The 78th Battalion (Winnipeg Grenadiers) led by Lieutenant-Colonel James Kirkcaldy. Two Victoria Crosses (Honey and Tait), the only surviving quadruple-amputee (Curley Christian) and the HALLU EIGHT, only a few of their incredible stories.
78th Canadian Infantry Battalion
The 78th Battalion (Winnipeg Grenadiers) organized in July 1915 initially under the command of Lieutenant-Colonel James Bertram Mitchell, soon succeeded by Lieutenant-Colonel James Kirkcaldy (99th Regiment). Mobilized at Winnipeg, and also recruited in Winnipeg district.
Officers
Lieutenant-Colonel
James Kirkcaldy born in Abdie, Scotland on 18 May 1866. After serving for over seven years in the Imperial Forces, he immigrated to Canada in 1891 and settled in Brandon, Manitoba. Shortly thereafter, the six-foot Scotsman appointed the town’s chief of police, a post he held for the next thirteen years (1892—1905).
A former member of the 12th Manitoba Dragoons and serving major with the 99th Rangers, in August 1914, Kirkcaldy enlisted in Louis Lipsett’s 8th Battalion at the rank of major.
Major
Major’s Gordon Ruthven Heron, Henry Rupert Linnel, Charles Mark Monstserrat, John Nelson Semmens, and also Charles Simpson Shipman.
Captain
Captain’s Thomas Stewart Acheson, Frank William Goossens (born in Belgium), Stuart Schofield Hawkins (McGill University), Frederick Leo Hesson, George Alexander Holman, Walter Thomas Hooper, Robert Bruce McTavish, James Palmer Peake (Physician), Gordon Stanley Thornton, and also James Whillans (Chaplain).
Lieutenant
- Aitken, Robert Frederick 100th Regt
- Bryan, Samuel Stewart 100th Regt
- Carey, John Williams Moore Can. Mil
- Carlyle, Thomas 100th Regt
- Clarke, Thomas Walter 100th Regt
- Douglas, John Sholto 99th Regt
- Foord, Edward Alexander 100th Regt
- Genest, Montford Laurence 78th Regt
- Hegan, Charles Robert 100th Regt
- Longworth, Francis Reginald 100th Regt
- Loveland, Henry 106th Regt
- MacKenzie, Stormont Green 100th Regt
- Mitchell, Ivan Gladstone 100th Regt
- Outerson, Joseph 100th Regt
- Qua, Richard Penman 2nd Regt
- Robinson, John Daniel 90th Regt
- Scott, Stewart Macpherson 100th Regt
- Scruton, Frank Dalton 100th Regt
- Smith, William Wesley Brindley 100th Regt
- Thornhill, Maurice Hensley 22nd Horse
- Tuckwell, Alan Wesley 100th Regt
Hallu EIGHT
- Pte Albert Edward Ahmed 652217 (possibly)
- Private Thomas Allan Bennett 148073 (possibly)
- Private Sydney Halliday 148581 (confirmed)
- Sergeant William Edward Jones 147918 (possibly)
- Lance Sergeant Oscar Lindell 147186 (confirmed)
- Private Lachlan McKinnon 148130 (confirmed)
- Lieutenant Clifford Abram Neelands (confirmed)
- Pte William Simms 148691 (confirmed)
HALLU THIRTY-FIVE
The following soldiers likely buried by the German Alpine Korps on 12 August 1918 on the property adjacent to the Demeuseure family home. C Coy soldiers in bold are also HALLU EIGHT candidates.
- Pte Peter Thornton Anderson 288175
- Pte Thomas Andrews 288081
- Private John Avison 922377
- LCpl James Brett 148734 – C Coy
- Pte William Bunch 234859
- Pte Ernest Challis 2114806
- Cpl Marcus Chisholm 1000833
- Pte Sydney Charles Couling 2128940
- Pte Henry Victor Cousans 1000003
- Private William Ernest Dent 2476305 – A Coy
- Pte Thomas Basil Giles 234467
- Pte Frederick Ernest Gough 922449
- Private Andrew Blair Hockin 922824 – D Coy
- Private John Henderson Irvine 2114888
- Pte Stanley Loutit 288669
- Pte Henry Farmer Millichamp 1000827
- Private Clarence Walter Noyes 186650 – C Coy
- Pte Harry Park 2173305
- Pte Reginald Symington 2115347
- Private Benjamin Edward Utting 294884
- Cpl James Andrew White 193394 – C Coy
Lance-Corporal James Brett, Corporal Marcus Chisholm, Pte Henry Victor Cousans, William Ernest Dent and Pte Ernest Challis last seen in Hallu on afternoon of 11 August 1918. Private Sydney Charles Couling killed by machine gun fire also on afternoon of 11 August 1918.
