Captain William Hall White K.C. – UPDATED

I happened to find a small biography book on this gentleman. He was quite a character and an adventurer. He was not afraid to go where not too many Canadians of his generation went. He lived by the definition of a “true adventurer” The book is available at Shoreline Press.

Captain William Hall White served with the Battleford Column during the military expedition against Louis Riel and with Canadian Army Pay Corps during World War One. He is entitled to the North West Campaign Medal and the British War Medal.

He was born on April 29th, 1856 in Hamilton, Ontario. He had 9 brothers and sisters.

He entered Upper Canada College in 1873. He went to the University of Toronto and was called at the Bar in 1882 and then he headed to Winnipeg. He invested in the real estate booming there but lost all his money. He then moved to Brandon, Manitoba where he arrived on April 2nd, 1882.

He had received a land grant for a piece of land near Piles O’Bones River which later would become Regina. Arriving there on May 20th, 1882, he though his land was not the greatest one and moved to another place. The land he was granted was to be sold for 1 000 000 $ in 1898.

He was named Chief Commissioner of the Board of Commerce of Canada

William White 1881

Whitte 1881

North West Campaign 1885

On May 24th 1885 he left his partnership in his law firm and enlisted with the Battleford Column in Birtle, Manitoba. He was appointed a Major. His residence was in Ottawa and he claimed his medal on April 2nd. The Battleford Column was part of the Birtle Infantry Company. The unit was composed of 46 members and their mission was to bring supply to Colonel Otter’s force.

Battleford Column

Battleford Column

He married Frances Cholerton on March 23rd, 1884 in the North West Territories

1886: He was appointed Census Commissioner for the Provisional District of Eastern Assiniboine (south Saskatchewan)

1887: He was appointed crown Prosecutor for nine towns in Saskatchewan

He moved to Slocan City, British Columbia in 1897 and just after 6 months moved to Victoria.

His son Richard White was born on December 5th, 1893

His daughter Phyllis Maude was born on February 14th, 1896 in Winnipeg Canada.

He was a candidate for the 1898 provincial election in the Revelstoke District against James L. Kellie, he lost by just a few votes.

After a business trip to London, he was sent to Dawson City to investigate the action of the local manager of the trading and Exploring Company, a British based company which was doing some mining and merchandizing in Yukon.

He moved to Skagway Alaska in March of 1899. He lived in the Klondike for 5 years.

According to the 1901 census he was in Unorganized territories (Steamers) “Canadian, Selkirk, Nora” (Yukon), while his family was in Toronto Ward No. 4, York West, Ontario

He left the Klondike in the fall of 1904 and moved back to Vancouver, British Columbia

World war one

His address: «The Angela» Victoria, British Columbia. He was a lawyer in Yukon, his medical file mention of his semi-sedentary life.

Spouse: Frances Louisa White            Address: 129 Westbourne Terrace, London West , England

Trade: barrister at law             Religion: Church of England     Status: divorced

Height: 5′ 5″      Eyes: grey       Hair: grey         Weight: 170 lbs.

May 23rd, 1916: He enlisted in Victoria, British Columbia in the 143rd battalion (Railway construction

Battalion) as a Paymaster Officer with the Canadian Army Pay Corps. He was named Honorary Captain.

Captain William White in his WW1 uniform with his North West Campaign ribbon

photo

February 17th, 1917: Sailed from Canada on board the ship SS Southland, he arrived in England on February 27th.

March 23rd: He was transferred to the 24th Reserve battalion

March 5th to the 19th: He was hospitalized for bronchitis at the Military Hospital in Purfleet

May 20th: He ceased to be attached to the 24th Reserve Battalion

May 2nd: He was taken on strength with the 1st Canadian Reserve Battalion

June 7th: All paymasters with the C.E.F. who have been gazetted to hold honorary rank are granted temporary rank from the original date of their honorary rank. (London Gazette 30118)

September 20th: Ceased to be attached to the 1st Canadian Reserve battalion

September 25th: Transferred as a paymaster at the 4th Canadian General Hospital at Basingstoke.

He was hospitalized from the 10th to 27th of January 1918 at the 4th Canadian General Hospital at Basingstoke for asthma cause by bronchitis.

He was hospitalized from the 14th to the 17th of February at the Canadian Red Cross Officer Hospital in London West (17 North Audley Street) for bronchitis.

July 15th: 5 days leave

February 18th, 1919: Sent to Canada to be a paymaster. Arrived in Canada on February 21st. Transferred at the #2 District Depot (Toronto) Canadian Army Pay Corps, he was posted there until June 10th 1919.

He was transferred to Clearing station Service Command in Quebec where he was posted from June 11th to August 20th, 1919.

He was demobilized on August 20th.

His son-in-law, James Stanley Beatty, received the DFC during WW1

He died on at the age on June 1st, 1948 in Toronto. He was survived by his wife, France, who died on August 7th, 1956. She was the last officer spouse of a Riel Campaign veteran who was still receiving a pension cheque at that time.

Nursing Sister Beatrice Vidal – UPDATED

Nursing sister Beatrice H Vidal served with the Canadian Army Medical Corps during World War One. She is entitled to the British War Medal and Victory Medal.

