Private Roy Edward Henley in the Great War

Private Roy Edward Henley 670194/514204/27643 of the 42nd Infantry Battalion (Royal Highlanders of Canada) was interviewed by the CBC, and the late Canadian Historian Desmond Morton, shortly before Roy’s death. His video interview with the CBC concerned his actions at the Battle of Vimy Ridge. Then, he was filmed on Vimy Ridge, shortly before the ceremony held there for the 70th Anniversary of the Battle of Vimy Ridge, on 9 April 1987. He was very popular, considering he was underage during his multiple periods of service. That much is true.

His interview with Desmond Morton provided information about the Kinmel Park riots, one of 13 major riots concerning demobilization from November 1918 to March 1919. Believed not to be known by Morton, nor revealed by Henley, was the extent of his participation in those riots, as his service file was not made public at the time. Roy Edward Henley would be one of twenty-five Canadian men convicted of mutiny. He is held responsible for the deaths of five of his comrades.

Disgrace

Roy did not begin lying after the Great War to cover his disgrace. Roy was in England serving with the No.2 Training Depot, Canadian Army Service Corps, during the Battle of Vimy Ridge. He had no good reason to lie about this period in his service. Telling the truth is never one of Roy’s strong points. He lied about his age to enlist because he wanted to wear a uniform.

Private Roy Edward Henley may not been a fine example of a dedicated soldier. His lying also demonstrated he rebelled against authority, and was given unusually long sentences of Field Punishment No.1. His reflections in later life were fascinating, even if everything he said was not necessarily true.

Roy Edward Henley Service Summary

Roy was underage when he first enlisted in 1914. He also lies about his age when he enlists with the Navy in January 1917, and again it March 1917, when he enlists with the C.A.S.C. He enlisted for a fifth time in 1925. Yes, he lied then too. Roy did not need to lie about his age then, but he found plenty of other things to lie about. He made two voyages to England, and finally made it to France with the 42nd Battalion (Royal Highlanders of Canada) in January of 1918.

He was severely wounded at the Battle of the Scarpe, on 29 August 1918. Throughout his service, Roy was admitted to hospital many times for such ailments as mumps, epilepsy, T.B., and most of all, tonsillitis on numerous occasions. Never for V.D.G., it must be added.

For many soldiers of the Great War, a case of venereal disease was a reason to lie about their service record. Repeated exposure, sometimes meant a man would never board a ship, and cross the English Channel. Roy’s reason for lying about his service record after the war, was far more serious than that. He had the blood of his own comrades on his hands.

When the last Canadian Veteran of the Great War died, Library and Archives Canada was able to make the personnel records of these soldiers available to the public. It was their medical records, more than their service records, which prevented their release. Roy Edward Henley’s 106MB 258-page service file reveals the secrets he took with him to his grave.

MIKAN No. 3355935

Private Roy Edward Henley is one of the few Other Ranks identified in MIKAN collection photos. It is likely he is among the many men of his battalion, the 42nd, in several other photos. However, we presume Roy was the one who identified himself. So, this information should be taken with a grain of salt. Roy never served with the 13th Battalion (Royal Highlanders of Canada). He served in the 42nd Battalion (Royal Highlanders of Canada) in France. Roy duped a lot of people. The MIKAN collection also dupes a lot of people.

MIKAN No. 3355935 Personnel of the 42nd Regiment (13th Battalion, Royal Highlanders of Canada) moving up to the attack on Cambrai in the early morning. The soldier third from right is identified as Roy Edward Henley of “B” Company.

Note, the image was captured on 27 September 1918, during the Battle of Cambrai, not the Battle of the Scarpe, where Roy got his Blighty, and began his ticket back home, on 29 August 1918. It is just not possible the identified man is Private Roy Edward Henley.

In MIKAN No. 3355935, the men are not from the 13th Battalion. Actually, these are men from another kilted-battalion, the 42nd Battalion (Royal Highlanders of Canada) of the 3rd Canadian Division. The MIKAN collection is full of errors. So am I. Thanks to Paul Hodges for reminding me the 78th Battalion was not kilted.

