Category: Units Great War

Canadian Forestry Corps (CFC)

Most Undisciplined Troops of the CEF

Known as big, strong, hard-working (and hard-drinking) lumbermen, the troops of the Jura Group, Canadian Forestry Corps (CFC) in France likely the most undisciplined men of the entire CEF. Striking superior officers, fighting with local inhabitants, theft, drunkenness, desertion, aggravated assault, rape, murder and AWOL on a nearly daily basis, only some of their indiscretions.

Several soldiers from No. 2 Construction Battalion (Coloured) tried by Field General Courts Martial (FGCM) in the Jura Group. While offenses no more severe than the average offender, obvious discrimination resulted in a most severe sentence for one man, while two other men of No. 2 murdered a fellow-black comrade and charges dropped. Another soldier of No. 2 found guilty of murder, and sentenced to death, later had his sentence commuted to 15 years imprisonment.

Oddly, the FGCM record of the Jura Group bookended by their most serious crimes, resulting in the most severe sentences. Nearly every other man later returned to Canada and honourably discharged.

Other CFC Groups in France

The Jura Group, one of four CFC groups in France, accounted for 94% of their Field General Courts Martial.

• Central Group (4 FGCMs)
  • Captain James Arthur McCourt CAMC, drunkenness, 3-12-17. Dismissed HMS 17-12-17.
  • Two Other Ranks for stealing public goods, and one for striking a Superior Officer.
• Bordeaux Group (none)
• Marne Group (none)

Other war diaries within the Jura Group corroborate at least 66 FGCM’s. To this day, the men of the Jura Group have always escaped scrutiny, but the reasons as to why complex. A systemic unwillingness to acknowledge the true history No. 2 Construction Battalion has much to do with it – they were attached to the Jura Group in May 1917.

Racism

(LAC)– “A note about terms used in the CEF records – Many of the records documenting No. 2 Construction Company contain terms that were commonly used during the First World War but are no longer acceptable. LAC has replaced such terms in descriptions, but they are still found in many of the original documents. The use of these terms by military authorities is evidence of the racism faced by the men in the unit.”

(CEFRG) – A note about derogatory terms. Replacing derogatory terms alters history and suggests there was no systemic racism in the CEF. A reasonable solution which LAC should practice – provide an additional annotation, rather than alter the original annotations. Referring to the image above, it should also be noted the vernacular of the German soldier void of derogatory terms for the enemy during the Great War.

Operations prior to arrival of the Jura Group

The Jura Group made up of companies from Districts No. 5 and No. 6.

District No. 5

An advance party of five Officers and 20 Other Ranks commanded by Major G H Johnson left England on 11 January 1917 for Jura. On 4 February 1917, two companies disembarked at Le Havre. Other companies arrived in May, in order of their arrival:

• No.s 21 and 22 Coys
• No. 36 Coy
• No. 2 Construction Battalion
  • No. 2 Canadian Coloured Construction Battalion (Company) arrives at Boulogne-sur-Mer, 17-05-1917.
    • Significantly below full battalion strength of 1,049, No. 2 Canadian Coloured Construction Battalion had been redesignated as a Company prior to leaving England.
    • LtCol Sutherland reverts to rank of Major to remain in command.
  • No. 2 Canadian Coloured Construction Company leaves Boulogne for Jura, 18-05-1917, arriving in Jura on the 20th.
• No. 39 Coy
• No. 40 Coy (Montoux)
• No. 47 Coy (Bordeaux)

RG9, vol. 4472, folder 3, file 2:

“Originally intended for Canadian Railway Troops… but, owing to the moral effect of mixing these men with whites, and Headquarters not approving of these being formed into Labour Companies, they were sent to the Forestry Corps.”

No. 2 Construction Battalion composed of Canadian negroes was despatched as a labour unit, and is employed on the various railway and other construction work and for the less skilled work of the various companies within the Jura Group. The last three companies employed in the nearby forest of La Fresse. – No. 5 District War Diary entry.

District No. 6

• No. 28 Coy entrained at La Joux, Jura for Gerardmer, Vosges on 23 July 1917 with Major W H Milne in command of District No. 6. No. 51 Coy had arrived in June.
• No. 56 Coy arrived at Gerardmer on 2 August 1917 under Major H L E Hudon, No. 69 Coy arrived at Gerardmer on 16 August 1917, Major L F Howard in command.
• Finally, No. 77 Coy arrived on 4 October 1917. Major R H Fletcher transferred from 35th Battery, CFA to take command.

July 1917

Sapper Charles Henry Bryant

Spr Charles Henry Bryant 931673, the first casualty in the region (meningitis) and at the Camp Hospital, La Joux. 2nd Canadian Constr. Coy., on 4 July 1917 buried at SUPT CHURCHYARD.

FGCM

The No. 2 Construction Coy’s first FGCM began on 12 July 1917.

• FGCM Pvt John Munroe, No 2 Constr. Coy - 1) Drunkenness, 2) Refusing to obey an order given by a superior officer.

September 1917

From 5 to 13th September 1917, FGCM held at La Joux for three men of No. 2 Construction Coy, charged with rape and theft. The length of the trial indicative of the seriousness of the case. Men condemned to death from the trenches never afforded such consideration.

FGCM (3) – Rape

• Pte James Allen 931585 and Pte Obediah Johnson 931761, No. 2 Construction Coy - 1) Committing an offense against the person of an inhabitant of the country in which he was serving (rape), 2) Committing an offense against the person of an inhabitant of the country in which he was serving (theft).

L/Cpl James Allen (b. 31-10-1894 in Alabama) had previous offenses for 1) Malingering, 2) Theft from a comrade, 3) AWOL from Tattoo in June of 1917.

Pte Obediah Johnson 931761 (b. 1891-03-10 in Georgia) had previous offenses for 1) Making away with Iron Rations, 2) AWOL.

Sentence – Both men sentenced to Death. Sir Douglas Haig soon commutes the sentence to Penal Servitude for Life.

Both men sent to No. 6 Prison in Dieppe, and later evacuated to England and incarcerated at Maidstone Prison. The Canadian High Commissioner made an appeal in 1924 for Allen’s transfer to Canada, odd since he was American. Johnson received same sentence and places of incarceration.

Another FGCM at No. 5 District spanning two days on 6/7 September 1917, held at La Joux. From this date, all subsequent FGCM’s would transpire on a single day.

FGCM

• FGCM Pte William Smith 931134, No. 2 Construction Coy (Coloured) - 1) Committing an offense against the person of an inhabitant of the country in which he was serving (no information as to the offense). Found guilty and sentenced to 15 Years Penal Servitude. Escorted the following day to No. 6 Military Prison, Dieppe. William discharged from OMFC in British Isles on 30 March 1918, a civil court having imposed the same sentence.

Pte Smith had been charged along with Allen and Johnson in connection to the same case of rape.

SUPT CHURCHYARD

Eight war graves found in the south-east corner of the church. All Canadian troops, 4 from the Canadian Forestry Corps. and 4 Canadian Railway Troops.

Private John Everett Gaudette

Private J. E. Gaudette 506510 , 52nd Company, Canadian Forestry Corps, died 7 September 1917 (SUPT CHURCHYARD). Died from a ruptured femoral vein (accident in the mill).

Discipline

Disciplinary problems not limited to No. 2’s personnel. Every CFC unit’s war diary replete with references to disciplinary proceedings and courts martial addressing a wide variety of incidents, from violations of military rules and misbehaviour in camp to offences committed in nearby communities.

In September 1917, CFC Headquarters decided to address the issue by sending the “repeat offenders” within No. 2 Construction’s ranks closer to the front lines, where labour units in demand. It was hoped that the change of scenery would result in greater conformity to the military’s expectations.

October 1917

CSM Lawrence Oliver Comeau

Company Sergeant-Major Lawrence Oliver Comeau 709607, 47th Company, Canadian Forestry Corps, died 3rd October 1917 from tuberculosis, aged 21 (SUPT CHURCHYARD). Son of John F. and Daisy Comeau, of 140, Metcalfe St., Montreal. Born at Cape Ball, New Brunswick.