She was born in Quebec City, Quebec on August 6th, 1874

She was the third wife of General Beaufort Henry Vidal. He died in March 2nd 1908. When the general son’s, Maurice Henry Vidal, enlisted at the end of September 1915, he gave her mother-in-law as his next-of-kin. Her address was 190 Cobourg, Ottawa, Ontario

She enlisted on April 16th, 1916 in Taplow, England

Height: 5′ 1″             Weight: 110 lbs.       Religion: Roman Catholic

Eyes: blue                  hair: fair

She gave her son-in-law, Maurice Henry Vidal, as her relation (not a next-of-kin). He was her deceased husband child. She was a Nursing Sister with the CAMC in Canada on enlistment.

To be home Sister on February 9th, 1916

Daughter: Madame J. A. LeRoyer, 78 Malborough, Ottawa, Ontario

She proceeded to France on March 3rd, 1917

She was posted with the 6th Canadian General Hospital on March 6th.

She was admitted at the 2nd Canadian Stationary Hospital (neurasthenia) in Abbeville on May 9th

She transferred to the 14th Canadian General Hospital on May 10th.

She returned to England on May 18th

She was admitted at the Q.A.I.M.N.S. Hospital (debility) 71 Vincent Square on May 19th.  She was discharged from hospital on May 26th.

Maurice Henry Vidal was killed on July 29th. He was serving with the Canadian Army Service Corps

She sailed from England on HMTS Justicia on September 13th. She disembarked on September 25th.

She was discharged on January 31st, 1918 (Medically unfit). Her medical reports from that period reveal that she was underweight and was not able to get back to her normal weight.

She died on September 15th, 1923 at St-Luke Hospital in Ottawa fo gastro-intestinal intoxication

Her British War Medal, Victory Medal, Memorial Plaque and Scroll were sent to her daughter on Malborough Avenue in Ottawa. No one is entitled to the Memorial Cross.

 

Memorial Plaque to Beatrice H Vidal

Memorial Plaque to Maurice Vidal

Private Peter Scott

Private Peter Scott (service number 3759) served with the 1st battalion Scots Guards. He is entitled to the Egypt Medal (no clasp)

1882 Egypt Medal no clasp

McNish-W

He was born on January 15th, 1860 Old Monkland, Coatbridge, Lanark County, Scotland

On November 14th, 1876 he enlisted with the Scots Fusilier Guards in Edinburgh, Scotland. He joined the regiment on November 21st in London. He was a deserter who enlisted under the name of Andrew Falconer

Trade: Cooper              Height: 5’ 7”                Hair: Hazel

Eyes: Light brown      Religion: Presbyterian

He was imprisoned from November 10th to 20th 1880 for assaulting a police officer while drunk.

From March 1880 until July 1882, he was hospitalized eight times gonorrhoea, syphilis and herpes.  He left hospital 3 days before their departure for Egypt.

December 20th 1881, the battalion was sent to Dublin Ireland. They returned to London in March of 1882.

July 30th 1882: The 1st battalion of the Scots Guards sailed from Albert Docks in London, England on the ship Orient. The Scots Guards Regiment was part of the Guards Brigade with the 2nd Battalion Grenadier Guards, 2nd Battalion Coldstream Guards and the 1st Battalion Scots Guards. Their commanding officer was Prince Arthur the Duke of Connaught (Queen Victoria’s 7th child).

August 12th: The battalion disembarked in Alexandria, Egypt

August 18th : From Alexandria they embarked to Ismaila. They arrived on August 22

August 24th: Guard’s brigade was held in support at Tel-El-Mikuta. They did some repair and clearing the Canal.

September 13th: Battle of Tel-el-Kebir.

He was hospitalized in Malta from September 14 until the 19th for dysentery. Since he was in Malta on September 14th, he could not have been at Tel-El-Kebir the day before for the battle explaining why he did not receive the clasp. His service file does not mention that he is entitled to it.

He came back to United Kingdom on October 14th. The regiment came back to United Kingdom on November 14th so I think he never left Malta after his hospitalization there.

He was hospitalized again in London from November 28th until December 22nd for hemorrhoids.

He was transferred to Army Reserve 2nd Military District on July 1st, 1883. He married Jane Mackenzie the next day July 2nd at St-Mary’s Church in Dundee, Scotland. He was stationed there until May 31st, 1884.

He was discharged on November 13th 1888 after completing 12 years for his short service period. His conduct was listed as “fair”.

August 4th, 1914 – World War One

Private Clifford Hugh Hoskins

June 27th mark the anniversary of the sinking of the Hospital Ship Llandovery Castle, Private Hoskins was one of the member of the medical personnel onboard that ship.

Private Clifford Hugh Hoskins served with the Canadian Army Medical Corps during WW1. He is entitled to the British War medal and the Victory Medal.

He was born on February 19, 1895 in Castle Carey Somerset, England

He was examined on April 14 and enlisted April 16, 1915 in Hamilton, Ontario in the 36th battalion (Peel’s regiment). His number in the active militia was probably A-6310.

Religion : Church of England                 Status : single       Height : 5′ 7″

Eyes : grey               Hair : pale           Weight : 142 lbs.

Trade : He was a dairyman at the Borden Dairy company.

Name of his father : Thomas Hoskins Address : Park Street Castle Careyand

June 19 : He sailed from Montreal on board the S.S. Corsican and arrived in England on June 28.

