Corporal Reginald Charles Spalding (Lowestoft & Toronto) 3rd Canadians Killed in Action 1917
The edition of the Norwich Mercury dated Saturday October 20 1917 included this picture along with the caption Corpl. Spalding, Canadians, son of Mr. and Mrs. Spalding, South Lowestoft, killed in action. He had been awarded the Military Medal.
SPALDING, R C
Rank:………………….Corporal
Service No:…………..9250
Date of Death:……….12/09/1917
Age:……………………28
Regiment/Service:…..Canadian Infantry, 3rd Bn.
Awards:……………….M M
Grave Reference:……III. A. 1.
Cemetery:
FOSSE NO.10 COMMUNAL CEMETERY EXTENSION, SAINS-EN-GOHELLE
Additional Information:
Son of James and Kate E. Spalding, of 96, Warden St., Mimico, Ontario. Native of Lowestoft, England.
CWGC: www.cwgc.org/find-war-dead/casualty/304870/SPALDING,%20R%20C
He is not remembered in the War Memorial Chapel in the Church of St Margaret, Lowestoft.
His Canadian Army Service records can be accessed here:-
www.bac-lac.gc.ca/eng/discover/military-heritage/first-wo...
(Several of the pages are very difficult to read and looking as if they were moved during the scanning process).
Born Lowestoft in April 1889, Reginald Charles Spalding was an unmarried Labourer when he enlisted in the 3rd Battalion at Valcartier, Quebec, on the 22nd September 1914. His next of kin was James Spalding of 13 Avondale Road, Lowestoft. He had previous military experience – 2 years in the 19th Hussars. No address appears to have been recorded for him.
He was recorded at his initial medical as 5 feet 5 and a half inches tall, with blue eyes, dark brown hair and a ‘Medium; complexion. His distinguishing mark was a tattoo “R.S” on his left forearm.
He was given service number 9250 and joined 8 Company. He sailed from Quebec on the 4th October 1914. He assigned some of his pay to his mother, Mrs Kate Spalding, of 13 Avondale Road, Lowestoft.
On the 9th November 1915 he was treated for a tonsular abscess a 1 Canadian Field Ambulance, returning to duty on the 13th. He rejoined his unit in the field on the 17th.
On the 24th February 1916 he was admitted to No.8 Stationary Hospital at Boulogne with a wound to his left foot. A subsequent investigation dates the incident to the 23rd February 1916 when it is recorded that he stood on a nail at Wolveringham which entered the foot and poisoned it. By the 2nd March 1916 he was being treated at the London War Hospital, Epsom. On the 13th April 1916 he moved to the Canadian Convalescence Hospital at Monks Horton, moving a few days later, (19th) to another convalescence facility at Woodcote Park, Epsom. He was discharged on the 17th May 1916 and posted to the 12th Reserve Battalion at Shorncliffe. He was absent from the last parade on the 1st June 1916 until 11 a.m. on the 2nd, and was admonished and forfeited two days’ pay. He was sent overseas on the 6th June 1916 and rejoined his unit in the field on the 8th.
He was promoted to Sergeant on the 30th October 1916, however this didn’t last long. He was held in confinement from the 26th December 1916 to the 9th January 1917 awaiting a Court Martial. He was tried and convicted of drunkenness and reduced to the rank of Corporal. However a pension was awarded to his father after Reginalds’ death at the rate for a Private, so possibly his being a Corporal was an unpaid rank.
The award of his Military Medal appeared in the London Gazette dated 18th July 1917.
He died of wounds at the 1st Canadian Field Ambulance, having received shot wounds to the left arm and leg, the leg being also fractured.
By the time his medals were issued his father James and mother K.E. gave their address as Box 317, 96 Warden Street, Mimico, Toronto.
The Medal Index Card for Corporal 9250 R E Spalding, Canadian Infantry Battalion, is held at the National Archive under reference WO 372/23/169305
Source: discovery.nationalarchives.gov.uk/details/r/D6222607
This covers the award of his Military Medal in the France Theatre of War.
No match on Picture Norfolk, the County Image Archive.
1889 – Birth & baptism……………
The birth of a Reginald Charles Spalding was registered with the Civil Authorities in the Mutford District of Suffolk in the July to September quarter, (Q3), of 1889.
The Mutford Civil Registration District included both the Civil Parish of Oulton and also of Lowestoft.
The baptism of a Reginald Charles Spalding, born 18th April 1889, took place at St Michael, Oulton, Suffolk, on the 26th May 1889. Parents were James, a Brickmaker, and Kate. The family lived in the parish.
Source: www.freereg.org.uk/search_records/5b812992f493fd0ece92306...
Partial Source: www.familysearch.org/ark:/61903/1:1:NB1B-2GZ
1891 Census of England and Wales
The 1 year old “Reignald” Spalding, born Oulton, Suffolk, was recorded living at Woods “Looke”, Oulton. This was the household of his parents, James, (aged 35, a Labourer at Oil Mills, born Topcroft, Norfolk) and Kate, (aged 26, born Colchester, Essex). As well as ‘Reignald’ the couple have a 3 year old son Earnest, also born Oulton.