CENSEAU COMMUNAL CEMETERY

Senas is a village approximately 30 kilometres south-east of the town of Avignon and 50 kilometres north-west of Marseille. It is just off Junction 26 of the A7/E714 motorway. Region Bouches-du-Rhone. On the south (right-hand) boundary, in the family vault, is buried an officer whose body was brought from Amesbury Cemetery, Wiltshire.

FGCM

• News received on 12 October 1917, Driver J M Williams 2671 CASC who had been sentenced by FGCM to 1 Year Hard Labour was released forthwith.

Pvt Alex Zykoski

On 14 October 1917, Pvt Alex Zykoski 2160271, 22nd Coy., buried at CENSEAU COMMUNAL CEMETERY, in West (far right) corner.

He remains the only casualty of the Great War buried at Censeau. Son of Franciska Zykoski of Wolka, Piotrowska, Poland.

Pvt Frank Basenach

Pvt Frank Basenach 159025, 69th Company, Canadian Forestry Corps, died 31st October 1917 (tuberculosis), aged 26. Son of Mrs. G. Basenach, of Klobik, Alabama, U.S.A. Born in Chicago, U.S.A. Buried at SUPT CHURCHYARD.

The Jura Group from 5 November 1917

Map of Operations – No. 5 District, Jura Group, July 1917 (No. 57 Coy. replaced No. 40 Coy. in La Fresse Forest on Nov 1., 1917)

November 1917

Jura Group HQ authorized from 5 November 1917, two districts (No. 5 & No. 6) with Lt-Col G H Johnson as C/O. Major B Harvey as adjutant. Lt McCrea reported from base to make arrangements for Dominion Elections, 27 November 1917.

FGCM

A FGCM held on 10 November 1917.

• FGCM Pte T Walker 227181, No 50 Coy, 1) Drunkenness, 2) Using insubordinate language to a Superior Officer, 3) Using threatening language to a Superior Officer. Found guilty and sentenced to 55 Days IHL at No. 1 Military Prison.

FGCM

A FGCM held on 12 November 1917.

• FGCM Pte J Hetherington 2250925, No 57 Coy, 1) Stealing public goods, 2) Receiving stolen goods. Found guilty and sentenced to 90 Days IHL at No. 1 Military Prison (Rouen).

Bad Apples of No. 2 Construction Coy

On 12 November 1917, 1 Officer and 50 OR proceed to Cartigny as a detachment to assist No. 37 Coy. The enlisted men had one thing in common—their service files record numerous minor disciplinary infractions.

FGCM – Deserter

A FGCM held on 15 November 1917.

• FGCM Pte Albert Mary 2245443, No 50 Coy, 1) AWOL, 2) Deficiencies in kit. SoS as a Deserter from 12-11-17. Apprehended in March of 1918, Albert returned to No 50 Coy on 23 April 1918 and behaved himself for the remainder of the war.

FGCM – Deserter

A FGCM held on 22 November 1917.

• FGCM Pte A Zyboski 2150271, No 22 Coy, 1) AWOL, 2) Deficiencies in kit. SoS as a Deserter from 3-11-17.

FGCM

A FGCM held on 29 November 1917.

• FGCM Pte H R Mclean 793264, No 40 Coy - 1) Using violence against his Superior Officer, 2) Committing an offense against the person of an inhabitant of the country in which he was serving, 3) Disobeying a lawful command of his Superior Officer, 4) Resisting an escort.
• FGCM Pte H L Johnson 488271, No 40 Coy - 1) Using violence against his Superior Officer, 2) Committing an offense against the person of an inhabitant of the country in which he was serving, 3) Disobeying a lawful command of his Superior Officer, 4) Resisting an escort.

McLean found guilty of first 3 charges and sentenced to 8 months Intensive Hard Labour (IHL). Johnson, found guilty of all charges and received same sentence.

December 1917

Private W. Boone

Private W. Boone 931625 , 2nd Canadian Construction Company, Canadian Railway Troops, died (nephritis) 1 December 1917 at Jura Hospital and buried at SUPT CHURCHYARD. His record spotless – a big man from Alabama at 41 years of age, standing 6′ 2″ tall.

FGCM

A Field General Courts Martial (FGCM) held on 10 December 1918.

• FGCM Pte O Richer 666897, No 47 Coy - 1) Using insubordinate language 2) AWOL 3) Drunkenness resisting an escort.

Both men sentenced to 8 months Intensive Hard Labour (IHL). Prisoners generally employed in exhausting, manual tasks which often served no purpose other than to break down their spirit.

Decided on 10 January 1918 that any men undergoing FP No. 1 shall be sent to Field Punishment Compound (Imperial) at Rouen. Brigadier Jean Claude Girourd, Mission Militaire Francaise, reported for duty at Jura HQ as interpreter.

FGCM

FGCM assembles at La Joux on 10 December 1917 for the trials of Pvts Matheson and Richer.

Private L Commando 648214, 77 Coy, accidentally killed while on duty at skidways at No. 8 Mill through a logging truck breaking away on the steep incline approaching the mill (CHARMES MILITARY CEMETERY, ESSEGNEY).

This was the first accident in District No. 6. Son of Mr. and Mrs. Charles Commando, of Mattawa, Ontario; husband of Mrs. Maggie Commando, of North Bay, Ontario. Pvt Commando originally buried at Gerardmer French Military Cemetery, and brought to Charmes in 1920.

On 22 December 1917, Major B Harvey proceeded to Gerardmer to arrange a FGCM.

The group HQ Office moved to village of Andelot-en-Montagne on 28 December 1917.

Health Concerns

About 1/3 of No. 2 Canadian Construction Coy move from La Joux to Alencon on 30 December 1917. Three Officers, 12 NCOs and 164 Other Ranks. A considerable number of No. 2 Construction’s personnel from the Caribbean Islands or parts of the southern United States. With a cold winter in the mountainous Jura region fast approaching, the officer concerned that men accustomed to a much warmer climate might develop health issues that would limit their ability to work and possibly require hospitalization, and notified CFC Headquarters of his concerns.

In response, CFC HQ agreed to re-assign these men to an area of France where winter conditions much less harsh. The irony of this decision that, by the time the selected personnel departed for Alencon, the rainy, damp November weather had given way to a cold, dry December, and the men exhibited no difficulty in adjusting to the changes. However, the decision had already been made and neither the medical officer nor CFC HQ wished to request a reversal, fearing embarrassment at their poor judgment.

1918

Location List of HQ and Companies in the Jura Group, January 1918. Same disposition in February 1918.

La Joux

• HQ
• No. 21 Coy (arrived 4-02-1917
• No. 22 Coy (arrived March 1917)
• No 28 Coy (arrived April 1917)
• No. 36 Coy (arrived July 1917)
• No. 39 Coy (arrived July 1917)
• No 47 Coy (arrived July 1917)
• No. 50 Coy (arrived July 1917)
• No. 52 Coy (arrived July 1917)
• No. 51 Coy (arrived July 1917)
• No 77 Coy (arrived mid-October 1917)

Montoux

• No. 40 Coy

Bordeaux

• No. 47 Coy

January 1918

Lt J H Dunlop ToS HQ on transfer from No. 22 Coy, CFC and appointed Officer in charge statistics, Jura Group CFC.

FGCM

On 11 January 1918, the FGCM of A/Sgt George Gore, in confinement since 11 November 1917.

• FGCM Sgt George Gore, 57 Coy - 1) Unlawfully wounding Sgt M J Sheridan, 2) Unlawfully wounding Pte W G Wilson. Found guilty and sentenced to 90 Days FP No 1 and reduction to ranks.

On the 12th, Lt-Col G H Johnson Mentioned in Sir Douglas Haig’s Despatch of Friday, 28 December 1917. Also Mentioned, Sgt J Davis 1049100 of No. 21 Coy, CFC.

Private J. Mansfield

Private J. Mansfield 931378, 2nd Canadian Construction Company, Canadian Railway Troops, died 14th January 1918 (SUPT CHURCHYARD). According to Reverend Captain White’s diary, he had been in the hospital since 29 November 1917. Discharged on 10 January because the doctor believed that he was faking his illness.