October 11 : He was sentenced to 18 days without pays for being absent without permission for 8 days.

October 13: He was sentenced to 11 days without pay for refusing to obey a non-commission officer.

May 16, 1916 : He was sentenced to 5 days without pay for refusing to obey a non-commission officer and insulting an officer. At this date he was posted with the Canadian Army Medical Corps.

June 2: He was transferred overseas to France and sent to the 10th Canadian Field Ambulance on June 15.

October 1 to 7 : He was admitted to the 10th Canadian Field Ambulance for Pyrexia of Unknown Origin

May 10, 1917 : He was admitted to the 2nd Australian General Hospital in Wimereux for Light Asthenopia. He is sent back to his tasks on May 28.

May 29th : He was admitted to the 10th Canadian Field Ambulance. He ceased to be attach to the 3rd Division and transferred to the Canadian Army Medical Corps on the same day May 29th to August 23rd : Admitted to the Northumberland War Hospital in Adsforth New Castle on Tyne from Diagnostic : Light Asthenopia

June 11: jaundice             August 3: jaundice is cured

August 23 to September 10 : He was admitted at the Canadian General Hospital in Epsom.

March 21, 1918 : He was transferred on the Llandovery Castle.

June 27 : He died when the Llandovery Castle is torpedoed and sunk by the German U-boat U-86. It happened 140 miles from the coast  of Ireland. The ship sunk in less than ten minutes. On board there was 258 persons and only 24 survived from the attack. The German submarine was commanded by Lieutenant Helmut Patzig and the second in command were Dithmar and Boldt. After the war Captain Helmut Patzig was trial by Germany and sentenced to four years in prison for this attack.

This event was later used to boost the sale of War Bonds with this propaganda poster

Llandovery

Also during the last push of the last 100 days of the way, the code L.C. (for Llandovery Castle) was used as the code word to signify the launch of the attack

August 13: His body was recovered by United State Naval Force, he was identified and buried at sea. Canadian army report from United State Navy September 23, 1918.

June 24, 1922 : The Death Plaque and Memorial Scroll, Memorial Cross and his medals (British War medal and Victory medal ) were sent to his mother, Charlotte E. Hoskins.

His name is commemorated on at least three memorials

Halifax, Canada Memorial

Halifax MemorialHalifax Memorial Panel

The Castle Carey Memorial in Somerset, England

Somerset MemorialSomerset Memorial 2

and finally the Borden Diary Memorial in Toronto, Canada

Monument Laiterie Borden

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Picture of Private Clifford Hugh Hoskins

coupure-presse

Matron Margaret Heggie Smith – UPDATED (photos)

Matron Margaret Heggie Smith served in the Boer’s War and WW1 with the Canadian Army Medical Corps. She is entitled to the Royal Red Cross 1st class with bar, Queen’s South Africa Medal with no clasp, 1914-15 Star, British War Medal, Victory Medal.

Her medals are at the Bytown Museum in Ottawa.

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She was born May 24th, 1872 in Ottawa, Ontario

She was the daughter of William Heggie Smith of Ottawa.

She studied nursing at the Blockley Hospital in Philadelphia.

She enlisted in the Canadian Army Medical Corps to serve with the 19th Canadian Stationary Hospital in Harrismith, South Africa during the Boers’ War.

She returned to Canada in late July 1902.

She enlisted a first time on September 25th, 1914. She stated her address as 193 Slater Street, Ottawa, Ontario.

She was 5’ 6” and her religion was Presbyterian

I do not know why but she enlisted a second time on July 6th, 1917 in Orpington, England with the Ontario Military Hospital. On the paper her rank is Matron.

She served for two years in France, and 4 more years as Matron of the Ontario Military Hospital in Orpington, Kent, England, which became the No. 16 Canadian Field Hospital in 1917.

Photos of Margaret Smith in France

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She was back in Canada in 1919

July 31st, 1919 : In recognition of her exceptional service, King George V awarded a bar to her her the Royal Red Cross. For the link of her award in the London Gazette click hereSmith LG

She died aged 47 on May 12th, 1920 in Atlantic City. Her funeral service at St. Andrew’s Church in Ottawa and conducted by the Reverend George Fitzpatrick. It was attended by a large number of military officers. Obituary from The Canadian nurse and hospital review : “But years of steady and strenuous duty had its undermining effect, and it was in somewhat impaired health that Matron Smith returned to Canada. After some months’ treatment, she had seemingly recovered her health: and it was whilst in the enjoyment of a well-merited holiday, with friends, at Atlantic City, that, without warning, she was elected to join those “Whom God has called to His mysterious rest.”

She is buried at the Beechwood Cemetery in Ottawa, Ontario

Picture of her gravestone

From The Canadian nurse and hospital review of January 1921 “The tablet, which is of handsome design, occupies a prominent place beneath the choir gallery and bears the following inscription: “In affectionate memory of Matron Margaret Heggie Smith, R.R.C., and Bar. Died 12th May, 1920. A Member of the C. A. M. C. Nursing Service since 1902. Served in the South African War and over five years in the Great War. This Tablet is erected by the members of the Overseas C. A. M. C. Nursing Service.