Oulton and Lowestoft were already closed to being merged by this stage in all but name.
1901 Census of England and Wales
The Spalding family were now living at 49 Clemence Street, Lowestoft. As well as parents James, (45, Bricklayers Labourer) and Kate, (35) there are their children:-
Ernest………aged 13…..born Lowestoft
Reginald……aged 11…..born Lowestoft
James………aged 9…….born Lowestoft
Thomas…….aged 5…….born Lowestoft
John………..aged 3…….born Lowestoft
Dorothy……aged 1…….born Lowestoft
There is no obvious match for him on the immigration records from the UK end.
However, the arrival of a 21 year old single man Reginald C. Spalding from England aboard the Empress of Ireland was recorded at Saint John, New Brunswick in November 1910. He was bound for Toronto and intended to work as a Labourer. But he is neither recorded as a returning Canadian nor was he paid the “British Bonus”, which he could have claimed if he intended to stay permanently.
Source: www.familysearch.org/ark:/61903/1:1:2HGT-9P4
1911 Census of England and Wales
His parents were now living at 13 Clemence Street, Lowestoft. The 57 year old James, a Bricklayers Labourer, (now recorded as born Wooton*, Norfolk) and the 46 year old Kate have been married 24 years and have had 10 children, of which 9 were then still alive. Still single and living with them are James, (19, Wood Dealer), Thomas, (15, Apprentice to Boot Maker), John, (13, Fire Wood Dealer), Dorothy, (11), Grace, (9), Edith (7) and Edward, (1). All the children except James, (Oulton), were born Lowestoft.
(*Given he stated Topcroft on the 1891 & 1901 censuses, that should probably be Woodton)
Army Career………………………….
Battalion War Diary from the time he stood on a nail.
Tuesday, February 22, 1916
Location: DRAMOUTRE
Entry: Working parties. Remainder of battalion inoculated. Cold, heavy snowfall.
Wednesday, February 23, 1916
Location: DRAMOUTRE
Entry: Gas Alert. Working parties. Still cold, snow on the ground.
Dinner by Capt DYMOND and Capt. MacNAMARA to wet their stars.
qormuseum.org/history/timeline-1900-1924/the-first-world-...
An appendix to the May 1917 War Diary includes his name in a list of honours awarded. These honours appears to relate to the battalions’ actions between the 2nd and 4th May 1917.
The war diary records these as:-
May 2nd
Very heavy strafe [sic] along whole front at 9.00 pm
1.05am: Relief complete, 14th Canadian Battalion moving back to Red Line.
1.20 am: Major G.E. REID left Battalion Headquarters, he is going out to stake out Battalion Assembly Area, taking an officer and 4 men from “A” and “B” Companies and one officer from “C” and “D” Companies.
4.20 am: Major G.E. REID reports posts as put out by 3rd Canadian Infantry Brigade are not in location as given us by our Brigade, but positions seem to have been re-adjusted by Major REID without a great deal of trouble.
10.00 am: Morning quiet.
3.00 pm: Conference of O.C. Companies at Battalion Headquarters in which all small difficulties were discussed and settled.
4.30 pm: Lieut. RENNOCK, Engineer Officer who is being attached to us, reported at Battalion Headquarters.
4.50 pm: Brigade Major called at Battalion Headquarters.
5.20 pm: Word received that ZERO hour has been changed from 4.05 am to 3.45 am, much to our dissappointment [sic], as 3.45 am seems to early, 4.20 am would have been just about right.
6.15 pm: Lieut. CAMERON, 1st Brigade, C.F.A., our Artillery Liaison Officer, reported at Headquarters for duty.
9.00 pm: Very heavy artillery along our front.
9.30 pm: Major G.E. REID left for Assembly Area, he is going to check over and see that Companies occupy correct positions.
MAY 3rd
12:20 am: Battalion Headquarters arrived at Headquarters at B.5.d.2.6., (in ARLEUX LOOP) All units reported in position in the Assembly Area except “D” Company.
12.30 am: Lieut. RENNOCK, C.E., reported at Headquarters, sappers detailed to their respective Companies, 4 to “B” Company 6 to “A” Company and 2 to “C” Company.
12.50 am: No reports from “D” Company as yet.
1.04am: Time synchronised with Brigade.
1.17 am: Private DYSON, Battalion runner, who has been around Companies reports “D” Company not in position.
1.30 am: Lieut. M. CLIFF reported at Battalion Headquarters and states “D” Company were considerably disorganized by a shell causing them some casualties, including their guide and a platoon Commander. When last seen this Company seems to have been heading away over to the right.
1.20 am: 6 Scouts sent out to locate “D” Company.
1.40 am: Very heavy enemy straefe opened on our front and to our right.
1.55 am: Straefe still continues.
2.00 am: Straefe dying down.