On 13 January 1918, White reported that Mansfield’s illness had worsened and that he spent the day reading and praying with him. He also stated that Mansfield was taken to the hospital a second time, but that the doctor still thought that he was malingering.

On 14 January, White wrote that Mansfield had died and that “now they think he was not faking.”

Captain (Rev) Adam N de Pencier

LtCol W Beattie ADCS and Captain (Rev) A N de Pencier reported at No. 5 District and proceeded to No. 6 District on the 28th.

No. 21 Coy, CFC (No. 5 District) established a new District record for one shift of 10 hours, cutting 95,616 Feet B.M.

Of the CFC in France, only No. 5 had a dipping tank into which horses could be soaked in a calcium sulphide solution to control the mange.

Grooming after work important for the health of the horses as they could have picked up ticks and other insects while in the forest. This would have been done by the horse-handlers at the end of the work day and serious enough that if not done or done properly, a soldier could be charged for failing to groom properly, or with mistreating the animals. This the case with at least two soldiers of No. 2 Construction Company.

• 931198 W. Allison, charged with failing to properly groom his horse,
• 931609 W. Douglas, charged with mistreating the horses.

Such offenses did not require a FGCM, but still resulted in sanctions including Field Punishments, and confined to barracks.

No. 2 Construction Battalion, 21 January 1918

CHAMPAGNOLE COMMUNAL CEMETERY

Champagnole a town in the Department of Jura, 30 kilometres north-east of Lons-le-Saunier on the D471. The town noted among the soldiers for its prostitutes, and Salins for cafés that stayed open late and served alcohol.

Pvt Archibald MacGowan

Pvt Archibald MacGowan 1013419, 28th Coy., died 27 January 1918 (cerebral haemorrhage) and buried at CHAMPAGNOLE COMMUNAL CEMETERY in grave A.16 (the first casualty in row A). A 43-year-old butcher from Scotland, Archie suffered a fractured malleolus (ankle) severe on 22 November 1917 and died of a cerebral hemorrhage. Prior to joining the Jura Group, he was sanctioned no less than seven times for being drunk, and once AWOL.

The Communal Cemetery located in the north-east of the town near the railway station. The 20 war graves are in 8 separate kerbed plots with chippings and will be found immediately to the left of the cemetery entrance.

Private Tilman McKinley Willams

The second burial on 28 January 1918 at CHAMPAGNOLE COMMUNAL CEMETERY for Private Tilman McKinley Willams 931837 (pulmonary tuberculosis), 2nd Canadian Constr. Coy. Born in Smithville, TN in 1896. Following several months in hospital, he died at Jura Hospital.

February 1918

Production for No. 5 District, CFC for January – 6,989,284 F.B.M. Highest previous month November 1917 – 5,173,923 F.B.M.

Major W H Milne ceases to be O/C No. 6 District on transfer to Home Establishment, 2 February 1918 (Major T Hale assumes command).

No. 51 Coy transferred to Jura Group from No. 10 District, CFC, and posted to No. 6 District at Gerardmer, Vosges, 3 February 1918. 65 ORs arrived and posted to No. No. 6 District at Gerardmer, Vosges.

142 OR reinforcements arrived on 7 February 1918 and posted to No. 5 District.

Saw Dust Furnace

Lt-Col G H Johnson designed the first sawdust furnace at No. 40 Mill, Gerardmer, Vosges, and completed on 10 February 1918.

FGCM (2)

• 14 February 1918 - FGCM Pte J O'Neil 1013695 - 1) AWOL. Guilty and sentenced to 70 Days F.P. No.1.
• 18 February 1918 - FGCM Pte Mary Albert 2245443 - 1) AWOL. Guilty and sentenced to 9 months imprisonment.

On 20 February 1918, a 150 bed hospital established at La Joux.

Six inches of snow fell on 28 February 1918.

March 1918

Production for No. 5 District, CFC for February – 5,919,732 F.B.M. Production for No. 6 District, CFC for February – 1,874,001 F.B.M.

Captain O Nase, CADC appointed Senior Dental Officer on 2 March 1918.

Hon Capt & Chaplain J J Jones, CCS attached to No. 6 District on 11 March 1918.

FGCM (3)

On 12 March 1918, three FGCMs.

• FGCM Pte Joseph Potvin 297012, No. 77 Coy - 1) AWOL. Guilty and sentenced to 90 Days F.P. No.2.
• FGCM Pte J H Jordan 2303907, No. 77 Coy - 1) Disobeying a lawful command. Guilty and sentenced to 6 months IHL.
• FGCM Pte M Marqhardt 19231, No. 77 Coy - 1) Committing an offense against an inhabitant. Guilty and sentenced to 1 year imprisonment.

On 13 March 1918, DSO awarded to T/Major G M Strong, No. 5 District.

The following day, No. 70 Coy made a record for No. 5 District for six-hour shift of 59,573 F.B.M.

FGCM

• Pte M Infrance 2160279, No. 50 Coy, sentenced to 12 months IHL and transferred to the Canadian Infantry on 21 March 1918.

Air Raids

When German forces launched a major offensive against Allied positions on March 21, 1918, No. 37 Company and its No. 2 Construction detail found themselves in a precarious situation. German artillery shells struck the area around the camp, forcing personnel to abandon the area. While lumber, machinery and the mill left intact, important machinery parts buried and stores removed.

Personnel marched out of camp at 5:00 pm March 23, with German forces less than two kilometres away, and made their way to a CFC camp at Wail, where work resumed the following day. No. 2 Construction personnel remained with No. 37 Company until early December, when they received orders to rejoin their comrades at Étaples, France, before proceeding to the United Kingdom.

FGCM (3)

On 23 March 1918, another three FGCMs.

• FGCM Pte S Gallagher 724504 No. 28 Coy - 1) AWOL. Guilty and sentenced to 90 Days F.P. No.1.
• FGCM Pvt R Higgins No. 56 Coy - 1) Striking a superior officer, 2) Conduct to the prejudice of Good Order and Military discipline. Guilty and sentenced to 9 months IHL
• FGCM Pte J M Ledoux, No. 77 Coy - 1) AWOL. Guilty and sentenced to 28 Days F.P. No.1.

On 24 March 1918, the Director of Timber Operations cancelled leave of every description until further notice.

FGCM

• Last FGCM of the month on 27 March 1918. Pvt F X Delisle 274067, No. 52 Coy - 1) Theft (boots of a comrade). Guilty and sentenced to 9 months I.H.L.

Pvt Félicien Roy

Pvt Félicien Roy 666083 a farmer from Moncton, New Brunswick enlisted with the 165th Overseas Battalion on 7 February 1916. At 18 years of age, standing 5′ 4″ tall, with dark complexion, black eyes, and black hair. He was Roman Catholic. Son of Moise and Claudide Roy of Moncton, NB.

Félicien arrived in England aboard SS METAGAMA on 7 April 1917, and ToS 13th Reserve Battalion. The following month SoS to the Canadian Forestry Corps at Sunnydale. On 25 March of 1918 ToS of No. 40 Coy, CFC at La Jura. Only three days after his arrival in France, Pvt Félicien Roy killed accidentally.

Félicien died at Lajoux Hospital, Jura on 28 March 1918 from a compound fracture of skull and compound fracture base of skull, accidental.

Militaire canadien se recueillant sur la tombe du soldat acadien Félicien Roy, décédé le 25 mars 1918.

April 1918

Production for No. 5 District, CFC for February – 7,118,331 F.B.M. Production for No. 6 District, CFC for February – 2,292,333 F.B.M.

On 1 April 1918, first issue of Journey Meal Cards received for Soldiers proceeding on leave.

Captain E F Church, CCS, attached to No. 5 District for duty on 2 April 1918.

Forty-eight reinforcements arrived at District 5 from England for 2nd Construction Company (Coloured), 8 April 1918. The battalion originally comprised of 11 Officers and 495 Other Ranks on 20 May 1917.

Instructions received from Director of Timber Operations (DTO) to select 2 Officers and 100 OR to devote their time to Military Training, 15 April 1918.

FGCM

• FGCM Pte C Frobell 166526 No. 51 Coy - 1) Disobeying a lawful command. Guilty and sentenced to 6 months I.H.L., 16 April 1918.

