Residents Who Served A - L

The District of Saanich remembers the following residents who served in the First World War:

Mackintosh, W.R. (Private)

Service Number: 2044016. William Robert Mackintosh was born March 25, 1895, in Victoria, British Columbia (B.C.) to parents William Robinson Mackintosh and Rebecca Fizzell. He was one of at least five children: Katie, Margaret, William, John, and Henry Gordon. William enlisted in the Canadian Expeditionary Force (C.E.F.) on December 1, 1916, in Victoria. He was attached to the 5th Brigade of the Canadian Garrison Artillery before being transferred to the 3rd Battery of the Canadian Field Artillery, serving in France. Due to demobilization, William was discharged in Kingston, Ontario on April 24, 1919. He married Ruby George on December 27, 1919, in Vancouver, B.C. At the time of his marriage, he lived at 45 South Turner St. in Victoria and worked as a chauffeur. They had two children: Robert George and Gladys. William was one of the soldiers who took advantage of the Saanich Soldiers Housing Scheme. Their home was part of the program’s first phase, consisting of fourteen houses, headed by architect Major Karl Branwhite Spurgin. They lived at 437 Boleskine Road, Saanich, B.C. William was a garage supervisor with BC Electric Railway Company during the latter part of his working life. He died on April 20, 1971, and Ruby died on February 5, 1980, both in Victoria. William Robert Mackintosh is commemorated in the Saanich Remembers World War One project. Information submitted by: Saanich Archives and L. Masson. 

Malcolm, William Gilbert

Service Number: 400142.  William Gilbert Malcom was born in Ireland on March 22, 1887 to Alex and Mary Malcolm. He married Agnes Strickland at the Centennial Methodist Church in Victoria on August 23, 1911. William was a carpenter by trade. When he enlisted in 1915 at the age of 28, he and his wife were living at 164 Burnside Road, Maywood Post Office. At the time of his death, he was listed as being divorced. He died at Shaughnessy Hospital in Vancouver on July 8, 1956 at the age of 73. Information submitted by: J. Clements.  Attestation Papers | Veteran Death Card

Mallett, Arthur (Private)

Service Number: 227651  Arthur Mallett was born in Brighouse, Yorkshire, England to George Mallett and Hannah Walsh on 22 November 1879, although he listed his birth year as 1882 on his attestation papers. Arthur Mallett immigrated to Canada from Ireland with his parents and brother in 1908 and they settled in the Gordon Head area of Saanich. He married Sarah Louisa Taylor “Louisa” (nee Walsh) on 29 March 1909, shortly after her arrival in Victoria. They had a daughter, Florence, born in July 1910 who died as the result of an accident in 1912. Louisa’s brother, Frederick Martin Walsh also served in the war and is commemorated on the Saanich WWI Honour Roll. Arthur’s father was employed as a silk maker. Arthur was a teamster, and he had previously served in the South African Constabulary. Arthur enlisted on 1 June 1916 and served with the 11^th Canadian Mounted Rifles. He was discharged 23 September 1919. After the war, Arthur and Louisa appear to have returned to England and settled in Manchester. Louisa died 27 December 1935 in Rusholme, Manchester, but her body was returned to Saanich to be buried at Saint Luke’s Anglican Cemetery with her daughter, Florence. This is where Arthur’s brother, Martin and mother are also buried. After Louisa’s death, Arthur moved to Levenshume, Lancashire, where he died 18 April 1952. The location of Arthur’s grave is not known at this time. Arthur Mallett is commemorated on the Saanich WWI honour roll. Information submitted by R. Gamble. Service record

Martin, W. (Corporal)

Corporal W. Martin is commemorated on the Saanich WW1 Honour Roll. No information regarding his service could be confirmed.

Massey, Owen (Corporal)

Service Number: 102334. Owen Massey was born 30 January 1890 in Birtles, Chelford, Cheshire, England to parents Simeon and Emma (nee Warburton) Massey. Following in his father’s footsteps, Massey worked as a farmer before and after the war. He lived with his parents in what must have been a large household with three sisters, a brother, several servants, and, in 1901, a cousin until 1912 when he immigrated to Canada, arriving in Quebec City aboard RMS Victorian in May 1912. There is no record of when he moved to British Columbia but he enlisted in the Canadian Over-Seas Expeditionary Forces in Victoria on 3 September 1915 as a private in the 67th Battalion. Prior to enlisting, Massey had served with the 50th Regiment Gordon Highlanders. During his service, Massey moved through the ranks with a promotion to Corporal in October 1915 and appointment to commissioned rank in the 6th Reserve Battalion on 28 April 1918. He was also awarded a military medal L.G. no. 30259 on 29 August 1917. Massey served in Canada, England, and France with the 67th Battalion, the 102nd Battalion, the 4th Canadian Infantry Base Depot, the British Columbia Regimental Depot in Seaford, the 8th Reserve, C.C.R.C., the 2nd Central Ontario Regimental Depot in Witley, and the Canadian Concentration Camp in Witley. Between 1917 and 1919 Massey was hospitalized several times in France, first for a gun-shot wound to the left wrist on 6 October 1917, then for several bouts of influenza, and then for a gun-shot wound to the right leg on 27 September 1918 which caused him to be admitted to several hospitals in France between October and November 1918. Massey was discharged on 11 September 1919. He never married and continued to work as a farmer in British Columbia until his death on 11 July 1977 at the Langley Memorial Hospital in Murrayville, British Columbia at the age of 87. He is commemorated on the Saanich WWI Honour Roll. Information submitted by: Saanich Archives.  Attestation Papers | Death Certificate

Matheson, James Johnston (Sergeant)

Service no. 2137569.   James Johnston Matheson was born 14 November 1886 in Portobello, Midlothian, Scotland to parents James and Elizabeth (nee Johnston) Matheson. He arrived in Victoria sometime before 1912, and lived for a few years in downtown Victoria where he was employed as a shoemaker. On November 14, 1916, he married Ada Louise Anderson. Ada was born 18 September 1898 to James and Louise (nee Syson) Anderson in Bottineau, North Dakota. The newly married couple moved to Lake Road in Saanich. James enlisted on 20 November 1917 and served with the 2^nd Depot Battalion B.C. Regiment and the 260^th Battalion. He had previously served 2 years in the 50th Regiment of the Gordon Highlanders of Canada.James was discharged May 27, 1919, and returned to Saanich where he resumed his trade as shoemaker. Ada died 19 November 1943 and James died 5 December 1973. They are both interred at Royal Oak Burial Park. James Johnston Matheson is commemorated on the Saanich WWI honour roll. Information submitted by R. Gamble.  Service record

Matheson, Murdock (Private)

Killed in Action October 8, 1915. Service Number: 430496.   Murdock (sometimes spelled Murdoch) Matheson was born 15 September 1890 in Glasgow to Alexander Matheson and Christina McInnis, both of Scotland. He was the youngest of six children. In August of 1910, he immigrated to Canada on the SS Lake Champlain to help his brother farm in Carberry, Manitoba. This ship also carried a lady named Euphemia Shaw. Euphemia was headed to Victoria to join her parents, who lived in the Mount Tolmie neighbourhood of Saanich. Murdock and Euphemia married in Saanich on July 12, 1913, at Saint Luke’s Anglican Church on Cedar Hill Cross Road and Cedar Hill Road. Murdock signed attestation papers to enlist in the Canadian Expeditionary Force on March 11, 1915, in Victoria, BC. At that time his address was 569 David Street, and he stated his occupation was steward. He had served with a militia and was a member of the 50^th Gordon Highlanders. Murdock was assigned to the 28^th Battalion, formerly known as the 48th. Also, at one time he was with the Canadian Infantry, Saskatchewan Regiment 80^th Battalion. There were heavy losses at the Ypres Salient and he lost his life there on October 8, 1915. His obituary appeared the Daily Colonist, 23 October 1915 (page 5). Euphemia remarried Charles Henry Lewis on 29 September 1918 in Vancouver. Private Murdock Matheson is commemorated on the Menin Gate Memorial, Ypres, Belgium. His name is written on the Saanich WWI Honour Roll and the St. Luke’s Church WW1 Roll of Honour. Information submitted by N. Nash. In September 2015, a group visited cemeteries overseas as part of the Saanich Remembers Project, including the Ypres (Menin Gate) Memorial. Photographs courtesy of Gavin Cooper. | Service record | Commonwealth War Graves | Name on Ypres (Menin Gate) Memorial

Matthews, Henry Billing (Sapper)

Service no. 332884.  Henry Billing Matthews was born 19th of March 1897 in Hereford County, England. He was a student prior to the war. His attestation papers state that his father, William Matthews, lived on Cedar Hill Road. He enlisted 13 May 1916 as a Gunner in the 15th Artillery Brigade Headquarters as part of the Canadian Field Artillery. He departed from Halifax on 11 September 1916 and disembarked in Liverpool 22 of December 1917.  Henry Billing Matthews does not appear on any census records yet located. At some point he married Gladys Johnston Matthew, born 1901 in Liverpool, who died on 3 May 1962. According to his death certificate, he died at the age of 90 at Kelowna General Hospital on 20 May 1987.  He is buried at Kelowna Memorial Park Cemetery with his wife Gladys. The inscription on his memorial lists him as ‘Dad’. Henry Billing Matthews is commemorated on the Saanich WW1 Honour Roll. Information submitted by R. Gamble. Service record

Matthews, William Carlyle (Lance Corporal)

Service Number: 428774   William Carlyle Matthews, known as Carlyle, was born May 27, 1881 or 1882 in Ludlow, Shropshire, England to William and Elizabeth (nee Billings) Matthews. Carlyle immigrated to the United States with his parents and siblings in 1902 and settled on a farm in Walker, Michigan. He came to Victoria around 1913 and settled in the Mount Tolmie area, where he was employed as an agriculturist. From August 1914 to March 1915, he was part of the 5th Regiment, Canadian Garrison Artillery. He enlisted on 1 April 1915 in New Westminster and served overseas with the 7^th Battalion. On November 1, 1919, he was discharged. Carlyle married Bessie Mabel Burgess in 1919 in Hailsham, Sussex, England and shortly after, they returned to Victoria. They had at least one son and lived in the Colquitz area where they grew fruit. Carlyle died at the Veterans Hospital on 24 November 1969 after a long illness. He was interred at Royal Oak Burial Park. William Carlyle Matthews is commemorated on the Saanich WWI honour roll. Information submitted by R. Gamble.   Service record

Mattin, Frederick (Gunner)

Service number 332891   Frederick Mattin was a British immigrant to Victoria. He was born in Suffolk, England in 1895. Frederick enlisted on May 15, 1916 in Victoria at the age of 20. At that time he indicated that his trade was milkman, and his next of kin was his mother Mary Mattin, who lived at the Fernhouse Dairy in the Strawberry Vale area of Saanich. Frederick was assigned to the 61^st Battery of the Canadian Expeditionary Force. He landed in England in September of 1916 and was sent to the front in France in August of 1917, where we was a driver for an artillery unit. Frederick completed the war without injury, returned to Canada and was discharged in June of 1919. Based on the records of where his army pay was assigned, it appears that his mother had returned to residency in England in 1918. Frederick was said to have been living in Banff, Alberta in 1919, and though a note in his service record indicates that he may have died quite young in 1936, no other records of his post-war life have been found at this time. Frederick Mattin is commemorated on the Saanich WW1 Honour Roll. Information submitted by M. Zaplitny. Service record

Mawhinney, Francis Christopher (Private)

Service Number: 687462. Francis Christopher Mawhinney was born to parents Isaiah Mawhinney and Elizabeth Rutledge in Portage La Prairie, Manitoba on July 26, 1878. Francis was the youngest of thirteen children: James, John, Issac, Elizabeth, David, Edward, Margaret, Ann, Mary, Isaiah, William, Isabella, and Francis. Sometime between 1871 and 1878, the family moved from Ontario to Manitoba. By 1901, Francis, his parents, and his sister, Isabella lived in Yale East Mission District of British Columbia (B.C.). At that time Francis was a farm labourer. On January 22, 1903, he married Minnie Eleanor Nicholas in Vernon, B.C. Minnie was born in the U.S.A. but her family lived in Victoria, B.C. by 1901. She was a schoolteacher. Francis and Minnie had at least three children: Leslie Francis (1903), Ralph Ernest (1906), and Helen Elizabeth (1907). Francis enlisted in the Canadian Expeditionary Force (C.E.F) on November 18, 1915, in Kelowna, B.C. He was attached to the 172nd Battalion and later transferred to the 54th Battalion and 16th Battalion, serving in France. Francis was discharged on April 26, 1918, in Victoria, due to being physically unfit for service. He was one of the soldiers who took advantage of the Saanich Soldiers Housing Scheme. His family lived at 3305 Shelbourne Street. Their home, one of five houses, was a part of the program’s second phase headed by architect Ralph Berrill. Francis, Minnie, and Helen still lived in this home in 1931. Francis died June 13, 1950, in Vancouver, B.C. and Minnie died September 10, 1965, in Los Angeles, California. They are buried at Pacific Heritage Cemetery in Burnaby, B.C. Francis Christopher Mawhinney is commemorated in the Saanich Remembers World War One project. Information submitted by Saanich Archives and L. Masson. Service record.

May, John Gordon (Gunner)

Service no. 1260426  John Gordon May was born 12 November 1897 in Strathclair, Manitoba to John Edward and Sarah Beatrice (nee Watson) May. He had an older sister named Lena E.B.M. May. His mother was Irish and his father was English. Around 1906, the family moved to Nanaimo, then about 1911 they moved to Saanich where they settled on Cedar Hill Road near Mount Tolmie. John Edward worked as a farmer as well as in real estate. John Gordon enlisted 18 April 1916. On his attestation papers, he gave his address as Mount Tolmie P.O., and his occupation as student. He served with the 14th Brigade Canadian Field Artillery, which was absorbed by the 60th Battery Canadian Field Artillery on arrival in England. He also served with the 15th Overseas Brigade in France. Upon his return to England in April 1919, he was stationed with the Canadian Convalescent Depot and served for a month as an orderly in Ripon, England. When he was demobilized he was listed as part of the 62nd Battery Canadian Field Artillery. John Gordon was discharged on 14 July 1919. No information about his life after the war has been found. John Gordon May is commemorated on the Saanich WW1 Honour Roll. Information submitted by R. Gamble.  Service record

Mayo, Thomas Sr. (Private)

Service Number: 180902. Thomas Mayo was born September 18, 1866, in Manchester, England. On September 7, 1891, he married Charlotte Emma Kenyon, whose father was a postal porter in Manchester. They had eight children: Thomas (1892), Edith (1894), James (1896), Emma (1899), Albert (1901), Frederick (1905), Arthur (1906), and Elsie (1912). James and Frederick died in infancy. Prior to immigrating to Canada, Thomas worked as a postman, sometimes described as a parcel or postal porter, in Manchester and volunteered for seventeen years with the 7th Lancashire Fusiliers. Their oldest child, Thomas Jr., came to Canada in July 1910. In 1913, Thomas immigrated to Canada with his youngest son Arthur, and in 1915, Charlotte followed with Edith, Emma, Albert and Elsie. They settled on York Road in the neighborhood of Sevenoaks in Saanich, British Columbia (B.C.). Prior to enlisting, Thomas worked as a labourer. He enlisted in the Canadian Expeditionary Force (C.E.F.) with the 88th Battalion on January 4, 1916, at 50. On his attestation papers, he indicated his birth year as 1871, making him appear 45, the maximum age for recruits. After enlisting, Thomas sailed to England and spent a month at the Canadian Pioneer Training Depot at Shorncliffe Army Camp near Cheriton in Kent and was then transferred to the 4th Canadian Pioneer Battalion. On October 4, 1916, he was transferred to the 25th Battalion and served with them in France until being discharged in February 1919. Thomas returned to his family, many still residing on York Road. He provided his correct birth year during his final medical exam. His son, Thomas Mayo Jr. (service number: 1049258), also served in the C.E.F. during WWI. According to the 1921 Canada Census, Thomas Sr. returned to work as a labourer, earning $400 per year doing odd jobs. His daughter Emma, now 22, was working as a sorter at Jones Economy Wet Wash Laundry, earning $500 per year and his son Albert, now 19, was working as an apprentice moulder at Albion Stove Works. Thomas Mayo died on April 3, 1946, and Charlotte died on October 18, 1946, both in Victoria. They are buried at Hatley Memorial Gardens in Colwood, B.C. Thomas Mayo is commemorated on the Saanich WWI Honour Roll as Mayo. Pte. Thos. Sr. Information submitted by: Saanich Archives.  Attestation Papers

McAdoo, Lyndhurst Howard Barry Henderson (Driver)

Died 22 January 1918. Service Number: 313932.   Lyndhurst Howard Barry Henderson McAdoo was born 30 October 1880 at Colac, Victoria, Australia, the eldest of four children of Robert McAdoo, a merchant, and Julia Morrow Gordon. After serving for 3 1/2 years in an Australian Cadet Corps, he immigrated to Ireland, and at the time of the 1901 census was an assistant farmer with his uncle James McAdoo at Dernacally, Taughboyne Parish, County Donegal. Lyndhurst McAdoo was married 29th October 1909 to Roberta Donnell Todd in the Ardstraw Presbyterian Church, County Tyrone, Ireland. They had two daughters, Eileen and Lorna May. Lyndhurst, known as "Lindie," with his wife and two daughters emigrated from Ireland to British Columbia settling at Errington near Parksville on Vancouver Island, where he became a rancher. While living at Errington they had two more daughters, Mona Frances and Patricia. McAdoo joined the army 13th January 1916 at Victoria, B.C. He disposed of his property at Errington and moved his wife and children to "Cloverdale", the Tolmie family home in Saanich, shortly before enlisting. The 1917 Victoria Directory lists Roberta McAdoo residing at 3570 Calumet Avenue, in a house owned by the Tolmie family, while her husband was away on Active Service. Lindie McAdoo arrived in England 12 March 1916 aboard the S.S. Missanabie, and was attached to the Ammunition Column, 10th Brigade Canadian Field Artillery. In late April he was admitted to hospital for two weeks with an inflamed mole. On 13th July he embarked for France. He was hospitalized for a week in April 1917 with the 6th Canadian Field Ambulance for a sprained left knee. On 5 July 1917 he was admitted to hospital in France with a lymphatic tumor. From there he was transferred to a number of military hospitals before finally being invalided back to Canada in late December. He was admitted to the Queens Military Hospital, Kingston, on 31st December, where he died 22nd January, 1918. A memorial service was held for Driver Lyndhurst McAdoo at St. Mark’s Church, Boleskine Road in Victoria, B.C. on January 25th 1918. His funeral was held the same afternoon at Kingston's Cataraqui Cemetery where he was buried with full military honors. The McAdoo residence at 3571 Calumet Avenue, built in 1919, is listed on the Saanich Heritage Inventory, and the entry states, “Roberta [McAdoo] built this house on land she obtained from John Work Tolmie. For a number of years she supported her family by running a boarding house. She returned to Ireland in the late 1920s." Lyndhurst's name is inscribed on the cenotaph of the Parksville War Memorial, and he is listed on the Honour Roll of the Parksville Legion. McAdoo Place located in the District of Saanich was named in honor of Lyndhurst McAdoo. Information submitted by: P. Gaudio.    Attestation Papers

McCallum, Angus Charles

Killed in Action 27 September 1918. Service Number: 703021. 102nd Battalion CEF. Died of Wounds received 27 Sept 1918 during the taking of Bourlon Wood by the 4th Division to which he was attached as Brigade Headquarters Battalion Runner. Born at Rowland Manitoba 7 April 1889. Died 27 Sept 1918. Son of A.C. McCallum Lake Hill B.C. and Sarah Hughes McCallum (deceased). The above information is taken from a letter from Florence McCallum, Private Angus McCallum’s sister, to the Saanich Municipal Clerk on 24 Feb 1925 for inclusion on the municipality’s Honour Roll. The original letter is preserved at Saanich Archives. Information submitted by: Saanich Archives and J. Clements.  Attestation Papers | Commonwealth War Graves Commission

McCreight, James David (Trooper)

Service number: 107393. James David McCreight was born in Jersey, Channel Islands on March 3, 1875 (1876 on his Attestation Papers) to Charles William Dickey McCreight and Ellen Vaudin. His parents were born in Rouen, France and Galway, Ireland. Sadly, his father died in 1880 when James was a young child. When J.D. McCreight enlisted in Victoria on November 16, 1914 at age 39, he gave his occupation as farmer. His mother was named as next of kin under the name Mrs. Ellis. Ellen McCreight, had married John Heifman [Heyman] Ellis of Lake Hill, Saanich, two months earlier on September 4. McCreight joined the 2^nd Battalion, Canadian Mounted Rifles, landing in France on September 22, 1915. He served there for 8 ½ months before suffering a gunshot wound to the right shoulder on June 3, 1916 in Ypres. McCreight received hospital treatment in both France and England and according to his file, he underwent four operations. On August 20, 1917, he returned to Canada aboard the Carmania, and a month later was deemed fit for service. In October 1917 in Vancouver, the Medical Board review again came to the same conclusion. However, he was discharged a few months later, on March 27, 1918. His corps at the time was the No. XI Special Service Company C.E.F., rank: Private. Other documents list his rank as Trooper. Though McCreight did not receive any medals or decorations, his discharge records state, “Conduct and character while in the service have been, according to the records, etc. ‘Very Good’.” Though he had recovered from the gunshot wound, McCreight was left with a scar on his right shoulder and arm and some permanent limitation of movement. McCreight’s address after discharge was Lake Hill, B.C. (Saanich), and his occupation was still listed as farmer, (fruit farmer in some documents). He later moved to Metchosin. On July 12, 1920, he married Nellie (Norah) Beatrice Grace in Victoria. Nellie was a nurse, born in Richmond, Virginia, USA. James and Nellie’s only child, Charles Terence (known as Terry), was born in Metchosin on February 20, 1922. He enlisted in the army at age 18 and served in France, Holland and Belgium during WWII. James David McCreight died on March 1, 1961 at the age of 85 in Vancouver’s Shaughnessy Hospital. His permanent residence on his death record was listed as Metchosin. He was survived by his wife and son. J.D. McCreight is buried at Hatley Memorial Garden, Victoria. His wife died in 1964, aged 74, at Valleyview Hospital in Coquitlam. James David McCreight is commemorated on the Saanich WWI Honour Roll. Information submitted by S. Nicholson.  Service record

McCullough, David (Private)

Service Number: 77995. David McCullough was born in Cork, Ireland on 27 August 1887 to Samuel and Susanna (nee Wray) McCullough. David’s siblings were Sarah, who was also born in Ireland (1889); Samuel Jr. (Metchosin, 1896); Margaret ‘Maggie’(Saanich, 1893), and Gawn (Saanich, 1901). An older sister, Olive Jane, died in 1891 at the age of 5. Samuel Sr. and Susanna immigrated to Canada in 1891, settling first in the Metchosin area and then in the Prospect Lake District where Samuel Sr. made his living as a farmer and laborer, among other things. In 1912, the family moved to 5323 West Saanich Road. The family owned the property until 1930, Samuel Sr. having died in July 1929. In 1913, Samuel Sr. built the Prospect Lake General Store at 5303 West Saanich Road which was operated by the family until 1946 when it was sold to Jack and Evelyn Durrance. Two streets in Greater Victoria are named after Susanna McCullough; Antrim Street in Esquimalt (the county in Ireland where both she and Samuel Sr. were born) and Wray Avenue near Prospect Lake (her maiden name). Prior to the war, David made his living as a teamster. David enlisted with the 11th Canadian Mounted Rifles on 31 March 1915. By 1916, he was serving with the 7th Battalion in France. In Ypres, on 3 June 1916, David received a gun-shot wound to his left hand and was soon admitted to the Canadian Convalescent Hospital Bearwood in Berkshire, England. Although he continued to complain of pain, he was discharged for duty less than a month later on 6 July 1916. His sister Sarah married John ‘Jack’ Nesbit Findlay (1885-1956) in 1908 and together they ran the Prospect Lake General Store and Post Office. During the war, Mrs. J.N. Findlay is listed as living at 1606 Yale Street in Oak bay, the same address as her sister Maggie. Gawn ‘Bud’ McCullough, was too young to enlist and began his career as a laborer in 1934. In 1940, following in the footsteps of his father, he was raised to ward foreman. He later became public works foreman and spent 32 years as a Saanich Municipal employee before retiring in 1966. David’s brother Samuel also served in WWI, enlisting in 1915 and serving with the 11th Canadian Engineers and the 124th Battalion in France. His sister Maggie enlisted with the Canadian Army Medical Corps in 1918 and served at the Drummond Military Convalescent Hospital in Montreal. David was discharged in July 1919. No death or burial records have been located at this time. David McCullough is commemorated on the Saanich WWI Honour Roll.Information submitted by J. Clements and Saanich Archives.  Attestation Papers | Daily Colonist 11 Jun 1916 (p. 5)

McCullough, Margaret (Nursing Sister)

Margaret ‘Maggie’ McCullough was born in Saanich on 18 April 1893, one of 6 children of Samuel and Susanna (nee Wray) McCullough. Samuel Sr. and Susanna immigrated to Canada in 1891, settling first in the Metchosin area and then in the Prospect Lake District where Samuel Sr. made his living as a farmer and laborer, among other things. In 1912, the family moved to 5323 West Saanich Road. The family owned the property until 1930, Samuel Sr. having died in July 1929. In 1913, Samuel Sr. built the Prospect Lake General Store at 5303 West Saanich Road which was operated by Samuel Jr.’s sister Sarah and her husband Jack Nesbit Findlay until 1946 when it was sold to Jack and Evelyn Durrance. Maggie graduated from St. Joseph’s Hospital School of Nursing in 1915. During her training she lived at 1606 Yale Street in Oak Bay. She enlisted as a nursing sister in Montreal on 1 June 1918. She served in the Canadian Army Medical Corps in Canada and in England, working at the Drummond Military Convalescent Hospital in Montreal, the Canadian Red Cross Hospital in Buxton, England, the C.A.M.C. training depot, Number 16 Canadian General Hospital in Ontario, the Canadian Convalescent Officers Hospital, and on transport duty to Canada. Maggie was discharged 26 February 1919 and returned to Canada. On 11 March 1919, Maggie married Lieutenant-Colonel Colin Stone MacDonald in Ottawa, Ontario. The couple were still living in Ottawa in 1950. Maggie’s older brothers David and Samuel Jr. also served in WWI, both enlisting in 1915 and serving in France until 1919. Information submitted by Saanich Archives.  Attestation Papers

McCullough, Samuel (Private)

Service Number: 102123. Samuel McCullough Jr. was born in Metchosin on 21 October 1896 to Irish immigrants Samuel and Susanna (nee Wray) McCullough. Samuel Sr. and Susanna immigrated to Canada in 1891, settling first in the Metchosin area and then in the Prospect Lake District where Samuel Sr. made his living as a farmer and laborer, among other things. In 1912, the family moved to 5323 West Saanich Road. The family owned the property until 1930, Samuel Sr. having died in July 1929. In 1913, Samuel Sr. built the Prospect Lake General Store at 5303 West Saanich Road which was operated by Samuel Jr.’s sister Sarah and her husband Jack Nesbit until 1946 when it was sold to Jack and Evelyn Durrance. Samuel McCullough Jr. had five siblings, Olive Jane who died in 1891 at the age of 5, David and Sarah born in Ireland in 1887 and 1889, and Margaret ‘Maggie’ and Gawn born in Saanich in 1893 and 1901. Prior to enlisting with the Canadian Expeditionary Forces in 1915, Samuel McCullough Jr. lived at home with his parents and siblings and was employed as a bookkeeper. He had also previously served with the 50th Regiment Gordon Highlanders. Samuel enlisted with the 67th Battalion in Victoria on the 1st September 1915. Beginning in 1916, McCullough served with the 11th Canadian Engineers in France and, by May 1918, he was serving with the 124th Battalion with the rank of Lieutenant Corporal. He was discharged from the 11th Canadian Engineers with the rank of 2nd Corporal in June 1919 and returned to Canada. Samuel’s older brother David and younger sister Maggie also served: David serving with the 7th battalion in France and Maggie in the Canadian Army Medical Corps at the Drummond Military Convalescent Hospital in Montreal. After returning home, Samuel Jr. moved to Ottawa where he worked as an appraiser in the Federal Customs Department. In 1922, he married Eveline Frederica Burnett and the couple had two sons, Robert and Samuel. The couple returned to Victoria in 1961 after Samuel’s retirement from the Federal Government. Eveline died in 1978 and Samuel married Beatrice Maude Gamey. Samuel McCullough died at the Royal Jubilee Hospital at the age of 85 on 10 November 1981 and was cremated at Royal Oak Burial Park. Samuel McCullough is commemorated on the Saanich WWI Honour Roll. Information submitted by: J. Clements and Saanich Archives.  Attestation Papers

McGowan, Ralph (Sapper)

Service Number: 181079. Ralph McGowan was born in Bolton, Lancashire, England on January 22, 1880. His parents George and Harriet (Crompton) christened Ralph on February 29, 1880 at Deane Parish, Lancaster, England. According to the 1881 England and Wales Census, Ralph’s father George was working as a coal miner. Ralph immigrated to Canada in 1911 and his wife Jane Alice (Ormrod) and daughter Minnie followed in 1912. The McGowan family took up residence in the newly constructed Parkdale Subdivision (211 Battlefield Ave) in Saanich West, Victoria BC with Ralph as the architect and original owner of his home. On February 14, 1916 Ralph enlisted in Victoria BC with the 88^th Battalion Victoria Fusiliers C.E.F., a local militia unit established in Victoria in 1912. On his Attestation Papers his current address was listed as Parkdale, Saanich BC and next of kin, his wife J.A. McGowan. At the time of his enlistment Ralph was 36 and listed his current occupation as a miner which made him a very suitable candidate to be recruited as a Sapper for the war effort. Working as a Sapper required a special type of individual that could work underground digging tunnels and setting explosives in near darkness towards enemy lines. Miners were especially recruited for this dangerous work and were at great risk of death and capture. Ralph and the 88^th Battalion set sail for England from Halifax on board the S.S. Olympic in June 1916. Ralph spent 3 years in France with the 88^th Battalion 1^st Tunnelling Company Canadian Engineers. On Ralph’s service record he is recorded as a Prisoner of War (POW) but the details of his capture and return home are not documented. Ralph does return home safely and is recorded as the Head of Household at 211 Battleford Ave along with his wife Jane Alice, daughter Minnie and son John on the 1921 Saanich Census pg. 69. Line 26. Ward 7. Ralph worked as a painter and lived in Saanich for 17 years until his death on June 28, 1928. He died at Saint Joseph’s Hospital in Victoria, BC at the age of 48. On his death certificate Ralph’s occupation is listed as a soldier. He is buried at Royal Oak Burial Park, Victoria, BC. Ralph McGowan is commemorated on the Saanich WWI Honour Roll. Information submitted by: K. Obreza.  Attestation Papers

McIntyre, Angus (Private)

Killed in action August 15, 1917. Service number 431171.  Private Angus McIntyre of Saanich made the ultimate sacrifice for Canada in France during the First World War. Angus was born in Perthshire, Scotland in 1885, but moved to Vancouver Island in about 1900. He moved in with his brother James, who had a home at 1251 Acton Street in the Oaklands neighbourhood of Victoria. Angus was employed as a quarryman at the Tod Inlet Cement Works in Saanich. He was thirty years old and unmarried when he enlisted with the Canadian Expeditionary Force on June 21, 1915. Angus received training in England, and was sent to France in March of 1916 to join the 7^th Battalion of the Canadian Forces. According to his death notice, Angus was virtually in continuous fighting during the balance of his service. In August of 1917, Canadian and British forces were engaged in a fierce fight known as the “Battle of Loos”, in which they fought the German army for possession of what was known as Hill 79 near the village of Cité St. Laurent.  They were successful in throwing back the enemy force. Angus was killed in action on August 15^th, 1917. He was laid to rest at the Loos British Cemetery near Pas de Calais, France, at grave site III.B.13.  He was thirty-two years old. In the notice of his death, it was indicated that the brother with whom he lived, James McIntyre, was also in the Canadian Forces in France. The notice stated that there were five McIntyre brothers in service, but to date no other records for the family have been found. Angus McIntyre is commemorated on the Saanich WW1 Honour Roll. Information submitted by M. Zaplitny.   Service record | Canadian Virtual War Memorial | Commonwealth War Graves Commission

McKay, N.E.

Service Number: 313940. Neil Elliott McKay was born in Elliotts/Elliott Mills, Prince Edward Island on April 19, 1885, to parents Cornelius McKay and Agnes Graham Elliott. He was one of ten children: John William, Richard, Agnes, Ida, Neil, Lemuel, Lorenzo, Elizabeth, Robert, and Ruth. By 1891, the family lived in New Westminster, British Columbia (B.C.); by 1901 they lived in Victoria, B.C. Neil married Edith May Hancock on July 20, 1910, in Victoria. Throughout his lifetime, he worked as a plumber. Neil enlisted in the Canadian Expeditionary Force (C.E.F.) on January 11, 1916, in Victoria. He was attached to the 10th Field Artillery Regiment and later transferred to the 37th Overseas Field Battery, serving in France. Neil returned to Canada on August 2, 1917, and was discharged on November 30, 1917, due to hearing loss. Neil’s brothers, Lemuel McKay (service number: 629907), Lorenzo McKay (service number: 313939), and Robert McKay (service number: 313941), also served in the C.E.F. during WWI. Neil’s, Robert’s and Lorenzo’s service numbers are in sequence. Neil and Edith had five children, Aileen, Neil, Stanley, William, and Ruth, all born in B.C. In 1919, Neil’s brother, Robert, married Edith’s sister Ena. Neil was one of the soldiers who took advantage of the Saanich Soldiers Housing Scheme. His family lived at 3073 Millgrove Street. His home was part of the program's first phase, consisting of fourteen houses, headed by architect Major Karl Branwhite Spurgin. The family emigrated to the U.S.A. in 1923 and their oldest child, Aileen, died in 1924. Neil died February 21, 1944, and Edith died March 10, 1961, both in Alameda, California, and are buried at Evergreen Cemetery in Oakland, California, along with their daughters, Aileen and Ruth. Neil Elliott McKay is commemorated in the Saanich Remembers World War One project. Information submitted by: Saanich Archives and L. Masson. Service Record.

McKay, Robert Matheson

Service Number: 313941. Robert Matheson McKay was born in Lochiel, British Columbia (B.C.) on April 1, 1893, to parents Cornelius McKay and Agnes Graham Elliott. He was one of ten children: John William, Richard, Agnes, Ida, Neil, Lemuel, Lorenzo, Elizabeth, Robert, and Ruth. By 1891, the family lived in New Westminster, British Columbia (B.C.); by 1901 they lived in Victoria, B.C. When Robert enlisted in the Canadian Expeditionary Force (C.E.F.), he indicated he was born on April 1, 1894, in New Westminster, B.C. He listed his occupation as a lather and his next-of-kin as his sister-in-law E. May, his brother Neil’s wife. Robert enlisted in the C.E.F. on January 11, 1916, in Victoria. He was attached to the 10th Field Artillery Regiment and later transferred to the 37th Overseas Field Battery, serving in France. Robert was discharged on June 1, 1919, in Victoria, due to demobilization and declared his intention to live at 1489 Hillside Avenue. Robert’s brothers, Lorenzo McKay (service number: 313939), Neil McKay (service number: 313940), and Lemuel McKay (service number: 629907) also served in the C.E.F. during WWI. Robert’s, Neil’s, and Lorenzo’s service numbers are in sequence. Robert was one of the soldiers who took advantage of the Saanich Soldiers Housing Scheme. He lived at 3074 Earl Grey Street, Saanich B.C. His home was part of the program’s first phase, consisting of fourteen houses, headed by architect Major Karl Branwhite Spurgin. Robert married Ena Winnifred Caroline Hancock in Victoria, B.C. on December 25, 1919. Ena’s sister was married to Robert’s brother, Neil. In 1921, Robert and Ena lived at the home on Earl Grey Street. They emigrated to the U.S.A. in 1921, settling in Oakland, California, and had two children, Roberta Josephine and Lois Aileen, both born in the U.S.A. Robert died August 12, 1941, and Ena died March 24, 1972, both in Alameda, California. Robert McKay is commemorated in the Saanich Remembers World War One project. Information submitted by: Saanich Archives and L. Masson. Service Record.