 Picture of the tablet in her honor at St-Andrew’s Church in Ottawa, Ontario

The ceremony throughout was most impressive. Rev. Mr. Kilpatrick referred feelingly to the life of service and sacrifice led by Matron Smith, and pointed out the relation of such a life to other lives dedicated to Christ. There were three points of contact: 1, the inspiration of love; 2, the swift recognition of need, human and divine; 3, a measureless sacrifice. These things, the preacher said, should call forth notes of thanks giving and pride, as in the old days, at an hour of sacrifice, they sounded the trumpets and sang the songs of the Lord. The memory of Matron Smith, Rev. Mr. Kilpatrick said, should lead to a high resolution to keep faith with those who died for the nation.
As the preacher delivered the words “To the glory of God and in pride and loving memory this tablet is now dedicated,” Mrs. Meighen pulled the cord and a thin silk Union Jack fell away and revealed the tablet. This was followed by a brief dedicatory prayer and the singing of the Doxology.”

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Drummer Ernest Sheppard

Drummer Ernest Sheppard  served with the 1st battalion Scots Guards during the 1882 Egypt Campaign. he is entitled to the Egypt Medal (clasp Tel-El-Kebir) and the Khedives Star 1882.

He was born on January 15th, 1860.

On July 10th, 1874 he enlisted at the Westminster Police Court with the Scots Fusilier Guards in London. He was 14 years and 6 months old boy,. He was 4’ 9”, had grey eyes and light brown hair.

His father was Giles, mother Eliza, sister Emilia and brother Frederick George, they were living at 24 Octavo Street in London.

He was appointed Drummer on September 26th, 1880. The band was composed of 25 members, of those 13 were drummer.

Picture showing a Scots Guards Drummer in Alexandria, Egypt on AUgust 12th 1882

Alexandria August 12 1882 b

Picture of showing 2nd battalion Scots Guards band uniform in 1885

Music band 2

July 30th 1882: The 1st battalion of the Scots Guards sailed from Albert Docks in London, England on the ship Orient. He was one of thirteenth Drummer who served with the regiment in Egypt.

August 12th: The battalion disembarked in Alexandria, Egypt

August 18th: From Alexandria they embarked to Ismaila. They arrived on August 22nd

August 24th: Guard’s brigade was held in support at Tel-El-Mikuta. They did some repair and clearing the Canal.

September 12th: The Guard’s Brigade was called-up is support to Graham’s Brigade at Kassassin

September 13th (early morning): Battle of Tel-el-Kebir. The Guard’s Brigade including the Scots Guards were held in reserve, by the time the regiment reached enemy’s parapet the battle was almost over.

The Scots Guards Regiment was part of the Guards Brigade with the 2nd Battalion Grenadier Guards, 2nd Battalion Coldstream Guards and the 1st Battalion Scots Guards. They were all under the command of His Royal Highness Prince Arthur the Duke of Connaught (Queen Victoria’s 7th child)

He came back to United Kingdom on November 14th.

Egypt Medal with clasp Tel-el-Kebir

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He was appointed Lance-Corporal on December 31st, 1884

He was promoted to the rank of Corporal on April 1st, 1885

He was discharged medically unfit due to palpitations of the heart July 8th, 1886 in Richmond Barracks in Dublin, Ireland. His conduct was listed as “exemplary”

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Nursing Sister Sadie Saint-Germain – UPDATED

This is the story of Nursing Sister Sadie St-Germain who I decided to revisit since I found some new and interesting information on her. Not listed on the Official list of WW1 casualties but her cause of death was linked to her war service on an official Canadian Government document (see below). This put the total of casualties to 63 Canadian nurses serving with the Canadian Army Medical Corps died of cause related to war.

Nursing Sister Sadie Saint-Germain served with the Canadian Army Medical Corps during World War One. She is entitled to the British War Medal and the Victory Medal.

She was born on July 21st 1884 in Hull, Quebec

She enlisted on August 10th, 1916 in Kingston, Ontario

Her mother was Mrs St- Germain and living at 321 James Street in Ottawa, Ontario

Height : 5’ 5’’1/2      Weight : 107 lbs.    Religion : Baptist

She sailed from Canada on August 16th, 1916 on SS Ascania.

She was hospitalised for a bronchitis on January 3rd, 1917. Everything was back to normal on February 14th.

She was attached to the Kitchener Military Hospital in Brighton on March 8th.

She proceeded to France on September 18th. She was transferred to the 1st Canadian General Hospital on arrival.

She was posted with the 2nd Canadian Stationary Hospital on December 21st, 1918.

She was posted with the 10th Canadian General Hospital on February 18th, 1919.

She sailed from England on May 13th on SS Northland and arrived in Halifax on May 23rd.

She was demobilised on May 26th, 1919.

She died on May 3rd 1923 .Buried in Saint-James Cemetery in Hull, Quebec
Obituary from the Ottawa Citizen May 4th, 1923.
St – Germain – Passed away suddenly May 3rd 1923, nursing sister St-Germain Funeral private from brother residence 122 Cartier Street. Please omit flower.

