Perth Courier - World War I.
supplied by Christine M. Spencer of Northwestern University, Evanston, Il., USA.
Lanark
Document #12
Gone from us, forever
To his eternal home above
And many ties did death sever
When it took him to the home we love
But now just remains his memory
Which never can be forgot
And we are proud because
He gained the glory which he sought
When we think of his last words
So glorious and brave
Which he uttered ‘midst clash of swords
Ere he went to his bloody grave
No martyr, statesman or general
Uttered words more true
And though he had no funeral
He still has his hero’s pew
And he has set an example
Which ne’er can be surpassed
And on which none dare trample
As his brave soul breathed his last
From the Perth Courier of
Vision Your Sons Mothers of Canada!
Vision them at early morning when through the rising mists there bursts a hurricane of fire---
See your valiant boys---calm, grim but cheerful, “stand to arms” until the Hun’s “morning hate” dies away.
Picture them at breakfast, the meal that must bring them the bodily sustenance to carry them through the strain of another day.
Then, think what might happen if one morning there was no breakfast—no food and word went down the line that Canada had failed them!
Vision all these things and the-----as women of Canada-----mothers of men-----answer this call to service.
Canada must send to her own and to the Allies fighting forces more wheat, more beef, more bacon and more of such other foods as are nonperishable and easily exportable.
Canada can do this without depriving her own population of a fair share of any of these foods if you women would but help.
All we ask of you is that instead of buying so much white flour you vary your baking by using one third oatmeal, corn, barley or rye flour. Or, if you buy bread that you order a certain proportion of brown bread each day.
Secondly, instead of using as much beef and bacon as formerly, that you vary your family diet with other foods like fish, peas, lentils, potatoes, nuts, bananas, etc.
Thirdly, and most important, prevent waste of a single ounce of food in your household.
They must be fed
Sign the food pledge.
Capt. Leslie Maxwell Moffatt, nephew of T.B. Caldwell, has been gazetted as winner of the Military Cross, “for re-taking a forward position captured by the enemy and successfully resisting a determined counter attack”. The young hero’s mother is a sister of the late W. C. Caldwell and resides in Winnipeg.
Photo of Pte. Robert Moodie
Pte. Robert Moodie, son of Mr. and Mrs. Abraham Moodie, Scotch Line—They received a telegram on Saturday stating that their son Robert is reported missing since 23rd August.
Gunner Roderick M. Ferguson who was wounded at the Battle of the Somme a year ago and shortly afterwards invalided home to Renfrew died as a result of sickness arising out of his wounds. He is the first Renfrew soldier to be wounded in battle and return home to die. He was 21 years of age and is survived by his parents, brothers and sisters. One of his sisters is at the front as a nurse while a brother is in France with a forestry battalion.
Pte. J.M. Lyon was in town Friday having just returned with a party of invalided soldiers from England. He went overseas two years ago with the 230th Battalion and after service in France contracted rheumatism which made him unfit for further service in France. Twelve years ago he lived in Perth and was for several years a resident of Arnprior. Of late years he has been living in western Canada where his wife is now. A son resides at Appleton. He was a brother of the late John Lyon.
District Casualties:
Killed in Action:
1.) Sgt. Thomas Munday who acted as dispenser for the medical department of the 130th Battalion while here is this week reported killed in action.
2.) Photo of Pte. Aubrey A. Bell—Word was received here recently that Pte. Aubrey A. Bell, nephew of Mrs. John Bowes Manion and Messrs. Alfred and Christopher Bell of Balderson was killed on the 3rd August. He was 19 years of age.