McMorran, George Stark (Gunner)

Service number: 2022402.   George Stark McMorran was born in 1887 in Paisley, Ontario, to George McMorran and Isabelle Stark. In 1890, the couple took their four children across Canada on the recently completed Canadian Pacific Railway. At Port Moody, they boarded a paddle wheeler bound for Victoria. George McMorran, Sr. secured employment on R.P. Rithet’s 1000-acre Saanich farm as the foreman in charge of clearing the land of timber. The McMorrans lived in a farmhouse on Rithet’s land for nine years, and once the job was completed, they moved to Cedar Hill Road with their six children, first living at 3501 (now a designated heritage house) and later 3601. The family spent many summers on the beach at Cordova Bay. At the age of 21, in 1909, George Stark McMorran went into a partnership to form a real estate company which was known as Dougall & McMorran. Dougall & McMorran began to purchase and then sub-divide land near what is now Doumac Avenue in Cordova Bay. When real estate took a downturn in 1912, the company was dissolved. George was drafted under the Military Services Act of 1917, and enlisted in the 1^st Depot Battalion BC Regiment in Vancouver on March 25, 1918. As a Gunner, he earned $1 a day for his service. On September 7, he was granted unpaid leave to help with harvest at home. This was extended through November 30, 1918. On the 30^th of December that year, George was discharged on demobilization of the Canadian forces. Following the war, he opened a six-by-twelve-foot building called the Canuck Tea Room on rented land in the Cordova Bay neighbourhood of Saanich. By successfully catering to campers, beach goers and day trippers from Victoria, McMorran was able to expand his business and add summer cabin rentals which reached a peak of 72 cabins. In 1921, McMorran’s Tea Room opened, and it became famous for Saturday night dances with local orchestras. In 1923, George married schoolteacher Ida Richards and the couple had four children: Eric, Bruce, Richard and David. George became the first postmaster in Cordova Bay, and he was also a driving force for bringing utilities and services to the area. Upon his retirement, sons Eric and Bruce took over the business, updating and expanding McMorran’s. George died April 23, 1971, and is buried in Royal Oak Burial Park. Information submitted by G. Wray. | Service record | McMorran family fonds in Saanich Archives | Photo of G.S. McMorran in uniform

McNally, John Edward (Lance Corporal)

Killed in Action 13 June 1917. Service Number: 703663. John Edward McNally was born 14 April 1895 in Ottawa to James and Mary Eileen (nee Coldwell) McNally. The family was of Irish descent, though his father and mother were born in Ontario and Quebec respectively. John had two siblings, a brother William who also served in WW1, and a sister Vicki. The family moved from Ontario to Saanich around 1911. John enlisted on 18 February 1916, giving Saanichton as his address, and rancher as his occupation. He landed in France in December 1916 and served as a Private. He was promoted to Lance Corporal on 21 April 1917. On 13 June 1917, during the battle of Vimy Ridge, John was reported missing in action, presumed dead. His Memorial Cross was sent to his family in Saanich. John’s family erected a gravestone for him at Shady Creek Church cemetery, where his parents were buried. He is commemorated on the Vimy Memorial in France and the Saskatchewan Virtual War Memorial. Information submitted by: J. Clements and R. Gamble.  Service record | Commonwealth War Graves Commission | Saskatchewan Virtual War Memorial

McNally, William Henry (Sergeant)

Service no. 77414   William Henry McNally was born 4 January 1892 in Vars, Ottawa Municipality, Ontario, to James and Mary Eileen (nee Coldwell) McNally. The family was of Irish descent though his father and mother were born in Ontario and Quebec respectively. William had two siblings, a brother John who also served in WW1, and sister Vicki. The family moved to Saanich around 1911 where William got a job as bookkeeper for the Bank of Montreal in Victoria. William enlisted on 7 November 1914. He had previously served a week as part of the 50th Gordon Highlanders. He then served in France with the 15th Battalion and then the 30th Battalion of the CEF. He was promoted to Corporal on 27 October 1916, and to Sergeant on 12 May 1917.  He received the Meritorious Service Medal for “recognition of valuable services rendered in France and Belgium.” After the war, William returned to Canada, shipping out on 28 April 1919 on the SS Baltic from Liverpool. He received his discharge papers in Toronto on 17 May 1919. By the 1930s, William and his parents were living in Saanichton. He married Elizabeth Ringland Hamilton McEwan on 31 October 1936. William died on 5 October 1952 at the age of 62, and Elizabeth died 10 November 1995. They are both buried at Royal Oak Burial Park. William’s parents and brother are buried at the Shady Creek Church Cemetery in Central Saanich. William is commemorated on the Saanich WWI honour roll. Infromation submitted by R. Gamble.   Service record

McRae, John Colin "Jack" (Private)

Service Number: 213971   John Colin McRae, known as Jack, was the son of George and Elizabeth McRae, Saanich pioneers who owned a 130 acre dairy farm in Saanich that eventually became the Cedar Hill Golf Course and Cedar Hill Park. Born in February, 1897, Jack was drafted under the Military Service Act in May 1918. At that time, his occupation was recorded as farmer. To fill a need for more personnel, a training programme was developed that permitted new recruits to request a voluntary discharge in order to join the Royal Air Force. The Royal Air Force was newly named as a result of merging the Royal Flying Corps and the Royal Naval Air Service. Jack was discharged from the 2^nd Depot Battalion, Canadian Expeditionary Force at Willows Camp, and sent to the RAF training depot in Toronto, Ontario in June, 1918. Jack returned to Victoria after the war, where he spent the rest of his life. In February 1926, he married Marjorie Donegan. They had two sons, John and George, and a daughter, Jean. Together with his brother George, he operated a trucking business. In November 1968, at age 72, Jack died at his home, the McRae farmhouse at 1445 Ocean View Road. When the farmland was purchased by the District of Saanich in 1967, the McRae family siblings were granted life-tenancy of the house and surrounding 2 acres. The house remains on the site and is listed on the Saanich Heritage Inventory. John Colin McRae is buried in Ross Bay Cemetery. Information submitted by: V. Dupuis | Service record

McSween, Neil (Private)

Service Number: 102338.   Neil McSween (also spelled MacSween) was born on the Isle of Skye, Scotland in January of 1884. When he enlisted in Victoria, British Columbia on September 3, 1915 at age 31, his mother Miriam (sometimes spelled Marian or Mirian) McSween, Roag Dunvegan, Skye, Scotland, was named next-of-kin. At the time he was not married, and his occupation was stonemason. His previous military experience was with the Gordon Highlanders of Canada. He was described as having black hair and blue eyes and standing 5’ 6 3/4” tall. Private McSween went overseas with the 67th Pioneer Battalion. His unit sailed in April 1916 and arrived in England before proceeding to France where he also served with the 102nd Battalion. In late 1916 and early 1917, McSween had a number of hospital stays due to fistula. Unfortunately he also received a gunshot wound to the left ear in August of that year followed by a gunshot wound to his left leg. He was gassed at Passchendaele on November 16, 1917, resulting in chronic bronchitis. In April 1918 he was admitted to the Military Convalescent Hospital, Epsom for treatment and remained there for one month. A medical form in his service file indicates that he was experiencing “soreness of chest & shortness of breath” and that he was coughing “a good deal.” “Difficulty breathing” is noted numerous times. Before enlisting he had always been in good health according to official assessments. In November 1918 he returned to Canada, was discharged by reason of being medically unfit for further service, and came back to Victoria. He was awarded two gold casualty stripes. Records list two different addresses for McSween: McCaskill, Keating Post Office, Saanich, B.C.; and Scurremore Cottage, Glendale, Skye, Invernesshire, Scotland. A Donald McCaskill is listed at Keating in the 1918 Saanich Voters list so McSween may have been living and perhaps also working on the McCaskill property, though this has not been confirmed. Regardless, McSween left Keating sometime after the war and returned to Scotland. Neil McSween/MacSween died on November 6, 1960, (the date is noted in his service file). A headstone in his town of Glendale, Skye reads: “In loving memory of/my dear husband/NEIL MacSWEEN/who died 6th November 1960/also his wife/CATHERINE MACPHERSON/who died 26th February 1976/aged 85 years.” No further records regarding his life after 1918 have been located at this time. Information submitted by  S. Nicholson.   Service file   Gravestone

Meacock, Arthur Robert (Private)

Service Number 180655. Arthur Robert Meacock was born on May 12, 1870, in Hammersmith, England. Arthur was the youngest son of 7 children born to George Ludovick Meacock and Elizabeth Durrin. His father was a master butcher and farmer, trades Arthur took up as well. In 1881, he was at Aspley House boarding school in Margate with two of his brothers. By 1895, Arthur had immigrated to Canada and soon met and married Daisy Katherine Dorothy Allen. Between 1897 and 1912, they had had 4 daughters and 4 sons, and Arthur was established as a successful butcher and fruit farmer in the Saanich area. They built a large Edwardian home at 1542 Mount Douglas Cross Road which is on the Heritage Register. In 1915, Arthur joined the 88^th Battalion (Victoria Fusiliers) shortly after they started recruiting. Although he was 43 years old, 5 foot 3 inches and 125 pounds, the medical board found him fit for duty. Arthur sailed from Halifax May 31, 1915 aboard the SS Olympia. Once in England however, he contracted chronic bronchitis and after transferring several times between Shorncliffe and Seaforth, earning a good conduct badge, Arthur was discharged Mar 16, 1918 as overage and physically unfit for duty. Shortly after his return, Arthur and Kate divorced. He resided in the Victoria area the rest of his life, retiring from farming in 1935.  Arthur succumbed to acute broncho-pneumonia Sept 22, 1968, 98 years old. | Attestation Papers

Meads, Spencer George Frederick (Bandmaster)

Spencer George Frederick Meads was born 10 June 1879 in Lindfield, Sussex, England to William F. and Elizabeth A. Meads. He had two sisters, Mary and Eleanor, and a brother Ernest. Meads immigrated to Canada in 1906 and was living in Nanaimo in 1911. On 4 August 1914, he married Aoltie Eva Holyoak and they had three children: Constance Doris, Charles Frederick, and Thelma Meads. The family lived in various cities across Canada, before settling in Victoria, British Columbia. By 1915, the family was living at 3259 Maple Street in Saanich, and Meads was employed as a butcher. Meads enlisted on 11 March 1915 with the 48^th Battalion. He had previously served in the 50th Gordon Highlanders of Canada and the Imperial Army. He was promoted to Sergeant (also noted as Bandmaster) on 16 March 1915, and transferred to the 123rd Battalion. Meads was discharged on 6 April 1919 and returned to Canada.He died 25 February 1938 in Vancouver and is buried at Mountain View Cemetery in Vancouver with his wife and son. Spencer George Frederick is commemorated on the Saanich WW1 Honour Roll. Information submitted by R. Gamble and L. Masson. | Service record

Menmuir, David (Private)

Service Number: 180656. David Menmuir was born on September 17, 1869 in Beauley, Inverness, Scotland. He was one of nine children born to Alexander Menmuir and Jessie Menmuir (nee Ramsay). He signed his Attestation Papers on December 11, 1915 at the age of 44 and listed his occupation as gardener. His sister, Elizabeth Memuir of Beauley, Scotland, was listed as his next of kin. Attestation Papers describe him as 5’4”, with a ruddy complexion, brown eyes, and fair hair. On September 23, 1916, after six months in France as an “A” man, he was wounded by shrapnel on the back of his left shoulder. After he was discharged from hospital on November 17, 1916, he returned to France until June 9, 1917. On September 13, 1918, while digging a side ditch with three other men, a buried mills bomb was hit with one of the men’s picks. The explosion injured David, but he recovered. On May 2, 1918, he returned to France as a “B” man until January 1919. He was discharged from service in Vancouver on July 14, 1919. According to the Registration of Death, David died at the Royal Jubilee Hospital on June 4, 1952 after having lived in Canada for 38 years. He never married and is buried in Colwood. He is commemorated on the Saanich WWI Honour Roll. Information submitted by J. Clements and D. Lockyer.  Attestation Papers

Milne, H. (Private)

No information on his service could be confirmed. Private H. Milne is commemorated on the Saanich WW1 Honour Roll.

Moody, Edgar Leslie (Private)

Service Number: 430661  Edgar Leslie Moody was born December 6, 1890, in Widnes, Cheshire, England to George Urban Moody and Mary Rosina Moody (nee Ball). His father came to Canada in 1906, and Mary, Edgar, and his brother Horace followed in 1908.  The family lived on Tennyson Road in Saanich.  After serving in the 88^th Regiment Victoria Fusiliers, Edgar enlisted in the 48^th Battalion in March 1915, giving his occupation as logger. His brother Horace also served in WW1, having enlisted in 1914. Edgar’s unit was sent overseas on July 1, 1915.  After two brief hospital stays in England, he was sent to France on March 9, 1916.  During his time in the military, he served in the Engineers, the Infantry, and the Infantry school, finishing in the 52nd Battalion Manitoba Regiment. He survived the war without injury. On November 11, 1918, he boarded a ship back to Canada, and was discharged on March 31, 1919. Edgar’s father had been a Salvation Army bandsman for many years both in England and in Victoria.  He died in Victoria in 1920 and was buried at Ross Bay Cemetery. At the time of his father’s death Edgar was listed as living in Courtenay. Edgar married Lucy Melinda Morson on September 3, 1924 in Victoria BC.  Lucy was originally from Folkestone, Kent, England.  Edgar and Lucy moved to Courtenay, as did Edgar’s widowed mother Mary.  Lucy and Edgar had five children: three sons and two daughters.  Edgar was listed as a farmer on their children’s baptism records at the St. Andrew’s Anglican Church in Courtenay. Edgar died June 21, 1942, and his wife Lucy died April 26, 1985.  They are both buried at Courtenay Civic Cemetery.  Edgar’s gravestone reads: 430661 Pte. L.E. Moody.  48^th Battn. C.E.F. “Lest We Forget”.  Edgar Leslie Moody is commemorated on the Saanich WW1 Honour Roll. Information submitted by R. Gamble and V. McNulty. | Service record

Moody, Horace Albert (Private)

Service number: 107408   Horace Albert Moody was born 23 February 1893 in Widnes, Cheshire, England to George Urban Moody and Mary Rosina Moody (nee Ball). His brother Edgar also served overseas during WWI. George immigrated to Canada in 1906 while Mary, Edgar and Horace followed in 1908. They lived on Tennyson Road in Saanich and Horace was occupied as a Law student. Horace enlisted on 1 March 1914, having previously served 2 years in the 5th BC Field Artillery Regiment.He served overseas with the 2nd Battalion, Canadian Mounted Rifles and later with the 7th Canadian Infantry Brigade. In November 1916, he was hospitalized due to scoliosis, but returned to his unit in December. He was hospitalized again from October 1917 to March 1918 due to trench fever. Horace’s records first note scoliosis in December 1915, though he states he was not aware of his condition prior to enlisting. He was diagnosed with Dorsal Scoliosis Lateral, which was made worse by his wartime experiences. Horace was discharged on 9 February 1919 and returned to Canada. On 15 August 1919, he married Hannah Wood Robertson in Kamloops. During this time his occupation was listed both as musician and as provincial government employee.  Horace and Hannah eventually moved to San Diego, California where they raised two sons, Donald George and John Philip Moody. Horace died 13 February 1966 and is buried in Greenwood Memorial Park, San Diego. He is commemorated on the Saanich WWI Honour Roll. | Service record

Mooney, Hugh (Private)

Killed in Action 3 June 1916. Service Number: 429067  According to his attestation papers, Hugh Mooney was born on the 18th of January 1891 in Glasgow Scotland to Elizabeth O’Neil and Francis Mooney. His birth certificate states that his birth place was Bridgeton, Lanarkshire, Scotland; though this could be where he was baptised. His mother, Elizabeth Roy, who had presumably remarried, was living in Cordova Bay. The 1921 Census one finds Elizabeth Roy living in Cordova Bay, married to John Vincent Roy, with a son Frank Moore Roy. Her immigration is listed as 1903 along with her husband and son. Hugh enlisted on the 15th of March 1915 and his profession at the time was bricklayer. He was a part of the 5th Canadian Garrison Artillery at the time of enlistment. He served in the 30th Reserve Battery of the Canadian Garrison Artillery. and was transferred to the 7th Canadian Infantry Battalion. Hugh Mooney fought in France and was killed in action on the 3rd of June 1916. An article in the Calgary Herald listing him as Pte. Hughie Mooney (Roy) notes he was a: ‘recent casualty of the Western Front. He was killed by a shell while being carried from the scene of action on a stretcher. He is memorialized at the Ypres (Menin Gate) Memorial in Belgium. Hugh Mooney is commemorated on the Ypres (Menin Gate) Memorial. Information submitted by R. Gamble.

In June 2016, Military Researcher Steve Clifford visited cemeteries overseas as part of the Saanich Remembers Project, including the Menin Gate Memorial in Belgium.  Service Record | Commonwealth War Graves Commission | Canadian Virtual War Memorial 

Moore, Fred (Private)

No information on his service could be confirmed. Private Fred Moore is commemorated on the Saanich WW1 Honour Roll.

Muir, William (Private)

Killed in Action 19 April 1916. Service Number: 77912.  William Muir was born 26 September 1891 in Paisley, Scotland. When he came to Canada with his family, they settled at 45 Dupplin Road and William worked as coppersmith. He also served for a year with the 50th Regiment of the Gordon Highlanders. His father was Alexander B. Muir who worked as a guard at the Bamfield wireless station during the war. William enlisted on November 7, 1914 and sailed on February 25, 1915 with the 30th Reserve Battalion. He later served with the 7th and 13th Battalions and the 3rd Brigade of the 1st Canadian Division. He was killed in action on 19 April 1916, and his medals and decorations were sent to his betrothed, Charlotte Ramsey in Paisley. William Muir is commemorated at the Chester Farm Commonwealth War Graves Commission Cemetery in the Ypres Salient in West-Vlaanderen, Belgium, and on the Saanich WWI Honour Roll. In June 2016, Military Researcher Steve Clifford visited cemeteries overseas as part of the Saanich Remembers Project, including the Chester Farm Cemetery in Belgium. Information submitted by R. Gamble.

 Service Record | Commonwealth War Graves Commission | Canadian Virtual War Memorial 

Munro, Francis Tresyhair (Private)

Regimental Number: 268   Francis Tresyhair Munro was born on February 9th, 1892, in Halifax, Nova Scotia. The 1913 Henderson’s Directory for Victoria shows him living on Qu’Appelle Street in Saanich with his father, Charles Munro, and his occupation is listed as draftsman. In the 1915 directory, he is working as a mechanic for Pacific Motor Car Co. On February 11th, 1915, Munro enlisted in the Canadian Expeditionary Force in Toronto, Ontario. He was assigned to the 2nd Division Supply Column, CASC (Canadian Army Service Corps), and was stationed in France. Munro was awarded a military medal for his service. He married Sarah “Nancy” Anna in Nottingham, England in 1919. They moved to Orchards, Washington in the 1920s. Along with their children, the family lived on a prune and chicken farm in a house that Munro built. He owned Munro and Bolma, an auto repair shop in Vancouver, Washington. Munro was a photographer and president of the Vancouver Camera Club. He died on January 4th, 1978, in Orchards, Washington. Francis Tresyhair Munro is commemorated on the Saanich WW1 Honour Roll. Information submitted by L. Masson. | Service record  | Photo

Murray, Alexander Sangster (Private)

Service number: 706345.   Alexander Sangster Murray was born December 25, 1896 in Old Machar, Aberdeenshire, Scotland. His parents were George Murray, a commercial traveler, and Jeannie (Jennie) Murray nee Sangster. Alexander was the second of six children born to the couple. Jennie Murray and her six children, accompanied by her sister Nellie Sangster, sailed to Canada aboard the SS Scotian, arriving in Quebec May 16, 1911. George Murray was already in Victoria when his family left Scotland. Jennie, her children, and her sister Nellie are listed on the 1911 census for Victoria living in the household of Jennie’s sister Mary and her husband Alex Reid. Alexander gives his occupation as a carpenter’s apprentice in the 1911 census, and is still listed as a carpenter in the 1915 directory for Victoria. Alexander enlisted in the Canadian Expeditionary Force in Victoria on December 21, 1915. On his attestation papers, his mother Jennie who was living on Glasgow Street in Saanich is listed as his next of kin, and his occupation is chauffeur. He indicated that he had no previous military training. Alexander was assigned to the 103^rd Battalion (Vancouver Island Timber Wolves). The 103^rd was raised and mobilized in Victoria, trained at Willows Camp and sailed from Halifax July 23, 1916, on the SS Olympic. After arriving in England, Alexander was assigned to the Canadian Army Supply Corps. On February 15, 1917, he arrived in Havre, France. He was first assigned to the 3^rd Canadian Division Supply Column and in April 1918 he joined the 3rd Canadian Division Mechanical Transport Company. He was treated at a field hospital and general hospital in the fall of 1918 for tonsillitis and pharyngitis, and returned to England for treatment. He was assigned to the Canadian Army Supply Corps and remained in England until the end of the war. In May 1919, Alexander’s contact was changed to Daisy Cobb. Alexander also changed his forwarding address on his medal card to 1828 14^th Ave., Seattle, Washington. An article in the Victoria Daily Times on June 11, 1919 notes that Pte. A. Murray returned to Canada via the SS Lapland. On February 23, 1921 the Victoria Daily Times records that on February 22, Alexander Sangster Murray of Seattle was married to Daisy Florence Cobb, the youngest daughter of Jesse and Alice Cobb of Victoria. Alexander and Daisy lived in Seattle until their retirement when they returned to Victoria. Alexander worked for the Seattle Post Intelligencer as a classified salesman and an advertising supervisor. The couple had two children, June and Kenneth. Alexander died at Royal Jubilee Hospital on September 4, 1982 and Daisy died October 27, 1995. According to Daisy’s obituary they had two children, six grandchildren and 10 great grandchildren. Alexander and Daisy are buried at Royal Oak Burial Park in Saanich. Private Alex S. Muray is commemorated on the Saanich WW1 Honour Roll. Information submitted by J. McCahill. | Service record

Murray, Robert (Lance Corporal)

Service Number 103168.   Robert Murray was born October 12, 1870, in Morpeth, Northumberland, England, the son of Alexander and Mary Murray (nee Brown). Robert was the oldest of six children, and he had six half-siblings from his father’s previous marriage. Alexander Murray was a hotel proprietor. In 1896, Robert married Catherine McKelvie in Edinburgh, Scotland. Robert and Catherine had two children born in Clydebank, Scotland: Helen Lindsay McKelvie in 1896 and Robert William in 1898. Shortly after the 1901 census of Scotland, Robert and Catherine emigrated to Canada. In the 1911 census, the family was living in Victoria BC, and Robert’s occupation was listed as caretaker. In 1914, Robert and Catherine welcomed a daughter Violet Catherine. Robert enlisted on October 18, 1915, in Victoria. He gave his occupation as a foreman at City Works, and his address as Gordon Head PO in Saanich. He had no prior military training and was assigned to the 67^th Battalion CEF. Robert sailed to England in April 1916, and trained there until August 1916 when he arrived in France with the 67^th Canadian Pioneer Battalion (Western Scots) “D” Company. The 67^th Battalion was converted to pioneer and redesignated the 67th Canadian (Pioneer) Battalion 15 May 1916. It was part of the 4^th Canadian Division. While Robert was with the Battalion it took part in the Battle of the Somme, Ancre, and  Ancre Heights. Robert was transferred back to England in November 1916, and was admitted to hospital suffering from myalgia, a common condition among men who served in damp, cold trenches. It is noted on Robert’s medical form that he developed this condition while going between trenches, and that he also had attacks of dizziness at Courcelette. Robert was ultimately diagnosed with tachycardia and cardiac asthma, and it was decided that he should return to Canada, arriving in Esquimalt in  March 1917. He was assigned to the Military Hospitals Commission Command (MHCC) for duty and treatment. In 1916 MHC patients became a special unit of the Canadian Expeditionary Force called a “Casualty Command”. The Commission’s hospitals were organized by military district. In British Columbia, Major James Swan Harvey, grandson of Robert and Joan Dunsmuir was the officer commanding the MHCC. The convalescent hospital at the Esquimalt Naval Base was in building #39 and had been used since 1865. From 1915 to 1922 it was on loan to the Military Hospitals Commission, and it served as a part of the Esquimalt Military Convalescent Hospital. Robert was discharged from there on September 15, 1917, having attained the rank of Lance Corporal. Robert indicated in the 1921 census that he was a gardener but was not working because of illness. In 1931 Robert gave his occupation as civil servant. The 1935 directory listed Robert as retired and living at 2848 Colquitz Avenue in Saanich. Robert and Catherine moved to Vancouver around 1941. Robert died January 18, 1942, and is buried in the returned soldiers’ section of Capilano View Cemetery, West Vancouver, British Columbia. Lance Corporal Robert Murray is commemorated on the Saanich WW1 Honour Roll where his rank is listed as Private. Information submitted by J. McCahill. | Service record

Neville, William Barclay (Corporal)

Service Number: 180287. William Barclay Neville was born in Ottawa, Ontario on August 13, 1894 to parents William J. Neville and Jennie Nelligan. His father died in Ontario in 1903 and his mother married Richard Elmes Steele. The family then moved to Victoria sometime between 1903 and 1911, settling first on Rupert Terrace near Beacon Hill Park and later at ‘Glyn Station’ in the Colquitz/Royal Oak area. His brothers Joseph Gordon Steele and Arthur Steele also served overseas during World War One. William enlisted in the Canadian Expeditionary Forces on November 1, 1915 with the 88th battalion Victoria Fusiliers. At that time he listed his occupation as lather. He sailed for England from Halifax on May 31, 1916 and spent the next 10 months at various training camps in England before landing in France in March 1917, where he served with the Canadian Corps Heavy Artillery (C.C.H.A.). In June 1916, while stationed in Otterpoole, William was appointed to Acting Corporal but was reverted to the rank of Gunner in January 1917. He was discharged on April 11, 1919 and stated that he planned to return to Victoria, however, in 1921 he was living in Ottawa. No death certificate has been located for William at this time, but it appears that he spent the rest of his life in Ontario. W.B. Neville is commemorated on the Saanich WWI Honour Roll. Information submitted by Saanich Archives.  Attestation Papers

Nimmo, Richard Erskine (Corporal)

Service Number: 2005477. Richard Erskine Nimmo was born in Comrie, Perthshire, Scotland on October 18, 1877. He was one of nine children born to James Pollock Nimmo and Rachel Burt Erskine. All of the family immigrated to Canada: first Richard, his father and brother James came circa 1898; next his mother and youngest sister in 1899 and finally the remaining six children circa 1903. Richard and his father had both worked in coal mines in Scotland and followed the same occupation after arriving in Canada. In Victoria on July 24 1902, Richard married Lilth Evelyn MacKenzie. Lilth’s grandparents, William Thomson and Margaret Dyer, were among the first white settlers on the Saanich Peninsula. After their wedding, Richard and Lilth moved to the Kootenay Region. It was there they had two children: Evelyn MacKenzie Nimmo on June 1 1903, and James Erskine Nimmo on July 26 1904. By 1911 Richard and Lilth had moved back to Saanich. When WWI broke out, Richard was working as a miner and road foreman. He enlisted in Vancouver on February 5, 1917. He arrived in England on May 14, 1917 and was given the rank of Sapper. On October 31 1917, Richard arrived at the Canadian Engineer Pool in France. He was assigned to the 6^th Canadian Engineering Battalion on November 23, 1917. Richard was appointed Acting Corporal before he was sent to the 6^th Corps School for training on June 24, 1918.  Richard rejoined his unit on July 15 1918, where he was given the rank 2^nd Corporal and then Corporal on October 2 1918. On April 13 1919, he was sent to England for demobilization and embarked to Canada on May 19, 1919; he was fully discharged on June 11, 1919. Richard returned to Saanich and worked for the municipality, where he became the superintendent for roads until his retirement in 1938. The Nimmo family lived for many years on East Saanich Road in a house that Richard built from stones sourced locally and field stones from the Nimmo property. For thirty-four years Richard held the position of secretary of the Saanich Pioneer Society, where he was also the society’s historian. Richard was also active in the Agricultural Society. His wife Lilth was also a member of the Pioneer Society, the Agricultural Society and the Women’s Institute. Richard died at the Veteran’s Hospital in Victoria on December 22, 1963 at the age of 86. Information submitted by J. McCahill. Attestation Papers. 

Nixon, Edward Atcherly Eckersal (Commander)

Edward Atcherly Eckersal Nixon was born in Ireland in 1878.  He served with the Royal Navy before being appointed by the Canadian government in 1911 to establish the Royal Navy College of Canada in Halifax.  He was seriously injured during the 1917 Halifax explosion that also destroyed the college buildings.  In July 1918 he was appointed to undertake the transfer of the college to Esquimalt and lived in Saanich at Hill Farm, 1231 Santa Rosa Avenue until his death from pneumonia on Nov. 10, 1924. His widow continued to own the property in Saanich until 1965. He is buried at the Veterans Cemetery (God's Acre) in Esquimalt. Information submitted by:  J. Azar.

Norwood, Ernest John "Jack" (Lieutenant)

Killed in Action, June 8, 1917   Ernest John “Jack” Norwood was born to Reverend William George and Henrietta Norwood in Warwickshire, England on February 3, 1877. There is no record of when he immigrated to Canada. He enlisted in Victoria in September 1915 when he was 38 years old. He was unmarried, and his occupation was a labourer. On his attestation papers, he declared that he had 6 years of previous military service in the 5^th Kilkenny Militia Battalion of the Royal Irish Regiment and had served in the South African Campaign. Jack landed in France in August 1916. He served in the 67^th Pioneer Battalion as a Regimental Transport Officer in France. He was then transferred to the 102^nd Battalion in May 1917. Upon enlistment his rank had been private, but he was quickly promoted to acting Sergeant, then to Lieutenant. Jack died on 8 June 1917 in a French hospital at the age of 41 years from a wound inflicted during operations after the taking of Vimy Ridge. He is buried in the Villers Station Cemetery, at Villers-Au-Bois France, and is commemorated on the Saanich WWI honour roll.  Service record  Canadian Virtual War Memorial

Oates, Albert Ernest (Sapper/Private)

Service number: 180511.  Albert Ernest Oates was born on December 1, 1871 in Cheshire, England, to parents Robert and Elizabeth Laura Oates. His date of birth is sometimes stated as December 15, 1871. He lived in Saanich, British Columbia by 1891. Albert married Margaret “Maggie” Elizabeth Bennett in 1899 and they had seven children: twins Jesse and Robert James, Paul Marcus Benjamin, Albert Jr., Morris, Lawrence, and Olive. On November 16, 1915, at age 43, he enlisted in the Canadian Expeditionary Force in Victoria BC, giving his address as Millgrove Street in Saanich and his occupation as teamster.  He was assigned to the 1st Canadian Pioneer Battalion, and participated in the Battle of the Somme in which he survived a gas attack. On November 16, 1917, he was awarded a Good Conduct Badge. After being discharged, Albert, Maggie, and four of their children moved to Merced, California. He died on October 3, 1946, and is buried in Turlock Memorial Park in Turlock, Stanislaus County, California. Albert Ernest Oates is commemorated on the Saanich WW1 Honour Roll. Information submitted by L. Masson. | Service record | Oates family portrait

Ockwell, George (Private)

Service Number: 103204. George Henry Ockwell was born on April 9, 1884 in London, England to parents Henry George and Sarah (nee Tinkler). According to the England and Wales Census of 1891, George’s father was a labourer supporting his wife and 7 children (5 boys and 2 girls) on Salt Box Row, East Ham Essex, England. In his early twenties George left England and immigrated to Canada. He arrived in Quebec City in May 1903 aboard the ship Canada. George took up residence at the home and B&B of his brother Alfred Ockwell at 3226 Alder Street, Saanich West, Victoria BC. On September 8, 1915 George signed his attestation papers and “took strength” with the 67^th Battalion (Western Scots), CEF. The 67^th Battalion was an infantry battalion that recruited and mobilized in Victoria, BC. At the time of enlistment George is 31 years old, unmarried and lists his mother Sarah as his next of kin at 31 Cleve Rd., East Ham, London, England. George is described as 5’6, medium complexion, dark brown hair and grey eyes. Of special note is a large distinct scar on his left ankle. George also recorded active militia experience with the 50^th Regiment (Gordon Highlanders). George and the 67^th Battalion embarked to Britain on April 5, 1916 from Halifax aboard the S.S. Olympic. The 67^th Battalion served in the field in France and Flanders as the 67^th Canadian Pioneer Battalion with the 4^th Canadian Division from August 14, 1916 to April 28, 1917. Traditionally Pioneers travel in advance of the main body of soldiers clearing paths across the landscape, making roads and digging entrenchments. Pioneers provided the same services as the CEF engineering units, although they remained under infantry command. On George’s service record he is recorded as a prisoner of war. Once home from the war, George is recorded working as a self-employed carpenter on the 1921 Saanich Census Ward 2 line 309. George is living in his brother Alfred’s home at 3226 Alder Street along with Alfred’s wife Margaret, daughter Doris and son Alfred. In addition to the family members in the 4 bedroom home, a 39 year old widow named Rebeccah Anson is recorded on the Census. George lived in Saanich for 44 years before his death on August 22, 1950 at the Veteran’s Hospital in Victoria, BC. His brother Alfred signed the death certificate as George’s next of kin. He is buried at Colwood Burial Park in Colwood BC. George Ockwell is commemorated on the Saanch WWI Honour Roll. Information submitted by: K. Obreza.  Attestation Papers

Oldfield, Edmund (Corporal)

Service number: 504803.   Edmund Oldfield was born March 4, 1892, in Winnipeg, Manitoba. Edmund was the third child and second son of John Henry and Emma Louise Oldfield. In 1912, his father, a well-known real estate and investment advisor, retired and moved the family to the Elk Lake area of Saanich, British Columbia. Edmund Oldfield enlisted in Vancouver on March 22, 1916. He listed his occupation as “steam engineer & cold storage”. Upon his arrival in England, Edmund was assigned to the Canadian Engineers Training Depot. He was later transferred to the 4^th Labour Battalion. He served as a sapper and labourer because he was deemed medically unfit to serve on the front lines due to poor vision. Edmund served in Canada, England and France and was awarded a Good Conduct Badge on March 3, 1918. He was discharged from military duty on March 28, 2019, having attained the rank of Corporal. Edmund returned to the Elk Lake area of Saanich, and by 1948 he was living in West Vancouver, BC. It appears that he was involved in the sale of irrigation equipment (his occupation was listed as Agent), and he made several trips between Canada and the US during his career. Edmund married Helen Hebe Crockett (born November 30, 1880, in Taunton, Somerset, England) on January 6, 1926, in Auckland, New Zealand. They had no children. Upon his retirement, Edmund and Helen entered the United States through Portal, North Dakota on August 21, 1950, and settled in Franklin County, Florida. Edmund died at home in Florida on December 28, 1958. Corporal Edmund Oldfield is commemorated on the Saanich WW1 Honour Roll, where his rank is listed as Sapper. Information submitted by D. Grabavac. | Service record

Oldfield, Herbert Lionel (Major)

Killed in Action 6 April 1918. Herbert Lionel Oldfield was born on October 3, 1894 in Winnipeg, Manitoba to John Henry Oldfield and Emma Louise Inman. He attended Mostyn House School, a boarding school in Parkgate, Cheshire, England. In 1903, His parents purchased 300 acres in Saanich for their retirement, but did not move there until 1912 (“Norfolk Lodge”, 5789 Brookhill Road). Herbert’s Attestation Papers show that he enlisted on September 23, 1914 at Valcartier, Quebec but the Magistrate’s signature appears to have been applied at Lark Hill on August 9, 1914. At the time of enlistment, his occupation was financial clerk. At one time prior to the war, he worked with the Merchants Bank in Victoria, “subsequently being with the firm of Oldfield, Kirby & Gardner, Winnipeg, of which his father was senior member.” (Daily Colonist Apr 13, 1918). Herbert served with the 8th Battalion Canadian Infantry (Manitoba Regiment), reaching the rank of Major. According to a report in the Daily Colonist, he had been wounded three times since reaching France. Official records indicate that he died on April 6, 1918, although a researcher note on the Canadian Great War Project states that “his 8th Bn had left the shelter of the Ronville Caves at Arras on 6th of April 1918 and marched 9km to relieve contingents of Brit infantry Regts in the Fampoux area. While setting in on the 7th Major Oldfield inspected the front line and was hit by the blast of a whizz-bang. He died same day in a casualty clearing Stn.” (Michael Barton). He was 24 years old. Herbert’s sister, Kathleen Oldfield, was one of the first people to bring forward the idea of a Saanich Honour Roll to Municipal Council in 1916 (before Herbert’s death). His brother, Henry Clarence, was a Saanich Councillor from 1924 to 1930. Herbert Lionel Oldfield is commemorated on the Saanich WWI Honour Roll, the Manitoba Next of Kin Monument on the grounds of the Manitoba Legislative Building, the War Memorial at Mostyn House School, Parkgate, Cheshire, and at Duisans British Cemetery, Etrun, France. Information submitted by: Saanich Archives.  Service record | Virtual War Memorial | Daily Colonist Apr 13, 1918 (p.7) | Canadian Great War Project

Oldfield, Kenneth John (Lieutenant)

Service number 521138.   Kenneth John Oldfield was born on July 24, 1893, in Scoulton, Norfolk, England to George and Sarah Oldfield. By age seven he lived on a farm in Bedingfield, Suffolk with his parents and older siblings. Kenneth emigrated to Esquimalt in 1914. He joined the 88^th Fusiliers, giving his trade as a carpenter. On June 16, 1915, he enlisted in the Canadian Expeditionary Force and was assigned to the Canadian Army Medical Corps Unit. His named next of kin was his father George Oldfield, then living in Aldershot England. Kenneth arrived in England on September 5, 1915. His first posting was to Salonika in 1916 where a multinational allied force of 500,000 were sent to face the combined Bulgarian, German, Austro-Hungarian, and Turkish forces of 300,000 men. Conditions at Salonika were harsh, including extremes of weather, so like many who served in this area, Pte. Oldfield suffered bouts of dysentery and other infections which lead to several hospitalizations. After Salonika, he was posted to Malta, then back to England, and finally to Alexandria. It was in Alexandria that he was “taken on strength” at Aboukir and sent to Heliopolis where he was trained for duty in the Royal Flying Corps (RFC) and promoted to Acting 2^nd Lieutenant on December 28, 1917. One of his duties was to provide air support to Colonel T.E. Lawrence (Lawrence of Arabia). Lieutenant Oldfield was officially discharged from the CEF in England on May 17, 1918, after an appointment to a Commission in the Imperial Army – Royal Flying Corps, 28 December 1917 (Service number 409538). For his work in the desert, he was awarded the DFC and the Order of Al Nahda. His name was put on the Special Air Force List #1 (p. 59) in 1920. Kenneth married Elsa Schrattenholz/Strathold, a Scot of German/Scottish heritage, after his return to Victoria. In the 1921, census Kenneth was listed as a poultryman and Elsa as a stenographer, living in the Lake District of Saanich. In 1949, he was interviewed for the local newspaper (Daily Colonist, 10 April 1949, Sunday Magazine, p. 4) for an article describing his many experiences in the desert and providing support to Lawrence of Arabia. He also talked of his interaction with the Bedouins and the condition of the planes he flew. At the time of the interview, he was living at 1106 Wychbury Avenue in Esquimalt. Lieut. Oldfield died on November 23, 1970 and is buried in Royal Oak Burial Park in Saanich. He was survived by his wife and two daughters. Elsa died aged ninety on August 28, 1983. Kenneth John Oldfield is commemorated on the Saanich WW1 Honour Roll, where his rank is entered as Private. Information submitted by V. McNulty | Service record

O'Meara, Alfred Vivien (Sergeant)

Service Number 107722   Alfred Vivian O’Meara was born on August 8, 1888 to Rose and Alfred O’Meara. It should be noted that there is some confusion about his date of birth. He gave a birth date of 1889 on his attestation papers, but on his baptism record from Harbour Grace, Newfoundland, his birth date is the 31st of August 1888.On his enlistment papers his next-of-kin was his mother, Mrs. A. O’Meara. He gave his mother’s address as Gorge Road, Victoria, B.C and the family appeared on the 1911 census in Gordon Head and Colquitz (minus Alfred himself). He had a sister Rose, and three brothers, Harry, Herbert, and Thomas (who also served in WW1). He enlisted on the 11th of February 1915 in Toronto and his trade at the time was Surveyor; the same profession as his brother Thomas and his father Alfred. He had previously served in the Canadian Mounted Rifles for 6 months. He served in France, disembarking at Rouen as part of the 2nd Division Supply Column. He also served in the 2nd Canadian Mounted Rifles, and was awarded the Good Conduct Badge on the 25th of March 1917. He was promoted to Sergeant on the 28th of July 1917, then in October of 1918 was approved as a flight cadet for the Royal Air Force. His regimental number as a member of the RAF was 316188. Alfred appears to have trained as a cadet until his discharge on the 20th of December 1918. Upon returning to Victoria he married Dorothy Alice Andros, the eldest daughter of Colonel Ralph Craven Andros, on April 23, 1920.His address at the time was 600 Gorge Road, Saanich. His last address in his military record was Vanderhoof, British Columbia. Alfred Vivien O’Meara died in 1960 and is buried in the Vanderhoof Cemetery. He is commemorated on the Saanich WW1 Honour Roll. Information submitted by R. Gamble.  Service record   1911 Census [PDF - 683 KB]   Grave

O'Meara, Thomas Roger (Private)

UK Service Number: M2-153059  Thomas Roger O’Meara was born in September 1889 to Rose Guillaux and Alfred O’Meara.He had a sister Rose, and three brothers, Harry, Herbert and Alfred (who also served in WW1). His occupation at the time of the 1911 Census was listed as Surveyor, the same as his brother Alfred and his father, who was a Surveyor and a noted Civil Engineer.His regimental number indicates that he enlisted in the British Armed Forces; his service record was unavailable. He left Victoria in 1915, and served as part of the German East Africa campaign with the British Army, Army Service Corps (648th Mechanical Transport Company). An obituary in the Daily Colonist (11 December 1918) noted: “except for a period when he was invalided in England he was constantly engaged in operations with the Expeditionary Force in East Africa. He had done excellent service, and had been recommended for the Military Medal. Sergt. O’Meara was born here, and was twenty-seven years of age. He was well-known in local athletic circles, and a member of the J. B. A. A. [James Bay Athletic Association]. Before going overseas he was employed in the City Engineer’s Department. There is another brother overseas, Lieut. A. V. O’Meara, who went overseas in the Mechanical Transport service in 1914, and later transferred to the Flying Corps, where he holds a commission.” Thomas Roger O’Meara died on November 21, 1918 and is buried at the Nakura North Cemetery in Kenya. He is commemorated on the Saanich WW1 Honour Roll.  Information submitted by R. Gamble.   1911 Census [PDF - 683 KB] | Canadian Virtual War Memorial | Commonwealth War Graves | Canadian Great War Project

