A-B C-D E-G H-J K-LM N-Ri Ro-S
Taillefer, Alphonse Joseph
Regimental Number: 2138870
Rank: Private
Branch: 2nd Depot Battalion, British Columbia Regiment
Alphonse was born in La Broquerie, Manitoba on November 16, 1894. He was living in Appledale, BC when he was drafted in January of 1918; however, homestead records indicate that he had filed on NW 31-78-20-W5 in 1917. Alphonse was sent overseas, but served only in England. His brothers, Antoine and Edouard, served in the Canadian Army as well. In December of 1918, Alphonse was dangerously ill with pneumonia and influenza. He survived and returned to Canada. In 1925, he filed on an additional quarter at NW 23-77-21-W5. Alphonse left the area in 1933 and moved to Vancouver. He died in Manitoba in 1991.
Sources: By the Peavine in the Smoky of the Peace p. 493
Taillefer, Antoine
Regimental Number: 3213096
Rank: Private
Branch: 21st Reserve Battalion
Antoine was born in La Broquerie, Manitoba on June 30, 1896. In 1917, he filed on a homestead at SW 31-78-20-W5, near Donnelly, AB, where he was living when he was drafted in June of 1918. Antoine served in England; his brothers, Alphonse and Edouard, served in the Canadian Army as well. In 1929, Antoine left Donnelly to work in British Columbia.
Sources: By the Peavine in the Smoky of the Peace p. 493
Taillefer, Edouard
Regimental Number: 3348901
Rank: Private
Branch: 1st Depot Battalion, Manitoba Regiment
Edouard was born in La Broquerie, Manitoba on December 6, 1890. He gave this as his current address when he was drafted in 1918. Unlike his brothers, Antoine and Alphonse, Edouard did not leave Canada. In January of 1919, he was demobilized and given "harvest leave," according to his service file. Edouard filed on a homestead at 16-78-22-W5. In 1930, he returned to Manitoba. At some point, he married Adelaide Chartier. Edouard died in Manitoba in 1992.
Sources: By the Peavine in the Smoky of the Peace p. 494
Tarr, William Charles "Heavy"
Regimental Number: 126251
Rank: Company Sergeant Major
Branch: 11th Battalion, Canadian Railway Troops
William was born in Goderich, County Huron, Ontario on June 20, 1888. He enlisted in Harriston, Ontario in September of 1915. After the war, William came to the South Peace and filed on the southern half 27-80-8-W6. He filed on SE 32-80-8-W6 in 1929, but canceled this homestead. During the Second World War, William worked on the Alaska Highway. In 1959, he sold his land and moved to Spirit River. William died on March 9, 1965.
Sources: The Big Bend p. 254; Chepi Sepe p. 469
Tate, George
Regimental Number: 811640
Rank: Private
Branch: Canadian Forestry Corps
George was born in Carleton, Saskatchewan on April 18, 1876. He made his first trip to Grande Prairie in 1903, and was one of the first stenographers in the Alberta government when it was formed in 1905. In January of 1916, George enlisted in the Canadian Army. He injured his shoulder while in training in England; because of his injury, he remained in England during the war, working in an office job. George was discharged on October 15, 1919. When he returned to the South Peace, he filed on the eastern half of 18-73-9-W6, though he later canceled. When the Grande Prairie courthouse opened in 1928, George was appointed assistant clerk. He married late in life. George died on January 3, 1940.
Sources: Across the Smoky p. 224
Taylor, Harold Conley
Regimental Number: 3206726
Rank: Private
Branch: 49th Battalion
Harold was born in Osgoode Station, Ontario on November 15, 1895. He filed on NE 7-71-10-W6 in 1915. In January of 1918, Harold was drafted into the Canadian Army. He received gunshot wounds to his right ankle in October of 1918. After the war, Harold returned to the South Peace. He later sold his farm and returned to Osgoode, where he married Estella Gertrude Saunders and had two children. Harold died on May 26, 1960.
Sources: Beaverlodge to the Rockies p. 367; Edson to Grande Prairie Trail p. 189
Taylor, James Allen "Scotty"
Regimental Number: 101145
Rank: Private
Branch: Canadian Army Service Corps; Canadian Forestry Corps
James was born in Dumfriesshire, Scotland on August 14, 1886. In June of 1915, he filed on a homestead at NE 6-71-6-W6. Two months later, he enlisted in the Canadian Army. A newspaper clipping indicates that he was wounded in action; however, James's service file mentions no such injury, only that he suffered from myalgia. He returned to the South Peace in February of 1919. That spring he filed on a second quarter at SE 35-70-7-W6. James died on July 3, 1935.
Sources: Grande Prairie Cemetery
Taylor, John George
John filed on NE 19-79-8-W6 in 1930, indicating on his homestead record that he had served in the army during World War I.
Taylor, Louis George
Regimental Number: 181155
Rank: Private
Branch: 88th Battalion
Louis was born in Leicester, England on November 19, 1889. He and his wife Gertrude were living in Victoria, BC at the time of his enlistment in the Canadian Army in March of 1916. Louis served in England until he was discharged on May 23, 1917 for undisclosed reasons. In 1927, he filed on NW 15-80-13-W6. Louis died on December 30, 1978.
Taylor, William Dawson
Regimental Number: 102685
Rank: Corporal
Branch: 102nd Battalion
William was born in Liverpool, England on May 28, 1888. It is unknown when he first came to Canada, but he was living in Victoria at the time of his enlistment in September of 1915. William suffered from shrapnel wounds to his neck in November of 1917. In 1920, he filed on the northern half of 4-72-2-W6, though he canceled both quarters. A present address card in William's military service file indicates that he was living in Glen Leslie in 1922. He died on August 3, 1965.
Tessier, Leon
Regimental Number: 291788
Rank: Private
Branch: 222nd Battalion; 178th Battalion; 150th Battalion
Leon was born in Larochelle, France on September 5, 1882. He was living in Manitoba when he enlisted in the Canadian Army in December of 1915. Leon frequently suffered from bladder infections. He was invalided to Canada in February of 1918 and was discharged, having been found medically unfit, on March 25, 1918. That year, Leon filed on the southern half of 24-78-21-W5. Leon died on February 7, 1962 and was buried in Donnelly.
Testevuide, Camille
Camille was born ca. 1884 in Champlain, France. He filed on NE 20-78-21-W5 in 1914; his homestead record indicates that he served in the military while proving up. It is possible that Camille served in the French army.
Teulon, Charles Cuthbert
Regimental Number: 21238
Rank: Private
Branch: 7th Battalion
Charles was born in Shellmouth, Manitoba on May 17, 1893. He was still living in Manitoba at the beginning of the war, and traveled to Valcartier to enlist in September of 1914. On May 15, 1915, Charles went missing at Ypres. He was reported as a prisoner of war on June 24, 1915; he had received shrapnel wounds to his right thigh and knee. Charles's prisoner of war records indicate that he was moved around to about six different POW camps. On January 2, 1919, he arrived back in England. In 1927, Charles filed on a homestead at NE 15-73-12-W6. During World War II, Charles once again served in the Canadian Army, this time serving in Canada and the Caribbean. Charles died in 1965.
Sources: Grande Prairie Cemetery
Therriault, Robert
Regimental Number: 3206820
Rank: Private
Branch: 31st Battalion
Robert was born in Salem, Massachusetts on October 8, 1895. He filed on the southern half of 25-77-22-W5 in 1917, and was drafted in February of 1918. An undated present address card in Robert's military service file indicates that he had returned to Quebec. He died in Montreal on July 29, 1940.
Thetrault, Philip
Philip was born in Quebec in 1902. He filed on NE 26-72-12-W6 in 1921; according to the homestead record, he had served in the military. Philip married Phyllis Whittaker in April of 1931. He died in 1973 and was buried in the Grande Prairie Cemetery.
Sources: Pioneer Round Up p. 139; April 10 1931 p. 3 c. 5
Thew, Arthur William
Regimental Number: 154360
Rank: Sapper
Branch: 1st Canadian Pioneer Battalion; 9th Battalion, Canadian Railway Troops
Arthur was born in North Bay, Ontario on July 30, 1885. He and his wife Hannah and their children were living in British Columbia at the time of his enlistment in August of 1915. In June of 1916, Arthur was buried by a shell at Ypres. This happened a second time a week later; he was buried for two hours. In July of 1917 he was buried by a shell for the third time. Not surprisingly, Arthur suffered from nervousness and shell shock; he was also unable to control his bladder, though this problem was resolved when he returned to Canada. Arthur was sent to England in March of 1918 and was invalided to Canada in September. It is uncertain when his wife died, but according to the homestead record, Arthur was unmarried when he filed on SE 23-71-2-W6 and NW 24-71-2-W6 in 1930. He eventually cancelled these homesteads. At some point in the 1930s, Arthur married Evelyn and they moved to Grande Prairie with their children. During World War II, he was chairman of the Grande Prairie Salvage Committee which collected rags and rubber for the war effort. Arthur died on November 12, 1965.
Sources: news clippings
Thieme, Stanley H.
Regimental Number: 1903
Rank: Lieutenant
Branch: 49th Battalion
Stanley was born in Canterbury, England on August 12, 1886. It is uncertain when he immigrated to Canada, but at the time of his enlistment in September of 1914, he was living in Paddle River, Alberta. According to his service file, Stanley suffered from sciatica and neuritis. In May of 1918, he filed on SW, SE, and NE 22-73-10-W6; some sources indicate that he also owned property at 11-73-10-W6 and 23-70-10-W6. He and his wife Gladys arrived in Grande Prairie in July of 1918. Stanley died on December 7, 1955.
Thompson, F.
Sources: Grande Prairie Honour Roll
Thompson, James Henry
Regimental Number: 433030
Rank: Private
Branch: 49th Battalion
James was born in London, England on April 1, 1885. In April of 1914, he filed on a homestead at NE 8-73-10-W6. In March of 1915, James traveled to Edmonton to enlist in the Canadian Army. He was killed in action on March 25, 1916. James's headstone in the Sanctuary Wood Cemetery in Belgium is inscribed with, "Their glory shall not be blotted out."
Thompson, John Bosdel
Regimental Number: 101363
Rank: Private
Branch: 49th Battalion
John was born in Cheshire, England on November 12, 1887. In 1910, he filed on SW 7-72-6-W6 and the eastern half of 12-72-7-W6; he also filed on SE 13-72-7-W6 in 1912. John enlisted in the Canadian Army in 1915. He was gassed several times, which affected his vision; the worst of these gas attacks was at Avion, France in August of 1917. John's hearing was also affected during his time in the trenches, and deteriorated after the winter of 1916. At some point, John married a woman named Eleanor. John died on April 8, 1955.
Sources: Legion Album; Honour Roll; Sept. 7 1928 p. 1 c. 1 (?); Nov. 26 1942 p. 6 c. 3 (?)
Thompson, John William
Regimental Number: TT02946
Rank: Sergeant
Branch: Royal Army Veterinary Corps
John was born in Nottingham, England around 1891. He served in the Royal Army Veterinary Corps during World War I. In 1930, John came to the South Peace with his wife and daughter and filed on NW 13-75-13-W6 and SW 24-75-13-W6. Records indicate that he cancelled both homesteads. John died on January 7, 1932 at the age of 40.
Sources: Grande Prairie Cemetery
Thomson, Duncan
Regimental Number: 2621901
Rank: Private
Branch: 50th Battalion
Duncan was born in Machrie Bay on the Isle of Arran in Scotland on March 23, 1890. At the time of his enlistment in the Canadian Army in November of 1917, he was living in Calgary. Duncan was awarded the Military Medal in April of 1918. He suffered from shell shock. After the war, Duncan emigrated to Nevada, where he worked in a mine. In 1919, he came to the Beaverlodge area and filed on SW 13-72-11-W6 and SW 24-72-11-W6. After proving up, Duncan returned to his work in the Nevada mine. He died on December 10, 1928.
Sources: Beaverlodge to the Rockies p. 321
Thomson, John
Regimental Number: 904839
Rank: Sergeant
Branch: Canadian Forestry Corps
John was born in Grangemouth, Scotland on February 4, 1881. In 1914, he filed on a homestead at NE 5-74-8-W6. He enlisted in the Canadian Army in March of 1916. John did not return to the South Peace after the war.
Source: Buffalo Trails p. 239
Thorne, John Albert
Regimental Number: 1038101
Rank: Private
Branch: Canadian Forestry Corps
John was born in La Crosse, Wisconsin on November 4, 1865 (he lied about his age on his attestation paper and wrote 1870). He was living in Telegraph Creek, BC at the time of his enlistment in August of 1916. According to his medical records, John suffered from a hernia in April of 1918; he was not operated on until April of 1919. After the war, John filed on the southern half of 3-78-24-W5, as well as NW 3-78-24-W5 and SW 2-78-24-W5. He farmed until 1950, when he sold his land and moved into Grande Prairie. John died in Grande Prairie in 1962.