Gassed:
1.) Gunner Frank A. McDougall, Carleton Place
2.) Pte. M. Cameron, (place of abode illegible)
3.) Pte. T. J. St. Pierre, Clarendon
4.) Pte. J.M. Wood, Arden
5.) Pte. Stanley G. Switzer, Verona
Missing: Pte. George C. New, Carleton Place
Wounded:
1.) Pte. N.G. Smith, Shawville, Quebec
2.) Pte. W.C. Debenham, Burnstown
3.) Pte. W.A. Ellwood, Smith’s Falls
4.) Pte. F.W. Chiswell, Smith’s Falls
5.) Pte. Henry H. Gilbert, Almonte
6.) Pte. Wellington C.(?) Hobbs, Ashton
7.) Pte. J.H. Campbell, Elphin
Photo of Pte. William McGowan
Pte. William McGowan died from the effects of accidental wounds on the 12th September. This was the substance of a telegram received by Mrs. B. M. McGowan of town on Wednesday conveying the sad information that her son William had succumbed to injuries thus received. He was in company with two others from his battalion who were taking a bomb throwing course in France and while nothing definite is known as to the exact cause of his death it is evident from the telegram that while in this training he in some way received injuries which resulted fatally. Pte. William McGowan was 34 years of age and enlisted at Vancouver two years ago this coming Christmas going overseas with the 121st Battalion of New Westminster. He had been on active service in the trenches for six months previous to leaving his unit to take the course in bomb throwing and had been with the C.P.R. for upwards of 16 years before enlisting. He gave his life while engaged in defending the Empire and in his death one more is added to the honor roll of local men who have fallen in this cause. He leaves to mourn his loss his mother, three sisters, Mrs. Martin Crawford of Smith’s Falls, Kathleen of Peterboro and Elizabeth at hone and one brother Frank.
More District Casualties:
Killed In Action:
1.) Pte. R. N. Watt, Merrickville
2.) Pte. William Fraser, Carleton Place
3.) Pte. J. Ward, Eganville
4.) Pte. D. F. Coffey, Forrester’s Falls
Wounded:
1.) Pte. J. Henderson, Arnprior
2.) Pte. G. Houston, Almonte
3.) Pte. W. J. McDougall, Ompah
4.) Pte. W. Buffet, Renfrew
Gassed:
1.) Pte. C.I. Davis, Canonto(?)
2.) Gunner G.W. Russell, Pembroke
3.) Pte. John H. St. Pierre, Clarendon
Died of Wounds: Pte. J. Clinton, Appleton
Prisoner of War: Lt. C. Malloch, Arnprior
Photo of Lt. Clyde Scott
(not transcribed in full)
Lt. Clyde H. Scott, after an absence from his home of over three years, arrived in Perth on Monday evening and glad was the reception accorded him by the citizens. Since the engagements at Langemarck on 22 April, 1915, Clyde has gone through much but has borne up under the strain with patience and fortitude. There was keen enjoyment shown by all upon his return. The streets were lined with people at the hour of his arrival. The Band, Collegiate cadets and many motor cars wended their way to the depot in a procession. The cars included many members of the Red Cross and I.O.D.E.. The Citizens Reception Committee were present at the station and after a few hearty greetings the procession went to the front of the town hall, Clyde being in the mayor’s car and the cynosure of all eyes. On the steps of the hall the large gathering cheered the returning hero and Mayor Hands expressed the pleasure of the citizens upon his return to which Lt. Scott replied “all I can do tonight is just thank you from the bottom of my heart. A month ago I little thought I would get home but many things have been crowded into the last two weeks so it is rather hard to know just where one is at. It is so good to get back to one’s own people and we do not appreciate what our home town is until we get away. I must say, there is no place like home. Thank you.” Three cheers and a tiger followed Clyde’s remarks and the band played the national anthem. There were many eager to say “Hello, Clyde” and have a hearty shake of the hand that has been in France, Germany and Switzerland for three years. The procession then proceeded to St. Andrew’s Manse where Rev. and Mrs. Scott could alone welcome their son home after his trying experience. He has improved greatly in health of late and looked quite robust.
Red Cross Teas
As usual, the ladies will hold teas every Saturday from 4:00 to 7:00 during the winter months commencing Saturday, 6th October. Only war time food as authorized by the Food Controller will be used. Proceeds from these teas are used to send parcels of food to our prisoners of war in Germany who will starve without our help. The funds are sent to a special branch of the Red Cross who devote their whole time to making up their parcels to forward to the prisoners of war in Germany, parcels which we know reach them.
God Save the King.
Sgt. Major William E. Wright who went from Perth with the 1st Canadian Contingent is expected home on furlough about Christmas.