Below is Nursing Sister Sadie St-Germain Certificate the cause of death. Her death was related to her war service but no Memorial Plaque or Memorial Cross were issued to her family. Her file is quiet about that. Her brother was still alive when she died so technically he should have received one but he did not. Why? History is silent about that

Germain cause of death

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Nursing Sister Sadie St-Germain gravestone in St-James Cemetery in Hull (now Gatineau)

stone-sadie-st-germain

Warrant-Officer Francis John Waddel

Warrant-Officer Francis John Waddel served with Canadian Army Ordinance Corps during World War One. He is entitled to the British War medal, Army Meritorious Service Medal and Permanent Forces of the Empire Beyond the Seas Long Service and Good Conduct Medal.

He was born on May 1, 1882 in Chatham, Kent, England.

He enlisted with the Canadian Ordnance Corps on July 19, 1912 at Halifax, Nova Scotia. He named his next-of-kin as his mother, Winifred Waddell of Chatham, England, stating that he had 8 years’ previous military service with the Army Ordnance Corps (May 1903 to May 1911), that he was not married and that his trade was that of Soldier.

He was appointed Lance Corporal on October 1, 1914, leaving for service in England shortly thereafter and was taken on strength from Canada at Ashford, Kent, England on February 1, 1915.

Eighteen days later, he signed his CEF Attestation Paper with the Canadian Ordnance Corps on February 19, 1915 at Salisbury, England.

He was promoted the following month, to Corporal on March 1st and re-engaged for a further period of three years’ general service with the Canadian Ordnance Corps at Ashford, Kent on July 19, 1915.

He was promoted to Staff Sergeant on October 1, 1915, to Staff Sergeant on February 2, 1916, Sergeant on April 1, 1916 and to Squadron Quartermaster Sergeant on June 1, 1916.

He proceeded to Liphook on command for temporary duty on July 20, 1916, later on command at Crowborough from November 15 to 17, 1916, then proceeded to Pluckley on command from January 19 to 29, 1917, before returning to No. 1 Detachment Canadian Ordnance Corps at Ashford.

He was granted permission to marry Edith Randall on April 26, 1917 at Ashford. Together they had two children: Francis William who was born on May 15, 1918 while at Ashford, the other is unnamed in his records.

He was to be Acting Sub Conductor (Warrant Officer, Class I) with pay and allowances on February 4, 1918 and signed his Re-Engagement Paper on July 22, 1918, re-engaging for three years’ service at Ashford, Kent, later being named Acting Conductor on August 1st.

He was transferred from No. 1 Detachment at Ashford and was placed on command to No. 2 Detachment at Ashford on May 21, 1919.

He was awarded his Meritorious Service Medal, in recognition of valuable service rendered in connection with the war on June 13, 1919. He ceased to be on command at No. 2 Detachment on rejoining No. 1 Detachment Canadian Ordnance Corps at Liphook on June 18th. He was then placed on command to No. 7 Detachment COC at Witley on June 23rd, saw a promotion to Staff Sergeant on August 18th, then struck off strength of No. 7 Detachment to No. 2 Canadian Ordnance Corps at Liphook on December 31st.

Waddell was struck off strength to No. 1 Detachment Canadian Ordnance Corps at London on February 1, 1920 and by the end of the month, was struck off strength of No. 1 COC on transfer to Canada and attached to the CEF in England on February 29th.

The following day, he was taken on strength from the Overseas Military Forces of Canada at London on March 1st to overseas detachment. He was to remain in England for next six months, before being struck off strength of the overseas detachment to Canada for further duty, embarking on the S.S. Grampian and arriving in Canada on September 29, 1920 and was discharged in Ottawa on October 1st, stating his proposed residence as Halifax, Nova, Scotia. He never went to France so he is not entitled to the Victory Medal.

He signed his Permanent Force of Canada Attestation Paper with the 6th Detachment of the Royal Canadian Ordnance Corps at Halifax on October 15, 1920.

He was listed as Category A (General Service). He saw a provisional promotion to Squadron Quartermaster Sergeant at Halifax on November 20th, then reverted to the rank of Staff Sergeant on August 1, 1921.

He was discharged on July 18, 1922 as a Staff Sergeant at Halifax, “In consequence of his service being no longer required”, with his conduct noted as “Exemplary”.

For his long service, Waddell was awarded the Permanent Forces of the Empire Beyond the Seas Long Service and Good Conduct Medal.

He and his wife later moved back to England, settling in Ashford where he died on January 26, 1979, at Ashford, County Kent, at the age of 96, his death attributed to a combination of cardiac failure in conjunction with myocardial degeneration, along with carcinoma of his bladder. He had also been diagnosed with senility and dementia.

Private Frederick Thomas Charlton

Private  Frederick Thomas Charlton served in the 2nd battalion (Ottawa) with the Canadian Expeditionary Forces during World War One. He is entitled to the British War Medal and the Victory medal.

He was born on April 29 1897 in Eastman, London, England

He enlisted on September 23rd 1914 in Valcartier, Quebec in the 2nd battalion G company. (He was a minor)

Trade : tanner

Religion : Church of England  Status : single

Height : 5′ 8″  Weight : 136 lbs

Eyes : blue Hair : brown

Name of the mother : Alfred Charlton Address : Whitby, Ontario

He embarked on SS Cassandrian in Quebec City, Quebec on September 30th, 1914. The ship arrived in Gaspe Basin on October 2nd. They departed on October 4th. They arrived in England on October 15th. Arrived on Salisbury Plain on October 25th.