Source: homestead records; Smoky Peace Triangle p. 386
Thornton, George Alfred
Regimental Number: 101243
Rank: Sapper
Branch: Canadian Engineers
George was born in Woodstock, Ontario on September 19, 1878. In 1911 he filed on a homestead at NW 35-71-8-W6. George enlisted in the Canadian Army in September of 1915. He returned to Lake Saskatoon in April of 1919, but a present address card in his service file indicates that George may have returned to Ontario in the early 1920s.
Sources: Lake Saskatoon Reflections p. 250; April 8, 1919 p. 1 c. 3
Thorsteinson, Stanley
Regimental Number: 472689
Rank: Private
Branch: 54th Battalion
Stanley was born in Ísafjörður, Iceland on October 10, 1892. He filed on SW 18-74-8-W6 in July of 1915. In November of 1915, he enlisted in the Canadian Army. Stanley was wounded on November 18, 1916 at 6:30 AM, twenty minutes after his battalion went over the top at the Somme. He suffered from shrapnel wounds to his right knee and the right side of his head. Stanley was moved two miles by stretcher, and invalided to Canada in March of 1917. On November 30, 1917, he was discharged, having been found medically unfit as a result of his injuries. In 1920/1921, Stanley filed on a second homestead at NW 8-74-9-W6. By this time, he was married to Dorothy Lettice Wilson. Stanley and Dorothy left the area in 1923. Stanley died on December 7, 1957.
Sources: Buffalo Trails p. 219
Thrasher, Charles James
Regimental Number: 3206717
Rank: Private
Branch: 1st Depot Battalion, Alberta Regiment
Charles was born in Bruce, Wisconsin on April 11, 1889. He filed on SE 20-71-8-W6 in 1916, and was living in Hanna, Alberta when he was drafted into the Canadian Army in 1918. Charles served only in Canada. In 1925, he married Florence Gertrude McRae. Charles died in Orillia, Ontario on November 2, 1946.
Thuresson, Jesse Henderson
Regimental Number: 910215
Rank: Second Lieutenant
Branch: 196th Battalion; London Regiment
Jess was born in Owen Sound, Ontario on February 2, 1889. He was living in Winnipeg, Manitoba at the time of his enlistment in May of 1916. On January 29, 1918, Jesse was transferred to the Imperial Army. He served in England during the war. In 1919, Jesse filed on SE 31-74-7-W6.
Tilley, George
Regimental Number: 444882
Rank: Private
Branch: 14th Battalion
George was born Allainville, Ontario on February 13, 1893. He enlisted in the Canadian Army in June of 1915. On June 3, 1916 at Ypres, he suffered from severe shrapnel wounds to his chest, back, and leg as a result of an explosion. He was invalided to Canada in August 1917, having been found medically unfit. He was still walking with a cane at that time. In September of 1917, George fell while out walking, and broke a bone at the site of an old injury. On April 15, 1918, he was discharged. George filed on homesteads at NE 35-71-1-W6 and NW 36-71-1-W6 in 1919. He stayed in the DeBolt area for four or five years, then moved to Detroit for eight years before returning to the South Peace. George died on March 14, 1983.
Sources: Across the Smoky p. 39; Grande Prairie Herald May 9, 1935 p. 5 c. 1
Tilt, Robert Beavins
Regimental Number: 1251121
Rank: Private
Branch: Canadian Forestry Corps
Robert was born in Pelee, Ontario in November of 1874. He owned a livery and restaurant in Lake Saskatoon village before the war. Robert enlisted in the Canadian Army in November of 1916, a decision he made based on the outcome of a coin toss (see December 5, 1916 news clipping). After the war, he filed on homesteads at NW 5-72-8-W6, SW 12-72-9-W6, and SW 8-72-8-W6. Robert dyed his hair in an attempt to look younger so he could enlist in World War II, but was sent home. He died on August 10, 1948 and was buried in the Lake Saskatoon Cemetery.
Sources: Pioneers of the Peace p. 66; Lake Saskatoon Reflections p. 30, 33, 225; Herald Sept 2, 1913 p. 1 c. 3; Aug. 19 1948 p. 3 c. 3; Jan 25 1916 p. 1 c. 5
Tingle, Thomas Wilson
Regimental Number: 18251
Rank: Private
Branch: 3rd Battalion
Thomas was born in Leytonstone, England on January 11, 1888. In 1913, he filed on a homestead at SE 12-74-5-W6. When war broke out in 1914, Thomas was among the first men to enlist in the Canadian Army - he signed up at Valcartier on September 23, 1914. Thomas was captured by the Germans in May of 1915 at Ypres, only one month after arriving in France. He had mild influenza in June and November of 1918. Thomas also suffered from kidney problems and nervousness when he was repatriated in 1919, "no doubt due to prolonged confinement and rough handling." He returned to the South Peace after the war, and filed on SW 24-70-9-W6 in 1920. At some point after the war, Thomas married Sarah. He died in Victoria, British Columbia on November 3, 1961.
Tissington, James Job
Regimental Number: 812212
Rank: Corporal
Branch: 7th Battalion, Canadian Railway Troops
James was born in Codnor, Derbyshire, England on May 11, 1884. He worked as a coal miner as a young man in England. On September 13, 1911, James married Lily Smithard in England. They came to Canada in 1912, and James eventually filed on land at SW 8-71-6-W6 and NE 24-70-7-W6. By the time James enlisted in June of 1916, he and Lily had four children ranging in age from three months to four years. His brothers Joseph and William served as well. Jim died in Grande Prairie on May 10, 1961.
Sources: surname files; Pioneers of the Peace p. 263; Along the Wapiti p. 178, 411; Centennial Celebration Edson Trail p. 74, 122; NT Aug 22 1935
Tissington, Joseph
Regimental Number: 506608
Rank: Sapper
Branch: Canadian Engineers
Joseph was born in Codnor, Derbyshire, England on April 17, 1894. He came to Canada in 1912 and eventually filed on land at NW 22-71-5-W6 and SE 2-72-5-W6. In November of 1916, Joseph enlisted in the Canadian Army. His brothers James and William served as well. While serving in England, Joseph visited his old home in Derbyshire and married Frances Nora Granger, an old school friend. He brought his bride to Canada after being discharged in 1919. They raised five children. Joseph died on May 14, 1979.
Sources: surname file; Smoky River to Grande Prairie p. 240; June 12 1923 p. 8 c. 3; Feb 22 1934 p. 2 c. 1; NT Sept 15, 1932 p. 2 c. 4
Tissington, William T.
Regimental Number: 812213
Rank: Acting Sergeant
Branch: 21st Reserve Battalion
William was born in Codnor, Derbyshire, England on March 28, 1892. He came to Canada in 1911, leaving behind his sweetheart Ethel. In 1913, William filed on NE 33-71-6-W6. He enlisted in the Canadian Army in June of 1916. His brothers James and Joseph also served. While William was serving in England, he and Ethel were married. William was discharged on September 16, 1919, and the couple returned to Grande Prairie.
Source: surname file
Tole, Frank Edmund
Regimental Number: 101238
Rank: Private
Branch: 31st Battalion
Frank was born in Manchester, England on February 25, 1889. In 1914, he filed on a homestead at SE 14-71-10-W6. He enlisted in the Canadian Army in September of 1915. A year later, on September 27, 1916, Frank was found missing and presumed to have died. His body was found after the war and buried in the Serre Road Cemetery, Somme, France.
Tomlin, Arthur E.
Arthur was born ca. 1899/1900 in London. It is possible that he served in the British Army. Arthur filed on SE 10-72-1-W6 and NE 3-72-1-W6 in 1926.
Tomson, Sydney William
Regimental Number: 467441
Rank: Sergeant
Branch: 5th Battalion
Sydney was born in Birmingham, England on October 28, 1883. He was living in Alberta when he enlisted in the Canadian Army in October of 1915. On March 21, 1917, Sydney suffered from shrapnel wounds to his right thigh (his tibia was fractured). His medical records note that this was an accidental injury; although this happened in France, it may not have been received while in action. In 1920, Sydney filed on NW 26-77-24-W5 and NE 27-77-24-W5. Sydney died on March 26, 1943 and was buried in the Watino cemetery.
Touchet, Louis Euchareste
Regimental Number: 268018
Rank: Private
Branch: 5th Battalion
Louis was born in East Sherbrooke, Quebec on August 25, 1891. In 1915, he filed on SE 24-78-22-W5 near Falher. Louis was killed in action on September 1, 1918 and buried at Upton Wood Cemetery.
Trelle, Herman William
Regimental Number: 3213124
Rank: Private
Branch: 1st Depot Battalion, Alberta Regiment
Herman was born on December 8, 1894 in Kendrick, Idaho. In 1911, while he was a student at Alberta College, Herman filed on NW 26-71-8-W6. Herman was drafted into the Canadian Army in 1918, by which time he had proved up on his homestead. He was discharged on July 23, 1918 due to defective vision. On December 25, 1919, Herman married Beatrice Irene Burdick. They farmed very successfully in the Lake Saskatoon area and soon gained international recognition for growing prize winning grain. In 1931, Herman Trelle won not only the wheat crown, but world titles for oats, rye, flax and timothy. To achieve these distinctions during the Great Depression brought hope for a hungry world and world attention to the Trelles and the Peace River Country. Ironically, it was the Great Depression that saw the demise of the Trelle farm, which became so bogged down with debt that the family moved into Grande Prairie. When World War II broke out, Herman again enlisted with the Canadian Army and was stationed first in Calgary and then in Ottawa. He was discharged in 1943 for health reasons, and the family moved to California where he was to supervise an olive grove ranch. On September 2, 1945, he was shot by John Giliberti, a ranch foreman, while overseeing work in an olive grove. Herman is buried at Inglewood Cemetery, Los Angeles, California.
Sources: surname file; Along the Wapiti p. 397-398; Pioneers of the Peace p. 211-212; Lake Saskatoon Reflections p. 28, 227-229; news clippings
Tremblay, Rosario
Regimental Number: 101410
Rank: Private
Branch: 66th Battalion; 1st Depot Battalion, British Columbia Regiment
Rosario was born in Kamloops, British Columbia on November 19, 1896. In 1912/1913, he filed on two homesteads at NW 9-78-14-W6 and NW 4-78-14-W6. Rosario enlisted in the Canadian Army on September 28, 1915, but was discharged on April 12, 1916, having been found medically unfit (cause uncertain). Then, in August of 1918, Rosario was drafted into the army. He served only in Canada. On December 13, 1918, he was discharged from the Canadian Army a second time.
Trendell, Percival Charles
Regimental Number: 669801
Rank: Lieutenant
Branch: 38th Battalion
Percival was born in London, England on March 19, 1897. He came to Canada in May of 1914 to join his mother and elder brother in Ontario. In February of 1916, Percival enlisted in the Canadian Army. The Canadian Army Journal (see link below) gives a detailed account of Percival's involvement in the 38th Battalion's trench raid on February 22, 1917. He was sent to England to obtain his commission as an officer in January of 1918. In 1921, Percival filed on a homestead at NW 20-75-2-W6. A year or two later, he returned to Ontario. He came back to the Peace Country to visit his old homestead and the widow of his friend Victor Hurlock in 1972. Percival died in 1973.
Sources: Wagon Trails Grown Over p. 44, 74
Trevelyan, Charles William
Rank: Captain
Branch: 5th (City of London) Battalion, The London Regiment (London Rifle Brigade); Royal Berkshire Regiment
Charles was born in England on August 3, 1887. Charles came to Lake Saskatoon with Hugh Speke and Professor Green in 1912. They were Anglican missionaries and served in the church at Lake Saskatoon. In 1914, all three men returned to England to serve with the British Army. Charles was the only one of the three men to survive the war, although he was severely wounded. Charles was awarded the Military Cross "For conspicuous gallantry and ability on 13th May, 1915, when in charge of a trench to the east of Ypres. The troops on his right having been compelled to fall back owing to the destruction of their trench, Lieutenant Trevelyan with great skill reorganised the defence of his position and, although unsupported, succeeded in maintaining the safety of our line at a very critical time." In 1919, Charles graduated with a Master of Arts degree from Oxford. He served in churches in various parts of England until 1943. Charles married Maude Dorothe Dixey on December 30, 1930. They had two sons and two daughters. Charles died on March 24, 1974.
Sources: Beaverlodge to the Rockies p. 98; GP Herald Sept 9, 1913 p. 3 c. 1; Feb 17, 1914 p. 1 c. 2; March 3 1914 p. 1 c. 2; July 20 1915 p. 6 c. 5
Trimmer, Alfred Syer "Charles"
Rank: Lieutenant
Branch: 51st Battalion; 10th Battalion
Alfred "Charles" Trimmer was born in Burk's Falls, Ontario on December 2, 1883. He was a member of survey party that came up to Grande Prairie. In January of 1915, Charles enlisted in the Canadian Army in Edmonton. He was wounded on February 5, 1916; the wound must have been relatively minor as he was off duty for only six days. On March 15, 1916, Charles was awarded the Military Cross. His citation reads as follows:
"For conspicuous gallantry. He led a party of bombers through the enemy's wire and inflicted severe loss on the enemy. Although wounded, he remained behind till all his men had got away from the wire."