All of these men named on the Vimy Memorial.
Other Ranks
- Private Ethelbert ‘Curley’ Christian 721010
- Pte Robert Hodges 234592
- Private Harvey Edward Harrison 148814
Pte Curley Christian the only surviving quadruple-amputee of the Great War.
England
Reinforcing draft of 5 officers and 250 other ranks sent to England on 25 September 1915 aboard SS CORSICAN. The 78th Battalion embarked from Halifax 20 May 1916 aboard SS EMPRESS OF BRITAIN, and later disembarked in England on 29 May 1916 with a strength of 37 officers, 1097 other ranks.
Regimental Colours
His Majesty’s and the King’s Regimental Colours deposited in Canterbury Cathedral on 23 June 1917.
They remain here until December of 1918. A Colour Party would later return the Colours to Brabant, Belgium in January of 1919.
Before their return to Canada, the 78th deposited the Colours in Bramshott Church, later returning them to St. Matthew’s Church, Winnipeg.
France
The Winnipeg Grenadiers disembarked in France on 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 reinforced by 18th Canadian Reserve Battalion.
24 August 1916
Sgt Samuel Lewis Honey transferred to the Winnipeg Grenadiers from the 34th Battalion.
11 September 1916
Lieutenant Thomas Carlyle received GSW of left elbow, and left thigh. Later Mentioned in Despatches, London Gazette No. 29889, 2 January 1917. Discharged as medically unfit in Canada on 29 October 1917.
22 September 1916
Sergeant Samuel Lewis Honey MM
“He did most excellent work in clearing an enemy’s communication trench and establishing a block in spite of heavy opposition. He personally covered the withdrawal of his own and another squad under a very heavy grenade fire.”
Military Medal Citation
Honey modest about his achievement and wrote home.
I think the rest of the party deserved recognition as much as I did. . . . What I did, didn’t amount to much. The biggest part of my job was leading the party across; and it really isn’t as easy as one would think. But my bump of locality is pretty well developed, and . . . I struck our objective within ten yards.
11 October 1916
Field General Courts Martial
FGCM of Lieutenants Hegan, Qua & Robinson held at old 3rd Div HQ, Albert. Extremely rare instance of a FGCM involving multiple officers.
The result of the trial had Hegan dismissed from His Majesty’s Service, yet, all three officers would continue to serve until demobilization. Hegan, Qua & Robinson later wounded (Qua a week after the FGCM).
16 October 1916
Later on in the day Lt Gordon Maurice Hebb reported killed – first death of an officer in the battalion. Son of Levi and Lydia Hebb, of Bridgewater, Nova Scotia.
17 October 1916
Lt Richard Penham Qua (FGCM last week) wounded.
31 October 1916
Corporal Charles Stewart 148419, D Coy, recommended full Sergeant by Commanding Officer (Kirkcaldy).
4 November 1916
Private William Scott Kennedy 148370 awarded 30 Days F.P. No.1 by FGCM for self-inflicted wound. Verdict – negligence.
19 November 1916
Lieutenant Joseph Outerson, son of William and Elizabeth L. Outerson, of Edinburgh, Scotland buried at Bapaume Post Military Cemetery.
6 January 1917
Private Ethelbert ‘Curley’ Christian catches up with the 78th Battalion at Cambisneul. The following week, Curley in the line for the first time near Villers-au-Bois. In three months time, Pte Christian buried alive at the Battle of Vimy Ridge.
2 April 1917
Lieutenant Henry Loveland killed in action. Son of William Henry and Lizzie Loveland, of Winchester, Hants. Born at Guildford, Surrey, England.
