Cage, William Earl
Regimental Number: 3213479
Rank: Private
Branch: 1st Depot Battalion; 21st Canadian Reserve Battalion
William was born in Salem, Massachusetts on September 1, 1897. He was drafted in June of 1918. William married Alice Corinne Piche in 1920. He died on April 27, 1987 and was buried in the Brooks Cemetery in Brooks, Alberta.
Sources: Lake Saskatoon Reflections p. 247; Beaverlodge to the Rockies p. 485 (photo)
Cahoon, John
Regimental Number: 187236
Rank: Private
Branch: 90th Overseas Battalion; 8th Battalion
John was born in County Antrim on March 11, 1879. In August 1917, in Lens, France, John was gassed as he was going over the top before he was able to put on his mask. The next day he was buried alive by a shell explosion, but sustained only a minor concussion. He was discharged in June 1918 because of bronchitis (caused by the gassing). John and his wife Mary Ann settled in Dimsdale in 1919, on SE 36-70-8-W6. The couple had three sons and two daughters. John died suddenly of heart failure on August 2, 1946 and was buried in Grande Prairie.
Sources: Along the Wapiti, p. 411
Cairnes, Thomas James
Regimental Number: 904890
Rank: Private
Branch: 194th Battalion; 49th Battalion
Thomas was born in Lindsay, Ontario on September 1, 1892. He homesteaded at 26-72-10-W6 and enlisted in the Canadian army on March 26, 1916. Thomas received a gunshot wound to his right hand on October 30, 1917 at Passchendaele and was sent back to Canada in September of 1918, medically unfit because of his wound. Thomas and his wife Vera were living in Grandview, Manitoba at the time of his death on October 31, 1953.
Calahaissin, Alfred
Regimental Number: 3213067; 4100472
Rank: Private
Branch: 1st Depot Battalion Alberta Regiment
Alfred was born in Grouard, Alberta on July 11, 1897. He was drafted into the Canadian army March of 1918, but went absent without leave. In June, Alfred re-enlisted.
Calihoo, Robert J.
Robert was born ca. 1892 in Alberta. In 1930, he filed on NE 4-72-2-W6, indicating that he had served in the military.
Callihoo, D.
Regimental Number:
Callister, John Walter
Regimental Number: 231103
Rank: Private
Branch: 202nd (Sportsman's) Battalion
John was born in Marown on the Isle of Man on February 27, 1883. He and his wife Gertrude Kate came to Canada in 1908; John filed on a homestead at NE 36-73-5-W6 in 1915. In March of 1916, John enlisted in the Canadian army, but he was discharged on November 7 of that year because of a tumor on his inner right knee. Gertrude died on August 2, 1941; John was later remarried to Martha Gudlaugson on April 27, 1943. The couple eventually moved to Vancouver Island, where John died in March of 1968.
Sources: Fonds 262; Wagon Trails Grown Over p. 156
Calloway, Richard
Regimental Number: 79048
Rank: Private
Branch: 31st Battalion; 1st Depot Battalion, Alberta Regiment
Richard was born in Plymouth, England on August 2, 1881. It is unknown when he came to Canada, but he enlisted in Calgary on November 16, 1914. Richard suffered from shell shock due to an explosion at St. Eloi on June 4, 1916. On December 4, 1916, he was invalided to Canada. Also in December, Richard was granted permission to marry Alice. Richard was discharged, having been found medically unfit, on August 31, 1917. He was commended for wanting to carry on with work, despite tiring easily and not eating or sleeping well, according to a report dated May of 1917. On March 28, 1918, Richard was drafted into the Canadian Army. He filed on homesteads at NW 32-78-20-W5 and NE 31-78-20-W5 in 1918.
Cameron, Alexander
Regimental Number: 505877
Rank: Sapper
Branch: Canadian Engineers
Alexander "Sandy" Cameron was born on March 28, 1879 in Strontian, Argyll, Scotland. He came to Canada in the early 1900s with his brother Donald. They worked several years in Manitoba before coming to the Peace Country and filing on homesteads in 1912. After the war Sandy and Donald ran a stopping place for travelers on the Edson Trail. They also ran the only feed grinding outfit in the area from 1919 until 1929. Sandy's land, which he filed on in 1927, was located at NE 8-72-4-W6. Sandy went to Edmonton in 1954 to seek treatment for corns on his feet and no trace of him has ever been found.
Sources: Smoky River to Grande Prairie, p. 89
Cameron, Charles Holgate
Regimental Number: 30047
Rank: Corporal
Branch: Canadian Army Service Corps; 1st Canadian Divisional Train
Charles was born in Three Rivers, Quebec. He joined the Canadian armed forces in 1914, passing himself off as 18 though he was only 16 at the time (his attestation paper says his date of birth was January 2, 1896). Charlie married Clara on April 25, 1929 and because his nerves were bad due to his war experiences, the couple came west (along with Charles's brother Gordon, who also served in the war) and eventually settled in Bonanza. They had two children, Dave and Dorothy. Charlie died on January 6, 1961 and was buried in the Dawson Creek Cemetery.
Sources: Homesteaders' Heritage p. 195
Cameron, Gordon Andrew
Regimental Number: 3213158
Rank: Private
Branch: 21st Canadian Reserve Battalion
Gordon was born in Montreal on January 3, 1895. Gordon came to the Peace country in 1913 and filed on a homestead near Beaverlodge. In 1917 he was drafted into the Canadian army, though he never saw active service. He returned to his homestead after the war and was able to increase his land with his Soldier Grant. Gordon never married and died in February 1974. He was buried in the Lake Saskatoon cemetery.
Sources: Beaverlodge to the Rockies p. 485
Cameron, Gordon Irwin
Regimental Number: 2776887
Rank: Lance Corporal
Branch: Canadian Ordinance Corps
Gordon was born in Three Rivers, Quebec on January 24, 1898 (according to his attestation paper; RCMPGraves.com gives his birthdate as 1900). He lied about his age to enlist in 1916 but was found out before he shipped overseas. In June 1918 he enlisted a second time, though once again he never made it overseas and was discharged in August 1919. It was at this time that Gordon joined the RNWMP. He met his wife Martha while serving in the Yukon, and had to leave the force to marry her. Gordon went into business with his brother Charlie and in 1929, both brothers came west to the Peace country. After their daughter Ione was born, Gordon and Martha decided there was no future for them in farming and they moved to Vancouver in 1934. Eventually they ended up in the Yukon, where George died on April 29, 1996.
Sources: Homesteader's Heritage p. 196; RCMPGraves.com
Cameron, Lawrence Rounds
Regimental Number: 216695
Rank: Private
Branch: 1st Battalion, Canadian Mounted Rifles
Lawrence was born in Burford, Ontario on October 29, 1885. He was living in Saskatoon, Saskatchewan at the time of his enlistment in March of 1916. In October of 1917, Lawrence suffered from gunshot wounds to the chest and back at Passchendaele. In 1929, Lawrence filed on a homestead at NE 28-76-3-W6. He eventually moved on to British Columbia. Lawrence died in Vancouver on August 16, 1949.
Cameron, Roy McGregor
Regimental Number: 904582
Rank: Private
Branch: 194th Battalion; 10th Battalion
Roy was born in Wheeler, Ontario on November 3, 1885. In 1913, he filed on LT 29 in Spirit River. He enlisted in the Canadian Army in March of 1916. On June 30, 1917, while taking refuge from shellfire at Vimy Ridge, Roy fractured his os calcis (heel/ankle) when he dropped down a shaft. A shell casing struck his foot, causing the fracture. Roy's military service file include many detailed reports about the injury. He had a mild degree of claw foot on his left foot. Another report also indicates that Roy had nervous systems. On page 31 of Roy's service file is a telegraph sent to his father, informing him of Roy's hospitalization. Roy was invalided to Canada in late 1917 and discharged on September 3, 1918. Roy eventually left the South Peace. He died on August 20, 1967 and was buried in Santa Barbara, California.
Cameron, Walter Richard David
Branch: Royal Canadian Navy
Walter was born ca. 1875. He served in the Royal Canadian Navy during World War I. He later worked as an engineer. Walter died in London on June 29, 1928.
Cameron, William
Regimental Number:
Campbell, Arthur Herbert
Regimental Number: 1042254
Rank: Private
Branch: 240th Battalion
Arthur was born in Brighton, Ontario on June 23, 1891. He enlisted in the Canadian Army in October of 1916. As a result of being hit by a baseball, Arthur suffered from retinal hemorrhaging on December 2, 1916 and again in 1917. Wearing smoked glasses helped protect his eyes to some degree. Arthur was invalided to Canada in October of 1917; it was suspected that he had tuberculosis. In 1919, he filed on SE 5-78-3-W6 and SW 4-78-3-W6. Arthur died on May 16, 1967 and was buried in Victory Memorial Park in Surrey, British Columbia.
Campbell, Boyce
Regimental Number:
Sources: Along the Wapiti, p. 411
Campbell, Frank Donald
Regimental Number: 3213816
Rank: Sapper
Branch: Canadian Engineers
Frank was born on December 13, 1887 in Cardigan, Prince Edward Island. In 1914, he filed on a homestead in the North Kleskun district (SE 16-74-4-W6). Frank was drafted in 1918 and never saw action. After the war, he returned to PEI and married Mary on August 20, 1919. The couple returned to Alberta and settled on Frank's quarter section. Because of ill health it became necessary for Frank to give up farming, and he went to Drumheller in 1942 to work for the CNR as a bridgeman. The rest of the family joined him later the same year. Frank died on August 5, 1957 and is buried in Drumheller.
Sources: Wagon Trails Grown Over, p. 272
Campbell, John William "Jack"
Regimental Number: 781985
Rank: Private
Branch: 128th Battalion; 3rd Canadian Labour Battalion; 11th Battalion Canadian Railway Troops
Jack was born in Cookstown, Ontario on February 10, 1897. In about 1915, he went in search of new opportunities in Manitoba and later joined the Canadian army. Jack came to Alberta in 1919 with the other veterans and homesteaded at W1/2 15-80-8 W6 in the Blueberry Mountain district. He married Alice in 1923 when she had come to Canada on holiday to visit a friend. The Campbells stayed in Blueberry Mountain and farmed until Jack died on May 7, 1957.
Sources: The Big Bend, p. 255; Homestead Records; Obituary
Campbell, Joseph Alphonse
Regimental Number: 467513
Rank: Private
Branch: 10th Battalion; 63rd Battalion
Joseph was born on October 20, 1889 in Fall River, Massachusetts. He spent a holiday in Athabasca Landing with a relative and decided to stay. In 1915, Alphonse joined the armed forces and went overseas. His service record indicates that he went AWOL from Witley Camp for about a month in August/September 1919. After the war, Alphonse returned to Athabasca with his bride, Jeanne Juliette de Chatillon from Nancy, France, but they moved on to Falher in 1921. The couple had no children of their own, but they adopted a son and daughter. In 1937, their home caught fire and Jeanne died when running in to search for something important. Alphonse was also burned and spent considerable time in the hospital. Alphonse died on March 3, 1970.
Source: By the Peavine in the Smoky of the Peace p. 221-222
Campbell, Robert Eldon
Regimental Number: 898432
Rank: Captain
Branch: 192nd Battalion; 9th Reserve Battalion; Canadian Forestry Corps
Robert was born in Montague, Ontario on August 15, 1871. He went west to Saskatchewan in 1893, where he taught school for two years. At that time he married Stella May Crosier and the couple moved to Banff, where teachers' salaries were more lucrative. Besides teaching, Robert also took up packing and guiding for the CPR. Eventually he gave up teaching altogether. Robert enlisted in the 192nd Battalion and served overseas during the war. Shortly after he returned, Robert and Stella moved to the Peace Country. They farmed in Red Willow lived until they retired to Victoria in 1943. Ten years later they moved to Calgary to live with their daughter Gladys. Robert died on May 5, 1965
Sources: Along the Wapiti, p. 411, 40, 41
Campbell, Robert John
Regimental Number: 433073
Rank: Private
Branch: 49th Battalion; Canadian Army Service Corps
Robert was born in Claremont, Ontario on February 19, 1893. He came in west in 1914 and filed on a homestead at SE 10-74-5-W6. In March of 1915, Robert traveled to Edmonton and enlisted in the Canadian Army. According to his service file, Robert's left foot was infected in March of 1916. This was a common occurrence in the damp trenches. One paper states that Robert was married to Catherine Bertsch; however, all other documents indicate that he was single. After the war, Robert returned to his homestead in Sexsmith.
Canton, Edward Franklin
Regimental Number: 231692
Rank: Private
Branch: 202nd Battalion
Edward was born on October 9, 1888 in Springview, Keya Paha County, Nebraska. He came to the Peace Country and homesteaded at 35-72-6-W6. Edward married Alice Parenteau in Grande Prairie on March 15, 1915, though at the time of his enlistment, Alice's current address was listed as St. Julien, Saskatchewan. Edward enlisted on June 30, 1916 and deserted on September 19, 1916 before his unit sailed.
Capot (Capeo), David Archibald
Regimental Number: 101500
Rank: Private
Branch: 66th Battalion; 49th Battalion
David was born in Grouard, Alberta on August 15, 1892. He joined the Canadian in army in 1915 and served in France during the war. David was wounded in action twice; a shrapnel wound to his left knee in September of 1916 and a gunshot wound to his right shoulder in August 1918. He received the Distinguished Conduct Medal for gallantry and distinguished service in the field. His brother Edwin also served overseas. David died around 1928.
Capot, Edwin
Regimental Number: 905156
Rank: Private
Branch: 49th Battalion; 194th Battalion
Edwin was born in March 1895 in Grouard, Alberta. He joined the Canadian armed forces in 1916, a year after his brother David. Edwin was wounded in action twice - a gunshot wound in the chest in May of 1917, and gunshot wounds to his left thigh and finger in October 1918.
Capron, Victor Clarion
Rank: Trooper
Branch: Belgian Army
Victor was born in Flenu, Hainaut, Belgium on June 30, 1892. During World War I, he served in the Belgian Army. Victor was married to Odile Dubois and they had one daughter. It is unknown what happened to Odile. In 1925, Victor came to the South Peace and filed on the northern half of 1-77-22-W5. He later married Yvonne Lauzier. They lived in the South Peace until 1968, when they moved to British Columbia. Victor died in the Shuswap Lake General Hospital in Salmon Arm, British Columbia on April 21, 1983.
Sources: Reflexions Girouxville-Culp Vol. 1 p. 51 & Vol. 2 p. 406.
Carlisle, Andrew Murray
Regimental Number: 1582
Rank: Sergeant
Branch: No. 5 Canadian Field Ambulance; Canadian Army Medical Corps, 2nd Canadian Division
Dr. Andrew Murray Carlisle was born in Peterborough, Ontario on March 6, 1896. He began medical training in 1913 but his studies were interrupted by the war. Murray enlisted while in his second year in 1915 and became a stretcher bearer in the Second Division Canadian Army. While there he attained the rank of sergeant in the Canadian Army Medical Corps and served in Canada, England, and France. After being discharged in 1918, Murray returned to complete his medical training. In 1921 Murray received a telegram from his brother-in-law Joe (Jack?) Archer in Lake Saskatoon, urgently requesting him to come north since the present doctor had left.