Wanted—The addresses of local boys at the front so that they may each receive a Christmas parcel from their home town. The Perth-Upon-Tay Chapter of the I.O.D.E. will hold their usual Christmas shower in the town hall for our boys on Friday afternoon and evening, 19th October. Everyone who an give an address kindly leave it at the Courier or Expositor office before or on the 19th Oct. Parcels cannot be sent to addresses handed in later than this date. Parcels will be sent by the I.O.D.E. to all addresses handed in by the 19th. Watch for later particulars of the shower but send in the addresses NOW.
Lt. Joseph McAmmond who went overseas with the 130th Battalion from Perth has been promoted on the field to captain and is now in command of the 18th Battalion. Capt. William Mitchell, nephew of F.L. Mitchell, town, is second in command of the company.
Mr. and Mrs. A.B. Moodie, Scotch Line, received a telegram this week to the effect that their son Stewart was a prisoner of war in Limberg, Germany. He had previously been reported missing.
William Donegan of 221 Queen Street, St. James, Winnipeg and formerly of Perth and brother of Mrs. Peter Cavanagh, Smith’s Falls, ahs been notified that his son Pte. W.D. Donegan was killed in action on the 16th August. He left for overseas in September of last year with a Cameron Highlander unit from Winnipeg under the command of Lt. Col. Reid. He was the only child and was 19 years of age.
The marriage has been celebrated in London, England of Capt. John Frederick Inderwick, Canadian Engineers to Marjory, daughter of the late Edmund Handcock of Cardiff. Capt. Inderwick belongs to Perth and went overseas with the 21st Kingston Battalion.
Casualties:
Presumed to have died—C. N. Garrat of Sharbot Lake; F. Haynes of Almonte; B. McIntyre of Renfrew.
Wounded: G.S. Greer, Maberly
Stewart Wright, son of Mr. and Mrs. B. H. Wright of town who has been on the headquarters staff at Kingston during the past two years has joined the Royal Flying corps at Toronto having a commission as an Imperial officer.
Pte. Clarnie Cameron, son of Mr. and Mrs. A. N. Cameron, of town, is at present in England ill with trench fever. He has been engaged at a supply depot in France lately.
Pte. Mervyn Campbell, son of Mr. W.D. Campbell, Rideau Ferry, who was wounded, ahs landed at Halifax. Pte. John Mars of Perth, who was wounded has also returned to Canada.
Letter not transcribed—Mrs. James Thompson of Burgess received a letter from her daughter Nursing Sister Mary Thompson who joined a unit of nurses at Edmonton. She is now in the Duchess of Connaught Hospital in Tuplow, England but expects to go to France shortly. (The letter was a description of her trip through Scotland on two weeks leave.)
Pte. Craig Greer of Maberly who was seriously wounded, has died from the effects.
Lt. R.A. Smith of the Royal Flying Corps at Camp Borden spent the weekend with his aunt, Mrs. H.F. Saunders before leaving for overseas.
Gunner John Noonan of the Artillery who has been on leave with a party of soldiers who were harvesting in the west, has returned and spent several days here.
Paragraphs from war worn France by local boys who are engaged in war work there. The following are extracts from letters received by Mrs. Norman Anderson from Privates Ernest Ferrier, and Evart Adams of town who went overseas with the 130th Battalion and have been in France for a number of months.
Letter from Ernest Ferrier
5th August, 1917
At present I am absent from the battalion—am back at a large camp much like the one we first resided in after entering France. There are Imperials, Australians, New Zealanders, Canadian, Portugese, and Americans to be seen here at present. The Australians and New Zealanders are the finest bunch of soldiers in appearance that I have ever seen in France. The majority are over 6 feet tall and I have not yet discovered a boy among them. But the Canadians are the boys for hard work against Fritz.
21st August, 1917
I was in the trenches when Sgt. Briscoe was killed. I was fortunate in not seeing him killed but did see him going out on the stretcher. He was my platoon sergeant and though only 21 was considered about the best in the battalion. He never knew what happened. Sometimes it makes me shudder when I think of the way the bullets and shrapnel whistled by me the morning we went over the top; I only wonder the casualties are not more numerous. I did not mind it at the time but afterwards my nerves suffered.
31st August, 1917
I am at the base awaiting medical inspection. There are a hunch of boys here who used to be together in Canada and several Perth lads among them. I do not know where Ewart or any of that bunch are. Ewart is the kind of boy who will do his duty as long as he is able. Last time I saw him he and Alf Norman were residing in a six foot square bivouac of their own construction.