9 April 1917
Lieutenant Robert Frederick Aitken
Lt Robert Frederick Aitken buried at Zouave Valley Cemetery, Souchez, Plot II, Row E, Grave 8.
Major Gordon Ruthven Heron
Major Gordon Ruthven Heron killed in action. Son of Maj. W. L. Heron, and Emily MacKenzie Brown, his wife, of Ottawa. He won the Humane Society Medal at the age of 15, for saving 5 lives.
Sgt Samuel Lewis Honey MM DCM
Sergeant Samuel Honey MM awarded the Distinguished Conduct Medal for gallant leadership during the battle of Vimy Ridge in April. After his platoon commander had been wounded he “assumed command, leading his men forward in face of terrific fire, until compelled by casualties to dig in. He held his position for three days, encouraging his men by his splendid example.” Honey’s comment on winning the second distinction, “I guess I’m a pretty lucky boy.”
Major Walter Thomas Hooper
Major Walter Thomas Hooper, son of Horatio and Wanda Hooper; husband of Aileen S. Turner (formerly Hooper), of Tuxedo Park, Winnipeg.
Major Charles Simpson Shipman
Major Charles Simpson Shipman also killed in action. Buried at Villers Station Cemetery, Plot IX, Row A, Grave 15.
14 April 1917
Captain Frank William Goossens
Captain Frank William Goossens, son of Franz S. Goossens, of Brussels, Belgium, native of Brussels died of wounds and buried at Boulogne Eastern Cemetery, Plot VII, Row B, Grave 16.
26 April 1917
Lieutenant Charles Robert Hegan
Lt Charles Robert Hegan wounded slightly and remained at duty on 21 March 1917. On 26 April 1917, dismissed from His Majesty’s Service following Court Martial (October 1916 along with Lt Qua and Robinson). The entry deleted by permission of a Mr Beard.
On 5 September 1918, Hegan to be Acting Captain while on Special Employment in London, and later appointed Acting Major (assistant to General Auditor) on 24 June 1919.
27 April 1917
Lieutenant Montford Laurence Genest
Lt Montford Laurence Genest recently returned from commanding 176th Tunneling Coy, transferred to Manitoba Regimental Depot with a view to being granted leave to Canada on Compassionate grounds and SoS accordingly.
8 May 1917
Private Robert Hodges wounded slightly (knee). Actually, Robert had a compound fracture of the right thigh. Evacuated to England and finally discharged from Bromley Hospital on 22 March 1918.
Robert spends the remainder of the war with the Manitoba Regimental Depot (earning One Good Conduct Badge), and embarks Liverpool aboard HMT CARONIA on 29 March 1919.
18 May 1917
Trench Raid
One German prisoner brought in wounded by Lt James Edward Tait. The prisoner died before reaching dressing station.
2 July 1917
Lt Samuel Lewis Honey MM DCM
After Vimy Ridge Sergeant Samuel Honey MM DCM recommended for a commission. In early May he became an instructor at Bramshott pending the opening in July of the officers’ training course (OTC) at Bexhill. Promoted to Lieutenant, 2 July 1917.
14 October 1917
Samuel Lewis Honey rejoined his unit in the field as a lieutenant on 14 October 1917.
3 November 1917
Corporal William Scott Kennedy MM
Cpl W S Kennedy later awarded the Military Medal, London Gazette No 30573, 4 May 1918.
William Scott Kennedy of Pipestone, Manitoba, died 3 November 1917. Son of Archibald & Tryphena Kennedy Pipestone, Manitoba Brother of George Kennedy also killed.
14 November 1917
Lt Charles Thomas Croucher awarded the Military Cross (reference 4th Div letter, 13 November 1917).
Croucher later seconded to the Royal Air Force, 18 July 1918.
29 November 1917
Lt Francis Reginald Longworth married Helen Elizabeth McComb in Winnipeg.
27 June 1918
Lieutenant Edward Alec Foord
Lt Edward Alexander Foord, only son of Arthur Willoughby Foord (Director, Indian Telegraphs) and of Mrs. R Foord, of Faulkner, Manitoba, died and buried at Villers-Bretonneux Cemetery, Plot XIV, Row A, Grave 8.