Advance party proceeded to La Bergemont (Doubs) to commence operations in Aviation Spruce.

FGCM (2)

Two FGCMs on 23 April 1918.

• FGCM Pte G B Cates 513227 No. 51 Coy - 1) Disobeying a lawful command. Guilty and sentenced to 90 Days FP No. 1, 9 May 1918.
• FGCM Pte B L Snyder 1013651 No. 56 Coy - 1) AWOL. Guilty and sentenced to 6 months I.H.L.

FGCM (3)

The following day, another three FGCMs.

• FGCM Pte William Edward Gibson 817057 No. 50 Coy - 1) AWOL. Guilty and sentenced to 28 Days FP No. 1, 9 May 1918.
• FGCM Pte Joseph Carr 249298 No. 47 Coy - 1) AWOL. Guilty and sentenced to 6 months I.H.L.
• FGCM Pte William Carleton No. 47 Coy - 1) AWOL, 2) Resisting an escort and striking Pvt Owens, 3) Drunkenness. Guilty and sentenced to 1 year I.H.L.

Private George Sylvia, 2nd Canadian Constr. Coy., died on 28 April 1918 and buried at CHAMPAGNOLE COMMUNAL CEMETERY.

FGCM

• FGCM L/Cpl R Stewart No. 28 Coy - 1) AWOL. Guilty and sentenced to 28 days FP No.1, 29 April 1918.

May 1918

Production for No. 5 District, CFC for February – 4,859,434 F.B.M. Production for No. 6 District, CFC for February – 2,076,978 F.B.M.

Private George Gore

Private Gore 844493, 57th Coy., died 1 May 1918 (cerebral haemorrhage) and buried at CHAMPAGNOLE COMMUNAL CEMETERY. Magnolia Lewis of Illinois was his friend.

FGCM – “March the guilty bastards in”

“March the guilty bastard in” the historic and continuing meme within the Canadian military reflecting the belief that to be accused is deemed to be guilty.

Canadian military personnel tried by summary trials subjected to a modern version of medieval justice, denied the most basic and important rights the Canadian Charter of Rights and Freedoms guaranteed to all Canadians. Less than 5% of the accused acquitted.

FGCM (3)

Three FGCMs on 14 May 1918.

• FGCM Pvt W Rochon No. 70 Coy - 1) AWOL, 2) Drunkenness, 3) AWOL. Guilty and sentenced to 12 months IHL.
• FGCM Pte R Boudreau 666875 No. 58 Coy - 1) Disobeying a lawful command. Guilty and sentenced to 6 months IHL.
• FGCM Pte E Bickford No. 70 Coy - 1) AWOL, 2) Drunkenness, 3) AWOL. Guilty and sentenced to 12 months IHL.

Imperial Military Prisons

• No. 1 Military Prison (Blargies North Camp, Abancourt)
• No. 2 Military Prison (Rouen)
• No. 3 Military Prison (Le Havre)
• No. 4 Military Prison (Abancourt)
• No. 5 Military Prison (Les Attaques)
• No. 6 Military Prison (Dieppe) – opened 4 February 1917

Canadians typically spent their time at No. 1 Military Prison at Blargies or No. 2 Military Prison (Rouen).

Conditions poor in the camps, partly as a result of deliberate practice to avoid it being seen as a “soft option” compared to service on the front lines. The prisoners not provided with any soap, their diet often restricted as a form of punishment, and roughly treated by the guards.

Clothing and bedding infested with lice (not unlike the trenches). Usual for men undergoing field punishment in the camp to be blindfolded – not the usual practice in the rest of the army.

Eighteen CAMC reinforcements arrived in District 5 for the hospital, 18 May 1918.

FGCM (4)

Also no less than four FGCMs on this day (18 May 1918).

• FGCM Pte H G Turner 1013552 No. 28 Coy - 1) AWOL. Guilty and sentenced to 6 months IHL.
• FGCM Pte J O'Neil 10136955 No. 56 Coy - 1) AWOL. Guilty and sentenced to 3 months IHL.
• FGCM Pte T McIntosh 1013568 No. 56 Coy - 1) AWOL. Guilty and sentenced to 6 months IHL.
• FGCM Pte J Potvin 297012 No. 77 Coy - 1) AWOL. Guilty and sentenced to 1 year IHL.

FGCM (3)

A very busy month for FGCMs, another three on 22 May 1918.

• FGCM Pte P Landry 2188575 No. 77 Coy - 1) AWOL. Guilty and sentenced to 28 Days FP No. 1.
• FGCM Pvt P Goulette No. 77 Coy - 1) AWOL, 2) Drunkenness. Guilty and sentenced to 28 Days FP No. 1.
• FGCM Pte John Lewis Sullivan 931736 No. 2 Canadian Construction Coy - 1) Striking a superior officer and threatening to cut Major Sutherland with a knife, 2) Disobeying a lawful command. Guilty and sentenced to 10 years Penal Servitude. John had spent 36 days in confinement awaiting trial.

John Lewis Sullivan

Pvt John Lewis Sullivan had served 10 years in the 10th Cavalry, US ARMY. Born in Sheridan, NY, 11 January 1875, he was 40 years of age at his FGCM. A big man at 5′ 10″ tall, 145 pounds. John’s service unique in that he was the only member of the CFC to be tried no less than three times by FGCM.

FGCM (3)

• Prior to joining the Jira Group, tried by FGCM on 5 July 1917. FGCM - 1) Drunk, 2) Attempting to cut an NCO with a razor, 3) Violently resisting escort. Found guilty and sentenced to 10 Days FP No.1
• Again tried by FGCM on 16 August 1917. FGCM - 1) Using insubordinate language, 2) Violently resisting escort. Found guilty and again sentenced to 10 Days FP No.1
• Finally, just prior to joining the JIRA Group, FGCM on 7 March 1918. FGCM - 1) AWOL. Found guilty and again sentenced to 15 Days FP No.1

John’s sentence remanded to 5 Years Penal Servitude on 12 June 1918. And, in August remanded to 2 Years IHL. Admitted to hospital with a peptic ulcer in January 1919, John returned to the General List in February 1919 and only returned to Canada in July.

Private Wilfred Herbert Jenkins

Private Wilfred Herbert Jenkins 1087115, No. 58 Coy, died 22 May 1918 (CHAMPAGNOLE COMMUNAL CEMETERY). A 50-year-old Gardener from Monmouthsire, England, he was killed accidentally when the team of horses he led bolted, and a water tank collapsed upon him. Eight witnesses testified at an inquiry.

June 1918

Production for No. 5 District, CFC for February – 4,893,860 F.B.M. Production for No. 6 District, CFC for February – 1,771,427 F.B.M.

No. 2 Construction Coy has 6 Officers, 297 ORs in La Joux attached to No. 37 Coy on 1 June 1918. Another 2 Officers and 172 ORs attached to the Central Group. Total company strength 8 Officers, 510 ORs.

FGCM (2)

Two FGCM’s on 4 June 1918.

• FGCM Pvt R Sigler No. 77 Coy - 1) AWOL. Guilty and sentenced to 10 Days FP No. 1, 4 June 1918.
• FGCM Pvt T F Gillespie 2498621 No. 39 Coy - 1) Disobeying a lawful command. Guilty and sentenced to 3 months IHL.

Lance Corporal Jean-Baptiste Daigle

Lance Corporal Jean-Baptiste Daigle 666043 , 40th Company, Canadian Forestry Corps, died 5th June 1918, aged 37 (SUPT CHURCHYARD). Husband of Salome Daigle, of Little Aldouane, Kent Co., New Brunswick.

Before attempting to break into a woman’s bedroom, and subsequently being shot and killed by a French civilian, Daigle had spent the evening drinking with other soldiers in the home of the Mayor of Montmorlot.

No. 2 Construction Coy received a further 17 members on 6 June 1918..

Lt Frederick Nelson Ritchie, No. 57 Coy admitted to La Joux Hospital on 10 June 1918 with bronchitis and influenza. Discharged two days later.

Private Arthur Benson Cromwell

Pvt Cromwell 931083, 2nd Canadian Constr. Coy., died (t.b. pulmonary) 16 June 1918 and buried at CHAMPAGNOLE COMMUNAL CEMETERY. Son of George Cromwell and Cynthia Jarvis. Husband of Maggie Coones of Bridgenorth, Ontario.