Osborne, Charles Henry

Killed in Action 27 Sept 1918. Service number: 2138006. Charles Henry Osborne, born in Victoria in 1896, was the son of Annie M. Osborne and the late George Osborne of Burnside Road in Saanich. He drove a grocery wagon for Burnside Grocery and other firms before he was recruited in January of 1918. He served with the Canadian Infantry (British Columbia Regiment), 72nd Bn., and was only on the front lines for 6 weeks before he was killed in action on September 27, 1918. He is buried in the Quarry Wood Cemetery, Pas de Calais, France. Information submitted by: J. Clements.  Attestation Papers | Canadian Virtual War Memorial | Canadian War Graves Commission

O'Shea, Benjamin (Private)

see Watkins, Andrew Sharpe (Private)

Ostler, Leonard Charles (Private)

Regimental number: 706186. Leonard Charles Ostler was born on November 14, 1882, in London, England, to Charles Henry Ostler and Cornelia Copperwheat. Leonard immigrated to Canada in 1902. He married Jane Windsor Morry on June 25, 1913, and they lived at 121 South Turner Street in Victoria, British Columbia. Prior to the war, they had two children: Thelma Jean and William “Billie” Leonard. Leonard worked as a painter and paper hanger. He previously served for five years with the Canadian Garrison Artillery. Leonard enlisted in the Canadian Expeditionary Force on December 11, 1915, in Victoria, B.C. He was attached to the 103^rd Battalion. However, Leonard never saw service in mainland Europe, remaining in England during the war. He was discharged on October 31, 1918, in Vancouver, B.C, due to medical unfitness following irritation of an ankle fracture from 1902 and a diagnosis of chronic bronchitis. After the war, Leonard and his wife had five more children: Mona Mary, Joyce Olive, Robert Victor, and twins John Herbert and James Gordon. Leonard was one of the soldiers who took advantage of the Saanich Soldiers Housing Scheme. He lived at 3543 (now 3339) Doncaster Drive. His home was part of the first phase of the program (14 houses), headed by architect Major Karl Branwhite Spurgin.. He passed away on October 6, 1969, in Victoria, and is buried at the Royal Oak Burial Park Cemetery. Information submitted by: L. Masson. | Service Record

Owens, Norman Allen (Private)

Service Number:  463155   Norman Allen Owens was born July 25,1887 in Toronto, Ontario to newly immigrated Welsh/Irish parents James Kennedy Owens and Anna Lightbody Owens. By 1901 the family had moved to Victoria. Norman was a 28-year-old single man when he enlisted with the 62nd Battalion in Vernon, BC.  His attestation papers describe him as a slight man of medium height, with fair hair and blue eyes, who had been working as a plasterer in Victoria. He lived in the Maywood area of Saanich on Tennyson Avenue where an industrial building now stands. Norman’s older brother Robert was already serving as a BC Provincial Police officer when he signed up to be a gunner a year after his younger brother. Private Norman Owens sailed to England from Montreal on October 1, 1915 aboard the SS Scandinavian. While still in England in December 1915, he was diagnosed with influenza and spent a week and a half at the Shorncliffe Military Hospital in Kent, England. Only two months before Private Owens’ hospital stay, Shorncliffe Camp suffered a German Zeppelin attack, and 15 Canadians were killed. The only other known injuries or illnesses Private Owens suffered were an elbow fracture in November 1915 and a bout of tonsillitis in 1917. In March of 1916 he embarked for France and was stationed there for most of his time overseas with the 3rd Pioneer Battalion. From 1917 to the end of the war, Private Owens was involved in constructing and repairing railways to transport equipment, supplies, troops and rations for the war effort. He was awarded the Good Conduct badge as he had never been subjected to formal discipline during his service and was finally discharged in the spring of 1919. Not much is known about Norman’s life after his time in the army. He never married as no spouse was listed on his obituary or death registration. It would appear he was a member of the Provincial Conservatives as he attended a convention in Vancouver in September of 1919 (Daily Colonist, 27 Sept 1919, p. 5.) Norman’s father had died two years before the war broke out. His mother died a year after Private Owens returned home. He predeceased a sister who lived in Tacoma, WA with her husband. In 1946, Norman died of heart failure in Vancouver General Hospital at age 59. At the time of his death, he was living at 955 West 14^th Avenue in Vancouver, and it appears he survived on a disabled veteran’s pension. He is buried in Mountain View Cemetery in Vancouver. Private Norman Allen Owens is commemorated on the Saanich WW1 Honour Roll. Information submitted by Saanich Archives volunteer.| Service record

Owens, Robert (Gunner)

Service number 332880   Robert Owens was born February 18, 1885, in Bangor, County Down, Ireland. His parents were James Kennedy Owens and Anna Lightbody Owens. By 1901 the family had moved to Victoria. James Owens died in 1912, so Robert’s mother is listed as his next-of-kin on his attestation papers. At the time of his enlistment in May 1916, Robert was serving as a Provincial Police officer. Robert’s younger brother Norman had enlisted the previous year. Robert arrived in England in September of 1916 aboard the SS Cameronia and was attached to the 15^th O/S Brigade Canadian Field Artillery. He was sent to Witley Training camp in Surrey, England in October of that year. This camp, with its rolling hills and sandy soil, provided an ideal landscape for artillery training. Robert was promoted to Acting Corporal February 5, 1917, then on November 18, 1917, he was made an Acting Sergeant Chief of Military Personnel. In the spring of 1918, he became a Senior Officer Shooter of the 5^th Division. Robert was taken to the Brook War Hospital in Woolwich, England when he developed appendicitis in January of 1919, then was sent to the Woodcote Park Convalescent Hospital to recover. In March of 1919, he was sent back to Canada, and was formally discharged from military duty on April 12, 1919. Robert finished the war as Gunner Owens, 15^th Brigade Ammunition Column, Canadian Field Artillery (Army). In 1920, Robert married a widow named Margaret Grace Costin (nee Calvert). The 1921 census shows the couple living at 3321 Tennyson Avenue in Saanich with their nephew Harold Calvert, and Robert was once again a police officer with the Provincial Police. At the time of his death on June 24, 1959, at age 74, he was a retired police inspector living at 712 Yates Street in Victoria. He is buried at Ross Bay Cemetery in Victoria. Gunner Robert Owens is commemorated on the Saanich WW1 Honour Roll. Information submitted by B. Charlebois. | Service record

Paine, Frederick William (Sapper)

Killed in Action 8 November 1917. Service Number: 540408. Frederick William Paine (known as Fred) was the second child (of ten) of Frederick Arthur Jonas Paine and Henrietta Paine (nee McGee). He was born at Victoria, BC on 10 June 1896. Fred had nine siblings -- two sisters and seven brothers. The girls were Henrietta Eleanor and Margaret Mary; the boys were George Henry, John Edward Joseph, James Arthur, Thomas David, William Hall, Matthew Patrick and Daniel Francis. (John Edward and James Arthur also served in the First World War). The only photo available of Fred (see link below) is one taken at the entrance of his father's store ("Fred Paine's" General Store at 39 Ontario Street in James Bay, Victoria). It appears to have been taken when Fred was seventeen or eighteen years old. His parents are standing in the doorway and Fred is standing to the right of his father. Fred enlisted in the army on the 3rd of September, 1915 at the age of 19. He was Killed in Action on the 8th of November, 1917 in the 3rd Battle of Ypres at Passchendaele -- two days before the end of the battle. After the war, the family moved to Belgrave Road in Saanich. Frederick William Paine is commemorated on the Ypres (Menin Gate) Memorial. Information submitted by: Anthony (Tony) Southwell, son of Henrietta Southwell (nee Paine), one of Fred Paine's two sisters.  Attestation Papers | Commonwealth War Graves Commission | Canadian Virtual War Memorial | Photo (BC Archives) | Medal

Paine, James Arthur

Regimental number: 317766/35841. James Arthur Paine was born on March 3, 1899, in Victoria, British Columbia (B.C.). His parents were named Frederick Arthur Jonah (sometimes spelled Jonas) and Henrietta McGee. He had nine siblings: George Henry, Frederick William, John Edward Joseph, Thomas David, William Hall, Matthew Patrick, Daniel Francis, Henrietta Eleanor, and Margaret Mary. He enlisted in the British army on January 11, 1917, and was first attached to the Inland Water Transport Royal Engineers (317766) with a rank of sapper. Later, on October 5, 1918, he was transferred to the Royal East Kent Regiment (35841) also known as the Buffs with a rank of private. His brothers, Frederick William and John Edward served with the Canadian Expeditionary Force while his brother George Henry served with the Australian Imperial Forces (service number 1806). James was discharged on March 9, 1919. After his discharge, James returned to Victoria, B.C. where he worked as a driver (car) and lived with his parents at 2525 Bridge Street. On the 1921 Canada Census James is living with his parents and some of his siblings at 39 Ontario St. Victoria, B.C. He married Delina Zarelli on December 4, 1926 in Victoria, B.C. They had one child, Rosemary. In the 1930 Wrigley’s British Columbia Directory, James’ occupation was listed as a chauffeur for Pall Mall Taxi and his residence was 1154 Johnson St. Victoria, B.C. In the 1949 Victoria City Directory, James’ occupation was listed as foreman for Paine and Townsend, a general contracting company in which his brother, Matthew Patrick, was a partner. On July 1, 1955 a partnership between James and John William Rose was formed. This partnership consisted of a demolition and building firm called Paine & Rose. James sold his part of the company to John on July 1, 1959. James died on May 5, 1969 and at that time he and Delina were living at 1154 Johnson St. Victoria, B.C. Delina died on February 25, 1985 in Victoria, B.C. James and Delina are buried at Hatley Memorial Gardens in Colwood, B.C. Information submitted by L. Masson. 

Paine, John Edward Joseph (Private)

Service number: 180514. John Edward Joseph Paine was born on December 14, 1897, in Victoria, British Columbia (B.C.). His parents were Frederick Arthur Jonah (sometimes spelled Jonas) and Henrietta McGee. He had nine siblings: George Henry, Frederick William, James Arthur, Thomas David, William Hall, Matthew Patrick, Daniel Francis, Henrietta Eleanor, and Margaret Mary. John lived at 39 Ontario Street in Victoria and worked as a teamster. He enlisted in the Canadian Expeditionary Force (C.E.F.) on November 23, 1915, in Victoria. He was attached to the 88th Battalion before being transferred to the No. 11 Special Service Company. In October 1916, John was hospitalized after being struck in the left shoulder by a bullet while carrying bombs to the front line during the Battle of Somme. He was discharged on December 31, 1917, due to medical unfitness. His brother, Frederick William Paine (service number: 540408), served with the C.E.F. during WWI and was killed in action on November 8, 1917. His brother, James Arthur Paine (service numbers: 317766 and 35841) served with the British Army while his brother George Henry Paine (service number: 1806) served with the Australian Imperial Forces. John married Hilda May Thorne (sometimes spelled Thorn) on January 6, 1919, at Bishop’s Residence in Victoria. Their only child, Frederick Richard, was born on October 17, 1919. On the 1921 Canada Census, it was recorded that the family was living at 39 Ontario St., Victoria with John’s name recorded as Jack. On the 1931 Canada Census, John was a lodger at 568 ½ Yates Street, Victoria and his occupation was a stock salesman at a brokerage house. John died on March 23, 1935, in Victoria from acute peritonitis and it was indicated that this was the result of his service. He is buried at Ross Bay Cemetery in Victoria. Hilda died on May 17, 1978, in Ottawa, Ontario and is buried at Pinecrest Cemetery in Ottawa. John Edward Joseph Paine is commemorated in the Saanich Remembers World War One project. Information submitted by L. Masson. Attestation Papers | Colonist 15 Oct 1916 (p. 10) | Colonist 24 Mar 1935

Parkinson, Frederick (Private)

Service Number: 478877.  Frederick Parkinson was born April 22, 1897, in Salisbury, Wiltshire, England to parents Samuel and Lillian Parkinson. The family came to Canada in 1903 and moved to Victoria, British Columbia in 1906. The 1911 census shows Frederick living in Saanich with his parents and his brother Thomas. Prior to enlisting in the CEF, Frederick Parkinson had served with the Royal Canadian Regiment (Permanent Force). Frederick enlisted for WW1 service February 8, 1916, at Work Point Barracks in Esquimalt, BC.  He was first attached to the 6^th Infantry Stationary RCR Reinforcements, then in March he was transferred to HQ RCR. Frederick was a bugler, like his future brothers-in-law Alexander Coles and Stanley James Coles. Frederick sailed for England on the SS Olympic April 1, 1916. On August 28, 1916, Frederick landed in France with the RCR Canadian Battalion and left for the field with the 3^rd Entrenching Battalion. Frederick was wounded in the left thigh on October 9, 1916. He spent 3 days in hospital in Boulogne, after which he was moved to England, and was finally discharged from Shorncliffe at the end of November 1916. He was then attached to the Canadian Army Service Corps at Hastings and transferred several times more back and forth between Hastings, Bramshott and London, while serving with various units including the Nova Scotia Regiment Depot, the 26^th Reserve Battalion, the 2^nd Canadian Corps Depot and the 17^th Canadian Reserve Battalion. In March 1918, he landed in France again with the 17^th Reserve Battalion, then was transferred on April 11, 1918 to the Lord Strathcona Horse. On June 30, 1918 Frederick was diagnosed with influenza, spent time recovering in hospital in France, and was finally released back to the 26^th Reserve Company LSH on August 23, 1918. Frederick was awarded the War Service Badge, Class “A” number 166392.  In April 1919, Frederick returned to England and the following month he sailed for Canada. He was discharged at Dispersal Station Number 10 in Winnipeg on June 2, 1919. In 1920, Frederick married Alice Victoria Coles. On their marriage license both Frederick and Alice list their age as 21. The 1921 directory shows Frederick residing on the north side of McKenzie Avenue in Saanich. The couple subsequently lived at several different addresses in Saanich: 145 Battleford, Carey near Ralph, Rowland, 3833 Lancaster (from 1929 to 1941), and 205 Burnside (from 1941 to 1946). Frederick and Alice had one son, Donald, born February 28, 1925. Frederick, who was a mechanic by trade, worked at the Gorge Garage until 1924. He then worked as a bus driver for the Gorge Motor Bus Company for two years before becoming a driver for the Saanich Municipality in 1926. In 1930 Frederick started working for the Saanich Fire Department and became Fire Chief in 1939. In 1941 Frederick worked as a mechanic again for Jameson Motors. 1946 is the last year that Frederick, Alice and their son Donald all lived at 205 Burnside. In 1947 only Alice and Donald lived at 205 Burnside, while Frederick lived at 944 Arundel. Donald moved out a year later when, in 1948 he married Mavis Isabel Smith. In 1955 Alice lived at 3316 Tennyson Avenue, and Frederick lived at 2355 Marine Drive. Frederick was employed by T. Plimley Motors at that time. Frederick worked as a mechanic until retirement. At the time of his death in 1980, he had been living at 10389 Resthaven Drive in Sidney BC. Private Frederick Parkinson is commemorated on the Saanich WW1 Honour Roll. Information submitted by M. Morgenthaler. | Service record | Photo 1938 | Photo 1939

Patterson, John McAskill (Private)

Regimental number 102295.   According to his attestation papers, John McAskill Patterson was born on September 4, 1875, in Inverness-shire, Scotland. However, UK census records indicate that he was born October 10, 1862. At the time of enlistment, he was married to Kate (Catherine) Patterson, and they lived in the Keating area of Saanich. The couple is listed on the 1911 census for that area, but the family name is spelled Paterson. Patterson was employed as a farmer and had previously served 15 years in the Royal Naval Reserve of the United Kingdom. On September 2, 1915, he joined the Canadian Expeditionary Force in Victoria, British Columbia. Patterson served with the 51^st and 67^th Battalions and was later employed as an orderly for the Maple Leaf Club in London, Hackney, and Shoreham. Maple Leaf Clubs were social clubs established to provide accommodation and wholesome activities for Canadian soldiers on leave in England. As well, he was attached to an Assistant Provost Marshal. Patterson received an early discharge on August 7th, 1917, after suffering from bronchitis and ageing out of active service. John McAskill Patterson died March 16, 1934, in Vancouver BC, and is buried in Mountain View Cemetery in Vancouver. Private Patterson is commemorated on the Saanich WW1 Honour Roll. Information submitted by L. Masson. | Service record

Patterson, Samuel

Service Number: 2198352. Samuel Patterson was born 29 August 1880 in Dubreen, Tyrone, Ireland to Joseph and Annie (nee Blaney) Patterson. He had 14 brothers and sisters, and 4 step-brothers and sisters. He came to Canada from Belfast, Ireland in 1901 with his family. As a young man Samuel worked in the north on a working boat around the Vancouver Island coast. He also worked as a milkman and as a construction worker on the Empress Hotel project before joining the “Saanich Municipal Force” in 1908. He married Sidney (Sadie) McCormick in Victoria, British Columbia, Canada in 1917, and they lived in Saanich for the rest of their lives. He served on the “Saanich Municipal Force” continuously from 1908 to his retirement in 1946. Samuel enlisted in WWI CEF forces in February 1917 and was assigned to the Forestry Battalion. He was a member of LOL, No 1597, Saanich; Mount Newton Lodge, AF & AM, No 89, BCR., and the Saanich Pioneer Society, and was a resident of Saanich for 70 years. Samuel Patterson died on 8 November 1970 at his home at 306 Davida Street at the age of 89. He was survived by 4 sons (Alexander, Samuel, George, and Richard); daughter Mrs. Matilda (Tilly) Little of Portland, Oregon, USA; 14 grandchildren, 6 great grandchildren, and sister Mrs. Isabella Kyle of London, Ontario. He is buried with his wife Sadie in a family plot along with several of his relatives in Shady Creek Cemetery on East Saanich Road. Information submitted by S. Gill.  Attestation Papers | Other Sources: FamilySearch.org; Saanich Archives vertical files.

Pearce, Leonard George Mackie (Private)

Service Number: 826081.   Leonard George Mackie Pearce was born in London, England on 16 June 1876. He came to Canada in 1898 and by 1914 was living on Regina Avenue in Saanich with his wife Isabella (nee Johnston) and their two daughters. Prior to enlisting, Leonard was employed as a farmer. Leonard enlisted 19 February 1916 with the 143^rd Battalion. The 143^rd (B.C. Bantams) Battalion was a unit based in Victoria, organized to recruit men who were shorter than the standard 5 foot 4 inch height requirement of that time. The Battalion had barracks at Beacon Hill Park and trained for the months of July through October 1916 at Sidney Camp. Leonard landed in England on 27 February 1917, and was assigned to the 2^nd Canadian Railway Troops serving in France and Belgium. He was discharged in March 1919 and was awarded the War Service Badge Class “A” and a Good Conduct Badge. He returned to Victoria and lived briefly at 1130 Oliver Street in Oak Bay. In 1920, he and Isabella had another daughter, named Nancy. In 1921 he was an employee at Cameron Lumber. The family moved to Merville in the Comox Valley around 1922 where Leonard farmed until 1939. He died on April 20, 1949, and is buried in the Courtenay Civic Cemetery. He is commemorated on the Saanich WWI honour roll.   Service Record

Peirce (Pierce), Earle Allan

Service Number: 180116.   Earle Allan Peirce was born 25 August 1896 in Winnipeg, Manitoba to William Edouard Peirce and Lilly Cooke.His parents were originally from England; his father immigrated to Canada in 1888 and his Mother in 1894.They lived in Alberta for a time and moved to Victoria sometime between 1901 and 1911. Earle Peirce had two brothers, Wallace and Frank, and two sisters, Hazel and Phyllis. He lived at Lake Hill, Saanich where he worked as a sign writer like his father. Peirce enlisted on 10 December 1915 with the 2nd Canadian Pioneers having previously served for five and a half months as part of the 88th Regiment of the Victoria Fusiliers.He served at the Battle of the Somme as a stretcher bearer. On 30 September 1916, he was bringing out wounded men when a shell exploded near him, burying him in debris. On 11 April 1917, Piece returned to Canada on the hospital ship the HMHS Letitia and spent several months at Resthaven Convalescent Home. Peirce married Elsie Phyllis Hetherington, a cosmetician, on the 3^rd of June 1928. A description of their garden wedding can be found in the Victoria Times. It notes the attire of the guests, that the three-tiered cake was surmounted with a sugar elephant, and that the couple honeymooned in Seattle. It appears that he returned to his previous profession after the war, as noted by his occupation listed as Showcard Writer on his marriage certificate. Earle Allan Peirce passed away on 17 May 1972 in Nanaimo. He is commemorated on the Saanich WWI Honour Roll, although his name is misspelled as Pierce.   Service Record  | Daily Colonist 1 Nov 1916, p.5

Pemberton, Joseph Wilson (Private)

Service Number: 524681. Joseph Wilson Pemberton was born in Schenectady, New York, to Robert and Elizabeth Pemberton on September 6, 1890. He signed his Attestation Papers on February 14, 1916; at the time, he reported that he was living in Victoria, unmarried, and working as a carpenter. He listed his mother, Elizabeth Pemberton, who lived in Altrichan, Cheshire, England, as his next-of-kin. Attestation Papers describe him as 5’8”, with a dark complexion, brown eyes and black hair. He married Doris Pemberton (nee Mcdowell) in 1919 in Chorlton, Lancashire, England (England and Wales Marriage Registration Index, 1837-2005). At the time, Joseph was 28 and Doris was 22. Joseph was discharged on April 18, 1919. According to the Discharge Certificate, he left service with a scar above his right eyebrow and an amputated index finger on his right hand. Census data shows Joseph and Doris moved to Albany, California, where they had two daughters, Joan and Barbara. Joseph died on October 6, 1972 at the age of 82. Doris died over a decade later, on June 5, 1988, at the age of 91. They are buried in Sierra Hills Memorial Park in Sacramento, Sacramento County, California, USA. Joseph is commemorated on the Saanich WWI Honour Roll. Information submitted by: D. Lockyer.  Attestation Papers | Grave

Petch, Arthur (Corporal)

Service Number: 430579. Arthur Petch was born in Conway, Wales on December 18, 1891. At the time of his enlistment (March 18, 1915) he listed his profession as a plumber. Arthur first served as a private, with the 48th Battalion, CEF and advanced to lance corporal and corporal. In late 1916 Arthur (then a platoon sergeant) was awarded a medal for gallantry in action. After gaining a commission he was attached to the Canadian Engineers until the end of the war. Arthur returned to the Victoria area and married Ozella Thompson on September 24, 1919 at Sluggett Memorial Baptist Church. Arthur Petch died July 28, 1975 at the age of 83 in Vancouver, BC. He is commemorated on the Saanich WWI Honour Roll. Information submitted by: K. Charlebois. Attestation Papers | Daily Colonist 20 Aug 1916, p.19

Petch, Frances Ernest (Sergeant)

Service Number: 703375. Frances Ernest Petch was born in Conway, Wales on December 18, 1889. Prior to enlisting (on January 21, 1916) and serving with 102nd Battalion, Ernest worked as a clerk at the Victoria Post Office. He was a talented singer and entertained troops as a performer with the Maple Leaf Concert Party. In the summer of 1920, Ernest decided to leave Victoria to continue his musical career in Toronto. On August 29, 1929 Ernest married Florence Eva Payne. The couple lived in Vancouver and Ernest managed the Windsor Theatre. F. Ernest Petch is commemorated on the Saanich WWI Honour Roll. Information submitted by: K. Charlebois.  Attestation Papers | Library and Archives Canada (see photos of Maple Leaf Concert Party) | Daily Colonist 20 Aug 1916, p.19

Petch, George Meredith (Private)

Service Number: 463587. George Meredith Petch was born on April 22, 1893 in Conway, Wales. He listed his profession as farmer when he signed his attestation papers (July 21, 1915). He was 22 years old. Prior to enlisting to fight in Europe, George served with the 88th Battalion (Victoria Fusiliers). After the war George returned to the Greater Victoria area and married Muriel Maye Bartholomew on June 4, 1928. He worked as a salesman and clerk. Muriel died in August 1975 and George lived another 8 years until his death at 89 on January 18, 1983. George Meredith Petch is commemorated on the Saanich WWI Honour Roll. Information submitted by: K. Charlebois.  Attestation Papers | Daily Colonist 20 Aug 1916, p.19

Petch, Robert Alfred (Private)

Service Number: 103417. Robert Alfred Petch was born in Derbyshire England on March 22, 1883. Prior to the First Word War, Robert was a clerk and he farmed in Saanichton. Robert married Margaret Edith Harold on June 23, 1908 in Vancouver, BC and they had one child. Robert enlisted on February 29, 1916 and served with the 67th Battalion of the Canadian Infantry. He may have been a prisoner of war, but this has not been confirmed. Robert and Margaret divorced and he remarried Lila Howard in September 1928. Robert died in August 1941 in Vancouver, BC at the age of 58. Robert Alfred Petch is commemorated on the Saanich WWI Honour Roll. Information submitted by: K. Charlebois.  Attestation Papers | Daily Colonist 20 Aug 1916, p.19

Petch, Sidney [Sydney] (Staff Sergeant)

Service Number: 77059. Sydney Petch (spelled “Sidney” on the Saanich WWI Honour Roll) was born on February 27, 1888 in Conway, Wales. Prior to enlisting to fight in Europe he worked as a cement finisher and served with the 88th Battalion (Victoria Fusiliers). Sydney was 26 years old when he signed his CEF attestation papers on November 7, 1914. He may have been a prisoner of war, but this has not yet been confirmed. Sydney survived the First World War and married Lillian Maud Simons. Sydney Petch died on June 25, 1951 in Victoria, BC at age 63. He is commemorated on the Saanich WWI Honour Roll. Information submitted by: K. Charlebois.  Attestation Papers | Daily Colonist 20 Aug 1916, p.19

Peter, Kenneth William (Private)

Killed in Action August 9, 1918. Service Number: 706874. Kenneth William Peter was one of four children to William Hind Peter and Ervilla Sarah Runyan, born on October 9, 1897. Kenneth was working as a plumber when he joined the 50^th Regiment, The Gordon Highlanders of Canada in February 1915. On February 1, 1916, Kenneth enlisted in the Canadian Expeditionary Force and was assigned to the 103^rd Battalion. His rank was Private. The Battalion sailed on July 23, 1916, from Halifax aboard the SS Olympic, arriving in England on July 31, 1916. Kenneth trained at Bramshott Camp, one of the largest training areas for Canadian soldiers in England. On 5 October 1916, as part of a reinforcement draft, Kenneth was assigned to “C’ Company of the 29^th (Vancouver) Battalion, 6^th Infantry Brigade, 2^nd Canadian Division, arriving in France on October 6, 1916 where the 29th Battalion was involved in the Battle of Ancre Heights. On November 24, 1916, Kenneth sprained his knee when going to the frontline. It was dark and he slipped while crossing an old trench. He was admitted to the #5 Field Ambulance until November 26, when he went back to his unit. The 29^th was involved in the preparations and the Battle of Vimy Ridge in April 1917 as well as the action at La Coulette and Arleux. In May 1917, it saw action at the Third Battle of the Scarpe. The Battalion fought the Second Battle of Passchendaele in October and November 1917 and the Battle of Cambrai in November to the beginning of December 1917. Kenneth was granted leave on December 15, 1917, and went to England for two weeks. In March 1918 the Battalion fought in the First Battle of Arras. Kenneth was awarded a good conduct badge on July 13, 1918. Canadian and Allied troops won a major victory against Germany at the Battle of Amiens between the 8^th and 11^th of August 1918. Amiens was the first in a string of offensive successes, known as the Hundred Days Offensive that led to the end of the First World War. Although it was successful, it came at a heavy cost of 11,800 Canadian casualties, including Kenneth. On August 9, 1918, Kenneth was killed in action when the 29^th Battalion was at Tronville Wood. According to his will, Kenneth left his property and effects to his sister Daisy. His medals and decorations were also sent to Daisy. His Father was sent his plaque and scroll and his Mother received the memorial cross. Kenneth was interred in Rosieres Communal Cemetery Extension in the commune of Rosieres-en-Santerre. The inscription his family chose for his tombstone: HE GAVE HIS LIFE FOR HIS FRIENDS. Kenneth William Peter is honoured on the Saanich Honour Roll. | Service Record

Peterson, John Alexander Stewart (Lance Corporal)

Service no. 180119.   John Alexander Stewart Peterson was born in Battleford, Saskatchewan on November 23rd of 1894. The son of William Peterson, John and his family resided on the Saanich Peninsula. He gave Turgoose P.O. (Saanichton) as his mailing address at the time of his enlistment in the Canadian Expeditionary Force in December of 1915. At the time of enlistment, John worked as a farmer and was a member of the Church of England. He joined the 88th Battalion Victoria Fusiliers, serving in England and France. Throughout the war, John seemed to have been graced by good fortune, as his name only appeared in the medical records due to an ear infection. He would go on to achieve the rank of Lance Corporal in July of 1918, 4 months before the end of the war. No information regarding his life after the war could be found. John Alexander Stewart Peterson is commemorated on the Saanich WW1 Honour Roll.  Information submitted by H. Cloete.  Service record

Peterson, William Rowland (Private)

Service no. 181178.   William Rowland Peterson was born September 23, 1895, in Battleford, Saskatchewan, to parents William and Mary Peterson. On April 17, 1916, he enlisted in the Canadian Expeditionary Force in Victoria BC, giving his address as Turgoose Post Office (now Saanichton BC) and his occupation as chauffeur. He was assigned to the 88th Battalion Victoria Fusiliers, then served with the 25^th Battalion, and in France with the 4^th Canadian Pioneer Battalion, earning a Good Conduct Badge. After being discharged in June of 1919, Peterson relocated to Nanaimo BC. He married Eileen Lowther in 1926 and they had one child, William B. By April 1, 1935, Peterson lived with his family in Los Angeles, California. He was drafted into the United States Army in 1942 to serve in the Second World War. He died on May 7, 1958, in San Bernardino, California. William Rowland Peterson is commemorated on the Saanich WW1 Honour Roll. Information submitted by L. Masson. | Service record

Phillips, Thomas Arthur

Service Number: 506785. Thomas Arthur Phillips was born on August 4, 1872 in Birmingham, England. At the time of his enlistment in 1916, he was already married to wife Nellie. His address was listed as Tillicum Post Office, and his occupation was miner. City directories indicate that Thomas and Nellie lived at 2815 Inlet Avenue in Saanich after the war. Nellie is later listed as a widow in the 1930s at 2838 Colquitz. A death certificate for Thomas could not be located. Nellie died on March 1, 1945; her son Lawrence signed the death certificate. Information submitted by: J. Clements.  Attestation Papers

Pierce , Earle Allan (Private)

see Peirce, Earle Allan (Private)

Piercy, James Edward (Lieutenant)

James Edward Piercy was born on October 19, 1887 in Hong Kong, China. He and his first wife, Adelaide, were married in St. Luke's Church in Saanich in 1915, and his address at that time was Palo Alto Drive, Mount Tolmie. He listed Maywood P.O. as his address when he signed up for the Canadian Overseas Expeditionary Force in 1917. The 1917 directory lists his residence as Kenneth near Glanford. In the 1921 census, he and Adelaide and their 1-year-old daughter Dorothy were then living in Point Grey, Vancouver. Adelaide died in 1928 at age 39, and James married Catherine Muriel Hellewell in 1933. James Edward Piercy died in Vancouver in 1976 at the age of 88. Information submitted by: J. Clements.  Attestation Papers | Death Certificate

Pinder, Joseph (Private)

Service Number: 707233   Joseph Pinder was born in Clitheroe, Lancashire, England June 14, 1873. He came to Canada in 1916 and worked as a labourer. Joseph enlisted July 11, 1916 and became a member of the 103^rd Battalion. His attestation papers list his address as Garden City BC, which was the Marigold area of Saanich. He sailed out of Halifax on the SS Olympic July 23, 1916, arriving in Liverpool on July 31, 1916. Joseph was transferred to the 16^th Reserve Battalion Unit (Canadian Scottish) on January 9, 1917, at Seaford in East Sussex, England. Seaford was a training camp for soldiers learning how to protect themselves against gas warfare. Although he escaped serious injury, he was hospitalized at Court Farm Warlingham Military Hospital in June of 1917. He was transferred to Epsom Hospital in October of 1917, and then to Canadian Etchinghill Military Hospital, Kent, England until December 14, 1917. Joseph was reassigned to the 1^st Canadian Reserve Battalion in February 1918 for training on the frontline. He was discharged from service on February 4, 1919. His records show that he remained in England for his entire service. After the war, the 1918 Saanich voters list shows Joseph living in the Maywood area of Cook and Quadra Street. By the 1921 census, he was living in the Marigold area of Saanich and continuing to work as a labourer. Joseph remained single and died May 29, 1946 in Vancouver, and he is buried in Ocean View Burial Park in Burnaby BC. Private Joseph Pinder is commemorated on the Saanich WWI Honour Roll. Information submitted by: D. Ewing. | Service record

Pinkerton, Pte. Eldon

Pook, Frederick George (Sergeant)

Service number: 332857   Frederick George Pook was born in Dulverton, England on November 24, 1874. Frederick served in the Second Manchester Regiment of the British Army for 13 years. In 1910 he immigrated to Canada with his wife Mary and his son Fred. In the 1912 Henderson’s Victoria Directory Fred G. Pook is listed as a teamster living at 935 Johnson Street in Victoria.On August 31, 1913, the local newspaper advertised: “For Sale: Twelve young roosters, white leghorns. Pook, Mt. Tolmie P.O.” This indicates that by then the Pook family were established in the Mount Tolmie area. Frederick enlisted in the Canadian Expeditionary Force on May 8, 1916, at the age of 41. His attestation papers give his address as Mount Tolmie, P.O. in Saanich, his occupation is listed as striker (blacksmith’s assistant). He sailed to England on the SS Cameronia, and served in the 62nd Battery, 15th Overseas Brigade, Canadian Field Artillery. In May of 1917, he was admitted to the Canadian Military Hospital, Bramshott, suffering from sciatica. Frederick was eventually discharged as medically unfit and embarked for Canada in November 1917. He subsequently appears on the 1918 Saanich voters list, again at the Mount Tolmie address. After the war Frederick Pook served as a police officer with the city police, and the 1921 census shows George (i.e. Frederick George) age 49, Mary age 51, and young Frederick age 18, all living on Christmas Avenue in Saanich. In 1928, while on bicycle patrol, Constable Pook was hit by a car and taken to hospital but fortunately recovered (Daily Colonist 6 April 1928). Frederick George Pook died in 1949 at the age of 72. Sgt. Pook is commemorated on the Saanich WW1 Honour Roll. Information submitted by D. McCue.  | Service record

Radford, Arnold Daniel (Lieutenant)

Service Number: 1288541.  Arnold Daniel Radford was born April 11, 1875, in Ealing, Middlesex, England to Daniel and Emilie (nee Allen) Radford. Arnold was educated at Sherborne School in Dorset, England from 1888-1894, then at Exeter College in Oxford. He later travelled to Darjeeling, India where he worked on tea plantations. In 1899, Arnold enlisted to serve in the Boer War. Assigned as a Signaller Trooper with Lumden's Horse, he received the Queen's South African medal for bravery. The 1914 city directory shows him living on Pear Street and Mount Tolmie Road in Saanich. On November 26, 1914, Arnold enlisted for in the Canadian Expeditionary Force, where he was attached to 'Elliott's Horse' with the Royal Canadian Dragoons. On January 15th, 1915, Private Radford was “struck off strength” to accept a commission with the Imperial Army where he attained the rank of Lieutenant. He was invalided out of the army in 1916. After the war, Arnold worked as an engineer. The 1921 directory lists him living on Langford Street in Esquimalt. By 1928, he had moved to north of Victoria to the Duncan area and listed his occupation as farming. According to his obituary, he and his wife Mary Violet Ethel (neé Bennett) had a daughter and four sons. Arnold was 61 years old when died January 27, 1937, in Duncan, BC. He is buried at St. Peter's Anglican Church Cemetery in Duncan. Information submitted by D. Ewing. | Service record

Reid, Arthur Jeffrey (Lance Corporal)

Service number: 477765.   Arthur Jeffrey Reid (known as Jeffrey) was born July 15, 1896, to his parents John Stalker Reid and Elizabeth Marie (Roberts) Reid of North Saanich BC. He was their eldest son. Prior to the war, Jeffrey worked as a mechanic on motor vehicles. Jeffrey enlisted in the Canadian Expeditionary Force in Halifax NS on August 23, 1915 and was attached to the Royal Canadian Regiment. On his attestation papers, his next-of-kin is his father, J.S. Reid of Royal Oak in Saanich. He served with the RCR in France, but in June of 1918 he contracted influenza and spent 3 days in hospital. In July of 1918, he was transferred to the Canadian Corps Survey Section. In June of 1919, he was discharged, having attained the rank of Lance Corporal. On May 10, 1932, Jeffrey married a nurse named Bertha “Bunny” Hare at Christ Church Cathedral in Victoria. The couple lived in a home at 1240 Oakmount Avenue in Saanich. Local directories show that by 1946 he was working as a painter for the Sidney Roofing Company, and he continued to work for them until his death. Jeffrey died July 26, 1956, and is buried in Royal Oak Burial Park alongside Bertha, who died in 1962. His obituary mentions that he is survived by one brother and three sisters. Lance Corporal Arthur Jeffrey Reid is commemorated on the Saanich World War 1 Honour Roll, where his rank is listed as Private. Information submitted by L. Masson. | Service record

Reid, John Ellis Watson (Private)

Service number: 2198324.   John Ellis Watson Reid, known as Ellis, was born July 10, 1899, the fourth of John Stalker and Marie Elizabeth (Roberts) Reid’s ten children. The Reid family made their living by farming in the Royal Oak area of Saanich. On January 25, 1917, two years after his older brother Arthur Jeffrey enlisted, eighteen-year-old Ellis signed up in Victoria. Although he did not have his brother’s military experience, his occupation on his attestation papers was the same -- he lists himself as a mechanic of motor vehicles as well as a driver. His father in Royal Oak was listed as Ellis’ immediate next of kin and the person who would receive his war gratuity. Ellis spent this entire service in the Forestry Battalion, only switching between different companies within the Battalion’s scope. He appears to have survived the war without injury or illness, as no mention of either can be found in his record. Just over two years into his service, on February 6, 1919, he was granted permission to wear a Good Conduct Badge, and a few months later, on July 14, Private Reid was demobilized. After the war, Ellis married Ida Louise Embree in Seattle on January 15, 1925, and by 1930 they were living on Ontario Street in Victoria. They had two sons, Stuart Ellis and Bryan Embree. For many years, Ellis worked as a maintenance man and driver for Home Oil Distributors Ltd., though he left that job eight weeks before his death on December 25, 1950 at age 51. At that time, he was living at 3922 Cedar Hill Road in Saanich. John Ellis Watson Reid is buried in Royal Oak Burial Park. Information submitted by Saanich Archives. | Service record

Rice, Arthur William Graham (Sergeant)

Service number: 476558.  Arthur William Graham Rice was born in London, England June 12th, 1897. At the time of his enlistment in August 1915, he was 18 years old, single, and living with his uncle, T.B. Rice. He gave his address as R.M.D. No.1, Royal Oak in Saanich, and his occupation as grocer. Arthur had previous military experience serving in the 5th Regiment Canadian Garrison Artillery. Arthur served in France with the 8^th and 10^th Brigades, Canadian Field Artillery, and was promoted from Gunner to Sergeant during his time overseas. While in service he was hospitalized for influenza and various infections. Arthur married Lillian Smith after being granted permission to marry in March of 1919, and was eventually discharged in August of 1919. Arthur and Lillian had two children, Norman and Margaret. When he died in 1976, Arthur and Lillian were living in Sidney BC, and his death certificate indicates that he had worked much of his life as a mechanic. Lillian died in 1984. Sergeant Arthur William Graham Rice is commemorated on the Saanich WW1 Honour Roll, where his rank is listed as Gunner. Information submitted by D. McCue. | Service record | Death certificate

Rice, Richard Grenville (Sapper)