In the summer of 1921, Murray met Jean McFarlane. Jean and Murray married in 1923. The doctor’s office was in their home and Jean wore many hats, serving as a nursing assistant and meal provider for out of town patients who had traveled far. The Carlisles briefly left the area when Murray was accepted to an internship at the Sick Children’s Hospital in Toronto, but returned to Wembley in 1926, which was where their three children Jim, Mary Jean, and David were born.
As Dr. Carlisle had to travel to Grande Prairie nearly every day, the family eventually moved and built a new home across from Montrose School. Dr. Carlisle continued to practicing in Grande Prairie for the next 21 years. In 1957, the Carlisles retired to Victoria. Their children also moved away from Grande Prairie. Dr. Carlisle died in 1981 and Jean in 1986.
Sources: Lake Saskatoon Reflections, p. 98, 112; Beaverlodge to the Rockies Supplement p. 99-103; Along the Wapiti p. 345; see surname file
Carlisle, David
Regimental Number: 504989
Rank: Sapper
Branch: Canadian Engineers
David was born in Peterboro, Ontario on April 15, 1883. He was living in Brandon, Manitoba at the time of his enlistment in April of 1916; his brother Andrew also served in the Canadian Army. David received shrapnel wounds to his feet, back, left arm, and right leg in May of 1917. The wound to his left foot caused lasting damage; from that point on he had trouble standing and walking, and needed to have a special boot made (view x-rays of David's foot on pages 41 and 42). Because of his injuries, David was invalided to Canada in February of 1918 and discharged on July 22, 1918. David had filed on SW 4-72-8-W6 by proxy in 1916. In 1919, he filed (this time in person) on NW 30-71-8-W6. David married Edna "Bonnie" Campbell in September of 1923. He died in 1967.
Sources: Lake Saskatoon Reflections p. 113
Carmichael, Hugh Harold
Hugh was born on April 17, 1881 in Renfrew, Ontario. He served in the Boer War and afterward traveled to New Zealand, where he met and married his wife Florence Ann Bennett. They came west to Hythe in 1914 with Hugh's brother Percy and uncle Frank Biggs. He filed on NE 30-73-10-W6 in 1915. Hugh was an engineer during the First World War, and also went overseas during the Second World War to serve in England's Home Guard. Hugh died in Hythe in July of 1959.
Sources: Pioneer Round Up p. 187-188
Carney, Edward
Regimental Number: 437701
Rank: Sergeant
Branch : 51st Battalion; 46th Battalion
Edward was born in London, England on November 23, 1888. He immigrated to Canada in 1910 and worked in Toronto before homesteading at NW 4-74-7 near Buffalo Lakes. In 1915 Ed joined the Canadian armed forces and served overseas. He received a gunshot wound in his left arm at Vimy Ridge on April 12, 1917. At that point he had been in France for nine months. Ed spent eight months in hospital then was sent home in February 1918 because of a partial loss of function in his left arm. He was married in July of 1918. In 1939, Ed was called up under G.O. 139 and employed to train troops during the Second World War. Ed died in November 1975.
Sources: Wagon Trails Grown Over, p.1147; Buffalo Trails, p. 261, 74-76
Carriere, Arthur
Regimental Number: 101351
Rank: Private
Branch: 233rd Battalion; 178th Battalion; 22nd Battalion; 2nd Battalion, Canadian Machine Gun Corps
Arthur was born in St. Scholastique, Quebec on March 12, 1887. He joined the Canadian army in October 1915. On August 28, 1918, during an attack east of Arras, he received a gunshot wound to the head. Arthur's comrades tended his wounds and carried him to the dressing station. He was later evacuated to No. 26 General Hospital, Etaples. Arthur died four days later on September 1, 1918 and was buried at Etaples Military Cemetery in France.
Carson, Matthew
Rank: Lieutenant
Branch: Royal Army Veterinary Corps
Matthew was born ca. 1890. During World War I, he served in the Royal Army Veterinary Corps. He died on December 9, 1957 and was buried in the Lake Saskatoon Cemetery.
Source: gravemarker
Carter, Edward Alvin
Regimental Number: 3209408
Rank: Private
Branch: Canadian Siberian Expeditionary Force
Edward was born in Lethbridge, Alberta on April 6, 1895. In 1915, his brother Jack filed on a homestead at NW 10-74-8-W6 on Edward's behalf. Edward was drafted into the Canadian Army in 1918, and discharged on May 23, 1919. After the war he proved up on his land and later moved to Morningside, Alberta. Edward married Dorothy. He died on January 8, 1962 and was buried the Fairview Cemetery in Lacombe, Alberta.
Sources: La Glace p. 155
Carter, George Henry
Regimental Number: 432930
Rank: Sergeant
Branch: 49th Battalion
George was born in Birmingham, Warwickshire, England on May 14, 1877. He filed on a homestead at 20-75-2-W6. George enlisted in the Canadian army on January 25, 1915 in Edmonton. He had previously served with The King’s Royal Rifle Corps (Regimental #7797) and had seen service in South Africa. George received shrapnel wounds to his left wrist, and was discharged in November of 1918 because of myalgia, caused by 'exposure' at Ypres in May of 1916. He died on March 14, 1961, and was buried in the Grande Prairie Cemetery.
Carter, Walter Earl
Regimental Number: 2490
Rank: Lieutenant
Branch: Lord Strathcona's Horse; Royal Flying Corps
Walter was born in Edmonton on December 1, 1893. He filed on a homestead at 8-74-5-W6, north of Sexsmith. In September of 1914, Walter traveled to Valcartier to enlist in the Canadian army; he served both with the Lord Strathcona's Horse and the Royal Flying Corps. On March 22, 1918 Walter was killed in an airplane accident at Yatesbury, England.
Sources: homestead record
Carveth, Gerald Victor
Regimental Number: 3213064
Rank: Private
Branch: 1st Depot Battalion, Alberta Regiment; 21st Reserve Battalion
Gerald was born in Leskard, Ontario on September 16, 1897. He was the son of Arthur William and Elizabeth Carveth. His father and two brothers, Cecil and Rupert, arrived in the Grande Prairie area in 1911. His father returned east the following year to bring Gerald, his mother, and his sister Rita to join them. The family homesteaded on NW, NE, SE 10-72-5-W6. In September 1915, Gerald filed on his own homestead, SW 6-73-4-W6. He was drafted into the army in June 1918 and went overseas, though he remained in England and never saw active duty at the front lines in France. Gerald married Gladys Clarkson on February 14, 1923. They bought the Arthur Carveth farm, where they lived for 31 years. Three children were born to the Carveths - Jim, Betty, and Edna. Gerald died on April 13, 1982 in Grande Prairie at the age of 84.
Source: Pioneers of the Peace p. 138
Cashmore, Clifford Lawrence
Regimental Number: 255980
Rank: Sergeant
Branch: Signal Pool, Canadian Engineers
Clifford was born in Cobden, Ontario on December 30, 1892. He owned a homestead at SE 13-79-5-W6. In June of 1916, Clifford enlisted in the Canadian army. At this time he was unmarried, though in his will (dated October 3, 1916) he listed Rita Marie Harrington as his heir. As of the time of his death, the couple had married. Clifford died on December 1, 1918 of influenza at the No. 1 British Casualty Clearing Station.
Sources: homestead record
Cassie, William
Regimental Number: 3214421
Rank: Private
Branch: 1st Depot Battalion, Alberta Regiment
William was born in Fergus, Ontario on December 16, 1883. He filed on NE 17-79-5-W6 in 1916. William was drafted into the Canadian Army in July of 1918 and served in Canada. He died on December 26, 1961.
Sources: Chepi Sepe p. 316
Casson, George Edward
Regimental Number: 101047
Rank: Sergeant
Branch: 31st Battalion
George was born in Hull, England on August 26, 1892. He came to the region in February 1912 and settled on a homestead near Bezanson. In 1915, George left his homestead and enlisted in the army. While fighting in France in September of 1916, a bullet grazed his head. At first he only experienced slight paralysis in his left hand and the left side of his face, but in June 1917, he was sent back to Canada because of epilepsy. In 1921, George married Anna Marie Peerenboom. From 1919 until 1930, George worked in the Grande Prairie Land Office. In 1930, he was transferred to Peace River until 1933. After a short residence in Grande Prairie, the family moved to Victoria.
Sources: Pioneers of the Peace p. 5
Castle, Philip Henry
Regimental Number: VR-2161; VR-4165
Branch: Royal Canadian Navy
Philip was born in Liverpool, England on May 16, 1897. He came to Canada with his parents and two brothers in 1906 and settled in Saskatoon. Philip served in the Navy for four years during World War I. In 1927 he was offered a position as manager of the United Grain Growers elevator in Grande Prairie, commencing May 1. On April 17 of that same year, Philip married Violet Pangford. The Castles lived in Grande Prairie until 1928, at which time they moved to Beaverlodge to open the new Alberta Wheat Pool elevator. In 1936 Philip was promoted to elevator supervisor and transferred to Edmonton. They lived there for a year, then moved to Vermilion, which was the center of Philip's assigned territory. On September 16, 1943, Philip was injured in a fall while inspecting grain in the annex of an elevator. He died a few hours later.
Sources: Beaverlodge to the Rockies, p. 93
Caterer, Christopher Frederick
Regimental Number: 421083
Rank: Sergeant
Branch: Royal Canadian Engineers; 16th Battalion
Christopher was born in Oxford, England on July 13, 1896. He was living in St. James, Manitoba as of the time of his enlistment in May of 1915. Christopher received shrapnel wounds to his right thigh and left arm at the Somme in 1916. In December of 1917, he was discharged as his heart trouble had left him medically unfit. He came to the South Peace, possibly in the 1920s or 1930s, and eventually moved into Grande Prairie. Christopher died on February 14, 1975 and was buried in the Grande Prairie cemetery.
Sources: Grande Prairie Cemetery; The Big Bend p. 254
Cavanagh, Arthur Melville "Molly"
Regimental Number: 1072157
Rank: Private
Branch: 5th Battalion
Arthur was born in Rathwell, Manitoba on January 9, 1898 (it is likely that he was in fact born in 1899 or 1900 and lied about his age). He enlisted in the Canadian army in 1916. In 1929, Arthur and his wife Belle came to the Hythe area and filed on a homestead at 14-73-12-W6. Arthur died in Hythe on April 25, 1960 at the age of sixty.
Sources: Pioneer Round-Up p. 188; gravemarker
Champney, Cecil Nelson
Rank: Lieutenant
Branch: British Red Cross Society; Order of St John of Jerusalem
Cecil was born in Gloucestershire, England on September 21, 1884. He was made a Second Lieutenant in the British Army on May 1, 1902. In 1914, he filed on a homestead at NW 31-78-5-W6. During World War I, Cecil once again served in the British Army. He was promoted to the rank of Captain in 1923. By 1936, Cecil was once again living in England (Brudenell Avenue, Canford Cliffs, Bournemouth).
Champoux, Albert
Regimental Number: 3213112
Rank: Private
Branch: 1st Depot Battalion, Alberta Regiment; 21st Reserve Battalion
Albert was born on April 2, 1897 in St. Felix de Kingsey, Quebec. He filed on a homestead at SE 26-78-21-W5 and was living in Falher when he was drafted into the army. Albert remained single all his life and died in McLennan on June 27, 1959. He was buried in Donnelly.
Sources: By the Peavine in the Smoky of the Peace, p. 229
Chaput, Armand
Regimental Number: 3163698
Rank: Private
Branch: 2nd Depot Battalion, 2nd Quebec Regiment
Armand was born in St. Liboire, Quebec on February 28, 1898. He was living in Pawtucket, Rhode Island with his father and working as a mill hand when he enlisted in June of 1918. Armand served only in England, and was discharged from the army on September 23, 1919. In 1929, he filed on a homestead at NE-31-78-24-W5. Armand died on July 5, 1936 and was buried in McLennan.
Chaput, Lucien
Regimental Number: 3324946
Rank: Private
Branch: 2nd Depot Battalion, Eastern Ontario Regiment
Lucien was born on Allumette Island, Quebec on October 17, 1895. He was drafted in June of 1918, while still living in Quebec, and never made it overseas. However, during the Second World War Lucien served in the Eaglesham and District Veterans Volunteer Reserve.
Chase, Carman Elsworth
Regimental Number: 4892
Rank: Private
Branch: 16th Canadian Field Ambulance
Carman was born in Uxbridge, Ontario on September 10, 1889. He was living in Saskatchewan at the time of his enlistment in May of 1916. During the war, Carman served as a stretcher bearer. In September of 1918, he was dangerously ill with pneumonia. Carman and his wife and daughter came to the South Peace from Saskatchewan in 1930 and filed on the eastern half of 35-79-12-W6. In 1937, they moved to British Columbia. Carman died in Victoria in 1976.
Sources: Homesteaders' Heritage p. 199
Chisholm, Robert Clark
Regimental Number: 258980
Rank: Sapper
Branch: 8th Battalion, Canadian Railway Troops
Robert was born in Maysville, Kentucky on February 25, 1883. He was working as an electrician in Vancouver when he enlisted in November of 1916. Robert was a widower and had no children. Several times during his military career, Robert had forfeit pay. In July of 1917, he forfeited a day's pay for "not wearing a steel helmet in the Ypres Tower area." In November 1917, Robert was absent without leave for a day and a half and consequently forfeited a week's pay. Then on July 7, 1918 he appeared on parade unshaven and forfeited two days' pay. After being discharged in 1919, Robert came to the South Peace and filed on NE 31-69-23-W5 and SW 5-70-23-W5.
Sources: Where the Red Willow Grew p. 303
Chiverton, Frederick
Regimental Number: 19206
Rank: Private
Branch: 9th Battalion; Canadian Forestry Corps
Frederick was born in Surbiton, England on May 19, 1887. He filed on SW 16-77-19-W5 in 1914. In September of 1914, Frederick traveled to Valcartier to enlist in the Canadian Army. Because of his recurring heart trouble, Frederick served in England during the war, away from the front lines. Page 38 of his service file gives a detailed diagnosis from a heart specialist. He worked as a cook at some point during the war. Frederick married Annie on December 5, 1914. In October of 1947, Annie was living in Toronto; an undated present address card (likely from the early 1920s) in Frederick's service file also indicates that he lived in Toronto after the war. Frederick died in Toronto on June 8, 1947.
Choquet, Joseph Cyprien
Joseph Cyprien Choquet was born in Varennes, Quebec on November 6, 1889. He married Alma Cadieux in Montreal and in 1929 they moved to Teepee Creek, Alberta; Joseph filed on NW 13-74-3-W6. They moved to British Columbia in 1961. Cyprien died on September 30, 1968.
Sources: Wagon Trails Grown Over, p. 473, 1147
Choquette, Leandre
Regimental Number: 61438
Rank: Sergeant
Branch: 22nd Battalion
Leandre was born in Varennes, Quebec on September 28, 1885. He enlisted in the Canadian Army in October of 1914 in Montreal. In October of 1916, during the Battle of the Somme, Leandre received gunshot wounds to his left thigh. He was discharged on September 3, 1918, having been found medically unfit. In 1919, Leandre filed on the eastern half of 3-74-3-W6. Leandre died in Edmonton on April 10, 1960.