November 14th:The 2nd battalion is inspected by the King. They did drill, physical training and musket training. They began to practice attack at regimental level around mid-December.

February 4th, 1915 : The 2nd battalion is inspected by the King.

February 7th : The battalion proceeded to Amesbury. They arrived in Avenmouth on the 8th. And then embarked on the SS Blackwell

February 11th : They disembarked in St Nazaire, France. They Arrived in Armentieres on February 17th.

February 22nd : He was hospitalized for ulcer at a toe (probably because of too much marching)

August 3rd : He was transferred to the 2nd battalion and joined the unit on the 7th.

August 31st : He was wounded in the field (probably by a sniper). He was transferred to the Casualty Clearing Station on September 1st “While digging trenches was hit in right side of the chest by a rifle bullet. He was in hospital about 2 ½ months”

October 1st : He was transferred to England

He was declared medically unfit on January 6th, 1916. He sailed to Canada on SS Missanabe on the next day

March 25th : He was admitted to the Central military Convalescent hospital

April 3rd : His father enlisted in the 182nd battalion (868093)

He enlisted a second time in the Royal Canadian Dragoon on September 29th, 1916 in Toronto, Ontario (number 550284). It was not rare to see someone enlisting a second after being discharged or refused to serve.

September 30th : He embarked on SS Missanabe and arrived in England on October 13th.

May 5th, 1917 : He was transferred to the Eastern Ontario Regiment (Depot regiment)

April 19th, 1918 : He was granted permission to marry to Adelaide Charlton

December 5th : He embarked on the H.M.T. Minnedosa and arrived in St John New Brunswick on December 14th.

He was discharged on January 15th, 1919

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Corporal Kenneth Michael Germaine

Corporal Kenneth Michael Germaine served with the Princess Patricia Canadian Light Infantry during the period of the Cold War. He served with the United Nations in the Sinai Desert and in Israel. He is entitled to the United Nations Emergency Force Middle East Medal Sinai desert, United Nations Disengagement Observation Force Medal Israel/Syria and the Canadian Forces Decoration.

He enlisted into 3rd battalion Princess Patricia’s Canadian Light Infantry in Esquimalt, British Columbia on April 24th 1972.

He started serveing in Cyprus on November 9th 1975

He was back in Esquimalt, British Columbia on May 9th 1976

The mission was established in June 1974 to supervise the cease-fire between Israel and Syria; to supervise the disengagement (redeployment) of Syrian and Israeli forces; and, to establish a buffer zone, as provided in the Agreement on Disengagement between Israeli and Syrian Forces of 31 May 1974. The Mission continues to perform its functions effectively with the cooperation of the parties.

He was posted in Baden, Germany with 3rd Royal Canadian Regiment on September 6th 1976

He was posted in Gagetown, New Brunswick on July 14th 1980.

He was posted in Alert, Canada on March 20th 1991.

He was discharged on February 1st 1993

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Corporal Kenneth Michael Germaine medals

Germaine 1

Private John McLeod

Private John McLeod served with the Canadian Expeditionary Forces during World War one. He is entitled to the 1914-15 Star, British War Medal and Victory Medal.

Typical WW1 medasl trio

Brewer-H

He was born on October 11, 1883 in Stornoway, Scotland.

He enlisted with the 48th Infantry Battalion on March 31, 1915 in Victoria, British Columbia, he named his next-of-kin as his father, J. McLeod of Stornoroy.

He stated that he had previous military service with the 88th Regiment, Victoria Fusiliers, that he was not married and that his trade as that of Blacksmith.

The 48th Battalion sailed July 1, 1915 aboard the R.M.S. Grampian, arriving in England on July 10th.

He was transferred to the 2nd Canadian Mounted Rifles Brigade on October 15, 1915 for service in the French theatre and placed with the 4th Canadian Mounted Rifles on January 2, 1916 in France. McLeod was wounded at the Battle of St. Eloi, suffering severe shrapnel wounds to his right forearm and admitted to No. 4 General Hospital at Camiers on April 11th. After three days, he was invalided wounded to England on the 14th and admitted to Kitchener Hospital in Brighton on the 15th, then transferred to the Canadian Division Convalescent Hospital, Woodcote Park at Epsom on June 8th.

After two months hospitalization in France and England, he was discharged on July 12th and transferred to the 35th Reserve Battalion. He saw another transfer, this time to the Canadian Machine Gun Depot at Crowborough on August 13, 1916, before being transferred to the Machine Gun Pool on February 7, 1917.

He arrived in France the following day and joined his new unit, the 13th Machine Gun Company in the field on the 14th. He was wounded at Vimy, suffering shrapnel wounds to both arms and shrapnel fragments in his left knee on May 3, 1917. He was admitted to No. 10 Stationary Hospital at St. Omer on May 5th, subsequently invalided to England one week later, and admitted to Military Hospital at Bagthorpe, Nottingham on May 12th. After two months treatment, he was transferred to the Canadian Convalescent Hospital, Bearwood at Wokingham on July 14th, then discharged four weeks later on August 11th and posted to the 3rd Canadian Command Depot at Hastings. The knee continued to bother McLeod, as fragments remained embedded in his knee. He was admitted to the Canadian Military Hospital at Eastbourne on August 30th, where an attempt was made to rectify the situation. A month later, he was discharged on September 29th and returned to the 3rd Canadian Command Depot.

