Norwegian-born soldier of the CEF
Private Ingvale Silvereen Ondahl born 11 October 1887 in Christiania, Norway, son of Anton and Anna Ondahl, Macoun, Saskatchewan. At least 38 Norwegian-born soldiers of the CEF gave their lives in the Great War. Ingvale earned three Blue Chevrons and entitled to wear two Gold Wound Stripes for his service.
Private Ingvale Silvereen Ondahl Ondahl 925328 enlisted 7 Feb 1916 at Estevan, Saskatchewan with the 152nd Battalion. At this time, standing 5′ 7″ tall with dark complexion, brown eyes and black, turning grey, hair. A farmer by trade.
Sergeant-Drummer Thomas Ernest Hone
The following month, Sergeant-Drummer Thomas Ernest Hone 925485 also enlisted with the 152nd Battalion. Father William (1865-1947) and mother Alice (Hawkin) Hone (1867-1940) of also of Ceylon Station, Saskatchewan. Thomas a native of Hook Norton, Oxon, England. Another son Albert Hone (1902-1986) married to Alice M (Burns) Hone (1916-1976).
England
Private Ingvale Silvereen Ondahl arrived in England per SS MISSANABIE, 13 October 1916, and later transferred to 32nd Battalion on 20 October 1916.
32nd Battalion
Organized in November 1914 initially under the command of Lieutenant-Colonel H G Cowan. Mobilized at Winnipeg, and recruited in Saskatoon, Brandon, Moosomin, Portage la Prairie, Weyburn, Lloydminster, Moose Jaw and also Roblin. Embarked from Halifax 23 February 1915 aboard SOUTHLAND (or VATERLAND), and later disembarked in England on 7 March 1915, with a strength of 35 officers, 962 other ranks. Became 32nd Canadian Reserve Battalion, and later absorbed by new 15th Canadian Reserve Battalion on 4 January 1917.
Private Ingvale Silvereen Ondahl SoS to 5th Battalion overseas, 12 November 1916.
5th Battalion
Organized at Valcartier Camp in September 1914 and composed of recruits from British Columbia, Alberta, Saskatchewan and also Manitoba. Commanded by Lieutenant-Colonel G S Tuxford, later by Lieutenant-Colonel H M Dyer DSO (6 Jan. 1916). Embarked Quebec City 26 September 1914 aboard LAPLAND, and later disembarked in England 17 October 1914 with a strength of 44 officers, 1094 other ranks. Disembarked in France 13 February 1915 with the 1st Canadian Division, 2nd Canadian Infantry Brigade, and later reinforced by 15th Canadian Reserve Battalion.
On 16 March 1917, Sergeant-Drummer Thomas Ernest Hone killed in action. At 1:20 pm, an 18 pounder fell short in BONNAL TRENCH, killing four men instantly, and wounding six (one fatally).
Mumps
Private Ingvale Silvereen Ondahl admitted to No 12 Stationary Hospital, 20 March 1917, Mumps (mild), and later discharged to duty on 4 April 1917. Pte Ondahl returns to his unit in time for the Battle of Vimy Ridge.
Battle of Arleux Loop
Pte Ondahl Second Wound Stripe
During the Battle of Arleux Loop on 29 April 1917, a German counter-attack at 9 pm cost the 5th Battalion 11 casualties, including Pte Ondahl, GSW to left wrist (severe).
Pte Ondahl admitted to No 11 General Hospital, Camiers, 8 May 1917. Wound septic. Left hand operated on while in Camiers.
Bellahouston Scottish National Red Cross Hospital
Pte Ondahl admitted to Scottish National Red Cross Hospital, Glasgow, 17 May 1917. While recuperating, believed Ingvale meets his future wife, a native of Glasgow.
Private Ondahl transferred to Granville Special Hospital, Ramsgate, 21 July 1917, and later transferred to London War Hospital, Epsom, 6 September 1917. Pte Ondahl transferred to Military Convalescent Hospital, Woodcote Park, 6 October 1917, and later discharged on 26 October 1917. On Command to 2nd CCD, Bramshott, 29 October 1917, and later transferred to 15th Reserve Battalion, Bramshott, 15 December 1917.