Service Number: 2005324. Richard Grenville Rice was born on August 10, 1888 in Derby, England to Richard Rice and Constance Hardwick. At the time of his enlistment on December 4, 1916, he and his wife Gladys lived at 2559 Vancouver Street in Victoria. His trade is listed as draughtsman. In the 1920 directory, R.G. Rice is listed as living at 1325 Finlayson in Victoria. At that time he was a draughtsman with the E & N Railway, and later with the BC Department of Public Works. Richard and Karl Branwhite Spurgin were co-architects for the Saanich Memorial Health Centre at 4353 West Saanich Road. Richard also designed the house Oak Crest (3149 Cook Street). He is the Saanich WWI Honour Roll artist. In 1922, he moved to Seattle where he continued his work as an architect. Richard and Gladys had two children: Hilda M. and Richard H. Richard Grenville Rice died in Seattle on June 7, 1941 at the age of 52. He is commemorated on the Saanich WWI Honour Roll. Information submitted by: D. Foster and M. Rice.  Attestation Papers | Times Colonist 9 Sept 2016 | Photo | R.G. Rice fonds (Saanich Archives 2016-031) | Other sources: Book – “This Old House: Volume 3” (Victoria Heritage Foundation) | Saanich Heritage Register 2008

Richardson, Charles Hugh (Private)

Service number: 180524.   Charles Richardson was born 14 September 1890 to Charles Richardson, a grocer, and Susan Patton of 156 Woodstock Road, Belfast, County Down, Ireland. He was the oldest of six children in a Methodist family with siblings William, Herbert, Frederick, Ethel and Alfred following close behind. 1911 census records inform us that his family immigrated to Canada in 1901 and were living at 11 Bellefair Avenue in Toronto. By 1912 Charles was working in real estate and living at 237 Government Street, Victoria BC. From 1914 until he enlisted in 1915, he worked in his father’s grocery store at West Burnside Road and Millgrove Street in Saanich. On 17 November 1915 Charles joined the Canadian Expeditionary Force in Victoria. Although he signed on in 1915, he had time to marry Margaret Campbell on 22 April 1916 before leaving. Following their marriage, they took up residence at 362 Davida Street in the Tillicum area of Saanich. They had one son, Charles A. Richardson. In May of 1916 Charles sailed from Halifax on the SS Olympic. He was assigned to the 88th Battalion as a transport driver, likely supplying troops to the field. Little has been found regarding his military career except that he was shipped to a Supply Depot in France. In January of 1919 he was hospitalized for D.A.H. or “disorderly action of heart”. Charles returned to Canada on the SS Saturna at the age of 29, having served three years. He was officially discharged 16 April 1919. His Service Badge was Class A 173128. After the war, Charles applied for US citizenship in 1925 at the age of 35 years. In Seattle he owned and operated a furniture store, Richardson Furniture Mart. He died on 27 January 1971 in Seattle, Washington. Private Charles Hugh Richardson is commemorated on the Saanich WW1 Honour Roll. Information submitted by N. Nash. | Service record

Richardson, Edward Sydney (Private)

Service Number: 50654.   Edward Sydney (sometimes spelled Sidney) Richardson, also known as Ned, was born in Keating on September 22, 1891 or 1892 to William “Bill” and Mary “Polly” Ann (nee Rabey) Richardson. His father was an early settler on the Saanich Peninsula, having arrived in Victoria in 1863; Bill was fifteen years old when he jumped ship, the Helvetia, in Victoria. After working on Peninsula farms for a number of years, William Richardson built a house at 6760 Central Saanich Road, ca. 1887. According to the listing in the Central Saanich Heritage Inventory book (1987), it was one of the earliest houses in the area and at one time, the corner was known as “Richardson’s Corner”. William and Mary had many children; between 12 and 14 depending on the source. When he enlisted in June 1915 in Vernon, 23-year-old Edward was not married and was working as a teamster. His mother was listed as next-of-kin. He served in England with the Canadian Army Medical Corps. Although he was hospitalized with flu while overseas, he recovered and returned to duty. During the war he used a baseball catcher's mitt during recreation time, and it came home with him to Keating. The baseball mitt is now held by the Saanich Pioneer Society. On July 14, 1919, he was discharged by reason of demobilization in Vancouver, British Columbia. He married Belgian Feuillenne Marguerite Hanneusse (sometimes spelled Hanneuse) on January 29, 1934 in Victoria. The Hanneusse family lived near Tanner Road and Keating Cross Road. Edward and Feuillenne had three children: William Joseph, Lois Marguerite, and Patrick Edward. Edward was a farmer who lived his entire life in the Keating area. His death certificate lists his career as labourer. He died on January 16, 1954, at the age of 62 and is buried at St. Stephen’s churchyard in Saanichton. He was survived by his wife, who died in January 1989. Edward Sydney Richardson is commemorated on the Saanich WWI Honour Roll. Information submitted by: Saanich Pioneer Society. | Service record

Richardson, John Henry (Corporal)

Service number: 28788.   John Henry Richardson was born February 12, 1877, in Cowichan, British Columbia, to parents William Richardson and Mary Ann Raby. His father, William (1846), was born in Penzance, Cornwall, UK. His mother, Mary Ann (1857), was born in Victoria, BC. John Henry had five brothers and eight sisters. His parents had moved to Cowichan in 1873, but in 1889 the family moved back to Saanich where they were considered one of the Saanich/Keating area’s pioneers. Beginning around 1899, John was employed as a nurse at the Jubilee Hospital for nine years, followed by six years in charge of the attached Isolation Hospital. John was 37 and single when he enlisted on August 15, 1914, with the 50^th Regiment (Gordon Highlanders of Canada), a unit which was based in Victoria. Soldiers from the regiment were drawn for the 16th (Canadian Scottish) Battalion CEF. This also happened to John. He travelled to Valcartier, Quebec where he signed his attestation papers on September 23, 1914. He then sailed from Quebec on in October 1914 on the SS Andania, to serve in France and Belgium with the 16^th Battalion Canadian Infantry. John Richardson was wounded on April 25, 1915, during the battle at Ypres. After initial treatment in the field, he was transported to Fort Pitt Military Hospital in Chatham, England, where he spent 62 days recovering. After his return from leave, John served with several Reserve Battalions, and was promoted to Corporal on September 3, 1915. In August 1916, he transferred to the Canadian Army Medical Corps (CAMC), where he served for the rest of the war and for 10 months after the Armistice. John left for Salonika to join the CAMC’s No.5 Canadian General Hospital (CGH) In October 1916. While in Salonika, John had an infection in his hand which took a few days to clear. He stayed in Salonika until September 1917, after which he relocated to Liverpool, England, with the No. 5 CGH until August 1919. The No.5 hospital was the last Canadian Hospital in England to be vacated. John was granted 3 badges: A Class “A” War Service Badge (number 304588), a Good Conduct Badge, and a Class “C” Badge for Honourable Service. John arrived back in Canada and was discharged in Vancouver in September 1919. After returning to Canada, John worked as a nurse at the Shaughnessy Hospital in Vancouver. When he fell ill in 1933, he moved back to Vancouver Island to recover at the hospital in Duncan, BC. He then worked at that hospital from March 1935 until October 1937. He died October 2, 1937, in Duncan.  Corporal John Henry Richardson is commemorated on the Saanich Honour Roll. Information submitted by M. Morgenthaler. | Service record

Riddell, James Davidson

Service Number: 102280. James Davidson Riddell, son of John Riddell, was born in Scotland on September 3, 1896. He worked as a chauffeur before enlisting with the CEF in 1915. He died in Saanich on November 25, 1971 at age 74. Information submitted by: Julie Clements.  Attestation Papers

Riddell, Walter (Private)

Service Number: 532658. Walter Riddle was born on May 4, 1889, in Winnipeg, Manitoba. He was the son of John Riddle and Phoebe Barratt (sometimes spelled Barrett). Walter had four siblings: George William, John James, Percival (Percy), and Archibald. John and Phoebe and their two older children arrived in Canada from England on July 13, 1884. The other children were born in Winnipeg, where the family lived until at least 1901. By 1911, Walter lived in Victoria, British Columbia (B.C.) with his brothers George and Percy along with George’s wife, Mary Jane. Walter married Kathleen Julia Norris on March 16, 1914, in Victoria. Kathleen and Walter had one child, a son named Miles Walter, who was born in 1915. Walter enlisted in the Canadian Expeditionary Force in Victoria, on April 15, 1916. At the time of enlistment, he lived on Seymour Avenue, Maywood, PO with his family and worked as a nurseryman. Walter was attached to the 13th Field Ambulance of the Canadian Army Medical Corps, serving in Canada, England, and France. Due to demobilization, he was discharged in Victoria on August 6, 1919. During WWI, his brothers, Percy Riddle (service number: 2139499) and Archibald Riddle (service number: 2139540), also served with the C.E.F. while his brother, George Riddle (service number: MB 1502), served with the British Navy. Walter and Kathleen divorced. Kathleen remarried, marrying John Robert Holland. In 1921, Walter lived with his parents and two younger brothers at 35 Obed Ave, Saanich, B.C. Walter remarried, marrying Annie Hilda Purdey on July 30, 1924, in Victoria. Walter and Annie had at least one child, a son named Robert William, who was born in 1925. Throughout his life on various documents, Walter listed his occupation as a nurseryman. In 1931, Walter and his family lived with Annie’s father at 2720 Cedar Hill Rd in the Oaklands area of Saanich and Miles lived with his mother and step-father in Nelson, B.C. Walter died February 13, 1958, and Annie died September 26, 1972, both in Victoria. They are buried in Royal Oak Burial Park Cemetery, Saanich. Walter Riddle is commemorated on the Saanich WWI Honour Roll as Riddell. Information submitted by: L. Masson.

Ridgley, Percy Edwin (Corporal)

Service Number: 430559. Percy Edwin Ridgley was born 14 December 1889 in Bolton, Lancashire, England to Arthur and Margaret Ellen (nee Morgan, later Pilkington) Ridgley. He immigrated to Canada around 1906, settling in the Shelbourne area of Saanich. Prior to the war he worked as a steelworker or iron-molder, and served for 4 years with the 88th regiment Victoria Fusiliers.

Percy enlisted on 18 March 1915 and traveled overseas with the 3rd Canadian Pioneer Battalion, transferring to the 29th Battalion in 1917. In August 1917, Percy received a gun shot wound to the right thigh, but was released from hospital after only a few weeks. In March 1919, Percy was promoted from Private to Corporal. In September he injured his left ankle, was invalided to Canada, and officially discharged 25 October 1919.

After the war, Percy returned to Saanich and was living on the East side of Shelbourne Street just North of Pear Street. He was employed as a shoemaker, a trade he may have started during the war. In 1935, he married Mabel Alberta Irvine (7 Nov 1891 – 5 Sept 1944). Mabel was the daughter of John “Long Gun Jack”and Alice (nee Whitaker) Irvine, whose house Mount Thule is listed on the Saanich Heritage Inventory. For the next 9 years, Percy and Mabel lived at several addresses in Victoria and Percy continued to work as a shoemaker. They did not have any children. Mabel died 5 September 1944, and Percy died at the Saanich Veterans Hospital on 11 August 1967 at the age of 79. Information submitted by Saanich Archives. Attestation Papers

Riley, Arthur Wolstan Edwyn (Private)

Service Number: 227. Arthur Wolstan Edwyn Riley was born on September 14, 1875 in Montreal, Quebec to Thomas and Georgina Jane (nee Hounsfield) Riley. He married Helen Elizabeth Butt in Vancouver on April 28, 1910; his residence at the time was listed as Calgary, Alberta. The Daily Colonist reported on October 6, 1918 that Gunner Arthur Riley, “Son of Capt. Thos. Riley, of the Canadian Government quarantine tender Madge […] was admitted on September 12 to No. 3 Boulogne Hospital suffering from shell-gas burns”. No other information is known about his service as his file has not been digitized. The 1921 Census lists Arthur, Helen, and two daughters Helen Maria and Emily Kathleen renting a house in the Mount Tolmie area of Saanich. A short time later, they moved to Cedar Hill Road at Ruby Road. Arthur died on July 17, 1954, age 78, of bronchopneumonia at the Veterans Pavilion (Saanich) and was buried at St. Michael’s and All Angels Churchyard in Royal Oak. The death card lists his rank as Driver and his Unit as C.A.S.C. His daughter, Mrs. J.A. McVie of Victoria, is listed on the death card as next-of-kin; daughter Kathleen Riley signed the death certificate. Arthur’s last address was 548 Victoria Avenue, Oak Bay – the same address as Kathleen. He had retired from farming in 1941 and was predeceased by his wife Helen. Arthur Riley is commemorated on the Saanich WWI Honour Roll. Information submitted by J. Clements and Saanich Archives.  Attestation Papers | Death Card | Daily Colonist October 6, 1918 (p. 5)

Robb, Hector (Private)                                                 

Service Number: 706098. Hector Robb was born to John Robb and Margaret Fraser in Banff, Scotland on October 15, 1885. He came to Canada in May 1906, destined for Toronto, Ontario. In June 1911, Hector lived on Burnside Rd., Saanich, British Columbia (B.C.). He married Jane Milne, also known as Jean, in Victoria, B.C. on July 26, 1911. He worked as a plumber and they lived on Prideaux Road in Saanich, which later became Wascana Street. Hector and Jean had two children, a son named John, born in Manitoba and a daughter named Margaret, born in B.C. Hector enlisted in the Canadian Expeditionary Force in Victoria on November 29, 1915. He was attached to the 103rd Battalion before being transferred to the 54th Battalion, serving in France. On November 18, 1918, Hector was diagnosed with valvular disease of the heart caused by his service conditions. He was invalidated on December 18, 1918, and returned to Canada. Hector was never formally discharged. He died August 12, 1919, in Moose Jaw, Saskatchewan, and is buried in the Saltcoats Cemetery, Saltcoats, Saskatchewan. By 1921, Jean, John, and Margaret lived in Saltcoats. At some point, Jean and Margaret moved to Ottawa, Ontario. Jean died on October 7, 1972 in Ottawa. Jean and Margaret are also buried in the Saltcoats Cemetery. Hector Robb is commemorated on the Saskatchewan Virtual War Memorial and in the Saanich Remembers World War One project. Information submitted by: J. Clements and L. Masson .  Attestation Papers | Saskatchewan Virtual War Memorial

Roberts, J.G. (Gunner)

No information regarding his service could be confirmed. Gunner J.G. Roberts is commemorated on the Saanich WW1 Honour Roll.

Robinson, Thomas Yates (Private)

See: Baldwin, Thomas Yates (Private)

Rough, Henry Glover (Gunner)

Service number: 90440.   Henry Glover Rough was born October 7, 1896, in Royal Tunbridge Wells, Kent, England. His parents were Edwin George Rough and Annie Louisa Barker. Henry had two siblings: Herbert Leonard and Dorothy Enid. His brother Herbert also served in the First World War. He immigrated to Canada through Quebec in 1910 with his father and brother. Before the war, he worked as a clerk and lived in Victoria, BC. Henry previously served with the 5th Regiment C.A. and belonged to an active militia. His attestation papers list his next-of-kin as his father, who was then living in the Royal Oak area of Saanich BC. Henry enlisted in the Canadian Expeditionary Force on March 23, 1915, in Halifax, Nova Scotia. He was attached to the No. 6 Royal Canadian Garrison Artillery (R.C.G.A.). During his time overseas, he served in St. Lucia in the Eastern Caribbean and transferred to the No. 11 R.C.G.A. Henry was discharged from military service January 17, 1919. After the war, he worked as a welder for the BC Electric Railway. He married Jenny Stubbs October 3, 1925, and at that time, he was employed as an electrical engineer and living on Caledonia Avenue in Victoria. In 1928, the couple had a son, Peter Hampton Glover. Towards the end of Henry’s life, he lived at 2620 Arbutus Road in Saanich. His death certificate indicates that he had worked as a hydroelectric power plant operator for 33 years. Henry died January 19, 1968, and is buried at Royal Oak Burial Park in Saanich. Gunner Henry Glover Rough is commemorated on the Saanich WW1 Honour Roll. Information submitted by L. Masson. | Service record

Rough, Herbert Leonard (Captain)

Service number: 430497.   Herbert Leonard Rough was born October 22, 1893, in Royal Tunbridge Wells, Kent, England. Sometimes his birth year is stated as 1894. His parents were named Edwin George Rough and Annie Louisa Barker. Herbert had two siblings: Henry Glover and Dorothy Enid. His brother Henry also served in the First World War. He immigrated to Canada through Quebec in 1910 with his father and brother. By 1911, Herbert was living in Vancouver, BC. Prior to the war, he worked as an auto driver and mechanic and was attached to the 50th Regiment Gordon Highlanders of Canada militia. Herbert enlisted in the Canadian Expeditionary Force on March 11, 1915, in Victoria, BC. His attestation papers list the address of his next-of-kin as Royal Oak PO, Saanich, BC. He was attached to the Eaton Machine Gun Brigade and was later transferred to the 48th Battalion. In 1917, Herbert was given a commission in the Royal Flying Corps, ceasing attachment to the CEF. He attained the rank of Lieutenant, and then Captain. A newspaper article (Guardian, 5 Aug 1918, p.6) relates an incident in which he was wounded while piloting his plane on a low bombing run. It states that he carried out 26 successful bombing raids and five photographic long-distance flights. Herbert married Edith Davis in 1928 in Maidenhead, Berkshire, England, and died in Lincolnshire, England in 1979. Captain Herbert L. Rough is commemorated on the Saanich WW1 Honour Roll where he is listed with his CEF rank of Private. Information submitted by L. Masson. | Service record (CEF) | 1918 Guardian article

Rowland, Edward (Bombardier)

Regimental number: 476562.   Edward Rowland was born on July 16, 1881, in Cardiff, Wales. He married Edith Alice Mary Jacob, and they had one daughter, Lillian Madge. The family immigrated from Wales to Canada in 1912, settling in the Strawberry Vale area of Saanich. Prior to the war, Edward worked as a carpenter. He enlisted in the Canadian Expeditionary Force on August 5, 1915, trained in Victoria for 2 months, then in Shorncliffe, England for 6 months. Edward was attached to the 5th Regiment and served with the 3rd Canadian Division. In April 1916, he arrived in France, and was wounded at Fleurbaix on July 18th of that year. He spent some time in the Queen’s Canadian Military Hospital at Shorncliffe, suffering from shell shock and the effects of gunshot wounds to his left arm and leg. After being discharged in April 1919, he returned to his family in Saanich and continued working as a carpenter. He became involved in the Saanich Ward Four Conservative Association, serving as an executive. Edward died on February 13, 1960, and at the time of his death he was living in the Veterans’ Hospital in Saanich. His wife Edith had died in 1930, and his daughter Lillian (Henderson) had died in 1957. Bombardier Edward Rowland is buried in St. Michael and All Angels’ Church cemetery in Saanich, and he is commemorated on the Saanich WW1 Honour Roll where his rank is listed as Gunner. Information submitted by L. Masson. | Service record

Rudd, John Henry “Jack” (Corporal)

Service number: 463173   Jack was born in Townsville, Queensland, Australia, 15 June 1877, the eldest of 8 children. His parents Martha Newton Starkey and John Rudd had married in England in 1876 and immigrated to Australia a few weeks later. In 1884, the family moved to California, settling on a farm in the Sonoma Valley. In 1890, they moved to Canada, living for a time in the James Bay neighbourhood in Victoria before moving to Prevost Island, then Galiano Island, and finally Mayne Island, before returning to Victoria around 1906. Jack’s father, when he wasn’t absent entirely, was physically abusive towards his children and they described their time in the Gulf Islands as a particularly difficult period in their lives. Around 1906, John decided to return to England but Martha refused to go with him. After he left, she bought a property at 296 Burnside Road and started a very successful dairy farm. During the 1910s and 1920s, most of Martha’s children were married and raising their families on neighbouring properties on Burnside Road. Martha died in 1928 and around 1943, her son George donated the land that became Rudd Park.  According to descendants of the Rudd family, Jack had a difficult life. He married Arabell Hood in September 1904 and in 1907, she gave birth to John Henry Jr. who sadly died 10 weeks later. Before the war, Jack worked as a painter. In 1911, he and Arabell were living on Burnside Road, and in 1915 they were living on Marigold Road, near Lavender Avenue. Around this time, Jack was jailed for a gambling debt which his brother George paid so that Jack would be released from jail. This incident apparently also contributed to his marriage falling apart. Around 1915, Arabell moved to a house on Fisgard Street.  Jack enlisted on 23 July 1915 and sailed for England. In November 1916, still in England, Jack wrote a letter to his sister Dorothy, who was living with her mother on their Burnside Road farm. In this letter he asked her to “tell me everything you can about Arabel – where is she and what is she doing. Has she tried to get a divorce?” He went on to say, “I should like to write to Arabel. I loved her for years as a man seldom loves and I hurt those I loved most and I must make good.” In his letters to Dorothy he also expressed his homesickness and love for his mother. In an August 1916 letter he wrote, “Kiss Mother for me and love her a lot.” Jack served with the 121^st Battalion and then with the 62^nd Battalion. He was discharged 1 January 1918 as medically unfit for service. In December 1891, Jack had lost 2 of his fingers when a gun he was playing with accidentally went off, and it appears that by 1917, his hand had atrophied to such an extent he was no longer fit for duty. Jack was first hospitalized in October 1917 and sent to Halifax prior to being discharged. According to descendants of the Rudd family, Jack did not return to Saanich until 1918 and so would have experienced the Halifax Explosion on 6 December 1917.  In 1919, Jack fell from a ladder while painting a house and died. No death certificate has been located at this time.   Service Record

Satterthwaite, William (Private)

Service no. 154028.   William Satterthwaite was born March 14, 1878 in Barrow in Furness (Lancashire) England to Isaac Satterthwaite and Annie Satterthwaite (nee McNiven. William had two sisters, Mary Ann born in 1876 and Hannah Belle born in 1880. In 1904, William married Isabella Wright Kelly. They had a daughter Elizabeth (Lily) born in Belfast in 1911. In 1912, the family moved to Canada where William worked as steam engineer at Tod Inlet, BC. William Satterthwaite enlisted on August 15^th, 1915 and was attached to the 1^st Canadian Pioneer Battalion CEF. He landed in Boulogne, France on March 9^th, 1916. On March 22^nd, 1916 he was wounded in his right foot by shrapnel, and after being treated in France, he was transferred to England for further treatment and recovery, eventually being discharged from hospital on June 15^th, 1916. On June 17^th, 1916 William Satterthwaite was attached to the 25^th Reserve Battalion CEF. Ten months later, on April 21, 1917, he was promoted to Lance Corporal and transferred to the Canadian Railway Troops at Purfleet. At his own request, on October 6^th, 1917 he reverted back to the rank of private and was transferred to the Canadian Army Medical Corps (CAMC) at Epsom. On William’s attestation papers, his wife Isabella was first listed as living in Belfast, then after a few moves she lived in Epsom, (Surrey) England. For his service, William was awarded a Good Conduct Badge on Dec 9^th, 1917, as well as a War Service Badge Class “A” number 132482. After serving for the duration of the war, William Satterthwaite was demobilized in June of 1919 and sailed for Canada. He was discharged at the Canadian discharge depot Buxton, Quebec on July 8^th, 1919. William, Isabella and Elizabeth moved back to Tod Inlet in 1919 where William worked as electrical engineer for the cement works. From 1920 to 1925, William is listed in the directory as a mill operator, living at Tod Inlet. In 1925 the family moved to Vancouver, BC where his first job was ‘helper’ for John J. Coughlin, the largest construction company in Vancouver at the time. He subsequently held a number of different jobs until his retirement in 1945. Their daughter Elizabeth (Lily) is listed as a saleswoman with Woodward’s from 1926 onwards. In June 1931, Lily married William Dunnett, who was originally from Scotland. William Satterthwaite died at Shaughnessy Hospital in Vancouver on January 25th, 1955. He is commemorated on the Saanich WWI Honour Roll. Information submitted by M. Morgenthaler.   Service record

Scharschmidt, Guy Hope (Major)

Guy Hope Scharschmidt was born in Comox BC in 1893, to a family with a history of military service. His father, Percy Scharschmidt, had served with the 10^th Battalion in the Riel Rebellion. Percy was later a prospector in the Yukon, received his medical degree from the University of Toronto, and eventually ran a successful real estate and contracting business in Vancouver. Guy’s mother, Rosalie Maud Butler, was a member of the pioneering Butler family of Saanich (now Central Saanich). Guy was the younger of two sons who served in World War 1. He enlisted in 1915, and began serving in France in 1916. He served without injury until the end of hostilities, and was demobilized in April of 1919. Guy was a Lieutenant at enlistment, and was later promoted to Major. Guy married Myrtle Traer in Vernon BC in 1915, and they had one son born in 1927. He chose to pursue his life and career as a civil engineer in the United States, first in Oregon and later in California. Guy died in 1984 at the age of 90. He is buried in the Mount Shasta Memorial Park, Siskiyou County, California. Guy Hope Scharschmidt is commemorated on the Saanich WW1 Honour Roll. Information submitted by M. Zaplitny. | Service record

Scharschmidt, Howard Butler (Major)

Howard Butler Scharschmidt was born in Comox BC in 1892, to a family who had a history of military service. His father, Percy Scharschmidt, had served with the 10^th Battalion in the Riel Rebellion. Percy was later a prospector in the Yukon, received his medical degree from the University of Toronto, and eventually ran a successful real estate and contracting business in Vancouver. Howard’s mother, Rosalie Maud Butler, was a member of the pioneering Butler family of Saanich (now Central Saanich). Howard was the elder of two sons in military service. He first served in the militia, achieving the rank of Captain before the war began, and during the war was promoted to Major. When he enlisted in 1914, he gave his occupation as collector of customs. He served in England and France with the 7^th Canadian Infantry Battalion, where he was severely wounded with a gunshot and concussion in 1915, and gassed in 1917. He was demobilized in April of 1919. Howard married Nelle Millard Penland in Oregon in 1925, and they had two children. He chose to pursue his life and career as an accountant in Oregon in the United States. Howard died at the age of 96 in 1989, and is buried in the Riverview Abbey Mausoleum and Crematory in Portland, Oregon. Howard Butler Scharschmidt is commemorated on the Saanich WW1 Honour Roll. Information submitted by M. Zaplitny. | Service record

Scott, Chester Alexander (Corporal)

Service Number: 180528.  Chester Alexander Scott was born on May 29th, 1897 in Mountain City, Manitoba to Thomas Murray Scott and his wife Elizabeth. Chester had two siblings: an older brother, Murray Bruce (1896-1974) and a younger sister, Olive (1899-1988). His attestation papers were signed and registered in Victoria on November 6^th, 1915, where he was staying with a J. Hector, listing his occupation as ‘student’. Chester sailed from Halifax for England on the S.S. Olympic on May 31st, 1916. Originally registered for the 88th Battalion C.E.F., he was transferred to the 2nd Pioneer Battalion C.E.F. on September 11th of that year and joined them in France. The 2nd Pioneers served largely as an engineering corps, digging trenches and laying down barbed wire, all while being under heavy fire from artillery shells and other bombardments. By war’s end, Chester had been promoted to Corporal. He was on the front lines in No Man’s Land with the battalion at Vimy Ridge on April 9th, 1917. On June 4th, 1918, he was transferred again to the 4th Canadian Engineering Battalion. Chester was luckier than most soldiers, as the only notation on his medical records lists a visit to the Army Dental Corps in 1918. He sent all his pay - $16 a month – back to his mother Elizabeth in Saskatchewan. Chester survived the war and was officially discharged on May 22nd, 1919. He returned to Canada and lived the rest of his life in Saskatoon, Saskatchewan. Chester died on December 23rd, 1943 at the age of 46, leaving a widow and no children. Chester Alexander Scott is commemorated on the Saanich WW1 Honour Roll.  Service record

Scott, Robert Graham (Private)

Killed in Action September 22, 1916. Service Number: 463182. Robert Graham Scott was born on November 5, 1895, in Victoria, B.C. His parents were James Scott and Mary Ann Nelson. His father worked at the Colonist Printing and Publishing Company. Robert had four siblings: Nelson, Alexander MacDonald, Cassie Phillips, and Mary Eleanor. After moving to Lake Hill PO, Robert attended Cedar Hill School and played on the Cedar Hill ice hockey team. Prior to the war, he worked as a farmer and was a member of the 88th Regiment Victoria Fusiliers. Robert enlisted in the Canadian Expeditionary Force on July 21, 1915, in Victoria, B.C. He was assigned to the 62nd Battalion and was later transferred to the 7th Battalion. Robert was killed in action on September 22, 1916, along the Somme front. His mother, two sisters, brother Nelson and uncle William James Nelson are buried in the family plot at Ross Bay Cemetery, Victoria, B.C. His father and brother Alexander are buried/interned at Royal Oak Burial Park Cemetery, Victoria, B.C. Robert’s uncle William Ironside Scott served in the Boer War and was killed in action at Paardeberg. Robert Graham Scott is commemorated on the Saanich WWI Honour Roll and the Vimy Memorial. Information submitted by L. Masson. In September 2015, a group visited cemeteries overseas as part of the Saanich Remembers Project, including the Vimy Memorial. Photographs courtesy of Gavin Cooper. Attestation Papers | Commonwealth War Graves | Vimy Memorial| Name on Vimy Memorial

Scott, Tom (Sergeant)

Killed in Action 22 September 1918. Service Number: 180529. Tom Hobart Scott was born on September 30, 1881 in Carlisle, England to Thomas Scott and Emma Louise Jackson. He married Lizzie Ruth Ella Cowan in Victoria on August 29, 1912. Fred Dawson, for whom he worked as a carpenter, was a witness. (See WWI entry for Dawson, Charles Frederick). He had previously worked for Moore & Whittington. The 1913 City Directory lists Thomas H. Scott, carpenter, at 1446 Camosun Street in Victoria. When he enlisted on November 19, 1915, Tom listed his wife Lizzie as his next-of-kin, address: corner of Albina and Burnside (Saanich). His previous military experience included 6 years in the 1st Volunteer Batt. Border Regiment, and 3 years in the 5th Regiment. He left Victoria with the 88th Battalion and sailed from Halifax aboard the S.S. Olympia on May 31, 1916. Tom served with the 25th Battalion (Canadian Corps Gas Services), earning the Rank of Sergeant on April 22, 1918. Other Units listed in the service file include the 5th Canadian Training Brigade and the 4th Canadian Pioneer Battalion. He was Killed in Action in France on September 22, 1918, age 37 and is buried at Queant Communal Cemetery British Extension in Pas de Calais, France. The grave marker inscription reads: “In Loving Memory”. According to the Daily Colonist (16 Oct 1918), Tom had been about to leave the battalion to train for his commission (promotion) when he was killed. His brother, Leslie Scott, had also served overseas and had been a prisoner of war for several years, but did ultimately return home. Sometime after Tom’s death, his widow (and presumably his young child) moved back to Stanwix, Carlisle, England, where she had lived prior to her wedding. She received the Memorial Cross medal. A stone memorial in Ross Bay Cemetery, Victoria for Sergeant Scott and his parents is inscribed: “In memory of / Thomas Scott / Died Sept. 28, 1907 / Emma L. Scott / Died Nov. 27, 1908 / Sergt. Tom H. Scott / Son of the above / Killed in Action in France / Sept. 22, 1918.” An inscription was also added to a family gravestone in Stanwix Cemetery, Carlisle, England: “Tom Hobart Scott / Born Sep 30th 1881 / Killed in France / Sept 22nd 1918 / Canadian Gas Service. Tom Hobart Scott is commemorated by the Commonwealth War Graves Commission and on the Canadian Virtual War Memorial. Information submitted by: Y. Van Ruskenveld. Photograph of memorial at Ross Bay courtesy of Y. Van Ruskenveld.  Attestation Papers | Commonwealth War Graves Commission | Canadian Virtual War Memorial | Daily Colonist 16 Oct 1918 (p.5) | Daily Colonist 29 Oct 1918 (p.11) | Memorial at Ross Bay Cemetery

Seedhouse, Ernest (Sergeant)

Service no. 2070305   Ernest Seedhouse left a wife and five children in Saanich to join Canada’s war effort. Ernest and his wife Elizabeth lived at 749 Audley Street, which is today a commercial area not far from Cloverdale and Blanshard.  They were both born in Britain, but were married in Toronto in 1908. Ernest was working as a concrete finisher when he enlisted with the 88^th Regiment of the Victoria Fusiliers on December 13, 1916 at the age of 30. Ernest spent seventeen months in Canada with his unit and achieved the rank of Sergeant before embarking from Halifax in May of 1918. He was assigned to the 4^th Canadian Infantry Battalion upon arrival, and joined the unit in France in October of 1918. Ernest appears to have suffered no wounds in battle, and upon the war’s ending in November 1918, Ernest was returned to England. He was treated in hospital for influenza for three days in March of 1919, then returned to Canada and was discharged from service on April 25, 1919. Ernest and Elizabeth lost two of their children at a young age; their son William was only one when he died, and their son Ernest was eight.  They raised their family in a home at 1162 Oscar Street in the Fairfield district of Victoria, and Ernest operated a service station until 1950. Ernest died of heart disease at age 77 on March 13, 1964 and was buried at Hatley Memorial Gardens in Colwood. His wife Elizabeth passed away in 1972. Ernest Seedhouse is commemorated on the Saanich WW1 Honour Roll. |  Service record

Shaw, George Edward (Captain)

There is no regimental number for George as most army officers, nurses and chaplains did not have regimental numbers. They were identified by their name and rank only. George held the rank of Lieutenant with the 7^th Battalion and Captain with the 143^rd Battalion. George was born November 5, 1885 in Aldgate, England. He was one of four children born to Frederick Charles Shaw and Charlotte Rawlinson. Charlotte died in 1901 and Frederick married Ruth Shaw. Frederick was a butcher and by 1901 George was working as a clerk in the butcher shop. While in England, George served for 3 ½ years with the Norfolk Imperial Yeomanry (King's Own), which was raised in 1901 at the suggestion of the newly crowned King Edward VII. George came to Canada in 1907 and by 1911 he lived in Colwood and was a merchant. He joined the 88^th Victoria Fusiliers and was a lieutenant under Colonel Powley and served through the unrest at the coal mine strikes early in 1913. Martial law was declared and over 1,500 soldiers were sent to the area. By the summer of 1914, the strike had ended. With the outbreak of WWI George was sent to do home guard duty to protect the Bamfield Station at Bamfield, B.C. George enlisted in the Canadian Expeditionary Force on September 25, 1914 at Valcartier, Quebec. He gave his next of kin as his father Frederick and gave his occupation as a fruit grower. He was appointed Lieutenant in the 7^th Battalion. He arrived in England on October 14, 1914. George was transferred to the 11^th Battalion on February 9, 1915. After arriving in France on April 27, 1915, he was first assigned to the 10^th Battalion and then to the 7^th Battalion on April 30, 1915. The Battalion fought in the Battle of Festubert (May 15-25 1915) which was an attack in the Artois region of France on the western front.  The Battle of Festubert was the second major battle fought by Canadian troops in the First World War. Nearly 2,500 Canadians were killed, wounded or went missing in the battle. On May 23 1915, George received gunshot wounds to his right foot and thigh. Over the next few days, he was sent to different hospitals, before being invalided to England on May 26, 1915. George was deemed unfit for duty in England and overseas, and was returned to Canada on November 28, 1915 for further recuperation. On January 23, 1916 it was decided he would be retained for duty and on February 15, 1916 he was assigned to the 143^rd Battalion with the rank of Captain. He continued to have medical problems with his injuries and also was diagnosed with shell shock. He was also treated for pleurisy and TB which developed during training and while in the trenches. He was discharged and granted a pension. George continued to have medical care long after his discharge. George married Margaret Alice Webb on December 5, 1914 in London, England. George and Margaret lived at Mount Newton Cottage in Saanichton. Their first child John Edward Barrington was born there in 1916. By 1921 the family had moved to Balfour, BC, and where their son, Anthony Ian (1923) and daughter Anne Margaret (1927) were born. The family moved back to England around 1930. George and Margaret are listed in the 1939 UK Register in Romsey and Stockbridge, Hampshire. George’s occupation is listed as a poultry farmer. There is an ARP note on George’s registration.  He was an Air Raid Precautions (ARP) warden. An ARP Warden's job was to try and protect people during air raids, when enemy planes dropped bombs. George died in 1972 in Salisbury, Wiltshire. Information submitted by: J. McCahill | Service Record

Sherratt, Frank (Private)

Service number: 180954. Frank Sherratt was born on November 2, 1894, in Liverpool, England. Sometimes his birth year is listed as 1895. Frank’s parents were named Robert Sherratt and Sarah Cochrane. He had eight siblings: Robert William, George, Sidney, James, John, Harry, Sarah, and Ada. George and Sidney also enlisted during the First World War. By 1906, Frank lived with his family in Winnipeg, Manitoba, and later moved to 280 George Road in Saanich, British Columbia.. Prior to the war, he worked as a bricklayer. Frank enlisted in the Canadian Expeditionary Force on September 25, 1915, in Vernon, British Columbia. He was attached to the 88th Battalion, serving in France for the Canadian Corps Signal Company. Frank’s records declare he re-enlisted on March 1, 1916, in North Vancouver; however, at this time, he also appears to be overseas in England. He was discharged on April 24, 1919, in Winnipeg, and died on February 16, 1942, in Victoria. Information submitted by: L. Masson | Service record

Sherratt, George (Private)

Killed in action April 5, 1918. Service number: 1408. George Aaron Sherrat was born on November 19, 1895, in Liverpool, England. His parents were named Robert Sherratt and Sarah Cochrane. George had eight siblings: Robert William, Frank, Sidney, James, John, Harry, Sarah, and Ada. Frank and Sidney also enlisted during the First World War. By 1906, He lived with his family in Winnipeg, Manitoba, and later moved to 280 George Road in Saanich, British Columbia. Prior to the war, George worked as a bricklayer and served five months in the King’s Regiment (Liverpool). He enlisted in the Canadian Expeditionary Force on November 15, 1914, in Esquimalt, British Columbia. George was attached to the 4th Field Ambulance, Canadian Army Medical Corps. George died of wounds received to the head, wrist, and thighs in battle on April 5, 1918, and was buried in Pas de Calais, France. Information submitted by: L. Masson | Service record

Sherratt, Sydney (Driver)

Service no. 180533.  Sydney Sherratt was born in Liverpool, England, but lived at 820 Gorge Road in Saanich when he enlisted with the Canadian Expeditionary Force.  He left his widowed mother and his job as a clerk to join the Canadian forces, after previously joining the militia unit of the the 88^th Regiment of Victoria Fusiliers. He was just 19 when he signed his enlistment papers on November 11, 1915. Along with his mother, he identified his sister Mrs. Sarah Fowler of Holland Ave. in Saanich as his next of kin. Sydney trained in Canada, and was shipped to England on the SS Baltic, arriving in May of 1916. He was sent to join the war in France on June 30, 1917, becoming a Driver with the Canadian Engineers. His time in combat appears to have passed without injury. He returned to England in February of 1919, where he was treated in hospital for bronchitis for some six weeks. He returned to Canada to be discharged from the army in Victoria on May 20, 1919. The address he gave upon discharge was 820 Gorge Road. The 1920 directory shows him living at 2542 Roseberry Ave. in Victoria, and working as a bookkeeper for BC Lands. Sydney married  Hazel Anderson of Victoria on November 30, 1927 at St. John's Anglican Church. At that time he listed his occupation as accountant. Sydney and Hazel had two sons, James and Robert. The rest of their years together are not known in detail, except that Sydney was on his own when he passed away in Vancouver on January 10, 1962, at the age of 66. According to his death certificate he had been in Vancouver since 1945, and had worked as a labourer for most of those years. Hazel continued to live in Victoria and was an active member of her church and local choirs. She passed in 2003 at the age of 98.  Information submitted by M. Zaplitny.   Service record

Shires, Joseph (Private)

Died of wounds 1 October 1916. Service Number: 107565.  Joseph Shires, known as Joe, was born in Victoria BC January 8th, 1894. Joseph was a remarkable athlete, a successful student and a member of Christ Church Cathedral choir. He played rugby and rowed with the James Bay Athletic Association Rowing Club. On his attestation papers, he listed his occupation as surveyor. Joseph enlisted on January 8th, 1915 in Victoria, joined the 2nd Canadian Mounted Rifles, and landed in France in September of that year. He was hospitalized for tonsillitis twice, in August 1915 and May 1916. He was offered stripes and declined to accept them as he expected to receive a commission within a short time. On October 1st, 1916, Joseph died of wounds received on the front lines. He is buried in the Contay British Cemetery in France. Joseph Shires is commemorated on the Saanich WW1 Honour Roll. Information submitted by K. Ubillus.   Service record | Commonwealth War Graves | Veterans Canada Virtual War Memorial

Shires, Squire

Service Number 2198325. Squire was born December 28, 1868, in Leeds, England. He was the son of Joseph Shires and Jane Olivant; he also had an older sister named Margaret. The family came to Canada in 1883, and by 1891, they were living in the Yates Street Ward in Victoria, and both father and son gave their occupations as iron turners, though Squire would go on to become a marine engineer. On September 16 1891, Squire married Alice Louisa Young in Victoria. Alice and Squire had two children, Joseph born in 1894 and Lillian born in 1895. On January 8, 1915, Joseph enlisted in the Canadian Expeditionary Force. He served with the 2^nd Canadian Mounted Rifles and died from gunshot wounds on 1 October 1916 during the Battle of the Somme. On January 26, 1917, Squire enlisted in the Canadian Expeditionary Force in Victoria. He was living in “Marionbree”, the family home at 2983 Tillicum Road and gave his occupation as a machinist. Squire’s enlistment was part of the reinforcement draft for Canadian Forestry Battalion District 51.  On March 28, 1917, he was transferred from the Victoria Draft to the 230^th Battalion at Willows Camp. Willows Camp was located in the Willows Fairgrounds, Oak Bay. It opened in 1914 as a training camp for soldiers of the Canadian Expeditionary Force before they were sent overseas. Squire left for England on May 2, 1917, and arrived in Liverpool May 14, 1917. On June 12, 1917, he was sent to Nairn, Scotland with the No. 51 Canadian Forestry Corps. Squire served in the corps as a millwright and engineer until he returned to Kinmel Park to prepare for discharge. He returned to Canada on May 7, 1919, and was discharged on May 21, 1919. Squire returned to Tillicum Road and his profession as an engineer. Squire and Alice divorced in 1923, and Alice moved to the United States. By 1931, Squire was working as an engineer in South Cariboo. He was living in Vancouver in 1935 and died there on February 19, 1938. Information submitted by J. McCahill. Service Record.