First enlistment

Roy Edward Henley was born 24 May 1900, and enlisted on 14 August 1914 under s/n 670194. When reading about Roy, there should be a natural tendency to preface everything with “supposedly.” He lied about his age, saying he was sixteen, and not fourteen. Nothing is known of his early life, he later claimed he had no relatives he knew of. For now, he claims a man in Hong Kong is his father. As a fourteen-year-old, Roy stood 5’3″ tall, with medium complexion, hazel eyes and brown hair. He was Presbyterian.

Contrast this now with his third enlistment. The R.S.M. will note Roy is 5’6″ tall, with sallow complexion, grey eyes, and dark brown hair. Roy is now Roman Catholic. Also, he was a Teamster, and now a Farmer. And, he is born 29 September 1898. Roy will still be underage when he re-enlists in 1917. Finally, he claims 3 years prior service with the Queen’s Own Rifles when he does re-enlist. Stretching the truth, a little perhaps. Roy was never the most honest of men. In August 1916, Roy is discharged for being underage.

Second enlistment

Roy immediately re-enlists on 15 September 1916 with the 166th (Queen’s Own Rifles of Canada) Overseas Battalion at Camp Borden, Ontario. His next-of-kin is Walker Cobourn, a friend from Alliston, Ontario. He says he was born 24 May 1900, and is a Farmer. Apparent age, 16 years, 3 months. Medium complexion, hazel eyes, and brown hair. This time, Roy makes it to England. He is once again determined to be underage.

Before being transferred back to Canada, he is found to be suffering from T.B., and admitted to Raven’s Croft Military Hospital, Seaford, 16 November 1916. At this time, Roy tells doctors he once had an operation on his head before joining the army. Sailed from Liverpool for Canada per SS MISSANABIE, 29 December 1916. He is discharged from hospital, on 7 January 1917. Finally, discharged from His Majesty’s Service at Quebec, on 30 January 1917.

Third enlistment

Private Roy Edward Henley had already enlisted with the Royal Navy on 18 January 1917, before being discharged for the second time. But, he deserts the navy on 22 March 1917. For a short period, he is drawing pay from the Royal Navy and the C.A.S.C.

Fourth enlistment

Roy re-enlists in March 1917 with Canadian Army Service Corps. With C.A.S.C. in Canada for two months. Embarked for England in May 1917. Then, served in England for 5 months. Then, with 20 Reserve Battalion for two months. And then, served with 42nd Battalion in France for one year, with Q.R.D. ten months. This much is true.

Enlisting for the fourth time, Roy claims he was born in London, Ontario. Roy informs his commanding officer, in Toronto, on 1 May 1917, that his next of kin is George Henley, in Hong Kong. Further evidence that Roy is not at the Battle of Vimy Rdge in April of 1917, is that he also signed his will on 12 May 1917 in Canada. Though, he left everything to a friend, Walker Coburn of Alliston, Ontario.

It must be at this time he is about to travel again overseas, for some men complete their wills prior to doing so. However, during the Great War most men wrote their wills leaving England, on their way to France.

Second training in England

Admitted to Moore Barracks Canadian Hospital, Shorncliffe, Tonsillitis, 5 July 1917. Discharged to duty, 11 July 1917. Admitted to Moore Barracks Canadian Hospital, Shorncliffe, 28 July 1917. Discharged to duty, 20 August 1917. Roy’s ailments have probably denied him a couple of opportunities to make it to the front. His period of training can be described as a somewhat comfortable one, for he spends much of his time as a patient in hospitals. Somehow, he becomes well enough to be drafted, and sent overseas in 1918.

France

For the first time, Private Roy Edward Henley arrives in France on 11 January 1918. Joins his unit, the 42nd Battalion, on 15 January 1918. The unit is in the lines at Souchez. The following week they moved into Brigade Support in Liévin. In February, the 42nd Battalion moves into Army Reserve at Nouex-les-Mines. The battalion played a football game against the 31st Battalion at Chateau de la Haie, and maintained their unbeaten record. Remarkably, during his eight months on the front, Roy is never admitted to hospital for any ailments.