He was awarded a bar to his Military Cross on September 8, 1916. Also in September of 1916, Charles received a shrapnel wound to his left leg. Charles was killed in action on April 28, 1917. He was buried in the Ecoivres Military Cemetery in France.
- Attestation Paper
- Lives of the First World War
- Canadian Great War Project
- Military Cross citation
- Gets Military Cross (March 21, 1916)
- Military Cross
- Military Cross
- Mention in Dispatches
- Mention in "Visiting the Fallen"
- Canadian Virtual War Memorial
- Commomwealth War Graves Commission
- CWGC Register
- CWGC Register
Trimming, Wilfred
Regimental Number: 101521
Rank: Private
Branch: 8th Battalion
Wilfred was born in Hastings, England on June 4, 1885. In 1912, he filed on a homestead at SE 26-71-7-W6. Wilfred enlisted in the Canadian Army in Edmonton in November of 1915. He was reported wounded and missing before being officially recorded as having been killed in action on September 26, 1916.
Trudeau , Francois Xavier Ignace "Frank"
Regimental Number: 101380
Rank: Private
Branch: 49th Battalion
Frank was born in Joliette, Quebec on July 31, 1877. In 1914, he filed on a homestead at SW 6-77-21-W5. Frank enlisted in the Canadian Army in September of 1915. In June of 1916, he was slightly wounded but remained on duty. Frank received a shrapnel wound to his right eye on June 11, 1917; not surprisingly, his vision was defective after this injury. He spent the rest of the war in England; it is uncertain in what capacity he served during this time. After the war, Frank returned to the South Peace and filed on a second quarter at NW 6-77-21-W5 in 1920. At some point after the war, he married Maria Rosanna Allain. Frank died on October 23, 1930.
Trull, Herbert
Regimental Number: 790763
Rank: Private
Branch: 131st Battalion
Herbert was born in Bexleyheath, Kent, England on May 1, 1863. He, his wife Etta, and their three children Arthur (19), Nina (19), and Amy (16) were living in New Westminster, British Columbia at the time of his enlistment in March of 1916. Because he was overage, Herbert listed 1871 as his year of birth. He served only in England. In 1918, Herbert filed on SW 1-71-6-W6 and SE 2-71-6-W6. He died on May 3, 1929.
Tuck, Spencer Henwood
Regimental Number: 432970
Rank: Acting Sergeant
Branch: 49th Battalion; Canadian Forestry Corps
Spencer was born in Chichester, England on December 9, 1879. He filed on NE 24-77-14-W6 in 1914, and enlisted in the Canadian Army in January of 1915. On August 25, 1916, Spencer was gassed at Ypres. He partially lost the function of his right eye. At some point after the war, Spencer married Esme. Spencer died in Nogales, Arizona on February 16, 1951.
Sources: Grande Prairie Capitol of the Peace p. 6; Nov 13 1931 p. 4 c. 5
Tucker, Howard William
Regimental Number: 624748
Rank: Private
Branch: 8th Battalion
Howard was born in Arthur, Ontario on October 15, 1882. In 1911, he filed on the northern half of 15-73-11-W6. Howard enlisted in the Canadian Army in February of 1916. In September of 1917, Howard received gunshot wounds to his thigh. He returned to duty on October 9, 1917. Howard was killed in action on November 10, 1917.
Tuffill, Harry A.
Branch: Argyll and Sutherland Highlanders of Canada (Princess Louise's)
Harry Tuffill was born in London, England in 1887 and immigrated to Canada in 1906. He worked at various trades in Hamilton and Toronto until 1909, when he was offered a position with Walter McFarlane’s survey crew. McFarlane’s contract, that summer, was to survey portions of the Peace River Country of Alberta. Surveyor McFarlane’s field notes list Tuffill as one of the three “head Chainmen” in the 30-man crew that first year. Impressed by the potential of the Peace Country, in 1911 Mr. Tuffill filed on NW 33-73-7-W6. His intention was to build a home for his fiancee, Maud Shattock. The First Great War interfered with those plans and Harry joined the 91st Highlanders from Hamilton. He served overseas and returned to his homestead in 1919. Harry and Maud were finally married in 1920. Mr. & Mrs. Tuffill farmed and lived on the land he filed on for the next 45 years. Harry died in 1965
Sources: surname files; Buffalo Trails p. 81-82; Pioneers of the Peace p. 69-70; news clippings
Tuffin, Percy William
Regimental Number: 454916
Rank: Sergeant
Branch: 19th Battalion
Percy was born in Wickham St. Paul, England on March 9, 1896. It is unknown when he came to Canada, but he enlisted in the Canadian Army in July of 1915 (at 9:45 AM, as noted on his attestation paper). In March of 1919, he was given permission to marry Joy May. According to a present address card in his service file, Percy was living in England in 1922. In 1935, he filed on the southern half of 19-72-26-W5; his homestead record indicates that he was unmarried at this time. Percy died on July 25, 1967 and was buried in the Grande Prairie Cemetery.
Sources: Grande Prairie Cemetery
Tulk, James
Regimental Number:
Tulk, Oliver Mardon
Regimental Number: 101063
Rank: Private
Branch: Canadian Machine Gun Corps
Oliver was born in Atkinson, Nebraska on April 8, 1891. In June of 1914, he filed on a homestead at SW 16-72-11-W6. He enlisted in the Canadian Army in July of 1915. Oliver was killed in action on April 12, 1917 and buried in the Thelus Military Cemetery.
Turmell, August Albert
Branch: American Army
August was born in Lake Megantic, Quebec on September 20, 1887. In 1913, he filed on NW 5-78-14-W6, though he was living in Maine at the time of his enlistment in the American Army in June of 1917. August died in September of 1967.
Turner, Charles Thomas McLinden
Regimental Number: 30650
Rank: Staff Sergeant Major
Branch: Canadian Army Service Corps
Charles was born in Chilliwack, British Columbia on December 7, 1891. He traveled to Valcartier to enlist in the Canadian Army in September of 1914. While serving in France, Charles was billeted at the Dubois home. He married daughter Jeanne in 1916. They made their home in England for a time, and their first son, Charles, was born on March 13, 1917. From February 1918 onward, Charles served only in England. In January of 1919, he spent some time at an RFC base. After the war, the Turners moved to Calgary, then to Bezanson, where Charles filed on the western half of 33-71-26-W5 in 1919, and finally into Grande Prairie around 1921. Charles died in early 1976 and was buried in the Grande Prairie Cemetery.
Sources: surname file; news clippings
Turner, Ralph Evert
Regimental Number: 3213145
Rank: Private
Branch: 1st Depot Battalion, Alberta Regiment
Ralph was born on September 5, 1897 in Trenton, Nebraska. He came over the Edson Trail with his parents in 1912, and filed on NW 13-73-5-W6 in 1914. In June of 1918, Ralph was drafted into the Canadian Army. He was still in basic training in Canada when Armistice was signed. After the war, Ralph married Eva Collet of Buffalo Lakes. After retiring, they moved to the west coast, where they looked after lighthouses. Ralph died in May or June of 1961.
Sources: Smoky River to Grande Prairie p. 270; NT Oct. 5, 1933 p. 1 c. 6; Feb 25 1937 p. 8 c. 7; July 22 1927 p. 5 c. 4
Turner, William George
Regimental Number: 219854
Rank: Corporal
Branch: 44th Battalion
William was born in St. John's, Newfoundland on June 25, 1894. He joined the Canadian Army in October of 1915. According to his pay sheets, William's pay was going to Miss Minnie MacKenzie in Ontario in 1917; there is no information concerning the nature of their relationship. William was awarded the Military Medal in 1919. Later in 1919, he filed on the southern half of 28-74-3-W6, though he canceled the southeast quarter. William filed on NE 21-74-3-W6 in 1921, and on NW 33-72-9-W6 in 1929, though he abandoned this property less than a year later.
Vance, James
Regimental Number: 675282
Rank: Private
Branch: 21st Battalion
James was born in Ingersoll, Ontario on May 31, 1898. He filed on NW 19-71-4-W6 in 1916, and that same year enlisted in the Canadian Army. On October 11, 1918, James suffered from gunshot wounds to the chest while in the front lines at Cambrai. James died on September 26, 1927.
Sources: Smoky River to Grande Prairie p. 107-108; Sept. 30, 1927 p. 1 c. 1
Van Schaik, Floyd Raymond
Regimental Number: 3207210
Rank: Private
Branch: 1st Depot Battalion, Alberta Regiment
Floyd was born on April 3, 1898 in Oldham, South Dakota. In 1911, he came to Alberta with his parents, and a year later he settled on NE 27-71-7-W6. Floyd was drafted into the Canadian Army in May of 1918. While teaching in Wetaskiwin, Floyd met Agnes Irvine. They were married in 1933 and had two children. Agnes died in 1974 and Floyd remarried to Jean Bunyan. Floyd died in Grande Prairie on January 25, 1982.
Sources: surname file; Lake Saskatoon Reflections p. 37, 231-232, 258; Along the Wapiti p. 123; a number of clippings
Veitch, Beatrice Charlotte Maria
Beatrice was born in1863 in Odiham, Hampshire, England. Her husband, Alfred Harry Veitch, was killed in the Battle of Coronel on November 1, 1914, while serving as fleet paymaster on the HMS Good Hope. They had been married 24 years at that time, and had two grown daughters, Nesta and Hyacinth. Beatrice volunteered with the Red Cross, making surgical dressings. In 1928, she came to the South Peace with her daughter Nesta and her family, and filed on a homestead at NW 28-70-24-W5. In 1930 she filed on SW 32-70-24-W5. However, the records indicate that she later canceled on both homesteads. Beatrice died on December 30, 1938 and was buried in the Mountain View Cemetery in Vancouver.
Sources: Where the Red Willow Grew p. 303; Across the Smoky p. 178
Veldhuis, Bertus
Regimental Number: 3213473
Rank: Private
Branch: 1st Depot Battalion, Alberta Regiment
Bertus was born in Holland on April 6, 1897. His family came to the South Peace in 1913. In 1919, Bertus filed on SE 33-73-10-W6 (he later filed on SW 34-73-10-W6 and the southern half of 26-73-11-W6). He gave Hythe as his present address when he was drafted in June of 1918. Because it was so near the end of the war, Bertus served only in England. In 1931, Bertus married Edith Macie Pike. They raised their family in Hythe, where they lived all their lives. Bertus died 1988.
Sources: surname file
Veysey, Vernon Vain
Regimental Number: 487659
Rank: Private
Branch: Canadian Army Medical Corps
Vernon was born in Costa, Washington on June 6, 1892. He enlisted in the Canadian Army in Calgary in May of 1915. A note dated August 1917 states that Vernon refused to write a will. In June of 1917, he suffered from Raynaud's disease; he also had trench foot in December of 1917. Vernon was invalided to Canada in February of 1918, and discharged on April 17, 1918, having been found medically unfit. In 1918, he filed on homesteads at NW 3-78-20-W5 and NW 9-78-20-W5. Vernon married Cecilia Van Nieuwenhoven. According to the present address card in his service file, Vernon's address in 1922 was Strathcona. Vernon died on June 26, 1963.
Branch: American Army
Vick, Victor Ledius
Victor was born in Morton, Richland County, North Dakota on February 16, 1889. He served in the American Army during World War I. On September 14, 1918, Victor married Zelma Christine Sanderson. They had four children. Victor and Christine lived in Saskatchewan until 1927, when they moved to the South Peace and settled in Sexsmith. They lived there for two years before moving to Deer Hill (northeast of Fairview). Victor died in Fairview on December 7, 1972.
Sources: Wagon Trails Grown Over p. 230
Villeneuve, Sylvio
Regimental Number: 448239
Rank: Sergeant
Branch: 22nd Battalion
Sylvio was born in Ste. Anne des Plaines, Quebec on August 26, 1892. He enlisted in the Canadian Army on May 31, 1915. On April 28, 1916, Sylvio received shrapnel wounds to his left shoulder. He was awarded the Military Medal in late 1918. In 1919, Sylvio came to the South Peace and filed on land at SE 20-77-21-W5, NW 16-77-21-W5, and NW 22-76-21-W5. Sylvio died in 1974.
Vine, John C.
Regimental Number:
Violette, Robert Raphael
Regimental Number: 1037169
Rank: Private
Branch: 238th Battalion
Robert was born in Van Buren, Maine on October 8, 1878. He came to the South Peace in 1913 and filed on SE 33-77-21-W5, SW 30-77-21-W5, and NE 19-77-21-W5. In July of 1916, Robert enlisted in the Canadian Army; he served in England for the remainder of the war. He married Elizabeth in 1917. What happened to Elizabeth is uncertain, but Robert later married Nora Curtin. Robert died in Oliver, British Columbia on May 31, 1967.