Christian, William Devilla "Bill"
Regimental Number: 1251173; VR-3686
Rank: Gunner; naval rank unknown
Branch: 78th Depot Battery; Royal Canadian Navy
Bill was born in Avoca, Iowa on November 22, 1897. His family moved to Nampa in 1898. At 16, Bill moved to McLennan and worked on the ED&BC Railroad. He enlisted in the army in 1917, but was discharged just days after enlistment because of flat feet. Bill served in the navy, working on minesweepers off the east coast. In 1918 he married Winnifred Haughn in Nova Scotia and the couple returned to McLennan. Bill worked first as a fireman for the railway, then as an engineer. He also worked as a recruiting advisor and the leader of the Veteran's Volunteer Reserve in McLennan during the Second World War. After the war, the Christians moved to Edmonton. They lived there until 1963, at which time they moved to Delta, BC. In May of 1978, they moved to Calgary and Bill died in September of that year.
Sources: Trails and Rails North, p. 150
Churcher, Joseph William
Regimental Number: 206242
Branch: Royal Navy
Joe was born in Tottenham, Middlesex, England on June 4, 1884. He served in the Navy from June 4, 1902 until May 30, 1916. Following the war, Joe came to Canada with his wife Florence and their young daughter Doris (born 1913). In 1922, Joe filed on two homesteads near Hythe, NE 28-73-11-W6 and SE 33-73-11-W6. Joe and Florence remained on the farm until 1948, at which time they moved to British Columbia to be nearer Doris. Joe died in Victoria, BC in fall of 1971.
Cimon, Charles Henri
Regimental Number: 3213011
Rank: Private
Branch: 1st Depot Battalion, Alberta Regiment; 21st Reserve Battalion
Charles was born in Baie St. Paul, Charlevoix, Quebec on February 21, 1897. In 1917, he came west to take a homestead near Donnelly (NW 70-78-20). However, a few months later Charles was drafted into the army. He remained in England, however, and never saw action at the front lines in France. He returned to Donnelly after the war, but after a few years Charles decided farming wasn't his line of work and he returned to his hometown in Quebec in 1924. On July 20, 1926 he married Marguerite Moquin. The couple had eight children. Charles worked for Sorel Industries until his retirement, and the company still brought him precision work until he was 75.
Sources: By the Peavine in the Smoky of the Peace, p. 236
Clagget, Perry Snowden
Regimental Number: 258764
Rank: Private
Branch: 9th Battalion, Canadian Railway Troops
Perry was born in Philadelphia, Missouri on June 10, 1887. He owned a homestead at 1-73-12-W6, west of Hythe. At the time of his enlistment in August of 1916, Perry was living in Kamloops; he traveled to Vancouver to enlist. His Circumstances of Death record states:
"While employed on light railway construction, he was wounded in the right arm and left thigh by shrapnel. He was immediately taken to the nearest dressing station and from there evacuated to No. 3 Canadian Casualty Clearing Station where he succumbed to his wounds."
Perry died on October 23, 1917 and was buried in the Lijssenthoek Military Cemetery in Belgium. His grave marker is inscribed with "At rest."
Sources: homestead record
Clark, Frank
Frank served in the American Army.
Clark, George
George was born in 1896. On October 22, 1923, he accidentally shot himself and died immediately (near Hudson's Hope).
Clark, George Frederick "Knobby"
Regimental Number: 1220
Rank: Private
Branch: 8th Battalion, Canadian Light Horse
George was born in James Bay, BC on September 25, 1893. He joined the Canadian army in 1914 and had a very eventful military career. George was awarded the Distinguished Conduct Medal in January of 1916. He was also awarded the Croix de Guerre in March, 1916 by the President of the French Republic in recognition of Distinguished Service during the Campaign. George injured his knee while trying to get a ration wagon out of a ditch. In October of 1916, he received a gunshot wound to his left shoulder. He was also gassed twice, and tried and convicted of threatening an officer. George's military service files state that he "complains of nervousness. A well nourished man - more or less vacant expression - keeps hands moving continuously - there is a rounded scar deltoid region left shoulder due to GSW (shrapnel) no disability...." George married Gladys Mary, an Englishwoman, during the war and they settled in the Bad Heart area in 1920. In 1924 he left the area and went to Mexico. He later returned to Vancouver and enlisted in the Second World War, serving seventeen months with the British Columbia Dragoons. During the Dieppe invasion with the Calgary Tanks, Knobby was wounded and discharged in March of 1944. Knobby was a notorious character in the area (check our newspaper names index for articles relating his activities and court cases). He died in 1963.
Sources: Wagon Trails Grown Over, p. 30, 32, 50, 57, 459, 616, 663, 957, 1018, 1060-1062, 1063, 1147; obituary
Clark, George McN.
Regimental Number: 10278
Rank: Private
Branch: Seaforth Highlanders
George was born ca. 1896 in Scotland. He served with the Seaforth Highlanders during the First World War, arriving in France in July of 1915. He died in Grande Prairie on May 22, 1962 and was buried in the La Glace Cemetery.
Sources: Sept. 27 1960 p. 6 c. 1, 5?; Gravemarkers of Northern Alberta
Clark, John
Regimental Number: 101242
Rank: Private
Branch: 66th Battalion
John was born in Glamis, Scotland on December 12, 1878. He settled on a homestead one mile west of Lake Saskatoon and served as one of the councillors for the Bear Lake Municipality in 1915. John enlisted in the army in September of 1915. Just a few months later, on October 3, 1915, John was admitted to the hospital with a lacerated hand. He died of pneumonia on December 30, 1915.
Clark, Lewis
Regimental Number: 2408330
Rank: Private
Branch: Canadian Machine Gun Corps
Lewis was born in North Orillia, Ontario on January 24, 1893. He filed on SE 24-71-11-W6 in 1916. In October of 1918, Lewis received a gunshot wound to his finger but he remained on duty. He died in New Westminster, British Columbia on August 27, 1939.
Note: Lewis is buried with Olive May Charette, who died fifty years later. The nature of their relationship is unknown.
Clark, William Bamber
Regimental Number: 100566
Rank: Corporal
Branch: 31st Battalion
William was born in Inverwick, Scotland on April 14, 1892. He was living in Peavine, Alberta (31-58-7-W5) at the time of his enlistment in July of 1915. William received gunshot wounds to both legs at Posieres in September of 1916, and was invalided to Canada in May of 1917. William's wife's name was Hannah A. William died on May 10, 1981 and was buried in the Grande Prairie cemetery.
Sources: Grande Prairie Cemetery
Clark, William Robert
Regimental Number: 3213087
Rank: Private
Branch: 1st Depot Battalion, Alberta Regiment
William was born in Rexton, New Brunswick on November 25, 1895. He and his father came to the Grande Prairie district in 1911 and filed on NE 30-71-5-W5 on November 25, 1912, two miles east of the surveyed townsite. William was drafted in 1918.
Sources: Pioneers of the Peace p. 225
Clarke, Cyril Mervyn
Regimental Number: 760897
Rank: Lance Corporal
Branch: 121st Battalion; 38th Battalion
Cyril was born August 6, 1882 on St. Vincent’s Island in the West Indies. His father was an Anglican minister and his mother West Indian. He attended Oxford University and was a classmate of Winston Churchill. About 1910 he immigrated to Canada and when war broke out he enlisted in the Canadian Expeditionary Force. He spoke several languages and served as an interpreter in France during World War I. Cyril was awarded the Military Medal on August 16, 1917 for bravery in the field, as well as the Distinguished Conduct Medal on February 21, 1919. He received a gunshot wound to his right arm in August of 1918.
After the war, Mr. Clarke took a Soldier’s Settlement Grant in the Teepee Creek area (SE 31-73-3-W6). He soon discovered that farming made his asthma much worse and began concentrating on growing vegetables and flowers instead. As a black, highly educated, lifelong bachelor, and non-farmer, he was not the norm at Teepee Creek.
Cyril soon began specializing in peonies, about which he was passionate. The conservative estimate is that Mr. Clarke tested about 2000 cultivars over his thirty years of collecting. He was a regular contributor to the American Peony Society bulletin and a leading authority on peony hybrids.
As he aged, Mr. Clarke began to lose his sight and his gardening friends persuaded him to move closer to Grande Prairie. They packed up his peonies and sent them to various homes. Large collections went to the Beaverlodge Research Station and the Devonian Botanic Garden near Edmonton and his records and 921 specimens were donated to the Department of Horticulture at the University of Alberta. The university grounds are still beautified with Clarke’s peonies.
Mr. Clarke himself was given a home on Dr. Gurth O’Brien’s land, where he had a garden spot of good, well-cultivated soil beside O’Brien Lake. Mr. Clarke passed away at his home on December 20, 1952, at the age of 70 years.
Sources: Wagon Trails Grown Over, p. 993-996, 1147
Clarke, Michael Christopher "Chris"
Branch: Royal Irish Fusiliers
Chris was born on September 24, 1896 in Drogheda Country, Ireland. He joined the military at a young age and served with the Royal Irish Fusiliers during the Irish Revolution. After his term in the service finished, Chris came to Canada and worked in Saskatchewan. He joined the Canadian army in the First World War. In 1929, he rode the freight train to Spirit River. Chris married Vera Eleanor England on October 21, 1933 in St. Andrew's Church in Spirit River. They had twelve children. Chris also served in the Canadian army during the Second World War. Chris died on July 28, 1977.
Sources: Memories and Moments, p. 160, 276
Clarkson, George Franklin
Regimental Number: 234208
Rank: Private
Branch: 27th Battalion
George was born in Hamilton, Ontario on March 25, 1890. He was living in Saskatoon at the time of his enlistment in March of 1916. On April 9, 1917 at Vimy Ridge, George was wounded in the back by shrapnel from a bursting shell. He walked to the dressing station on his own, and the doctor noted that he had a nervous disposition. George met and married Pearl in England during the war. Pearl worked in a hosiery factory making socks for soldiers. They lived in Ontario for a time immediately after the war; their only child, Jean, was born here. In 1919, George filed on the northern half of 31-71-12-W6. The family moved to the South Peace in 1921. George and Pearl operated the Goodfare post office from the time it opened in the early 1930s until it closed down in 1941. The Clarksons later moved to British Columbia.
Sources: Pioneer Round Up p. 75
Clarkson, Robert Thomas
Robert was born in Ontario ca. 1882. In 1923, he filed on SW 6-72-12-W6, indicating on his homestead record that he had served in the army.
Clarkson, Thomas Henry
Regimental Number: 622391
Rank: Private
Branch: 44th Battalion; 1st Battalion, Canadian Mounted Rifles
Thomas was born in Williamsburg, New Brunswick on December 28, 1890. He enlisted in the Canadian Army in April of 1915; his nephew William also served in the army during World War I. In June of 1916 while fighting at Ypres, Thomas received gunshot wounds to the right side of his neck. He received gunshot wounds to the left side of his neck and shoulder in January of 1917. Then, in September of 1918, Thomas suffered from a gunshot wound to his left foot. He was discharged on September 19, 1919. In 1920, Thomas came to the South Peace and filed on the southern half of 33-70-25-W5. His brother Martin and Martin's son William lived in the area as well. Thomas lived there for three years, but did not prove up. Thomas left the area for a number of years. He served in the Veterans Guard during World War II. In 1962, Thomas came to visit the South Peace for two days before returning to his home in Kelowna. Thomas died in Kelowna in January of 1964 and was buried in Lakeview Memorial Gardens.
Source: Across the Smoky p. 46; Where the Red Willow Grew p. 303
Clarkson, William Albion "Slim"
Regimental Number: 2137913
Rank: Private
Branch: 2nd Depot Battalion, British Columbia Regiment; 72nd Battalion
William was born in Brunswick, British Columbia on March 24, 1896. He was drafted in 1918. His uncle Thomas also served in the Canadian Army. According to the grave marker, William married Lida Mabel Anderson in 1926. William died in April 1966 at the age of 70 and was buried in the Grande Prairie Cemetery.
Sources: Where the Red Willow Grew p. 303; obituary; grave marker
Claxton, William Gordon "Dozy"
Rank: Captain
Branch: No. 41 Squadron, Royal Flying Corps
William was born in Gladstone, Manitoba on June 1, 1899. He enlisted in the Royal Flying Corps on his eighteenth birthday. William received the Distinguished Flying Cross in the summer of 1918. The citation read as follows:
"This officer at all times shows fine courage and disregard of danger. He has accounted for six enemy aeroplanes and one kite balloon, three of the aeroplanes being destroyed and three driven down out of control. On a recent occasion, having destroyed a hostile balloon, he pursued an enemy scout ten miles and eventually drove it down; he was then attacked by five enemy triplanes and other scouts, but managed to return to our lines, though his machine was riddled with bullets."
In September he received a Distinguished Flying Cross bar:
"This officer is conspicuous for his courage in attack. Recently in one day he destroyed six enemy aeroplanes—four in the morning and two in the evening. In thirteen days he accounted for fourteen machines. His utter disregard of danger inspires all who serve with him."
He also was awarded the Distinguished Service Order:
"Between 4 July and 12 August this officer destroyed ten enemy aeroplanes and one kite balloon, making in all thirty machines and one "kite balloon to his credit. Untiring in attack in the air or on the ground, this officer has rendered brilliant service."
On August 17, 1918, William was shot down and taken prisoner. He suffered a serious head wound, but his life was saved by a German surgeon and he was repatriated on December 1, 1918. William had the sixth most victories of all Canadian fighter pilots in the First World War. After the war, he came to the South Peace and filed on SW 4-72-1-W6 and SW 9-72-1-W6 in 1919. William died on September 28, 1967.
- Lives of the First World War
- Lives of the First World War
- Canadian Great War Project
- RAFC Heroes Come to Grande Prairie (May 20, 1919)
- Wikipedia Biography
- First World War Biography
- Alchetron Biography
- The Aerodrome Biography
- Biography
- National Archives
- National Archives
- Aircraft Information
- MacLean's Article
- Blog Post
Clayton, Eastwood
Regimental Number: 276147
Rank: Private
Branch: 217th Battalion
Eastwood was born in Hamilton, Ontario on July 6, 1891. He was living in Moosomin, Saskatchewan at the time of his enlistment in the Canadian Army in January of 1916. On August 1, 1917, Eastwood was discharged for having been "irregularly enlisted." His military medical records state that he had attacks of rheumatism in 1897 and 1914. In 1918, Eastwood filed on a homestead at NW 36-72-12-W6.
Cliffe, Ross Larmour
Regimental Number: 3352359
Rank: Lance Corporal
Branch: 1st Depot Battalion, Saskatchewan Regiment
Ross was born in Lansdowne, Ontario, on February 8, 1897. He was drafted in June of 1918, and though he made it overseas to England, where he spent ten months, he never saw active duty at the front lines of France. Ross died in Red Deer on June 29, 1988 at the age of 91. He was survived by his wife Annie and their three children.
Sources: Buffalo Trails, p. 261 (photograph)
Clifford, Albert Edward
Regimental Number: 219686
Rank: Corporal
Branch: 44th Battalion
Albert was born in London, England on June 9, 1897. It is unknown when he first came to Canada, but he enlisted in the Canadian Army in Brookville, Ontario in September of 1915. In October of 1916, Albert was buried by a shell explosion and found unconscious. He suffered from shell shock as a result and was given four months' rest in England. In 1919, Albert filed on NE 4-78-1-W6. He canceled this homestead, but according to the present address card in his service file he was still living in the South Peace in 1922.