Field Punishment

A Dumbell Concert Party gave a performance for the Battalion at Camblain l’Abbe on 28 February 1918. On the same day, Roy is sentenced to 30 Days F.P. No. 1 for failing to obey an order given by his superior officer.

In March 1918, the battalion moves from Villers au Bois to Neuville St. Vaast area. They conduct very successful daylight raids in mid-March down SALLOW Trench. They are relieved in the line on the night of 24/25 March 1918. In April they are in the frontline AVION sector. Casualties for the month are low. The Germans are avoiding the Canadians during their Final Spring Offensive.

In May 1918, the 42nd Battalion is in the line in the LENS Sector. On 14 May 1918, the battalion fights with the RCR and PPCLI to take objectives in the LOZIGHEM Area. Finally, they took part in Divisional Maneuvers in the BOMY Area, on 27 May 1918.

Second Field Punishment

Still in training in the BOMY Area, on 19 June 1918, Roy is sentenced to 14 Days F.P. No. 1 for 1) being dirty on parade, and 2) failing to obey an order given by his superior officer. On Dominion Day, 1 July 1918, the 42nd Battalion takes part in the Canadian Corps Sports Championship at Tinques. Lieutenant Raymond Collishaw captured the aerial photos of the competition on that day. Somewhere below, is Private Roy Edward Henley.

Before choosing to listen to the broadcast from the CBC with Roy Edward Henley, one should consider listening to this broadcast, also from the CBC about Lieutenant Raymond Collishaw. Ray was a born leader. A gentleman, and Knight of the Skies. Listen to the voice of a true humble hero. A happy man, known for smiling his way through his most distinguished service. Raymond Collishaw, CB, DSO & Bar, OBE, DSC, DFC.

The full CBC broadcast from April 1987, with Private Roy Edward Henley.

Roy Edward Henley takes part in a highly secretive operation beginning in late July. The Canadian Corps is moved to the AMIENS Sector for the Battle of Amiens. Following the battle, the 42nd Battalion moved back to the ARRAS Sector for the Battle of the Scarpe.

Private Henley Wounded

During the Battle of the Scarpe, seriously wounded 29 August 1918. Admitted No. 6 Conv. Depot, Etaples, GSW face and neck, 6 September 1918. While recovering, he is treated for Pharyngitis, 30 November 1918, still at Etaples. Finally, Roy is discharged, on 3 December 1918, and he proceeds to England.

On 28 December 1918, Roy is admonished for willfully destroying government property. Likely, he had participated in one of the demobilization riots. His pay is stopped. On 20 February 1919, Roy is posted to Medical Depot No. 2, Kinmel Park.

Kinmel Park Riots

In all, between November 1918 and June 1919, there were thirteen instances or disturbances involving Canadian troops in England. The most serious of these occurred in Kinmel Park on 4-5 March 1919, when dissatisfaction over delays in sailing resulted in five men being killed, and 23 being wounded.

At this time, Roy was posted to Medical Depot No. 2, Kinmel Park, Rhyl. Roy is arrested on 5 March 1919. Then, Roy is charged with mutiny. He was one of the men held responsible for orchestrating the riot. Roy is one of twenty-five men convicted of mutiny in the Kinmel Park Riots. While in detention, Roy is admitted for an epileptic attack, on 14 May 1919, to No.5 Canadian Hospital, Liverpool. Finally, he is discharged the next day to Grace Road Barracks under Guard. News comes that he is sentenced to 3 years Penal Servitude by G.C.M., on 20 May 1919.

Admitted once again to No.5 Canadian General Hospital, on 26 May 1919, Tonsillitis. Then, admitted from Grace Road Barracks under Guard – charged with Mutiny – awaiting promulgation of sentence. Finally, discharged from the hospital on 26 June 1919.