2.13 am: Lieut-Col. R.P. CLARKE, O.C. 2nd Canadian Battalion, called at our Headquarters.
2.20 am: Everything quiet.
2.31 am: Received synchronized time from Signal Master, C.Z.A., watch sent to Companies 5 seconds fast.
2.34 am: Lieut. NICHOLSON, “YUKON” Battery of Machine Guns reported at Battalion Headquarters. He has 8 guns about 300 yards West of Battalion Headquarters.
2.41 am: Message received from Lieut. BROOKE that he has lost all his Officers and guides, is in ARLEUX LOOP but does not know where he is in relation to Assembly Area. Lieut. PATTERSON sent to guide him into his position in Assembly Area, it seems from runners story that “D” Company has had very hard time, suffering many casualties.
2.44 am: Lieut. STEVENSON sent for to come up to “D” Company.
3.00 am: Word received from Assembly Area that casualties are, “A” Company 1, “B” Company 6, “C” Company Nil.
3.02 am: Word sent to Brigade that we are in position less “D” Company.
3.05 am: Enemy artillery fairly active, his barrage line seems to fall on about “C” Companies line in Assembly Area.
3.07 am: Phoned Brigade Major and asked for counter-battery work.
3.15 am: Lieut. DUNCAN, with Stretcher Bearer party, reported at Battalion Headquarters.
3.18 am: Enemy still shelling vicinity of “A” Company heavily.
3.45 am: Attack commenced, enemy artillery active especially on back area.
3.52 am: Brigade Major phoned re “D” Company. No news of it as yet
4.01 am: Lieut. STEVENSON reported at Battalion Headquarters.
4.40 am: German Machine Guns appear active.
4.55 am: Wounded Lance Corporal from “A” Company states his Company was right through the Wood but when he was wounded they were being very hard pushed.
5.05 am: 1 officer and 19 men, German prisoners captured by “A” Company passed Battalion Headquarters.
5.20 am: Word received from “D” Company that they are in position but that they only have 25 men left.
5.40 am: Captain HUTCHISON reports capture of final objective and establishment of Strong Points as laid down.
6.16 am: 2nd Battalion wounded state that they have taken front line but cannot get through the town.
6.40 am: Lieut. MAY, Brigade Signal Officer phoned that he had Brigade Majors authority to state that a Company of the 4th Battalion would be attached to us, connection cut before conversation was finished.
6.41 am: Word received from “B” Company that they were digging in on Final Objective at 5.25 am.
6.45 am: Both front line companies ask for bombs and S.A.A.
6.50 am: Artillery Liaison Officer given our boundaries.
7.30 am: Brigade Major states he will wire through authority to us to have a Company of the 4th Battalion attached to us.
7.55 am: Brigade Major informs us that “C” Company 4th Battalion is being attached to us.
8.20 am: Major CUNNINGHAM called at our Headquarters.
8.30 am: Situation on left clear, we being in direct touch with the 2nd Battalion, but the right is still very obscure, it seems that the Britishers have not captured even the enemy’s front line.
10.00 am: From information received from Major CROWTHER who has passed through seriously wounded, and also from written report from Lieut. McPHERSON, it seems impossible to send troops over the ground between ARLEUX Crucifix and the BLUE Objective.
10.30 am: Message received from Captain HUTCHISON that his position is very grave and that he is gradually turning his flank.
10.50 am: Scout Officer of 2nd Battalion reported at Battalion Headquarters giving us information as to a way up to the line.
11.30 am: A 4th Battalion platoon ordered up to position now occupied by “C” Company, the two platoons of “C” Company being placed under “A” Companies orders.
12 noon: Word received, the Germans are advancing on our newly won positions. S.O.S. sent up and a protective barrage laid down.
12.10 pm: In consequence of above entry, orders as issued in para timed “11.30 am” are cancelled as far as it concerns 4th Battalion.
12.30 am: Platoon of 4th Battalion under Lieut. WALLER sent forward to reinforce “A” Company.
12.45 pm: Prisoners which have passed Battalion Headquarters now number 110 O.R.
12.50 pm: 14th Battalion commence to arrive in ARLEUX LOOP.
1.20 pm: Another 4th Battalion platoon under Lieut. STEVENSON, Lewis Gun Officer, 3rd Battalion, being organized to go forward to the support of “A” Company.
1.40 pm: Platoon which left at 12.30 pm returned, Lieut. WALLER and 3 O.R. including Platoon Sergeant being killed. These men report it is absolutely impossible to get across to the BLUE Objective, the enemy laying down a very heavy barrage and also a very heavy direct machine gun dire [sic], about 400 yards in front on ARLEUX LOOP, from the enemy’s front line on the right, which does not seem to have been taken by the Fusiliers.
1.40pm: Platoon which was to go forward under Lieut. STEVENSON recalled in consequence of above entry.
2.20 pm: Quietest moment since ZERO.
3.00 pm: Relief asked for tonight in conversation with Brigade Major
5.00 pm: Brigade Major informs us relief impossible.