Meritorious Service Medal

On 26 June 1918, the following awarded the MSM for services in France:

• SQMS A D Ledingham 1048023, HQ Jura Group
• Sgt W B Burnside 1013407, HQ No. 6 District
• Pte Robert McRae 1048655, No. 22 Coy

A 44-year-old Millman, Pte McRae had been appointed Millsawyer with pay at rate of 3 dollars a day since 4 May 1917.

FGCM (3)

Three FGCM’s on 28 June 1918

• FGCM Pvt M J Sullivan No. 21 Coy - 1) AWOL, 2) Committing an offense against the property of an inhabitant. Guilty of the first charge and sentenced to 60 Days FP No. 1, 28 June 1918.
• FGCM Pvt J Rutherford 2368453 No. 70 Coy - 1) AWOL, 2) Drunkenness. Found guilty and sentenced to 90 Days FP No. 1, 28 June 1918.
• FGCM Pvt B H Doherty No. 57 Coy - 1) AWOL, 2) Making away with by selling Government property. Guilty - sentenced to 1 Year IHL.

Disposition of No. 2 Construction Co on 30 June 1918:

• 6 Officers, 311 OR at La Joux
  • 41 Other Ranks att’d to No. 37 Coy
• 2 Officers, 170 OR at Central Group

July 1918

Production for No. 5 District, CFC for February – 8,402,181 F.B.M. Production for No. 6 District, CFC for February – 3,010,152 F.B.M.

Sports in celebration of Dominion Day by Officer’s and Men of Districts No.s 5 and 6.

The band of No. Construction Coy greatly assisted in entertaining the crowd.

T/Lt J H Dunlop of HQ Jura Group graded for purposes of pas as Staff Lieutenant First Class, 3 July 1918. No. 343 Road Construction Coy, Royal Engineers arrives at District Five to take over construction of roads by CFC in the Jura.

Inspection

Lt-Gen R E W Turner HQ Canadians visited with Brig-Gen Lord Lovat, Director of Forestry, Brig-Gen A McDougall, DoT Operations. Captain Nicholl ADC and Captain Cuvray (French Forester) also present.

“To win this war, it is essential that we have timber for our railways, trenches, mines, etc., and, therefore, please accept and convey to the Officers, NCOs, and men under your command my appreciation for the splendid work you are doing” – Sgd R.E.W. Turner-Lt.Genl.

FGCM

• FGCM T/Lt Thomas James Andrews 2626974 HQ Jira Group - 1) AWOL (28-2-18 to 6-3-18), 2) Conduct to the Prejudice of Good Order and Military Discipline, wearing Sergeant's chevrons without authority, 3) Conduct to the Prejudice of Good Order and Military Discipline, being in possession of a pass well knowing it was not genuine 4) When in confinement escaping (At La Joux on 9-3-18) . Guilty - sentenced to six months IHL.

Jura Group HQ moved from Andelot-en-Montagne to Besancon (Doubs), 13 July 1918.

August 1918

Production for No. 5 District, CFC for February – 5,460,297 F.B.M. Production for No. 6 District, CFC for February – 2,569,209 F.B.M.

No. 2 Construction Coy stil attached to No. 5 District with the exception of 40 ORs attached to No. 37 Coy, and 2 Officers, 168 ORs attached to No.1 District.

FGCM (2)

Two FGCM tried on 1 August 1918.

• FGCM Pte C E Wilcox 2288466, No. 28 Coy - 1) AWOL. Guilty and sentenced to 6 months IHL.
• FGCM L Boone 1013712, No. 56 Coy - 1) AWOL. Guilty and sentenced to 5 months IHL.

As a result of a visit by LtCol F W E Wilson on 5 August 1918, some ninety men evacuated out of No. 5 District as no longer suitable for work in the CFC. LtCol G M Strong DSO relinquishes his command of No. 5 District on his appointment as OC No 10 District, CFC Rclaron (Haute Marne), and succeeded by Major G B Klock formerly OC No 10 District.

On 8 August 1918, request received from Town of Villers-sous-Chalamont (Doubs) to turn over the new waterworks system there as a momento of the stay of the CFC. Request referred to DoT for consideration. No. 118 Aux Petrol M T ASC Unit consisting of 3 Officers and 107 OR reached La Joux, now taking care of all Mechanical Transport in No. 5 District, formerly the task of CFC.

Labergement

Col J Sutherland, AD CFC (Paris), Major A E Forges (British Forestry Mission) and Major C E Read (CFC HQ) visited with principal object in connection with additional markings for new mill at Labergement, 23 August 1918.

FGCM (2)

Two FGCM’s also held on this day.

• FGCM Pte A Larocque 2368544, No. 70 Coy - 1) Drunkenness. Guilty and sentenced to 6 months IHL.
• FGCM Pvt E W Sitts 851091, No. 52 Coy - 1) AWOL. Guilty and sentenced to 6 months IHL, but LtCol Henderson commuted it to 90 Days FP No. 1.

The 533rd Area Employment Company (Imperials) reported at No. 5 District for duty under Captain S Blake of the Roads Directorate.

September 1918

No statistics supplied for the month of August 1918. Unlike other groups which continue to do so, Lt J H Dunlop no longer records these vital statistics for the Jura Group.

Private Fred Bonnette

Only a few of No. 2 Construction Battalion’s 600+ men saw combat. Private Fred Bonnette 931404, first served with the Canadian Veterinary Corps before being transferred to the 10th Battalion, arriving in France in March of 1917. The following month, he was sentenced to 14 Days of F P No. 1 for being out of bounds (in Bethune).

Fred shot in the chest on 2 September 1918. He survived and died 21 January 1957.

Brig-Genl. Lord Lovat returned for an inspection of No.s 5 and 6 with Colonel J B White DSO on 4 September.

Preliminary Survey and locating of mill site commenced in new forest of Rochejean (Doubs), 10 September 1918. Two units attached to HQ Jura Group, CFC, for purposes of discipline and interior economy:

– No. 833rd Area Employment Company

– No. 343 Roads Construction Coy, Royal Engineers

FGCM (2)

FGCMs from 23 September 1918.

• FGCM Pte E F Hamilton 2496687, No. 57 Coy - Two counts of Disobeying a lawful command. Guilty and sentenced 42 Days FP No. 1
• FGCM Pvt E Hills 2250398, No. 50 Coy - 1) Disobeying a lawful command. Guilty and sentenced to 3 months IHL.

Murder

Also on this day, Private Charles Some 931410 , 2nd Canadian Construction Company, Canadian Railway Troops, died 23rd September 1918. Charles the eight and last Canadian buried at SUPT CHURCHYARD on 26 September 1918 with full military honours. Chaplain J B Naylor, CFC officiating. The Adjutant wrote a letter of condolences to his wife.

Charlie Some attacked and murdered, the victim of multiple stab wounds. His body found on a mountain road in the forest. On 4 October 1918, a FCGM found Some had been murdered by persons unknown.

Later, a French-Algerian soldier (Touhami Ben Mohammed Burkat) tried by French Military Court, found guilty of killing Some and sentenced to five years of hard labour.

FGCM of Charlie Some

Charlie had been tried by FGCM on 18 July 1918 for being out of bounds (Lyon) and arrested by Military Police. Awarded 28 Days FP No. 1, he was again sanctioned on 29 August 1918 (AWOL) and given another 12 Days FP No.1.

Promotions

On 24 September 1918, the following T/LTs from No. 2 Construction Coy to be A/Captains:

• Samuel Clifford Hood
• Russell Roderick Rutherford MacLean

Advance party of No. 22 Coy and 40 Coy proceeded to Longuevilles and Rochejean to open a new operation there.

Orders received from DTO to move No. 40 Mill in District 6 to Cornimont (Vosges).

At the hospital for the JURA Group, prisoner, T/Lt Thomas James Andrews makes a sworn statement on 26 September 1918. He declares he had enlisted under an incorrect name, and now declares his true name as Howard Henry Gau.