Battle of Amiens
8 August 1918
Opening day of the Battle of Amiens and Canada’s Last Hundred Days.
10 August 1918
Objective Hallu
Hallu and Chilly
Kirkcaldy and Kilborn
Lt Neelands’ Patrol
Lt Clifford Abram Neelands and 60 Other Ranks move forward into Hallu. Half these men become casualties the following day, and most likely buried by the German Alpine Korps as they moved into the village on 12 August 1918.
Enemy Shelling Hallu
A Coy Reaches Objective
5:20 PM Kirkcaldy Reports
The outposts located just short of Deans Trench, occupied by the Germans.
HQ Established in Chilly
The enemy outflank the companies in Hallu, and move on Chilly.
The prisoner finally mentions two of his battalions engaged in the counterattack.
See 14 August 1918 for Private Howard Esle Slater’s statement.
Lt Taylor’s Light Trench Mortars
Lieutenant Thomas Joseph Taylor MC attached to the Light Trench Mortar Battery.
Wounded, and brought back to to a dressing station where he succumbed to his wounds. Buried at Hillside Cemetery, Le Quesnel.
Evening of 10 August
Lt Tait Captures Two PoWs
Lt James Edward Tait MC, famous for having captured a German PoW in May of 1917 during a trench raid. Tait sends a message to Kirkcaldy at 9:10 pm.
Only a sliver of Hallu Wood exists today – now a rest area of the A1 autoroute.
Major Linnell sending Back PoWs
Major Linnell’s next communication comes on the morning of 11 August 1918.
11 August 1918
Immediately after the enemy barrage ceased at 10:00 am, two battalions of the German Army begin to retake Hallu. Casualties begin to mount among officers and Other Ranks of the Winnipeg Grenadiers.
Linnell’s Morning Update
Enemy Counterattack 10:30 am
Linnell’s Last Message 11:35 am
Major Linnell survives the enemy barrage and sends his last message at 11:35 am.
Lieutenant James Edward Tait MC
If Lt James Edward Tait killed by an enemy shell, then likely he died before noon during the barrage, and before his commanding officer Major Linnell.
Victoria Cross Citation
“For most conspicuous bravery and initiative in attack. The advance having been checked by intense machine-gun fire, Lt. Tait rallied his company and led it forward with consummate skill and dash under a hail of bullets. A concealed machine-gun, however, continued to cause many casualties. Taking a rifle and bayonet, Lt. Tait dashed forward alone and killed the enemy gunner. Inspired by his example his men rushed the position, capturing twelve machine-guns and twenty prisoners. His valorous action cleared the way for his battalion to advance.”
London Gazette, September 1918.
Later that day, however, Tait mortally wounded by a German shell. Nevertheless, he continued to give orders and rally his men until he died. Tait commemorated at Fouquescourt British Cemetery near the Somme, France. Unknown if his remains buried here. Today, Tait’s Victoria Cross is at the Glenbow Museum in Calgary.
Major Henry Rupert Linnell DSO
Major Henry Rupert Linnell DSO, Mentioned in Despatches killed in action shortly after noon on 11 August 1918.
Death instantaneous – the Major sniped in the head as the enemy moved through Hallu.
Son of Mr. and Mrs. John Gasking Linnell; husband of Edith Cathern Linnell, of 34, Regent Rd., Brightlingsea, Essex, England.
Fouquescourt Military Cemetery
Fouquescourt village captured by the 10th Canadian Infantry Brigade on 10 August 1918.
LT Tait VC – Believed to be buried in this cemetery
Examining CoG and GRRF files for the cemetery leads to the location of several Unknown Winnipeg Grenadiers by association with known 78th Battalion casualties. Major Alexander Grant DSO’s body recovered on 28 February 1920. Sheet 66D.A.21.d.2.5 – just west of the railway in Hallu. Grant KIA 11 August 1918. Buried in the first grave of Row F in Plot III.
Major Henry Rupert Linnell had returned to the railway line by noon on 11 August 1918, and died here with Major Grant. Unfortunately, the opportunity to recover his remains over by early March 1920 following the work of the recovery teams.
