CEFRG – Canadian Expeditionary Force Research Group 1914-1919
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RSM Robert Blair DCM in the Great War
Twice Mentioned in Despatches Belgian Croix du Guerre RSM Robert Blair DCM earned the Distinguished Conduct Medal the Belgian Croix du Guerre, and twice Mentioned in Despatches. Mentioned in Despatches by Sir Douglas Haig during the Battle of the Somme. Robert Blair born 23 November 1881 in Coleraine, Londonderry, Ireland. A teamster. Sister Miss S…
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CSM Thomas Thompson Watson in the Great War
CSM Thomas Thompson Watson, first contingent, rose in the ranks of the 1st Battalion to become Physical and Bayonet Instructor on Special Duty in Canada before the end of the Great War. Thomas Thompson Watson born in Penicuik, Scotland. Mother Mrs W Watson of 73 Laurie Terrace, Flemington, Motherwell, England. A steel worker. Do you…
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Private William Morrow Conly in the Great War
During his 26 months on the Western Front, Private William Morrow Conly serves with the 25th Coy CFC, 28th and 46th Battalions. William Morrow Conly born 17 November 1893 in Drumcraw Co, Antrim, Ireland. A farmer. Private William Morrow Conly 440354 enlisted at Sewell Camp, with 53rd Battalion 14 June 15. Twenty one years, 7…
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Battle of the Scarpe in the Great War
Nomenclature Battle of the Scarpe a battle honour incorporating the tactical incident Capture of Monchy-le-Preux, formally entitled the Battle of the Scarpe, 1918, and itself part of The Second Battles of Arras, 1918. Background Following the brilliant success of the Canadian Corps at Amiens on 8 August 1918, the Corps moved back north to rejoin…
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Private Ralph Emerson Hennigar in the Great War
Private Ralph Emerson Hennigar born 26 November 1898, a student. Parents Burton Menoah and Annie Eliza Hennigar of Chester, Lunenberg Co, Nova Scotia. Attested 25 February 1916 at Wolfville with 219th Overseas Battalion. He stood 5′ 5″ tall, 150 pounds, with fair complexion, grey eyes and brown hair. Service of Private Ralph Emerson Hennigar Private…
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Private George Warren Hatfield in the Great War
Private George Warren Hatfield of the 25th Battalion sent back to England when discovered underage. Sent back to the front with the Royal Canadian Regiment when old enough to die. And, he did so, only three months before the Armistice. Enlistment of Private George Warren Hatfield George Warren Hatfield born 20 May 1898 (1899) in…
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Private Patrick Riel in the Great War
Private Patrick Riel the nephew of Louis Riel. No way! Another accomplished sniper of the the Canadian Corps. Way! Louis Riel Louis Riel, Métis leader, founder of Manitoba, central figure in the Red River and North-West resistances died 16 November 1885 in Regina, Saskatchewan. Riel led two Métis governments, central in bringing Manitoba into Confederation. Executed for high treason for his role…
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Boatswain Albert Charles Mattison AM in the Great War
The Halifax Explosion The Halifax explosion, caused by the collision between the French ship Mont-Blanc, loaded with munitions, and the Norwegian vessel Imo, resulted in the death of some 2,000 people and the total destruction of much of the city of Halifax. Among the victims of the explosion, Acting Boatswain Albert Charles Mattison, 44 years old, who…
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Private James Noble Bowman in the Great War
Private James Noble Bowman enlisted with the 147th Grey Overseas Battalion on 1 February 1916 in Owen Sound, Ontario. Born 21 April 1884 in Scotland Cockpen Parish. NoK Mrs Mary Bowman of Kevock Cottages, Lasswade, Scotland. James stood 6 feet tall, 178 pounds, great physical condition, with fair complexion, blue eyes and fair hair. 147th…
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Lieutenant Robert McIntyre MC MM in the Great War
Royal Highlanders of Canada Lieutenant Robert McIntyre born in Glasgow, Scotland, on 11 April 1885. Wounded three times before succumbing to devastating wounds during Second Battle of Passchendaele, for which he posthumously earned the Military Cross. Enlistment of Lance-Sergeant Robert McIntyre Lance-Sergeant Robert McIntyre 418598 enlisted with the 42nd Battalion on 30 May 1915 in…