CEFRG – Canadian Expeditionary Force Research Group 1914-1919
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Bishop Michael Francis Fallon in the Great War
Before the Great War, Michael Francis Fallon 1613 was a member of the Non-Permanent Active Militia. Michael Francis Fallon was the first-born of Dominic Fallon and Bridget Egan Fallon. They had immigrated from Ireland to settle in Kingston, Canada West. Roman Catholic Bishop Michael Francis Fallon, was born at Kingston, on 17 May 1867. Fallon…
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Private John James Todd in the Great War
Private John James Todd 426762 died 104 years ago today, 6 September 1916. John James Todd was born in Lauder, Berwickshire, Scotland on 28 June 1892. He was a Farmer. He attested 14 April 1915 in Regina with ‘B’ Company, 46th Battalion, CEF. John stood 5’8″ tall, with fresh complexion, blue eyes and red hair.…
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42nd Battalion (Royal Highlanders of Canada) in the Great War
42nd Battalion (Royal Highlanders of Canada) organize February 1915 initially under command of Lieutenant-Colonel George Stephen Cantlie DSO. Cantlie on special leave of absence to Canada, 14 December 1916. He would return to command the 20th Reserve Battalion. Major R.L.H. Ewing taking command in his absence. The 42nd Battalion (Royal Highlanders of Canada) mobilize at…
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Corporal Alexander McGregor McRae in the Great War
Corporal Alexander McGregor McRae 147847 was born 9 November 1895 in Neepawa, Manitoba. Son of John, and Elizabeth Cameron McRae, of Winnipeg. He was a clerk. Alexander’s widowed mother lives in Neepawa. He is currently in the militia, with 100th Winnipeg Grenadiers. He attests with the 78th Battalion (Winnipeg Grenadiers) on 17 July 1915, at…
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Honorary Captain Charles Valentine Lester in the Great War
Chaplain and Honorary Captain Reverend Charles Valentine Lester, was born on 2 April 1877 in Kingsbridge, Ontario. He had four years prior service as a volunteer Lance-Sergeant in Devonshire. He was living at 158 Elgin Street, Brantford, Ontario, just across the street from St. Luke’s Anglican Church. His parents lived at 21 Brock Street, Bath,…
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Battle of The Crow’s Nest in the Great War
15th Battalion CEF (48th Highlanders of Canada) Battle of The Crows Nest (Crow’s Nest) in the Great War. Troops of the 15th Battalion capture the Crow’s Nest. An enemy strong point on a high bluff overlooking a large section of the Drocourt-Quéant Line. Then, after three stubborn German counterattacks, all of them pushed back, the…
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Private Roy Edward Henley in the Great War
Private Roy Edward Henley 670194/514204/27643 of the 42nd Infantry Battalion (Royal Highlanders of Canada) was interviewed by the CBC, and the late Canadian Historian Desmond Morton, shortly before Roy’s death. His video interview with the CBC concerned his actions at the Battle of Vimy Ridge. Then, he was filmed on Vimy Ridge, shortly before the…
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Canadian National Vimy Memorial of the Great War
Construction The construction of Canadian National Vimy Memorial began in 1925. Completed just after the intended unveiling of 1 July 1936. 15,000 tonnes of concrete, hundreds of tons of steel, and 6,000 tonnes of specially selected limestone from Croatia were used. Walter S. Allward designed the most magnificent war memorial in the world. Described by…
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The Grant Brothers in the Great War
J.D. and Mary Ellen Grant of Smith Falls, Ontario had two sons serve in the Great War. The elder boy, Donald enlisted first and served with the 38th Battalion. He was wounded on the Somme. Younger brother, Baxter served in France for only three months, in the 2nd Battalion. Only one of the Grant Brothers…
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Private Jacob Isaac in the Great War
Private Jacob Isaac of the Six Nations Reserve 739554 was born on 3 December 1893. He was the son of Silas and Lucy Isaac, Ohsweken, Tuscarora Township, Ontario. Jacob enlisted on 29 November 1915, with the 114th (Haldimand) Battalion. Also known as “Brock’s Rangers.” Recruited in Haldimand County, and on the Six Nations Reserve. Almost…