Simmonds, William De'Lasaux (Gunner)

Service number: 313968   William De'Lasaux Simmonds was born January 31, 1879, in London, England to Joseph Delasaux Simmonds and Emma Susan West. William was the oldest son in the family. He had five siblings: two sisters and three younger brothers. In early 1907, William married Emily Augusta Baker (born March 19, 1880, Gosport/Plymouth, England). William and Emily immigrated to Canada later in 1907, and spent their first year in Fernie, BC. It was an eventful year. Their daughter Stella was born on January 13, 1908, then in August 1908, an out-of-control bush fire burned down the whole town of Fernie. William, a photographer by trade, moved with his family to Victoria, BC., where they first lived at 561 Toronto St. In 1909 William opened a photography studio at 948 View Street. William De'Lasaux Simmonds enlisted on January 1, 1916, in Esquimalt, BC. On his attestation papers, William mentions that he previously served for four years with the 5^th Regiment O.G.A. He was assigned to the 10^th Field Artillery Brigade Ammunition Column C.E.F. with a rank of Gunner. He sailed for England on the SS Missanabie February 25, 1916 and arrived in Plymouth March 12, 1916. At the end of May 2016, William was transferred to the 3^rd C.D.A.C.  This was the Canadian Division Ammunition Column – Railhead, where divisional ammunition was stored before being shipped to the front. After four months training in England, William embarked for France. From December 25 to 31, 1916, William had extra training and was subsequently assigned the duty of brakeman. In March 1917, William was briefly attached to the 1^st C.D., but in May he was transferred back to the 3rd C.D.A.C. where he served until the end of the war. After demobilization William embarked for Canada on the SS Olympic in March 1919 and was discharged in Victoria on April 2, 1919. He was awarded a Class “A” War Service Badge, number 63363, and a war service gratuity for 3 years of service was paid out to him. After the war, William reopened his photography studio at 654 Yates, on the corner of Yates and Douglas. In 1922, he moved his studio to 639 Yates, where he kept his business until retiring in 1944. After retiring William was listed in the local directory as being a poppy maker for the Red Cross Workshop. During the war years Emily Simmonds moved twice, and when William returned to Victoria in 1919, they lived at 141 Robertson in Foul Bay. Over the years they moved several more times, to the Marigold area of Saanich (1922), 149 Maddock (1924), 1067 Oliver (1931), 761 Cloverdale (1945), 177 Robertson (1949), and 5 Glebe Terrace (1955), while William’s photography studio was consistently listed at 639 Yates. Their daughter Stella lived with them until 1934. From 1931 on, she worked as a stenographer for F.H Allwood. In 1935, F.H. Allwood and his wife Eileen moved to Revelstoke and Stella followed her work there. She died in Revelstoke June 4, 1937, at the age of 29. Emily passed away September 17, 1960, in Victoria. William De’Lasaux Simmonds died January 16, 1962 and is buried in Royal Oak Burial Park in Saanich BC. He is commemorated on the Saanich WW1 Honour Roll. Information submitted by M. Morgenthaler. | Service record

Simpson, Alexander Henry (Private)

Killed in Action April 9, 1917. Service Number: 116773.    Alexander Henry Simpson was born June 16, 1876, to  Alexander and Emily Alice Simpson, and was the oldest of three children born to the couple. Alexander Sr. was a bank manager, and further indication of the family’s financial status can be seen in the presence of one or two servants in the family home during Alexander Henry’s childhood. The 1901 English census shows 26-year-old Alexander following in his father’s footsteps as his occupation was bank clerk. In 1908, Alexander emigrated on the RMS Mauretania, landing on Ellis Island. His immigration record lists his occupation as estate agent and his destination was Winnipeg. Alexander is next found on the 1911 Canadian census living in the Fernie BC area and working as a storekeeper. On June 16, 1914, at age 39, Alexander married Lilian Geraldine Aitken in Victoria, British Columbia. On his marriage record, his stated profession is accountant. Within the following year, Alexander and Lilian made a home for themselves in Saanich Holme, a large house located on Wilkinson Road in Saanich. Alexander enlisted with the military July 9, 1915 and arrived in England on the SS Lapland July 25, 1916. His attestation papers again listed his occupation as accountant. He kept the rank of Private throughout his service, and he rotated his time between the 1^st Battalion Canadian Mounted Rifles, the 24^th Victoria Rifles Battalion, and the 72^nd Battalion. It was with the 72^nd Battalion that Alexander was killed in action on April 9, 1917. After his death, Lilian relocated to Pitt Meadows BC, and did not remarry. She died a widow at the age of 77. Private Alexander Henry Simpson is commemorated on the Vimy Memorial. Information submitted by Saanich Archives. In September 2015, a group visited cemeteries overseas as part of the Saanich Remembers Project, including the Vimy Memorial. Photograph courtesy of Gavin Cooper.   | Commonwealth War Graves  | Name on Vimy Memorial | Service record

Singer, Walter John (Private)

Service Number: 154019. Walter John Singer was born on March 21, 1886 in Edinburgh, Scotland to parents Thomas and Margaret (nee McNabb) Singer. He was employed as a barber. He married Joan (sometimes spelled Johan) Helen Jessiman and had three children; Margaret Helen (born 1906), Anne (born 1908), and Walter James (born 1911). The family immigrated to Canada in July 1911 and they settled at 953 Cloverdale Avenue. Walter enlisted in the Canadian Expeditionary Force on August 14, 1915 with the 1st Canadian Pioneer Battalion. He arrived in England on November 20, 1915 and proceeded to France on August 9, 1916. Walter was hospitalized several times during his service. In March 1916 at Crowborough Camp, he was diagnosed with shell shock and neurasthenia, but he does not appear to have been hospitalized at this time. In September 1916, after spending only a month in France, he returned to England to be hospitalized for lumbago. His demobilization medical report from 1919 states: “while on march in France legs began to pain – in Sept. 1916 was blown up by shell and went to hospital eight months”.  In March 1917, his condition was described as “not improved”; he was unable to walk, and sudden noises exacerbated his nervousness. He appears to have finally been discharged from hospital in May 1917. In October 1918, he was hospitalized a third time for influenza. Walter returned to Canada on January 24, 1919. In February he was admitted to St. Joseph’s Hospital in Victoria for an operation on his legs. He was transferred to hospital at Esquimalt on March 1, 1919 and was officially discharged from service on March 21, 1919.  In 1921, Walter and Joan were still living at 953 Cloverdale Avenue with their children Margaret, Anne, and Walter. Walter Sr. was working as a barber at the Central Barber Shop. In 1922 he began working at Ideal Barber Shop and, according to the city directories, he worked there until he retired in 1967. All three of Walter and Joan’s children married (1932, 1934, and 1938) and they had several grandchildren. Walter died on March 27, 1969. At that time, he and Joan were living at 2607 Victor Street. Joan died in 1972, and her last address was 1230 Finlayson Street. Information submitted by J. Clements and Saanich Archives.  Attestation Papers | Death Certificate

Skilton, Albert John (Private)

Service Number 180769. Albert was born October 9, 1873, in Middlesex, England.  He was the fifth child of six born to Henry Skilton and Frances Cooper. Albert joined the West Yorkshire Regiment on July 29, 1887. He gave his occupation as a shoemaker and his age is recorded as 14 years and 9 months. He spent 19 years with the Regiment and served in England, Gibraltar, Hong Kong, Singapore and the West Indies. Albert was given the rank of Private when he turned eighteen and appointed musician on March 18, 1893. He was discharged and pensioned on March 15 1907. Albert came to Canada in 1907, and by 1911 he was working as a musician at an opera house in Victoria. Albert joined the 88^th Regiment, The Victoria Fusiliers, a militia infantry battalion formed in Victoria in 1912. On August 3, 1913, Louisa Skilton (Albert’s sister) and Katherine Mumford arrived in Quebec. Katherine was Albert’s fiancé and had been boarding with Louisa since 1901. Albert and Katherine were married on October 16, 1913, in Victoria. On November 12, 1915, Albert enlisted in the Canadian Expeditionary Force and is listed in the 88th Battalion Nominal Role leaving Halifax on May 31, 1916, aboard the SS Olympic and arriving in Liverpool on June 8, 1916. From July to December of 1916 Albert was on command to 30^th Battalion as part of the divisional massed bands, having duties in England and France. On January 4, 1917, he was transferred to the 1^st Canadian Reserve Battalion at Dibgate, England. From May 31, 1917, until July 5, 1917, Albert was on command in Hastings with the band. On July 16, 1917, he was transferred to overseas duty with the 1^st Canadian Divisional Employment Company Band at Boulogne. The 1st Canadian Division’s concert party, “The Volatiles”, as well as a thirty-piece band were included in the Company. The bands played an important role in WWI. They kept up the morale of the soldiers with their music and they performed at military ceremonies, parades, concerts for troops, and holiday celebrations. The bandsmen were also used as stretcher bearers during battle. Albert would remain with the Company until February 6, 1919, when the Company was disbanded and he was transferred to the 7^th Battalion in England to prepare for discharge to Canada. On April 10, 1919, he was discharged and arrived in Canada on April 30, 1919. Albert, Katherine and Louisa continued to live at 3455 Seymour Street. Albert worked as a musician until his death on March 28, 1939. Louisa had died a few months before on December 26, 1938. Katherine continued to live at the house and died there on May 3, 1957. Research provided by J. McCahill. Service Record

Smith, A.W. (Private)

Private A.W. Smith is commemorated on the Saanich Honour Roll. No further information could be confirmed.

Smith, Frank Dyson (Private/Corporal)

Service Number: 2223304. Frank Dyson Smith was the third of eight children born to James Smith and Jane Dyson. The family had located to Philadelphia, Pennsylvania when Frank was born March 16, 1872. On March 6, 1884, Frank age 11 along with his parents and 5 of his siblings arrived in Brisbane, Queensland, Australia. They were part of the Assisted Immigration Program between 1871 and 1892 that saw the British government assist over 150,000 British migrants to Queensland.  Frank married Mary “Bridget” Farry, the daughter of Thomas and Catherine Farry on April 24, 1893 in Brisbane. Frank and Bridget’s daughter Doreen Marie was born January 6, 1896, and daughter Frances May was born December 23, 1897. While in Australia, Frank joined the 6^th Queensland Rifles and served for three years. On August 10, 1910, Frank and his family arrived in New York on their way to his brother in Seattle, with Frank giving his occupation as a rubber manufacturer. On the 1911 census the family is living in Victoria. Frank enlisted in the Royal Canadian Regiment in Victoria on April 18, 1916. Frank’s service file indicates that he served for nine months with the RCR and held the rank of Corporal. Frank then enlisted in the Canadian Expeditionary Force on January 18, 1917, in Victoria. He was living on Blenkinsop Road, Maywood and his occupation was a rubber manufacturer. He gives his date of birth as March 16, 1874 and place of birth as Oldham, Lancashire.  Both are incorrect. It should be noted that in his service records when going before a medical board at Seaford, England, he does give his place of birth as Philadelphia, Pennsylvania and his date of birth as 16 February 1870. Frank was assigned to the British Columbia Cyclist Platoon. Frank arrived in England aboard the SS Justicia on May 14, 1917. He held the rank of Private in the CRCC. The Canadian Reserve Cyclist Corps had been established as the Cyclist Depot in April 1915 and it moved between Shorncliffe, Hounslow, Chiseldon and Seaford. The Cyclists were trained to conduct missions like scouting, reconnaissance, range-finding, and they gathered and shared military intelligence between Canadian units. They would also be trained in musketry, bombing, bayonet fighting as well as signalling, sapping, mining, listening posts, battalion runners and dispatch duties. Frank remained in England through the duration of the War and was assigned to the various above mentioned locations. On May 31, 1917, his rank changed to A/Sergeant and reverted back to Private on July 16, 1917. On June 5, 1918, his rank changed to A/Corporal when he was on command to the Canadian Reserve Cyclist Corps. On December 27, 1918, he prepared for discharge, arriving back to Canada a month later. He reported to Esquimalt where he had surgery on a cyst on his eye. His medical card from Esquimalt gives his unit as RCR and rank Corporal. Frank was given his final discharge from the Canadian Cyclist Corps in Vancouver on March 18, 1919, and his rank was Private. His final medical examination gives his unit as Canadian Reserve Cyclist Corps and rank as Corporal. Frank is listed in the directory of the Victoria region in 1920 but was living in Chicopee Falls, Massachusetts in 1924. From 1926 to 1927, Frank gives his address as Wellington, New Zealand when he registered a patent in Canada for rubber tires. Frank is listed on Berkshire electoral registers in 1929 through 1939 and on the 1939 Register of England. By this point, it seems the marriage between Bridget and Frank has broken down, they are living separately, and Frank is not mentioned in Bridget’s 1940 San Francisco obituary. Frank Dyson Smith died April 7, 1941, in Berkshire, England. Research submitted by J. McCahill. Service Record.

Smith, Frederick George (Sergeant)

Service Number: 1049273. Frederick George Smith was born on July 3, 1875 in London, England to Henry and Harriet (nee Goulder) Smith. Based on information on his death certificate, he arrived in Canada ca. 1906. He married Eleanor Maude Beard, date undetermined. They would have at least six children, as indicated in the 1921 Census: Myrtle (later South), Mabel (later Seadlock), Hilda, Phyllis, Frederick, and William. A millwright and carpenter, F.G. Smith lived with his family at 3502 Calumet Avenue in Saanich, first appearing there in the 1912 City Directory as the only resident on the street and remaining there until his death. He enlisted on September 25, 1916 and ultimately returned from service. In 1948, the Daily Colonist reported that F.G. Smith appeared at Saanich Police Court after being "caught in a drive to enforce dog licence by-law". Described as a "$30-a-month pensioner", he was ordered to get rid of his 19 unlicensed dogs and he asked anyone interested in giving them a home to take them so that the dogs would not have to be destroyed. Less than a year later, in February 1949, he was again summoned to court, charged with "keeping a goat in a building used for human habitation". Frederick George Smith died on July 1, 1955 just prior to his 82nd birthday, at the Veterans' Hospital in Saanich. He is buried at the Veterans' Cemetery in Esquimalt. His wife Eleanor died on April 10, 1974; her residence at the time was 2535 Shelbourne Street in Victoria. F.G. Smith is commemorated on the Saanich WW1 Honour Roll. Information and photo submitted by: Saanich Archives.  Attestation Papers | Death Certificate | Daily Colonist June 8, 1948 p.23 | Daily Colonist Feb 25, 1949 p.27 | Grave Photo [PDF - 1 MB]

Smith, John "Henry" (Private)

Service Number: 180848. John “Henry” Smith was born June 22, 1886, in Victoria, British Columbia. Henry was one of nine children born to John Charles Smith and Elizabeth (Lizzie) Campbell. Henry followed his father into the business of farming, before enlisting in the Canadian Expeditionary Force on December 29, 1915. He set sail for England on May 31, 1916, on the SS Olympic. He was transferred to Canadian Pioneer Training Depot at Shorncliffe on July 8, 1916, and next the 4^th Canadian Pioneer Battalion in France on August 20, 1916. When Henry arrived in France, the Battalion had just participated in the Battle of Flers–Courcelette and Thiepval Ridge. The next action for the 25^th Battalion was the Battle of the Ancre Heights which lasted from the 1^st of October to 11^th of November, 1916, with the main objective being to capture Regina Trench, the longest German trench on the Western Front. The spring of 1917 saw all four Canadian Divisions in the Battle for Vimy Ridge which took place from April 9 to April 12, 1917. On April 28, 1917, Henry was officially reported as missing. A card in his service file indicates that he had been missing since the actions at Vimy Ridge. It is noted in his service file on August 4, 1917, that he was reported as a prisoner of war. The International Committee of the Red Cross files indicate that he was located at the following POW camps: 28 July 1917 Limburg-A-Lahn, 7 January 1918 Schneidmuhl, 14 February 1918 Altdamn Bei and 12 April 1918 Friedrichsfeld. The Red Cross made an index card for each prisoner and it was classified by nationality and also contained requests for information. As soon as a piece of information was matched by a request, the Red Cross was able to send a reply to the family. It handled correspondence, gifts and money orders sent to prisoners of war. Henry’s Red Cross cards contain his parents’ address. On December 15, 1918, Henry was returned to England. He was granted furlough from December 16, 1918, to February 16, 1919. On February 1, 1919, John Henry Smith married Clara Morley in Lenton, Nottingham. Returning from furlough, Henry was assigned to “H” Wing Witley to prepare for demobilization, with his date of discharge on October 1, 1919. Clara arrived in Halifax on August 21, 1919 aboard the SS Baltic, a ship carrying the families of the soldiers. Henry and Clara settled in Saanich next door to Henry’s parents and brother and he resumed his prewar occupation as a farmer. By 1931 Henry, Clara and their five children, Melita, Francis, Juanita, William and John lived on Salt Spring Islan, with Henry still farming. They had one more child, Harry, before Henry passed away on December 24, 1938, at the age of 52 due to compilations from wartime service. He is buried on Salt Spring Island. Service File 

Smith, James Cook (Company Quartermaster Sergeant)

Smith, John W. (Corporal)

Cpl. John W. Smith is commemorated on the Saanich Honour Roll. No further information could be found.

Smith, R. Lomas (Sergeant)

See Lomas-Smith, Robert.

Smith, Samuel (Private)

Service Number: 102262. 

Samuel Smith was born on December 26, 1874, in Edinburgh, Scotland to parents David (1845) and Susan Smith (1846). His father was a stonecutter from Keighley, Yorkshire, England. Samuel had two brothers and five sisters. He lost both his dad and one of his sisters to tuberculosis. According to the census entries (1901) and his attestation papers Samuel was a prospector/miner/trapper for 12 years, in the Klondike (Yukon) and British Columbia. In 1910, while prospecting together with John Bentley, he discovered a large iron ore deposit in the Bugaboo area of Western Vancouver Island.

Samuel Smith enlisted in Esquimalt on September 1^st, 1915, with the 67^th Battalion C.E.F.  At the time his attestation papers list him as 37 years and 9 months old. (He was actually 3 years older). Samuel embarked on the S.S. Olympic 01 April 1916, from Halifax, and arrived in Liverpool, England, April 12, 1916. He went to France Aug 12^th, 1916, and worked as Battalion Guide for 10 months. On April 10^th, 1917, at Vimy Ridge, he was hit by shells, partly buried by debris and knocked unconscious for several hours. He was shellshocked and concussed. He was sent to base in Etaples for light duty. While there he entered the No7 Canadian General Hospital because of general debility. He developed trench fever and was sent to England in the latter part of August 1917. He spent 1 week at Southern General Hospital in Portsmouth, 5 weeks at Hilsea (Sept 1917) and from there was sent to Epsom for one week, after which he reported back to his regiment. However, within 2 months he again was admitted, to Moor Barracks at Shorncliffe (Feb 1918). He was transferred to No5 CGH Kirkdale on 29March1918. Before being injured at Vimy Ridge his health was good. Afterwards he was never the same. On April 15, 1918, he was deemed medically unfit for further service. It was decided he would go back to Canada. Samuel Smith embarked on the H.S.Araguaya, at Liverpool, on 25 April 1918 and was discharged on May 18^th, 1918 in New Westminster, BC. He traveled back to Victoria and spent time recovering at the Victoria Military Hospital, Resthaven Section, in Sidney, until July17th, 1918.

Samuel used 139 Sims Ave, Maywood, Victoria BC as his address on his attestation papers. After the war, he lived at 1049 Mason Street until 1926, and at 1150 Mason Street until 1928. Samuel was single when he enlisted and during the war; however, according to the obituary in the Times Colonist, Samuel married after the war and had a stepdaughter. Samuel Smith passed on 22 July 1928 in Victoria, BC. He had received a class A service badge and is commemorated on the Saanich WWI Honour Roll. Information submitted by M. Morgenthaler.

Smith, William Russell (Sergeant)

Regimental number: 313971.

William Russell Smith was born on June 28, 1880, in Glasgow, Scotland. His parents were named Alexander Smith and Jane Russell. Having previously served in the Boer War, William went on to work as a cabinet maker. He married Jessie Williamson on December 26, 1910, in Victoria. There they had two children, Alexander and Ernest Fraser, and lived on Cadillac Avenue in Saanich. William previously served with the 5th Regiment of Canadian Garrison Artillery for seven year, the 50th G.H. of C. for two years, and the Seaforth Highlanders for five years. He enlisted in the Canadian Expeditionary Force on January 1, 1916, in Esquimalt, B.C. at the age of 36. William was first attached to the 10th Brigade Ammunition Column and then transferred to the 3rd Canadian Divisional Ammunition Column, serving in France and reaching the rank of Sergeant. He was discharged on April 2, 1919, in Victoria, where he relocated to 3270 Douglas Street. After the war, William and his wife had another child: Russell William Smith. While living in Victoria, William was a member of the Vancouver & Quadra Grand Masonic Lodge No. 2 AF & AM on Fisgard Street, as well as the Carpenters and Joiners Union of Oakland, California. On April 24, 1923, he immigrated to the United States with his wife and children, arriving at the port of San Francisco in California. They lived in Berkeley, California and made their Declaration of Intention to become naturalized American citizens in 1924. William filed the Petition for Naturalization in 1928. He died on January 2, 1967 at the age of 86. Attestation Paper.

Snider, Edwin Percival T. (Sapper/Private)

Killed in Action May 3, 1917. Service Number: 500255.    Edwin Percival Snider was born in the Lake District of Saanich August 30, 1880, to parents William Henry Snider and Emma Snider (nee Cheeseman). Edwin was the sixth of twelve children. His father, who was born in Ontario in 1842, had come to British Columbia in 1862. William later became the Road Commissioner for Vancouver Island; Marine Drive, Dallas Road, and most roads leading out of Victoria were attributed to his guidance. Edwin’s mother was the daughter of Hudson’s Bay Company officer Richard Cheeseman and Jane Cheeseman (later Bailey, then Durrance), pioneers in the Royal Oak area of Saanich. On July 12, 1915, at the age of 34, Edwin enlisted at a Vancouver recruitment office. On his attestation papers, he listed his profession as being both a miner and a bridge carpenter. He also noted that he was part of an active militia, the 6^th Field Company of Canadian Engineers. During his time in service, Edwin held the rank of Sapper. He served in a variety of units including the No. 1 Army Troops Company Canadian Engineers, the 1^st Fortress Company and the 1^st Battalion. Edwin was serving with the 1^st Battalion in France when he was killed in action on May 3, 1917. He was predeceased by his father and survived by his mother and ten siblings. While his final resting place is unknown, Sapper Edwin Percival Snider is commemorated on the Vimy Memorial. Biographical nformation submitted by Saanich Archives. In September 2015, a group visited cemeteries overseas as part of the Saanich Remembers Project, including the Vimy Memorial. Photographs courtesy of Gavin Cooper.  Service record |  Newspaper notice of death |Canadian War Graves Commission | Canadian Virtual War Memorial | Vimy Memorial | Name on Vimy Memorial

Snyder, Walter Charles (Private)

Service Number: 706760. Walter Charles Snyder, sometimes spelled Snider, was born January 23, 1885, in Lennox and Addington County, Ontario to Joshua Snider and Norillia/Norilla Henderson. Walter had an older sister and an older brother. His mother died in 1888 and Walter’s father got remarried to Mary Dempsey. In 1891, Walter, his father, stepmother, two siblings, and one half-sibling lived in Barrington, Addington, Ontario. Walter’s father died in 1896. By 1911, Walter lived in Humboldt, Saskatchewan, and worked as a farmer. On April 30, 1915, Walter married Elizabeth Dunlop Prain in Victoria, British Columbia (B.C.). Walter enlisted in the Canadian Expeditionary Force in Victoria on January 18, 1916, and indicated he was born on the 29th of January. He was attached to the 103rd Battalion before being transferred to the 74th Company of the Canadian Forestry Corps, serving in France. Walter was discharged on January 17, 1919, in Victoria, due to demobilization. Walter and Elizabeth had two children, Walter Verner and Eileen Elsie. By 1921, the family lived at 3272 Alder Street, Saanich, B.C. Walter died on August 9, 1921, and his death was due to his service. By 1931, Elizabeth and their two children lived at 3323 Tennyson Ave, Saanich. Elizabeth died on February 16, 1962, in Colwood, B.C. Walter and Elizabeth are buried at Ross Bay Cemetery, with their son. Walter Charles Snyder is commemorated in the Saanich Remembers World War One project. Information submitted by L. Masson. Service Record.

Speak, Cyril Walter (Private)

Service number: 2140570   Cyril Speak was born 4 March 1897 in Attenborough, Nottinghamshire, England to parents Walter John and Kate (nee Billyeald) Speak. They came to Saanich around 1913,  and by 1918 were living on Grange Road in the Marigold area. His father, Walter worked as a welder. Cyril worked as a grocer. Cyril was drafted under the Military Service Act, 1917 on 29 July 1918 and served with the 2^nd Depot Battalion, B.C. Regiment in England. He was discharged 11 July 1919 and returned to the Marigold area. Cyril married Ethel Maude Crowther on 14 April 1923 at which time Cyril was living on Blackwood Road. Cyril died on 31 August 1969 and was interred at the Royal Oak Burial Park.   Service Record

Spurgin, Karl Branwite (Major)

Karl Branwite Spurgin was born on April 17, 1877 in Maryport, Cumberland, England to Dr. William H. and Emma Spurgin. Karl became an architect in England but shortly thereafter joined the Northumberland Yeomanry and served in the Boer War. He came to Victoria in 1911 and joined H.S. Griffiths in an architectural practice. When he signed his Officers’ Declaration Paper in November 1915, he was living at 785 Island Road, Oak Bay, and his wife Janet (nee Coote) was listed as next-of-kin. He had been with the B.C. Horse militia unit for 5 months. Karl Spurgin went overseas in 1916 with the 103rd Battalion (which later became the Scottish Regiment), second in command. In England, Karl transferred to the Imperial Forces. He returned to Victoria in 1919 and continued his work as an architect. His projects included: the Brentwood College Chapel, Royal Jubilee Hospital (addition), Oak Bay fire hall, and the cenotaph at St. Matthias Church on Foul Bay Road. He inspected the cadets at St. Michael’s University School in 1921 and 1922. Major Spurgin was in charge of land grants for returning veterans, heading the Saanich Soldiers’ Settlement program, and was co-architect for the Saanich War Memorial Health Centre with R.G. Rice, artist of the Saanich WWI Honour Roll. His wife Janet died in March 1927, and he married Ann Isobel (nee Buss) Paterson in Oak Bay on December 27, 1928. She was headmistress of St. Margaret’s School. Ann’s husband Lieutenant William Paterson had died of Spanish Flu in 1919 on his way home after the war. Karl and Ann lived at 1908 Waterloo Road (now a Saanich heritage building) from 1928 until his passing on November 27, 1936. He had two sons and a daughter. The funeral was held at St. Matthias Church, and Major Spurgin was buried at Royal Oak Burial Park. Information submitted by R. Anders and Saanich Archives. Officers' Declaration Paper | Canadian Great War Project | Other Sources: Imperial Vancouver Island by J.F. Bosher (2010); Saanich Heritage Register 2008 (1908 Waterloo Road).

Stacey, Albert (Driver)

Killed in Action 16 December 1917. Service Number: 476568.   Albert Stacey was born in Winnipeg on 22 July 1896 to parents James and Janie (sometimes spelled Jennie or Jeanie, nee Girby) Stacey. At some point his mother married Samuel Humphries and by 1911, they were living in a house called “Pinehurst” on Wilkinson Road. Albert and his brother Fred, who also served overseas during WWI, came with their mother to Saanich around 1902. Albert attended Central School and then worked at the Times Colonist for a while. He was later employed as a plumber. In 1914, he was working at the Bakersville Post Office in the United States but returned home when the war began in order to enlist. Albert enlisted on 15 August 1915 and left Victoria in October 1915 with the 5^th Regiment, He later served with the 6^th Brigade. In September 1917, Albert was hospitalized due to complications arising from an abrasion on his leg caused by riding. Ultimately, the wound became so severe that the leg had to be amputated. He died in hospital on 16 December 1916. Albert Stacey is buried at Les Baraques Military Cemetery in Sangatte, France and is commemorated on the Saanich WWI Honour Roll. In September 2016, a group led by Gavin Cooper visited cemeteries overseas as part of the Saanich Remembers Project, including Les Baraques Military Cemetery in France.  Service Record | Commonwealth War Graves Commission | Canadian Virtual War Memorial | Grave

Stacey, Frederick (Lance Corporal)

Frederick Stacey was born in Winnipeg on 14 May 1894 to parents James and Janie (sometimes spelled Jennie or Jeanie, nee Girby) Stacey. At some point his mother married Samuel Humphries and by 1911, they were living in a house called “Pinehurst” on Wilkinson Road. Fred and his brother Albert, who also served overseas during WWI, came with their mother to Saanich around 1902. He worked as a carpenter before and after the war.  Fred enlisted on 3 January 1916. He served with the 103^rd and in 1917, was wounded at Vimy Ridge but recovered. In 1918, Fred married Mary Whatley. He was discharged on 14 July 1919 and returned to Saanich. In 1921, Fred and Mary were living in the Marigold area. Fred Stacey died on 25 May 1983 and is interred at Royal Oak Burial Ground. He is commemorated on the Saanich WWI Honour Roll.   Service record

Steele, Arthur (Cyclist)

Service Number: 540394  Arthur Steele was born in Milk River, Alberta on November 17, 1896, the 11th child of Richard Steele and Annie Norn. Annie died probably around 1904 and Richard married Jennie Neville on September 6, 1905 in Macleod, Alberta. The family then moved to British Columbia sometime between 1905 and 1911, settling first on Rupert Terrace near Beacon Hill park and later at ‘Glyn Station’ in the Colquitz/Royal Oak area. His brother Joseph Gordon Steele and step-brother  William Barclay Neville, also served overseas during World War One. Arthur enlisted in the Canadian Expeditionary Forces on September 3, 1915, having previously served with the British Columbia Horse Squadron. In December 1915, he was sent overseas as a private in the 3rd Canadian Divisional Cyclists, arriving in France in March 1916. Arthur was discharged on April 23, 1919. His discharge certificate lists his occupation as rancher and states that he planned to return to the Colquitz neighbourhood, however, no further records as to his whereabouts after the war have been located at this time. Arthur Steele is commemorated on the Saanich WWI Honour Roll.  Information submitted by Saanich Archives.  Attestation Papers

Steele, Gordon

Gordon Steele is commemorated on the Saanich WW1 Honour Roll. No further information could be found.

Steele, Joseph Gordon (Private)

Killed in Action 8 October 1916   Service Number: 77177.  Joseph Gordon Steele was born outside of Edmonton, Alberta on May 19, 1885, the 5th child of Richard Steele and Annie Norn. Annie died probably around 1904 and Richard married Jennie Neville on September 6, 1905 in Macleod, Alberta. Joseph worked as a locomotive engineer for a time before moving to British Columbia with his family sometime between 1905 and 1911, settling first on Rupert Terrace near Beacon Hill park and later at ‘Glyn Station’ in the Colquitz/Royal Oak area. Soon after arriving, he secured a job at the Granby Smelting Company and spent many years living in the Prince Rupert area. On his attestation papers in 1914, Joseph listed his profession as teamster. Joseph’s brothers Arthur Steele and William Barclay Neville also served overseas during World War One. Joseph enlisted in the Canadian Expeditionary Forces on November 11, 1914 in Victoria having previously served with the 68th Prince Rupert Light Infantry (P.R.L.I) militia. Upon enlisting with the C.E.F., Joseph was sent to France with the 30th Battalion, and later joined the 16th Battalion. Between 1915 and 1916 Joseph was hospitalized several times. The first time was in May 1915 after receiving a gun-shot wound to the head. He was transferred to England and was in hospital until December 1915. He was then discharged from hospital and joined the 16th Battalion in France. In February 1916 he received a gun-shot wound to the right leg and had to receive surgery to remove the bullet. He was transferred back to England and was in hospital until July 1916, when he rejoined the 16th Battalion in France. On October 8, 1916, Joseph Gordon Steele was “Killed in Action in the field”. He is commemorated at the Vimy Memorial in France and on the Saanich WWI Honour Roll. Attestation Papers & Service Record | Commonwealth War Graves Commission | Daily Colonist 9 March 1916 (p.3)

Sterling, William Robert (Sapper)

Service number: 2203340   William Robert Sterling was born in Derby, England on 10 June 1884. He immigrated to Canada around 1906 and worked as a plasterer. He and his wife Agnes, lived in Vancouver for a few years where their daughters Muriel and Jean were born. They came to Saanich around 1916 or 1917 and lived at 3169 Tillicum Road. William enlisted 27 January 1917 and served overseas with the 5^th Canadian Railway Troops. He was discharged 30 April 1919 and returned to Canada where he rejoined his family who had gone back to Vancouver sometime in late 1918 or early 1919.   Service record

Stevens, David Valentine Vernon (Sergeant)                                                                

Killed in Action 20 May 1915. Service Number: 77649.  David Valentine Vernon Stevens (known as Vernon) was born 12 September 1894 in Saanich. He was baptized at St. Michael's Church in Royal Oak. His parents were David and Laura Andrew Sussanah (nee Hill) Stevens. His father was also born on Vancouver Island and earned a living as a farmer. By the beginning of the war, they were living in Portland, Oregon and after the war, they moved to Vancouver. Vernon’s brother Gerald also served overseas. After graduating from Victoria High School, where he served in the school’s Cadet Corps, Vernon attended McGill University and trained as a civil engineer. Vernon enlisted 5 November 1914 with the 30th Battalion and served overseas with the 16th Battalion. On 18 May 1915, he was reported wounded and missing and on 20 May 1915, he was presumed dead. David Valentine Vernon Stevens is commemorated at the Vimy Memorial and on the Saanich WWI Honour Roll.  Information submitted by Saanich Archives. In September 2015, a group visited cemeteries overseas, including the Vimy Memorial, as part of the Saanich Remembers Project. Photographs courtesy of Gavin Cooper.   Service record | Commonwealth War Graves | Canadian Cemetery No. 2 at Vimy | Canadian Grave Marker

Stevens, Gerald Boyd Hill (Corporal)

 Service Number: 332819   Gerald Stevens was born 15 February 1896 in Saanich. He was baptized at St. Michaels Church in Royal Oak. His parents were David and Laura Andrew Sussanah (nee Hill) Stevens. David Stevens was also born on Vancouver Island and earned a living as a farmer. By the beginning of the war, they were living in Portland, Oregon and after the war, they moved to Vancouver. Gerald’s brother Vernon also served overseas and was killed in action 20 May 1915. Gerald attended Victoria High School and listed his occupation as student when he enlisted on 3 May 1916. Gerald served overseas with the 62nd battery, 15th Brigade. He was discharged 3 August 1919 and appears to have joined his parents in Oregon. At some point during the 1920s, Gerald returned to Vancouver Island. He married Daphne Nora Bertrand Chambers at St. Stephen’s Church in Saanichton on 22 July 1933. They lived in Saanichton and Gerald was employed as a horticulturalist/gardener. Eventually they moved to Pender Island, where Gerald died 21 November 1977. Gerald Stevens is commemorated on the Saanich WWI Honour Roll. Information submitted by Saanich Archives.   Service record 

Stewart, Arthur (Corporal)

Service Number: 524637.   Arthur Stewart was born 23 September 1892 in Denver, Colorado to parents Arthur and Jeanette (nee Hector) (sometimes spelled Janet) Stewart. He was the oldest of 7 children. Arthur Sr. and Jeannette moved to the United States sometime before Arthur was born but returned to Scotland shortly after where they had another 2 children. They immigrated to Canada around 1899 settling first in Manitoba where another son was born, before coming to BC sometime between 1901 and 1905 where they had another 3 children. The family lived at 1250 Tattersall Road (formerly Blenkinsop). Arthur Sr. was a contractor and mason, he built many houses in the Quadra and Tattersall areas. He worked on the Empress Hotel and Carnegie Library and completed the cenotaph in Vancouver after his brother, also a stonemason, was killed during its construction. He started the Lakehill jitney and bus service which ran from Fort and Douglas to the Pumping Station at 3940 Quadra. Arthur Sr. died in 1938. Arthur Jr. enlisted 22 November 1915 and served with the Canadian Army Pay Corps and then with the Canadian Army Medical Corps. He was discharged 19 August 1919. After the war, he married Margaret Emily Trevett (1989-1977) and they moved to Courtenay where they lived until his death in 1969. Arthur Stewart is commemorated on the Saanich WW1 Honour Roll.  Service record | Photo

Stewart, Frank (Private)

Private Frank Stewart is commemorated on the Saanich WW1 Honour Roll. No further information could be found.

Stewart, Fred (Private)

Private Fred Stewart is commemorated on the Saanich WW1 Honour Roll. No further information could be found.