Vosburg, Harry
Regimental Number:
Vosburgh, Fred
Regimental Number: 101099
Rank: Private
Branch: 31st Battalion
Fred was born in Clodden, Ontario on July 5, 1894. It is likely, however, that he lied about his age at enlistment; according to his service file, he stated at some point that he would actually be turning 19 in July of 1918. In this case, Fred would have been born in 1899. He was living in the South Peace at the time of his enlistment in July of 1915. Fred received gunshot wounds to the head on September 19, 1916 and suffered from compound fractures in his skull. He had shell shock, but later recovered. At some point after the war, he married Mary. Fred died in Edmonton on December 4, 1957.
Vowden, George William Charles
Regimental Number: 1258073
Rank: Gunner
Branch: Canadian Garrison Artillery
George was born in Wiltshire, England on August 20, 1890. While working as a clerk for a shipping firm in London, a job opening came up in an office in British Guyana. George took the job, and worked his way up to overseer on the sugar cane plantation. At the time of his enlistment in 1916, George was living in Halifax. He injured his left foot and ankle in July of 1918 while unloading ammunition; a shell rolled onto his foot. After the war, George decided to immigrate to Canada. He settled in the Falher area and filed on the following homesteads: SE 3-76-21-W5, SW 2-76-21-W5, NE 35-75-21-W5, SW 34-75-21-W5, NE 34-75-21-W5. George died on May 1, 1955 and was buried in the McLennan Cemetery.
Sources: Guy p. 578; homestead records
Voyer, Ernest Joseph
Regimental Number: 904800
Rank: Private
Branch: 233rd Battalion
Ernest was born in Quebec on September 17, 1878. He filed on NW 20-72-4-W6 in 1912; in addition to farming, he was also working on a government road. Ernest enlisted on March 13, 1916, but was discharged on July 7 that same year, before leaving Canada, having been found medically unfit.
Wadlow, Arthur George Edward
Regimental Number: 228376
Rank: Private
Branch: Canadian Mounted Rifles; Canadian Overseas Railway Construction Corps
Arthur was born in York, Ontario on December 12, 1888. He and his wife Anna were living in Calgary at the time of his enlistment in May of 1916. Arthur was taken prisoner in March/April 1918 and was held in several different German POW camps. In 1921, Arthur filed on SE 28-70-9-W6. A present address address card from his military service file indicates that he was living in Saskatoon, Saskatchewan in 1927. It appears that Arthur may have married a second time to Island Georgina. Arthur died on April 12, 1984.
Walker, Charles Hugh "Hiram"
Regimental Number: 782385
Rank: Acting Corporal
Branch: 46th Battalion
Charles "Hiram" Walker was born in Woodstock, Ontario on March 19, 1876. It is possible that he lied about his age when enlisting, as he was 47 when he filed on his homesteads in 1920 (The Big Bend states that he was born in 1874, and there is information in his military medical records indicating an earlier date of birth as well). Hiram served in the Boer War, then worked as schoolteacher in southern Alberta until he served in the Canadian Army during World War I. In August of 1917, he suffered from a slight shrapnel wound to his head. In 1920, Hiram filed on the southern half of 9-80-8-W6. He canceled this homestead, however, and in 1925 refiled by proxy on the southwest quarter while working as a mill foreman in Whitecourt. Hiram died on October 17, 1945.
Sources: The Big Bend p. 96; Nov. 1, 1945 p. 1 c. 5; June 24, 1943 p. 1 c. 4
Walker, James "Jim"
Jim was born in Monymusk, Scotland on August 9, 1887. He first came to Canada in 1919, likely after having served in the British Army during World War I. He met and married Ethel Florence Crampton while working in Morse, Saskatchewan. They moved to British Columbia in the early 1920s, and to the Sexsmith area in 1928. Jim opened a bakery in Sexsmith, and later a second bakery in Fairview. Around 1940 the family moved to Fairview. Jim died on January 27, 1948.
Sources: surname file; Wagon Trails Grown Over p. 715, 1148; Buffalo Trails p. 261; numerous clippings
Walker, John
Regimental Number: 134866
Rank: Gunner
Branch: Royal Garrison Artillery
John was born on September 18, 1900 in Londonderry, Northern Ireland. He served with the Royal Garrison Artillery during World War I. In 1930, he filed on SE 34-74-3-W6. John married Doris White on December 2, 1949; they had two daughters. He died on July 2, 1956 and was buried in the Teepee Creek Cemetery.
Sources: Wagon Trails Grown Over p. 963; July 6 1956 p. 9 c. 6
Walker, William Hague
Regimental Number: GS/4274
Rank: Second Lieutenant
Branch: Royal Fusiliers; East Yorkshire Regiment; Labour Corps
William was born ca. 1892 in Leeds, England. He served in the British Army during the First World War. In 1921, he came to the South Peace and filed on the northern half of 2-70-12-W6.
Waller, Jan Lodewijik
Rank: Lieutenant
Branch: 108th Battalion
Jan was born in Amsterdam, Holland on May 21, 1878. He and his wife, Clara May Bull, were living in Winnipeg Beach, Manitoba when he joined the Canadian Army in December of 1916. He was discharged due to a knee injury. In 1917, Jan and Clara came to the South Peace and filed on SW 28-70-22-W5. Jan was in charge of fire ranger crews in the Red Willow area. The family eventually moved to Berwyn. Jan died in 1934.
Sources: Where the Red Willow Grew p. 275
Walls, James
James was born in Scotland ca. 1897. He filed on NE 8-72-11-W6 and NE 17-72-11-W6 in 1919, indicating on his homestead record that he had served in the military.
Walter, William Henry
Regimental Number: 466508
Rank: Private
Branch: 42nd Battalion
William was born in Devonshire, England on March 11, 1877. It is unknown when he first came to Canada, but he enlisted in the Canadian Army in Edmonton in July of 1915. William received severe gunshot wounds to his left arm on June 3, 1916 at Ypres. He was invalided to Canada in November of 1916, and discharged from the army on April 30, 1917. William filed on NW 24-76-4-W6 in 1918.
Walters, Glyndwr "Glyn"
Regimental Number: 3213100
Rank: Private
Branch: 1st Depot Battalion, Alberta Regiment
Glyn was born in Treherbert, Wales on March 2, 1896. He settled in the Sexsmith area in 1914. In June of 1918, Glyn was drafted into the Canadian Army. However, he deserted in October and never went overseas; his brother Lewis served in the Canadian Army. In 1919, Glyn filed on SE 7-74-11-W6. He canceled on this homestead, but filed on it once again in 1928 and this time proved up. In 1924, Glyn married Frances Quilley of Edmonton; they had three children. Glyn and Frances moved to Edmonton in 1972. Glyn died on March 23, 1975 and was buried in the Evergreen Memorial Gardens in Edmonton.
Sources: surname file; Along the Wapiti p. 236
Walters, Lewis Garfield
Regimental Number: 522719
Rank: Private
Branch: 7th Canadian Field Ambulance (Cavalry), Canadian Army Medical Corps
Lewis was born in Terherbert, Wales on March 14, 1891. His parents came to Canada and settled in the Three Hills area in 1914. Lewis enlisted in the Canadian Army in August of 1915; his brother Glyndwr was drafted into the army. He sprained his ankle in May of 1916. After being discharged, Lewis came to the MacHenry district to teach. In 1924, he married Clarice J. Thomas, a friend from Wales. They had two children, Margaret and Thomas. Clarice died shortly after Thomas's birth. Around 1930, Lewis married his housekeeper, Daisy Roberts. They continued to live in the MacHenry district. Lewis died on February 14, 1966.
Sources: Buffalo Trails p. 174, 261; Wagon Trails Grown Over p. 1148
Walthew, Fred
Regimental Number: 1594
Rank: Lieutenant
Branch: 2nd King Edward's Horse; Sherwood Foresters (Nottinghamshire and Derbyshire) Regiment
Fred was born in Surrey, England around 1873. He filed on SW 26-7-8-W6 in 1910 at the age of 37. During World War I, he served in the British Army. Fred returned to Lake Saskatoon after the war and was very involved in the Anglican Church and the Lake Saskatoon Community Club. Around 1940, Fred moved to Fort St. John. He died in Edmonton on December 7, 1960.
Sources: Along the Wapiti p. 407; Lake Saskatoon Reflections p. 234; Oct. 27, 1914 p. 1 c. 3; May 27, 1913 p 4 c 3; Dec 2, 1960 p. 6 c. 6
Walton, Alfred James "Jim"
Regimental Number: 3213475
Rank: Private
Branch: 1st Depot Battalion, Alberta Regiment
Alfred was born in Toronto, Ontario on June 13, 1897. He filed on SE 28-71-9-W6 in 1914. Alfred (as well as his brother Arthur) was drafted in June of 1918. He returned to the South Peace after the war. In 1954, Alfred was married. Alfred died in 1963 and was buried in the Beaverlodge Cemetery.
Sources: Feb 4, 1954 p. 7 c. 4
Walton, Arthur Lloyd
Regimental Number: 3213474
Rank: Private
Branch: 1st Depot Battalion, Alberta Regiment; Canadian War Graves Detachment
Arthur was born in Toronto, Ontario on August 2, 1895. He filed on SW 5-72-9-W6 in 1913 (after the war, he also filed on the western half of 35-70-9-W6. Arthur (as well as his brother Alfred) was drafted in June of 1918. He served in England during the war, and in France with the Canadian War Graves Detachment following the war. Arthur once again served in the Canadian Army during World War II. In 1943, while overseas, he married Agnes Gibson. They returned to the South Peace in 1945 and settled in Beaverlodge. Arthur died on January 9, 1990 and was buried in the Beaverlodge Cemetery.
Sources: surname file; May 16 1946 p. 2 c. 3; April 6, 1956 p. 2 c. 1
Walton, Benjamin Harold
Regimental Number: 883715; 3205938
Rank: Private
Branch: 187th Battalion; 1st Depot Battalion, Alberta Regiment
Ben was born in Ontario on February 9, 1902; he lied on his attestation paper, stating that he had been born in 1898. He first enlisted in the Canadian Army in 1916 at the age of 14; he was living in Calgary at the time. He served in England, but was sent back to Canada in May of 1917 to convalesce after being ill with scarlet fever, mumps, and measles. Slight deafness in one ear worsened after this illness. Ben was discharged on October 31, 1917. In 1918, he and his twin brother Leonard joined the army without telling their parents, although they were significantly underage (see page 39 of Leonard's service file). Not surprisingly, their parents wanted the boys sent back home, as they were too young to have enlisted. Ben's parents had no idea which battalion he was with; they thought he might have joined up under a false name, but he had used his real name. He gave his parents' names as his next of kin; however, he said his parents lived in Seattle (they actually appear to have been living in Edmonton) on one set of paper work, and requested that communications be sent to a friend's address. While in Halifax in 1918, he received a knife wound to his left leg. It was the result of a "scuffle"; see pages 111 through 115 for a few different (and entertaining) testimonies concerning what took place. A note in the 1918 service file states that Ben was "not to be dispatched overseas till 19 years of age" (he was 16 at the time). After being discharged, Ben came to the South Peace and filed on the eastern half of 22-77-20-W5. At some point after the war, Ben married Jennie. He died on March 19, 1963.
Sources: land records
Walton, Leonard Douglas
Regimental Number: 3205620
Rank: Private
Branch: 1st Depot Battalion, Alberta Regiment
Leonard was born in Ontario on February 9, 1902 (he lied about his age on his enlistment form, stating that he'd been born in 1898). In 1918, he and his twin brother Ben joined the army without telling their parents, although they were significantly underage (see page 39 of Leonard's service file). Not surprisingly, their parents wanted the boys sent back home, as they were too young to have enlisted. Their mother wrote a letter dated May 17, 1918, requesting that her sons be discharged. Leonard was discovered to be underage in July of 1918, after he had reached England. He was sent back to Canada and officially discharged on November 24, 1918. In 1920, Leonard filed on SE 27-77-20-W5 and NE 33-77-20-W5. He may have served in the RCAF in the Second World War. Leonard died on March 8, 1958.
Sources: land records
Ward, Charles Wesley
Regimental Number: 472665
Rank: Private
Branch: 46th Battalion
Charles was born in Markham, Ontario on November 24, 1888. He was farming in Saskatchewan when he enlisted in the Canadian Army in November of 1915. Charles was accidentally wounded by a rifle grenade to the face in January of 1917, and suffered from pneumonia in February of the same year. In September of 1918, Charles received gunshot wounds to his left arm. He came to the South Peace in 1919 and filed on the eastern half of 21-78-13-W6. Charles died in Camrose on July 14, 1964.
Ward, Harold
Regimental Number: 826781 (M57160 in the Veterans Guard)
Rank: Private
Branch: 2nd Battalion, Canadian Mounted Rifles
Harold was born in Scampton, Lincolnshire, England on May 30, 1895. He filed on NE 34-72-6-W6 in 1913. In July of 1916, Harold enlisted in the Canadian Army. He suffered from gunshot wounds which fractured his left leg at Cambrai on October 1, 1918. This injury caused a shortening of his left leg, which in turn resulted in lameness. During World War II, Harold served in the Veterans Guard. He died on January 10, 1951 and was buried in the Grande Prairie Cemetery.