Close, Percy
Regimental Number: 1051632
Rank: Private
Branch: 243rd Battalion
Percy was born in Pontefract, West Yorkshire, England on April 1, 1888. He was living in Saskatoon at the time of his enlistment in the Canadian Army in March of 1917; his wife Annie and their two children were living in Leeds. Percy was invalided to Canada in March of 1918; he had been slightly deaf prior to the war and the condition had been aggravated by his military service. Percy was discharged on May 19, 1918. In 1918, he filed on the eastern half of 14-76-3-W6. Although Percy received the patent on these homesteads in 1924, a present address card in his service file indicates that he was living in Calgary in 1922.
Cloutier, Elzear
Regimental Number: 101452
Rank: Private
Branch: 49th Battalion
Elzear was born in Cap-Saint-Ignace on November 22, 1892. He was wounded by a hand grenade in both legs and his right hand at Mount Sorrel on July 15, 1916, less than a month after he arrived in France. The injuries left Elzear dangerously ill, and in August his left leg was amputated five inches below the hip. Infection made a second amputation necessary in January of 1917. Three pieces of shrapnel remained in his right knee for quite some time. Elzear was sent back to Canada in March of 1917 aboard the HMHS Essequibo, the first hospital ship to cross the Atlantic to Canada. He was discharged in September 1918. His brothers Irene and Omer also served in the war. Elzear returned to his homestead at SE 32-76-21, where he lived with his wife Marguerite and their six children. Elzear died on February 17, 1959.
Sources: By the Peavine in the Smoky of the Peace, p. 241
Cloutier, Irene "Slim"
Regimental Number: 3284963
Rank: Private
Branch: 1st Depot Battalion, 2nd Quebec Regiment
Irene was born on December 18, 1895 in St. Marie, Quebec. He was drafted in June of 1918 and discharged two months later for unknown reasons. His brothers Elzear and Omer also served in the war. Irene homesteaded at 36-76-22-W5 and never married. He retired to High Prairie in 1960, and died in a nursing home in St. Alberta in 1969.
Sources: By the Peavine in the Smoky of the Peace, p. 245
Cloutier, Omer
Regimental Number: 101455; 4100395
Rank: Private
Branch: No. 10 Engineers & Railway Contingent R.D.
Omer was born in Quebec on July 24, 1888. He was the elder brother of Elzear and Irene Cloutier. He came to the Peace Country in 1913 and filed on NW 5-76-21-W5 and SW 31-76-22-W5. Omer had previously enlisted in the 66th Battalion in 1915 but was discharged because he had flat feet. Later he enlisted in the No. 10 Engineers & Railway Contingent R.D. and served in Canada. Omer was discharged in January 1919 as he was declared medically unfit. He never married. Omer died of a severe head injury late in 1944, having been in a horse-drawn cutter when it overturned on ice.
Sources: Girouxville II p. 436
Coates, Frank Maslin
Regimental Number: 811078
Rank: Private
Branch: 138th Battalion; 50th Battalion
Frank was born on March 10, 1896 in Cambus, Clackmannanshire, Scotland. In April 1915 he filed on a homestead at SE-28-71-8-W6. His brothers Percy and Tom had adjoining homesteads. Frank enlisted in December of 1915 and was wounded several times during his military service in France: a shrapnel wound in the face in April 1917, a gunshot wound to his left arm in August 1917, and gunshot wounds to his right thigh and right arm in October of 1917.
Sources: Buffalo Trails p. 261 (photo); Lake Saskatoon Reflections p. 254; Along the Wapiti p. 406
Coe, Frederick
Regimental Number: 808293
Rank: Private
Branch: 50th Battalion
Frederick was born Tullow, County Carlow, Ireland on April 6, 1890. At the time of his enlistment in January of 1916, he was living in Acme, Alberta. Frederick was sent to France on April 15, just missing the Battle of Vimy Ridge by three days. On June 3, 1917, he received shrapnel wounds to his left elbow. After being discharged, Frederick came to the South Peace and filed on land at SW 10-73-10-W6 and the western half of 14-73-10-W6. Frederick died on October 18, 1974 and was buried in the Hythe Cemetery.
Sources: Hythe Cemetery
Coffey, Donald Francis
Regimental Number: 905080
Rank: Private
Branch: 194th Battalion; 10th Battalion
Donald was born in Pembroke, Ontario on July 4, 1893. He enlisted in May of 1916. Donald was killed by enemy shellfire on Hill 70 on August 15, 1917, just after "jumping off in No Man's Land." He was buried in Maroc British Cemetery, which is located 3.5 miles northwest of Lens, France.
Coles, Henry Taunton
Rank: Lieutenant
Branch: Canadian Engineers
Henry was born in London, England on February 9, 1871. He was living at the Engineers' Training Camp Depot in Ottawa when he signed his Officers' Declaration Paper in January of 1916. His wife, Elizabeth Minnie, and their three teenage children, Winnifred, Henry, and Phyllis, were living in Swansea, Wales at the time. Henry was gassed at some point during his time at the front. In 1919, he filed on land at SW 15-72-2-W6 and SE 16-72-2-W6. He proposed a plan for Grande Prairie's Town Hall in 1919 and was Grande Prairie's electrical inspector for a time.
Sources: Grande Prairie, Capitol of the Peace p. 135, 139; May 4 1920 p.1 c. 4
Collins, Alfred
Regimental Number: 505718
Rank: Lance Corporal
Branch: 8th Field Company, Canadian Engineers; 8th Battalion, Canadian Engineers
Alfred was born in London, England on November 24, 1881. He came to Canada before the war. After arriving in Montreal, he took the train to Edmonton and then walked to Spirit River. Alfred enlisted in the Canadian army in July 1916. During the war, he married Winnifred Emily Hian, an Englishwoman. Alfred brought his wife and their young daughter back to Spirit River after the war.
Collins, James Sherman "Sherm"
Regimental Number: 874858
Rank: Private
Branch: 184th Battalion; 19th Machine Gun Company; 2nd Battalion, Canadian Machine Gun Corps
Sherm was born in Darlingford, Manitoba on July 14, 1895. He joined up in March of 1916. Because of his familiarity with horses Sherm was given the task of driving ammunition wagons. He also manned listening posts in No Man's Land. Sherm married Verna Keown in Morden, Manitoba in 1925. In the late 1920s the family moved to the Spirit River area. Sherm died in April of 1973.
Sources: Chepi-Sepe p. 182, 326-330
Collins, William Frank
Regimental Number: 2288357
Rank: Private
Branch: Canadian Forestry Corps
William was born in DeMossville, Kentucky on July 22, 1890. It is unknown when he moved to Alberta, but he was living in Lethbridge at the time of his enlistment in March of 1917. In 1920, William filed on the northern half of 26-80-8-W6.
Collison, Christian
Regimental Number: 436411; 904060
Rank: Private
Branch: 194th Battalion
Christian was born in South Kensington, London, England on January 13, 1892. At the time of his enlistment in January of 1915, Christian, his wife Minnie, and daughter Gladys were living in Edmonton. He was discharged on January 31, 1916 because of deafness, but reenlisted on February 4, 1916. Christian was once again discharged on October 12, 1917. In 1919, he filed on the northern half of 21-78-20-W5. Christian died on November 2, 1984 and was buried in Maple Ridge Cemetery in Maple Ridge, British Columbia.
Connelly, Jim
Regimental Number:
Sources: Wagon Trails Grown Over p. 1147
Connery, Clarence Kenneth "Ken"
Regimental Number: 875036
Rank: Private
Branch: 184th Battalion; 27th Battalion
Clarence was born in Pakenham, Ontario on August 20, 1894. He homesteaded at 17-72-3-W6. In March of 1916, Clarence enlisted in the Canadian army. His father Henry and brothers Percy and Clifton enlisted as well. Clarence received a shrapnel wound in the left arm in May of 1917. Clarence was married to Genevieve, and they were living in Winnipeg at the time of his death on February 20, 1956.
Sources: Smoky River to Grande Prairie p. 122
Connery, Clifton Holford
Regimental Number: 172149
Branch: Royal Flying Corps
Clifton was born on February 16, 1898 in Pakenham, Ontario. He served in the Royal Flying Corps during World War I; his father Henry and brothers Clarence and Percy also served in the army. Clifton filed on SW 27-72-3-W6 in 1916. He later married Audrey Isabelle Joslin. Clifton died in Matsqui, British Columbia on October 23, 1983.
Sources: Smoky River to Grande Prairie p. 326
Connery, Henry Herbert
Regimental Number: 1037999
Rank: Sergeant
Branch: 238th Battalion, Canadian Forestry Corps
Henry was born in Pakenham, Ontario on May 11, 1868. He homesteaded at SW 28-72-3-W6. Henry was married to Susan and they had four sons, three of whom - Clarence, Clifton, and Percy - also joined the Canadian army during the First World War. He served in England for two years and ten months but never saw active duty at the front lines in France. Henry died on December 18, 1945 and was buried in the Edmonton Municipal Cemetery.
Source: Smoky River to Grande Prairie p. 326
Connery, Percy Herbert
Regimental Number: 279694
Rank: Private
Branch: 218th Battalion; 8th Battalion, Canadian Railway Troops
Percy was born in Cedar Hill, Ontario on September 1, 1900. He lied about his age to get into the army and serve as a bugler, but two months after he got to France (July 1917) his lie was discovered. Percy was discharged and sent home. His father Henry and brothers Clifton and Clarence also served in the war.
Connon, James
James was born ca. 1893 in Scotland. He filed SW 3-71-11-W6 in 1914, indicating that he served in the military while he was proving up.
Connors, Jim
Jim came up from Saskatchewan to the LaGlace area, where he owned and operated a tannery in the 1930s and 1940s. In 1945, he homesteaded in the Northmark area, S.E. 30-76-7-6. Jim died in June of 1973.
Sources: Burnt Embers p. 110, 213; Buffalo Trails p. 84
Conrad, Harlie Howard
Regimental Number: 1048696
Rank: Lieutenant
Branch: Canadian Forestry Corps
Harlie was born in Maplewood, Nova Scotia on November 14, 1890. He came to the Clairmont area in 1912 and filed on SW 10-73-6. In 1914, Harlie and several other men from the area joined the RNWMP. After his training, Harlie was stationed at Hardisty, Alberta where he met and married Florence Ruth Davis in 1916. He enlisted in the Canadian army in September of 1916. After the war, Harlie and Florence moved back to the homestead, where they lived until 1927. They had six children. Harlie died on February 11, 1970.
Sources: Wagon Trails Grown Over, p. 1147; Buffalo Trails p. 188; RCMPGraves.com
Constantin, Ernest
Regimental Number: 4100342
Rank: Private
Branch: Canadian Forestry Corps
Ernest was born in Willsborough, Ontario on February 24, 1885. He was living in Riviere Qui Barre, Alberta when he was drafted in December of 1917. Ernest filed on SE 22-77-21-W5 and NE 33-77-21-W5 in 1919.
Cook, Booth
Regimental Number: 781441
Rank: Sergeant
Branch: 128th Battalion; 28th Battalion
Booth was born in Carleton, Ontario on June 9, 1891. He enlisted in the Canadian army in 1915 and was sent overseas. His brother Gordon joined up as well. Booth fought at Vimy Ridge, and was in every advance in which the Canadians participated. He was wounded in April of 1917. Booth married an Englishwoman named Alice during the war. He was at Mons when the Armistice was signed. In the months between the end of the war and being sent home, Booth was posted to police duty in the Canadian Military Police Corps. In 1928 he came to Beaverlodge to homestead. He spent four years with the RCAF Service Police during the Second World War. Booth married Mabel Sims in 1954 (there is no record of what happened to his first wife, Alice). He died in Grande Prairie in May of 1980.
Sources: Beaverlodge to the Rockies p. 202
Cook, Gilbert Harold
Regimental Number: 267031
Rank: Private
Branch: 214th Battalion
Gilbert was born in Gloucestershire, England on June 14, 1895. He came to Canada and settled in Saskatchewan before the war, and enlisted in the Canadian army in 1915. In July of 1916, Gilbert slipped and fell doing trench work, which caused a hernia for which he required surgery. He was discharged in February of 1917 due to phlebitis, and convalesced in Winnipeg. Gilbert was drafted again in 1918. In the time between his discharge and reenlistment, Gilbert married a woman named Winnifred. After the war he homesteaded at 24-72-4-6, 18-77-6-6, 19-77-6-6, and 20-77-6-6. Gilbert died in Grande Prairie in December of 1986.
Sources: Chepi-Sepe p. 182; Memories & Moments p. 166, 276; homestead record
Cook, Gordon
Regimental Number: 256565; 2684024
Rank: Private/Trooper
Branch: RNWMP
Gordon was born in Alfred Village, Ontario on February 6, 1896. He and his brother Booth both served in the Canadian army during the First World War. After the war he married Annie Pyrke, who had lost her husband in France in 1916. They farmed in Saskatchewan until 1928, at which time they came to the Beaverlodge area. Gordon died on August 3, 1972 and is buried in the Albright Cemetery.
Sources: Beaverlodge to the Rockies p. 202
Cook, Ted
Regimental Number: 2650688
Rank: Private
Branch: 78th Depot Battery, Canadian Field Artillery; Canadian Machine Gun Corps
Ted was born in Surrey, England on April 1, 1898. He came to Canada just one month after the sinking of the Titanic. Ted enlisted in 1918 and was detailed to look after mules in Belgium for one year after the end of the war. He married Victoria Irene Burbee in 1920 (1923?), and in 1928 they settled in Hythe. Ted died in Hythe on August 20, 1970.
Sources: Pioneer Round Up p. 191
Coons, Fred Allen
Regimental Number: 101204
Rank: Private
Branch: 66th Battalion; 49th Battalion
died Jan. 20, 1954
Fred was born in Drysland, Ontario on December 16, 1884. He enlisted in the Canadian army in September of 1915. Fred died in Edmonton on January 20, 1954.
Cooper, Arthur Howard
Regimental Number: 904762
Rank: Private
Branch: 194th Battalion; 10th Battalion; 21st Reserve Battalion
Arthur was born in Rock Island, Quebec on November 17, 1889 and came to the Peace Country in 1911. In March of 1916, he enlisted in the Canadian army. In May of 1917 Arthur received a gunshot wound to his neck and his left jaw was fractured. He was seriously ill as a result, and remained in England for the duration of the war. Arthur and his wife were living in Victoria at the time of his death on January 29, 1950.
Sources: Pioneers of the Peace p. 141; Lake Saskatoon Reflections p. 53; Edson to Grande Prairie Trail p. 100
Cooper, Herbert Charles
Herbert was born in Ontario ca. 1882. In 1908, he married Cora Alice Evans. Herbert filed on NE 36-71-8-W6 in 1913 and NW 12-72-8-W6 in 1919. An infant son died in August of 1921, and Charles drowned Lake Saskatoon on December 23, 1930.
Sources: Grande Prairie Capitol of the Peace p. 44; Lake Saskatoon p. 73; news clippings
Cooper, John George William
Regimental Number: 23372
Rank: Private
Branch: 7th Battalion
John was born in London, England on August 19, 1894. He enlisted in the Canadian Army at Valcartier on September 22, 1914. John was wounded in the Ypres sector on April 24, 1918. He received gunshot and bayonet wounds to his left thigh, and was captured by the Germans. Before being sent back to England, John spent some time in an American hospital. In 1920, he filed on land at SW 35-76-21-W5 and NE 33-76-21-W5. John eventually moved to Vancouver, where he died on February 11, 1962.