Stewart, Robert McGregor (Sergeant)

Service number: 2583326.   Robert Stewart was born 31 March 1870 in Perthshire, Scotland. By 1913, he and his wife Christina Jane were living at 3263 Pine Street (which was changed to Rutledge Street in 1923) and Robert was employed as a stonemason. Robert enlisted with the CEF on 20 October 1917 and served with the 11^th D.C., Canadian Military Police Corps. In the morning of 25 July 1918, Robert was thrown from his horse during a drill, landing on his head. He was brought to the field hospital at Rockcliffe Camp where he died later that afternoon.  By 1920, Christina Jane appears to have moved to Vancouver. She did not remarry, and died in Vancouver on 17 August 1950. Robert Stewart is buried in the Ottawa (Beechwood) Cemetery.    Service record     Commonwealth War Graves Commission                                        

Stewart, William (Private)                 

Killed in Action October 8, 1916. Service Number: 180140. William Stewart was the son of Arthur and Janet Stewart of 1250 Tattersall Drive. A Memorial Cross GVI medal was given to William’s mother to recognize his death, and it has remained with the family. His Service Number is engraved on the back. From the Saanich Heritage Register Book entry for 1149 Tattersall Drive: “Arthur Stewart (1870-1938) was a contractor and mason who built many houses in the Tattersall and Quadra areas […]. His brother, also a stonemason, was killed building the Cenotaph in Vancouver in 1924, and Arthur was asked to complete it." William Stewart is commemorated on the Saanich WWI Honour Roll and the Vimy Memorial. Information submitted by: K. Andersen and family. In September 2015, a group visited cemeteries overseas as part of the Saanich Remembers Project, including the Vimy Memorial. Photographs courtesy of Gavin Cooper.  Attestation Papers | Commonwealth War Graves | Vimy Memorial | Name on Vimy Memorial | Photos [PDF - 393 KB] | Memorial Cross (front) | Memorial Cross (back)

Steyan, C.L. - see Styan, Charles Leopold

Stubbs, William (Private)

Service number: 524724.   William Stubbs was born in Longton, England on 8 August 1896. He came to Canada with his parents, William and Jane (nee Hampton), and three sisters around 1911 and they settled in the Lake Hill area. Prior to the war, William was employed as a tinsmith. William enlisted with the CEF on 3 March 1916 and served in France with the 13^th Field Ambulance. He was hospitalized in November 1916 with influenza and spent two months in hospital. He was hospitalized again in October 1917 having been exposed to gas. He was discharged on 10 June 1919. After the war the family were living at 1413 Ralph Street. In 1928, William married Agnes Sjolander who lived with her family only a few blocks away on Lancaster Avenue. William died 12 February 1974 and Agnes died in July 1990.   Service record

Styan, Charles Leopold (Ordinary Seaman)

Service number: VR-1175.   Charles Styan was born in England on 5 July 1878. His parents were Alfred Styan and Ellen Knapp. Around 1903, he came to Canada with his wife Lillian (nee Kilgove) and their eldest daughter, also named Lillian. They spent a few years living in Manitoba where their second daughter, Ellen was born before coming to BC where they had 7 more children; 4 sons and 3 more daughters. Charles was employed as a carpenter and in 1911, he was living as a lodger in a home in Vancouver. By 1915, the family were living on Craigmillar Avenue, where they remained until the early 1930s. During WWI, Charles served as ordinary seaman in the Royal Naval Canadian Volunteer Reserve but further details related to his service have not been located at this time. After the war, Charles returned to his career as a carpenter. Around 1930, Charles, Lillian, and a few of the children moved to Royal Oak where Charles appears to have taken up farming for a time. Lillian died 23 August 1951 by which time, the couple were living on Wark Street with their daughter Ellen, a school teacher. Ellen lived with Charles until his death in 11 June 1953. Charles Styan is commemorated on the Saanich WWI Honour Roll, where his name is spelled Steyan.

Sullivan, William (Private)

Service number: 181095.   William Sullivan was born in West Ham, London, England 12 May 1877. His parents were James and Joanna Sullivan. It is not known exactly when William came to Canada, but he was living in Vancouver and employed as a marine fireman on 13 September 1904 when he married Louisa Mary Major. By 1914 the couple had moved to Victoria and were living in on Luxton Avenue, and in 1915 they moved to Inverness Road near Glasgow Avenue in Saanich. William enlisted on 21 Feb 1915 with the 88^th Battalion. He served overseas with the 47^th Battalion and was discharged 30 July 1919. During the war, Louisa (now giving her name as Louise Mable) returned to Vancouver and sometime later the couple divorced. Louise remarried in 1926. No further records as to William’s whereabouts after the war have been uncovered at this time although it is likely that he moved back to Vancouver.   Service record

Sutton, George Frederick (Private)

Service number: 706611.   George Frederick Sutton was born 3 September 1881 in Cheltenham, England. His parents were Richard and Annie Sutton. He came to Canada with his family in the early 1900s and was employed as a teamster. On 21 December 1904, George married Emily Janet Middleton at Christ Church Cathedral in Victoria. The couple had one son, Richard. They lived at several addresses in Victoria until around 1912 when they moved to Battleford Avenue in Saanich. George enlisted 10 January 1916 with the 103^rd Battalion. He served overseas with the 2^nd Canadian Mounted Rifles. In February 1917, George fell and injured his left knee but after some time in hospital appears to have returned to duty. He was discharged on 25 March 1919. During the war, Emily got a job as a clerk and was living at 2636 Douglas Street. On his demobilization paperwork, George listed this address as his proposed residence upon return to Canada, however by 1921, they were again living at 234 Battleford Avenue. After the war, George got a job as a fireman but it was a short-lived career. George died 15 July 1922.   Service record

Swallow, Herbert (Private)

Service number: 430656.   Herbert Swallow was born 27 July 1879 in Mansfield, England and was a miner by trade, though in Saanich he worked as a labourer. Herbert and his wife Mary Ellen lived for a time in Fernie before settling in the Swan Lake area of Saanich, probably sometime after 1911. They had two sons, Thomas and William. They were living on Easter Road in 1914, but had moved to Falmouth Road by the time Herbert enlisted. Herbert enlisted on 1 March 1915 with the 48^th Battalion but served with various Pioneer Battalions. He was serving in the trenches beginning around March 1916 and was wounded in late September 1916. Despite suffering a concussion, he appears to have remained on duty, and was back at the front by late October. On 30 October 1918 Mary Ellen died. Herbert was discharged 31 March 1919 and returned to his home on Falmouth Road. By 1920, he was working as a labourer at Harbour Marine Co. By 1921, however, Herbert appears to have moved away from Falmouth Road, and no further records as to his or his sons’ whereabouts have been located at this time.    Service record   Photo in Daily Colonist, 29 Oct 1916, p.5

Tarling, Ernest Richard (Private)

Service number: 180681.   Ernest Richard Tarling was born 11 July 1874 in Calne, Wiltshire, England. He came to Canada around 1895 and worked as a mechanic and a carpenter. He married Marie Mose in Vancouver on 2 November 1913, after which time, they came to Saanich and settled on Tennyson Avenue in the Maywood area. The couple had 3 sons and a daughter. Ernest enlisted on 12 November 1915 and served with the 88^th Battalion Victoria Fusiliers. He was discharged on 6 September 1919. After the war, the family bought a farm in Courtenay, which is where their youngest child was born.   Service record

Tayler, William Fothergill Cooke (Major)

Service number: unknown.   William Tayler was born in Bangalore, India on 1 March 1868. He served for 18 years with the British Indian Army. Around 1908, William, now retired, his wife Violet Margaret Sophie (nee Harvey) and their daughter Violet came to Canada and settled in Cadboro Bay. William enlisted as an officer with the 143^rd Railway Construction Battalion on 11 March 1916. He served in England and was promoted to major in February 1918. By 1917, the family had moved into Victoria. They lived on Menzies Street in James Bay for a few years but by 1921, they were living on Laurel Lane in the Rockland neighbourhood. William’s wife, Violet, died on 31 May 1955, by which time they were living on Richmond Road. William died 19 January 1962. They are both interred at Royal Oak Burial Park.   Service record

Taylor, E.R. (Lieutenant)

Service number: 107590.  Edward Roland Taylor was born in London Ontario, 6 October 1889 to parents Joseph W. Taylor (1852-1918) and Jane Marshall (1850-1930). Joseph worked as a realtor.  Edward had four older siblings, Sophie (31 Sept 1878 - ), Bessie (30 Oct 1880 - ), Roy Marshall (3 June 1883 – 18 Oct 1954), and Harry Victor (28 Oct 1885 - 23 Jan 1954) and one younger sibling, Eleanor (20 Nov 1890 - ). His brothers Roy and Harry also served overseas during WWI.
In 1901, the family were living in Boissevain, Manitoba. They arrived in Victoria around 1909 and lived on Dunsmuir Road near Esquimalt Road. By 1912, the family was living on Gorge Road West between Qu’Appelle and Wascana. Around the time of Joseph’s death in 1918, the family moved a few blocks away to 182 Gorge Road West where Jane lived until 1921.
Before the war, Edward was employed as a civil engineer and served with the 31^st B.C. Horse regiment in Victoria. Edward married Rose Julie O’Meara (29 Jan 1895 – 8 Sept 1985) on 19 May 1915. Her father was also a civil engineer and they also lived on Gorge Road West. Their first child Joan (married name Crosby) was born in 1917.
Edward enlisted on 18 May 1915 and served with the 2^nd Canadian Mounted Rifles but was discharged in October of the same year when he was “appointed to commission on a new army”. He appears to not have spent any time in France, spending his 5 months of oversees service in Shorncliffe, England. His service records do not indicate what he did from October 1915 until the end of the war. By 1921, Edward was back in Victoria, working as a civil engineer. On the 1921 census, he is listed as Major Taylor and the family are living at 1015 Bank Street.
Around 1940, Edward and his family moved to West Vancouver. He died 14 August 1972 and Rose died 8 September 1985. Edward is remembered on the Saanich WW1 Honour Roll.
Attestation    1911 census   1921 census   Marriage certificate   Death certificate

 

Taylor, H.V. (Driver)

Service number: 313977.  Harry Victor Taylor was born in Birr Ontario, 28 October 1885 to parents Joseph W. Taylor (1852-1918) and Jane Marshall (1850-1930). Joseph worked as a realtor.  Harry had three older siblings, Sophie (31 Sept 1878 - ), Bessie (30 Oct 1880 - ), and Roy Marshall (3 June 1883 – 18 Oct 1954) and two younger siblings, Edward Roland (6 Aug 1889 – 14 Aug 1972) and Eleanor (20 Nov 1890 - ). His brothers Roy and Edward also served overseas during WWI.
In 1901, the family were living in Boissevain, Manitoba. They arrived in Victoria around 1909 and lived on Dunsmuir Road near Esquimalt Road. By 1912, the family was living on Gorge Road West between Qu’Appelle and Wascana. Around the time of Joseph’s death in 1918, the family moved a few blocks away to 182 Gorge Road West where Jane lived until 1921.
Before the war, Harry was employed as a clerk at Drake Hardware Co. at 1418 Douglas Street. He enlisted 19 January 1916 and serve in France with the 10^th brigade, Canadian Field Artillery. He was briefly promoted to bombardier but reverted to his position as driver with the 10^th at his own request. On 2^nd October 1918, Harry received a gunshot wound to his right shoulder and was hospitalized for 2 months. The bullet had to be removed in hospital but his demobilization medical exam states that he made a good recovery and was left with no disabilities due to his wound. Harry was discharged on 26 March 1919 and returned to Saanich.
In 1920, Harry had returned to his job as a clerk at Drake Hardware Co. and was living at 573 Manchester Road. In 1922, Harry moved to Vanderhoof, B.C. with his brother Roy and opened Taylor Bros. General Hardware, Camp Supplies, and Furniture. He married Nora Mary Andros (1895 – 24 Nov 1971) on 30 June 1925 in Vanderhoof. They had at least 2 daughters but their eldest Kathleen died at only 1 month old. She is buried in the Vanderhoof Municipal cemetery with Harry and Norah. Harry died 23^rd January 1958 at the age of 72. He is remembered on the Saanich WW1 Honour Roll.
Attestation   1911 Census   Marriage certificate   Death certificate

Taylor, Roy Marshall (Sapper)

Service number: 2005755.  Roy Marshall Taylor was born in London, Ontario, 3 June 1883 to parents Joseph W. Taylor (1852-1918) and Jane Marshall (1850-1930). Joseph worked as a realtor. Roy had two older siblings, Sophie (31 Sept 1878 - ) and Bessie (30 Oct 1880 - ), and three younger siblings, Harry Victor (28 Oct 1885 – 23 Jan 1954), Edward Roland (6 Aug 1889 – 14 Aug 1972), and Eleanor (20 Nov 1890 - ). His brothers Harry and Edward also served overseas during WWI.
In 1901, the family were living in Boissevain, Manitoba. They arrived in Victoria around 1909 and lived on Dunsmuir Road near Esquimalt Road. By 1912, the family was living on Gorge Road West between Qu’Appelle and Wascana. Around the time of Joseph’s death in 1918, the family moved a few blocks away to 182 Gorge Road West where Jane lived until 1921.
Before the war, Roy was working as a clerk for the Provincial Government. He enlisted 15 February 1917 and served as a clerk with the Canadian engineers, primarily in France. In 1919, Roy was hospitalized with influenza and returned to England. He was discharged 19 May 1919 and returned to Saanich. In 1921, Roy was living at 301 Niagara Street and on 12 January 1921, he married Eleanor Mary Streeter (22 Nov 1897 – 6 Feb 1960). In 1922, Roy and Eleanor moved to Vanderhoof, B.C. with his brother Harry where they opened Taylor Bros. General Hardware, Camp Supplies, and Furniture.
Roy died 18 October 1954 and is buried in the Vanderhoof Municipal Cemetery. Eleanor died 6 February 1960 in Duncan and is buried at the Royal Oak Burial Park in Saanich.
Attestation   1911 Census   Marriage certificate   Death certificate

Thomas, Alfred Dan (Pioneer)

Service number: 430621   Dan Thomas was born 22 February 1890 in Gillingham, Kent, England. He came to Canada a few years before the beginning of the war and found work as a general labourer. Dan enlisted on 18 March 1915 and served overseas with the 3^rd Pioneers, 48^th Battalion. In August 1917 he became ill and was invalided home to Esquimalt. He was officially discharged on 8 February 1918. After a short time living on Haultain Street, Dan settled in Brentwood Bay and began a career as a fisherman that would last until his death in 1967. Dan was one of the first members of the Saanich Anglers and the Chinook Club. He was also a member of the Canadian Legion, Pro Patris Branch, and in 1919, applied for the position of Chief of Police in Saanich, although he lost the job to Peter Brogan. He never married and was living in the home of Mr. and Mrs. A.B. Smith when he died on 3 June1967. Dan Thomas is commemorated on the Saanich WWI honour roll.   Service Record

Thomas, Clarence Milton Gerald (Sapper)

Service number: 506332.   Clarence Thomas was born 1 October 1892 in Hastings, England. He came to Canada sometime after 1911 and in 1916 he was living at St. Joseph’s Hospital ranch in Royal Oak where he was employed as a mechanical driver. Clarence enlisted on 16 October 1916 and served overseas with the Canadian Engineers. He was discharged on 20 June 1919 and returned to Canada. In 1921, Clarence was boarding at the farm of George Rogers and his family in Seven Oaks, employed as a farm labourer. No records as to his whereabouts after 1921 have been located at this time. Clarence Thomas is commemorated on the Saanich WWI Honour Roll. Service record

Thomas, Theodore Gauntlett (Lieutenant)

Killed in Action 12 August 1918.  Service number: none.   Theodore Gauntlett Thomas was born on18 July 1883 in Pwllcrochan, Pembrokeshire, Wales. His parents were David and Una Gauntlett Thomas. He came to Canada sometime around 1911 and was employed as assistant master at University School (now St. Michaels University School), where he also lived. Theodore enlisted 4 December 1914 with the 30^th Battalion and sailed for France in February 1915. He had previously served with the Oxford University Light Infantry and with the 50^th Gordon Highlanders. Sometime between 1914 and 1918 Theodore married Gertrude Cunliffe. It does not appear that she or Theodore’s parents ever lived in Canada. Theodore was serving with the 47^th Battalion on 12 August 1918 when he was killed in action. He is buried at Rosieres Communal Cemetery in Somme, France. Service record   Commonwealth War Graves Commission

Thompson, Henry Edward (Staff Sergeant)

Service number: 77878.   Henry Edward Thompson was born 24 September 1870 in Durham, England. He came to Canada around 1907, and his wife Sarah and son George W.G. followed him around 1911. Henry was employed as a contractor but often described his job as carpenter or builder. Until 1912, they were living on Ross Street, but by 1914, they were living on Cross Roads which, according to the city directories, was another name for Admirals Road. After the war, the family moved back into Victoria and in 1921, were living on Cook Street. Prior to immigrating to Canada, Henry spent 13 years in the British military, serving at one time in South Africa. Henry enlisted in the Canadian Over-Seas Expeditionary Force on 7 November 1914 with the 30^th Battalion. He served with the Canadian Ordnance Store Corps in Ashford, Kent, England for the duration of the war and was promoted to Staff Sergeant in 1916. Henry returned to Canada near the end of 1918 due to poor health and was discharged on 21 January 1919.   Service record

Thompson, Hugh (Bugler)

Bugler Hugh Thompson is commemorated on the Saanich WW1 Honour Roll. No further information could be found.

Thorley, Thomas (Gunner)

Service number: 2044064.   Thomas Thorley was born 1 May 1883 in Shrewsbury, Shropshire, England. His parents were John and Olive (nee Wood) Thorley. He came to Canada around 1908 and worked in the Colquitz area as a farm labourer on the dairy farm of Ernest and William Sims. Thomas enlisted on 30January 1917 and served with the Divisional Ammunition Column, Draft-Giving Depot. He was discharged 15 May 1919 and returned to Victoria. Thomas spent the rest of his life working as a dairy farmer. Around 1935 or 1936, he married Violet Lily Cliffe Thorley, although no marriage certificate has been located at this time. Violet had been married to Thomas’ brother James Thorley until his death in 1927. James and Violet were married in 1916 and came to Canada around 1920. In the 1921 census, they were listed as boarders on the Sims brothers’ property, but by 1923 were listed as living on Dalmeny Road. By the late 1920s, Thomas was also living on Dalmeny Road at “Panama Park Dairy” and from 1928 until 1935 Violet is listed in the directories as living at Panama Park Dairy as well but is still described as the widow of James. Thomas and Violet continued to live in the Carey neighbourhood until their deaths, Thomas on 7 April 1976 and Violet on 3 November 1976.   Service record

Thorpe, Arthur Charles (Sergeant)

Service number: 442499.   Arthur Charles Thorpe was born 19 January 1884 in Essex, England. His father’s name was Walter, but little is known about the rest of his family. From around 1914-1916, his father was living on Millgrove Street near Burnside Road. Around 1917, he moved to Chancer Street in Oak Bay. Arthur enlisted 6 May 1915 in Vernon, BC and served with the 54^th Battalion. Arthur was shot in the leg in November 1916 and spent several months in hospital. He recovered and returned to active duty and was finally discharged 20 July 1919. Sometime during the war he married a woman named Lily who was living in London. No further records indicating where the couple lived after the war have been located at this time. Arthur died 28 May 1951.   Service record

Thurburn, Augustus Edward Sedgwick C. (Captain)

Killed in Action 28 May 1917   Service Number: 16823.   Augustus Thurburn was born 17 February 1890. His parents were Thory Vincent and Mary Thurburn. Around 1911 or 1912, the family moved to the Mount Tolmie area of Saanich. They lived on Richmond Road near Knight Avenue. Augustus enlisted on 23 September 1914 and served with the 9th Battalion, Essex Regiment and the 3rd Battalion, King's Royal Rifle Corps. His brother Hector also served overseas. Captain Thurburn was killed in action in or around Salonika (now Thessaloniki, Greece) on 28 May 1917. He is buried at Mikra British Cemetery in Kalamaria, Greece and is commemorated on the Saanich WWI Honour Roll. Information submitted by: J. Orr and Saanich Archives. Additional source: J. F. Bosher, Imperial Vancouver Island: Who Was Who, 2010, p.730.   Commonwealth War Graves Commission   Attestation Papers

Thurburn, Hector (Private)

Service number: 2139183.   Hector Thurburn was born 28 February 1899 in Nanaimo, BC. His parents were Thory Vincent and Mary Thurburn. Around 1911 or 1912, the family moved to the Mount Tolmie area of Saanich. They lived on Richmond Road near Knight Avenue. Hector enlisted on 17 April 1918 at the age of 19. At the time, he was still a student. He served overseas with the 72^nd Battalion. He was discharged 20 June 1919 and returned to Saanich. After the war, the family were living on Mayfair Drive and Hector was again listed as a student although no documents describing where or what Hector was studying have been located at this time. Hector’s brother, August Thurburn also served overseas; he was killed in action in May 1917. Mary died in 1920 and Hector continued to live with his father and sister. From 1930 until 1931, Hector was working at Fort Garage and Super Serve. Around 1932, Hector went into business with John Usmar Byrne, whom he had been working with at Fort Garage and Super Serve. In the directories, Hector is listed as the president of Thurburn & Byrne Bros. In 1932, his sister Eileen married John Usmar Byrne who had already been living with the Thurburn family at 970 Heywood Avenue in Victoria since 1930. By 1940, Hector was still living with his father, sister, and brother-in-law on Heywood Avenue. He retired around 1942. It does not appear that Hector ever married and no death certificate has been located at this time.   Service record

Tilley, Walter (Private)

Service Number: 180771. Walter Tilley was born in London, England in 1879. By 1912, he was living in Saanich, and in July of that year he married Alice Dodd. In 1914 Walter was working as a painter, and he and Alice were living on Easter Road in Saanich. The following year, they were living on Jackson Ave (Jackson Avenue changed to Lodge Avenue in 1923). In 1915, Walter enlisted, joining the 88th Regiment, Victoria Fusiliers, and he sailed to Liverpool on the S.S. Olympic in May of 1916. The 1917 Henderson's Directory lists him on active service. He served with the 88th Battalion in England and France, and was demobilized in May of 1919. In 1921, the city directory shows him living on Jackson  Avenue and working as a painter with the Canadian Pacific Railway. According to the 1921 census, Walter lived with his wife Alice, twin daughters Florence and Vera (age 6) and son Albert (age 11 months). When he died in 1951 at the age of 71, he and Alice still resided in the home they had lived in since 1915, 1029 Lodge Avenue. Pte. W. Tillie (i.e. Tilley) is commemorated on the Saanich Honour Roll. Information submitted by: Saanich Archives.  Attestation Papers

Todd, Charles Hayward (Private)

Service number 463189.   Charles Hayward Todd (known as Hayward) was born in Nanaimo 16 August 1897 to parents Frederick and Hannah (nee Lee) Todd. His grandparents were early Gordon Head land-owners James and Flora (nee Macaulay) Todd. His uncle Thomas Todd also served overseas during WWI. Hayward enlisted 23 July 1915 in Vernon, BC. At that time, his parents were living in Prince Rupert. He served overseas with the 62^nd Battalion and with the 2^nd Canadian Mounted Rifles. In September 1916, Hayward was wounded at the Somme and spent a considerable amount of time in hospital. Shrapnel had entered his face, thigh, and foot but after several surgeries he eventually recovered. He was discharged from the Ontario Military Hospital in Orpington, Kent in April 1917. Hayward was eventually transferred to Resthaven Hospital in Sidney. He was discharged on 31 March 1918. After the war, Hayward lived in Prince Rupert where he worked as a marine and refrigeration engineer. He never married. He died on 3 May 1968 in Vancouver and is buried at the Royal Oak Burial Park in Saanich.   Service record   Photo

Todd, Thomas (Corporal)

Service number: 332870.   Thomas Todd was born on 2 April 1889 in Gordon Head. He was the youngest of 17 children of James and Flora (nee Macaulay) Todd. James Todd was the son of John Tod, Chief Trader with the Hudson’s Bay Company. When James died in 1904, the Todd farm in Gordon Head was divided between Thomas and two of his brothers, James Jr. and Albert Henry. Thomas’ nephew Charles Hayward Todd also served overseas during WWI. Thomas Todd married Mileva Shaw (nee Compton) in 1911 and they settled on their property in Gordon Head. Mileva was very active on the home front during WWI. Like many Saanich women she was left to run the family farm, but she was also active in raising money for the Red Cross and was well respected locally for her efforts. Thomas enlisted 10 May 1916 and served overseas with the 67^th Depot Battery, the 15th Brigade, Canadian Field Artillery and the 13^th Brigade, C.F.A. In March 1919, he was promoted to Corporal and on 28 June 1919 he was discharged. After the war, Thomas returned to the farm in Gordon Head. Mileva died in 1949 and Thomas in 1964. The couple had no children. Service record   Photo

Tolputt, John Bateman (Sapper)

Service number: 2735213.   John Tolputt was born 2 May 1863 in Folkestone, Kent, England. He came to Canada with his wife Adelaide Annie Slater and their 5 children around 1900, settling first in the Yale/Cariboo District. After coming to Canada, the couple had at least two more sons. The family moved to Victoria around 1903 and lived at several addresses in Victoria. Before and after the war, John worked as a carpenter. Adelaide died on 21 October 1909 and around 1915, John and several of his children moved to 4330 Bethune Avenue. They were still at this address after the war. John enlisted on 10 December 1918 in Victoria and served with the No. 11 Engineer Depot. He was discharged 30 September 1919. John died 15 July 1944.   Service record

Toms, Charles (Private)

Private Charles Toms is commemorated on the Saanich WW1 Honour Roll. No further information could be found.

Toms, Frank Fulford (Private)

Service Number: 706278. Frank Fulford Toms (of 259 Springfield Avenue, Victoria), plasterer, was born at Moose Jaw on 30 July 1888 to Henry Lewis and Blanche (nee Paxton) Toms. He assisted his father until his father’s death in 1915; Frank then joined the army and proceeded to France. He enlisted with his brother Frederick Ernest, (their service numbers are in sequence). While serving with the Canadian Forces, he received a serious head wound which kept him in hospital for six months. After the war he returned to Victoria. He and his wife Marjorie Kate Flemming, a trained nurse born at Esquimalt, had two children: Vivian Doreen (born 13 January 1922) and Margaret Joan (born 13 May 1924). Frank Fulford Toms died on November 1, 1947 in Victoria at age 58. He is buried at Royal Oak Burial Park in Saanich. Information submitted by: J. Humphries.  Attestation Papers

Toms, Frederick Ernest (Private)

Service Number: 706277. Frederick Ernest Toms was born at Stow-on-the-Wold, Gloucester, England on 18 June 1876. He immigrated to Canada in 1887 with his parents Henry Lewis Toms and Blanche Paxton Toms, and four siblings. They settled in the Qu’Appelle Valley, NWT (now Saskatchewan). After some years as a prairie farmer, in 1908 he moved to Cordova Bay, Saanich. In December 1915 with his brother Frank, Frederick signed up for the Great War with the 103rd Battalion, known as the Timber Wolves. In 1917, he proceeded to France where he served with the Canadian Forces until the Armistice. Excerpt from his biography: “I do not wish to relate any of my experiences in the war other than I came out alive bar being gassed and buried once I was never seriously wounded although I was feeling more or less a wreck by the time the Armistice was signed”. In July 1919 at St. John's Church, Calgary, Alberta, Frederick was married to Aliceia Frances, born 30 June, 1891 and daughter of George Charles and Frances Bunn Mannix of Stonewall, Manitoba. He returned to Victoria where he was employed with the CPR, working at the new Crystal Gardens swimming pool. He died 30 November 1938 and is buried in Ross Bay Cemetery, Victoria. Frederick E. Toms is commemorated on the Saanich WWI Honour Roll. Information submitted by: J. Humphries.  Attestation Papers | Other Sources: Autobiography of Fred E. Toms (copy available at Saanich Archives)

Toms, Sydney (Private)

Private Sydney Toms was born in Moose Jaw, Saskatchewan, on Apr.13, 1892 to parents Blanche Paxton and Henry “Harry” Toms. His parents and older brother George had moved from England in the late 1880s. He had 7 siblings, Blanche, Emily, Frank, Flora, George, Henry, and Frederich. In 1901, the entire family moved from Moose Jaw to Assiniboia, which was, at the time, part of the North West Territories. Assiniboia was about 110 km from Moose Jaw. In 1907, the family moved again, this time to the Saanich area. According to the 1911 census, the family (excluding George, who had by this time moved out), lived at Box 124, land on which they farmed, in Cordova Bay. In December of 1915, Sydney’s older brother Frank enlisted with the 103rd Battalion CEF. Sydney, aged 23, probably enlisted at this time as well. On June 27th, 1916, he married Ellen Grace Heaslip, aged 21, who was from Kenora, Ontario. They married in Breadalbane, the name of the house owned by Reverend John D. Campbell, who married them. The house used to sit on 1185 Fort Street. Sydney and Ellen’s first child, Sidney Earle Toms, was born a year after the war on September 16th, 1919, in Victoria. By the birth of their next two daughters, Dorothy and Elaine, in 1925 and 1930, respectively, the young family was living in Port Alberni. Sydney worked as a janitor for most of his working life, and died in Langford on October 1st, 1976. He is buried in Hatley Memorial Gardens, in Colwood. Sydney is commemorated on the Saanich WWI Honour Roll. Information submitted by: Theresa W. Sources include: Saanich Archives 1918 Voters List, Saanich Archives 1911 and 1921 Census (see Saanich Archives Collections & Research

Toogood, Charles James (Private)

Killed in action, 11 November 1916.  Service number: 180682.   Charles Toogood was born in Alwalton, Peterborough, England 23 March 1887. His parents were Joseph and Mary Jane Toogood. Charles came to Canada with his brother Frederick, who also served during WWI, and settled in the Turgoose P.O. area which is now Saanichton. They were fruit growers. Charles and Fred both enlisted at Willows Camp in Victoria on 15 November 1915. Charles served overseas with the 47^th Battalion. He was killed in action on 11 November 1916 and is commemorated on the Vimy Memorial in Pas de Calais, France.   Service record   Canadian War Graves Commission

Toogood, Frederick George (Lance Corporal)

Killed in action 15 August 1917. Service number: 180683   Frederick Toogood was born in Alwalton, Peterborough, England 3 September 1888. His parents were Joseph and Mary Jane Toogood. Fred came to Canada with his brother Charles, who also served during WWI, and they settled in the Turgoose P.O. area which is now Saanichton. They were fruit growers. Fred and Charles both enlisted at Willows Camp in Victoria on 15 November 1915. Fred served overseas first with the 88^th Battalion and later with the 7^th Battalion. In June 1916, Fred was promoted from private to lance corporal and on 15 August 1917, he was reported missing, presumed dead. Frederick Toogood is commemorated on the Vimy Memorial in Pas de Calais, France.   Service record   Canadian War Graves Commission

Treherne, Howard Randolph (Gunner)

Service Number: 476665. Howard Randolph Treherne was born in Leamington, Warwickshire, England on December 10, 1887. At the time of his enlistment in November 1915, he was 27 years old and living in the Colquitz area of Saanich. He listed his occupation as builder. According to the 1911 census, Howard and Margaret Treherne immigrated to Canada in 1911 with their young children Richard (age 2) and Sybil (age 1). At that time, they lived in the Okanagan region of BC. H.R. Treherne enlisted in the Canadian Garrison Artillery in Esquimalt, and sailed for England on the SS Missanabie in December of 1915. In August of 1916 he left England to serve in France and Belgium for the duration of the war. Near the end of the war he spent some time in the military hospital at Eastleigh being treated for “error of refraction”. In October 1918, he was promoted to Corporal. He returned to Canada in July of 1919, and was discharged on July 14, 1919. The Treherne family is not listed in the 1921 Saanich census, but by 1929 when their daughter Margaret Sybil was married, they were living in Eburne, BC, a town on Sea Island in the Fraser River near Richmond. Their son Howard Cedric (b. 1921) served as a navigator with the RCAF during WW2, and was killed during air operations in 1943. Howard Randolph Treherne was a resident of North Vancouver when he died in 1971 at age 83. He is commemorated on the Saanich Honour Roll. Information submitted by J. Clements and Saanich Archives.  Attestation Papers

Trickey, William John (Corporal)

Killed in Action 1 November 1918. Service No: 476666. Corporal William John (W.J.) Trickey was born to English farmer William Trickey and Mary Ann Marwick on December 11, 1878. He was the eldest of his siblings Jane May Trickey, Robert James Trickey, Elizabeth Isabel Trickey, Annie Hyacinthe Trickey, and Arthur Trickey. Like his father, William John Trickey was a farmer in the Royal Oak area at R.M.D. #1. He enlisted in Esquimalt on November 11, 1915, having previously served in the 5th Regiment Canadian Garrison Artillery. A gunner with the Canadian Artillery Regiment 3rd Brigade, he died at the Battle of Valenciennes on November 1, 1918 at the age of 39. His widow, Sybil Amelia Trickey, would later remarry Robert Atherton on May 5, 1920. William John Trickey is buried in St. Roch Communal Cemetery in Valenciennes, Nord-Pas-de-Calais. He is commemorated on the Saanich WWI Honour Roll. Information submitted by: E. Spence.  Attestation Papers | Commonwealth War Graves Commission | Colonist 17 Nov 1918 (p. 5)

Tucker, Edward (Sergeant)

Service number: 180826.   Edward Tucker was born 22 February 1884 in Devon, England. He came to Canada around 1908 settling first in Ontario where his eldest son, Edward Henry was born. Edward, his wife Elsie (nee Hitch) and Edward Jr. moved to British Columbia in 1909 or 1910 where their second son William James was born. Around 1914, they moved to 338 Walter Avenue where Edward lived until his death in 1948. Before the war, Edward was employed as a machinist. Edward enlisted on 1 November 1915 and served overseas with the 47^th Battalion. He was promoted to sergeant in March 1917. In October 1917 he received a gunshot wound to his left hand while fighting at Passchendaele resulting in the loss of several fingers and total loss of function in the hand. After a prolonged period in hospital and several operations, his left arm was amputated below the elbow. In July 1919, he was supplied with an artificial limb and discharged. Sometime either just before the war started or during the war, Elsie died. No death certificate has been located at this time, but during the war, their sons were under the guardianship of Edward’s mother. After the war, Edward returned to Saanich and got a job as an artificial limb maker, a job he continued to do until his death. On 20 October 1922, he married Jessie MacDonald. Edward and Jessie were already living together and had a son, Gordon Leslie (born March 1921). Gordon was killed while serving as a gunner in the RCAF during WWII. He died on 23 June 1943 at the age of 22. Edward died on 13 April 1948 and is buried at Royal Oak Burial Park. Jessie was still living at 338 Walter Avenue when she died on 3 December 1976.   Service record

Tunstead, William George (Private)

Service number: 3209327.   William George Tunstead was born 19 August 1897 in what is now Central Saanich. His parents were Thomas and Louisa Catherine Steinberger who were married in Victoria in 1896. William also had a brother, Henry S. The family farmed in Saanich until sometime between 1911 and 1918, when they moved to Millet, Alberta where they continued to farm. William was drafted under the military services act in Calgary, Alberta on 10 May 1918. He served with the 1^st Depot Battalion, Alberta Regiment in Calgary and was discharged 4 April 1919. After the war, William married Crystal Viola Ayres. At some point after the war, his parents returned to Victoria, where they were living at the time of Thomas’ death in 1946. William and Crystal were living in Kelowna when William died on 7 January 1985.   Service record

Upham, Clifford (Private)

Service number: 2223333.   Clifford Upham was born 16 July 1898 in Somerset, England. He came to Canada with his mother, Florence Upham, around 1911 and settled in Vancouver. In 1917, Clifford was living in the Maywood area of Victoria and working as a clerk. He enlisted in Victoria on 19^th March 1917 and served overseas with the BC Cyclist Platoon and later with the 7^th Canadian Infantry Battalion. He was discharged on 28 April 1919. After the war, Clifford returned to Vancouver and worked as a purchasing agent for Burrard Dry Docks. He married Flora Jean Bennett on 16 September 1925. The couple lived in Vancouver until their deaths, Flora in 1988 and Clifford in 1989.   Service record

Verling, Barney (Private)

Service Number: 180395. Bartholomew (Barney) Verling was born in Newmarket, County Cork, Ireland January 29, 1877. It is not known when he moved to Canada, but when he enlisted on December 21, 1915, he was living in the Royal Oak area of Saanich and his Attestation Papers give his occupation as farmer. In June of 1916, he sailed to England on the S.S. Olympic. A month later, Pte. Verling was transferred to the 25th Canadian Pioneers Battalion in France. On February 27, 1918 he was seriously wounded by gunshot, and his left leg was amputated as a result. The initial recovery period was spent at the City of London Military Hospital, but in September of 1918 he was sent back to Canada to continue his convalescence at the Shaunessy Military Hospital in Vancouver. The 1934 Sun British Columbia Directory shows him living in Quesnel, BC, and he lived there until his death July 19, 1950 at the age of 73. Barney Verling is commemorated on the Saanich Honour Roll. Information submitted by: Saanich Archives.  Attestation Papers

Villers, Arthur (Private)

Service number: 525147.   Arthur Villers was born 7 January 1874 in Birmingham, England to parents Joseph and Mary Villers. Joseph was a manufacturing silversmith in Birmingham. Arthur’s brother Ernest also served overseas during WWI. Arthur and Ernest also had another brother and three sisters who remained in England and a fourth sister who moved to South Africa. Between 1891 and 1893, Arthur also lived in South Africa. Their nephews Captain. W.S. Villers and Donald Villers both lived on Vancouver Island. Arthur and his wife Gertrude Constance came to Victoria around 1913, settling first on St. Lawrence Street in James Bay. By 1917, they were living at 2834 Dysart Road, next door to Arthur’s brother Ernest and his wife. The couple do not appear to have had any children and, prior to the war, Arthur was employed as a metal worker. Arthur enlisted on 22 January 1917 and served overseas with the Canadian Army Medical Corp. In January 1919, Arthur was suffering from chest pain and difficulty breathing and was posted to Esquimalt where he underwent medical testing. He was diagnosed with chronic bronchitis and was discharged on 4 April 1919 as medically unfit. Arthur died on 15 September 1929 at the age of 55 at which time, he and Gertrude were living in Oak Bay. After Arthur’s death, Gertrude moved to 425 Chester Avenue in Victoria.   Service record

Villers, Ernest (Private)

Service number: 524725.   Ernest Villers was born 29 February 1876 in Birmingham, England to parents Joseph and Mary Villers. Joseph was a manufacturing silversmith in Birmingham. Ernest’s brother Arthur also served overseas during WWI. Ernest and Arthur also had another brother and three sisters who remained in England and a fourth sister who moved to South Africa. Their nephews Captain. W.S. Villers and Donald Villers both lived on Vancouver Island. Ernest and his wife Mary Catherine came to Canada around 1912. They settled first in Esquimalt where Ernest worked as a storekeeper at Esquimalt Water Works Co., and by 1916 were living at 2840 Dysart Road, next door to Ernest’s brother Arthur. The couple do not appear to have had any children. Ernest enlisted on 3 March 1916 and served overseas with the 13^th Field Ambulance Depot. He was discharged 19 August 1919 and returned to Canada where he resumed his work as a hardware storekeeper. Around 1929, Ernest, now retired, and Mary moved into the Seacroft Apartments at 1438 Beach Drive where Mary was employed as manager. Mary died on 20 June 1948 and Ernest died sometime later, though no death certificate has been located at this time.   Service record

Wain, Ernest Thomas (Sapper)

Service number: 506812.   Ernest Wain was born on 18 October 1884 in Turnstall, Staffordshire, England. In 1916, Ernest and his wife Elizabeth were living in the Maywood area of Saanich with their three sons. Ernest enlisted on 27 July 1916 and served overseas with the No. 4 Tunneling Company. He was discharged on 12 March 1919 and returned to Canada. After the war, the family appear to have moved to Los Angeles, California. No further records as to their whereabouts after the war have been located at this time.   Service record

