Private Vincent Zwingel born 1 May 1880 in Suwałki, Russia. Suwałki located about 30 kilometres from the southwestern Lithuanian border and gives its name to the Polish protected area, known as Suwałki Landscape Park.
Vincent a labourer and resided at 50 Stephen Street, Montreal (later 535 St Antoine Street, Montreal), his wife Mrs Tena (Antanina) Zwingel of same address. They had four children, Annie (11), Mary (10), Vincent (4), and Anellie (2 months).
Enlistment
Private Vincent Zwingel 847622 enlisted 13 March 1916 with the 150th Battalion, at this time, he stood 5’10” tall with fair complexion, blue eyes and fair hair – a Roman Catholic. Vincent, not understanding a word said by the enlistment officer, signed his attestation paper with an ‘X’, and later begins to send $20 a month home to his wife from his pay.
150th Battalion
Organized in November 1915 under the command of Lieutenant-Colonel Hercule Barré, and authorization published in General Order 151 of 22 December 1915. Mobilized at Montreal, and later recruited in the Montreal district. Draft of 99 to 69th Battalion later in March 1916.
England
150th Battalion embarked from Halifax 27 September 1916 aboard LAPLAND, and later disembarked in England 6 October 1916 with a strength of 24 officers, 515 other ranks. Draft of 75 to 22nd Battalion in November 1916, in addition, drafts of 50 to 22nd Battalion and 47 to 127th Battalion in December 1916.
150th Battalion with the 14th Infantry Brigade, 5th Division later from 13 February 1917 to 9 February 1918. Drafts of 100 each to 14th, 22nd, 24th, 87th Battalions and to 5th Canadian Mounted Rifles later in February 1918. Finally, absorbed by 10th Canadian Reserve Battalion in February 1918.
Private Zwingel admitted to Highland View, Amherst, with Pneumonia, 1 April 1916, later discharged to duty 9 May 1916.
Vincent embarked for Liverpool from Halifax, 27 September 1916, later disembarking Liverpool 6 October 1916.
Private Vincent Zwingel transferred to 22nd Battalion, 29 November 1916, and joined his unit in the field, later on 4 December 1916.
22nd Battalion
In October 1914 under the command of Colonel Frederick Mondelet Gaudet Authorization published in General Order 36 of 15 March 1915. Mobilized at St-Jean, Québec, and later recruited throughout the province of Québec. Embarked from Halifax 20 May 1915 aboard SAXONIA, and later disembarked England 29 May 1915 with a strength of 36 officers, 1097 other ranks.
Disembarked in France 15 September 1915 with the 2nd Canadian Division, 5th Canadian Infantry Brigade, and later reinforced by 10th Canadian Reserve Battalion. Returned to England 8 April 1919, disembarked in Canada 16 May 1919, demobilized 18 May 1919, and finally disbanded by General Order 149 of 15 September 1920. Colours deposited in Notre-Dame Cathedral, Montreal in 1919, and later handed over to Royal 22e Régiment in 1921, perpetuated by Royal 22e Régiment.
Vincent struck-off-strength 22nd Battalion following the Battle of Vimy Ridge, to 2nd Labour Battalion, 17 April 1917.
2nd Canadian Labour Battalion
Organized at Seaford in January 1917 under the command of Lieutenant-Colonel Albert Coleman Garner, and arrived later in France 10 February 1917, and worked mainly on broad gauge railways. Later redesignated as 12th Battalion Canadian Railway Troops on 21 November 1917.
Private Vincent Zwingel granted leave from 8 December 1917 to 22 December 1917, later rejoining his unit from leave on 27 December 1917.
Pte Zwingel left for No.12 District, Canadian Forestry Corps, later on 8 May 1918.
Private Vincent Zwingel granted 14 days leave, 9 November 1918, later rejoining his unit on 30 November 1918.
Return to England
Then, on 23 April 1919, Pte Zwingel sent to Base Depot, Sunningdale.
To Kinmel Park for return later to Canada 10 May 1919.
Return to Canada
Private Vincent Zwingel embarked Liverpool, 20 May 1919, later disembarked in Halifax, 28 May 1919.
Finally, S.o.S. in Montreal 19 June 1919, and Vincent went home to 535 St Antoine Street, Montreal, to his wife and four children.