6.00 pm: Enemy artillery shelling quite heavily, especially in region of ARLEUX LOOP.
8.00 pm: Major REID left Battalion Headquarters for forward area.
8.10 pm: Portions of “C” and “D” Companies who have been ordered to return to positions in ARLEUX LOOP commenced to arrive.
8.30 pm: Two platoons of “C” Company, 4th Battalion under Lieut. STEVENSON being organized to go forward to support of “A” Company, as well as taking supplies of bombs, etc., other two platoons are reporting to Lieut. CLIFF at WILLERVAL to look after bringing up of rations. On completion of this task they are going forward to occupy BLUE Objective.
8.40 pm: Lieut. CLIFF to WILLERVAL to look after supply of rations.
9.02 am: Platoons of 4th Battalion under Lieut. C.E. STEVENSON, Lewis Gun Officer, 3rd Battalion, commenced to pass Battalion Headquarters.
9.30 pm: Brigade Major called at Battalion Headquarters.
9.50 pm: Two damaged Lewis Guns sent down to Battalion Headquarters and changed, the two spare ones at Battalion Hqrs., being sent up to them.
10.35 pm: 2nd Battalion are reported to have put up S.O.S. on their front and there is quite a heavy artillery fire on our front.
10.50 pm: 2 platoons of 4th Battalion with rations for “A” and “B” Companies passed Headquarters.
MAY 4th
12.15 am: Major REID returned from Forward Area, his report confirming those received from Capt. HUTCHISON, earlier in the day, he also reports the two platoons under Lieut. STEVENSON have reported to Capt. HUTCHISON and are digging in.
3.15 am: Word received, 3 officers from Transport are at Brigade Headquarters, they being given instructions to remain at Dressing Station.
4.40 am: Message received from Capt. HUTCHISON that our Artillery was shooting short about 3.15 am.
6.00 am: Very bright and sunny day, everything quiet along our front.
12.50 pm: Operation Orders received for relief tonight.
3.00 pm: The Commanding Officer of releiving [sic] Battalion (1st EAST Surrey’s arrived). The Runner carrying the 4.00 pm “3rd” message I have tried to get through to Capt. HUTCHISON today, returned exhausted, reporting it is absolutely impossible to get forward.
5.30 pm: Lieut. CLIFF sent out with guides to meet incoming Battalion.
7.40 pm: Word received from Brigade that 6th Brigade are attacking at 8.00 pm, No times to warn forward Companies.
8.00 pm: Attack commenced, heavy barrage on our front and S.O.S. put up to our right.
8.45 pm: Enemy artillery activity dying down.
9.30 pm: 1st East Surrey’s commenced to arrive.
9.40 pm: 10 guides arrived from Capt. HUTCHISON to guide the 4 platoons and the 2 Company Headquarters off the releiving [sic] unit into the forward area.
10.00 pm: Lieut. WATSON, O.C. “C” Company of the 4th Battalion, passed Headquarters on a stretcher, seriously wounded.
11.30 pm: Our troops commenced to pass Battalion Headquarters, moving to MAISON BLANCHE.
qormuseum.org/history/timeline-1900-1924/the-first-world-...
On the day…………………………
An appendix in the war diary for September 1917 shows him wounded on the 11th September 1917 and died the same day.
The Battalion War Diary reads:-
September 11, 1917
Location: Front Line
Entry: Battalion football team played 107th Pioneer Battalion Team a tie game in Divisional elimination. Lieut. J.A. Clark reported back from hospital. Lieut. H.A. Thompson reported back from 1st Canadian Entrenching Battalion. Throughout the day enemy trench mortars and rifle grenades active on our front line. Enemy artillery active in afternoon on Back areas. Under orders from Brigade an attempt was made to dig a new trench in front of our present front line from junction of Nuns Alley and Twisted Alley, East and in front of a lone house, to Nuns Alley Post. A covering party of one platoon from front line company made its way out into No-Mans-Land 8.45 a.m., but were spotted by the enemy and fired at with Machine guns. At 9.30 p.m. the Canadian Engineering Officer began to tape the new trench, and digging party of 110 Other Ranks from C Company, and garrison of one platoon from B Company who were lined up, proceeded to take their positions, covering party and most of digging party got into their positions and started to dig. Enemy Machine Gun fire again opened up at 10.20 p.m. and also with Trench Mortars, and party was recalled to front line. A second attempt was made, but very heavy Machine Gun Fire and rifle fire caused retirement. The enemy sent up an S.O.S. signal at 11.20 p.m., evidently expecting an attack. All trenches and Support areas were subjected to a very heavy fire, and at about 12 midnight the Battalion Commander orders a cessation of operations. Working parties of 13th Canadian Battalion and 107th Pioneer Battalion suffered losses in Support area. The Battalion was extremely fortunate and got back to the trenches with a loss of 4 Other Ranks wounded. Weather – fine.
Source: qormuseum.org/history/timeline-1900-1924/the-first-world-...
Mildly photoshopped to minimise impact of damage present on the original image.