Sources: gravemarker; Pioneers of the Peace p. 184; Wagon Trails Grown Over p. 231, 1148; Buffalo Trails p. 261; March 15 1951 p. 2 c. 3
Ward, J. A.
Ward, James
Regimental Number: 2288467
Rank: Acting Sergeant
Branch: Canadian Forestry Corps
James was born in Brant Township, Ontario on August 20, 1871. At the time of his enlistment, James, Margaret, and their three children were living in Wainwright, AB, where James worked as a sawmill foreman. He served only in England with the Canadian Forestry Corps. His eldest son James also served in the Canadian Army. According to the homestead records, James filed on SE 33-77-3-W6 in December of 1918.
Ward, Joshua
Regimental Number: 79554
Rank: Private
Branch: 31st Battalion
Joshua was born in Huron County, Ontario on January 3, 1883. He was living in Wetaskiwin, Alberta at the time of his enlistment in November of 1914. In November of 1917, Joshua was invalided to Canada, having been found medically unfit due to rheumatism/myalgia. He was officially discharged on February 13, 1918. In the spring of 1919, Joshua filed on the eastern half of 3-78-2-W6 in spring of 1919. He died in Vancouver on April 18, 1952.
Sources: land records
Warren, Frank
Frank was born ca. 1890 in Franklin, Kentucky. It is likely that he served in the American Army. In 1919, Frank filed on the southern half of 17-72-26-W5.
Wassill, Michael
Regimental Number: 3213766
Rank: Private
Branch: 1st Depot Battalion, Alberta Regiment
Michael was born in Huns Valley, Manitoba on November 20, 1889. In 1914, he filed on a homestead at SW 16-73-5-W6. Michael was drafted in June of 1918. Because it was so near the end of the war, he only served in Canada. After being discharged, he sold his land and left the area.
Sources: Wagon Trails Grown Over p. 857
Watcher, Robert Henry "Harry"
Regimental Number: 2663584
Rank: Gunner
Branch: Canadian Field Artillery
Harry was born in Thedford, Lambton, Ontario on December 22, 1891. He apprenticed as a watchmaker for three years in Parkhill, Ontario, then came to Edmonton to work for his brother in 1910. In 1915, after working in various other Alberta locations, he came north and established his business in Grande Prairie. He filed on NE 33-70-6-W6 and NE 13-72-12-W6. In 1916, Harry enlisted in the armed forces, having sold his business to C.S. Hook. He served only in England. After being discharged, Harry returned to Grande Prairie. On December 31, 1926, Harry married Nora May MacEwen, who had come to work for lawyer George Fraser. In 1965, Watcher retired and sold his business to Stewart E. Curry, who built his new Curry’s Jewelers on the site of Watcher’s store. Harry died in 1979 at age 88.
Sources: surname file; Pioneers of the Peace p. 330-332; check for more clippings
- Attestation Paper
- Lives of the First World War profile
- Canadian Great War Project profile
- No more recruits for 66th and 63rd Battalions (Aug. 10, 1916)
- Enlists (April 2, 1918)
- Mention in George Duncan's letter (Aug. 20, 1918)
- Returned (April 22, 1919)
- Photograph (ca. 1915)
- Photograph (ca. 1915)
- Photograph (ca. 1916)
- Photograph (1921)
- Photograph (ca. 1921)
- Boys Who Went Overseas
- Discharge Certificate
- Harry Watcher fonds
- Find A Grave
Waterman, Thomas
Regimental Number: 425462
Rank: Private
Branch: 27th Battalion
Tom was born in Romsey, Hampshire, England on June 17, 1885. It is uncertain when he immigrated to Canada. In December of 1914, Tom enlisted in the Canadian Army in Brandon, Manitoba. He married Isabella Christie on June 22, 1915. In 1930, he filed on a homestead at SE 12-71-7-W6. Thomas died in 1981.
Sources: Along the Wapiti p. 181, 411
Watherston, Olive Fell
Rank: Nursing Sister
Branch: Queen Alexandra's Imperial Military Nursing Service
Olive was born in Hinckley, England. As a young woman, she received training as a nurse and midwife. Early in World War I, she joined the Queen Alexandra's Imperial Military Nursing Service. Olive served as a nursing sister at a Casualty Clearing Station in France; she was mentioned in dispatches several times in 1918. In 1921, she came to Canada and joined the Alberta Department of Health. She was appointed a district nurse at Halcourt. In 1924, the Department of Health formed the traveling Clinic; Olive accompanied the traveling clinic for eleven years. When World War II began, Olive was on holiday in England and offered her services as a nurse and midwife in London. She resumed her work as a district nurse when she returned to Alberta. In 1950, she retired and moved to Victoria. Olive died on November 29, 1969.
Sources: Where the Red Willow Grew p. 278; Beaverlodge to the Rockies p. 370; mentioned in "Prepared to Care: Nurses and Nursing in Alberta, 1859 to 1996," available in the SPRA reference library
Note: Click Glenbow Archives link below and enter "Watherston" in "People" field to view photographs of Olive during her military and medical careers
Watkins, George Claude
Regimental Number: 471023
Rank: Corporal
Branch: 2nd Battalion
George was born in London, England on May 16, 1896. It is unknown when he first came to Canada, but was living in Port Williams, Nova Scotia at the time of his enlistment in February of 1916. His brother Hugh Walter also enlisted. In August of 1918, George was supposed to return to Canada to be a veterinary student, but he was still in England in October of 1918; it is unknown whether he ever did study veterinary medicine. George filed on the southern half of 16-80-7-W6 and NE 10-77-6-W6 in 1919, though he canceled on all three. A present address card in his military service file indicates that George was living in Spirit River in 1922. In 1931, he was the manager of the Peace River Coach Line Company.
Sources: July 24, 1931 p. 1 c. 8 ?
Watkins, Hugh Walter
Regimental Number: 67479
Rank: Private
Branch: Canadian Army Service Corps
Hugh was born in Essex, England on September 2, 1896. He was living in Kings County, Nova Scotia at the time of his enlistment in November of 1914. Like his brother George, he was supposed to be sent back to Canada as a student in August of 1918; it is uncertain whether this actually happened. In 1919, Hugh filed on the southern half of 17-80-7-W6. A present address card in his military service file indicates that he was living in Victoria in 1922. Hugh died on August 2, 1960.
Watson, F.
Regimental Number:
Watson, John Finlay
Regimental Number: 437637; M56292
Rank: Private
Branch: 15th Battalion
Finlay was born in Belfast, Ireland on September 16, 1891. His parents immigrated to Canada with their nine children in 1908; Finlay filed on homesteads at NE 9-71-8-W6 and NW 33-70-8-W6 in 1910. In August of 1915, Finlay enlisted in the Canadian Army. His brother Robert also served during World War I. Finlay received a bayonet wound to his right leg at Vimy on April 30, 1917 when he went over the top and landed on a spiked bayonet (see his June 1917 letter for more details about the injury). He also suffered from accidental abrasions to his face and hands in August of 1917. Finlay's wife was named Mabel. During World War II, Finlay served with the Veterans Guard at a POW camp in Lethbridge. He died there on February 2, 1945 and was buried in the Lake Saskatoon Cemetery.
Sources: additional news clippings, including those listed as Finlay; Pioneers of the Peace p. 119; Along the Wapiti p. 401, 411
Watson, Reid Crossley
Regimental Number: 101612
Rank: Lance Corporal
Branch: 49th Battalion
Reid was born in Portage la Prairie, Manitoba on June 25, 1893. In 1913 he came to the South Peace and filed on the northern half of 27-78-6-W6 as well as SE 23-78-6-W6. Reid enlisted in the Canadian Army in January of 1916. He died of wounds received at Courcelette on September 16, 1916, at the 6th Canadian Field Ambulance. A memorial service was held in Spirit River on October 1, 1916. Reid was buried at the Albert Communal Cemetery Extension in France.
- Attestation Paper
- Lives of the First World War profile
- Canadian Great War Project profile
- Enlists (January 25, 1916)
- Mention in Chip Kerr's letter (Aug. 15, 1916)
- Mention in John Pringle's letter (Aug. 29, 1916)
- Reported killed in action (Oct. 3, 1916)
- Burial service (Oct. 3, 1916)
- Mention of death in Jim McDonald's letter (Feb. 13, 1917)
- Canadian Virtual War Memorial
- Commonwealth War Graves
- CWGC Register
- CWGC Register
Watson, Robert "Bert"
Regimental Number: 231167
Rank: Sergeant
Branch: 202nd Battalion; Canadian Field Artillery
Robert was born in Dundonald, Ireland on July 16, 1896. His parents immigrated to Canada with their family of nine in 1908. In March of 1916, Bert enlisted in the Canadian Army; his brother Finlay also served during World War I. Bert was awarded the Military Medal for saving a machine gun from burning. After the war he came to Grande Prairie and worked at the Beaverlodge Experimental Station. Robert filed on land at NE 32-73-12-W6 and NW 33-73-12-W6. He was Lake Saskatoon's first village secretary.
In World II Robert was stationed at the Sergeant’s quarters and ordered supplies for the soldiers stationed there. After the war, he worked in the Land Office in Grande Prairie, then for the Government Appraisers for the Prairie Farm Assistance.
Robert died on November 30, 1974 and was buried in the Lake Saskatoon cemetery.
Sources: Lake Saskatoon Reflections p. 32; Pioneers of the Peace p. 119; Along the Wapiti p. 403, 411
Watson, Thomas Joyce
Regimental Number: 466645
Rank: Sapper
Branch: 9th Battalion, Canadian Railway Troops
Thomas was born in Calcutta, India on January 19, 1890. In 1910, he filed on land at NE 27-72-8-W6, NE 24-71-6-W6, and NW 22-70-5-W6. Thomas enlisted in the Canadian Army in July of 1915. In October of 1917, he was gassed and in hospital until January 1, 1918.
Sources: March 18, 1919 p. 1 c. 5 (?)
Watt, George McBeath
Regimental Number: S/10642
Rank: Private
Branch: Seaforth Highlanders
George was born in Thurso, Scotland in 1891. He served in France and Mesopotamia during World War I. In 1920, George traveled to Canada with his sister Margaret; he filed on a homestead at SE 9-70-11-W6. George died on October 18, 1938 from illness or injuries that had resulted from his military service. He was buried in the Halcourt cemetery.
Sources: Beaverlodge to the Rockies p. 300
Watt, James
Regimental Number: 466356
Rank: Private
Branch: 13th Battalion
James was born in Aberdeenshire, Scotland on June 16, 1881. In 1911, he filed on 8-72-10-W6 (the entire section). James enlisted in the Canadian Army in July of 1915. The following year he went missing in action; James was reported to have died on June 6, 1916. He is commemorated at the Ypres (Menin Gate) Memorial.
Sources: Beaverlodge to the Rockies p. 323; Sept. 21, 1920 p. 6 c. 3
Watts, Alan Kingsford
Rank: Lieutenant
Branch: East Surrey Regiment
Alan was born in Folkestone, England on September 17, 1898. He attempted to join the army at the age of 15 but was turned away. He tried again the following year and this time was sent to Italy and France. After being gassed and buried, Alan was invalided home. He spent the next few years traveling in Canada and South Africa; after coming down with enteric fever, he left Africa. In 1922, Alan filed on the eastern half of 14-70-8-W6. On June 18, 1923, Alan married Selina Cave-Browne; they had two daughters. Both Along the Wapiti and a biography in the surname file contain many interesting stories about their life together. Alan died on March 18, 1957.
Sources: Along the Wapiti p. 278-280, 411; surname file; many news clippings
Watts, William Harry
Rank: Honorary Major
Branch: 9th Battalion
William was born in Islington, England on June 11, 1860. In 1879, he was a bugler with the Imperial Forces in Bermuda. William married Sophie De Wolfe Temple, who died in 1903. It is unknown when William came to Canada. William enlisted at Valcartier in September of 1914 and served in England. He spent a lot of time in hospital and was sent back to Canada in July of 1917. William moved to Grande Prairie with his two daughters; he taught music lessons and played the organ at the Anglican church. His son, Harry Temple Watts, visited him here; Harry also served in Canadian Army. In 1918, William filed on SW 23-71-8-W6. He later moved to Edmonton, and eventually to Victoria. William died in Victoria on May 4, 1938.
Sources: Along the Wapiti p. 407; Lake Saskatoon Reflections p. 152; numerous clippings, including in the Lake Saskatoon Journal
Weatherup, William Henry
Regimental Number: 1009234
Rank: Private
Branch: 46th Battalion
William was born in Roseneath, Ontario on June 3, 1892. He enlisted in the Canadian Army in December of 1915. On August 10, 1918, William suffered from gunshot wounds to his chest (his service file contains some unusual medical diagrams). He married Rachel Labatt in Hazelmere in 1931. They had two children. William died suddenly of a heart attack on February 18, 1935.