Sources: Guy p. 267
Corkill, Thomas Clark
Regimental Number: 916751
Rank: Private
Branch: 19th Battalion
Thomas was born on the Isle of Man on December 16, 1891. In 1911 he emigrated to Canada. He was living in Woodstock, Ontario at the time of his enlistment in April of 1916. In 1920, Thomas filed on the southern half of 10-72-2-W6. Later, in 1928, he filed on the eastern half of 12-72-12-W6 and NE 27-72-3-W6. Thomas married Elizabeth Tenge in October of 1940. Thomas died in Hythe on July 30, 1970.
Sources: Pioneer Round-Up p. 79; Oct. 17, 1940 p. 5 c. 6
Cornborough, Clarence
Regimental Number: 116060; 117562; 307212
Rank: Private
Branch: 11th Canadian Mounted Rifles; Fort Garry Horse
Clarence was born in Leamington Hastings, England on April 30, 1876. He filed on NW 28-73-3-6, in the Tranquility area, on June 10, 1913. In March of 1915, Clarence enlisted in the Canadian army. During an exercise ride on September 20, 1916 at Bussy les Daours (Somme), he was kicked by a horse and suffered from a sprained ankle. After recovery, he was given light duty in the stable and cook house. Clarence's wife's name was Catherine. He died on August 8, 1955.
Sources: Wagon Trails Grown Over p. 996
Cornwall, James Kennedy
Rank: Lieutenant Colonel
Branch: 8th Battalion, Canadian Railway Troops
James was born in Brantford, Ontario on October 29, 1871. He came to the Peace River country in 1902, and served as MLA for the district from 1909 until 1913 and was a great promoter of development in the region. James married Evelyn Tierney in Calgary in 1908. Prior to serving in the Canadian army during World War I, James served in South America. He was awarded the Distinguished Service Order by George V in January of 1918, and also received the Croix de Guerre from the French government in November of 1918. James’s homesteads were located at 10-71-1-W5, 7-80-4-W6, and 14-73-6-W5. He died in Edmonton on November 20, 1955 and was buried in the Field of Honour in the Burnsland Cemetery.
Sources: LaGlace p. 2; Grande Prairie Capitol of the Peace p. 2, 3; Pioneers of the Peace 37, 63, 405; Lake Saskatoon Reflections p. 2, 37, 77; Edson to Grande Prairie Trail, various pages
Corps, Walter
Regimental Number: 2005663
Rank: Sapper
Branch: Canadian Engineers
Walter was born in Emshott, England on March 25, 1883. He was living in Regina, Saskatchewan at the time of his enlistment in March of 1917. In 1920, Walter filed on NE 33-77-26-W5 and SW 4-78-26-W5. He canceled both homesteads, but his present address card (dated in the 1920s) said Grizzly Bear.
Costello, John Joseph
Regimental Number: 506164
Rank: Sapper
Branch: Engineer Training Depot
John was born in Ottawa, Ontario on April 11, 1879. He enlisted on August 7, 1916 but a week later was admitted to a hospital in Edmonton due to a "septic hand" and his left ring finger was amputated. He was consequently discharged in January of 1917.
*Please note that the service file contains documents for John Joseph Costello #506164, who was born in Ottawa and enlisted in Grande Prairie, as well as John Joseph Costello #2323622, who was born in Victoria and enlisted in Merritt, BC.
Cote, Alphonse Byron
Regimental Number: 4040213
Rank: Private
Branch: 1st/2nd Quebec Regiment
Alphonse was born in Notre Dame de Levis, Quebec on February 18, 1890. He came west with his parents in 1909, and settled in Donnelly in 1916. Alphonse opened the first store and post office in Donnelly in 1917. In January of 1918, he was drafted. His brother Zoel was drafted as well. Alphonse married Aurore Allard in 1920 and the couple had five children. Aurore died in 1927, and two years later Alphonse married Eva Dansereau. He died in an Edmonton hospital in August of 1934.
Sources: By the Peavine in the Smoky of the Peace, p. 252
Cote, Arthur
Arthur was born ca. 1895 in Quebec. He filed on SE 23-77-21-W5 in 1919, indicating on his homestead record that he had served in the military.
Cote, Zoel
Regimental Number: 3212988
Rank: Private
Branch: 21st Canadian Reserve Battalion, Alberta
Zoel was born on September 9, 1897 in Danville, Quebec. He came west with his parents in 1909 and settled in Donnelly in 1916 (SE 1-78-21-W5). Zoel and his brother Alphonse were drafted in 1918. He trained at Camp Bramshott in England in 1918 and was discharged in 1919. Zoel returned to Donnelly after the war. On March 3, 1924, Zoel married Marie Dentinger and the couple had seven children.
Sources: By the Peavine in the Smoky of the Peace, p. 256
Coutts, James
Regimental Number: 811429
Rank: Private
Branch: 138th Battalion
James was born in New Deer, Scotland on November 26, 1891. He filed on SW 3-72-4-W6 in 1914, and in December of 1915 enlisted in the Canadian Army. On May 19, 1916, James was discharged from the army, having been found medically unfit. He suffered from psoriasis and ankylosis of the arm. James left the South Peace soon after proving up on his land.
Sources: Smoky River to Grande Prairie p. 91
Coutts, Neil
Regimental Number: 3212735
Rank: Private
Branch: 1st Depot Battalion, Alberta Regiment; Canadian War Graves Detachment
Neil was born in Grey County, Ontario on August 4, 1896. He was living in Vermilion, Alberta when he was drafted in June of 1918. Following the war, Neil served with the Canadian War Graves Detachment until he was discharged on August 2, 1919. In 1927, Neil married Winifred Till, whom he had met while living in Vermilion. He filed on homesteads at NE 34-79-13-W6 and NE 1-80-12-W6 in 1930, though he later abandoned the former. Neil and Winnie moved to Dawson Creek in 1951, where they remained until their deaths. Neil died on December 20, 1975.
Sources: Homesteaders' Heritage p. 203
Couturier, Alfred
Regimental Number: 3212863
Rank: Private
Branch: 1st Depot Battalion, Alberta Regiment; 21st Reserve Battalion
Alfred was born in Washburn, Wisconsin on October 18, 1896. He and his father were living in L'Amoureux, Alberta when he was drafted in June of 1918. Alfred served only in England. In 1928, he filed on a homestead at SW 25-79-22-W5. Alfred was married to Leonida M. Blouin. Alfred died on February 12, 1979 and was buried in the Jean Côté Sacred Heart Cemetery.
Cowan, William Andrew
Regimental Number: 696756
Rank: Corporal
Branch: 1st Canadian Motor Machine Gun Brigade
William was born in Thornhill, Manitoba on June 4, 1891. He came to the South Peace in 1911 and filed on homesteads at 16-78-20-W5 (?), 28-90-23-W5, 30-90-23-W5, and 19-90-23-W5. In May of 1916, William enlisted in the Canadian army. He suffered from pleurisy in June of 1917, was gassed in November of 1917, and had cordite poisoning (possibly from the lead in ammunition) in November of 1918. William died on March 6, 1968.
Sources: Edson to Grande Prairie Trail p. 146; Pioneers of the Peace p. 196
Cowan, William James
Regimental Number: 523199
Rank: Private
Branch: Canadian Army Medical Corps; Canadian Engineers
William was born in Fermanagh, Ireland in July of 1881. He and his wife, Margaret Pearl, were living in Calgary at the time of William's enlistment in March of 1916. William suffered from recurring myalgia and appears to have spent most of his military career in England due to poor health. He was in France from September 13 to December 13, 1918. After being discharged, William returned to Alberta. In 1919, he filed on the eastern half of 16-72-12-W6, though a present address card in his military service file indicates that he and Margaret were still living in Calgary in 1923. William died in Calgary on November 25, 1949.
Coward, Joseph Henry
Regimental Number: 432972
Rank: Private
Branch: 49th Battalion
Joseph was born in Liverpool, England on April 16, 1881. In 1914, he filed on a homestead SW 33-77-20-W5. Joseph enlisted in the Canadian Army at Grouard in January of 1915.
Cox, Albert Thomas
Albert filed on LT4 79-5-W6 in Spirit River in 1924, indicating on his homestead record that he had served in the army.
Cox, Alfred Ernest
Regimental Number: 1039075
Rank: Private
Branch: 239th Battalion, Canadian Railway Construction Corps; 6th Canadian Railway Troops
Alfred was born on May 30, 1882 in London, England. He filed on a homestead at 23-76-3-W6. When he enlisted on July 7, 1916, Alfred wrote in his will that he bequeathed all his real estate to "some wounded returned soldier, who wishes to file on a homestead." Towards the end of the war, he suffered severely from flat feet. Alfred died at the Provincial Mental Institute in Edmonton on August 26, 1963.
Cox, Ernest George
Regimental Number: SE/12954
Rank: Corporal
Branch: Army Veterinary Corps
Ernest was born in Oxfordshire, England ca. 1887. During the First World War, he served in the Army Veterinary Corps. Ernest and his wife Ethel settled on SE 14-79-6-W6 in 1921. They were still living in Spirit River at the time of Ernest's death on October 22, 1958.
Cox, Floyd Gordon
Regimental Number: 231672
Rank: Private
Branch: 202nd Battalion; 31st Battalion
Floyd was born in Rapid City, South Dakota on January 25, 1898. He enlisted in Edmonton on June 15, 1916. Floyd received a gunshot wound to his right thigh at Ypres (Passchendaele) in November of 1917. After the war he settled at NE23 and SW24-72-1-W6, where he built a three room frame house, quite possibly the first lumber house built in the area. However, though he spent part of the winter of 1919-1920 on his homestead, Floyd never returned after 1920 and the land reverted to the soldier's settlement board.
Sources: Across the Smoky p. 23
Coyle, John "Jack"
Branch: British Army?
Jack served in the army in the old country before filing on a homestead at NW 20-74-4-W6 in 1929. He was said to be a great moonshiner and kept an oak barrel under a comforter next to his bed. If unexpected visitors showed up, he would be seen very busily working on his quilt. He eventually sold his land to Joe Zan.
Sources: Wagon Trails Grown Over, p. 1098
Craig, Arthur William "Jock"
Rank: Lieutenant; Captain
Branch: South African Cavalry; South African Infantry; Royal Air Force
Arthur was born in Cape Town, South Africa on February 22, 1889. He served in West Africa and France with the South African Army during World War I. Arthur was severely wounded at Delville Wood during the Battle of the Somme on July 16, 1916. A citation reads:
"A bombing party under Lieut. Craig attempted to rush across 40 yards of ground which lay between the British and enemy trenches. Coming under very heavy rifle and machine gun fire the officer and the majority of the party were killed or wounded. Unable to move, Lieut. Craig lay midway between the two lines of trench, the ground being quite open. In full daylight Pte. Faulds, accompanied by two other men, climbed over the parapet, ran out, and picked up the officer, and carried him back, one man being severely wounded in so doing."
Arthur eventually arrived in the South African Military Hospital in Richmond, England, having been taken to the dressing station and then by stretcher bearers to the South African Hospital at Abberville, the closest to the front line. Once he healed, he left the South African Infantry and joined the Royal Flying Corps (later the RAF). It was with the Corps that he was shot down in the observational balloon, again injured, this time receiving the steel plate in his head.
In 1919, Arthur came to the Peace Country with his brother George and filed on homesteads at NW 7-73-11-W6, NW 12-74-11-W6, and NE 12-73-12-W6. He canceled all three. Arthur met his wife, Marjorie Lily Marshall, in Edmonton in 1924. He later worked in silver mines in different parts of Idaho. Arthur died in Idaho in 1958 (1968?).
Sources: news clippings
Craig, Clinton Frank
Regimental Number: 135623
Rank: Private
Branch: 74th Battalion; 1st Battalion; 4th Battalion
Clinton was born on May 30, 1895 in Simcoe, Ontario. Prior to enlisting in the Canadian army on July 15, 1915, he had served for four years with the Queen's Own Rifles. According to his service file, he was wounded in action twice:
"On June 13th 1916 while proceeding into communication trench on Hill 60, shell burst in trench and patient received wounds on scalp, neck, right shoulder, right forearm, and right foot. Was taken to dressing station at Zillebeke where he was dressed. Then to Casualty Clearing Station at Poperinghe, then to 13th Stationary Hospital at Boulogne where shrapnel was removed in one operation. Was there 3 days, then moved to Duchess of Connaught's Canadian Red Cross Hospital, Taplow"
"On Dec. 23 1918 while on duty was hit under the right eye with end of stick, causing contusion of soft parts of cheek and contusion of eye. Eye swelled up and since then vision in right eye has been poor."
Craig, George Eric Gwynne
Rank: Captain
Branch: 39th Battalion; Royal Air Force
George was born in County Donegal, Ireland on May 2, 1891. He worked as a civil engineer for Canadian Pacific Railway from 1910 until 1914, and enlisted in the Canadian Army in Belleville, Ontario in 1915 (his brother Arthur served in the South African Army). In December of 1916, George was attached to the RFC (RAF) as Observer. On July 2, 1918, he was in an airplane accident at Grantham. At the time of this accident, he'd had six hours and 25 minutes of dual flying experience, and seven hours solo. He was a pupil at the time. Pages 27 to 36 of George's service file contain notes from the resulting court case, including witness testimonies. In 1919, he came to the South Peace and filed on SW 7-73-11-W6 and SE 12-73-12-W6. He was part owner of a 700 acre ranch from 1919 to 1922 at which point he "gave up the struggle." George operated a trading outfit on the Mackenzie River from 1925 to 1927. After this experience, he spent a year in Ireland. At some point after his return, George married Anne Robinson. They had one son. George wanted to serve in the Canadian Army during World War II, but was rejected because of his age. George and Anne lived in Edmonton for some years, where George was a supervisor for the Northern Transportation Company. He later became the manager of the Calgary Municipal Airport. George died on February 29, 1968.
Craig, William James
Regimental Number: 737063
Rank: Private
Branch: 16th Battalion
William was born in Fitzroy, Ontario on April 6, 1878. In 1913, he filed on SW 27-77-5-W6 and SW 13-78-5-W6. William was working as a railroader in Spirit River at the time of his enlistment in June of 1916. His wife Elizabeth and their three children were living in Minnesota. At Vimy Ridge on April 9, 1917, William received gunshot wounds which fractured his left thigh. His leg was shortened by 3/4 of an inch as a result of this injury (see xrays on pages 71 and 73 of his service file). In September of that year, William was sent to a convalescent home in Calgary. In December of 1917, he was struck in the face, which resulted in fractures and deafness in his left ear. William was discharged on January 31, 1918. He filed on a homestead at LT 28-77-5-W6 in 1921, though he later canceled. William died after being hit by a train near Berwyn, Alberta on November 26, 1927.
Sources: Wheatfields and Wildflowers p. 169
Crane, Sidney Henry
Regimental Number: 101116
Rank: Private
Branch: 49th Battalion
Sidney was born in Harrow, Middlesex, England on December 12, 1889. He filed on a homestead at NE 3-73-6-W6, which he left behind to enlist in the Canadian army on July 17, 1915. Sidney was killed in action at Courcelette on October 8, 1916 and was buried in the Regina Trench Cemetery (grave reference II.G.4).