Corporal Reginald Charles Spalding (Lowestoft & Toronto) 3rd Canadians Killed in Action 1917
The edition of the Norwich Mercury dated Saturday October 20 1917 included this picture along with the caption Corpl. Spalding, Canadians, son of Mr. and Mrs. Spalding, South Lowestoft, killed in action. He had been awarded the Military Medal.
SPALDING, R C
Rank:………………….Corporal
Service No:…………..9250
Date of Death:……….12/09/1917
Age:……………………28
Regiment/Service:…..Canadian Infantry, 3rd Bn.
Awards:……………….M M
Grave Reference:……III. A. 1.
Cemetery:
FOSSE NO.10 COMMUNAL CEMETERY EXTENSION, SAINS-EN-GOHELLE
Additional Information:
Son of James and Kate E. Spalding, of 96, Warden St., Mimico, Ontario. Native of Lowestoft, England.
CWGC: www.cwgc.org/find-war-dead/casualty/304870/SPALDING,%20R%20C
He is not remembered in the War Memorial Chapel in the Church of St Margaret, Lowestoft.
His Canadian Army Service records can be accessed here:-
www.bac-lac.gc.ca/eng/discover/military-heritage/first-wo...
(Several of the pages are very difficult to read and looking as if they were moved during the scanning process).
Born Lowestoft in April 1889, Reginald Charles Spalding was an unmarried Labourer when he enlisted in the 3rd Battalion at Valcartier, Quebec, on the 22nd September 1914. His next of kin was James Spalding of 13 Avondale Road, Lowestoft. He had previous military experience – 2 years in the 19th Hussars. No address appears to have been recorded for him.
He was recorded at his initial medical as 5 feet 5 and a half inches tall, with blue eyes, dark brown hair and a ‘Medium; complexion. His distinguishing mark was a tattoo “R.S” on his left forearm.
He was given service number 9250 and joined 8 Company. He sailed from Quebec on the 4th October 1914. He assigned some of his pay to his mother, Mrs Kate Spalding, of 13 Avondale Road, Lowestoft.
On the 9th November 1915 he was treated for a tonsular abscess a 1 Canadian Field Ambulance, returning to duty on the 13th. He rejoined his unit in the field on the 17th.
On the 24th February 1916 he was admitted to No.8 Stationary Hospital at Boulogne with a wound to his left foot. A subsequent investigation dates the incident to the 23rd February 1916 when it is recorded that he stood on a nail at Wolveringham which entered the foot and poisoned it. By the 2nd March 1916 he was being treated at the London War Hospital, Epsom. On the 13th April 1916 he moved to the Canadian Convalescence Hospital at Monks Horton, moving a few days later, (19th) to another convalescence facility at Woodcote Park, Epsom. He was discharged on the 17th May 1916 and posted to the 12th Reserve Battalion at Shorncliffe. He was absent from the last parade on the 1st June 1916 until 11 a.m. on the 2nd, and was admonished and forfeited two days’ pay. He was sent overseas on the 6th June 1916 and rejoined his unit in the field on the 8th.
He was promoted to Sergeant on the 30th October 1916, however this didn’t last long. He was held in confinement from the 26th December 1916 to the 9th January 1917 awaiting a Court Martial. He was tried and convicted of drunkenness and reduced to the rank of Corporal. However a pension was awarded to his father after Reginalds’ death at the rate for a Private, so possibly his being a Corporal was an unpaid rank.
The award of his Military Medal appeared in the London Gazette dated 18th July 1917.
He died of wounds at the 1st Canadian Field Ambulance, having received shot wounds to the left arm and leg, the leg being also fractured.
By the time his medals were issued his father James and mother K.E. gave their address as Box 317, 96 Warden Street, Mimico, Toronto.
The Medal Index Card for Corporal 9250 R E Spalding, Canadian Infantry Battalion, is held at the National Archive under reference WO 372/23/169305
Source: discovery.nationalarchives.gov.uk/details/r/D6222607
This covers the award of his Military Medal in the France Theatre of War.
No match on Picture Norfolk, the County Image Archive.
1889 – Birth & baptism……………
The birth of a Reginald Charles Spalding was registered with the Civil Authorities in the Mutford District of Suffolk in the July to September quarter, (Q3), of 1889.
The Mutford Civil Registration District included both the Civil Parish of Oulton and also of Lowestoft.
The baptism of a Reginald Charles Spalding, born 18th April 1889, took place at St Michael, Oulton, Suffolk, on the 26th May 1889. Parents were James, a Brickmaker, and Kate. The family lived in the parish.
Source: www.freereg.org.uk/search_records/5b812992f493fd0ece92306...
Partial Source: www.familysearch.org/ark:/61903/1:1:NB1B-2GZ
1891 Census of England and Wales
The 1 year old “Reignald” Spalding, born Oulton, Suffolk, was recorded living at Woods “Looke”, Oulton. This was the household of his parents, James, (aged 35, a Labourer at Oil Mills, born Topcroft, Norfolk) and Kate, (aged 26, born Colchester, Essex). As well as ‘Reignald’ the couple have a 3 year old son Earnest, also born Oulton.