Granted Permission to Marry
Pte Ondahl awarded one Good Conduct Badge, 13 February 1918. Bramshott. Pte Ondahl granted permission to marry, 3 August 1918. SoS to 5th Battalion, Bramshott, 6 September 1918. Pte Ondahl left for unit, 11 September 1918, joining his unit in the field on 14 September 1918.
Gassed
Pte Ondahl admitted to No 55 General Hospital, Boulogne (Gas), 2 October 1918. Transferred to No 1 Casualty Depot 9 October, No Casualty Depot on 11 October, and finally to Relief Camp on 16 October 1918.
Demobilization
Private Ingvale Silvereen Ondahl transferred to England 23 November 1918 and posted to Saskatchewan Regimental Depot from the 5th Battalion. Private Ingvale Silvereen Ondahl AWOL from 23 January to 24 January 1919, forfeits one days pay. ToS No 12 District Depot, 8 February 1919 and posted to Casualty Company from 22 February 1919. Granted leave from 22 February to 8 March 1919. Discharged 7 March 1919, with 15% disability.
Thanks to Ryan Weise for finding this image.
He went in to the war as a single man, married and found a wife, survived the war and spent the rest of his life in Saskatchewan, Canada.
Ingvald died in 1981 and buried in Cylon Cemetery, Weburn, Saskatchewan. His wife Isabella Scott (Simpson) Ondahl pre-deceased him on 1 September 1976.
On 28 September 1918 at Cambrai, GSW (head), admitted to No 1 CCS. Private Ingvale Silvereen Ondahl classified B2 and later transferred to Canadian Labour Pool, 30 October 1918.
My great grandfather’s name was Ingvale Silvereen Ondahl service number 925328 and my great grand uncle’s name was Thomas Ernest Hone service number 925485.
Edward Ronald “Chuck” Ondahl
Son of Ingvald Silverean and Isabella Simpson. Enlisted in the Army on August 15, 1940 as a tank gunner. While in the Army he attained the trade of Driver Mechanic. He remained in Europe for some time as a peace keeper, and later honorably discharged with the rank of Lance Sergeant on June 17, 1946. Chuck worked in mines in Ontario until 1952 when he returned to Saskatchewan to work as a Cat Operator. He worked on the Alaska Highway for five years and then with Penteluk Construction until retiring to Radville June 1, 1997.
Doris Olive Ondahl Weise
Daughter of Son of Ingvald Silverean and Isabella Simpson, born 23 July 1924 in Hardy, Weyburn Census Division, Saskatchewan. Married to Lance Corporal Stanley R Weise (1922-1992). Doris died 18 May 2002 (aged 77) in Kelowna, Central Okanagan Regional District, British Columbia.
Isabelle Ivy Ondahl Vermeulen
Daughter of Son of Ingvald Silverean and Isabella Simpson born 18 December 1919 in Roche Percée, Estevan Census Division, Saskatchewan. Married to Prosper Alois ‘Babe’ Vermuulen, they had two children, Laurie (d 1958) and also Sandra Lois (1954-2017). Ivy died 21 June 2007 (aged 87) in Weyburn, Weyburn Census Division, Saskatchewan.
Comment
My Great Grandfather was present at this battle (Re Battle of Arelux, 28 to 29 April 1917). He was shot in the left arm and it took him about 2 months of recuperation in a military hospital in Glasgow. He was also present at the Battle of Vimy Ridge. Not only was he shot but he had also suffered and survived a mustard gas attack.
I never knew him personally, but I am very fortunate to have found his military records which details this alongside him marrying my Scottish grandmother while he was recovering in Scotland, and then he was transferred to various different hospitals throughout Scotland and England. He went in to the war as a single man, married and found a wife, survived the war and also spent the rest of his life in Saskatchewan, Canada. He was in the 5th Canadian Infantry Battalion. Interestingly enough my great grandfather and great grand uncle from two different sides of my family had enlisted into the same units and their offspring ended up marrying each other. Unfortunately my great grand uncle was killed in March of 1917.
Maybe they knew each other. Who knows.
My great grand uncle (Sergeant-Drummer Thomas Ernest Hone) is buried at Roclincourt Military Cemetery in Pas de Calais, France. Grave reference IV. F. 26.
Great grandson of Private Ingvale Silvereen Ondahl