Sources: Buffalo Trails p. 203
- Attestation Paper
- Lives of the First World War profile
- Canadian Great War Project profile
- Enlists (July 27, 1915)
- Mention of death in Jim McDonald's letter (Feb. 13, 1917)
- Grande Prairie Honour Roll
- Circumstances of Death Register
- Reported Location of Grave
- Canadian Virtual War Memorial
- Commonwealth War Graves Commission
- Blog Post
- CWGC Register
- CWGC Register
Crane, Stanley Wright
Regimental Number: 427826
Rank: Private
Branch: 46th Battalion
Stanley was born in London, England on March 25, 1894. He filed on a homestead at SE 10-73-6-W6, but left it behind to enlist in the Canadian army on August 3, 1915. Stanley was killed in action at Courcelette on October 13, 1916. He was buried in the Courcelette British Cemetery (grave reference X. E. 7.).
Sources: Buffalo Trails p. 203
- Attestation Paper
- Lives of the First World War profile
- Canadian Great War Project profile
- Mention of death in Jim McDonald's letter (Feb. 13, 1917)
- Grande Prairie Honour Roll
- Circumstances of Death Register
- Reported Location of Grave
- Canadian Virtual War Memorial
- Commonwealth War Graves Commission
- Blog Post
- CWGC Register
- CWGC Register
- Find A Grave
Cranston, William
Regimental Number: 13224
Rank: Private
Branch: 5th Battalion; Canadian Machine Gun Corps
William was born in Leith, Scotland on February 13, 1884. It is unknown when he came to Canada, but he enlisted in the Canadian Army at Valcartier in September of 1914. In 1919, William filed on homesteads at NE 24-70-8-W6 and SE 25-70-8-W6.
Cravens, Ra
Regimental Number: 2288505
Rank: Private
Branch: Canadian Forestry Corps
Ra was born in Willowgrove, Tennessee on June 15, 1898. He filed on SW 16-71-5-W6 and SW 9-71-5-W6 in 1917 and soon afterward enlisted in the Canadian Army. Ra married Robertha Buchan of Calgary ca. June of 1917.
Crawley, Frederick Austin
Regimental Number: 2207326
Rank: Lance Corporal
Branch: 1st Battalion, Canadian Engineers
Frederick was born in Wolfville, Nova Scotia on June 16, 1886. In 1915, Frederick and his wife Willetta came to the La Glace area and filed on SW 17-74-8-W6. Though they did not stay in the area long, they helped establish the La Glace School District. By the time Frederick enlisted in the Canadian Army in October of 1917, they were living in Vancouver.
Sources: Buffalo Trails p. 219; La Glace p. 66
Crisfield, George Hull
Regimental Number: 455120
Rank: Sapper
Branch: 1st Canadian Divisional Signal Company, Canadian Engineers
George was born in Sunderland, England on September 23, 1892. It is unknown when George came to Canada, but he enlisted in the Canadian Army in Belleville, Ontario in August of 1915. At the time he was working as a telegraphist. During the war, George served in the Signal Corps, stringing communication wire and sending and receiving messages to and from the trenches. A note in George's service file dated February of 1918 states that he suffered from nervousness and had tremors in his fingers, but he was not given a specific diagnosis. In 1925, George filed on the southern half of 9-72-8-W6. He cancelled and moved into town to work as a government telegrapher, a position he held until 1956.
Sources: news clippings
Croft, Harry
Regimental Number: 79815
Rank: Sergeant
Branch: 31st Battalion
Harry was born in Walsall, England on July 19, 1885. It is unknown when he first came to Canada, but he enlisted in the Canadian Army in Edmonton on November 25, 1914. Harry suffered from gunshot wounds to his "upper extremities" in September of 1916. He was awarded the Military Medal:
"For conspicuous gallantry and devotion to duty at Courcelette on 15th, Sept 1916. He was wounded at the commencement of the attack but refused to leave the field. His actions though out the day were most conspicuous, and his fine example and courage had a great effect upon the men under his immediate command."
On June 29, 1918 he was discharged due to "defective feet," or flat feet, which had begun to trouble him on the march to the Somme in September of 1917. Harry also had varicose veins, which caused swelling in his legs. When he returned to Canada in 1918, Harry filed on NW 15-79-5-W6 and SE 15-79-5-W6. He died at the Veterans Pavilion in Edmonton on December 12, 1952.
Croken, Gregory Rudolph "Rudy"
Regimental Number: 3213528
Rank: Private
Branch: 1st Depot Battalion, Alberta Regiment
Rudy was born on June 8, 1897 in Emerald, Prince Edward Island. In 1916 his made his first trip into the Peace Country, bringing cattle and machinery up to Bezanson, where he and his brother Patrick hoped to farm. He was drafted in June of 1918. After the war, Rudy returned to work as a U.G.G. grain elevator agent in Clairmont. He married Jennie Tomshak in June of 1937. Rudy and Jennie lived in Clairmont for eighteen years before moving to Grande Prairie in 1954. Rudy died in 1961 and was buried in the Grande Prairie Cemetery.
Sources: Fonds 112
Cronin, Jerry
Regimental Number: 2184358
Rank: Private
Branch: Canadian Forestry Corps
Jerry was born in Buffalo, New York on February 27, 1875. He was living in Winnipeg at the time of his enlistment in July of 1917. From August 1915 to December of 1916, prior to enlisting, Jerry was hospitalized because of gravel in his bladder. He also had cataracts in his right eye, due to having been hit in the eye with the end of a whip in 1915. Jerry filed on the western half of 9-76-21-W5 in 1919.
Cross, Walter Wilson
Regimental Number: 826826
Rank: Private
Branch: 143rd Railway Construction Battalion; 2nd Battalion, Canadian Mounted Rifles
Walter was born on June 12, 1879 in Rutherglen, Lanarkshire, Scotland. At the time of his enlistment, Walter was living in Port Clements, BC with his wife Agnes Coates (Warner) Cross. After the war, the couple filed on homesteads at 18-73-11-W6 and SE 6-71-11-W6. Walter died in Victoria on May 4, 1966.
Crotty, John
Regimental Number: 2157389
Rank: Private
Branch: Canadian Forestry Corps
John was born in Calton, Glasgow, Scotland on March 30, 1874. At the time of his enlistment in February of 1917, he and his wife Mary Jane and three children were living in Braeside, Ontario. John served only in Canada and England. After the war, he filed on the northern half of 25-70-26-W5. John died on December 28, 1960 and was buried in the Grande Prairie Cemetery.
Crowe, Reginald Raper
Regimental Number: 279190
Rank: Corporal
Branch: 218th Battalion; 8th Battalion, Canadian Railway Troops
Reginald was born on October 18, 1891 in Worcester, England. He filed on a homestead at 15-71-2-W6, near Bezanson, where he was living at the time of his enlistment in 1916. Reginald died in Abbotsford, British Columbia on December 6, 1976.
Cummings, Alex
Possibly brother of Jack Cummings
Cummings, Jack
Cummins, John Joseph "Jack"
Regimental Number: 1049051
Rank: Private
Branch: 242nd Battalion, Canadian Forestry Corps; 7th Battalion
Jack was born in St. Augustine, Ontario on November 17, 1882. When World War I broke out, he was living in Vancouver and working as a logger. Jack served in the Canadian Forestry Corps in France for most of his military career, apart from August to October of 1918, which he spent at the front lines in France. He sustained a gunshot wound to his left leg in October of 1918. Jack came to the North Equity District, where he filed on NE 19-74-6-W6 and on a Soldiers Grant at SE 30-74-6-W6 in 1919. He farmed there until 1946, when he moved back to BC. Jack died in Bralorne Hospital on July 22, 1952
Sources: Buffalo Trails, p. 261, 155
Cunningham, Philip Patrick
Regimental Number: 811449
Rank: Private
Branch: 138th Battalion; 128th Battalion; 28th Battalion; 3rd Labour Battalion
Philip was born in Kansas City on April 26, 1872. He and his wife Jennie came to the South Peace in 1917 and settled on 36-73-10-W6. The couple also had a son Thomas, who was five months old when Philip enlisted in December of 1915. In April of 1918, Philip was discharged, having been found medically unfit (the primary reason was myalgia in his legs). The Cunninghams settled in Valhalla in 1919. They were still living in Hythe at the time of Philip's death on March 2, 1932.
Sources: Pioneer Round-Up Volume 2 p. 476
Cureton, Edgar
Regimental Number: 450; 357135; 795255
Rank: Gunner
Branch: Royal Field Artillery
Edgar was born at 20 Scott Street in Bradford, Yorkshire, England to Edwin and Harriet (Farr) Cureton. He served in the Royal Field Artillery during World War I. In 1927, Edgar emigrated to Canada aboard the SS Montclare and arrived in St. John, New Brunswick on April 17. His intention was to work on a CPR land settlement scheme in Winnipeg, Manitoba, but he eventually traveled further west. Edgar died on October 14, 1966 at the age of 75 and was buried in the Hythe Cemetery.
Biographical information provided by a great-nephew on October 3, 2022.
Currie, Hardie Peter
Regimental Number: 231270
Rank: Sergeant
Branch: 202nd Battalion; 10th Battalion
Hardie was born in Neepawa, Manitoba on February 8, 1892. He settled in Spirit River, where he was living when the war began. Hardie enlisted in March of 1916, and sustained gunshot wounds to his back and left thigh in August of 1918 at Cambrai. He was also awarded the Military Medal in November of 1918.
Curry, Thomas Charles
Thomas was born in England ca. 1899. He filed on SW 15-81-13-W6 and NW 34-81-13-W6 in 1929, indicating on his homestead record that he had served in the military.
Sources: Homesteaders' Heritage p. 412
Cushing, Reginald Victor
Regimental Number: 514762
Rank: Private
Branch: Canadian Army Service Corps
Reginald was born on September 9, 1889 in Caledonia, Nova Scotia. He enlisted in the Canadian army on December 7, 1915 and served with the Canadian Army Service Corps in France. After the war, Reginald filed on homesteads at 31-70-24-W5 and 9-71-24-W5. He eventually returned to Nova Scotia, and was married to Dorothy M. Reginald died in Bedford, Nova Scotia on September 27, 1963.
Sources: Where the Red Willow Grew p. 303
Cyra, John Alexander
Regimental Number: 101115
Rank: Company Sergeant Major
Branch: 66th Battalion; 9th Reserve Battalion; 4th Labour Battalion
John was born on July 15, 1887 in Webster, Massachusetts. At the time of his enlistment in July of 1915, he was living at Peace River Crossing (3-83-25-W5). John suffered from trench mouth in 1916, and in August of that year he strained his leg in a tug of war. This may have contributed to the phlebitis that caused John to be declared medically unfit and discharged in late 1918 or early 1919. He was awarded the Meritorious Service Medal in 1917 or 1918 for valuable services rendered in the field. John married Catherine Dorothy in 1918. He died in Seattle, Washington on January 9, 1972.
Dale, Ernest Frank
Regimental Number: 101104
Rank: Private
Branch: 3rd Canadian Divisional Train, Canadian Army Service Corps
Ernest was born on December 15, 1882 in Hove, Sussex, England. He enlisted in Edmonton in July of 1915. According to his medical records, he had lost the second toe on both his feet (evidently due to hammer toes). During his time overseas, Ernest married a Frenchwoman named Argentine from Bruay, Pas-de-Calais, France. After the war, Ernest and Argentine settled in the Hythe district (25-73-11-W6 and 13-7-6-W6). Ernest died in Victoria, British Columbia on June 22, 1948.
Dana, Frank
Regimental Number: 435697
Rank: Private
Branch: 50th Battalion
Frank was born in Beaford, England on June 27, 1887. It is unknown when he came to Canada, but he enlisted in Calgary in September of 1915. In February of 1917, Frank suffered from slight gunshot wounds to his chest. He received shrapnel wounds from a high explosive shell on November 1, 1918; this resulted in a fractured skull, defective vision in his right eye, and headaches. Frank was operated on on November 2, 1918; a piece of shrapnel and two small pieces of bone were removed (a skull x-ray is available on page 61 of Frank's service file). He was awarded the Military Medal in August of 1919. In 1919, Frank filed on a homestead at SW 20-78-20-W5.
Darragh, John Edward
Regimental Number: 101066
Rank: Private
Branch: 31st Battalion
John was born to William and Sarah Darragh on May 14, 1894 in Campbellford, Ontario. He came west and filed on a homestead at 27-73-5-W6. John enlisted in the Canadian army in July of 1915. Just three months after he arrived in France, on September 15, 1916, John was wounded in the advance from Pozieres to Courcelette during the Somme offensive. He died of gunshot wounds to the abdomen in the Special Hospital at Warloy-Baillon the same day. John's graver marker is inscribed with "Our son and brother all his sorrows left behind and earth exchanged for heaven."
Davidson, Hillyard
Regimental Number: 3112474
Rank: Private
Branch: 1st Depot Battalion, 2nd Central Ontario Regiment
Hillyard was born in Belfountain, Ontario on October 29, 1887. He filed on NW 13-72-10-W6 in May of 1918, though he was living in Saskatchewan when he was drafted in October of 1918. By August of 1919 he was living on his land in the South Peace.
Davies, Edmund Gwynne
Regimental Number: 3206782
Rank: Private
Branch: 31st Battalion
Edmund was born in Brynmawr, Wales on September 24, 1898. He filed on homesteads at NW 8-78-6-W6 and SW 16-79-5-W6 in February of 1918 (both canceled later), only days before being drafted into the Canadian Army. While serving overseas, Edmund received gunshot wounds to his right arm. He married Edith Mary Gear on January 27, 1919 in Wokingham, England (see page 39 of Edmund's service file). According to his service file, Edmund was no longer living in the South Peace in 1928. He died on July 21, 1967.
Davies, Edward
Edward filed on the northern half of 18-77-4-W6 in 1928, indicating on his service file that he had served in the military.
Davignon, Joseph
Regimental Number: 624480
Rank: Private
Branch: 22nd Battalion (French Canadian)
Joseph was born in Granby, Quebec on March 19, 1896. It is unknown when he first came to the South Peace. Joseph enlisted in the Canadian Army in Wainwright in January of 1916. On July 16, 1918 at 2:40pm, Joseph was accidentally shot in the back by a man from his battalion. Pages 17, 21, 23, and 27 of Joseph's service file contain notes from the resulting court case, including testimonies of the witnesses and the man who shot him. His medical records also note that in November of 1918, Joseph had a tumor on his lower lip. As a veteran of World War I, Joseph served with the Eaglesham & District Veterans Volunteer Reserve during World War II.
Davis, George Courtney
Regimental Number: 101345
Rank: Private
Branch: 66th Battalion
George was born in Vancouver on August 27, 1894. He came over the Edson Trail in 1912 and filed on a homestead at 15-71-10-W6. Shortly after he arrived, Harry Adair had him bring in a sawmill outfit. In 1915, George enlisted in the Canadian army and shipped overseas. He was an excellent shot with a rifle and was always selected to represent the 66th Battalion in rifle competitions. George died of pneumonia at Moore Barracks Hospital, Shorncliffe on May 23, 1916.
Sources: Beaverlodge to the Rockies p. 45; Pioneers of the Peace p. 25
Day, W.
