48th Highlanders of Canada
Private Frank Ward Bolton born in Scarborough Junction, Toronto, Ontario on 11 April 1896. Wounded at Second Battle of Ypres in 1915, and The Battle of Vimy Ridge in 1917. Later, participated in the March to the Rhine and the Allied Occupation of Germany with the 15th Battalion (48th Highlanders of Canada), CEF.
Enlistment
Private Frank Ward Bolton 27859 enlisted 18 September 1914, Lt-Col J.A. Currie approving on 22 September 1914 in Valcartier, Quebec. At this time, Frank standing 5′ 10″ tall, 138 pounds, with fair hair, blue eyes and light hair, his mother Mrs Sarah Bolton receives $20 of his monthly pay.
15th Battalion (48th Highlanders of Canada)
Organized in Valcartier Camp on 2 September 1914. Composed of recruits from Toronto area, and Commanded by Lieutenant-Colonel J. A. Currie. Then, embarked Quebec 3 October 1914 aboard SS MEGANTIC, and disembarked in England 14 October 1914 with a strength of 46 officers, 1109 other ranks. Later, disembarked in France 14 February 1915 with the 1st Canadian Division, 3rd Canadian Infantry Brigade, and reinforced by 5th Canadian Reserve Battalion. Finally, returned to England 24 March 1919 and disembarked in Canada 7 May 1919, demobilized 10 May 1919. Furthermore, mascot: dog named Bruno Pipe band: “Highland Laddie”., with Colours turned over to 48th Highlanders in 1919, and perpetuated by The 48th Highlanders of Canada.
Second Battle of Ypres
Private Frank Ward Bolton shrapnel wound, right leg, through shin, no fracture, 25 April 1915. FB removed in France. Firstly, piece of shrapnel lying on the posterior aspect of the middle third of the left femur. Patient was operated on 7 May 1915, but shrapnel not found. Then, patient X-Rayed a second time and piece of shrapnel localised. Finally, patient operated on on 7 July 1917 and shrapnel removed.
Private Bolton transferred to Trafford Hall, 29 April 1915. Later, admitted Castle Red Cross Hospital, Dublin, 30 April 1915 and only manipulative treatment needed, 25 May 1915. Then, transferred to Canadian Convalescent Hospital Woodcote Park, Epsom, 31 May 1915, and discharged to duty, 3 August 1915. Then, sick furlough, 4 August 1915, and fined 1 days pay for being dirty on parade, 14 September 1915. Finally, transferred to 43rd Reserve Battalion, 18 December 1915.
Return to France
Private Bolton transferred to 15th Battalion, 19 January 1916. Later, joined unit in field, 4 February 1916.
Then, admitted for Shingles, 3rd Canadian Military Hospital, 17 March 1917, and later transferred to 1st C.O.R.D., West Sandling 29 June 1917.
Battle of Vimy Ridge
GSW right leg (severe) 11 April 1917, to General Hospital in Le Touquet. Proceeded to 1st Central Ontario Regimental Depot, Shorncliffe, 3 May 1917.
Return to France
Arrived in France, 22 August 1918. Joined unit in field, 5 September 1918.
Private Bolton participated in the March to the Rhine and the Allied Occupation of Germany.
Return to England
Finally, during demobilization, Private Frank Ward Bolton proceeded to England, 16 March 1919.
Finally, Frank proceeded to Canada per SS CARMANIA, Sailing No.45, 10 April 1919. Then, disembarked 8 April 1919, and Private Frank Ward Bolton discharged 20 April 1919 in Montreal.
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