Oulton and Lowestoft were already closed to being merged by this stage in all but name.
1901 Census of England and Wales
The Spalding family were now living at 49 Clemence Street, Lowestoft. As well as parents James, (45, Bricklayers Labourer) and Kate, (35) there are their children:-
Ernest………aged 13…..born Lowestoft
Reginald……aged 11…..born Lowestoft
James………aged 9…….born Lowestoft
Thomas…….aged 5…….born Lowestoft
John………..aged 3…….born Lowestoft
Dorothy……aged 1…….born Lowestoft
There is no obvious match for him on the immigration records from the UK end.
However, the arrival of a 21 year old single man Reginald C. Spalding from England aboard the Empress of Ireland was recorded at Saint John, New Brunswick in November 1910. He was bound for Toronto and intended to work as a Labourer. But he is neither recorded as a returning Canadian nor was he paid the “British Bonus”, which he could have claimed if he intended to stay permanently.
Source: www.familysearch.org/ark:/61903/1:1:2HGT-9P4
1911 Census of England and Wales
His parents were now living at 13 Clemence Street, Lowestoft. The 57 year old James, a Bricklayers Labourer, (now recorded as born Wooton*, Norfolk) and the 46 year old Kate have been married 24 years and have had 10 children, of which 9 were then still alive. Still single and living with them are James, (19, Wood Dealer), Thomas, (15, Apprentice to Boot Maker), John, (13, Fire Wood Dealer), Dorothy, (11), Grace, (9), Edith (7) and Edward, (1). All the children except James, (Oulton), were born Lowestoft.
(*Given he stated Topcroft on the 1891 & 1901 censuses, that should probably be Woodton)
Army Career………………………….
Battalion War Diary from the time he stood on a nail.
Tuesday, February 22, 1916
Location: DRAMOUTRE
Entry: Working parties. Remainder of battalion inoculated. Cold, heavy snowfall.
Wednesday, February 23, 1916
Location: DRAMOUTRE
Entry: Gas Alert. Working parties. Still cold, snow on the ground.
Dinner by Capt DYMOND and Capt. MacNAMARA to wet their stars.
qormuseum.org/history/timeline-1900-1924/the-first-world-...
An appendix to the May 1917 War Diary includes his name in a list of honours awarded. These honours appears to relate to the battalions’ actions between the 2nd and 4th May 1917.
The war diary records these as:-
May 2nd
Very heavy strafe [sic] along whole front at 9.00 pm
1.05am: Relief complete, 14th Canadian Battalion moving back to Red Line.
1.20 am: Major G.E. REID left Battalion Headquarters, he is going out to stake out Battalion Assembly Area, taking an officer and 4 men from “A” and “B” Companies and one officer from “C” and “D” Companies.
4.20 am: Major G.E. REID reports posts as put out by 3rd Canadian Infantry Brigade are not in location as given us by our Brigade, but positions seem to have been re-adjusted by Major REID without a great deal of trouble.
10.00 am: Morning quiet.
3.00 pm: Conference of O.C. Companies at Battalion Headquarters in which all small difficulties were discussed and settled.
4.30 pm: Lieut. RENNOCK, Engineer Officer who is being attached to us, reported at Battalion Headquarters.
4.50 pm: Brigade Major called at Battalion Headquarters.
5.20 pm: Word received that ZERO hour has been changed from 4.05 am to 3.45 am, much to our dissappointment [sic], as 3.45 am seems to early, 4.20 am would have been just about right.
6.15 pm: Lieut. CAMERON, 1st Brigade, C.F.A., our Artillery Liaison Officer, reported at Headquarters for duty.
9.00 pm: Very heavy artillery along our front.
9.30 pm: Major G.E. REID left for Assembly Area, he is going to check over and see that Companies occupy correct positions.
MAY 3rd
12:20 am: Battalion Headquarters arrived at Headquarters at B.5.d.2.6., (in ARLEUX LOOP) All units reported in position in the Assembly Area except “D” Company.
12.30 am: Lieut. RENNOCK, C.E., reported at Headquarters, sappers detailed to their respective Companies, 4 to “B” Company 6 to “A” Company and 2 to “C” Company.
12.50 am: No reports from “D” Company as yet.
1.04am: Time synchronised with Brigade.
1.17 am: Private DYSON, Battalion runner, who has been around Companies reports “D” Company not in position.
1.30 am: Lieut. M. CLIFF reported at Battalion Headquarters and states “D” Company were considerably disorganized by a shell causing them some casualties, including their guide and a platoon Commander. When last seen this Company seems to have been heading away over to the right.
1.20 am: 6 Scouts sent out to locate “D” Company.
1.40 am: Very heavy enemy straefe opened on our front and to our right.
1.55 am: Straefe still continues.
2.00 am: Straefe dying down.