12th September, 1917
Don’t worry about us here. Probably you are imagining our being in some dreadful place but we are at a concert greatly enjoying ourselves. We have all sorts of movies, operas, etc. You speak of my having done something worthwhile. Well, it is small compared with what the majority have done. But I will tell you one who deserves credit for sticking to it and that is Fred Adams. If France gets through this, Canada will have a fine citizen. His father and mother have every reason to be proud.
8 September—I have slept in a new place nearly every night this week and we are still on the move. I shall eventually arrive in a dug out well up to the front lines. I thought I had seen the last of the trenches and so I have as a combatant but under heavy shell fire must take my chances with the other fellows.
Letter from Ewart Adams
July: We are back having a rest and it seems like a different world. Polishing brass had almost become a lost art but we are at it once again. Ernie’s battalion is out too. I saw him as we passed their camp. I am going over to see him and Fred Adams. I was speaking to James Thornton the other night. One night a pierrott company gave a concert on our grounds. It was splendid but I lost interest when one of the old Perth boys came along and told me George Dietrich was on the opposite side of the ring. Of course the chief topics were “Perth” and how long the war would last. We reached no definite conclusion regarding the latter but decided we could last as long as Fritz and then some. Clarnie Cameron is around here too.
4th September
We have been moving but are settled again for a few days. Where we are is as comfortable as possible but much cooler than outside. I have been within 500-600 yards of Ernie every night lately but did not know it until today. I saw Fred Adams and Lance Affleck today and they told me where Ernie was.
(Following is not fully transcribed)
Sgt. Major William E. Wright returned to Perth on the noon train last Friday his homecoming being unannounced but was not allowed to remain at home for long before the townspeople showed their appreciation of one who has taken an active part in the conflict over seas from its earliest days. The Citizens’ Reception Committee gave Sergeant Major Wright a formal reception at the town hall, the band being out for the occasion at 7:30 Saturday evening.
Bombardier Farquhar Caldwell Fraser, son of Mrs. D.M. Fraser of Almonte and nephew of Mr. T.B. Caldwell and Mrs. W.D. Hart of town is reported killed in action on Wednesday.
Saturday evening the Citizens’ Reception Committee and the band were at the station to welcome home Ptes. Mervyn Campbell, John Mars and William Lackey. The former two did arrive but Pte Lackey and Pte. Fielding got off the train and although both boys were endeavoring to dodge the reception committee they were captured and formally received at the town hall. Pte. Lackey has been in England but was medically unfit for service in France. Pte. Fielding who joined an infantry unit, was physically unfit for work overseas. Pte. John Mars went on to Kingston Saturday night and returned early Monday morning.
Thomas Forhan, manager of the Balderson Theater, received word Wednesday that his brother-in-law Pte. John R. Crowe who is a prisoner of war in Germany, had both his limbs amputated at the knees following serious wounds received in the limbs. He has been a prisoner of war for three months.
(Following has not been transcribed in full)
Monday evening Pte. John Mars (photo) was accorded an enthusiastic welcome on his return after gallant service performed in the Belgium battle front with the 38th Battalion and one who took part in the memorable engagement of his battalion with the Prussian Guards in November of last year which resulted in depleting the ranks of the 38th to such an extent that 90 of the famous unit were all that was left to tell the tale of a gallant advance in the face of an almost overwhelming engagement that night of 22nd November. Pte. Mars was one of a party to assist in carrying back the wounded and burying dead comrades. This was done in the face of a severe shell fire and on this night Pte. Mars received such injuries in the limbs from an exploding shell as to incapacitate him for further active service. He has with daring and determination engaged at all times in the strenuous conflict. Pte. Mars was met at the station by the Reception Committee and band. The streets were thronged to the town hall where an address was read by Mayor Hands to which the recipient briefly replied expressing his thanks and pleasure at returning home.