PTE Thomas Grant Beattie – Plot III, Row F, GRAVE 10
Graves 7-10 in Row F contain a UCS (78th), Pte R H Gough 874325, another UCS (78th), and Thomas Grant Beattie 624915. Gough recovered from same location as the first UCS (66D.A.22.d.1.1). The second UCS at 66D.A.22.d.4.5 and Beattie at 66D.A.28.a.5.9.
Beattie’s location only meters away from the eventual recovery of the HALLU EIGHT by Fabien Demeusere. How was it the HALLU EIGHT were missed by the recovery teams on 2 March 1920?
Other Winnipeg Grenadiers in Row F include Carr 288690 (66D.A.21.D.2.9), C W Dalley 288680 (66D.A.21.b.5.4), and a UCS (78th) in Grave 6 (66D.A.22.c.1.9). All these men recovered north-west of Hallu.
Plot I Row G
Following completion of Row F in Plot III, the exhumation teams proceeded to Plot I, Row G where they buried a UBS from 66D.A.22.D.2.8 later identified as Second Lieutenant Charles William Woodend, and then Cpl F Moore 47566 recovered from 66D.A.22.c.7.3.
Two UBS along with a Winnipeg Grenadier at 66D.A.24.b.3.8 buried in Graves 6-8 respectively. Both UBS should be considered as Winnipeg Grenadiers.
Plot I Row H
The last Winnipeg Grenadier buried at Fouquescourt William Brown Bertie whose cross had been located at 66E.F.30.c.3.4. He likely fell on the way up to Hallu, as his body quite a distance to the rear. Reinterred on 8 March 1920.
In conclusion, six of the 25 missing Winnipeg Grenadiers of 11 August 1918 are found among the Unknowns at Fouquescourt Military Cemetery. However, no evidence to be found other than wishful thinking, that Lt James Edward Tait VC MC buried here. None of the Unknown Winnipeg Grenadiers identified as an Officer by rank.
Hillside Cemetery, Le Quesnel
Two men of the Grenadiers from 11 August 1918 found at Hillside Cemetery. Pte Baker 928252 and Pte Francis Joseph Neary in Plot I, Row C. Baker recovered 6 January 1921. However, only 3 unidentified graves at Hillside – none likely candidates for Winnipeg Grenadiers.
Hangard Communal Cemetery Extension
Pte Wellington McDonald Lane 2476388 the only Winnipeg Grenadier of 11 August 1918 buried here. However, 284 unidentified casualties requires examination. But, no candidates found in Sheet 66D.A.
Caix British Cemetery
With the exception of the HALLU EIGHT, no other Winnipeg Grenadier candidates found at Caix British Cemetery.
14 August 1918
Private Howard Esle Slater – C Company
24 August 1918
Major Frederick Leopold Hesson
Major Frederick Leopold Hesson, son of F. H. and Edith E. Hesson, of Winnipeg, Manitoba, killed in action and buried at Hillside Cemetery.
15 September 1918
Lt Harvey Edward Harrison MC & Bar
Abbeville Communal Cemetery Extension, Plot IV, Row F, Grave 5.
Lt Harrison is on the right, accompanied by officers from the Canadian Scottish Regiment and the Seaforth Highlanders.
27 September 1918
Lt Samuel Lewis Honey VC MM DCM
Through a series of determined attacks the Canadians pierced the first three systems during the latter part of August and early September. On 27 September they crossed the Canal du Nord, overran the heavily fortified German positions in Bois de Bourlon, and beat off every counter-attack. In this operation Honey earned the Victoria Cross.
30 September 1918
Quéant Communal Cemetery British Extension
Lieutenant Samuel Lewis Honey, in very good company, buried in Quéant Communal Cemetery British Extension.
In a dedicated plot, the most popular commander in the CEF – Major-General Louis J Lipsett.
7 November 1918
The fighting over for the Winnipeg Grenadiers as they were relieved by the 22nd Battalion and moved to rest an Anzin. The 78th ended the Great War just shy of the Belgian border toward Mons.
Armistice
11 November 1918
While carrying on Physical Training at Anzin, Brig-Gen McBrien CMG DSO stops by to address the troops at exactly 11h00. An armistice has been signed, and hostilities cease at this very moment.
30 November 1918
Lt John Sholto Douglas died of wounds and buried at Bampton Cemetery, Oxfordshire.