Regimental Number:
DeBolt, Howard
Regimental Number: 118013
Rank: Private
Branch: Fort Garry Horse
Howard was born in Portland, Oregon on January 1, 1887. He enlisted in the Canadian Army in February of 1915. In May of 1919, Howard was granted permission to marry Gladys V. In November of that year, he filed on a homestead at NE 14-78-4-W6, which he later canceled. However, a present address card from Howard's service file, dated 1922, states that he was living in Prestville, Alberta.
Decquoin, William
Regimental Number: 100552
Rank: Driver
Branch: Canadian Engineers
William was born in Lac La Biche, Alberta on November 1, 1893. He enlisted in the Canadian Army in July of 1915. In 1919, William filed on SW 17-79-4-W6. A present address card in William's military service file indicates that he was living in Edmonton in 1925.
Deklerck, Honore
Regimental Number: 1021086
Rank: Corporal
Branch: 233rd Battalion; 8th Battalion, Canadian Railway Troops
Honore was born in West Flanders, Belgium on January 8, 1886. He filed on a homestead at 18-72-10-W6, in the Beaverlodge area, before the war while his wife Delphine and daughter Maree stayed behind in Ruddervoorde, Belgium. Before Honore could bring his family to join him, war broke out and he enlisted in the Canadian army on May 15, 1916. He had previously served in the Belgian army. Honore died in Manitoba in 1950.
Demetz, Howard P.
Rank: Lieutenant
Branch: Royal Highlanders
Howard was a lieutenant in the Royal Highlanders. He was born in 1892 and died on December 9, 1974. Howard was buried in the Grande Prairie Cemetery.
Sources: Grande Prairie Cemetery
de Neauve, Pierre
Regimental Number: 826780
Rank: Private
Branch: 143rd Railway Construction Battalion; 59th Battalion, Canadian Forestry Corps
Pierre was born in Charente, France on November 9, 1885. At the time of his enlistment on July 3, 1916, he was living in Grande Prairie.
Dennis, James
James was born ca. 1889 in Ontario. In 1914, he filed on SE 3-79-15-W6; his homestead record indicates that he was in the military while proving up. It is possible that the service file linked to below is James's, but this has not been confirmed.
Depencier, John Luke "Jack"
Regimental Number: 6784
Rank: Staff Sergeant
Branch: 1st Battalion
Jack was born on April 25, 1889 in North Bay, Ontario. He came to the South Peace in 1911 and filed on homesteads at 11-72-6-W6 and 10-72-6-W6. Jack set up a jewelry store in Grande Prairie in 1911/1912. On September 15, 1914, Jack enlisted in the Canadian army. While serving overseas, he met Violet Mary Beer. They were married in Salisbury, Wiltshire, England in November of 1915. Jack and Violet had a son, John Richard, who was born in England on February 28, 1917.
Sources: Grande Prairie Capitol of the Peace p. 11, 25, 41; Pioneers of the Peace p. 172, 189, 198, 265; Edson to Grande Prairie Trail p. 114
Deschambault, Euclide
Regimental Number: 3211195
Rank: Private
Branch: 1st Depot Battalion, Alberta Regiment; 260th Battalion, Canadian Rifles (Siberian Expeditionary Force)
Euclide was born in Ramsayville, Ontario on November 8, 1889. He filed on a homestead at 20-70-11-W6, near Halcourt. In May of 1918, Euclide was drafted. He arrived in Siberia in January of 1919, and was sent back to Canada in July of the same year.
Deschenes, Wilbrod Miville
Regimental Number: 1021182; 436785
Rank: Private
Branch: 22nd Battalion
Wilbrod was born in Quebec City, Quebec on October 22, 1875. In 1912, he filed on SW 16-78-21-W5 on NE 5-78-21-W5. Wilbrod first enlisted in the Canadian Army on February 8, 1915; however, he was discharged, having been found medically unfit. On August 1, 1916, he enlisted a second time and this time was sent overseas. Wilbrod suffered from gunshot wounds to his left arm in November of 1917, and to his right thigh in August of 1918. He developed a very painful sciatic nerve, likely due to climatic conditions. Wilbrod died on August 19, 1957.
De Schepper, Joseph
Regimental Number: 2188308
Rank: Sapper
Branch: 6th Battalion, Canadian Railway Troops
Joseph was born in Meerbeke, Belgium on March 14, 1874. He served for four years in the Belgian Cavalry. It is unknown when Joseph came to Canada, but he was living in Forget, Saskatchewan at the time of his enlistment in January of 1917. In 1928, he filed on the eastern half of 14-78-23-W5. Joseph died in Edmonton on July 20, 1949.
Desforges, Joseph Romeo
Regimental Number: 3030748
Rank: Private
Branch: 1st Depot Battalion, 1st Central Ontario Regiment
Joseph was born in Stanbridge, Quebec on June 3, 1894. He was living in Rhode Island at the time of his enlistment in September of 1917. Joseph married Elizabeth Aner on December 5, 1917 in Hamilton, Ontario. Joseph served in Canada. He was discharged on September 26, 1918 because he was an American citizen. In 1928, Joseph and Elizabeth came to the South Peace and filed on the eastern half of 34-78-21-W5.
Desilets, Emile
Regimental Number: 628057
Rank: Corporal
Branch: 47th Battalion; 16th Battalion
Emile was born in Ste. Camille, Wolfe County, Quebec on February 3, 1888. He enlisted in Vernon, BC on June 18, 1915, and had previously served with the 11th Regiment, Irish Fusiliers of Canada. While serving overseas, Emile sustained a shrapnel wound to his left arm in June of 1916, and a gunshot wound to his right thigh and buttocks. On September 2, 1918, Emile was awarded the Distinguished Conduct Medal "For conspicuous gallantry and devotion to duty on the 2nd September, 1918, in the second battle of Arras. During the fighting he with his section engaged large numbers of the enemy on three occasions as they emerged from dug-outs, bombing the occupants and taking the survivors prisoners. He was slightly wounded when steadying his men under enfilade fire." Emile filed on a homestead at 35-76-21-W5. He died in Vancouver on December 12, 1955.
Sources: Guy p. 287
Despins, Ernest
Regimental Number: 3212457
Rank: Private
Branch: 1st Depot Battalion, Alberta Regiment
Ernest was born in Meriden, Connecticut on March 28, 1893. He settled in Girouxville (35-77-22-W5) and owned a store in Falher for twenty years. Ernest married Francoise LaPalme in 1924; the couple had nine children. Ernest died on October 17, 1980.
Sources: Reflexions, p. 485
Devost, Philippe
Regimental Number: 3214424
Rank: Private
Branch: 1st Depot Battalion, Alberta Regiment
Philippe was born on November 1, 1891 in St. Anne de la Perade, Quebec. He moved to Donnelly in 1917 and homesteaded at SW 7-77-20-5. In 1918, Philippe was drafted but as the war was nearly over, he didn't make it to England before his discharge in January of 1919. In December of 1919, Philippe married Marthe Perrier. The couple had seven children. Philippe left in 1930 to work on the railroad at Reno, and the rest of the family joined him later. They eventually moved to Lacombe, where Philippe died in September of 1961.
Sources: By the Peavine in the Smoky of the Peace, p. 271
Dewar, Alexander
Regimental Number: 3207678
Rank: Private
Branch: 1st Depot Battalion, Alberta Regiment; 31st Battalion
Alexander was born in Inverness, Scotland on December 18, 1887. When he was drafted in spring of 1918, Alexander was living in Beaverlodge. His brothers Murdo and John were already serving overseas at this time. Alexander didn't reach France until October 1918, near the end of the war. He died in January of 1966 in Edmonton.
Dewar, Ed
Regimental Number:
Sources: Pioneers of the Peace, p. 297.
Dewar, John
Regimental Number: 1075326
Rank: Corporal
Branch: 4th Pioneer Battalion; 4th Labour Battalion; 11th Battalion, Canadian Railway Troops
John was born in Beauly, Scotland on January 6, 1885. He immigrated to Manitoba in 1909, but heard of higher wages on sheep ranches in Montana and Oregon and worked there for a time. His brothers Alex and Murdo joined him. In 1914 John came to the Beaverlodge area (NW5-72-10-W6) over the Edson Trail. On August 31, 1914, he married Isabella Mackintosh in Edmonton; the couple had five children. John enlisted in the Canadian army in July of 1916 and returned to his farm and family after the war. John died in Beaverlodge in September of 1966. He had gone missing on September 1 and was found dead the next morning.
Sources: Beaverlodge to the Rockies, p. 45; Pioneers of the Peace p. 303-304; Edson to Grande Prairie Trail p. 197
Dewar, Murdo
Regimental Number: 895484
Rank: Private
Branch: 191st Battalion; 50th Battalion
Murdo was born in Inverness, Scotland on August 29, 1891. He worked on sheep ranches in Montana and Oregon with his brothers Alex and John for a time, and moved on to ranches in Argentina for about a year. He came back to Montana in 1916 and came up to join his brother John in Beaverlodge. He enlisted in the Canadian army in December of 1916. He served in France and received a gunshot wound to the scalp on September 28, 1918. After being discharged in February of 1919, Murdo returned to Beaverlodge and filed on SE 12-72-11-W6. He farmed this land until 1940, when he sold out and worked for the US Army in Dawson Creek. When he returned to Beaverlodge after the war, Murdo bought SE 7-72-10-W6 and lived there until 1958. At this point he moved to Vernon, BC for a few years. Murdo decided to return to Scotland for a time, but found that he preferred Canada after all. He died in Beaverlodge in 1966 and was buried in the Beaverlodge cemetery.
Sources: Beaverlodge to the Rockies, p. 47
Dickinson, James
Rank: Lieutenant
Branch: Canadian Machine Gun Corps
James was born in Port Arthur, Ontario on September 30, 1888. He filed on NE 27-70-12-W6 in 1915, and in December of that year he joined the Canadian Army. James suffered from trench fever in 1917 and was sent to Canada on sick leave. He eventually returned to England for the duration of the war. A present address card in James's service file indicates that he was living in Port Arthur, Ontario in 1922, so it is uncertain whether he returned to the South Peace after the war. James died in London, Ontario on October 7, 1960.
Dillon, Charles Raymond
Regimental Number: 2663631
Rank: Gunner
Branch: 78th Depot Battery
Charles "Ray" Dillon was born in Fertile, Minnesota on December 2, 1891. He came with his family to the Peace Country in 1911 and filed on homesteads at 2-71-7-W6, 4-71-7-W6, and 4-71-6-W6. Ray was drafted in April of 1918 but only got as far as Petawawa, Ontario when the Armistice was signed. He had a severe case of the flu in 1921, which limited the use of his right arm for the rest of his life. In 1944, Ray contracted the flu again and died on January 16, 1944 in the Grande Prairie hospital.
Sources: Along the Wapiti p. 83-87
Dimsdale, Henry George
Regimental Number: 898295
Rank: Captain
Branch: 192nd Battalion; 102nd Battalion
Henry was born in Port Hope, Ontario on February 8, 1876. When he enlisted in the Canadian Army in 1916, he, his wife Ella Mable, and their six children were living in Fishburn, Alberta. Henry was injured by bombs at Vimy Ridge on April 9, 1917. He had cuts on his left hand, left hip, and left foot. In June of 1917, Henry was awarded the Military Cross for gallantry and devotion to duty in the field. He was discharged on November 7, 1919. After being discharged, Henry filed on NW 31-78-19-W5 and SE 31-78-19-W5. Henry worked as an engineer, and took part in the survey for the Edmonton, Dunvegan, & British Columbia Railway extension in the early 1920s. He also ran as the Conservative candidate for the Grouard constituency in 1926. The community of Dimsdale was named after Henry. Henry died in Victoria on October 23, 1963.
Sources: news clippings
Dinwoody, George Luther
Regimental Number: 2142306
Rank: Sapper
Branch: 4th Battalion, Canadian Railway Troops
George was born in Simcoe County, Ontario on May 28, 1874. He married Caroline Emily in Vancouver on June 24, 1896. They were living in Vernon, BC at the time of George's enlistment in January of 1917. In 1919, George filed on NW 8-80-13-W6 and SW 17-80-13-W6. It is uncertain how long he was in the South Peace as a present address card in his service file indicates that he was living in Vancouver in 1923. George died on November 18, 1942.
Dixon, Ernest Weather(head)
Regimental Number: 3208227
Rank: Private
Branch: 1st Depot Battalion, Alberta Regiment; 21st Reserve Battalion
Ernest was born in Parrsboro, Nova Scotia on June 10, 1895. His brother James filed on a homestead for him by proxy on May 17, 1915, in the Beaverlodge area (NE10-71-10-W6). Ernest arrived in fall of the year. He was drafted in 1918, but returned to his homestead after being discharged. Ernest never married and died in the Hythe Pioneer Lodge in March of 1974.
Sources: Beaverlodge to the Rockies p. 551; Pioneers of the Peace p. 316
Dixon, Reginald
Regimental Number: 139066
Rank: Private
Branch: 60th Battalion
Reginald was born in Lincolnshire, England on August 4, 1885. It is unknown when he first came to Canada, but he enlisted in the Canadian Army in Toronto in July of 1915. Reginald suffered from gunshot wounds to his left hand on September 17, 1916. This happened while he was carrying the wounded out of the trenches. As a result, Reginald's left middle finger had to be amputated. In 1920, Reginald filed eight different homesteads in the South Peace; however, he canceled them all. By 1922, Reginald was living in Woodbridge, Ontario. He died in Edmonton on January 12, 1940.
Sources: Where the Red Willow Grew p. 303
Dobbyn, Arthur Graham
Regimental Number: 1084237
Rank: Private
Branch: 8th Battalion
Arthur was born in Melita, Manitoba on October 22, 1900. When enlisting in the Canadian Army in November of 1916, he lied about his age and wrote 1898 instead. Arthur served in England. In 1918, he filed on a homestead at NW 13-69-10-W6, though he later canceled. However, the 1922 present address card in Arthur's service file states that he was still living in Clairmont. Arthur married Jessie Gladys Robertson on November 12, 1929. He died in Vancouver, British Columbia on May 9, 1981.
Dobson, William
Regimental Number: 808285
Rank: Sergeant
Branch: 50th Battalion
William was born at sea, near the island of St. Helena in the south Atlantic, on April 15, 1871. He was living in High River, Alberta at the time of his enlistment in January of 1916. Meanwhile, his wife Louise and their eight children were living in Aldershot, England. In 1929, William filed on SE 6-72-1-W6. He died on May 10, 1936.
Dool, Hugh
Regimental Number: 101244
Rank: Private
Branch: 8th Battalion
Hugh was born in Listowel, Ontario on December 5, 1885. He came to the Peace country in 1911 and filed on NE 3-73-8-W6. Hugh walked to Edmonton and enlisted in the Canadian army in 1915.
Hugh received gunshot wounds to his left thigh and ankle on September 8, 1916 at the Somme, near Albert, and was on the "seriously ill" list for about a month afterward. This was only about two months after arriving in France. Medical records read that "He states - he was wounded by shrapnel Sept. 8 , 1916 on the Somme. One piece passed through muscles of the flexor surface of left femur in the middle third, causing a very deep flesh wound about 8 inch long. Another piece of shrapnel struck the (?) of left foot about 1 inch below the ankle joint on the inner side. This was removed in Boulogne Hospital, France, and he was told the foot was fractured. Opening was made on the outer side and bones scraped." Hugh was operated on at Albert within sixteen hours, then again at Boulogne, then sent to a hospital in England. He sailed to Canada March 1917 and was sent to convalescent home in Edmonton. Hugh's ankle did not heal well and his foot was "held in position of obtuse angle 105 degrees with axis of leg; movement in ankle joint is so slight as to be almost negligible" and he walked with "a decidedly awkward gait," using a cane.