Mrs. B. McGowan received a letter this week from Chaplain A. McDonald in France confirming the cable to the effect that her son William McGowan had been accidentally killed in France the letter is as follows:
France, 20th September, 1917
Dear Mrs. McGowan:
I can only confirm the cable that brought you the sad news of your son’s accidental death. Far behind the fighting trench, away from the range of the enemy fire in a section of the country as peaceful as Canada you son, while attending a grenade demonstration lesson, was fatally struck by a stray piece that rendered him unconscious and he died a very short time after. It was purely accidental, no blame can be laid at the door of any one for carelessness or want of precaution. Thus no place is secure, the Angel of Death’s visits every place and plucks its victim, teaching those who are left to be always prepared. Your son was taught this lesson from infancy and made a practical application of it in his daily life. As the card enclosed shows he was to confession and communion the Sunday previous, 9th September. He was always faithful to attend the sacraments when possible. He now lies buried in Villiers Au Bois Station Military Cemetery Row A Plot 11 Grave 8.
My deepest sympathy goes out to you in this your hour of sorrow and I pray God to bless and strengthen you to bear with resignation the decree of His Holy Will.
Photo of Major John Hope
Major John Hope of town has been awarded the Military Cross for bravery on the firing line. He is the second Perth boy to win the coveted honor and has been actively engaged in France for upwards of two years. Perth feels honored in having local boys who receive the Military Cross.
John Russell of town remembers the boys on different occasions by sending them tobacco and other greatly appreciated articles. A particular interesting letter in acknowledgement was received from Gunner Wilfred Byrne, son of Mr. and Mrs. Larry Byrne of town in which he makes much of a gathering of local boys in France on a festive occasion, Major John Hope being the host of the occasion. The letter follows:
France, 5th October, 1917
Dear Friend John:
Just a line or two to let you know your parcel was received and how it was appreciated. It is very thoughtful of you to remember me as there are so many of the Perth boys over here now. The box sure came in handy as the cool weather will soon be here but the tobacco topped it off as a good smoke of Canadian tobacco is certainly worth a good deal here. I met Fred Adams the other day and he asked me to come over tonight. I went over and Major Jack Hope was giving a “feed” to the Perth boys. There were about twenty fellows there among them Frank O’Neill, Allan Wright, don McMaster, Walter Ferrier, Gordon Baine and Stanton Hudson and others. We certainly had a dandy evening of it and we were mighty glad to see each other.
Another Perth boy has made the great sacrifice in France in the person of Pte. Walter Ferrier (photo). On Wednesday a telegram was received by Mr. and Mrs. William Ferrier stating that he had died of wounds but gave no further particulars. His parents were not aware that he had been wounded, evidently he succumbed soon after being wounded. Pte. Walter Ferrier went overseas as a member of the 130th Battalion band in September, 1916. He was in England until March last when he was one of a draft sent to France for a Pioneer Battalion and since then has been engaged with the Pioneers in the erection of bridges, stringing barbed wire entanglements and such like this work being done chiefly at night. He was the second son and lived with his parents up to the time he enlisted. He was a former member of the Citizens’ Band and of St. Andrew’s Church Choir. Besides many friends he leaves to mourn his loss, his parents and one brother Harry of Montreal and two sisters Ethel of Montreal and Tena at home. The last letter received by his parents from him was on Tuesday of this week. It was dated 9th October and in it he said: “Just a few lines to let you know I am well. I did not get time to write on Sunday as we were on the move. I expect now for a few weeks or so it will not be possible for me to write until we get settled again. We are sleeping in an old barn which is not very comfortable. The weather has been very disagreeable wet and cold.”
Mr. and Mrs. James Scott of McDonald’s Corners received the first word from their son Jack Scott this week since he became a prisoner of war in Germany. It is in the form of a card and apparently he is doing well.
A large number were present at the station to say farewell to Lt. Herb Wilson on his departure after a furlough spent at home. He was the recipient of a well filled purse and a number of other remembrances included $10 worth of cigarettes from Andrew Jergens just before his departure and best wishes for a safe return.