Major W F McConnell, CCS and Senior Chaplin CFC, arrived from Paris to visit Chaplains in Districts 5 and 6.

FGCM

On 27 September 1918, only one FGCM.

• FGCM Pvt W Richardson, No. 40 Coy - 1) Disobeying a lawful command. Guilty and sentenced to 6 months IHL.

October 1918

The men of No. 2 Construction Coy chiefly employed in Bush and Transport Operations. On 3 October 1918, a single FGCM.

FGCM

• FGCM Pvt M J Brown No. 57 Coy - 1) Disobeying a lawful command. Guilty and sentenced to 28 Days FP No. 1.

FGCM – March the Guilty Bastard In

Service at the Front

On 4 October 1918, as the Canadian Corps spearheaded the final weeks of a three-month offensive against German positions in northern France and Belgium, a draft of six non-commissioned officers (NCOs) and 150 OR left Alençon for the Canadian Corps Reinforcement Camp. Given the timing of their departure, these men likely saw service at the front just before the war’s conclusion.

Doubtful that this directive applied to any No. 2 Construction personnel, even though they spent time in “Military Training”, as other Coy’s had been instructed since April of 1918. However, on 22 July 1918, “instructions [were] received from District Headquarters to cease Military Training.”

Again, only one FGCM on 5 October 1918.

• FGCM Pvt J McCoy 178103, No. 50 Coy - 1) Disobeying a lawful command. Guilty and sentenced to 3 months IHL.

Has the arrival of the two detachments for ‘discipline’ having effect?

On 9 October 1918 at No. 1 Military Prison, T/Lt J H Dunlop (HQ Jura Group) will be known in future as Private Howard Henry Gau.

Pte Allan Bell Ferris

Pte Allan Bell Ferris 2250816, 58th Coy, died 13 October 1918 of pneumonia at La Joux Hospital (CHAMPAGNOLE COMMUNAL CEMETERY). Son of Francis Bell Ferris and Anna Ferris. Born at Inverness, Scotland, he was 46 years old.

Private David Horsnall

Private David Horsnall 225816, 52nd Coy, died 13 October 1918 of pneumonia at La Joux Hospital (CHAMPAGNOLE COMMUNAL CEMETERY).

Pte William Eggleshaw

Private William Eggleshaw 1048371, 22^nd Coy, died 18 October 1918 (CHAMPAGNOLE COMMUNAL CEMETERY). Son of William and Margaret Eggleshaw, of 13, Scotholme Avenue, Hyson Green, Nottingham, England. William had been admitted to hospital with VDG and later died from pneumonia.

Pvt Matt Hill

Private Matt Hill 913771, 21st Coy, died 19 October 1918 (CHAMPAGNOLE COMMUNAL CEMETERY). Matt was from Finland. He died of pneumonia four days after admitting to La Joux Hospital.

FGCM (2)

Two FGCMs 21 October 1918.

• FGCM Pvt F W Clark, No. 57 Coy - 1) AWOL, 2) AWOL. Guilty and sentenced to 6 months IHL.
• FGCM Pvt J Rutherford, No. 70 Coy - 1) Drunkenness, 2) Prejudice to the Good Order of Military Discipline. Guilty and sentenced to 42 Days FP No. 1.

Pte Belfeild Elliott Hall

Private Belfeild Elliott Hall 931342, 2nd Canadian Constr. Coy., died 22 October 1918 (tuberculosis). Son of Mrs. Ethelinda Malvina Hall, of Bowling Alley, St. Joseph, Barbados, British West Indies.

Elliot buried at Champagnole with full military honours, Chaplain William Andrew White officiating.

Producing Infirmity, 24 October 1918

Malingering involves intentionally feigning, producing, or aggravating a disease, injury, or sickness to avoid duty, work, or service. Considered a serious offense because it undermines unit readiness and reliability. 

FGCM

• FGCM Pte E C Cooper 24994444, No. 58 Coy - 1) Producing Infirmity on between 6-8-18 and 16-9-18, 2) Wilfully guilty of misconduct by means of which misconduct he delayed the cure of infirmity, 3) Producing Infirmity on or about 2-10-18, 4) Wilfully guilty of misconduct by means of which misconduct by means of aggravating infirmity. Sentenced on the 2nd and 4th charges to 3 months IHL when a Medical Officer considers him fit. Changed by Lt-Genl D Henderson to 3 months imprisonment without hard labour.

Not Guilty

A FGCM held at Labergement (District 5) on 30 October 1918. For only the second time, a man acquitted of a charge.

• FGCM Pvt C Larsen, No 21 Coy - 1) Stealing public goods, 2) Receiving stolen public goods, 3) AWOL (16-24 October 1918). Not guilty of first two charges, but guilty of the 3rd charge and sentenced to 56 Days FP No. 1.

The court’s reluctance to convict on charges involving the public evident in further trials.

Private William Salling

Private William Salling 104870, No 21 Coy, died 25 October 1918 from bronchial pneumonia in the hospital at La Joux (CHAMPAGNOLE COMMUNAL CEMETERY). William had been awarded a Good Conduct Badge the previous month. He was a lumberman from Aarhus, Denmark.

Lt Frederick Nelson Ritchie, No. 57 Coy evacuated to Paris Hospital (debility/bad teeth), 30 October 1918. Chronic bronchitis has him evacuated to England, and his days with the CFC are over.

Private Joseph P H Wayland 63911

Private Joseph P H Wayland 63911, No. 58 Coy, died 31 October 1918 and buried at CHAMPAGNOLE COMMUNAL CEMETERY. From and born in Montreal on 25 July 1895. Joseph had relinquished his rank of A/Sgt in order to proceed overseas. In March 1918 he had been granted permission to marry in England. He proceed to No. 58 Coy in France on 5 July 1918. He succumbed to bronchial pneumonia in the hospital at La Joux, one of the first men killed by “Spanish” Influenza.

Last entry from Major D H Sutherland in the No. 2 Construction Coy war diary on 31 October 1918. Disposition of the men slightly different from July 1918, and 2/3 at La Joux, the remainder attached to the Central Group, and 1 Officer and 60 Other Ranks attached to HQ – CFC.

November 1918 – The Flu Epidemic

The units become depleted in November of 1918 with a great many men hospitalized with the Spanish Flu. As the crisis reached epidemic proportions, only the press in Spain discussed it freely, which gave the world the impression it had originated in Spain. It should have been named the Asian Flu, for it had been born by the men of the Chinese Labour Corps, and reached Europe via two routes. One westward around the Horn of Africa and through the Suez Canal, the other eastward, through North America.

Captain William McLure Calder

Funeral of Captain William McLure Calder held at Champagnole (Jura) on 4 November 1918. Killed accidentally, the Captain had been travelling by motorcycle when he collided with an oncoming lorry. Son of George F. Calder and Jemima C. Rodger (his wife), of Lachute, Quebec. The local inhabitants impressed by the orderly manner of the ceremony, soon to be repeated, but never again for an Officer of the CFC.

Private Sydney David

Private Sydney David 931411, 2nd Canadian Constr. Coy., died 10 November 1918, the final casualty before the Armistice (CHAMPAGNOLE COMMUNAL CEMETERY). Found dead, an inquiry reported he had fell off a cliff. Sydney had recently returned from leave. Several infractions prior to May 1918, all for being out of bounds (no drunkenness). At an inquiry, David’s cousin Pte Jones testified they had been drinking at Boujeailles, and he had left Sydney behind. An autopsy concluded Private David, drunk and disoriented, lost his way back to camp and fell from a height of about 70 feet.

11 November 1918

DoT instructs no more new timber to fall, 11 November 1918.

FGCM

The final FGCM in the Jura Group fell to Sgt McPherson of the Canadian Army Veterinary Corps.

• FGCM Sgt D McPherson 783 CAVC, att'd 70 Coy - 1) AWOL. Sentenced to Reduction to Ranks.

Murder of Vincent Carvery

Vincent Carvery, No. 37 Coy, CFC, murdered on 20 November 1918. No. 37 Coy in the Havrincourt area at the time.