On January 1, 1918 he was posted to the Canadian Machine Gun Depot . In his Proceedings of a Medical Board document, dated April 18, 1918 at Seaford, Sussex, it noted the fragments of shrapnel in his left knee that were causing swelling and tenderness, with the doctor noting that McLeod “complains of pain in the left knee”. In another report, it noted that there was a “foreign body in (his) left knee joint” on November 18, 1918 and that he was somehow declared “Fit for Duty”. McLeod was attached to the Canadian Discharge Depot at Buxton for return to Canada, sailing on December 7, 1918 and later taken on strength at District Depot, Military District No. 11 in Vancouver, British Columbia.

In his Medical History of an Invalid, dated January 16, 1919 at New Westminster, British Columbia, it was noted that there was a “Foreign body in (the) left knee joint causing slight pain and stiffness in (the) joint.” It was recommended the he declared “Medically unfit.”

It also stated that he was now married to Mary McLeod of Vancouver. He was discharged by reason of “Medical Unfitness” on January 29, 1919 at District Depot, Military District No. 11 in Vancouver, British Columbia, credited with having served in France with the 4th Canadian Mounted Rifles.

He died on January 14, 1950, at the age of 66

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Private and police constable John Campbell

Private John Campbell  served with the 1st battalion Scots Guards during the Boers War and in World War One. Between those two conflicts he served as a police constable with the city of Glasgow, Scotland. He is entitled to the Queen South Africa Medal clasps Belfast, Orange Free State, Belmont, the King South Africa Medal, the 1914-15 Star, the British War Medal, the Victory Medal and the 1903 Visit to Scotland Medal.

Private John Campbell medals

Campbell 4

John Campbell was born in Paisley, Renfrew, Scotland on March 9th, 1875, His father was James Campbell and his mother was Janet Hamilton.

1881 Scotland Census: He was living at 11 Castle Street in Paisley, Scotland. He had 4 sisters and 2 brothers

1891 Scotland Census: He was living at 105 Causeyside in Paisley, Scotland. He had 6 sisters and 3 brothers

He enlisted in the 1st battalion Scots Guards on December 28th, 1893. He said that he had some previous military service with the Argyle and Sutherland Highlanders. He joined the regiment in London on January 3rd. He was a laborer

Height: 5’ 10’’               weight: 135 lbs.           eyes: hazel       hair: dark brown

On June 12th, 1894 he completed his certificate of education 3rd class

July 1st, 1895: He was found sleeping at his post and was confined to his room. On August 6th, he was convicted to 49 days of prison. He returned to duty on August 24th.

Boers’ War

October 16th, 1899: The 1st Battalion Scots Guards was inspected by the Prince of Wales at Chelsea Barracks

October 21st: The battalion left Chelsea barracks and entrained at Nine Elm Station. They were part of the Guards Brigade with the 1st Division. They embarked on the Nubia and arrived in Cape Town, South Africa on November 13th.

November 21st: At 4h00 the battalion started advancing toward Belmont (12 miles).

Map showing Scots Guards position before the attack on Spur Hill

Red rectangle shows the objective – Red Arrow show the path the regiment followed for the attack

Belmont map 1

November 23rd: At 2 a.m. the battalion paraded and advanced to the rendezvous point at 3:15 a.m. The battalion launched its attack on Spur Hill, near Belmont at around 4 a.m.. Near the top, confronting a fierce Boers’ opposition they fixed bayonet for last push. Private John Campbell was severely wounded at both arms and on his side in that charge. During that particular attack the Scots Guard suffered many casualties 3 officers and 51 other ranks dead, 23 officers and 220 other ranks wounded.

Drawing showing Scots Guards assault on Spur Hill

XY2-1016860 - © - Classic Vision

He was sent back to United Kingdom and transferred to the 3rd battalion on January 17th, 1900

He was sent to South Africa and transferred to the 1st battalion on May 23rd.

He received his first Good Conduct Pay on March 18th 1901

He was back in United Kingdom on August 22nd 1902. Shortly after his arrival, he was transferred to the 3rd battalion (reserve) on September 9th.

He joined the Renfrewshire police on September 8th and he was stationed in Port Glasgow.

On January 5th, 1903 he was caught drunk on duty and was absent from the station from 7:20 am until 3 pm the next day. He was fined 2 days without pay.

He was part of a detachment sent to the City of Glasgow for the Royal visit in Scotland around May 14th. He would receive his King Edward VII Police (Scotland) Medal 1903 in March of 1904.

The Royal Proclamation for the Royal visit in Scotland

Glasgow proclamation

November 27th: He was caught drunk on duty a second time and this time he struck Sergeant McLean. He was dismissed the next day.

He reengaged with the Scots Guards on December 25th, 1905 to complete 16 years term.

On December 31st, 1907 he married Rosina McKellar in Glasgow. She was a servant and born in 1884. He was working with the Caledonian Railway Company as a railway brakeman

He was discharge from the army on December 24th, 1909

1911 Scotland Census: He was living with his wife at 116 Barclay Street in Paisley, Scotland. They had no kid.

World War One

He re-enlisted in the Scots Guards on July 2nd 1915. At the time he was living at 17 Barclay Street in Paisley, Scotland. Together with his wife Rosina, they had no children.