Wainwright, Albert (Private)

Service Number: 181076. Albert Wainwright was born in Bollington, Cheshire, England, on June 10, 1876. He was the 4th of 6 children born to John and Emma Wainwright (nee Johnson). The 1891 census of England shows him at age 16 to be working as a “Chain Horse Boy” for a UK railroad company and 10 years later as a “General Hawker”. In 1900, at the age of 24, he married Alice Hulse, also of Bollington. They had one daughter, Lizzy, born the following year. His father John Wainwright died in 1902 and in 1907 Albert and his family sailed to Montreal on the SS Tunisian giving their final destination as Toronto. His occupation at that time was listed as “Carter”. In 1911 the census shows him living with his family in York South, Ontario and working as a butcher at “Martins”. At some point the Wainwright family moved west to Saanich where Albert enlisted in the CEF on Feb. 12, 1916 at the age of 39. He gave his occupation as Boot Repairer and his address as 81 Battleford Ave., Parkdale, Saanich. He was assigned to the 88th Battalion Cdn Infantry (Victoria Fusiliers) and sailed with his unit to Liverpool, England on the SS Olympic, arriving there June 8, 1916. One month later, while still in England, he was transferred to the 30th Battalion and was then declared “no longer physically fit for war service” in Sept. of the same year.  He was, however, designated as “fit for permanent base duty”.  It doesn’t appear that he was ever sent to the theatre of war, but rather returned to Canada where he was discharged in Quebec on Oct. 29, 1916, 8 months after he enlisted. The 1921 census of Canada shows Albert still living at Battleford Ave. with his wife and daughter. His occupation is given as “Farmer” while daughter Lizzy is a “Dressmaker”.  In 1925 Lizzy married William Williams. Albert’s wife Alice died in Saanich in 1944 and in 1945 Albert was living in Kamloops with Lizzy and her family. He died March 16, 1959 at the age of 82.  Lizzy had 2 children and died in Kamloops in 1987. Albert Wainwright is commemorated on the Saanich WWI Honour Roll. Information submitted by: J. Wood.  Attestation Papers

Walker, Maude (Nursing Sister)

Maude Walker was born in Yokohamo, Japan on 28 April 1888 to Captain Robert Neill Walker (born 27 April 1851 in Cumberland, England) and Sato Fukuda. She had three sisters: Kate and Violet, also born in Japan (15 January 1887 and 13 December 1889 or 1890, respectively), and Gladys Jane, born in Cumberland, England on 7 December 1893. Robert Walker and his four daughters immigrated to Canada in 1908 or 1909 (records vary), his wife Sato having died sometime before, and settled in the Strawberry Vale area in a house named “The Anchorage” on Burnside Road. Robert Walker’s profession is listed either as Master Mariner or as Retired Captain on all documents until his death in April 1941. Maude attended the Royal Jubilee Hospital School of Nursing, graduating in 1912. During this time, her family lived at R.R. #3, Burnside Road (1245 Burnside, now on the Saanich Heritage Register) and Violet was working as a stenographer at Victoria City Hall. In 1913, Maude worked as a nurse for Dr. H.J. Henderson and lived at 1024 McClure Street. On 30 July 1915, Maude enlisted with the Canadian Army Medical Corp in Esquimalt. She then traveled to London where she signed her Attestation Papers on 16 September 1915. The England and Wales Civil Registration Marriage Index shows that Maude married Captain Joseph Peter Bilodeau (a physician and surgeon born 12 April 1885 in New Westminster, B.C.) in Derby County, England in the fall of 1917. However, his attestation records, signed in May 1916 while he was working at the Royal Victoria Hospital in Montreal, lists his wife Maude as his next-of-kin and states her address as Sussex Lodge in Hampton Hill, England, indicating that they may have been married prior to her traveling to London in September 1915. No British Columbia marriage record exists. A contradictory document from Joseph’s service record signed July 1916 states that Maude’s 1916 address is Suite 22 Crescent Court, 1504 4th Avenue West in Vancouver; however, the Vancouver directories of 1915 and 1916 list that address as vacant and we know from her service records that she was already overseas by 1916. Maude served at the #5 Canadian General Hospital in Salonika, Greece. During the war, she spent a few months in hospital, first for a diagnosis of ‘debility’ and then a year later for tonsillitis. After both stays in hospital, Maude returned to work at the General Hospital in Salonika. Joseph Peter Bilodeau also served at the #5 Canadian General Hospital in Salonika in addition to several hospitals in England and France. In September 1917, Maude was granted 15 days leave; on 6 October 1917, she traveled to Liverpool, England to work at the #4 Canadian General Hospital there. She resigned from her appointment as Nursing Sister on 12 November 1917 and returned to British Columbia. Joseph Peter returned to British Columbia in October 1919 and the couple lived in Vancouver. In 1920, Mr. and Mrs. Bilodeau were living in Suite 22, Kenilworth Apartments, 843 Cardero Street in Vancouver. From 1921 to 1924, Maude and Joseph were living at 2808 41st Street West in Vancouver. In October 1922, Maude gave birth to a stillborn baby girl. There is no record that the couple had any other children. In 1924, Joseph was still working as a physician, but it appears that Maude did not return to her career in nursing after the war. Meanwhile, Maude’s father, younger sister Gladys, older sister Kate, Kate’s husband Hubert Cumberbirch (married July 1915), and Kate and Hubert’s children Robert and Patricia were living together at ‘The Anchorage” on Burnside Road. In 1921, Gladys was working as a public school teacher earning $1,400 a year while Kate and her husband Hubert are noted as unemployed. Gladys later married Stewart Graham Clark. In 1924, Maude and Joseph immigrated to Bellingham, Washington but by 1940, they had returned to British Columbia. Joseph Peter Bilodeau died 29 July 1940 at the Tranquille Tuberculosis Sanatorium in Kamloops at the age of 55. Maude was still living at the time of her husband’s death but there are no records of her in British Columbia after 1940. She died in 1977, place and other details undetermined at this time. Maude Walker is commemorated on the Saanich WWI Honour Roll. Information submitted by J. Clements, L. Boon, and S. Hervieux.  Attestation Papers | Daily Colonist, 3 Aug 1915, p.5 | Daily Colonist, 1 Apr 1919, p.6

Walker, Violet (Nursing Sister)

Violet Walker was born in Japan on 13 December 1890 to parents Captain Robert Neill Walker (born 27 April 1851 in Cumberland, England, died 1941) and Sato Fukuda. She had 3 younger sisters: Kate, Maude, and Gladys Jane. Robert Walker and his four daughters immigrated to Canada in 1908 or 1909 (records vary), his wife Sato having died sometime before, and settled in the Strawberry Vale area in a house named “The Anchorage” on Burnside Road (now 1245 Burnside Road West). In 1912, while her sister Maude was attending the Royal Jubilee School of Nursing, Violet was working as a stenographer at Victoria City Hall. Maude enlisted in the Canadian Army Medical Corp Oversees Expeditionary Forces in 1915 and travelled to London. Meanwhile, Violet enrolled at St. Joseph’s School of Nursing, graduating in 1917. She enlisted with the Canadian Army Medical Corp training depot No. 11 C.E.F. in Victoria on 16 November 1917. At that time, she was living at 817 McClure Street, Victoria. Violet served at the No. 4, No. 11, No. 13, and No. 14 Canadian General hospitals in England. She was discharged 21 July 1919 as part of general demobilization and returned to her father’s home on Burnside Road. By 1921, Violet moved to Vancouver. She was living at 1235-33 Ave West in Vancouver when she married Charles William Stewart on 26 November 1930. After her marriage, it appears that Violet never returned to work as a nurse and her death certificate lists her profession as housewife. By 1950, the couple had moved to Penticton, where they lived until Violet’s death in 1971. She died on 5 May 1971 and was survived by her husband. Information submitted by: Saanich Archives.  Attestation Papers

Wallis, Percy (Private)

Died of Wounds 31 August 1917. Service Number: 180152. Percy Wallis was born November 27, 1880 in Alvaston, Derbyshire, England to parents John and Francis Wallis. He was the youngest of 5 children. Wallis was the only member of his family to leave England, immigrating to Canada in May 1906 aboard the Lake Manitoba. The ship manifest lists his destination as Manitoba, however, he eventually made his way to Victoria, settled in the Colquitz area, and got a job as a teamster. Wallis enlisted with the Canadian Over-Seas Expeditionary Force on November 6, 1915 and served as a Private in the 7th Battalion Canadian Infantry. He died on August 31, 1917 and is buried in Etaples Military Cemetery. Percy Wallis is commemorated on the Saanich WWI Honour Roll. Information submitted by: Saanich Archives.  Attestation Papers | Commonwealth War Graves Commission | Daily Colonist, 18 Oct 1917, p.5

Wallis, William (Lance Corporal)

The identity of the William Wallis on the Saanich WWI Honour Roll is undetermined at this time. A search of WWI service records shows only one Lance Corporal and he enlisted in Winnipeg. His next-of-kin was his mother in England, he was Killed in Action, and he did not appear to have any connection to British Columbia. There was a career soldier who eventually retired to the Victoria area but he was a Sergeant Major. Two servicemen named Wallis with Victoria area addresses had William as their middle name (and did not use this name to enlist) and both were Privates at discharge. The only other possibility was a William Wallis who had a Saanich address but enlisted with the British Army; no records have been located for this soldier. Information submitted by J. Wood.

Walsh, Frederick Martin (Sapper)

Service Number: 504871.    

Frederick Walsh was born on 18 May 1878 in Edale, Derbyshire, England to parents Martin Walsh and Anne Eyre. He came to Canada around 1910 and moved into the Gordon Head home of his sister and brother-in-law, Louisa and Arthur Mallett who had come to Saanich in 1908. For the next few years, Frederick worked as a general labourer and rancher. On 20 September 1911, he married Frances Gertrude Morris and the couple had two children, Marie and Winston. They lived on Gordon Head Road and in 1916, he was working as a riveter. Frederick enlisted on 8 February 1916 in Vancouver and served in France with the 6^th Field Company, Canadian Engineers and later with the 12^th Field Company, 4^th Divisional Engineers. In October 1916, he was wounded in action and spent several months in hospital. He was discharged in March 1919 and returned to Gordon Head. The family were still in Gordon Head in 1921, but no further records as to their whereabouts after 1921 have been located at this time. Frederick Walsh is commemorated on the Saanich WWI Honour Roll. Information submitted by: S. Hope.  Attestation Papers | Daily Colonist, 28 Oct 1916, p.5

Ward, Albert Edward (Private)

Service number: 463199.   Albert Edward Ward was born 7 June 1877 in London, England. He came to Canada around 1905 and lived on Lake Road (later incorporated into Douglas Street) near Swan Lake with his wife Ada Elizabeth Brooks. The couple had at least two children, Albert Edward Jr. and Kathleen. Before the war, Albert was employed as a plumber but he did not return to that profession after the war. Albert enlisted on 21 July 1915 and served with the 38^th Battalion and later the 62^nd and 48^th Battalions. He traveled to England but in November 1915 he was wounded, discharged as permanently unfit and returned to Saanich. Albert and Ada continued to live on Lake Road until the early 1930s when they moved into Victoria. Albert died on 2 August 1955.   Service record

Ward, Walter (Corporal)

Service number: 77957.   Walter Ward was born 15 June 1875 in Willenhall, England. He came to Canada around 1902 and settled in Ontario with his wife Marion Louisa Lory. All three of their daughters were born in Ontario. Prior to WWI, Walter had spent 12 years with the 2^nd Battalion South Staffordshire Regiment and then 9 years with the Canadian Ordnance Corps. The family came to Victoria around 1910 or 1911 and lived in the Barracks at Esquimalt as Walter continued to be employed with the Canadian Ordinance Corps. By 1915, the family had moved to Dublin Street (now Wicklow Street) in Saanich, and Walter was probably still working with the Ordnance Corps. He describes his job as brass dresser on his attestation papers. Walter enlisted in the Canadian Expeditionary Force on 10 February 1915 with the 30^th Battalion and served overseas with the 15^th Battalion and the 1^st Canadian Infantry Brigade. He was discharged on 23 September 1919. After the war, Walter and Marion divorced and in 1925, Walter married Lucy Medley. Walter died on 1 January 1930.   Service record

Warren, Edgar Cecil (Lieutenant)

Killed in Action 3 May 1917.   Service number: 14639.  Cecil Warren was born on 8 January 1888 in Liverpool England. He came to Canada with his parents and siblings around 1901, settling first in Manitoba. After the dissolution of her marriage, Martha Jane Heath Warren (nee Boyer) moved with 4 of her 5 children to Victoria. Around 1912 or 1913, they moved into a house at 2533 Richmond Road in Saanich with Cyril Algernon Wentworth de Sausmarez, an immigrant from Trinidad who served overseas with the 2^nd Canadian Mounted Rifles during WWI. The house is listed on the Saanich Heritage Inventory. Cecil’s brother Percy Frederick “Pete” Warren, also served overseas. After the war, Pete moved to Central Saanich, serving as a Central Saanich councillor from 1953-1963 and as Central Saanich Police Commissioner from 1966 until his death in 1968. Prior to the war, Cecil was employed as a clerk. He enlisted on 24 September 1914 in Valcartier, Quebec. He joined as a private with the Fort Garry Horse in Winnipeg and later became a 2^nd Lieutenant in the 1^st Battalion London Regiment, Royal Fusiliers. Cecil was killed in action in a battle near Vimy Ridge on 3 May 1917. Cecil is commemorated at the Arras Memorial in Pas de Calais, France.   Service record   Commonwealth War Graves Commission

Warren, Percy Frederick (Pete)

According to the Saanich Heritage Register (2008), Percy Warren (brother of Edgar Cecil Warren) lived with other members of the Warren family in their home at 2533 Richmond Road before the war. He enlisted to serve in 1917, and eventually returned from WW1 to live in Central Saanich, where he became active in municipal affairs. In 1939, he married Kathleen Annie Butt, who had been employed as Tax Clerk for the District of Saanich for a number of years. Pete Warren died in 1968 and is buried in Royal Oak Burial Park in Saanich. No information regarding his military service could be found.

Watkins, Albert (Private)

Service number: 180328.   Albert Watkins was born 13 February 1878 in Yorkshire, England. His parents were Walter Watkins and Eliza True. Albert, his wife Louisa (nee Moyes), and their daughters came to Canada around 1911. They lived on Calumet Avenue and Albert was employed as a clerk. Albert enlisted on 6 November 1915 and served overseas with the 88^th Battalion and then with the 29^th Battalion. He was discharged 24 May 1919 and returned to Saanich. Albert was one of the soldiers who took advantage of the Saanich Soldiers Housing Scheme. His home at 3275 Wascana Street was part of the first phase of the programme (14 houses) headed by architect Major Karl Branwhite Spurgin. After the war, Albert worked as a tallyman on general labour jobs. In the 1930s, the family moved to Burnaby, BC. Around 1940, Albert began working as foreman for Burrard Shipyard, before retiring in 1945. Louisa died on 24 May 1962 and Albert died on 16 December 1964. They are both buried at Forest Lawn cemetery in Burnaby.  Service Record

Watkins, Andrew Sharpe (Private)

Service number: 706924.   Andrew Sharpe Watkins, also known as Ben O’Shea, was born to parents Bramwell Watkins and Jane O’Shea, in Frontenac, Ontario on November 28, 1887. He was the youngest of three children. Their mother died within a year of his birth, and their father is not listed in the census records with Andrew or his siblings. Andrew’s name is listed in the household of his maternal uncle. Little else is known about his childhood or early adulthood. Andrew signed up to serve in the Canadian army on February 4, 1916, using the name Ben O’Shea and giving his address as Royal Oak in Saanich. According to his attestation papers, he was a bridgebuilder by trade, 28 years old, and unmarried. Interestingly, he listed his place of birth as Belfast, Ireland, and he states that he has no next-of-kin, though later documents in his service file mention his sister. Of note is that Andrew’s service record switched between calling him Andrew Sharp(e) Watkins and Ben O’Shea. For the sake of clarity, his profile here will continue to use the name Andrew Watkins, as post-war records list him under that name once more. It is unclear why he used the name Ben O’Shea, though a person with that name was found in an early census record living in his uncle’s household. Arriving in England on July 31, 1916, Andrew was first put into the 103^rd Battalion and later moved to the 29^th Battalion. For the next year he was moved between these two regiments and spent much of his time in France. In late July 1917, after a night of drinking with his friends, a game of darts had an unhappy outcome when a dart struck Andrew in his left eye. This led to a prolapsed iris and his pupil never fully recovered, giving him colobama of the eye and impairing his vision. He remained in England with the 3^rd Canadian Command Depot, and his demobilization papers include notes regarding this injury which suggest that he did not make a full recovery. Andrew returned to Canada in May 1919, and on August 23 of that year, he married Helen Mary Griffin in Victoria. The couple did not have any children, and by the 1940s they had moved to Hope, BC, where Andrew took up farming. He died on January 15, 1966, at the age of 79. Private Andrew Sharpe Watkins is remembered on the Saanich Honour Roll as Ben O’Shea. Information submitted by Saanich Archives. | Service record

Watson, George Charles

Only one person named George Watson (Reg. #102960) enlisted in Victoria, and he is unlikely to have been the George Charles Watson on the Saanich Honour Roll. There was a George C. Watson residing in Saanich, listed in the Victoria directories of 1914, 1915 and 1917. He was living in the Burnside area of Saanich near the Colquitz River, and his occupations were listed as engineer (1914), labourer (1915) and employee of the Navy Yard (1917). The 1916 Saanich Voters List gives his address as Burke Street, which is now part of Cuthbert Holmes Park near Admirals Road. This George Watson may have been the person commemorated on the Honour Roll, however, the directories list him as employed locally during the war, and not on active service. George Charles Watson is commemorated on the Saanich WW1 Honour Roll, where his name is listed as Watson, Geo. Chas. Research on his life and service was inconclusive. Information submitted by: Saanich Archives.

Watt, William McLeod (Private)

Service Number: 430932. William McLeod Watt was born in Victoria, BC to parents John Watt and Elizabeth McLeod who immigrated from Scotland. Prior to joining the Canadian Over-Seas Expeditionary Forces on April 6, 1915, Watts had been living in the Royal Oak area and working as an engineer. He had also been serving with the 50th Regiment of Canada. On September 6, 1918, Watts married Annie Brubacher in Ontario. She was born in 1895, immigrated to Canada in 1906, and had previously been widowed. After the war, the couple returned to British Columbia. At the time of the 1921 census they were living in Saanich and Watts was working as an electrician. Watts died February 20, 1961 and Annie died February 9, 1980, and they are both buried in the Royal Oak Burial Park Cemetery. The couple had at least one son. William McLeod Watt is commemorated on the Saanich WWI Honour Roll. Information submitted by: S. Hervieux.  Attestation Papers

Watts, Cecil Malcolm (Private)

Killed in Action 15 August 1917. Service Number: 430883. Cecil Malcolm Watts was born to Laura Watts on July 27, 1890, in Milton-under-Wychwood, Oxfordshire, England. A father’s name was not indicated on Cecil’s baptism record. In 1891, at eight months of age, Cecil lived with his grandparents John and Lucy Watts, although it stated that they were his parents. In 1901, Cecil lived with his mother, Laura, and his grandparents, John and Lucy. From December 1907 to May 1911, Cecil worked for the Great Western Railway Company, first as a cleaner at the Banbury Station and then later as a railway engine cleaner. Cecil came to Canada, aboard the Lake Champlain, arriving in Quebec on June 6, 1911. In Victoria, British Columbia (B.C.), Cecil worked as a teamster and was a boarder in the home of Mrs. Robinson in the Maywood area of Saanich, B.C. Edward Samuel Baldwin (service number: A30639 and 524820), a son of Mrs. R. Robinson, also worked as a cleaner at the Banbury Station at the same time as Cecil. Edward, his two brothers and his mother came to Canada in 1910. Cecil enlisted in the Canadian Expeditionary Force on March 30, 1915, and indicated his date of birth as February 28, 1891. He served overseas with the 88th Battalion and then with the 48th Battalion. On August 15, 1917, while serving with the 7th Battalion, Cecil was killed in action. He is one of the over 11,000 fallen Canadians who have no known burial place in France. An article in the Daily Colonist on September 6, 1917, titled “PTE. C. M. WATTS DEAD” indicated that Cecil was Mrs. R. Robinson’s adopted son. Cecil Malcolm Watts is commemorated on the Canadian National Vimy Memorial in France as C-M-Watts and on the Saanich WWI Honour Roll as Watts. Pte. Cecil. Information submitted by L. Masson.   Attestation Papers    Canadian War Graves Commission

Watts, Frank (Private)

 Killed in Action 26 September 1916.  Service number: 180330.   Frank Watts was born 30 January 1881 in Yorkshire, England. His parents were William and Ida Watts. It is not known when he immigrated to Canada, but in 1915, Frank was living in the Colquitz area and working as a chauffeur. Frank enlisted on 8 December 1915 and served overseas with the 88^th battalion. On 26 September 1916, now serving with the 29^th battalion, Frank was declared missing in action. Later that day, he was pronounced killed in action. Frank Watts is buried in the Adanac Military Cemetery, Somme, France.  Service Record

Webb, Francis Joseph "Frank" (Lance Corporal)

Killed in Action 10 November 1917. Service Number: 16830.   Frank Webb was born in London, England on 7 November 1892 to parents Charles and Emma Webb. He was one of 14 children with 6 sisters and 7 brothers (one of whom died before the war). Three of Frank's brothers also served during WWI. Albert Victor Webb and Reuben Stanley Webb both joined the Navy in 1915. William Webb served in France with the Canadian Expeditionary Force. The family came to Canada in 1901, settling first on Dupplin Road and then Rowland Avenue in Saanich. Before the war, Frank worked as an upholsterer. He enlisted on 20 September 1914 in Valcartier, Quebec and served overseas with the 7^th Battalion, and later with the 30^th Battalion. On 15 December 1915, Frank married Sarah Ada Lundie, lacemaker, at St. John the Evangelist, Walworth, Southwark in England. While Frank’s Memorial Cross went to his mother, his other medals and decorations were sent to his widow. After Frank’s death, Sarah was living in Victoria for a time, but no further records as to her whereabouts after 1918 have been located at this time. Frank was killed in action on 10 November 1917. In June 2016, military researcher Steve Clifford visited cemeteries overseas as part of the Saanich Remembers Project, including Passchendaele New British Cemetery in Belgium (photographs courtesy of Steve Clifford). Additional information provided by L. Hanson.   Service record | Commonwealth War Graves Commission | Canadian Virtual War Memorial | Passchendaele New British Cemetery | Grave | Article from Doing Our Bit blog, 10 Nov 2017

Webb, William Herbert Ballantyne (Lieutenant)

Service number: 16829.   William Webb was born in London, England on 4 July 1894 to parents Charles and Emma Webb. He was one of 14 children with 6 sisters and 7 brothers (one of whom died before the war). Three of William's brothers also served during WWI. Albert Victor Webb and Reuben Stanley Webb both joined the Navy in 1915. His brother Frank was killed in action in France in 1917. The family came to Canada in 1901, settling first on Dupplin Road and then Rowland Avenue in Saanich. Before the war, William worked as a carpenter. He enlisted on 23 September 1914 in Valcartier, Quebec and served overseas with the 7^th Battalion. He was discharged on 15 March 1919. After the war, William moved to Sidney, BC and then to Courtenay, BC. In 1923 he moved to Seattle, Washington, and in 1927 applied for American citizenship. William Webb died in 1987 in Des Moines, WA.  Additional information provided by L. Hanson.  Service record

Webster, Arthur James (Private) 

Service Number: 11646. Arthur James Webster (also known as James Arthur) was born on March 23, 1886 in Fenny Stratford, Bucks, England to William and Sarah Webster. The Websters moved to the Royal Oak area of Saanich in 1913. Arthur married Annie Elizabeth Hawkins on October 5, 1912 in Victoria. His occupation was blacksmith. Arthur James served in the First World War, signing up on November 19, 1915. He was discharged from service by reason of demobilization, while with the 4th C'oy, 2nd Div. Train Regiment, on May 31, 1919. Arthur James married Lillian Minnie Blackwell on March 5, 1920 in Lucas Co., Ohio. He died on May 8, 1968 in West Palm Beach, Florida. Arthur James Webster is commemorated on the Saanich WWI Honour Roll (as Webster J). Information submitted by: D. Cino.  Attestation Papers

Webster, Ernest

Service Number: 315934 / 2139456. Ernest ("Ernie") Webster was born on November 21, 1894 in Fenny Stratford, Bucks, England to William and Sarah Webster. Ernie came to Canada in 1909. The Websters moved to the Royal Oak area of Saanich in 1913. Ernie enlisted on May 7, 1918 and served with the Canadian Expeditionary Force Regiment. On May 17, 1921 he married Elsie Louise Pimlott in Winnipeg, Manitoba. Ernie was a Blacksmith, first in Victoria, then moving to Nanaimo. Ernest Webster died at the age of 74 and is buried at the Cedar Memorial Gardens in Nanaimo, B.C. Information submitted by: D. Cino.  Attestation Papers

Webster, Frederick (Private)

Service Number: 180329. Frederick Webster was born on December 19, 1875 in Leighton Buzzard, Bedfordshire, England to William and Sarah Webster. The Websters moved to the Royal Oak area of Saanich in 1913. Frederick served in the First World War, signing up on November 9, 1915. He sailed from Halifax on June 1, 1916 arriving in Liverpool later that same month. He signed up with the 88th Battalion of the Canadian Expeditionary Force as a Private #180329. He was then sent to France (Pte Field) from August 28, 1916 until February 14, 1919 and was with both the 30th, 28th and 29th Battalions. He served for some time in the motor pools of the Battalions. It seems he suffered heart trouble and was treated at Seaford, Sussex during March 1919. He was discharged from service by reason of demobilization, while with the 88th Battalion Victoria Fusiliers C.E.F., on April 16, 1919. He embarked to Canada aboard the SS Saturnia from Glasgow on March 30, 1919. His occupation was gardener, and he married Mary Ann Suggs. He died on December 6, 1940 in Victoria. Frederick Webster is commemorated on the Saanich WWI Honour Roll. Information submitted by: D. Cino.  Attestation Papers

Webster, Frederick (Private)

Service Number: 430458.   Frederick Webster was born on 6 January 1882 in Folkstone, Kent, England. He came to Canada around 1906 and was employed as a carpenter. During the war, he married Adela Alice Burton who was living in England. She came to Saanich with Frederick after the war. Frederick enlisted on 12 March 1915 and served overseas with the 3^rd Pioneer Battalion and later with the 48^th Battalion. While fighting near Ypres in June 1916, he received a gunshot wound to his arm and spent the next 2 months in hospital. Frederick was discharged on 7 July 1919 and returned to Canada.  After the war, Frederick was one of the soldiers who took advantage of the Saanich Soldiers Housing Scheme. He lived at 3244 Alder Street. His home was part of the first phase of the program (14 houses), headed by architect Major Karl Branwhite Spurgin. In 1921, Frederick and Adela were living in the Alder Street house with their 1-year-old daughter Ruby. The couple also had at least one other child. Robert died on 8 July 1957 and Adela died on 8 November 1971. Frederick Webster is commemorated on the Saanich WWI Honour Roll.   Service record

Webster, Henry Charles (Pioneer)

Service Number: 490301. Henry Charles Webster (known as Harry) was born on February 27, 1892 in Fenny Stratford, Bucks, England to William and Sarah Webster. The Websters moved to the Royal Oak area of Saanich in 1913. Harry served in the First World War, signing up on March 29, 1916 with the First Canadian Pioneers, Canadian Expeditionary Force as Private #490301. He arrived in England in May of 1916 and by June 1916 was sent to the "Fields" in France. In June of 1917 he was promoted to Corporal but by November of that same year he had asked to be returned to the rank of Sapper. Around January of 1919 he was transferred to Depot from Borden, France. On January 5 Harry had a fall and broke his ankle, receiving a 'Potts' fracture. On January 26 a Court of Enquiry was held for the purpose of enquiry into circumstances of injury to Pte. H.C. Webster #490301 9th Battalion CRT. The first witness, Sgt. W. Matheson 154 301 CRT stated: "On the morning of January 5th 1919 I was orderly Sapr. of Draft on Strength, of which Pte. Webster had been detailed for Camp fatigue and responded to me at about 0900 hrs. for duty of cleaning lines. I saw him slip on concrete walk and fall. He called out and I went to him and found he had injured his ankle. I detailed four men to carry him to our post." Question by court: "Was he sober at the time of the accident?" Answer: "Yes sir." Second witness Capt. J. Metche stated "I saw Pte. Webster this morning. He is suffering from a fracture of his left Fibulas just above the ankle. (Pott's fracture). He states he received it this morning from a fall on the sidewalk. He was in perfectly sober condition when seen by me a short time after the accident." "In my opinion #490301 Pte. Webster H.C. 9th CRT received the injury herein described, through no fault of his own and in the course of his duty." McAllister, Major. Harry was released from Hospital on April 14, 1919 to duty. His unit was demobilized and left England on May 14, 1919 and arrived in Winnipeg on May 30, 1919. He was discharged from service on May 30th, 1919. He married Winnifred Garner on March 30, 1922 in Toledo, Ohio. Henry Charles Webster died on September 15, 1954 in Los Angeles, California. He is commemorated on the Saanich WWI Honour Roll. Information submitted by: D. Cino.  Attestation Papers

Webster, Robert (Private)

Service Number: 1015649. Private Robert Webster was born on December 16th in Grey County Ontario in 1866. Presbyterian 50 year old Robert Webster was a police constable in Victoria and joined the 231st Overseas Battalion of the Canadian Overseas Expeditionary Force’s medical unit on June 23rd 1916 in Victoria BC. In his attestation papers, Robert stated he was single and that both his mother and father had already passed sometime before 1916; he listed his brother, Alexander C. Webster in Agassiz B.C. as his next of kin. I could not find his address in Victoria before his enlistment but his address listed after his return was 3rd Street, Atlin BC. He was sent to England with the 7th reserve battalion of the Yukon Infantry Company on February 7th and trained at a camp in Seaford for a couple of days. He was sent to Witley England after receiving an SOS on March 24th of 1917 and returned to Seaford on May 26th. He then was sent to France and joined Princess Patricia's Light Canadian Infantry on June 26th and returned to Seaford on March 19th 1918 from a short trip to Scotland and filed a medical case sheet on March 25th. He wrote that he had pain in the left abdomen whenever he tired out during training in Seaford and he then had pain in his legs during the cold seasons of 1917 in France and was treated by a battalion medical officer. Afterwards he felt severe pain in his legs in Scotland. His complaints were heard and Robert Webster returned to Canada on June 21st 1918 due to myalgia. His history of previous injuries such as a dislocated shoulder, and current conditions of myalgia, defective vision and varicose in saphenous veins along with the older age of 53 got him discharged from duties. He is now recognized in the Saanich Remembers WWI Project. Information submitted by: E. Liu.  Attestation Papers

Webster, William (Private)

Service Number: 706850. William Webster was born in Yorkshire, England on July 4 1888 and emigrated to Canada in 1906 at the age of 18. His parents remained in England. According to the 1911 census William was at that time living as a boarder and labourer on the Mercer dairy farm in the Blenkinsop valley. He enlisted in the 103rd Battalion of the Canadian Overseas Expeditionary Force in Victoria on January 31st 1916. His papers say that he was a rancher and from his correspondence sent from France it seems that he worked with horses when in the army. WiIl set sail from Halifax aboard the SS Olympic on July 23 arriving in Liverpool eight days later. During his time based in England he was transferred to the 29th Battalion and arrived in France on October 6 1916. He was discharged from service in Vancouver on May 24 1919. Whilst overseas, Will corresponded with members of the Mercer family - Robert and his wife Gertrude and Rob’s sister Anne (Priscilla Anne). Postcards found amongst Mercer family memorabilia give us an insight into Will’s war experience. His exact locations during the War are not revealed, rather he talks of training, home, his eagerness to receive letters and appreciation of items sent to him. One card was written a few days after peace was declared and Will wrote, “Well Rob old boy it is all over and they’re sure a happy bunch over here.” Will was subsequently stationed in Germany and then Belgium from where he wrote that they were hoping to soon return to “Blighty”. After his discharge Will returned to Saanich and he and Anne married. He continued to work on the family farm and spent the rest of his life at 4436 Blenkinsop Road in a home built for the newlyweds on the Mercer property. Will died suddenly of appendicitis on January 27 1957 aged 68 and his wife Anne lived to be 105. William Webster is commemorated on the Saanich WWI Honour Roll. Information submitted by: S. Douglas. Postcards generously shared by the Douglas family.  Attestation Papers | Birthday Card to Anne 10 Sept 1917 [PDF - 512 KB] | Field Service Postcard 13 Oct 1917 [PDF - 961 KB] |  For God and Country 23 Oct [191-] [PDF - 510 KB] | War End 14 Nov 1914 [PDF - 514 KB] | Rhine Post War [PDF - 546 KB] | Bonn Post War in Germany [PDF - 513 KB] | Belgium 5 Feb 1919 [PDF - 498 KB]

Wells, George (Private)

Service number: 103138.   George Wells was born on 19 June 1872 in Kingston-on-Thames, England and came to Canada around 1911. He was married to Phoebe Jane Cobbett and they lived at 27 Regina Avenue in Saanich. The couple had three daughters, Phoebe Mildred (b. 1888 married name Buxton), Edith (b. 1892, married name Bisseden), and Ruby Louisa (b. 1895, married name Tippett). George worked as a painter before and after the war. He enlisted on 12 October 1915 and served overseas with the 67^th Battalion. He was discharged on 21 February 1918 as medically unfit for service and returned to Canada. Although George had been complaining of pain in his legs and hips, it seems that the primary reason for being discharged was his age. After the war, George and Phoebe continued to live on Regina Avenue and George resumed working as a painter. Phoebe died on 20 February 1935 and George on 29 October 1938.   Service record

Wemyss, David Newton (Lieutenant)

Service number: unknown.   Newton Wemyss was born in Scotland 10 June 1874. His mother was Catherine Knox Wemyss. Newton was married to Mary Bingham and they had 3 children, David Ferrier, Evelyn Mary Catherine, and Margaret Isabel. In 1916, the family were living at “The Maples”, in the Mount Tolmie area and Newton was employed as a barrister-at-law. Newton enlisted on 29 April 1916 and served in England with the 4^th Divisional Train and the Canadian Army Service Corp. In March 1918, after several months spent in hospital, Newton was invalided and sent back to Canada. He was officially discharged on 5 June 1918. During or after the war, the family lived for a time on North Hampshire Road in Oak Bay before moving to Glendale, California. No record of the family after that point has been located at this time.   Service record

West, Harry William (Private)

Service number: 1048382.   Harry West was born on 19 August 1873 in Chatham, Ontario. He was married to Hattie Edna Patton. When their daughter Grace was born in 1891, the couple were living in California, but by the time their son John Elsworth was born in 1895, they were living in Victoria. John Elsworth also served overseas during the war. Harry William enlisted on 28 August 1916. He had been employed as a carpenter and served in France with the 242^nd Battalion, Canadian Forestry Corps. He did not serve very long however. In May 1917, Harry was hospitalized for “debility of age” after several months of pain which he said was exacerbated by working in extreme conditions near the Swiss border. In March 1918 he was discharged and returned to Canada. Harry died on 31 December 1921. His wife Hattie died in 1951.  Service record

West, John Elsworth (Lieutenant)

Service number 430708   John West was born 19 July 1895 in Victoria BC. His parents were Harry William West and Hattie Edna Patton who, after living for some time on Mayne Island, were living in the Mount Tolmie area by 1916. John’s father, Harry William, was a carpenter and also served during the war with the 242^nd Battalion, Canadian Forestry Corps. John worked as a draughtsman. John enlisted on 18 March 1915 and served overseas with the 48^th Battalion. In August 1917, John was hospitalized after receiving a gunshot wound to his head. He recovered from his wounds and by September had returned to active duty with the 29^th Battalion. He was discharged on 2 September 1919. No further records as to John’s whereabouts after the war have been located at this time, however his parents were still living in Saanich at the time of their deaths, Harry in 1921 and Hattie in 1951.   Service Record

Westgate, Arthur Clement (Private)

Service Number: 313986. Arthur Clement Westgate was born in Romford, Essex, England on December 3, 1882 to parents Frederick and Elizabeth Westgate. In 1901, he was still living in his parents’ home and was working as a carpenter. In 1911, he was renting a room in the home of Charles McCafferty in Saanich and working as a building contractor. Prior to his enlistment on January 7, 1916, he served for 1 month in the 5th regiment, Canadian Garrison Artillery. After his return to Canada, Westgate worked as a manufacturer. He married Francis Porter on November 5, 1921 and in 1923 the couple moved to Seattle, Washington. Arthur Clement Westgate is commemorated on the Saanich WWI Honour Roll. Information submitted by: S. Hervieux.  Attestation Papers

White, A. (Sergeant)

Sgt. A. White is commemorated on the Saanich WW1 Honour Roll. No information regarding his service could be confirmed.