John Sholto Douglas buried in church yard of St. Mary the Virgin in Bampton, Oxfordshire, his grandparents family church. The inscription on the grave marker includes others of his family but does refer to his parents who lived in Brandon Manitoba. He would visit his grandparents on leave during the war.
4 December 1918
Immediate Awards
Under authority delegated by His Majesty the King, the Corps Commander has awarded the decorations stated to the undernamed personnel of the Winnipeg Grenadiers.
bar to the military medal
- Pte (A/L/C) James Hayter MM 712020
- Pte William Wadsworth Robertson MM 624041
- Cpl William Alexander Mitchell MM 148224
the military medal
- Pte G Oliver 294036
- L/C (A/Cpl) H Borden 282181
- Sgt W Squire 288827
- Pte (A/L/C) R W Churchill 288864
- Private S Deeley 28882
- Pte W Barker 2128930
- L/Cpl T W Porter 709162
- Pte B R Bell 651066
- Private C Wayling 288916
- Pte R K Larmour 216358
- Pte A L MacDonald 922612
- Private F L Whitehouse 709430
- Pte C A Carr 2380218
- Pte D Savage 922573
- L/Cpl J W Pickard 624287
7 December 1918
Colour Party to Canterbury Cathedral
A Colour Party consisting of Lt J A Waldon MC and CSM’s F C Sims and R B Hay, left the battalion from Hyon near Mons for the purpose of proceeding to Canterbury Cathedral to receive and bring back His Majesty’s and the King’s Regimental Colours which had been deposited in the cathedral on 23 June 1917.
15 December 1917
At 14h00 on Sunday, Dean H Wace of Canterbury and Members of the Clergy received the Colour Party in the Naive of the cathedral. Lt Waldon stated the intention to take the Colours all the way to Germany. The Colours then Consecrated and Presented.
Demobilization
1 January 1919
Full report received regarding the Colours from Canterbury Cathedral.
8 March 1919
Who is Lieutenant H.H. Harvey MC?
Lieutenant H.H. Harvey M.C. (Winnipeg) decorated By King George V at the Investiture, 8 March 1919.
Harvey’s identity a mystery to CEFRG.
Lieutenant Howard Warner Tye MC
Lieutenant Howard Warner Tye awarded the Military Cross, 4 May 1918, London Gazette No. 30450.
Review By King of the Belgians
The Winnipeg Grenadiers inspected by King Albert on 25 March 1919 at 10h15. The Colour Party consisted of Lt J Tod MC and Lt J J Tobin MC accompanied by 1 Sergeant and 2 Privates.
The King arrived with His Staff and Major-General Sir David Watson KCG CMG.
Presentation of Colours
Presentation of Colours to 78th Canadian Infantry Battalion by Lt-Gen Sir Arthur W Currie, GOC Canadian Corps on 11 April 1919. Again, the Colour Party consisted of Lt J Tod MC (King’s Colour) and Lt J J Tobin MC (Regimental Colour).
Sir Arthur Currie Presentation of Colours to 78th Infantry Battalion (Winnipeg Grenadiers) by Corps Commander 
Battalions of 12th Inf. Brigade participating in ceremony. 
Presentation of Colours to 78th Infantry Battalion (Winnipeg Grenadiers) 
MIKAN No. 3522707 
MIKAN No. 3522708 
MIKAN No. 3522703 
MIKAN No. 3522709
The drums piled in the centre of Genval Square, after which the Colours consecrated by the Senior Chaplin of the 4th Canadian Division assisted by Captain Hodgkinson, Chaplain of the 78th Battalion.
Regimental Colours
The battalion detrained at 06h00 on 30 April 1919 at Le Havre and marched to Canadian Embarkation Camp. The war diary ends at this time. Returned to England the following day.
Later disembarked in Canada 7 June 1919. Demobilized 12 June 1919. Disbanded by General Order 149 of 15 September 1920. Colours donated by 100th Winnipeg Grenadiers. Deposited in Canterbury Cathedral for duration of war. Later deposited in St. Matthew’s Church, Winnipeg. Brass band. Published a photographic record, 1915. Perpetuated by The Winnipeg Grenadiers.