Service of Pvt Vincent Carvery

• Pvt Carvery awarded 5 Days FP No 2 for 1) creating a disturbance after lights out and 2) Insolence to an NCO, 15 November 1917.
• Pvt Carvery admonished for creating a disturbance, 21 February 1918.
• Pte Carvery awarded 7 Days FP No 1 for AWOL, 11 May 1918.
• Pvt Carvery awarded 7 Days FP No 1 for being absent on parade, 1 August 1918.
• FGCM - Pvt Carvery 1) Striking his superior officer. Found Guilty and sentenced to 90 Days FP No. 1, 24 August 1918.
• Pte Carvery awarded 14 Days FP No 1 for refusing to work and using obscene language to a WO, 29 August 1918.

Death of Vincent Carvery

On the morning of 20-11-18 Pte Arthur Johnson 931052 quarreled with Pte Carvery of the same unit. About 15 minutes after the quarrel Pte Johnson returned to the hut where the quarrel took place and shot Pte Carvery through the back, killing him instantly. Vincent was a big man, standing 6 feet tall, 175 pounds.

Shot in the back through his heart, Pvt Carvery buried at DELSAUX FARM CEMETERY, BEUGNY.

FGCM of Pte Arthur Johnson

Tried and convicted by FGCM on 10 December 1918 for murder, and sentenced to Death on 18 December 1918. Sentence commuted to 15 years Penal Servitude by Sir Douglas Haig on 23 December 1918. Sentence expires 17 December 1933.

Pte Arthur Johnson discharged (Misconduct) from the CEF on 27 August 1919 in London, England and sent to Portland Prison (Dorset). In 1921, the prison became a borstal – a youth detention facility). Arthur likely died in England on 26 February 1955 (no Death Card at VAC) and buried at Nottingham Road Cemetery, Chaddesden, Derby Unitary Authority, Derbyshire.

Service of Pte Arthur Johnson

Johnson’s service record begins 28 July 1916, and details of his offenses begin only upon arrival in England on 17 May 1917.

• 21-5-17 Forfeits 5 days pay for making away with iron rations
  • Johnson one of 78 soldiers receiving same sanction on this day
• 19-6-17 AWOL (10 Days FP No. 1)
• 28-6-17 AWOL (5 Days FP No. 1)
• 9-8-17 20 Days FP No.1 for cutting a comrade with a knife
• 23-8-17 AWOL (10 Days FP No. 1)
• 4-10-17 AWOL (14 Days FP No. 1)
• 3-1-18 Admonished for failing to obey an order
• 17-3-18 VDG (stoppage of pay for 26 days)
• 15-9-18 Dispatched to Base Depot in England as underage
• 8-3-19 In confinement awaiting trial for murder

No. 58 Coy Summary

Captain W H Wallace sends a not too flattering summary for No. 58 Coy on 21 November 1918.

• Forestry practice has always been very poor.
• Co-operation has been poor with the French.
• Officer supervision has been of a high standard until the last few weeks.
• General woods management is the best of any Coy from the standpoint of production only.
• Cleaning up of Skidway timbers, isolated logs, etc., has never been done. Altogether the Carry On is messy.
• …at least 3,000 man-days will be necessary to bring things in order in this line.

LtCol Geo H Johnson replied later on 18 February 1918, and suggested Captain Wallace had been in error. He asked that he attach no further importance to his criticisms.

Captain Ellis of No. 58 Coy had also submitted a scathing report on 19 November 1918. Major W A Webster rose in defence of No. 58 Coy on 2 December 1918, saying he considered Captain Ellis’ report as unfair to the Officers and men of this company and think further comment unnecessary.

The official Photographer (Lt Jauche) reports on 29 November to HQ – CFC.

Instructions received to despatch 1,000 low category men, also No. 2 Construction Coy to CGBD for demobilization, 30 November 1918.

December 1918

Orders received on 1 December 1918 to despatch 300 B Category men from the JURA Group, in addition to the entire No. 2 Canadian Construction Company to General Base Deport at Etaples. Another 150 B Category men, and 350 OR ordered to Etaples the following day. The remainder of all companies in JURA Group will be in a position to move on the last day of 1918.

Inquiry

From the war diary of No. 5 District HQ, aged 55, Corporal Michael Jackson 931303, No. 2 Construction Company, ‘found dead’, 3 December 1918. Cpl Jackson had suffered ‘a’ contusion to his head on 31 October 1918 which had led to his death in hospital.

An inquiry into his death determined he had been in a fight near Censeau. Found stumbling, two days after the incident with a puttee around his neck, and badly bruised and bleeding about his head. An autopsy concluded he died of cerebral meningitis due to injuries a week before his death.

Son-of-a-bitch

Pte William John Talbot (b. 1889-05-02) 931021 (No. 2 Construction Coy), the nephew of Pte Wallace Talbot (b. 1896-09-02) 931048 (No. 2 Construction Company) testified it was Wallace who had assaulted Cpl Jackson for calling him a ‘son-of-a-bitch”. Both testified they carried him into a field, and left him there.

Madame Pettegeix, serving drinks at the estaminet, testified it was Wallace Talbot that was drunk and repeatedly tried to get in a fight with the deceased. She described the other two as being very quiet.

Witnesses (and the accused) testified to Wallace assaulting Cpl Jackson with Jackson’s cane. Repeated injuries about his head must have occurred after he was dragged into the field, out of sight to anyone except the Talbot’s.

Finding

The conclusion of the inquiry crossed out in Jackson’s service file, but the Talbot’s committed an offence under Army Act Section 41 (3) : Manslaughter.

On 26 February 1919, Regimental Depot Group states 931048 Pte Talbot Wallace cannot be charged under Sec.37(1) as he is not a NCO (no mention of Wallace Talbot). And no attempt made to hold either of the Talbot’s to account for the death Pvt Jackson. Pte William John Talbot’s service record shows two periods of AWOL, and several treatments for VDG in France and England, but no mention of Pte Jackson’s death. Similarily, Pte Wallace Talbot 931048’s service record mentions no details. Wallace also had repeated bouts of VDS, but even garnered a Good Conduct Badge between episodes in September 1918. He was also admitted to hospital in October 1917 for broken ribs.

Sergeant Leslie Alfred Evelyn Botte

Sgt Leslie Alfred Evelyn Botte 234758, CFC, died from lobar pneumonia on 7 December 1918 (CHAMPAGNOLE COMMUNAL CEMETERY). Son of Edmund Palmer Botte and Frances Botte, of Bristol, England; husband of Alfreda Evelyn Botte, of Alonsa, Portage la Prairie, Manitoba.

Horses

DTO ordered 500 horses from District No. 5 to No. 1 Base Remount Depot at Rouen. Inferior horses to be disposed of locally. The image below of a horse arriving in Jura during November 1917.

Major B Harvey relinquishes appointment as Adjutant HQ Jura Group on proceeding to report to A G Canadians, London, for despatch to Canada on 4 December 1918.

Another 100 B Category men despatched on 7 December 1918 along with another 350 the following day.

Companies in Districts 5 and 6 completing operations in bush and mill and prepared for evacuation at any time, 14 December 1918.

DTO gave authority for 8 Officers, and 350 B Category men from No. 5 District to proceed to Etaples on 19 December 1918.

Another 250 horses despatched on 20 December to Rouen.

Major the Viscount de Vesci (Dir of Forestry) arrived on Christmas Day to settle claims, leases, etc., of the Canadians in Jura and Vosges.

On the final two days of 1918, a total of 13 Officers and 434 other ranks proceeded to Le Havre for evacuation to England.

1919

On 4 January 1919, a further 5 Officers and 183 other ranks proceeded to Le Havre for evacuation to England.

Order of the British Empire

The King has been pleased to give orders for the following promotions in and appointments to the Most Excellent Order of the British Empire, 6 January 1919.

– LtCol G H Johnson

Mentions in Dispatches

Note an Other Rank rarely Mentioned in Despatches – Private August William Gustafson of Sweden one such man.

– LtCol T Johnson, DADTO Jura Group

– Major T Hale, O/C District 6

– Private A W Gustafson 1049303, No. 36 Coy, District 5

Private August William Gustafson had also been appointed Millsawyer with pay at rate of 3 dollars a day since 4 May 1917.

