Image: Excerpt from Corporal Gregson’s military service, listing several of the experiences mentioned below (Library & Archives Canada)
Regimental Number: 79835
Rank: Corporal
Branch: 31st Battalion
Henry was born in Lytham, Lancashire, England on August 28, 1889 (1890 according to his British military records). He served in the Royal Navy from January to October of 1908. It is unknown when he first came to Canada, but Henry enlisted in the Canadian Army in Edmonton in November of 1914. He suffered from gunshot wounds to his ankle in November of 1917. Henry became a qualified instructor in Lewis automatic machine guns (Grade 2) at the School of Musketry. In December of 1919, he was granted permission to marry. He went absent without leave around the same time. In November or December of 1919, Henry was fined by civilian police for being drunk and fighting with other soldiers. He filed on the northern half of 14-72-2-W6 in 1920, but later canceled both quarters. A present address card dated 1922 states that Henry was living in Grande Prairie at that time.
Soldier Spotlight highlights veterans from the Archives’ online Soldiers’ Memorial. Each week, our volunteers select a remarkable individual to showcase in this blog series. The Soldiers’ Memorial commemorates more than 1,100 WWI veterans and 2,300 WWII veterans from our region. Three dedicated volunteers have contributed over 1,200 hours to this project by researching and writing biographies. Our goal is to have all South Peace soldiers acknowledged for their service. If you know of someone who lived in the South Peace and should be listed on the Memorial, or would like to get involved by researching a local veteran, please contact the Archives.