CEFRG – Canadian Expeditionary Force Research Group 1914-1919
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Nursing Sisters Demobilization in the Great War
The first members of the Canadian Army Medical Corps Nursing Service to be attached to the British Expeditionary Force, were a contingent of 20 Nurses who arrived in France on 7 November 1914 for duty with Imperial units. Peak strength of the C.A.M.C. in France was 828 Nursing Sisters on 1 March 1918. With the…
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Wimereux Communal Cemetery, Pas-de-Calais, Great War Cemeteries
Location Wimereux, Pas-de-Calais, lies five kilometres north of Boulogne. Firstly, from the centre of Boulogne, take the A16 to Calais, and exit at junction 33. Then, follow the D242 into Wimereux. Then, at the first roundabout in town, take the third exit. Finally, continue on the D242, and after about 200 yards, turn left into…
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Private John James Willoughby in the Great War
Though not one of CEFRG’s current cases, the case of Private John James Willoughby provides important background in identifying and recovering The Missing for the group. Willoughby’s remains were discovered by Jean Paul Brunel, of France, in 1986, and he did so much more than assure a Canadian Hero was given the burial he deserved.…
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Captain Bellenden Seymour Hutcheson VC, MC, in the Great War
Captain Bellenden Seymour Hutcheson was a graduate of Northwestern University Medical School. In 1915, he renounced his United States citizenship in order to join the Canadian Army Medical Corps. Attached to the 75th (Mississauga) Battalion, Hutcheson earned the Military Cross and the Victoria Cross during Canada’s Last Hundred Days. In 1920, he reclaimed his American…
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Matron Bertha Jane Willoughby in the Great War
CEFRG is proud to present our first blog post about a Bluebird. Matron Bertha Jane Willoughby, C.B.E., O.B.E., R.R.C., was highly decorated during the Great War. Commander of the Order of the British Empire, Officer of the Order of the British Empire, and Royal Red Cross 1st Class. Mentioned in Dispatches, no less than three…
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Captain Andrew Allan Macartney in the Great War
Captain Andrew Allan Macartney 24735 was born 4 January 1891 in Glasgow, Scotland. He enlisted 23 September 1914 at Valcartier, Quebec, with the Royal Highlanders of Canada (R.H.C.). Andrew had two years prior service with R.H.C. His mother, Mrs S. Macartney resided at Brighton Cottage, Duncan, Scotland. He was married to Agnes Macartney. He was…
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Company Quartermaster Sergeant William Alexander in the Great War
Shot at Dawn CEFRG presents the account of an execution, a soldier Shot at Dawn. The date of his death indicates the account must be that of Company Quartermaster Sergeant William Alexander. CQMS Alexander served with the 10th Canadian Infantry Battalion (Alberta Regiment). This Shot at Dawn story comes from Canon F. G. Scott in…
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Private Fred Hamilton in the Great War
Private Fred Hamilton 116154 was born in 17 September 1895 in Manchester, England. Fred was a farmer and carpenter. His father was Jonathan Hamilton of 1625 36th Ave. Vancouver, B.C. Fred stood 5′ 8″ tall, 148 pounds, with dark complexion, brown eyes, and black hair. He enlisted with 11th Canadian Mounted Rifles (C.M.R.) on 18…
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Were Canadians Savages in the Great War
CEFRG asks, “Were Canadians Savages in the Great War?“ Savages noun During the Great War, written Canadians earned a reputation for their savagery. This folklore may have been encouraged by the unfounded story of the Crucified Canadian. Whether true or not, war diaries and personal accounts do record this fact. When men entered the Ypres…
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The Pearson Brothers in the Great War
CEFRG presents the story of the Pearson Brothers in the Great War. Vaughan, the youngest, served in the Artillery. His elder brothers, Marmaduke and Lester became pilots. Reverend Edwin A. Pearson, their father, looked over them during their service in the CEF. He had much to do with the paths they took during the Great…