As of 8 January 1919, all horses disposed of. The sale of all horses concluded with Mssr A Mangel, Notary, 6 Grand Rue, Besancon, at a flat price of 1600 francs for each horse, irrespective of age or condition.

On 18 January 1919, Private Howard Henry Gau (actually the disgraced Lt Thomas James Andrews) released from No. 1 Military Prison, having served his entire six month sentence. He was ToS of his former unit, now at Sunnydale.

The Paris Detachment, CFC, sends to the DoT in London the war diaries, historical records, etc., from the companies in France on 25 January 1919. By this day, only the HQ remain in Vosges, and No. 70 Coy in Jura.

February 1919

Complete clearances received from Colonel Schlumberger, Conservateur des Eaux et Forets, Epinal and Captain Rollin in charge of Services de Genie for all operations in Vosges on 3 February 1919.

Clearances received from 7e Region of the French Army, Besancon on 6 February 1919. Personnel retained in No 70 Coy for the large quantity of Engineering Stores, Ordnance Stores and Scrap to be disposed of.

On 21 February 1918, Lt-Col G H Johnson receives instructions from 3rd Echelon HQ to update the war diary on a daily basis – “War Diary will be a record of historical and statistical value.” The war diary for the month of January returned in the hope the missing entries will be updated.

On the final day of February 1919, District 6 HQ (Vosges) still awaiting orders to proceed to Le Havre. Note the date of the photo below cannot be accurate as CFC instructed not to cut down any new timber from 11 November 1918.

March 1919

Legion of Honour

The French Republic pleased to confer on Lt-Col Geo H Johnson CBE the Legion of Honour, 1 March 1919.

Authority received to evacuate HQs of No 5 and 6 along with No. 70 Coy and the 118th Aux Petrol Coy and 343rd Area Employment Coy, RE on 21 March 1919. The last men of the CFC leave on 25 March 1919, bound for Le Havre. On 29 March 1919 they proceed to England, and the war diary closed.

The mayor of Conches sends his most grateful regards on 7 March 1919.

Released from No. 5 CGH on 14 July 1919, Pvt Howard Henry Gau (Thomas James Andrews) had been treated since May for a colon ulcer. Invalided to Canada and disembarked Liverpool on 14 July 1919.

Blame

In January 1919, DoT admitted discipline had only returned in the Jura Group a few weeks prior to the Armistice as a result of change in command. The men also knew the end of the war approaching and new Officers had nothing to do with their supposed return to good behaviour.

Turning a Blind-eye

From their arrival in July 1917, command unable or not competent to address the lack of discipline. They were too busy spending their time in FGCMs. Note the only awards and mentions given to men like the Millsawyers.

Production

DoT always impressed by the production of the Jura Group. None of the Other Ranks merited awards. But, that did not mean there were plenty of men with unblemished service records that worked harder than anyone for the war effort. Along with those men honoured by Supt who had died from Influenza and injury, including ten men of No. 2 Construction Battalion.

No one aware such scandalous behaviour had transpired, including the Mayor of Supt, Evelyne Comte when Mémorial Canadian Forestry Corps dedicated to the CFC in September 2018.

In Defence of No. 2 Construction Battalion

Proportionally, the soldiers of No. 2 Construction Battalion had not behaved any worse than the men of the other Companies in the Jura Group. Approximately 3,000 men in the group, and about 400 of them from No. 2 Construction Bn. Five of 66 FGCM’s belonged to No. 2, however, their five FGCM’s had been among the most serious. Furthermore, for nearly a year, No. 2 had stayed out of court.

Discriminatory practices

It would not have been correct to blame the lack of discipline on No. 2. Rightfully so, the vast majority of men in No. 2 Construction Battalion returned to their communities as true heroes of the Great War.

Throughout their time in uniform, No. 2 Construction’s personnel experienced racist attitudes and discriminatory practices in a variety of ways. The most obvious example of discrimination their exclusion from service with active combat units at the front.

No. 1 Construction Battalion

Following its establishment, representatives of No. 1 Construction Battalion, an all-white labour unit, voiced their disapproval of the unit’s name. When officials arranged for overseas transportation aboard SS Southland, combat units scheduled to sail aboard the same vessel protested No. 2 Construction’s presence. In both cases, Canadian military authorities ignored the objections.

Dominion Day

Discriminatory practices continued during their overseas service. For example, while No. 2 Construction personnel at Jura, France, permitted to participate in a 1918 “Dominion Day” sports competition, the men at Alençon denied the same privilege. This inconsistency once again reflected the choices made by local OCs, practices that military authorities continued to ignore throughout the war.

Kinmel Park Riots

Perhaps the most serious overseas incident said to have occurred at Kinmel Park, Wales, UK, where No. 2 Construction’s personnel processed prior to their return to Canada.

While undergoing the routine medical and dental examinations part of the discharge process, the men found themselves in a camp with personnel from numerous other units predominantly if not exclusively white. In such an environment, not surprising that friction eventually occurred.

Riot

Two No. 2 Construction veterans later recalled one particular incident. Private Benjamin Elms, a native of Monastery, Antigonish County, described a disturbance that broke out between No. 2 Construction personnel and a group of CEF infantrymen when “a white soldier made a racial remark.” After No. 2 Construction’s Sgt. Edward Sealy, a native of Barbados, ordered the man arrested, “his buddies came to release him and all hell broke loose.” No. 2 already back home when the real rioting began in March at Kinmel.

Sergeant Sealy

Pte. Robert Shepard of Mulgrave, another No. 2 Construction veteran, had a slightly different recollection of the incident: “No. 2 was on parade under the direction of Sergeant Sealy. A sergeant-major from another unit ignored orders from Sergeant Sealy and interfered with the line of march. When he was arrested, some of his comrades attempted to remove him from the guard house. A riot broke out and a number of soldiers ended up in hospital.”

Other reports present different accounts of the incident. One suggests that a white unit stepped in front of No. 2 Construction soldiers waiting their turn in the bath line. A second claims that white Canadian officers refused to return the salute of parading No. 2 Construction men during a regimental parade. Unfortunately, Sgt. Sealy’s personnel file makes no reference to any incident.

Quick Return to Canada

Whatever may have transpired, the accounts may explain why military authorities seemed intent on quickly returning No. 2 Construction to Canada, in comparison to other CEF units. In general, the “rule of thumb” following the November 11, 1918 Armistice was to send the units that had served overseas for the longest period of time back to Canada first (i.e., 1st and 2nd Canadian Divisions). That was not the case For No. 2 Construction’s personnel, who left the continent only one month after the Armistice, while other CFC units remained in France for weeks or months into the New Year, the bulk having returned before August 1919.

‘Bad Apples’ of the Jura Group following the Great War

1929

Following a septic infection colonoscopy, Howard Henry Gau died from peritonitis on 17 December 1929. He is buried in the family plot at St. Joseph’s New Cemetery in Cincinnati, Ohio.

1949

Pvt Wallace Talbot 931048, No. 2 Construction Company died from cancer of the stomach on 9 July 1949 and buried in Saint John’s Cemetery, New Glasgow, NS. Lot 400, single grave. LAC Death Cards no entry for 931021 William Talbot.

Research – The Jura Group, Canadian Forestry Corps (CFC)

ww1.cemeteries.com

inmemories.com by Pierre Vandervelden

The Canadian Forestry Corps by C. W. Bird and Lt Joseph Bedford Davies

First World War Veterans of Guysborough County – Bruce F. MacDonald

No. 2 Construction Battalion: The Operational History by Major Mathias Joost CD

Moving Mountains: The No. 2 Construction Battalion and African Canadian Experience During the First World War – Danielle Pittman

CHARLIE’S WAR by Dr. Kirrily Freeman

War Diaries

• Headquarters – Canadian Forestry Corps (France)
• Headquarters – Jura Group – Canadian Forestry Corps
  • Headquarters – No. 5 District – Canadian Forestry Corps
  • Headquarters – No. 6 District – Canadian Forestry Corps
• Headquarters – Central Group – Canadian Forestry Corps
• Headquarters – Bordeaux Group – Canadian Forestry Corps
• Headquarters – Marne Group – Canadian Forestry Corps
• Director of Timber Operations, Canadian Forestry Corps

CONTACT CEFRG