18th Battalion Original and Canadian Railway Troops
Private John Charles Morgan 53594 enlisted 24 October 1914 in Chatham, Ontario, C Company, 18th Overseas Battalion, CEF with Lt Col H D Smith approving. Charles, 27 years, 11 months, at this time and stood 5′ 11″ tall, 166 pounds, with dark complexion, brown eyes and black hair. John born 29 November 1887 in Mere Wilts, Wiltshire, England. Mother Sarah Morgan of Waterside, Wiltshire.
18th Battalion
Organized in October 1914 initially under the command of Lieutenant-Colonel E S Wigle. Recruited in London, Windsor, Woodstock, Chatham, St Thomas, Strathroy, Stratford, Galt, Guelph, Walkerville and also Goderich. Draft of 1 soldier and 20 other ranks sent to England 6 April 1915. Embarked from Halifax 18 April 1915 aboard SS GRAMPIAN, and later disembarked in England 28 April 1915 with a strength of 36 officers, 1081 other ranks. Disembarked in France on 15 September 1915 with the 2nd Canadian Division, 4th Canadian Infantry Brigade, later reinforced by 4th Canadian Reserve Battalion.
Private John Charles Morgan’s unit sailed per SS GRAMPIAN on 18 June 1915. Shortly after arrival, John forfeited 4 days pay, AWOL, West Sandling, 26 June 1915. Once again, forfeited one day’s pay, AWOL, 2 August 1915.
To France
John entered the Western Front on 14 September 1915. Then for the third time, forfeited 5 days pay and awarded Field Punishment No 2, Absent off Ration Fatigues, 27 November 1915.
Battle of Flers-Courcelette
At 06h24 15 September 1916, the 18th Battalion attacked German front and second lines to depth of 1,200 yds, and held their position on the first day of the Battle of Flers-Courcelette.
Pte Morgan hit by piece of shrapnel, face and right shoulder (posterior part of right axilia), 15 September 1916. In hospital about four months, eventually returned to France and carried on with C.R.T. until end of war. Hit behind right ear at same time. Does not cause any trouble. All movements in arm normal. No disability due to service.
Return to England
John admitted to 1st West General Hospital, Fazakerley, Liverpool, 26 September 1916. Private John Charles Morgan admitted to Lancashire Military Convalescent Hospital, Blackpool, 17 November 1916, and later discharged on 20 January 1917.
Pte John Morgan On Command YMCA Folkestone as of 5 March 1917. Then after only a week, John SoS to 10th Battalion, Canadian Railway Troops on 12 May 1917.
10th Battalion, CRT
Organized in January 1917 as the 256th Battalion under the command of Lieutenant-Colonel W. A. McConnell. Redesignated as 10th Battalion, Canadian Railway Troops on 30 May 1917 and later arrived in France on 19 June 1917.
Return to France
Pte Morgan embarked for France, arriving in Le Havre on 17 June 1917. John arrived at his unit on 4 July 1917 for his second tour of duty.
Though not nearly as dangerous as his first tour, still, 42 men of the 10th Bn, CRT make the Ultimate Sacrifice during 1917-1918. 833 men of his former unit, the 18th Canadian Infantry Battalion, lost their lives during the Great War.
La Clytte
The 10th Battalion move from La Penne to La Clytte on 24 September 1917, and then to Pioneer Corner, Dickebusch on 26 November 1917.
Another moved made to Proven (north-west of Poperinghe) on 14 April 1918, and moved to International Corners in Bambecque, France on 30 May 1918.
HQ moved to Belgium at Whinfield Camp, Poperinghe on 24 September 1918, and later to Brencq, near Lille on 23 October 1918. Finally, from November to 19 January 1919, the unit remains in Wasquehal, north-east of Lille.
The 10th Battalion moved to Etaples on 20 January 1919, and later embarked at Le Havre on 28 January, returning to England. However, Private John Morgan already back in England, ToS from 10th Bn, CRT to 1st CCD, Witley Camp, 4 January 1919.
Private John Charles Morgan later discharged on 24 March 1919 at No 1 District Depot in London, Ontario. Intended residence c/o William Gray, R.R. #4, Blenheim, Ontario.