3 September 1918. Captain J Hutcheson, Gordon Highlanders President of the court.
Private Charles Aumond found guilty and sentenced to 90 Days F P No 1. Sentence confirmed by Lt-Gen Henderson, forfeits 14 days pay per R.W., 10 September 1918.
![Canadian armoured cars passing Saluting Base. [Mons, Belgium]. November, 1918. A Canadian Motor Machine Gun Brigade armoured autocar, armed with Vickers machine guns, and what appears to be a Lewis gun on the front, is on parade through the streets of Mons.](https://i0.wp.com/cefrg.ca/wp-content/uploads/2022/09/3522387-a003590-v8.jpg?resize=1000%2C713&ssl=1)
Deserter
Private Charles Aumond apprehended as a Deserter, 14 February 1919. No FGCM, but awarded 20 Days Detention, overstaying pass, and forfeits 23 days pay.
- 4-4-19, AWOL from 0600.
- 5-5-19 Sentenced 28 Days FP No 1 and extra fine 28 days pay.
- 14-5-19 AWOL from 0745 14 May 1919, posted as Absentee.
Private Charles Aumond embarked for Canada 22 July 1919.
Discharged as Medically Unfit
Pty Aumond discharged 31 July 1919 as medically unfit at 35 years of age. A heavy smoker, his medical examination reveals tachycardia.
Charles died suddenly in Mount Clements, Michigan on July 12, 1923. He was later buried in Beechwood Cemetery, Ottawa.
Edward James Gibson Holland VC died 18 June 1948. Lewis Harold Holland died 3 January 1953, and George Hibbard Holland died 20 September 1961. Finally, unknown when or where Honorary Captain Charles Valentine Lester died.
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