Sources: Beaverlodge to the Rockies p. 150; Nov. 6 1931 p. 3 c. 5
Weaver, Charles Lewis
Regimental Number: 117612
Rank: Private
Branch: 2nd Battalion, Canadian Mounted Rifles
Charles was born in Bristol, England on December 7, 1893. He emigrated from Bristol, England in April 1912 when he was nineteen years old and joined his brother and sister-in-law, Arthur and Florence, who had settled on a farm in the Penhold area in 1910.
In January of 1915, he enlisted in the Canadian Army. Charles’ unit sailed for England on October 9, 1915. He trained in England until January 1, 1916 at which time he was sent to the Western Front in France. Charles probably fought in the Battle of Somme and subsequent battles along the Western Front. He was awarded the prestigious “Military Medal” on August 21, 1917 for devotion to care of the wounded while under fire. On May 18, 1918 Charles was awarded the “Good Conduct Stripe”.
Charles remained in France until May 18, 1918 when he suffered a fracture to his right ankle during a wrestling match. His service file includes an x-ray showing this injury. He was admitted to the Canadian Convalescent Hospital, Bear Wood, Wokingham, Berkshire, England. The hospital was the home of Mr. and Mrs. John Walter who offered their large brick house to be used by the Canadians as a hospital. Charles was discharged from the hospital on September 17, 1918 following which he sailed for Canada. He was discharged on demobilization on February 20, 1919 in Calgary.
Charles returned to the Penhold area with the intent to purchase land of his own. However, as property was at a premium, he decided to move north to the Peace River District after he had heard about the opportunities for land ownership by means of homestead applications. Charles filed on SE 19-71-3-W6 in June 1919 and on NE 18-71-3-W6 in July 1919. Both parcels of land were located in the Glen Leslie area.
On March 24, 1924, Charles married Catherine Hives from the Penhold area and they settled into their log home on the homestead. Charles purchased George Sinclair’s land (NW 17-71-3-W6). They raised pigs, sheep and cattle. Catherine grew a large garden and picked and abundance of wild fruit. Also, they shipped cream, some of which Catherine would churn into butter and sell for 12 cents a pound. Although times were difficult during the 1930’s, there was always plenty to eat. Entertainment consisted of house parties with the Bredeson family playing their violins.
By 1937, Charles wasn’t well and couldn’t keep up with the strenuous farm work. Therefore, he rented the land to Vern Goff and held an auction to sell the entire farm inventory. The land was later sold to Hansen and McPhee.
The Weavers moved to BC; however, when WWII was declared, Charles enlisted on September 12, 1939 at Grande Prairie and served as a Corporal in Canada and England (Regimental # M16014). Once discharged on July 27, 1942, Charles and Catherine moved to Otter Point, BC where Charles built a large greenhouse out of driftwood. They enjoyed their retirement years by growing vegetables and many varieties of flowers. Their home was orientated in such a manner as to take full advantage of the spectacular view of Strait of Juan de Fuca.
Charles passed away suddenly on August 17, 1974. Catherine moved into a seniors’ residence where she resided until she passed away on December 2, 1984. Both are buried in the Royal Oak Burial Park Cemetery, Victoria, BC.
Contributed by Wanda Zenner
Sources: surname file; Smoky River to Grande Prairie p. 457; Dec. 5 1958 p. 2 c. 3
Webb, George Thomas
Regimental Number: 811725
Rank: Private
Branch: 50th Battalion
George was born in Greenwich, England on December 28, 1892. In 1913, he filed on land at NW 35-70-11-W6 and NW 15-74-4-W6. George traveled to Edmonton to enlist in the Canadian Army on his birthday in December of 1915. On April 26, 1917, George received shrapnel wounds to the left side of his chest and left lung; he died of these wounds three days later. He was buried at the Barlin Communal Cemetery Extension, and his headstone is inscribed with "May his reward be as great as his sacrifice."
Sources: June 1, 1920 p. 8 c. 3
Webb, Joseph Walter
Regimental Number:
Branch: British Army
Joseph was born in Bedfordshire, England ca. 1895. He came to Canada as a young man, but returned to England to join the army at the beginning of World War I. After the war, Joseph returned to Canada. He met and married Gladys ca. 1930. They moved to Grande Prairie with their family in the 1940s. George died on January 8, 1974 and was buried in the Lake Saskatoon Cemetery.
Sources: Lake Saskatoon Reflections p. 234, 235
Webb, Richard James
Regimental Number: 15029
Rank: Private
Branch: Royal Canadian Dragoons
Richard was born in Greenwich, England on April 7, 1894. It is unknown when he first came to Canada, but he enlisted in the Canadian Army at Valcartier in September of 1914. Richard suffered from trench fever and/or appendicitis in June of 1917. In 1920, he came to the South Peace and filed on NW 33-71-3-W6. At some point after the war, Richard married Ivy. He died on May 12, 1958.
Webb, Sidney James
Regimental Number: 2469811
Rank: Private
Sidney was born on June 10, 1874 in Hackney, Middlesex, England to James and Sarah Webb. The Webb family immigrated to Canada and landed at Montreal, Quebec on August 10, 1883. Unfortunately, Sarah suddenly passed away which left James with a large family to raise. More tragedy occurred in 1885 when James died after an accident. A friend of the family, Captain Denham of the S.S. Ocean King offered to look after Sidney.
On May 23, 1885, Sidney became the cabin boy on the S.S. Ocean King at age 10. The ship carried Canadian Boatmen to Egypt to portage supplies up the Nile for the relief of General Gordon. Sidney worked as the cabin boy until 1888 when Captain Denham was killed on a trip to New Orleans, which left Sidney to his own defenses in London. One of Sidney’s sisters lived in Smith Falls, Ontario and offered her home to James. He, therefore; worked his passage back to Canada on the S.S. Pomeranian in May 1888. He stayed with his sister until 1895 when he decided to move to Manitoba. However, his stay in Manitoba was short and he moved back to Ottawa and worked for his brother-in-law who had rented a farm on Walkley Road in Carleton County. His brother-in-law died shortly thereafter. Sidney continued to rent the land and operated a dairy and mixed farming operation until he was in a financial position to purchase the property. The farm was located within a mile of the Ottawa Experimental Station. In 1899, Sidney married a widow, Elizabeth (nee Lees) Evans who had three small children, Grace, Cecil, and David "Wesley." They later had three more children.
Maynard Bezanson met Sidney Webb in Ottawa and convinced him of the agricultural possibilities in Northern Alberta. Maynard and Sidney entered into a partnership in a cattle operation. Sidney subsequently left Ottawa with his 16 year-old step-son, Cecil Evans, in June 1910. Once a home was established and a school district formed, arrangements would be made for the family to follow. Sidney’s land (SW 28-71-2-W6 & SE 28-71-2-W6) was located next to Maynard’s. As it was located at a higher elevation, Maynard had Sidney establish the first experimental plots in Northern Alberta – a full five years before any plots were undertaken in Beaverlodge.
Once Maynard was successful in enticing several potential investors to his Townsite, he required the assistance of Sidney and Cecil with the improvements to be made to the area. Sidney built the access roads to the ferry landing on both sides of the Smoky River. Sidney purchased one of the business lots at the north end of the Townsite and built a 30’ x 90’ barn and also added a two-story bunk house with an attached restaurant. The lot chosen by Sidney was excellent as it was next to the road that led down to the ferry; consequently, all those who would arrive from the ferry would generally stop to utilize the services his business offered.
Sidney left the Bezanson Townsite late in 1914 with the intention of bringing back his family with him in the spring of 1915. However, Sidney was unable to do so due to an illness. Cecil stayed behind to look after the business ventures and to continue to assist Maynard with improvements to the Townsite. It had become increasingly difficult to find hired help as many of the young men in the area had enlisted in WWI, including Sidney's stepson, Cecil Evans, who was killed in action in 1916. As it also soon became apparent that the railroad was not going to cross at the Bezanson Townsite, Sidney decided to sell his property to the Goodwin Brothers and remained in Ottawa. The area lost a true pioneer - a business owner, Townsite developer, cattleman, mail courier, road builder and the first agricultural experimentalist. Not only that, he was also the Justice of the Peace for the Townsite.
Once back in Ottawa, Sidney found employment with the Department of the Interior’s Seed Grain Branch. However, duty to Country beckoned Sidney and on April 26, 1917, at age 43, he enlisted in the Army, Canadian Over-Seas Expeditionary Force, Railway Construction and Forestry Corp at Ottawa. Sidney sailed for England aboard the S.S. Justice and arrived on July 5, 1917. He was subsequently transferred to France on July 30th. Private Sidney Webb served in Canada, England and France and received the British War Medal and the Victory Medal. He was discharged on demobilization on March 18, 1919 in Ottawa.
Sidney again found employment with the Government, this time with the Surveyor General Office – a position he kept until the office was disbanded. Sadly Elizabeth passed away in 1926, however; Sidney was 98 when he passed away in 1972. Both were buried at the Beechwood National Cemetery in Carleton, Ontario.
Contributed by Wanda Zenner
Sources:
Pioneers of the Peace History Book
Sodbusters Invade the Peace by A.M. Bezanson
Grande Prairie Herald Old Timers Historical Edition
Webb Family Information
Weber, Jacob Edward
Regimental Number: 2115841
Rank: Private
Branch: 49th Battalion
Jacob was born on March 7, 1885 in Little Falls, Minnesota. In 1911, he filed on land at SW 18-72-4-W6 and NW 7-18-72-W6. He was drafted into the Canadian Army in November of 1917. Jacob returned to the South Peace after the war, and lived on his farm until he retired to Grande Prairie in 1958. Jacob died on February 14, 1975 and was buried in the Grande Prairie Cemetery.
Sources: surname file; Smoky River to Grande Prairie p. 108; Pioneers of the Peace p. 215-216
Webster, William Alfred
Regimental Number: 1039210
Rank: Acting Sergeant
Branch: 3rd Battalion, Canadian Railway Troops
William was born in Orangeville, Ontario on December 26, 1876. He married Olive Kate Gordon in 1908; they had two children. The family came to the South Peace in 1915, and William filed on a homestead at NW 26-70-12-W6. In July of 1916, William enlisted in the Canadian Army. He was on extended leave to Canada beginning July of 1917. Olive died in 1918, possibly while William was on leave. William died on April 18, 1958.
Weeks, Reginald Neale
Regimental Number: 2684133
Rank: Private
Branch: Canadian Cavalry Brigade
Reginald was born in Bath, England on May 22, 1889. He filed on SW 26-73-5-W6 in 1916 but was serving with the RNWMP in Regina at the time of his enlistment in May of 1918. He served in England for the remainder of the war. Reginald was thrown from a horse on September 26, 1918 and suffered from contusions on his right leg.
Weir, William Black
Regimental Number: 904475
Rank: Private
Branch: 10th Battalion
William was born in Glasgow, Scotland on May 3, 1887. In 1915, he filed on LT 17-78-5-W6. William traveled to Edmonton in March of 1916 to enlist in the Canadian Army. On August 15, 1917, he was reported missing in action. William was later reported killed in action.
Source: homestead record
Welch, Ogden Judson
Regimental Number: 3207579
Rank: Sapper
Branch: Canadian Engineers
Ogden was born in Ashland, Ohio on October 12, 1882. In 1914, he filed on land at SE 34-78-15-W6 and NW/SE 6-71-5-W6. Ogden was drafted into the Canadian Army in March of 1918. He served only in England. After the war, he married a woman named Ethel. Ogden died on December 3, 1938 and was buried in the Grande Prairie Cemetery.
Wellwood, Edward Lambert
Regimental Number: 3213107
Rank: Private
Branch: 1st Depot Battalion, Alberta Regiment
Edward was born in Dundalk, Ontario on October 9, 1895. At the age of 18, he came west to the Peace River country and filed on a homestead at SW 26-72-6-W6. He was drafted into the Canadian Army in June of 1918; his brother Harold also served. Because it was so near the end of the war, Edward served only in Canada. He returned to Grande Prairie after the war, but moved to Edmonton in 1923. In 1940, Edward married Elsie Ellen Bowles. He died in Eugene, Oregon on May 29, 1973.
Sources: Pioneers of the Peace p. 265
Wellwood, G.
Regimental Number:
Wellwood, Harold Austin
Regimental Number: 427665
Rank: Lance Corporal
Branch: 13th Battalion
Harold was born in Dundalk, Ontario on October 19, 1896. He enlisted in the Canadian Army in Moose Jaw in September of 1915. On September 3, 1916, Harold was dangerously wounded at the Somme (Mouquet Farm). He suffered from shrapnel wounds to the left side of his face, and was in hospital until he was invalided to Canada in June of 1917. The injuries caused vision problems in Harold's left eye, and hearing problems in his left ear. He also had trouble eating and suffered from headaches. A note in his service file dated May 1917 stated that "the board recommend that he be invalided home without delay." Harold was discharged on October 31, 1917. He came to the Grande Prairie area, where his brother Edward was homesteading, and filed on land at NE 12-73-5-W6. Harold died on September 19, 1949.