Word was received by Mrs. D. M. Fraser of Union Street, Kingston, last week that her son Bombardier Frank Caldwell Fraser had fallen in action on the 11th October. He was a son of the late Mr. D. M. Fraser, a lawyer of Almonte and a nephew of Mr. T.B. Caldwell, Lanark and Mrs. W. D. Hart of town. While a student in science in 1916 at Queen’s University in the mining courses, he enlisted as a gunner in the 50th Queen’s Battalion in February of 1916. He was transferred to the 52nd Battery at Witley Camp, England and was made bombardier in England and a Corporal in France. He was 23 years old. While at Queen’s the deceased was a prominent athlete being a member of the Science and Queen’s 3rd teams on the rugby fields. Before going to Queen’s he attended the Almonte High School. There are left to mourn his loss his mother of Kingston, one brother Donald Fraser at Almonte and two sisters Miss Isabel and Miss Margot in the city.
A copy of the monthly bulletin of “Kingswood” the Massey-Harris Home in England for Canadian soldiers which recently reached Franktown contains an interesting report of the gallantry of Corp. Harold L. Edwards, a native of the village and well known as a courageous young soldier. The report says: “one of the most important items in the program of the Empire Day fete at Kingswood was the presentation of medals won for distinguished conduct at the front. Mrs. Reynolds on pinning the coveted medals to the men’s breasts in a few well chosen words expressed the pride and pleasure which all those connected with Kingswood experienced in having such brave men in the home and in hearing of their noble deeds.” The report further states: “The brave deed which well merited even a higher distinction for Corporal Edwards is worthy of mention. During the deep fighting at Vimy Ridge on the memorable 9th of April, the advance of his company was temporarily held up by a well handled machine gun and its crew of six Germans. The gun and gun crew were sheltered in a very large shell crater protected in front by barbed wire entanglements. Five separate attempts to advance in front and capture the gun were made by parties of volunteers two at a time but they fell, one by one. Corp. Edwards and a comrade then worked their way around the flank taking a course over uneven shell pitted ground. They took the Germans by surprise, disposed of five by rifle bayonet and revolver and carried back the gun and the remaining German as a prisoner. Corp. Edwards and his comrade immediately made great use of the captured machine gun against other bodies of German troops.” Corporal Edwards is the eldest son of Capt. J. H. Edwards of the 240th Battalion and has a brother and cousin Sgt. Larry Edwards and Pte. Hubert Quackenbush in the army also, truly a fine family record. The quaint old village of Franktown is justly proud of the valor of its sons in the struggle for King and country.
Franktown: Five of our gallant young men, namely Hugh Perry, Willard P. Kilfoyle, Andrew Hughton, Mack McPherson and Harold McLachlin went to Smith’s Falls on Wednesday and underwent the physical exam under the provisions of the Military Service Act. It is to the credit of these young men and an honor to our community that not one of them have an exemption even though they are all really needed at home.
Wilson McCrae, Smith’s Falls, has been appointed Returning Officer for the County of Lanark.
Saturday next is the last day for eligible young men to report under the Military Service Act. All between the ages of 20 and 34 affected are urged to report before Saturday as after that date the consequences for not reporting will be very serious. The medical board is sitting here again this week but will not likely be in Perth again.
On Sunday, a telegram was received from the Record Office in Ottawa by Mr. and Mrs. Peter Hope stating that their son Capt. Acting Major John Hope, M.C., was officially reported admitted to the 20th General Hospital, Camiers, France on the 29th Oct. with gunshot wounds in the right leg. On Monday night a cable was received from Major Hope direct from London, England conveying the welcome news that the wound in the calf of the right limb was not serious.
Sgt. Major Smith of Barrie who has been spending time with his aunt Mrs. Paul of town left for overseas this week after a furlough of three months spent in Canada. His mother, Mrs. John Smith, was here over the weekend. Sgt. Major Smith has the unique record of having been wounded nine times during a period of two years and six months in France. Two of his wounds were quite serious and necessitated considerable time spent in the hospital. He has a most heroic record and has won all the military decorations including the Military Cross, the Distinguished Conduct Medal and the Victoria Cross. Sgt. Major Smith who is a veteran of the Boer War went to France with the first contingent.
Among the casualties appearing of Canadians in the battle line appears the name of Lt. James Ross Riddell of the Princess Patricia’s Contingent who the record says, was killed in one of the deadly battles last week around Passchandache Ridge. Lt. Riddell was a son of Mr. and Mrs. Norman Riddell of Carleton Place but Perth people by birth. The deceased was born in Carleton Place and enlisted early in the war with the Princess Patricia draft. He enlisted as a private obtaining a commission on the field. He had the reputation of being a daring, fearless soldier and in the terrible work in the mud, rain and cold of last week, he no doubt did his part fully in winning the conflict. He was a young man 25 years of age but like so many others from this country his career was cut off early in life. He was a grandson of Mr. J.M.O. Cromwell and a nephew of Miss Riddell of town.