He entered France on October 7th and was transferred to the 2nd battalion on October 26th.

January 1916: The battalion spent the whole month near the villages Meville, they were shelled most of the day but this was very ineffective.

September 15th: Both battalions were part of a major attack that was not a success. It lasted until the 17th. They were sent to rest of the 18th. (2nd battalion 16 killed, 125 wounded and 28 missing)

The battalion launched a second attack to gain the missed objective of Leboeuf and Gueudecourt of September 15th, they suffered even more casualties 42 killed, 200 wounded and 88 missing

January-February 1917: No major fighting during that period but just a series of skirmishes and artillery bombardment.

March: The Germans retrieved their troops from the Hinderburgh Line and they provoked a series of small attacks from the British on their lines. Both Scots Guards regiment saw some fighting during that period.

June: Second Battle of Ypres

He was on leave to United Kingdom from July 9th 1917 to the 19th. He was then absent without permission from July 21st to the 23rd. He was fined with 3 days forfeit pay.

July 22nd: Germans launched a gas attack that continued until the 26th. On the 25th, Scots Guards launched their attack to raid the German lines. 6 killed. 28 wounded and 132 gassed

July 31st. Third Battle of Ypres. The 2nd battalion launched its attack at around 6:30 am, 38 minutes after 0 hours and suffered less casualties. He was wounded to the head by a gun shot. He was later admitted that day to the 47th Casualty Clearing Station. He was transferred to the 57th General hospital in Boulogne the next day and then to another hospital in Boulogne on August 9th.

October 8th: The 2nd battalion relieved the 1st and got into their position to lead next day’s attack. They are going to be relieved on the 13th.

November 24th: The battalion was sent to the lines for the Battle of Cambrai and take Bourlon Woods. They suffered many casualties but much less than their previous engagement.

November 30th: The Germans counter-attacked and both battalions were thrown back in the battle in order to stop the Germans advance. They were taken out of the lines on December 11th and had a quiet rest of December.

On February 9th, 1918, he was transferred to the 3rd battalion (reserve) and sent to England.

On March 6th, 1919, he was transferred back the 1st battalion and was discharged in London on June 11th.

He died on January 27th, 1932. He was struck by and engine of a railway train at Wallneuck Junction. He had a fracture skull, compound fractures and multiple injuries to the body. He was a foreman with a railway company

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Captain Michael William Buckingham

Captain Michael William Buckingham served in the Royal Army Medical Corps during the Malaya Campaign and the Malay Peninsula expedition. He is entitled to the General Service Medal 1918 (clasp Malaya), the General Service Medal 1962 (clasp Malay Peninsula) and the Army Long Service and Good Conduct Medal.

He was probably born last semester of the 1930

He enlisted in 1948 in the Royal Army Medical Corps

He served in Malaya campaign after 1953

He served as a Warrant Officer class 1 in the Malay Peninsula between 17th August, 1964 to January 13th 1966.

He transferred as a Commissionned Officer and was promoted Lieutenant (rank on his Long Service Medal)

He received his Army Long Service Good Conduct Medal on January 13th 1966

He was promoted to the rank of Captain (non-medical) on November 15th 1969

He retired on December 1st 1976

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Captain Michael William Buckingham medals

Buckingham 1

Lieutenant-Colonel George Johnston Stoney Archer

Lieutenant-Colonel George Johnston Stoney Archer, B.A., M.B., B.Ch., B.A.O. served in the Royal Army Medical Corps during the Boers’ War and World War One. He is entitled to the Queen’s South Africa Medal (clasps Cape Colony, Orange Free State and Transvaal), the King South Africa Medal (clasps South Africa 1901 and 1902), the 1914 Star, The British War Medal and the Victory Medal.

He was born in the no 3rd Ward in Dublin, Ireland on November 15th, 1875. His father George Thompson Archer and his mother Mary Elizabeth Stoney

He received his degree in medicine 1897 from the University of Dublin

He was promoted Lieutenant on July 27th, 1898 (London Gazette)

He married Ethel Mary Beauchamp on September 4th, 1899 in St-Stephen Parish, Dublin, Ireland. His address at the time was 4 Longfield Terrace North Circular Road. Together they will have four children.

During the Boers War he served with the 5th and 7th Stationary Hospital

He was promoted Captain in on July 27th, 1901 (London Gazette)

He was promoted Major on April 27th, 1910 (London Gazette)

He disembarked in France on August 19th, 1914.

He was promoted Lieutenant-Colonel on March 2nd, 1915 (London Gazette)

He was placed on the ill-heal list on December 23rd, 1920 and he retired on October 25th, 1921 due to his illness contracted while on service. (London Gazette)

In May of 1923, he applied for the Soldier Wound Badge and it was refused to him. This badge was given to soldiers who received wounds or illness during the war

On January 3rd, 1929 he left South Hampton, United Kingdom with his wife on the ship Johan de Wit for Batavia, Java. He is listed as a Lieutenant-Colonel (still). They came back to United Kingdom at the end of the month.

He also bought a piece on land in Gloucestershire in the same year

He died on November 5th 1955 in Cheltenham, Gloucestershire leaving 27293 £.

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