2.13 am: Lieut-Col. R.P. CLARKE, O.C. 2nd Canadian Battalion, called at our Headquarters.
2.20 am: Everything quiet.
2.31 am: Received synchronized time from Signal Master, C.Z.A., watch sent to Companies 5 seconds fast.
2.34 am: Lieut. NICHOLSON, “YUKON” Battery of Machine Guns reported at Battalion Headquarters. He has 8 guns about 300 yards West of Battalion Headquarters.
2.41 am: Message received from Lieut. BROOKE that he has lost all his Officers and guides, is in ARLEUX LOOP but does not know where he is in relation to Assembly Area. Lieut. PATTERSON sent to guide him into his position in Assembly Area, it seems from runners story that “D” Company has had very hard time, suffering many casualties.
2.44 am: Lieut. STEVENSON sent for to come up to “D” Company.
3.00 am: Word received from Assembly Area that casualties are, “A” Company 1, “B” Company 6, “C” Company Nil.
3.02 am: Word sent to Brigade that we are in position less “D” Company.
3.05 am: Enemy artillery fairly active, his barrage line seems to fall on about “C” Companies line in Assembly Area.
3.07 am: Phoned Brigade Major and asked for counter-battery work.
3.15 am: Lieut. DUNCAN, with Stretcher Bearer party, reported at Battalion Headquarters.
3.18 am: Enemy still shelling vicinity of “A” Company heavily.
3.45 am: Attack commenced, enemy artillery active especially on back area.
3.52 am: Brigade Major phoned re “D” Company. No news of it as yet
4.01 am: Lieut. STEVENSON reported at Battalion Headquarters.
4.40 am: German Machine Guns appear active.
4.55 am: Wounded Lance Corporal from “A” Company states his Company was right through the Wood but when he was wounded they were being very hard pushed.
5.05 am: 1 officer and 19 men, German prisoners captured by “A” Company passed Battalion Headquarters.
5.20 am: Word received from “D” Company that they are in position but that they only have 25 men left.
5.40 am: Captain HUTCHISON reports capture of final objective and establishment of Strong Points as laid down.
6.16 am: 2nd Battalion wounded state that they have taken front line but cannot get through the town.
6.40 am: Lieut. MAY, Brigade Signal Officer phoned that he had Brigade Majors authority to state that a Company of the 4th Battalion would be attached to us, connection cut before conversation was finished.
6.41 am: Word received from “B” Company that they were digging in on Final Objective at 5.25 am.
6.45 am: Both front line companies ask for bombs and S.A.A.
6.50 am: Artillery Liaison Officer given our boundaries.
7.30 am: Brigade Major states he will wire through authority to us to have a Company of the 4th Battalion attached to us.
7.55 am: Brigade Major informs us that “C” Company 4th Battalion is being attached to us.
8.20 am: Major CUNNINGHAM called at our Headquarters.
8.30 am: Situation on left clear, we being in direct touch with the 2nd Battalion, but the right is still very obscure, it seems that the Britishers have not captured even the enemy’s front line.
10.00 am: From information received from Major CROWTHER who has passed through seriously wounded, and also from written report from Lieut. McPHERSON, it seems impossible to send troops over the ground between ARLEUX Crucifix and the BLUE Objective.
10.30 am: Message received from Captain HUTCHISON that his position is very grave and that he is gradually turning his flank.
10.50 am: Scout Officer of 2nd Battalion reported at Battalion Headquarters giving us information as to a way up to the line.
11.30 am: A 4th Battalion platoon ordered up to position now occupied by “C” Company, the two platoons of “C” Company being placed under “A” Companies orders.
12 noon: Word received, the Germans are advancing on our newly won positions. S.O.S. sent up and a protective barrage laid down.
12.10 pm: In consequence of above entry, orders as issued in para timed “11.30 am” are cancelled as far as it concerns 4th Battalion.
12.30 am: Platoon of 4th Battalion under Lieut. WALLER sent forward to reinforce “A” Company.
12.45 pm: Prisoners which have passed Battalion Headquarters now number 110 O.R.
12.50 pm: 14th Battalion commence to arrive in ARLEUX LOOP.
1.20 pm: Another 4th Battalion platoon under Lieut. STEVENSON, Lewis Gun Officer, 3rd Battalion, being organized to go forward to the support of “A” Company.
1.40 pm: Platoon which left at 12.30 pm returned, Lieut. WALLER and 3 O.R. including Platoon Sergeant being killed. These men report it is absolutely impossible to get across to the BLUE Objective, the enemy laying down a very heavy barrage and also a very heavy direct machine gun dire [sic], about 400 yards in front on ARLEUX LOOP, from the enemy’s front line on the right, which does not seem to have been taken by the Fusiliers.
1.40pm: Platoon which was to go forward under Lieut. STEVENSON recalled in consequence of above entry.
2.20 pm: Quietest moment since ZERO.
3.00 pm: Relief asked for tonight in conversation with Brigade Major
5.00 pm: Brigade Major informs us relief impossible.