Detention

S.o.S. at Witley Camp, to Canada, 28 August 1919. The sentence of 3 years Penal Servitude is commuted to one of Detention for two years with effect from 15 October 1919. Roy is examined on 29 November 1919 in Montreal. Then, he claims his former occupation is Clerk, and that he was born 29 November 1919, in Kilmarnock, Scotland. Finally, he is Presbyterian again.

Roy is to be discharged for Misconduct, but on 30 December 1919, he illegally absented himself without cause at Citadel, Halifax.

Court of Inquiry on On 22 January 1920 Roy is S.o.S. as an illegal absentee. “Take note, this man forfeits his medal for being a Deserter (not Misconduct).” Unknown at the time, Roy had left with his kit and made his way to Toronto, and the Lt.-Col. of the Royal Canadian Dragoons discharged him as medically unfit, on 14 January 1920. Then, he claims his mother is Avery Hayden of Middlesex, England, and that he is residing at 405 Jones Avenue, Toronto. Finally, her last name becomes significant, much later in 1959.

War Service Gratuity

Applying for his War Service Gratuity on 3 March 1919, Roy swears he served with the Royal Navy from August 1914 to 12 September 1916. And, that he re-enlisted 21 September 1916, and was given a temporary discharge from January to March 1917. Finally, he said he was transferred to the 42 Battalion on 3 January 1918.

In October 1920, the Superintendent of L.R. Steel Service Corporation writes to the CO of the Royal Canadian Dragoons, asking for a reference for Roy who has applied for a sales force job in Toronto. The Colonel of the Royal Canadian Artillery sent an urgent telegram to the Citadel in Quebec asking the Adjutant General in Ottawa if Roy is still serving.

In 1922, Roy attempts to obtain a copy of his discharge paper from 1920. He claims he had enlisted with the Royal Canadian Dragoons in January 1920, and that he was discharged in June 1920.

Fifth enlistment

Roy’s service record does reveal he re-enlists at Esquimalt, B.C., on 12 October 1925. Firstly, Roy Edward Henley 27643 enlisted with the Canadian Permanent Army Service Corps and Canadian Ordnance Corps. Roy’s trade is now Aero Pilot. However, he is employed as a mechanical vehicle driver. Secondly, he claims three years service in the Great War, having demobilized in Halifax on 11 November 1919. Finally, on 11 January 1926, he is informed his service is no longer required. Though, his character is noted as good.

In 1926, Roy attempts to get his medals. Recall Roy’s record states he had forfeited his medals since he was a Deserter. It does appear they may have been issued anyway, since he was discharged the same month in January 1919 as unfit by the RCD. In April of 1929, Roy again asks for his service record in the Royal Canadian Dragoons.

Private Roy Edward Henley’s later life

Recall Roy had once stated his mother was Avery Hayden of Middlsex, England. On 2 December 1959, a Miss Ferris at VAC requests the service file of Roy. E. Heydone 363753. But, there is no Regimental Number allotted to 363753. However, Roy’s service file, and gratuity form are forwarded instead. Roy is still alive. During this time, Roy had life-saving surgery to remove shrapnel which was still lodged in his neck. Therefore, the request may have been strictly internal, and perhaps it was not Roy who had requested his service file.

Approaching the 70th Anniversary of the Battle of Vimy Ridge, Roy Edward Henley begins to receive plenty of attention. As a “survivor” of the Battle of Vimy Ridge, and participant in Canada’s Last Hundred Days, he receives many requests for interviews. Then, he speaks with the late Barbara Frum, OC on several occasions, and is interviewed by the late Canadian Historian Desmond Morton, OC, CD, FRSC.

In the CBC broadcast of 7 April 1987, Roy recalled the story of a German Padre telling his men, “…God is with us”.

For a rare moment in his life, Roy is genuinely truthful. “Who the hell was God with anyway. That’s what they told us.”

Lieutenant Raymond Collishaw

One of the World’s Greatest Aviators, Lieutenant Raymond Collishaw was recently featured in a blog post.

Barbara Frum died of chronic leukemia on 26 March 1992. Desmond Morton died on 4 September 2019, six days short of his 82nd birthday.

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