Welsh, Burtt Cameron
Regimental Number: 709812
Rank: Private
Branch: 5th Battalion, Canadian Mounted Rifles
Burtt was born in Port Elgin, New Brunswick on December 23, 1894. He enlisted in the Canadian Army in October of 1915. In February of 1917, Burtt was dangerously ill with measles and pneumonia. On page 80 of Burtt's military service file is a note about facial hair for soldiers. In 1919, Burtt filed on the western half of 1-74-3-W6.
Welsh, Roy Kingsland
Regimental Number: 3207048
Rank: Private
Branch: 1st Depot Battalion, Alberta Regiment
Roy was born in Johannesburg, Michigan on June 10, 1886. In 1914, he filed on a homestead at SE 27-77-6-W6. He was living in Spirit River when he was drafted in 1918.
Wendt, Herman
Regimental Number: 3205932
Rank: Private
Branch: Canadian Forestry Corps
Herman was born in Dresden, North Dakota on January 22, 1895. He was living in Ashmont, Alberta when he was drafted into the Canadian Army in January of 1918. Around 1927, he moved to the Grande Prairie area. Herman married Lottie Benn in July of 1928; they had ten children. He died in 1967.
Sources: surname file; Bridges to the Past p. 511; Across the Smoky p. 205; Smoky River to Grande Prairie p. 562; news clippings
West, Heber
Regimental Number: 101091
Rank: Sergeant
Branch: Canadian Machine Gun Corps
Heber was born in Abingdon, Berkshire, England on June 26, 1886. In 1910, he filed on NW 10-71-8-W6 and NE 33-70-8-W6. Heber enlisted in the Canadian Army in July of 1915. He was married to Vicky Lawrence.
Sources: Along the Wapiti p. 408, 411
Wherrell, William James
Regimental Number: 1102109
Rank: Sapper
Branch: 7th Battalion, Canadian Railway Troops
William was born in Aldbourne, England on June 3, 1873. At the age of 14 he lost his sight in one eye. William married Rose Ellen Williams (Lucy?) on November 28 or 29, 1907 at St. Helen's Church, Oxford Gardens, London, England. They and their four children (Ellison Archie, Gladys May, Gordon Leslie, and Elsie Myrtle) were living in Putnam, Ontario at the time of his enlistment in January of 1917. In July of 1918, William fractured his fibula. The family moved to Spirit River in 1919, where William filed on LT 5-79-5-W6; he later canceled this homestead. William and Rose had two more daughters, Vera and Irene, after moving to Spirit River. In 1936, William and Rose moved to Victoria, where William died on October 30, 1963.
Sources: Wheatfields and Wildflowers p. 587
*According to a note on page 22 of this service file, it appears that William Wherrell served under the name of Frederick Carter.
Whitaker, Edgar Godfrey
Regimental Number: 425479
Rank: Lance Corporal
Branch: 1st Battalion, Canadian Mounted Rifles
Edgar was born in Bradenham, Norfolk, England on September 7, 1878. He came to Canada in 1910. In 1912, he married Maud in Virden, Manitoba, where they were still living at the time of his enlistment in January of 1915. On April 9, 1917, Edgar received shrapnel wounds to his left thigh (shell explosion at Vimy Ridge). He was invalided to Canada in August of 1917; he had a limp, but it was caused more by myalgia than the wound. According to his service file, Edgar also suffered from mild shell shock. In 1930, Edgar and Maud sold their Manitoba farm and moved to Hythe; they filed on homesteads in west Goodfare in 1937. Edgar died on January 10, 1947 and was buried in the Grande Prairie Cemetery.
Sources: Pioneer Round Up p. 155; Grande Prairie Herald May 1, 1947 p. 4 c. 5
White, John Alfred
Regimental Number: 55356
Rank: Corporal
Branch: 19th Battalion
John was born in Great Marlow, England on February 28, 1895. It is uncertain when he first came to Canada, but he enlisted in Toronto in November of 1914. In January of 1919, he was awarded the Meritorious Service Medal. John came to the South Peace in 1919 and filed on the western half of 35-78-21-W5.
White, John William
Regimental Number: 117621
Rank: Private
Branch: 2nd Battalion, Canadian Mounted Rifles
John was born in Fifeshire, Scotland on August 8, 1887. It is unknown when he first came to Canada, but he enlisted in Calgary in January of 1915 and listed his occupation as teamster. On June 3, 1916, John was buried in a trench by a shell at Zillebeke. He suffered from shell shock afterward, with his symptoms including tremors, headaches, insomnia, and nervousness. He was discharged on May 24, 1918, having been found medically unfit. In 1919, John filed on NE 24-71-5-W6. He died on December 29, 1931.
White, Leonard Charles
Regimental Number: 294720
Rank: Trooper
Branch: Canadian Army Veterinary Corps
Leonard was born in Missouri on October 24, 1872; when enlisting in the army, he gave 1876 as his year of birth as he would have been overage. He was living in Weyburn, Saskatchewan at the time of his enlistment in October of 1916 and served in the Canadian Army Veterinary Corps. In March of 1917, a horse fell on Leonard, which injured his left his left hip and leg. In November of 1918, he was hit on the head by a horse, which caused him back and knee problems. In 1919, Leonard came to the South Peace and filed on NW 13-70-12-W6 and SE 28-70-12-W6. Leonard died in Watonga, Oklahoma on August 31, 1933.
White, Michael Samuel
Michael was born in Switzerland ca. 1879. After a great deal of travel, he settled in Saskatchewan for a time. In 1911, he came up to the South Peace and filed on the northern half of 14-71-10-W6 and the southern half of 23-71-10-W6. After proving up, Michael served with the Edmonton police force. Michael had a great aptitude for languages, and served as a translator and interpreter for at least ten languages during World War I.
Sources: Beaverlodge to the Rockies p. 72
Whyte, Barclay Muir
Regimental Number: 107616
Rank: Private
Branch: 2nd Battalion, Canadian Mounted Rifles; Canadian Field Artillery; Canadian Army Service Corps
Barclay was born in Ottawa, Ontario on February 16, 1888. He enlisted in the Canadian Army in December of 1914. In 1916, Barclay suffered from influenza. He came to the South Peace in 1925 and filed on NW 32-71-12-W6. He raised mink and fitch, though more as a hobby than as a livelihood. Barclay died on April 16, 1959 and was buried in Mountain View Cemetery in Vancouver.
Sources: Pioneer Round Up p. 156
Wickman, Peter Hildor Emmanuel
Regimental Number: 6067
Rank: Private
Branch: Lord Strathcona's Horse (Royal Canadians)
Peter was born in Warren Minnesota on March 14, 1890. It is unknown when he first came to Canada, but he enlisted in the Canadian Army in Sewell, Manitoba in June of 1915. In 1928, Peter came to the South Peace and filed on SE 5-74-12-W6. Peter died in 1986.
Source: surname file
Wieser, John Edwin
Regimental Number: 294860
Rank: Private
Branch: Canadian Forestry Corps
John was born in Zurich, Switzerland on May 20, 1896. It is unknown when he first came to Canada, but he enlisted in the Canadian Army in Vancouver in January of 1917. John served only in England. In 1919, he filed on SE 21-76-21-W5, though he later canceled this homestead. In 1929, John filed on the northern half of 21-76-21-W5 and this time proved up.
Wilcox, John
John filed on SW 35-70-25-W5 and NW 26-70-25-W5 in 1919, indicating on his homestead record that he had served in the military.
Sources: Where the Red Willow Grew p. 303
Wilford, George
Regimental Number: 436340
Rank: Sapper
Branch: 4th Battalion
George was born in Lancashire, England on December 15, 1890. In 1914, he filed on NE 6-79-15-W6. He enlisted in the Canadian Army in January of 1915; his brother Henry also served during the First World War. In 1916 or 1917, George was awarded the Military Medal.
Wilford, Henry
Regimental Number: 231693
Rank: Private
Branch: 46th Battalion
Henry was born in Barrow in Furness, Lancashire, England on November 11, 1887. He filed on SE 6-79-15-W6 in 1914 and enlisted in the Canadian Army in June of 1916. His brother George also served during the First World War. Henry married Ethel at some point between December 1916 and April 1917. On October 26, 1917, Henry went missing and was presumed to have died.
Wilkie, Gordon Murray Francis
Regimental Number: 101078
Rank: Private
Branch: 8th Battalion
Gordon was born in Aberdeen, Scotland on February 24, 1891. In 1914, he filed on a homestead at NE 20-71-8-W6. He enlisted in the Canadian Army in July of 1915. Gordon was killed in action on September 8, 1916.
Sources: Along the Wapiti p. 411; photograph contributed by great-nephew Andrew Wilkie
Wilkinson, Henry Ross
Rank: Captain
Branch: Canadian Railway Troops
Henry was born on January 26, 1888 in Kingston, Ontario. In 1915 he filed on a homestead at NW 36-73-6-W6, listing "rail road surveyor" as his occupation. Henry first enlisted in February of 1916; in December of that year he was made an officer. From June 4 to July 7, 1917 he was attached to the Royal Engineers. Henry died on February 26, 1970.
Willette, Lawrence Gordon
Lawrence was born in Nova Scotia ca. 1894. He filed on NE 20-72-3-W6 in 1917. He abandoned it 1919 due to his wife's ill health. Lawrence died on February 6, 1922.
Sources: Smoky River to Grande Prairie p. 151
Williams, Charles Leonard
Charles was born in England ca. 1894. He served in the British Army during the First World War. He came to the South Peace in 1924 and filed on NW 6-70-11-W6 and SW 7-70-11-W6. Charles was married to Bertha and they had two children, Mary and Tom. Charles died in Drayton Valley on January 29, 1981.
Sources: surname file
Williams, William John
William filed on SE 28-77-2-W6 in 1933 and indicated that he had served in the army.
Williamson, Joseph C.
Joseph was born in North Dakota on December 21, 1875. He served in the American Army during World War I and came to the South Peace with his wife Laura and son Roy in 1920; he filed on LT 4-77-5-W6.
Sources: Homesteaders' Heritage p. 401
Willis, Austin Lincoln
Regimental Number: 2044525
Rank: Gunner
Branch: Canadian Field Artillery
Austin was born in Battleford, Saskatchewan on January 12, 1900. When he enlisted in the Canadian Army in April of 1917, he lied about his age and said he had been born in 1899. In 1921, after returning from overseas, Austin married Mary Ray. They had two children. In 1922, Austin filed on land at SW 1-71-10-W6 and NW 6-72-10-W6. Austin died in Hythe in 1993.
Sources: surname file; Beaverlodge to the Rockies p. 72
Wills, Walter
Regimental Number: 305955
Rank: Chief Petty Officer
Branch: Royal Navy
Walter was born in Redruth, Cornwall on May 29, 1882. He joined the Royal Navy on February 16, 1904 and served for twenty-five years. In 1926, Walter and his wife Annie immigrated to Canada with their nine children, aged 3 to 17. He filed on land at 4-72-12-W6 and 31-71-12-W6. Annie died following a major surgery in Edmonton in March of 1927, only seven months after the family arrived in Canada. Walter died on March 23, 1956 and was buried in the Hythe Cemetery.
Sources: Pioneer Round Up p. 156; March 21, 1940 p. 1 c. 2; grave marker
Wilson, Andrew Robert
Regimental Number: 3214657
Rank: Private
Branch: Canadian Military Police Corps
Andrew was born in Ottawa County, Quebec on June 23, 1893. He filed on a homestead at SW 26-71-7-W6 in 1914. In July of 1918, Andrew was drafted into the Canadian Army. On December 19, 1918, Andrew was admitted to a military hospital in Calgary, having been diagnosed with influenza. He died the following day at 9:10 PM and was buried in Mount Pleasant Cemetery in Edmonton.
Sources: Pioneers of the Peace p. 331; Dec. 24, 1918 p. 1 c. 6
Wilson, Arthur George Alexander
Regimental Number: 252834
Rank: Private
Branch: 28th Battalion
Arthur was born in Manitoba on April 8, 1897. He filed on a homestead at NE 33-70-6-W6 in April of 1916; a week later, he enlisted in the Canadian Army. Arthur suffered from gunshot wounds to his right shoulder and hand in October of 1918.
Wilson, Frederick John Hodgins
Regimental Number: 3213089
Rank: Private
Branch: 1st Depot Battalion, Alberta Regiment
Fred was born in Wright County, Quebec on June 14, 1895. In 1913, he filed on a homestead at NW 1-72-6-W6. In 1918, Fred was drafted into the Canadian Army. According the August 27, 1918 Grande Prairie Herald, he was given six weeks of harvest leave. Fred was married to Beatrice Lily Broadribb. He died on October 22, 1985.