6.00 pm: Enemy artillery shelling quite heavily, especially in region of ARLEUX LOOP.
8.00 pm: Major REID left Battalion Headquarters for forward area.
8.10 pm: Portions of “C” and “D” Companies who have been ordered to return to positions in ARLEUX LOOP commenced to arrive.
8.30 pm: Two platoons of “C” Company, 4th Battalion under Lieut. STEVENSON being organized to go forward to support of “A” Company, as well as taking supplies of bombs, etc., other two platoons are reporting to Lieut. CLIFF at WILLERVAL to look after bringing up of rations. On completion of this task they are going forward to occupy BLUE Objective.
8.40 pm: Lieut. CLIFF to WILLERVAL to look after supply of rations.
9.02 am: Platoons of 4th Battalion under Lieut. C.E. STEVENSON, Lewis Gun Officer, 3rd Battalion, commenced to pass Battalion Headquarters.
9.30 pm: Brigade Major called at Battalion Headquarters.
9.50 pm: Two damaged Lewis Guns sent down to Battalion Headquarters and changed, the two spare ones at Battalion Hqrs., being sent up to them.
10.35 pm: 2nd Battalion are reported to have put up S.O.S. on their front and there is quite a heavy artillery fire on our front.
10.50 pm: 2 platoons of 4th Battalion with rations for “A” and “B” Companies passed Headquarters.
MAY 4th
12.15 am: Major REID returned from Forward Area, his report confirming those received from Capt. HUTCHISON, earlier in the day, he also reports the two platoons under Lieut. STEVENSON have reported to Capt. HUTCHISON and are digging in.
3.15 am: Word received, 3 officers from Transport are at Brigade Headquarters, they being given instructions to remain at Dressing Station.
4.40 am: Message received from Capt. HUTCHISON that our Artillery was shooting short about 3.15 am.
6.00 am: Very bright and sunny day, everything quiet along our front.
12.50 pm: Operation Orders received for relief tonight.
3.00 pm: The Commanding Officer of releiving [sic] Battalion (1st EAST Surrey’s arrived). The Runner carrying the 4.00 pm “3rd” message I have tried to get through to Capt. HUTCHISON today, returned exhausted, reporting it is absolutely impossible to get forward.
5.30 pm: Lieut. CLIFF sent out with guides to meet incoming Battalion.
7.40 pm: Word received from Brigade that 6th Brigade are attacking at 8.00 pm, No times to warn forward Companies.
8.00 pm: Attack commenced, heavy barrage on our front and S.O.S. put up to our right.
8.45 pm: Enemy artillery activity dying down.
9.30 pm: 1st East Surrey’s commenced to arrive.
9.40 pm: 10 guides arrived from Capt. HUTCHISON to guide the 4 platoons and the 2 Company Headquarters off the releiving [sic] unit into the forward area.
10.00 pm: Lieut. WATSON, O.C. “C” Company of the 4th Battalion, passed Headquarters on a stretcher, seriously wounded.
11.30 pm: Our troops commenced to pass Battalion Headquarters, moving to MAISON BLANCHE.
qormuseum.org/history/timeline-1900-1924/the-first-world-...
On the day…………………………
An appendix in the war diary for September 1917 shows him wounded on the 11th September 1917 and died the same day.
The Battalion War Diary reads:-
September 11, 1917
Location: Front Line
Entry: Battalion football team played 107th Pioneer Battalion Team a tie game in Divisional elimination. Lieut. J.A. Clark reported back from hospital. Lieut. H.A. Thompson reported back from 1st Canadian Entrenching Battalion. Throughout the day enemy trench mortars and rifle grenades active on our front line. Enemy artillery active in afternoon on Back areas. Under orders from Brigade an attempt was made to dig a new trench in front of our present front line from junction of Nuns Alley and Twisted Alley, East and in front of a lone house, to Nuns Alley Post. A covering party of one platoon from front line company made its way out into No-Mans-Land 8.45 a.m., but were spotted by the enemy and fired at with Machine guns. At 9.30 p.m. the Canadian Engineering Officer began to tape the new trench, and digging party of 110 Other Ranks from C Company, and garrison of one platoon from B Company who were lined up, proceeded to take their positions, covering party and most of digging party got into their positions and started to dig. Enemy Machine Gun fire again opened up at 10.20 p.m. and also with Trench Mortars, and party was recalled to front line. A second attempt was made, but very heavy Machine Gun Fire and rifle fire caused retirement. The enemy sent up an S.O.S. signal at 11.20 p.m., evidently expecting an attack. All trenches and Support areas were subjected to a very heavy fire, and at about 12 midnight the Battalion Commander orders a cessation of operations. Working parties of 13th Canadian Battalion and 107th Pioneer Battalion suffered losses in Support area. The Battalion was extremely fortunate and got back to the trenches with a loss of 4 Other Ranks wounded. Weather – fine.
Source: qormuseum.org/history/timeline-1900-1924/the-first-world-...
Mildly photoshopped to minimise impact of damage present on the original image.