Post War Years
Thomas Stuart Acheson
Honourable Captain and Quarter Master Thomas Stuart Acheson died 12 January 1954.
Samuel Stewart Bryan
After his return from military service, he taught at Evergreen School and Assistant-Principal of Gimli High School. He next served as Principal of Warren School, Rapid City, Griswold School, Ethelbert School, Pipestone School, and taught within Brooklands School District (1939-1940), before continuing as Principal of Gunton School, Bethany School, Cypress River School , Balmoral School, Cartwright School Crandall School, and finally Belmont School (1957-1959).
Bryan a member and President of the Rapid City Branch for the Great War Veterans Assocation, and a member of the Masons, Manitoba Teachers’ Association, and Anglican church. On 18 July 1928, he married Margaret Arthur (1899-1978) at Winnipeg. He and his wife moved to Blenheim, Ontario living in retirement as of 1968. He died in 1972 and buried at Evergreen Cemetery at Blenheim.
John William Moore Carey
Captain John William Moore Carey died 9 November 1953.
Thomas Carlyle
Lieutenant Thomas Carlyle died 14 August 1952.
Thomas Walter Clarke
Captain Thomas Walter Clarke SoS in Canada on 7 August 1919.
James Hayter MM & Bar
Pte James Hayter MM & Bar died 26 March 1951.
Robert Hodges
Private Robert Hodges died 5 March 1977, aged 82.
Francis Reginald Longworth
Lt Francis Reginald Longworth invalided to England before returning to Canada where he did instructional duty at the Depot Battalion in Brandon prior to discharge in August 1919. In 1920, he established an insurance brokerage in Brandon. He died at the Brandon General Hospital on 30 October 1955 and buried in the Brandon Cemetery.
Captain Stormont (Monte) Green MacKenzie MC
Monte Mackenzie earned the Military Cross for action in the field on 2 September 1918, while commanding the 12th Light Trench Mortar Battery as an Acting Captain. He returned home in June 1919 and settled in Winnipeg where he married Beatrice and worked for Drewry’s Limited, the well known Western Canadian brewing company.
Monte died suddenly on 23 October 1946 at Misericordia Hospital in Winnipeg. He and his wife Beatrice had no children. Interred in the family plot at Lake of the Woods Cemetery.
Robert Bruce McTavish
Major Robert Bruce McTavish died in 1938 and buried at Elmwood Cemetery, Winnipeg.
Ivan ‘Mike’ Gladstone Mitchell
Ivan Gladstone Mitchell became a professional ice hockey goaltender who played 3 seasons in the NHL for the Toronto St. Pats.
In 1922 Mitchell injured during the second game of season, and missed the rest of season (credited with winning the Stanley Cup in 1922). Mitchell died 8 May 1942, in his hometown of Winnipeg.
William Alexander Mitchell MM & Bar
Sergeant William Alexander Mitchell MM & Bar confirmed in rank 13 January 1919.
Charles Mark Monstserrat
Major Charles Mark Monstserrat died 7 February 1936 at age 63 in Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada.
James Palmer Peake
Captain James Palmer Peake died 11 November 1928. Survived by his daughter Miss Ruth Peake of Winnipeg.
Richard Penman Qua
Lt Richard Penman Qua died at Woollahra, New South Wales, Australia in 1943.
John Daniel Robinson
Lt John Daniel Robinson discharged 14 March 1919 in Winnipeg.
John Nelson Semmens
Captain John Nelson Semmens mentioned in dispatches three times. In 1957, he retired to Victoria, British Columbia where he died on 2 November 1960. Buried in the Chapel Lawn Memorial Gardens. Semmens did much commercial work, specializing in institutional buildings.
The consulting architect for the Winnipeg Public School Board and architect to the Salvation Army for Western Canada. In 1921, President of the Manitoba Association of Architects. He later practiced in partnership with J. S. Allison.
Reverend James Whillans
Honourary Captain and Chaplain James Whillans died 26 June 1954.
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Comments
One response to “Winnipeg Grenadiers in the Great War”
My grandfather lance corporal Robert Hodges 234592 was A company in the battle of Vimy ridge. Wounded May 6th 1917. I have done a lot of research about the 78th as my grandfather hardly talked about his war experiences with my dad.