Wilson, Gordon Stanley
Regimental Number: 307762
Rank: Sergeant
Branch: Canadian Field Artillery
Gordon was born in Stratford, Ontario on April 4, 1887. He settled in the Spirit River area in 1914 (LT 33-78-6-W6) and filed on a second quarter at SE 21-77-6-W6 in 1919. In January of 1916, Gordon enlisted in the Canadian Army. He suffered from trench fever in April of 1917, and also was knocked down by a shell that burst near him. On September 27, 1918, Gordon received gunshot wounds to his left thigh. According to his medical records, he also suffered from flat feet and myalgia. After returning to Spirit River in 1919, Gordon married Mava Foster. They had four children The family moved to California in 1936. Gordon died in 1979.
Sources: surname file; Chepi Sepe p. 914; Edson to Grande Prairie Trail p. 189; Pioneers of the Peace p. 265-266; clippings
wife Mava Alice Foster, married 1922
Wilson, Gray
Regimental Number: 101546
Rank: Private
Branch: 66th Battalion
Gray was born in Toronto, Ontario on June 30, 1888. He came to the South Peace in 1915 and filed on NE 9-79-5-W6; in March of that same year he enlisted in the Canadian Army. However, he was discharged on February 26, 1916. Gray died on February 16, 1972 and was buried in Edmonton.
Winter, Paddick Irwin
Regimental Number: 427773
Rank: Private
Branch: 58th Battalion
Paddick was born in Birnie, Manitoba on January 20, 1890. At the time of his enlistment in August of 1915, he and his wife Leona Helen were living in Eyebrow, Saskatchewan. Paddick suffered from multiple severe shell wounds on April 11, 1917 at Vimy Ridge. He was invalided to Canada in December of 1917 because of gunshot wounds to his right leg. See pages 69 and 73 of his service file for xrays, and a report about the "foreign bodies" on page 70. Paddick was discharged on August 27, 1918. It is unknown when Paddick and Leona came to Grande Prairie. Paddick died on May 7, 1953 and was buried in the Grande Prairie Cemetery.
Sources: Grande Prairie Cemetery; May 14, 1953 p. 13 c. 2
Witherly, Ralph Whitney
Regimental Number: 100072
Rank: Private
Branch: 31st Battalion
Ralph was born in Arthurette, New Brunswick on June 27, 1894. He filed on a homestead at NW 5-72-3-W6 in 1913 (he later filed on land at NW 31-71-3-W6 and SW 1-73-3-W6 as well). In June of 1915, Ralph enlisted in the Canadian Army; his brother Bill also served. On September 28, 1916, Ralph received shrapnel wounds to his right knee. His knee cap had to be removed to extract the shrapnel. In March of 1917, Ralph was invalided to Canada, and a note in his service file dated June 1917 stated that he was quite capable of walking 5 miles. He was discharged on August 5, 1917. On April 5, 1916, Ralph married Laura Winship in Edmonton. They had six daughters. In 1933, Ralph and Laura moved to Vancouver. Ralph was married a second time to Doris Ellen Beale. He died on September 3, 1983.
Sources: Smoky River to Grande Prairie p. 458
Witherly, William Clifford "Bill"
Regimental Number: 100071
Rank:Lance Corporal
Branch: 31st Battalion
Bill was born in Victoria County, New Brunswick on November 23, 1887. In 1913, he filed on a homestead at NE 5-72-3-W6. Bill enlisted in the Canadian Army in June of 1915; his brother Ralph also served. On March 1, 1918, Bill received gunshot wounds to his right thigh while fighting at Lens. Bill died in Vancouver on July 20, 1967.
Sources: Smoky River to Grande Prairie p. 457; Aug. 27, 1918 p. 1 c. 6; Jan 7 p. 1 c. 1
Withers, Louis Richard
Regimental Number: 3212483
Rank: Private
Branch: 1st Depot Battalion, Alberta Regiment
Louis was born in Monett, Missouri on May 7, 1894 (1896?). He filed on NE 33-72-4-W6 in 1914. In June of 1918, Louis was drafted into the Canadian Army. Because it was so near the end of the war, he served only in Canada. Louis returned to his homestead after the war. On April 22, 1929, he married Esther Maude Swift. They had five children. Louie died on October 31, 1975 and was buried in the Grande Prairie Cemetery.
Sources: Smoky River to Grande Prairie p. 272, 458; April 26, 1929
Wonnacott, Charles Glen
Regimental Number: 625115
Rank: Private
Branch: 50th Battalion
Charles was born in Ithica, Michigan on March 24, 1898. He was living in Alberta at the time of his enlistment in March of 1916. After being discharged, Charles filed on SW 17-72-11-W6 and NE 7-72-11-W6. He canceled both homesteads, but was still living in McLennan in 1921. Charles died on May 17, 1972 and was buried in the Pacific Heritage Cemetery in Burnaby, British Columbia.
Wood, Charles Herbert
Regimental Number: 439766
Rank: Private
Branch: 52nd Battalion
Charles was born in Hanwell, England on April 28, 1884. His wife Sarah and daughter Priscilla came to the South Peace in 1917, where Sarah filed on NW 25-71-9-W6 (proxy for Charles). Charles had enlisted in the Canadian Army in September of 1915. His brother Edgar also served in the Canadian Army. According to his medical records, Charles suffered from pleurisy in 1916. Daughter Priscilla died in 1921 at the age of 8 and was buried in the Mountain Side Cemetery. Charles's service file indicates that he was living in Ontario in 1922. He died in Ontario on September 24, 1972.
Sources: Lake Saskatoon Reflections p. 10; Along the Wapiti p. 282
Wood, Edgar
Regimental Number: 105745
Rank: Private
Branch: 52nd Battalion
Edgar was born in Hanwell, England on March 8, 1887. His father died when he was quite young, so Edgar was sent to live in a Barnardo Home. At the age of 5, he was sent to a foster home in Canada. Edgar first came to the Peace Country just before World War I, as his brother Charles and his family were already living here. Edgar enlisted in the Canadian Army in January of 1916. On October 13, 1916, he suffered from a contusion to his knee. He returned to the South Peace after the war and in 1921 filed on the eastern half of 13-70-8-W6. On August 1, 1929, Edgar married Jean Rainey Whyte. They had three daughters. In the 1950s, Edgar and Jean retired to Grande Prairie. Edgar died on November 22, 1968.
Sources: Along the Wapiti p. 282-283, 411
Woodward, Frank Boucher
Regimental Number: 624713
Rank: Private
Branch: 151st Battalion
Frank was born in Rochester, England on February 11, 1887. He came to Redwater, Alberta in 1905, and was living in Fort Saskatchewan at the time of his enlistment in February of 1916. Frank was discharged on April 15, 1916 because of a foot deformity. In 1927 he moved to Rocky Mountain House. He married Edith Eleanor Sanderson in 1929. They later moved to Hythe. Frank died in Beaverlodge on February 26, 1990.
Sources: Hythe Headliner March 6, 1990; surname file
Worden, Elmer E.
Regimental Number: 154631
Rank: Cadet
Branch: Royal Air Force
Elmer was born in Ontario ca. 1894. He filed on SW 8-72-4-W6 in 1913. In the winter of 1917, Elmer joined the Royal Air Force. He died in a plane crash in Deseronto, Ontario on September 16, 1918 and was buried in Colville, Washington.
Sources: Pioneers of the Peace p. 138
Wright, Horace Melville
Regimental Number: 154393
Rank: Sapper
Branch: Canadian Railway Troops
Horace was born in Chicago, Illinois on February 22, 1890. He enlisted in the Canadian Army at Vernon Camp in May of 1915. Horace was gassed on July 26, 1917. Around August of that year, he was married to an Englishwoman named Teresa Gay (on July 6, 1916 he had changed his will to leave everything to his friend, Miss Teresa Gay). Horace fractured his fibula on August 18, 1918. In 1930, Horace and Teresa filed on the southern half of 17-79-12-W6.
Wylie, Robert Jr.
Regimental Number: 231434
Rank: Private
Branch: 10th Battalion
Robert was born in Greenock, Scotland on March 26, 1884. He was living in Leduc, Alberta at the time of his enlistment in April of 1916. After the war, he returned to the Edmonton area, where he remained until about 1921. Robert filed on SE 21-73-11-W6 in 1920, and NW 22-73-11-W6 in 1921. He patented both homesteads.
York, Alexander
Regimental Number: 625343
Rank: Private
Branch: 27th Battalion
Alexander was born in Midland, Ontario on March 22, 1884. He enlisted in the Canadian Army in Lacombe in April of 1916. On April 22, 1917, Alexander received shrapnel wounds to his face and left foot. He married Elizabeth Jenkins, an Englishwoman, in 1919; they returned to Canada after the war. In 1930, they came to the South Peace and filed on land at NE 8-79-12-W6 and NW 9-79-12-W6. Alexander died on June 20, 1969 in Kelowna.
Sources: Homesteaders' Heritage p. 132
Young, Elizabeth Isabel (MacLean)
Rank: Nurse
Branch: Canadian Army Medical Corps
Elizabeth was born in Big Island, Pictou County, Nova Scotia on October 21, 1885. She enlisted as a nurse in the Canadian Army in May of 1917. Elizabeth served in France at the No. 2 Canadian Stationary Hospital from July to December of 1918 (the hospital was located at Le Touquet or Outreau in France). In 1921, she came to the South Peace with three other nurses and filed on SE 6-78-4-W6. In 1924, Elizabeth married Louis Young, a local farmer. They had no children. Elizabeth died in Spirit River on September 28, 1973.
Sources: Smoky Peace Triangle p. 318; Wheatfields and Wildflowers p. 563
Young, Frederick Campbell
Regimental Number: 49536; 79494
Rank: Lieutenant
Branch: Canadian Machine Gun Corps
Fred was born in Lac La Biche, Alberta on August 24, 1885. As a young man, he worked on the survey of the Northern Alberta Rail. It was at this time that he first came to the South Peace. In November of 1914, Fred enlisted in the Canadian Army. In September of 1916, he received shrapnel wounds to his right ankle. Fred was gassed on August 18, 1917 at Hill 70. He also suffered from multiple severe shrapnel wounds (chest, arm, legs, hand, and shoulder) in October of 1917 at Passchendaele; as a result of these wounds, Fred suffered from tetanus. He had only been back on duty for two days after the Hill 70 injury when he was wounded at Passchendaele. In January of 1918, Fred was awarded the Military Cross and, on January 18, was promoted to Lieutenant. In August of 1918, Fred's right leg was amputated. X-rays are available on pages 119, 121, and 123 of his service file. When Fred returned to Canada, he traveled back to the South Peace and filed on land at NW 1-71-24-W5 and the eastern half of 2-71-24-W5 (1920). Around 1920, he married Jean Hopkins. In 1968, Fred and Jean retired and sold their homestead to the government to use as a park (Young's Point Provincial Park). Fred died on September 12, 1971.
Sources: Across the Smoky p. 7; Where the Red Willow Grew p. 303
Young, Henry M. "Scotty"
Scotty was born on September 9, 1897 in Caithness, Scotland. In 1915, he enlisted in the British Army at Beauly, Scotland. Scotty received shrapnel wounds to his knee in January of 1917. After several months in hospital, he returned to the front in September of 1917. In October of 1918, Scotty went back to Scotland on furlough; in April of 1919, he was discharged. Scotty came to Canada in May of 1920; in 1929, he came up to Spirit River. In 1933, Scotty filed on SW 20-80-8-W6. In 1979, Scotty sold his land, though he remained in the South Peace. Scotty died in 1984 and was buried in the Blueberry Mountain Cemetery.
Sources: The Big Bend p. 98-100
Young, Roland Sidney
Regimental Number: 18259
Rank: Corporal
Branch: 3rd Battalion; 9th Battalion
Roland was born in Nottingham, England on June 20, 1895. It is unknown when he came to Canada, but he enlisted in the Canadian Army at Valcartier in September of 1914. Roland received gunshot wounds to his thigh in April of 1915, and slight wounds to his arm in July of 1916. In August of 1916, Roland was awarded the Military Medal for bravery in the field. In 1918, he received gunshot wounds to his right shoulder. According to his service file, Roland married Sarah Inwood ca. November 1918. After the war, they came to the South Peace and filed on the southern half of 22-70-9-W6. Roland and Sarah welcomed a daughter on June 2, 1920. It is unknown whether Roland and Sarah divorced, or Sarah died, but on July 5, 1933, Roland married Winona Howell, school teacher. He once again served in the Canadian Army during World War II. This left Roland with health problems, forcing them to sell the farm and move to Grande Prairie. While visiting family in London, Roland suffered from a heart attack and died on October 29, 1961.
Sources: Beaverlodge to the Rockies p. 479; Along the Wapiti p. 35, 411; a number of clippings
Young, Roy John
Roy was born ca. 1891 in New York. He filed on SE 32-71-7-W6 in 1913. His homestead record indicates that he served in the army while proving up.
Zborney, John
Regimental Number: 2022090
Rank: Private
Branch: 7th Battalion
John was born in Detroit, Michigan on July 30, 1894. He was farming in Longworth, British Columbia when he was drafted in early 1918. John was wounded in October of 1918 but remained on duty. In 1919, he came to the South Peace and filed on NE 28-77-2-W6 and SE 33-77-2-W6.