Mr. and Mrs. Fred Roffey of Lanark were the happy recipients of word from their son Private Walter Roffey who was taken prisoner nearly seven months ago but from whom no word had been received up to the present time. The uncertainty of his whereabouts whether wounded, killed or prisoner caused his parents much anxiety for although they had made inquire at every direction that was offered they were unable to obtain any information. They had almost despaired of hearing from their son again when along comes the welcome intelligent written by his own hand that Walter was living and well although a prisoner in the hands of the enemy. Naturally they are very much elated at their son’s safety although they wish him in more congenial quarters.
Rev. James Foulds, late pastor of St. Andrew’s Church, Arnprior, who enlisted and went overseas during the latter part of the winter has received orders to report to receive an appointment as temporary chaplain with the customary rank of captain. He does not know where he will be sent but he is no longer attached to the #15 Field Ambulance Corps.
Pte. George C. New arrived home in Carleton Place Monday evening. He is one of the few survivors of the first contingent which left in August of 1914. He was a prisoner of war for two years with Captain Hooper and Lt. Clyde Scott and tells how Capt. Hooper seeing him slowly bleeding to death with both of his own legs broken, crawled over to him and bandaged his arm and so saved his life.
Pte. Mervyn Campbell, son of Mr. and Mrs. W.D. Campbell of Rideau Ferry, arrived home Saturday evening last. He came up from Kingston where he had reported at the Military Hospital on coming from Halifax. He went overseas with the 130th Battalion and was in France some six months before being wounded. ON 3rd May, he received a gunshot wound in the left arm which so injured the knuckles of his hand as to impair the usefulness of the fingers.
Pte. Herbert Kennedy, son of Mr. and Mrs. Charles Kennedy of Snow Road, returned to Canada, arriving home on Tuesday of last week. He had been wounded in an engagement which took place early in the year in France and after considerable time spent in the hospital undergoing treatment he received an honorable discharge. Pte. Kennedy had a natural bent for military life and when the war broke out he was very anxious to get in the game. He served with the 84th (?) 34th (?) Battalion.
Major. W. J. Moffatt of Pembroke has been admitted to #14 Hospital Wimereaux, France, severely wounded in the thigh.
Lt. Percy S.D. Harding, formerly agricultural representative here has received “The Order of Merite Agricold (chevalier)” from the French government in recognition of his work.
Photo of Sgt. S. B. Wright and Gunner Allan Wright
Sgt. S. B. Wright and Gunner Allan Wright, sons of Mr. and Mrs. B.H. Wright, of town.
Sgt. S. B. Wright is now with the Royal Flying Corps, Toronto, which he has recently joined. For two years he has been on the headquarters staff at Kingston in connection with the medical service. He was sanitary sergeant in 1916 at Barriefield Camp. He is very enthusiastic over the air service when writing his letters.
Gunner Allan Wright is with the 36th Battery in France going overseas last year and arrived in England on Christmas Day, 1916. He has been in France for upwards of one year. In a letter received from Allan on Wednesday he states that at the time of writing he was rather busy being about to build a hut and make a bed before he could sleep. He is well and mentions having seen Gunner Peter McIntyre who was gassed but who is again on duty.
Ernest Coutts, son of Mr. and Mrs. Archie Coutts, of Rideau Ferry, has been awarded the Military Medal for bravery on the field and has forwarded it to his parents here. He went overseas with the Army Medical Corps enlisting at Paris, Ontario with the first contingent. He has been in France for two and a half years. He is a graduate of the Collegiate and a druggist by calling.
Photo of Corp. Daniel Herlehy
Corp. Daniel Herlehy, son of Mr. and Mrs. Daniel Herlehy, Bathurst, who enlisted with the 159th Battalion at Timmons, N. Ontario, and went overseas in October of last year. He has been in France four months with the Canadian Engineers.
