Sergeant Albert Edward Bryant 1261602 served with the 7th Siege Battery, Canadian Garrison Artillery. Albert’s battery among the ‘luckiest’ in the Great War, having had no deaths due to combat, yet the battery constantly active in dangerous locations.
Enlistment
Albert Edward ‘Ted’ Bryant resided at 109 Stanley Street, Montreal. Born in East Angus, Sherbrooke County, Quebec on 25 June 1894. Son of J.H. and Ida Bryant, 129 Bowen Avenue, Sherbrooke, Quebec. A student with prior training in C.O.T.C.
Ted attested 29 April 1916 in Montreal, aged 21 years, 10 months. At this time, he stood 5′ 10″ tall, 158 pounds, with fair complexion, brown eyes and hair. with an appendix scar, scar on calf of left leg, and scar on right thumb. Finally, enlisted with 6th McGill Siege Battery, and served with 7th Siege Battery in France. Later, Private Bryant embarked from Halifax on 18 September 1916, per SS OLYMPIC arriving in Liverpool on 25 September 1916.
Private Albert Edward Bryant embarked for France on 14 March 1917.
7th Canadian Siege Battery
Organized as No.6 (McGill) Overseas Siege Battery in April 1916 under the command of Major William Dunlop Tait. Firstly, mobilized at Montreal and recruited from McGill University graduates, students and friends. Then, left Halifax on 19 September 1916 aboard SS OLYMPIC (sistership of the TITANIC). Subsequently, arrived in England 25 September 1916 with a strength of 6 officers, and 150 other ranks. Later, redesignated as No.271 (Canadian) Siege Battery on 6 October 1916, and redesignated as No.7 Canadian Siege Battery on 29 January 1917. Finally, arrived in France 15 March 1917 with the 1st Brigade, Canadian Garrison Artillery. Furthermore, demobilized at Montreal in May 1919 and perpetuated by the 7th Medium Battery (Howitzer), Montreal.
Zonnebeke
Private Albert Edward Bryant promoted Bombardier 12 November 1917, Zonnebeke, Belgium.
Then, Ted granted leave to Rome, 22 December 1917, returned from leave 19 January 1918, finding his unit in Souchez. Later, moved to Maroc in February and Major Thomas Escott Ryder takes command on 26 February 1918.
Back to Souchez in March 1918 (Sheet 36c.S.8.d.04.59). However, the location quite close to the subway entrance to Vimy Ridge (Rue du 9 Mars 1962 today).
Influenza
Ted admitted to No. 5 Canadian Field Ambulance (P.U.O.), 31 July 1917. Then, transferred to No.10 Canadian Field Ambulance, 3 August 1917, and discharged 11 August 1917.
On 15 March 1918, Gunner Charles Launcelot Cotton 343947 died of pneumonia and buried at Barlin Communal Cemetery Extension.
On 26 July 1918, Lieutenant Randolph William Strong 1261671 died and buried at Buxton Cemetery. Strong had fallen seriously ill (cerebral embolism) during April of 1918.
Bombardier Albert Edward Bryant promoted Corporal 29 June 1918. Then, Corporal Bryant to Gunner’s Course on 17 August 1918.
The 7th Siege Battery moved to Petit Vimy in July 1918 (64 Rue Lamartine today).
Last Hundred Days
On 20 August 1918 the battery moved to Bray, then Wancourt, and finally Cagnicourt on 21 August 1918, detraining point south-east of Marquion). However, as the war enters it’s final mobile phase, the battery constantly on the move.
During the night of 30 September/1 October the battery moved to 51b.X.8.d.30.15 (E-Valley west of Haynecourt). Move to Thun L’Evesque on 13 October 1918. Marquette reached on 20 October, followed by Escaudain on 23 October, then Wavrechain on 23 October, Denain the following day. Herin reached on 29 October 1918. Valenciennes on 2 November 1918, St Saulve two days later, and Chemin de la Hutte, Quarouble (Sheet44.X.16.d.59.28) on 5 November 1918. The battery fires their last salvos of the Great War on 7 November 1918.
Demobilization
The battery moved to Cuesmes from Onnaing on 13 November, encountering several just-released British POWs. As the 1st and 2nd Canadian Divisions participate in the March to the Rhine, the battery remains in Cuesmes.
Corporal Albert Edward Bryant granted 14 days leave, 7 December 1918. Gunner Henry John Aylward 1261717 dies of Influenza at No. 47 CCS on 16 December 1918. Buried at Maubeuge-Centre Cemetery.
Canadian troops of the Army of Occupation returned to Belgium to await demobilization by late February 1919. Awaiting demobilization in Belgium, Corporal Albert Edward Bryant promoted Sergeant on 14 March 1919. Much time spent in Khaki School.
The battery finally proceeds to England, reaching Le Havre on 30 March 1919. Witley Camp, Surrey reached on 3 April 1919.
Sergeant Albert Edward Bryant proceeded to England 1 April 1919. Kinmel Park as of 19 April 1919, missing the worst of the riots.
Embarked on HMT MAURETANIA from Southampton, 3 May 1919. Sergeant Albert Edward Bryant discharged in Canada on 12 May 1919.
More
Please subscribe to CEFRG to be notified by email when there are new posts. Subscription is free, and your email kept confidential.