Whitlaw, Laurence Alexander (Private)

Service number 707090   Laurence Whitlaw was born in England on 7 July 1875. He came to Canada in the 1880s and on 12 July 1906, married Saanich native, Margaret Elizabeth Lidgate. The couple had 5 children, Ronald Laurence, Isabelle Margaret, Leslie Lidgate, Priscilla Emily, and Phyllis. Until at least 1911, the family were living on Princess Avenue in Victoria. By 1916, they were living in the Turgoose area of what is now Central Saanich and Laurence was employed as a farmer. Prior to the war, Laurence had served with the 5^th Regiment for 2 years. He enlisted on 20 March 1916 with the 103^rd Battalion. In June 1917, now serving with the 16^th Battalion, he was diagnosed with tuberculosis, discharged and sent to Resthaven Hospital. Laurence was officially discharged on 31 March 1918. Margaret died in February 1919 after a long illness and is buried in Ross Bay Cemetery next to Laurence’s mother, Kate Whitlaw, who died in 1887.The family was still living in Central Saanich at this time but in 1921, 7 year old Priscilla was living with her grandparents Margaret and Arthur Raymond. The children appear to have remained close with their Lidgate cousins who also lived on the Saanich Peninsula and, according to the newspaper of the time, Isabelle and Priscilla maintained close friendships with their neighbours. During the 1920s and 1930s, Laurence was an active member of the Canadian Legion, the Tuberculous Veterans’ Association, and the Army and Navy Veterans’ Association, and sat on various executive boards. By the early 1940s, all 5 Whitlaw children were married. By the mid-1930s, Lawrence was again living near downtown Victoria. He died in hospital in Vancouver on 31 October 1937 and is buried at Royal Oak Burial Park.   Service record

Whitman, Charles Lester (Private)

Service Number: 430696. Charles Lester Whitman was born April 2, 1888 in Annapolis Co., Nova Scotia. He enlisted March 18, 1915 at Willows Camp in Victoria. At the time of enlistment, his occupation was carpenter. The 1913 Henderson’s Directory for Victoria shows him living at 1042 Pandora Street in Victoria, and working as a carpenter with Nelson Benneck & Sons. According to his service record, Charles Whitman sailed for England in June 1915, then served in France with the 27th Battalion, Canadian Infantry and the 48th Battalion. He was promoted to Corporal in January of 1917, then to Sergeant later that year. In the spring of 1918 he was promoted again to C.Q.M.S (Company Quarter Master Sergeant). In 1918, Whitman spent some months in hospital in Taplow, England due to a gunshot wound to his right leg. He had previously spent time in hospital for wounds to his left leg and “D.A.H.” (disorderly action of the heart). His father, W.W. Whitman of Lawrencetown, Annapolis Co., Nova Scotia, was originally listed as next-of-kin, but in December of 1918 he received permission to marry, and his wife Florence Whitman of Barking, Essex, England became his next-of-kin. Whitman received his discharge June 3, 1919 and returned to Canada. His connection to Saanich has yet to be discovered, as no evidence was found that he ever lived in the municipality. On his discharge papers, he indicated his occupation was farmer, and that his intended place of residence after the war would be Halifax. He and wife Florence ended up moving to the United States in 1919, however, where he registered for WWII service in 1942. His United States World War II Draft Registration Card lists his address as 61 Lyall Avenue, Shawomet, Warwick, Kent, Rhode Island. He died in Rhode Island in December 1977 (age 89) and is buried at Pawtuxet Memorial Park. Charles Lester Whitman is commemorated on the Saanich Honour Roll, (rank: Private). Information submitted by Saanich Archives.  Attestation Papers

Whittle, John Christopher (Private)

Service Number: 506563. According to the England and Wales Birth Registration, John Christopher (J.C.) Whittle was born in Preston, Lancashire, England in March of 1867 to parents William and Anne. In 1893 at the age of 26 he married Mary Alice Liptrot at Barrow in Furness, Lancashire, England. J.C. immigrated to Canada aboard the Empress of Britain and arrived in Quebec in Sept 1907. In 1911 he is recorded in the BC Directories as living at 721 Pandora Street, Victoria BC and working as an Iron Steel Moulder for BC Foundry. His family soon followed in May 1912 and his wife Mary Alice, eldest son Robert, daughter Alice and his youngest son Sidney took up residence at 658 Ralph Street in the Swan Lake area of Saanich West. In February of 1913 J.C. along with a small crew of men worked as labourers to clear land on Mr. Bridgman’s ranch on Salt Spring Island. What was a typical day of work ended up a scene of a tragedy as one of J.C.’s fellow labourers, George Hamilton wounded three of the men, one severely, and then committed suicide. J.C. suffered the least of the injuries but was bitten severely on his right hand by Hamilton (Daily Colonist 1913-02-16 pg. 7). On December 8, 1916 J.C. signed his attestation papers in Victoria, BC and listed his date of birth as March 23, 1872. By changing his birthday he appeared to be 44 at the time of enlistment. J.C. enlisted with the 48^th Battalion CEF and worked as a Sapper for three years with the Canadian Engineers. His sons Robert and Sidney also served in the Great War. Eldest son Robert served with the 48^th Battalion and youngest son Sidney as a Gunner with the Canadian Field Artillery. Robert was awarded the Military Medal for his bravery but regrettably Sidney died of bronchial pneumonia following influenza and is buried at Etaples Military Cemetery in France (Daily Colonist 1919-01-21 pg.5). After the war, J.C. worked as a steel moulder at Yarrow’s Limited building ships. His wife Mary Alice worked as a housekeeper at the Dominion Hotel, his eldest son Robert worked as an electrician and his daughter was a fur finisher. On February 4, 1949 Sapper John Christopher Whittle died from tuberculous after being hospitalized for 8 months at the Victoria TB Unit at Saint Joseph’s Hospital. His son Robert signed his death certificate, and he was laid to rest at Royal Oak Burial Park, Victoria, BC. John Christopher Whittle is commemorated on the Saanich WWI Honour Roll. Information submitted by: K. Obreza.  Attestation Papers | Daily Colonist Feb 16, 1913 p. 7 | Daily Colonist Jan 21, 1919 p. 5

Whittle, Robert (Private)

Service Number: 430740. Robert Whittle was born on March 14, 1895 to parents John Christopher (J.C.) and Mary Alice (Liptrot). According to the England, Lancashire Parish Registers Robert was christened on May 12, 1895 at St. John’s Church, Preston,  Lancashire, England. Robert’s father J.C., immigrated to Canada in Sept 1907 and found work as an iron worker in Victoria, BC. In May 1912 Robert’s Mother Mary Alice, his sister Alice and his younger brother Sidney followed their father to Canada. The Whittle family took up residence at 658 Ralph Street in the Swan Lake area of Saanich West, Victoria BC. Before going overseas to serve in the Great War, Robert navigated the rugged mountain terrain of central Vancouver Island as a member of a survey party for Stathcona Park. Stathcona Park is the oldest park in British Columbia and the largest on Vancouver Island. On March 18, 1915 at the age of 20 Robert enlisted to serve overseas. Robert was assigned to the 48^th Battalion CEF and left Victoria with his battalion in June 1915. Robert served in the Great War with his father Sapper J.C., of the Canadian Engineers and his younger brother Sidney, a Gunner with the Canadian Field Artillery. Robert’s uncles’ John and Walter Liptrot, also from Saanich, as well as Uncle William from Ontario all fought in the Great War. While overseas Robert was wounded four times during his duty and was awarded the Military Medal for his efforts. Sadly his younger brother Sidney did not survive the war and died of bronchial pneumonia. Following the war Robert returned to Victoria and worked as an electrician for the British Columbia Electric Railway (BCER) which later became a division of BC Electric. Robert never married and lived at 658 Ralph Street, Saanich West until he died at the age of 95 on October 5, 1990. He is buried at Hatley Memorial Gardens, Victoria BC. Robert Whittle is commemorated on the Saanich WWI Honour Roll. Information submitted by: K. Obreza.  Attestation Papers | Daily Colonist Feb 2, 1919 p. 11

Whittle, Sidney (Private)

Killed in Action 21 November 1918. Service Number: 180875 and 2044026. According to the England Lancashire Parish Registers, Sidney Whittle was christened on April 15, 1900 at St. John’s Church, Preston, Lancashire, England. He was the youngest son of John Christopher (J.C.) Whittle and Mary Alice (Liptrot). In May of 1912 Sidney and his mother Mary Alice, his older brother Robert and his sister Alice immigrated to Canada and joined their father who had come to Canada in 1907. The Whittle family took up residence at 658 Ralph Street in the Swan Lake area of Saanich West, Victoria BC. Sidney was the youngest member of his family to enlist and serve in the Great War. His father J.C. was a Sapper with the Canadian Engineers and his older brother Robert was awarded the Military Medal for his service with the 48^th Battalion CEF. At the age of fifteen, Sidney signed his first attestation papers (Service Number 180875) in Vernon BC and gave his date of birth as November 5, 1896. He was assigned to the 62^nd Battalion and headed overseas in July 1915. He served from July 1915 to August 1916 with the 62^nd and 88^th Battalions but was sent home August 1916 because he was underage. In December of 1916 Sidney signed attestation papers again (Service Number 2044026) in Victoria, BC. The birthday he provided this time was Nov 5, 1898. Sidney was assigned to the 5^th BDE., Canadian Field Artillery, returned to France in May 1917 and served in the line of fire until his death on November 21, 1918. The British Colonist wrote a story about Sidney and the Whittle family in the January 21, 1919 edition of the paper. The headline read, “SUCCUMBED IN FRANCE FROM PNEUMONIA. Gunner Sidney Whittle, Only Fifteen When He Enlisted, Showed Fine Pluck to the End.” Sidney Whittle is buried at Etaples Military Cemetery in Etaples, near Boulogne on the north-west coast of France. The inscription on his headstone reads: “Only Sleeping.” Sidney Whittle is commemorated on the Saanich WWI Honour Roll. Information submitted by: K. Obreza.  Attestation Papers | Commonwealth War Graves Commission | Canadian Virtual War Memorial | British Colonist Jan 21, 1919 p. 5

Wilkinson, Anthony Oswald Noel “Noel” (Private)

Service Number: 180381   Noel Wilkinson was born 25 December 1867 in Goldsborough, Yorkshire, England. On his attestation papers, however, he falsified his birth year as 1872, putting his age just under the maximum age restriction for enlisting. He immigrated from England in the 1880s, most likely travelling first to the United States where his eldest two children, Percival and Donald, were born. It is not known if he and his wife, Edith Marguerite Kealy emigrated from England together, or if they met after arriving. The family arrived in British Columbia around 1908, just prior to the birth of their third son, Phillip. When the family came to Vancouver Island, they settled in the Turgoose area of what is now Central Saanich, and Noel worked as a rancher and fruit grower. Noel enlisted with the 88th Battalion Victoria Fusiliers on 20 December 1915. He served overseas with the 24th and 47th Battalions. From December 1916 until March 1917, Noel was hospitalized several times for back pain. He was discharged on 10 July 1919. During the war, Edith and the children had moved to Chamberlain Street in Victoria where they were still living when Noel returned in 1919. By 1921, Noel had retired from farming and the family were still living in Victoria. Noel died 20 March 1958 at the Veterans Hospital and is interred at Royal Oak Burial Park. Edith died 28 June 1962 at the Oak Lodge Private Hospital and is also interred at Royal Oak Burial Park. Information submitted by Saanich Archives   Attestation Papers

Wilkinson, John “Jack” (Gunner)

Service number: 313989   Jack Wilkinson was born in Nanaimo on 30 September 1890. His parents were Reverend Robert Wilkinson and Annie McLaughlin who immigrated to Canada in the 1880s. The family lived at many different addresses on Vancouver Island prior to the war and were, in some way, related to Edward Wilkinson’s family who farmed in Colquitz. A plaque at the Wilkinson Road church says that the Wilkinson family donated the land for the church and Jack, as a professional carpenter, assisted in building the church. After the war, Jack’s parents moved to Vancouver where they lived until their deaths, Robert in 1940 and Annie in 1960. They are buried together in Ross Bay Cemetery. Jack enlisted on 1 January 1916 in Esquimalt. Six weeks later on 16 February 1916, he married Margaret “Maggie” MacMichael Curran in East Collingwood BC. Maggie, born in New Brunswick in 1890, was working as a school teacher and living in the Colquitz area of Saanich at the time. By July 1916 though, Maggie was again living in New Brunswick, spending at least a year in Moncton. In 1921, Maggie was back in the Colquitz area and working as a teacher but she then spent some time living at the Mount Allison Ladies College in Sackville, New Brunswick during the 1920s. She returned to Victoria around 1928 or 1929, settling in Oak Bay. She never remarried and was still living in Oak Bay when she died on 10 April 1945. She is buried with her husband in Ross Bay Cemetery. Jack served with the 38^th Battery, 10^th Field Artillery Brigade. On 11 of November 1917, he was gassed at Passchendaele. In April 1918, he was diagnosed with laryngitis and bronchitis and invalided to Canada for further medical treatment. In July 1918, he was discharged as medically unfit for service and taken under the responsibility of the Invalided Soldiers’ Commission for further treatment. It was later determined that he had Tuberculosis. He died on 9 March 1919 in Victoria and is buried in Ross Bay Cemetery. Jack is commemorated with a plaque erected by his wife at the Strawberry Vale Methodist Church and later the Wilkinson Road Methodist/United Church on Wilkinson Road.  Service Record

 Willey, Frank (Sergeant)

Killed in Action 10 November 1917. Service Number: 16948   Frank Willey was born 18 August 1889 to Thomas E. and Annie Willey. His family lived for a time on Dysart Road and later at 2828 Inlet Avenue. Frank was employed as a painter. He enlisted on 23 September 1914 in Valcartier, Quebec and served overseas with the 7^th Battalion. On 15 August 15 1917 Frank, then a Corporal, was awarded a Military Medal for his actions at Hill 70. On 10 November 1917, Frank was declared missing after action after the battle on Passchendaele Ridge, and was later presumed killed in action. In late November 1919, his body was exhumed from a grave just north-east of Vindictive Crossroads. He was identified by the identity disc worn around his neck and reburied at Poelcapelle British Cemetery. He is commemorated on the Saanich WWI Honour Roll. In June 2016, military researcher Steve Clifford visited cemeteries overseas as part of the Saanich Remembers Project, including Poelcapelle British Cemetery in Belgium. Photographs courtesy of Steve Clifford.

 Attestation Papers | Commonwealth War Graves Commission | Canadian Virtual War Memorial | Poelcapelle British Cemetery | Grave | Article from Doing Our Bit blog, 10 Nov 2017

Williams, Allon Edmund (Corporal)

Service Number: 332916   Allon Edmund Williams was born 5 May 1898 in Quesnel, BC to parents Sidney Williams and Agnes Shepherd. He had 3 siblings, Hester, Samuel, and Julia. His father Sidney immigrated to Canada around 1882 or 1883 and became a provincial land surveyor in Vancouver before moving to Quesnel. In 1906, the family moved to Saanich and built “Kelvin Lodge” on a 12 acre parcel of land on the east end of Kisber Avenue. Allon’s father, Sidney, also served overseas during WWI. Allon enlisted 22 May 1916. He went straight from being a student at University School (now St. Michaels University School) to the war. He served with the 60th Battery, C.E.F. and the Canadian Scottish Regiment. After the war, Allon worked as a dairy farmer in Gordon Head. He then became an engineer and worked in Alaska, then for the B.C. Department of Highways, and then for the Saanich Engineering Department. Sometime in the 1920s, Allon married Margaret Teresa Hopkins. They had two children, David and Donald. He remained on the family farm on Kisber Avenue until his mother’s death in 1956. Allon died 10 May 1996. Information submitted by D. Williams.  Attestation Papers

Williams, James Thomas (Lieutenant Sergeant)

Service number: 102084   James Thomas Williams was born 1 October 1868 or 1869 in Kent, England.  He came to Canada around 1894. James married Newfoundlander Jane Mary Campbell in Halifax, Nova Scotia on 28 June 1895 and the couple’s first child, John Allen was born in Halifax in 1899. At that time, James was employed as a soldier. The couple came to British Columbia sometime between 1901 and 1905 and their second child, Anne, was born around 1905. In 1915, they were living at 975 Easter Road near Swan Lake and James was employed as a carpenter and joiner. James enlisted 1 September 1915 and appears to have lied about his age, giving his birth year as 1871. He sailed overseas with the 67^th Battalion in April 1916 and was promoted to Lieutenant Sergeant in August 1916. Beginning in December 1916, James began experiencing several health issues that ultimately led to him being discharged as physically unfit and over age in March 1917. He returned to Canada in June 1917 and resumed his work as a carpenter. The family continued to live at 975 Easter Road until around 1922. James died 12 May 1927 in Vancouver.  Service Record

Williams, John (Gunner)

Service Number: 332809. John Williams was born on May 13, 1881, in Burnley, Lancashire, England. He was one of six children born to William Henry Williams and Mary A. Mitchell. John’s father died in 1892. Between October 5, 1903, and August 11, 1905, John was a seaman with the Royal Navy. He married Caroline Sedgwick on September 3, 1906, at St. Mark’s Church, Woodhouse, Leeds, England. John came to Canada in September 1908 arriving in Victoria, British Columbia (B.C.) Caroline and their first child, Margaret, came to Canada in October 1909. Their second child, a girl, was born in Victoria in August 1910 but died a few days later. They had four more children: John, William, George, and Richard. John was born in England in 1913. Caroline, Margaret, and John Jr. are recorded on a July 1914 passenger list to Canada. The three youngest boys were born in Victoria. John enlisted in the Canadian Expeditionary Force (C.E.F) in Victoria, on May 1, 1916. On his attestation papers, John indicated he was born May 14, 1881, yet a certified copy of his birth entry records that he was born on the thirteenth. He was attached to the 15th Brigade, serving in England and France. John was discharged on June 18, 1919, due to demobilization. In 1921, the family lived at 1211 Maywood Rd. Saanich, B.C., and by 1931 the family lived at 1313 Maywood Rd. John was a laborer. He died in Saanich at age 68 on October 10, 1949, and is buried at the Veterans Cemetery (God’s Acre) National Historic Site in Esquimalt, B.C. Caroline died in Victoria on January 6, 1972, at age 89. John Williams is commemorated on the Saanich WWI Honour Roll as Williams. Gunner. J. Information submitted by: Julie Clements and L. Masson.    Attestation Papers | Death Card

Williams, John (Signalman or Signaler)

Signalman John Williams is commemorated on the Saanich WW1 Honour Roll. No records have been found.

Williams, Joseph (Sapper)

Service number: 826260   Joseph Williams was born in Bristol, England 2 August 1873. He married Elizabeth Charlotte Mitchell and the couple’s first 3 children, Doris, Nellie, and Phyllis, were born in England. Joseph came to Canada around 1908 with the rest of the family following around 1911. Their youngest two children, John and Irene, were born in British Columbia. The family settled at 17 Battleford Avenue. Joseph enlisted on 16 March 1916 and served as a private with the 143^rd Battalion and later as sapper with the 3^rd Battalion Canadian Railway Troops. He was discharged in Vancouver on 8 March 1919. In 1921, the family were living at 51 Battleford Avenue and Joseph was employed as a carpenter. Joseph died in 1961. Service Record

Williams, Sidney (Captain)

Sidney Williams was born 6 April 1863 in Catford, England to parents Samuel T. Williams and Hester Goodbody. He immigrated to Canada around 1882 or 1883 and became a provincial land surveyor in Vancouver. He moved to Quesnel and became Justice of the Peace. In July 1897, Sidney married Agnes Shepherd. The couple had four children, Allon Edmund (who also served in WWI), Hester, Samuel, and Julia. In 1906, the family moved to Saanich and built “Kelvin Lodge” on a 12 acre parcel of land on the east end of Kisber Avenue. In 1913 and 1914, Sidney served on Saanich Council. He also helped lay out Shelbourne Street in 1915. During WWI, he served with the 50th Regiment Gordon Highlanders as a musketry instructor in Victoria. Sidney died in 1920 in Rochester, Minnesota. After his father’s death, Allon Edmund had a smaller house built for his mother on Nancy Hanks Street where she lived until her death in 1956. Information submitted by D. Williams.

Williamson, John Clark (Private)

Service Number: 2022109   John Clark “Jack” Williamson was born 30 March 1896 to parents William John Williamson and Wilhelmina “Minnie” Clark. He was the eldest of 6 children. The family lived on a farm near the corner of Tyndall Avenue and what is now San Juan Avenue in Gordon Head. His father, William Williamson Sr. opened Gordon Head’s first grocery store in 1909, established the first rural mail route in 1910, and operated the first telephone office out of the family home beginning in 1913. While his father was out on his mail route, Jack, with his mother and brother William Jr. ran the store. In 1913, Jack and William took over the mail route. Jack was drafted under the Military Service Act of 1917 on 16 October 1917 and served in England with the Depot Battalion British Columbia Regiment. Jack was discharged on 26 June 1919 and married Edith May Spouse on 26 November 1919. While serving overseas, Jack decided that when he returned to Gordon Head he would set up a bus service, but when he returned home, he found that Carl Henry had beat him to it. In 1921, Carl Henry was willing to sell, and Jack and his brother William became the owners of what had been Gordon Head’s first bus. Then, on 1 January 1922, the law changed traffic from the left to right side of the road. William died of tuberculosis in 1923 but Jack continued to grow the business, and by the late 1920s, the Williamson family bus service, along with others around Victoria, was bought out by the Matson Coach Lines Company. He continued as an employee of the Coach Lines until his retirement in 1952. Around 1945, Jack moved to Campbell River. He died 27 February 1964 and is buried in Royal Oak Burial Park. Information submitted by Saanich Archives. Service Record

Willmore, Frederick (Private)

Service Number: 2139298  Frederick Willmore was born 25 June 1892 in Worcester, England to parents James Willmore and Elizabeth Bollen. He came to Canada around 1911 and got a job as a driver and mechanic. On 15 September 1917, he married Amy Doris Caskell, who had arrived in Canada around 1909, and they lived on Ralph Street near Glanford Avenue. Frederick was drafted under the military service act on 29 April 1918 and served with the 29th Battalion. He went to England in May 1918 and to France in November 1918. He was discharged 24 May 1919. After the war, Frederick worked as a printer for the Daily Times. He and Amy had one son, Roy, born in 1920. Frederick died 22 December 1957 and is buried at Royal Oak Burial Park.  Submitted by Saanich Archives. Attestation Papers

Willson, Henry John (Corporal)

Service Number: 706545. Henry John Willson (misspelled ‘Wilson’ on the Saanich WWI Honour Roll) was born in Grimsby, Lincolnshire on September 15, 1885. He was the 5th of 6 children born to Charles Willson and Harriett Willson (nee Bowskin). In 1907, at the age of 21, he emigrated to Canada aboard the SS Virginian with his ultimate destination given as Victoria, BC. He gave his occupation at that time as ‘Decorator’. In Vancouver on October 22, 1910, H. J. Willson married Mary Ellen Williams (who was also born in Grimsby) and the 1911 census of Canada shows them residing in the Burnside area of Saanich. They subsequently had 2 children, Edith Caroline in 1911 and Roy in 1914. Henry enlisted on January 4, 1916 at the age of 30. He gave his occupation as ‘painter’ and his address as Tillicum P.O, stating that he had been a member of the 88th Victoria Fusiliers in the past. He was assigned to the 103rd Battalion, Canadian Mounted Rifles. Henry was promoted to Corporal (provisional) prior to sailing for England aboard the SS Olympic on July 23, 1916. While in England he was again promoted, this time to acting Sergeant, and also received one Good Conduct stripe.  In late 1917 he reverted to ranks (Private) and embarked for France. During the fighting at Arras, on July 21, 1918, he received shrapnel wounds to his back and was sent back to hospital in England, having spent 7 months in the field. Upon discharge from the hospital on October 11, 1918, he was assigned to a reserve battalion where he served as a musketry instructor and regained the rank of Lance Corporal. He returned to Canada in January of 1919 and was officially demobilized on February 4, 1919, giving his address as 2873 Inlet Ave., Saanich. Henry John Willson died on October 25, 1950 at the age of 65 and is buried in the Colwood Burial Park. His wife died in 1970, his son Roy in 1980 and daughter Edith Caroline (Chester/Bigelow) in 1994. Henry John Willson is commemorated on the Saanich WW1 Honour Roll, (rank: Corporal). Information submitted by J. Clements and J. Wood.  Attestation Papers

Wilson, Cyril Stafford (Gunner)

Service Number: 332881. Cyril Stafford Wilson was born in Victoria on Feb. 5, 1895. He was the youngest of 9 children born to John James Wilson and Emma Wilson (nee Smith). The 1901 census shows the family living in the area known as “Tolmie” and by 1911 they were living at 607 Manchester Road and Cyril was, at age 15, an apprentice. Mother Emma died in 1913. Cyril enlisted on May 13, 1916 at the age of 21. He gave his occupation as ‘plumber’ and his address as Maywood P.O., Saanich. He was assigned to the 15th Overseas Brigade - Ammunition Column of the Canadian Field Artillery, with the rank of gunner. He left Halifax with his unit on Sept. 11, 1916 aboard the SS Cameronia, arriving in Liverpool 11 days later.  Almost a year later, on Aug. 22, 1917, he embarked for Havre, France. In fighting at Lens (January 1818) he was wounded by shrapnel, injuring his right hand. He was transported back to England to convalesce from his wounds and also to recover from trench fever. Upon discharge from hospital he was assigned to a reserve unit training in England. In September of 1918 he volunteered to join the North Russia (Siberian) Expeditionary Force and travelled with the 16th Brigade of the C.F.A. to Archangel aboard the SS Stephen, serving as part of the multi-national Allied and US campaign that continued after the armistice. In April of 1919, while serving in Russia, Cyril Wilson was awarded the Military Medal for “Gallantry in the Field”.  In June the entire Canadian Brigade was relieved, returning to England first and then to Canada, in July, aboard the RMS Carmania. His address at discharge was given as Davidson Ave., Maywood P.O. The 1921 census shows Cyril living with his eldest sister Lilian Sketch, however, later that year on Oct. 22, 1921, he married Beatrice May Shaw, daughter of John and Susan Shaw. His occupation was ‘plumber’. There is no record of any children of this marriage and Cyril died on Aug. 1, 1979 at the age of 83, still in Victoria at #202-1160 Esquimalt Road. He is buried in the Royal Oak Burial Park. Cyril Stafford Wilson is commemorated on the Saanich WW1 Honour Roll (Rank: Driver). Information submitted by: J. Wood.  Attestation Papers

Wilson, John Barnett (Private)

Service Number: 28690 / 1048384   John Barnett Wilson was born in Aberdeen Scotland 1 February 1892 to parents William Wilson and Margaret Beanzie. He married Nellie McDonald on 26 October 1912. They lived on McKenzie Avenue and he was employed as a logger. John has two service numbers connected to his name because he first enlisted on 23 September 1914 in Valcartier, Quebec. He sailed for England a few days later and proceeded to France on 12 March 1915 where he served with the 16th Battalion. In April 1915, he was gassed at Ypres and continued to experience shortness of breath as a result for the next several years. In May 1915 he was wounded by shrapnel which fractured his jaw and knocked out several teeth, and returned to England. Then in September 1915, he received a gunshot wound to his right hand. In October 1915, he was discharged as permanently unfit due to a broken jaw and flat foot and in November 1915 he returned to Canada. On 31 August 1916 John reenlisted in Victoria and served with the 242nd Battalion which was a forestry battalion based out of Montreal. He returned to France with the 242nd in January 1917. Throughout that winter, he experienced pain in his legs and feet and was placed on light duty. He was discharged on 8 March 1919. John and Nellie had several children: William Robert Wilson (1912-1913); Dorothy Thelma Shrimpton (1918-1992); Robert John Wilson (1924-1951). In 1920, John was employed as a reamer for Harbour Marine Co. but he does not appear in the directories again until his death in 1941. John died 24 September 1941 in Vancouver and is buried in Mountain View Cemetery. Submitted by Saanich Archives. Attestation Papers

Wilson, Morris (Private)

Service Number: 524818. Morris Wilson was born November 3, 1887 in Sulfolk, England to George Wilson and Rosetta (nee Ridley) Wilson where he worked as a farmer until immigrating to Canada in May 1905 at the age of 18. Wilson’s mother and brother Cecil joined him in 1912, and his brother Rowland came in 1913. They lived at 2825 Holland Road. Although Wilson lists his profession as engineer on his 1916 attestation papers, all other documents before and after the war list him and his brothers as farmers. Wilson joined the Canadian Over-Seas Expeditionary Force April 3, 1916. His brother Cecil was drafted on June 6, 1918. Both men returned to Holland Road after the war and were living there at the time of the 1921 census. Wilson married Barbara Constance Chaplin on August 3, 1928. They had two sons, Ridley and Herbert who died in 1976. Wilson died a widower on May 28, 1968, having been retired from farming since 1958. Morris Wilson is commemorated on the Saanich WWI Honour Roll. Information submitted by: S. Hervieux.  Attestation Papers

Wilson, Ronald (Private)

Private Ronald Wilson is commemorated on the Saanich WW1 Honour Roll. No records have been located.

Winkel (Winkle), William Charles (Lieutenant)

Service Number: 154042. William Charles Winkel was born approximately 1880 in London, England and immigrated to Canada with his family as an infant. He served with the British Forces in South Africa from February 1900 until March 1901 and in 1908, applied for a land grant under The Volunteer Bounty Act. Winkel married his first wife, Jessie Ethel (Prescott) Winkel in 1903. Jessie was born in Coburg, Ontario in 1880. At the time of their wedding, Winkel was working as a policeman. The couple lived at 218 Simcoe Street and had two children, Albert in 1905 and Elithia in 1907. In 1915, Winkel was working as a structural engineer. He reenlisted on August 17, 1915 and served as corporal with the 1st Pioneer Battalion, Canadian Engineers. At some time during the war, he spent time as a POW. After the war, Winkel worked as a structural engineer. The family continued to live on Simcoe Street, but Jessie and William moved to the Strawberry Vale area sometime in the 1930s, after both of their children were married. Jessie Ethel died in 1942 and is buried in Colwood Burial Park. Sometime later, Winkel married Constance Irene (Seale) Winkel, who was born in Manitoba in 1888. They lived at 150 Douglas Street. Winkel died on May 8, 1959 at St. Joseph’s hospital and was buried with his first wife at Colwood Burial Park. He is commemorated on the Saanich WW1 Honor Roll. Information submitted by: S. Hervieux.  Attestation Papers

Woods, William Richard (Corporal)

Service Number: 1012779. William Richard Woods was born in Liverpool on September 1st, 1881. He came to the Victoria area in 1912. According to local directories, in 1913 he lived on Store Street in Victoria and worked as a clerk for the E & N Railway. In 1915 he is listed as living on Wilkinson Road in Saanich, and when he enlisted in 1916, he gave his address as the Marigold Post Office. After the war, he continued to work for E & N Railway as a cashier, and by 1927 he was living on Glanford Ave. near Broadway Street in Saanich. Beginning in 1930, W.R. Richards served seven terms on Saanich Council, representing Ward 4 from 1930 – 1936. He was also Rector’s Warden at St. Michaels’ Church on West Saanich Road. He died on September 19th, 1940 at the family home “Norris Dene” on Glanford Avenue, and is buried in St. Michael’s Church cemetery. William Richard Woods is commemorated on the Saanich WWI Honour Roll. Information submitted by: Saanich Archives.  Attestation Papers | Photo

Wratten, John Francis (Private)

Service Number: 826282  John Francis Wratten was born in Birmingham, England 8 April 1877. He and his wife Minnie Johnson had 5 children, John Francis Jr. and Gladys who were born in England, and Robert Eugene, Florence “Rosie”, and Herbert born in British Columbia. John came to Canada in 1909 and the rest of family arrived around 1911. The family lived at 351 Ker Avenue. John had many jobs before enlisting. From 1912-1913, he was employed as a chef at the Atlantic Hotel. In 1914, he was working as a tailor for International Tailoring Co., and in 1915, he was working as a cooper. John enlisted on 30 March 1916 with 143rd Battalion and joined the 24th Reserve Battalion after arriving overseas. He was discharged 20 June 1919. Around 1917, Minnie and the children moved to 326 Obed Avenue where they were still living in 1920, at which time John was employed as a clerk for the Army & Navy clothing store. By 1923, the family had moved back to 351 Kerr Avenue and John was again employed as a tailor, this time for Fyvie Bros., a job he kept until 1931 when he became the proprietor of Modern Cleaners. John Francis died 20 May 1945 at the age of 68. Submitted by Saanich Archives. Attestation Papers

Wright, Cyril James (Private)

Service Number: 51097. Cyril James Wright was born in Norfolk, England on July 3, 1893. His father’s name was James Wright, Norwich, England. On his attestation papers, he gave his trade as gardener. In the 1916 Saanich Voters List, he is shown to be living at Royal Oak and his occupation is “farm help”. When he enlisted on February 5, 1915, he was 21 years old, and he had previously served in the 50th Gordon Highlanders. After the war, C.J. Wright is listed in the 1920 Henderson’s Victoria directory; his occupation at that time was clerk at HMC Dockyard, and his residence was 941 Richmond (Victoria). Cyril James Wright is commemorated on the Saanich WWI Honour Roll.  Information submitted by: Saanich Archives.  Attestation papers

Wright, Thomas (Private)

Service Number: 490288. Before coming to Canada, Thomas Wright served with the 1st Middlesex Engineers for 10 years. At the time of enlistment in 1916, his Attestation Paper state that he was born in 1871 (age 44), working as a cook, and serving as a member of the 50th Gordon Highlanders. He was living on Amphion Street in Victoria with his wife, Alice. According to the website “A City goes to War” his service record indicates that he served with the Army, Canadian Engineers, 1st Pioneer Battalion, and that he was a prisoner-of-war. Nothing could be verified about his life after the war. In the 1918 directory, there is a Thomas Wright, labourer, residing on Duchess Street, Victoria, but it is not clear whether this is the same man. His name does not appear in subsequent directories. The 1911 census shows a Thomas and Alice Wright and their children living in the Richmond Riding, New Westminster District of British Columbia. If this is the same man, his actual birthdate was 1858, making him 57 years of age at enlistment. He had seven children, including a son named Fred and a daughter was named Violet. In the 1917 Victoria directory, Violet Wright and Frederick Wright (on active service) are listed at the same address as Thomas Wright who was on active service at the time. Thomas Wright is commemorated on the Saanich Honour Roll, but no other connection to Saanich could be found. Information submitted by: Saanich Archives.  Attestation Papers

Yates, William (Sapper)

Service Number: 181055. William Yates was born in the town of Leigh, Lancashire, England on December 14, 1884 to Alfred and Mary Yates. According to the 1921 census, he and his wife Gertrude came to Canada in 1909. The 1913 directory lists him as a labourer living on Crease Avenue in Saanich. At the time of his enlistment in January 1916, he resided on Warren Avenue in Saanich. He gave his occupation as miner. At the age of 31, William was assigned to the 88th Battalion Victoria Fusiliers. In May of 1916 he sailed to England on the SS Olympia, and subsequently served in France and Belgium with the 1st Canadian Tunnelling Company. In late 1917, he spent some time in a military hospital being treated for a shrapnel wound to his left hand which he received at Ypres, and for “nervous debility”. William was discharged in June of 1919. The 1920 voters’ list shows that he and Gertrude were living on Broadway Avenue in the Sevenoaks area of Saanich, and his occupation at that time was auto painter. He was 56 years of age when he died in 1939, and he is buried in Royal Oak Burial Park. William Yates is commemorated on the Saanich Honour Roll, (rank: Private). Information submitted by: Saanich Archives.  Attestation Papers

Young, Arthur (Private)

Service Number: 524778. Arthur Young was born in Lichfield, England on January 16,1895. His mother, Mrs. Richard Young, also lived in Lichfield. He enlisted on March 15, 1916 in Victoria, and at the time of his enlistment, he was working as a sales clerk at Stewart Shoe Store on Douglas Street. The 1915 Henderson’s directory entry lists his residence on Douglas Street in Saanich, and he received his mail at the Maywood P.O. At this time, there is no information available about his wartime service, but he is presumed to have survived the war. He is listed in the 1918 Saanich Voters list with Maywood as his address again. Nothing is known about his life after WWI. Private Arthur Young is commemorated on the Saanich Honour Roll. Information submitted by: J. Clements and Saanich Archives.  Attestation Papers

Young, Douglas Brougham (Private)

Service Number: 1286059. Douglas Brougham Young was born October 11, 1884 in Kingston upon Thames, Surrey England to Thomas and Maria Harvey Young. It is not known when he immigrated to Canada, but by 1914, he was working as the doorkeeper at a moving picture theatre, the Crystal Theatre at 1317 Broad Street. At that time, he was living at the residence of Thomas Young who lived on Whittier Ave near Ardersier Road in Saanich. The 1917 directory lists him on active service and his residence as 3356 Whittier, presumably the same residence which now has a house number. At this time (March 2018), it is not know when or where he enlisted, as his attestation and service records are not yet available online. After the war, in 1921, he was living on Fernwood Road in Victoria, and working at J.L. Young’s Meat Market which was also on Fernwood Road. In 1922, he married Ruth Grace Clemence. Their marriage certificate lists his occupation as butcher, and his residence as 2073 Fernwood Road. The 1927 directory gives his residence as 2, 1009 Southgate in Victoria, and his occupation is proprietor of Young’s Meat Market at 1056 Pandora in Victoria. At the time of his death, in 1959 at age 74, he had been living on Thurlow Road in Victoria, and his former occupation was a clerk with the Salvation Army. Douglas Brougham Young is commemorated on the Saanich Honour Roll. Information submitted by: Saanich Archives.  Attestation Papers

Young, Henry H. (Gunner)

Gunner Henry H. Young is commemorated on the Saanich WW1 Honour Roll. No additional information could be confirmed.

Young, Herbert Frederick (Private)

Service Number: 3205076  Herbert Frederick Young was born in Victoria on 14 September 1891 to parents Peter Olaf Young and Maria Fredrickson. His parents had immigrated to Canada from Sweden around 1885 and settled in the Keating area of what is now Central Saanich. In 1891, Peter was employed as a stone-cutter but later worked as a farmer. In 1911, Herbert was living and working on a railway camp near Cowichan Lake. He was drafted under the military service act in January 1918 in Lethbridge, Alberta. He was drafted into the 1st Depot Battalion Alberta Regiment, but served with the 31st Battalion in France. Herbert was discharged in June 1919 and returned to the family home in the Keating area where his father and sister were still living. Before and after the war, Herbert also worked as a fruit farmer, probably on his father’s farm. In 1923, Herbert married Jessie Marie Arnold (1901-1992). The couple had two daughters, two sons, and many grandchildren. When Herbert died on 25 June 1976, the couple were living in an apartment on Eldon Place in Saanich. Information submitted by Saanich Archives. Attestation Papers

Young, John "Jack" Leonard (Private)

Service Number: 1286068. John Leonard Young was born in Kingston-on-Thames, Surrey, England in 1886. It is not known when he immigrated to Canada, but his name does not appear in the Saanich pages of the 1911 census. The 1914 Henderson’s Victoria Directory shows him living with his father Thomas Young on Whittier Avenue in Saanich. According to his attestation papers, his occupation was shipping clerk. The 1917 directory lists him as ”on active service”, still living at 3356 Whittier. Although his Attestation Papers were dated November 1, 1918, Jack Leonard Young had been serving with the Canadian Army Service Corps since January of 1916. In World War I, the Canadian Army Service Corps (CASC) provided transportation and supply services for the Army. According to Pte. Young’s service record, he served with the CASC in Victoria during the war, and was discharged in 1920. By 1920, he is no longer listed in the directory, and he is not in the Saanich listings for the 1921 census. He married Anne Simpson (nee Alexander) in Oak Bay on August 27, 1929. The 1930 directory for Langford Station lists him as Young, Jack L. of Palace Cafe. The Palace Café was located at 622 Yates Street in Victoria. He was a resident of Langford Lake when he died in 1946. John Leonard Young was buried in Colwood Burial Park, which is now called Hatley Memorial Gardens. Information submitted by: J. Clements and Saanich Archives.   Attestation Papers

Young, John William (Private)

Service Number: 180751. John William Young was born in Croydon, Surrey, England on December 10, 1872 to parents Thomas and Mary Jane Young. Young had four sisters and two brothers and his mother died before he turned 8. His father soon remarried, had 3 more children, and moved the family to Kingston, Surrey where, as a young adult, Young worked as a Solicitor’s Clerk. At some point between 1891 and 1901 Young married Kate Elizabeth Hayes who was born and raised in Kingston, and in 1909 the couple moved to Victoria. They lived at 3161 Highview Street in Victoria and Young worked as a general labourer. Young enlisted on November 12, 1915 and became a private in the 88th (Victoria Fusiliers) Battalion, a unit in the Canadian Expeditionary Force. War records indicate that at some point during the war he also spent time as a POW, although it is not known where or for how long he was imprisoned. Kate continued to live on Highview Street during the war but the couple moved to 952 Caledonia Avenue in Victoria after Young returned from service where he continued to work as a general labourer. Young died in St. Joseph’s Hospital on June 2, 1943 and was buried at Colwood Burial Park. At the time of his death, Young and his wife had been living at 840 Vernon Avenue in Saanich. They never had any children. Information submitted by: S. Hervieux.  Attestation Papers 

Young, William (Private)

Killed in Action August 8, 1918. Service Number: 180708. William Young was born in Lichfield, Staffordshire, England on May 28, 1880 to parents Richard and Harriett Young. He had a sister, Ada Annie Young (later Porter) born 1878.  As an adult, Young worked as a house painter like his father.  While still living in England, he also spent a year serving with the 2nd Battalion North Staffordshire Volunteers. Ada Annie immigrated to Canada in 1911 and William likely immigrated around that same time.  She married Charles Henry Porter in August of 1911, and he married a woman named Grace sometime before the war. They lived on Lake Road in Saanich. Young enlisted on December 27, 1915 and served with the 2nd Canadian Mounted Rifles Battalion. He died of wounds received on the first day of the Battle of Amiens along with 4,000 other Canadian soldiers. He is buried in the Crouy British Cemetery in Crouy-Sur-Somme, France (Grave Reference: V.A.23). Young’s sister and her family continued to live in Victoria after the war but his wife’s whereabouts are unknown. Young is commemorated on the Saanich WWI Honor Roll. Information submitted by: S. Hervieux.  Attestation Papers | Commonwealth War Graves Commission