Private Hubert Tapscott born 17 June 1881, baptized 27 July 1881 at St Andrews Church in Somersetshire. Parents Alfred Frederick (Jan 1856-1 Nov 1918) and Elizabeth (Jennings) Tabscott (1845 – 25 Jan 1927) of Henley, High Ham, Somersetshire, England. Hubert emigrated from Liverpool on 26 February 1903 aboard the TUNISIAN to Halifax, Nova Scotia. In 1906, the Tapscott’s living in MacKenzie, Saskatchewan.
Enlistment of Private Hubert John Hamilton Tapscott
Hubert a farmer residing in Tufnell, Saskatchewan when he enlisted. Married to Amy on 8 February 1903, with four children, Henry (12), Francis (10), Doris (7) and Marion (5). Private Hubert John Hamilton Tapscott 294165 enlisted with the 223rd Battalion, CEF on 1 April 1916 in Foam Lake, Sask. Hubert aged 34 years, 9 months, 145 pounds, standing 5′ 10″ tall with ruddy complexion, brown-grey eyes and dark brown hair.
223rd Battalion
Organized in March 1916 initially under the command of Lieutenant-Colonel H O A Albrechtsen. Mobilized at Winnipeg, and also recruited in Manitoba, Saskatchewan and Alberta. Embarked from Halifax 3 May 1917 aboard JUSTICIA, later disembarked in England on 14 May 1917, with a strength of 17 officers, 507 other ranks. Absorbed by 11th Canadian Reserve Battalion on 14 May 1917.
Hubert embarked at Halifax on 3 May 1917 aboard SS JUSTICIA, later disembarking in Liverpool on 14 May 1917, and immediately posted to the 11th Reserve Battalion.
11th Canadian Reserve Battalion (Manitoba)
Organized at Shorncliffe on 4 January 1917 initially under the command of Lieutenant-Colonel P. Walker. Formed by absorbing 11th and 100th Battalions and later absorbed 197th Battalion on 6 February 1917, 221st Battalion on 29 April 1917, 200th and 223rd Battalions on 14 May 1917. Also absorbed 14th Canadian Reserve Battalion on 15 October 1917. Reinforced 27th, 78th and 107th Battalions, and after absorbing 14th Canadian Reserve Battalion, it also reinforced 16th, 27th and 43rd Battalions. Finally, absorbed by 18th Canadian Reserve Battalion on 29th March 1919.
Private Hubert Tapscott admitted for the mumps to Moore Barracks, 26 May 1917 and later discharged on 13 July 1917. Pte Tapscott transferred to the 78th Battalion overseas on 11 November 1917, later arriving at his unit on 24 November 1917.
78th Battalion (Winnipeg Grenadiers)
Organized in July 1915 initially under the command of Lieutenant-Colonel J B Mitchell, soon succeeded by Lieutenant-Colonel James Kirkcaldy. Mobilized at Winnipeg, and also recruited in Winnipeg district.
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 on 29 May 1916 with a strength of 37 officers, 1097 other ranks. Disembarked in France 12 August 1916 with the 4th Canadian Division, 12th Canadian Infantry Brigade, and later reinforced by 11th Canadian Reserve Battalion and, after 5 September 1918, also by 18th Canadian Reserve Battalion.
Private Hubert Tapscott admitted No 9 Canadian Field Ambulance (CFA), PUO (Pyrexia of unknown origin) on 31 March 1918. Transferred to No 11 CFA on 1 April, then to No 6 Casualty Clearing Station (CCS) on 10 April. Admitted to No 7 Canadian General Hospital, Etaples on 13 April, later transferred to No 6 Convalescent Hospital, Etaples on 18 April, and finally discharged 26 April 1918.
Pte Tapscott rejoined his unit on 8 June 1918.
Battle of Amiens
Ther 78th Battalion captured the town of Hallu (for a very short period) on 10 August 1918, Hubert shot through the right groin, the bullet exiting across his perineum. Admitted to No 3 Stationary Hospital, Rouen, dangerously ill, GSW groin, 14 August 1918. Bullet removed from his left buttock at No 3 Stationary Hospital. Hubert’s recovery complicated and slow, requiring a catheter to relieve his bladder for some time.
On 20 August transferred to Cardiff, then to Epsom on 31 October 1918. Finally, by the end of the year, Hubert manages to leave the hospital – AWOL from 27 December 1918 to 8 January 1919, and forfeits 12 days pay. Also forfeits one days pay on 20 March 1919.
Finally Hubert finds himself in Liverpool on 27 May 1919, awaiting transfer home. Invalided to Canada on 30 June 1919, and admitted to hospital in Moose Jaw. Granted leave from 16 July 1919 to 30 July 1919 inclusive, and also entitled to wear 3 Blue Chevrons.
Discharged from His Majesty’s Service as Medically Unfit, 5 August 1919. However, Hubert still complains of having difficulty urinating.
Death of Private Hubert Tapscott
Living in Tuffnell, Saskatchewan in February 1922 when his service file closed. Sadly he died on 14 March 1925 at St Paul’s Hospital, Saskatoon. His death attributed to his war service.
Private Hubert John Hamilton Tapscott buried at Foam Lake Cemetery, Wynard Census Division, Saskatchewan, Canada. His wife Amy died later in 1953. Daughter Doris Dahlseide died in 1980, and also son Hubert William Arthur Henry Tapscott died in 1984.
Though Hubert’s death attributed to his service, because he died after 1922, CWGC records only one casualty at Foam Lake Cemetery – that of Private Hugh S McColl 3181095 of the 85th Battalion.