In 1918, Hugh married Marvel Rowland of Lacombe. The couple returned to Hugh's homestead and raised four children. Hugh died on May 25, 1947
Sources: Buffalo Trails, p. 261. LaGlace Yesterday and Today, p. 158; Pioneers of the Peace p. 145-146
Doubleday, Arthur
Regimental Number: 101494
Rank: Corporal
Branch: 8th Battalion
Arthur was born in Waltham, Leicestershire, England on February 24, 1890. He enlisted in the Canadian army in November of 1915; he had previously served as a constable in the RNWMP. Arthur received a gunshot wound to his left knee on September 15, 1916. This probably happened at the Somme, since he served in the same battalion as Hugh Dool, who was injured there around the same time and both were hospitalized at Boulogne. Arthur was also gassed in August of 1918 though he was not ill as a result. However, his eyes did water while reading after being gassed. Arthur married Edith Mary Chapman, who went by May. Arthur died on September 4, 1973 at White Rock, BC and was buried at Victory Memorial Park in Surrey.
Source: Grande Prairie Capitol of the Peace p. 56; RCMPGraves.com
Dougan, Rev. Harry Leslie
Regimental Number: 490913
Rank: Sergeant Major
Branch: Overseas Training Company; School of Musketry
Harry was born in Madoc, Ontario on July 22, 1876. He married Nina Gertrude Bradley in 1910. Harry enlisted in December of 1916, though it is uncertain whether he served overseas or remained in Canada. Harry's medical records note that he fractured a finger in February 1917 while he was still stationed in Toronto. Harry died in Macklin, Saskatchewan on September 1, 1936.
Dowd, John Cornelius
John was born in Ontario ca. 1889. He filed on 12-70-12-W6 in 1927, indicating on his homestead record that he had served in the military.
Duchene, Albert Frederick
Regimental Number: 685108
Rank: Private
Branch: 42nd Battalion
Albert was born in Quebec City, Quebec on November 25, 1895. He enlisted in the Canadian Army in November of 1916. In November of 1917 at Passchendaele, Albert began suffering from myalgia as a result of the conditions in the trenches. In 1930, he filed on SE 4-79-24-W5. Albert died in Toronto on May 11, 1961.
Dueck, John Peter
Regimental Number: 3206627
Rank: Private
Branch: 1st Depot Battalion, Alberta Regiment; Canadian Railway Troops
John was born in Rosenfelt, Manitoba on September 13, 1895. He was living in Irma, Alberta when he was drafted in January of 1918. After the war, John filed on 20-74-3-W6 (the whole section). He canceled all four quarters. For two years, John worked at Thomson Hardware. He moved to Spokane in 1921. John died in Spokane on March 30, 1923.
Duff, Thomas McFarlane
Regimental Number: 506005
Rank: Sapper
Branch: Engineer Training Depot
Thomas was born in Dreghorn, Ayrshire, Scotland on May 28, 1864 (though he lied about his age on his attestation paper and wrote 1872). He homesteaded at NE 26-72-7-W6 in 1914 but also worked as a veterinarian. His wife's name was Isabella McLaughlin Duff, and they had a daughter Lucy, who was fourteen when Thomas enlisted in August of 1916. On October 19, 1916 he was declared medically unfit and discharged. Thomas admitted to being 52, not 44 as indicated by his attestation paper.
Source: Buffalo Trails p. 107
Duffie, Ernest Arthur
Regimental Number: 511736
Rank: Sergeant
Branch: Canadian Railway Troops
Ernest was born in Montreal, Quebec on April 11, 1884. He was living in St. Lambert, Quebec at the time of his enlistment in February of 1916. Around November of 1917, Ernest married Ellena. In 1920, they came to the South Peace where Ernest filed on NE 24-78-7-W6. He died on October 1, 1944 and was buried in Burnsland Cemetery in Calgary.
Dugan, Edmund "Paddy"
Regimental Number: 512871?
Edmund filed on the southern half of 7-70-22-W5 in 1928. It is believed that he had not farmed previously, and struggled to develop his land. Edmund went to Edmonton to seek medical treatment and never returned to his homestead.
Sources: Where the Red Willow Grew p. 70, 303
Dumas, Henry
Regimental Number: 466639
Rank: Sergeant
Branch: 63rd Battalion; 10th Battalion
Henry was born in New Richmond, Quebec on March 7, 1894. He came west to Edmonton in 1912, and settled in the Bezanson area in 1915. Henry did some boxing as a light heavyweight in his youth and also while he was in the army. He enlisted in July of 1915. In February of 1918, Henry was struck on the nose by a splinter falling off a building; it lacerated the bridge of his nose and fractured nasal bones. Henry survived the war and returned to Bezanson in 1919; at this time he filed on 21-72-3-W6. In 1949 he sold his farm and worked for a lumber company in Fort St. John. Henry returned to Grande Prairie in 1964 to retire and died in April of 1982. He was buried in the Grande Prairie Cemetery.
Sources: Smoky River to Grande Prairie p. 327
Dunbar, Robert
Regimental Number: 736760
Rank: Private
Branch: 16th Battalion
Robert was born in Slamannan, Scotland on April 1, 1887. In 1907, he emigrated to the United States. He was working as a miner in Lethbridge at the time of his enlistment in March of 1916. In April of 1918, Robert received gunshot wounds to his right arm. He was granted permission to marry an Englishwoman named Rose Mann in September of 1918. They returned to the United States after the war. From there, Robert and Rose and their small daughter (Rose) moved to Drumheller. In 1927, they moved to the Beaverlodge area; Robert filed on NW 15-70-10-W6. They lived there for a few years before moving to Merritt, British Columbia, where their son Robert was born. Rose died in 1934. During World War II, Robert once again served in the Canadian Army (this time in Canada). He drowned while fishing near Nanaimo shortly after the war.
Sources: Beaverlodge to the Rockies p. 400
Duncan, Alexander Boucher
Regimental Number: 3213109
Rank: Private
Branch: 1st Depot Battalion, Alberta Regiment
Alexander was born in Dunfermline, Scotland on May 5, 1897. He homesteaded at NE36-74-8-W6. Alexander was drafted in the summer of 1918, but was discharged within a month.
Sources: Buffalo Trails p. 37
Duncan, George Alexander
Regimental Number: 2663585
Rank: Driver
Branch: 78th Depot Battery, Canadian Field Artillery
George was born in Lossiemouth, Scotland on October 7, 1892. In 1916, Charles Kitchen and George bought the Grande Prairie Herald. They continued as owners until 1927 when Charles Kitchen sold his half to Charles W. Frederick; George sold his half to Charles Frederick in 1930. George enlisted in the Canadian army in April of 1918, near the end of the war. He made it to England, but never saw action in the front lines of France.
Sources: Grande Prairie Capitol of the Peace p. 50-51, 135; Pioneers of the Peace p. 331
Dundas, Frank LeRoy
Regimental Number: 2203345
Rank: Private
Branch: 230th Battalion, Canadian Forestry Corps
Frank was born in Tacoma, Washington on August 5, 1884. At the time of his enlistment in February of 1917, he was living in Chilliwack, BC. Frank homesteaded at 18-70-10-W6 and 13-70-11-W6.
Dunkerley, Ronald Montague
Regimental Number: 108198
Rank: Private
Branch: 1st Battalion, Canadian Mounted Rifles; Imperial Army
Ronald was born in the Penang Straits Settlement in Malaysia on May 8, 1895. His father, William Herbert Dunkerley, was a priest in Malaysia at the time of Ronald's birth. Ronald enlisted in Vermilion, Alberta in January of 1915. He was discharged in February of 1917, to be transferred to the Imperial Army. In 1919, Ronald filed on homesteads at SE 25-76-6-W6 and SW 30-76-5-W6; by this time, he was married to Elsie Dinah Eales. Ronald died in 1954.
Dunne, Jack
Jack Dunne was a prisoner of war in Germany for three years before returning to Grande Prairie in May of 1920. It is possible that he served in the British Army.
Dunsmore, Carrol Robert
Regimental Number: 49404
Rank: Staff Sergeant
Branch: Canadian Army Veterinary Corps; Department of the General Auditor
Carrol was born in Ladysmith, BC on July 23, 1895. He enlisted in the Canadian Army in April of 1915. Carrol spent a lot of time in hospital due to hernias, influenza, and other illnesses. He filed on SW 31-79-13-W6 in 1921, but according to a present address card in his military service file, he was living in Calgary in 1922. Carrol married Lucy Christie on March 20, 1923. He died in Arizona on May 4, 1961, and was buried in Nelson, BC.
Dupont, Lawrence Joseph Alfred
Regimental Number: 476301
Rank: Private
Branch: 34th Fort Garry Horse
Lawrence was born in Fort Alexander, Manitoba on November 20, 1896. He enlisted in the Canadian army in October of 1915. Lawrence's address in 1922 was in Goodfare. Lawrence's father, Omer, and younger brother, Wilbrod, joined up in autumn of 1915 as well.
Pioneer Round-Up p. 82
Dupont, Omer
Regimental Number: 2813
Rank: Private
Branch: 224th Battalion, Canadian Forestry Corps
Omer was born in St. Antonius (?), Quebec on March 30, 1861. When the war began, he was living in Manitoba, a widower with four sons and a daughter (his wife had died on March 15, 1910). Omer enlisted in the Canadian army in September of 1915, though he lied about his age, stating that he was born in 1871. His sons Wilbrod and Lawrence joined up as well. Omer only served in England, as the cold damp tents at the front did not agree with him, and was discharged on April 1, 1918 for being medically unfit - he suffered from myalgia and rheumatism and, of course, was overage. While serving in England, Omer was remarried to an Englishwoman, Constance Caroline Edwards, on July 11, 1917. He returned to Manitoba after the war, then headed west to the Peace country with his wife and daughter. Omer filed on a homestead at 9-72-12-W6. In 1928 they returned to Manitoba. Omer died in Winnipeg on August 4, 1944.
Sources: Pioneer Round-Up p. 82
Dupont, Wilbrod Joseph
Regimental Number: 500520
Rank: Sapper
Branch: 2nd Battalion, Canadian Engineers; 2nd Field Company, Canadian Engineers
Wilbrod was born in Fort Alexander, Manitoba on January 19, 1898. In order to enlist in the Canadian army in the fall of 1915, together with his father, Omer, and brother, Lawrence, Wilbrod lied about his age and said he was born in 1897. He received a slight gunshot wound in the back in September of 1916, and suffered from a foot infection in January of 1917. Wilbrod was part of the Army of Occupation in Germany for a few months after the end of the war. After being discharged in 1919, he traveled to Grande Prairie to join his father. In January of 1928, Wilbrod married Mary Wills, whom he had met in England in 1916. Mary and her family were friends of Constance Edwards, Wilbrod's stepmother, and they had come to the Grande Prairie area in 1926. Wilbrod died on February 26, 1973.
Sources: Pioneer Round-Up p. 82
Dupuis, Edouard
Regimental Number:
Edouard was born in St. Lazare, Manitoba on February 28, 1896. The family moved to Goodeve, Saskatchewan when Edouard was a child, and in 1918 he was drafted into the army. He was stationed in Regina and Moose Jaw, but was discharged before going overseas because he was his parents' only child. Upon returning to Goodeve, he married Martha McDougall. She died when their son Leonard was 9 months old. He then met Lilian Rickard; they were married on April 22, 1925. In 1928 the couple moved to Guy. They had nine children. Edouard died on January 25, 1986 in High Prairie.
Sources: Guy, p. 146, 309; Dupuis Generations p. 193
Dupuis, Joseph George "Bing"
Regimental Number: 3354251
Rank: Private
Branch: 1st Depot Battalion, Saskatchewan Regiment
Joseph was born in Wellington, British Columbia on January 7, 1896. In 1914, he filed on SW 31-77-21-W5. However, he was living in Saskatchewan when he was drafted in 1918. Joseph served in Canada for the remainder of the war. In November of 1929, he married Mary Holmes. Joseph died in 1955.
Dupuy, George
Regimental Number: 279115; 875
Rank: Private
Branch: Canadian Engineers; 6th Battalion, French Infantry
George was born in Marennes, France on September 6, 1883. He and his wife Emma (Thomas) and their four children immigrated to Canada in 1913; their destination was St. Albert, Alberta. Two more children were born after the family arrived in Canada. George enlisted in the Canadian army in February of 1916 (he had previously served with the French Infantry). According to his medical records, he required surgery for his varicose veins. George was discharged on July 30, 1918 to reenlist in the French Army (6th Battalion Infantry, #875). He returned to St. Albert after the end of the war, and in 1920 the family moved to file on a homestead in Bezanson (3-73-3-W6). George died in 1970.
Sources: Smoky River to Grande Prairie p. 328
Durand, Philias
Regimental Number: 736927
Rank: Private
Branch: 43rd Battalion
Philias was born on June 17, 1888 in Wotton, Wolfe County, Quebec. In 1913, there was an explosion in the mine where he was working in Fernie, BC. Philias's skull was fractured and he suffered from headaches as a result; the headaches worsened after his enlistment in the army. Philias was wounded at Vimy Ridge in January of 1917; he fractured the middle finger of his right hand and there was shrapnel in his right elbow and left leg. He was also struck in the head and was unconscious for four hours after being wounded and had two fits on the way to England. Philias was sent to a convalescent home in Edmonton, and discharged on November 30, 1917. Numerous disabilities were listed on his discharge paper: loss of function in his right hand, dizziness, pains in his head, poor memory, fits, nervousness, and weakness in his left leg. In the board's opinion, Philias was mentally deficient. After discharge, in 1918, he settled in the Elmworth area (3-70-11-W6) with his Irish wife. Philias died on February 26, 1962 at the Shaughnessy Hospital, Vancouver.
Sources: Beaverlodge to the Rockies Supplement p. 155
Duszinski, Joseph
Regimental Number: 100339
Rank: Private
Branch: 49th Battalion; Canadian Forestry Corps
Joseph was born in Russia on April 15, 1893. It is unknown when he first came to Canada, but he enlisted in the Canadian Army in Edmonton in July of 1915. On May 1, 1916 at Ypres, Joseph suffered from gunshot wounds to his right arm. He filed on the northern half of 35-73-11-W6. Joseph died in Grande Prairie on August 14, 1925.
Dwyer, John Henry
Regimental Number: 258739
Rank: Sapper
Branch: 211th Battalion; 8th Canadian Railway Troops
John was born in Leadville, Colorado on January 3, 1889. At the time of his enlistment on August 7, 1916, he was living in Spirit River (35-77-5-W6). John died in Prince Rupert on November 23, 1944.
Dyer, Daniel Joseph
Branch: Royal Air Force
Daniel was born on September 20, 1898. He was a student at St. Boniface College in Manitoba before he enlisted in the Royal Air Force. Following the war, Daniel filed on SE 5-78-26-W5 in 1919 through the Soldiers Settlement Board.