Photo of Jack Scott
Sad indeed was the word coming from the Record Office at Ottawa this week to Mr. and Mrs. James Scott of McDonald’s Corners that their son Jack Scott had died while a prisoner of war in Germany. The evident cause of his death was lack of food. Letters received from him and written in early September stated that he was not receiving sufficient food to sustain life. He was taken prisoner on the Vimy Ridge engagement on the 9th April, while with the 75th Battalion. In the last letter received from him he briefly described how it happened. Alvin Wilson of town had been wounded and Jack hastily dressed his wounds and left him as comfortable as possible. Soon afterwards, the Canadians, in repelling a strong counter attack, lost heavily in men a number being taken prisoner. Among this number were Jack Scott, Walter Roffey of Lanark and Craig Greer of Maberly. They fell into severe treatment according to his letter, the German soldiers saying that they were making things even for treatment accorded when their men were taken prisoners by the Allies. Jack Scott is the third son of Mr. and Mrs. Scott to give his life in this war. Norman and Campbell Scott have their last resting places marked in France by a plain soldier’s wooden cross. Bruce Scott, the fourth son, who was wounded, is now in Scotland getting his commission. The family has made a record in this conflict that must surely last for all time. Words cannot express their sacrifice. Jack was originally a member of the 130th Battalion. With his unit he went to England and to France in a draft for the 76th. He like his brothers was a kindly young fellow, quiet and unassuming but withal possessed of courage and spirit of youth.
Photo of Sgt. Ernest Coutts
Sgt. Ernestt Coutts won the Military Cross
Photos of Lt. Col. Thomas R. Caldwell and Miss Dorothy
Code
Lt. Col. Thomas R. Caldwell and Miss Dorothy Code were married at the Presbyterian Church in Eastbourne, England on the 8th November.
The following letter was received this week by Mrs. A. Vallely of town from her son John Vallely and gives some particulars on Walter Ferrier’s death.
Belgium, 21 October, 1917
Dear Mother:
I wrote you some time ago after receiving Mary’s letter but I have not received any mail since. I have seen quite a few fellows I know over here. I saw Walter Ferrier here on Tuesday but poor fellow, went over the line the next day and was killed. From what I can hear he died a real soldier’s death. He was killed while he was carrying a fellow that had been wounded. The sergeant told me it was the shock that killed him. He was severely wounded above the knee. Everyone here thinks a whole lot of him. They say he was a very fine fellow and the officers as well speak good of him. I have also seen Tom O’Neill, Gerald Brown and Jack O’Brien. They are all living yet. Jim Brown is in this country but I have not yet run across him. They say he is all right.
Your living son,
Spr. John M. Vallely
#1093286 #13 Light R.R. Operating Co.
R.E.B.E.F. France Canadian
Casualties:
Died of Wounds:
1.) Walter S. McIlquham, Richmond (?), was informed by telegram this week that his son had been seriously wounded by a shell in the left (illegible) on 6th November and died the same day from its effects. He was with the artillery.
2.) John T. McKenzie of (illegible) near Lanark was informed by the Record Office that his son Lance Corp. Charles McKenzie of the Mounted Rifles had died of wounds on the 26th Oct.
3.) Corp. Herbert Eastwood of Carleton Place succumbed to wounds.
Died of Appendicitis—Benjamin Cardinal of Lanark received a telegram on Tuesday from the Record Office informing him that his son Pte. Benjamin Cardinal of the Army Medical Corps died in the Second (?) Canadian Hospital, Tre - - - , France on the 10th November after illness from appendicitis.
Wounded:
1.) John F. Brown, Drummond was informed by telegram that his son(?) Jacob had been admitted to the (illegible word) Field Ambulance (illegible word), 3rd November with a gunshot wound in the ear(?) (more illegible words) in the infantry.
2.) Pte. Harold (last name illegible ?ynn), Smith’s Falls, gunshot wound in the right shoulder and knee.
3.) Pte. Charles E. Clark, Smith’s Falls, suffering from gas.
4.) Pte. W. Percy Banks (?) Smith’s Falls, suffering from shell shock (?) and gas.
5.) Pte Robert S. Shields, Smith’s Falls, gunshot wound right hand and knee.
Posted: 04 September, 2004.