Remembering Private Edward Lewis Connolly—DOW August 30, 1918

Edward Lewis Connolly was born at Milford Haven Bridge, Guysborough County, on June 20, 1891, the youngest of Margaret (Cudahee) and Patrick Connolly’s four children. Edward was among the county’s earliest First World War enlistments, volunteering for service with the 25th Battalion at Halifax, NS, on November 20, 1914.

Pte. Edward Lewis Connolly's headstone, Ligny-sur-Canche British Cemetery

The 25th departed Halifax aboard SS Saxonia on May 20, 1915, and spent the summer training in England. Its soldiers crossed the English Channel to the continent in mid-September as part of the 2nd Canadian Division’s 5th Brigade. The unit made its was northward to Belgium’s Ypres Salient, where its soldiers served a regular rotation throughout the winter of 1915-16.

Edward and his mates received their first major combat experience in mid-April 1916, when German forces launched a major attack on the 25th’s line at St. Eloi, Belgium. Edward was among the casualties, struck by shrapnel in the elbow, knee and hand. Carried by stretcher to No. 6 Canadian Field Ambulance on April 14, he was subsequently transported to No. 17 Casualty Clearing Station. Following his evacuation by ambulance train to hospital at Camiers, France, surgeons removed several shrapnel fragments from his hand and elbow.

On April 28, Edward was invalided to England and admitted to the Duke of Connaught Red Cross Hospital, Taplow. Several days later, surgeons removed a large metal fragment from his knee during a second operation. Edward spent two months at Taplow before receiving a transfer to Hillingdon House Canadian Convalescent Hospital, Uxbridge, on July 7. Two weeks later, he was admitted to Bearwood Military Convalescent Home, Woodcote Park, Epsom.

After a month’s rest, Edward was discharged from medical care on August 18. 1916, and reported to the 2nd Canadian Corps Depot at Shoreham. As was often the case with wounded soldiers, he remained in England for a lengthy period of time, awaiting orders to return to the front. Finally, on April 18, 1918—two years after being wounded at St. Eloi, Belgium—Edward crossed the English Channel to Le Havre, France, and rejoined his 25th Battalion comrades near Arras on June 21.

At month’s end, the 25th retired to Grand-Rullecourt for a period of rest and training. Four weeks later, its soldiers travelled to Briquemesnil-Floxicourt, west of Amiens, and prepared to return to the line. Having withstood a major German spring offensive in late March and April 1918, Allied military commanders set about planning a major counter-offensive, scheduled to commence east of Amiens in early August.

On August 7, the 25th made its way to its assigned “jumping off” positions near Cachy. The following morning, its soldiers occupied support positions as the 24th and 26th Battalions—two of its 5th Brigade mates—participated in the initial attack. The units secured their objectives by mid-day and the 25th’s soldiers assisted in establishing a consolidated line.

The advance resumed during the early afternoon hours of August 9, the 25th’s soldiers leading the attack on the village of Caix. Following its capture, the unit secured the village of Vrély and moved on to occupy Méharicourt by late afternoon. Personnel once again consolidated their location during the evening hours, having suffered only light casualties during the day’s fighting.

The 25th remained on the outskirts of Méharicourt until the night of August 16/17, when its soldiers retired to Caix for several days’ rest. Edward came through the Amiens tour without injury and followed the unit northward to Beauvains, south of Arras, on August 25. Its numbers reduced to 23 Officers and 502 OR, the battalion nevertheless returned to the line the following morning and prepared for its second combat assignment of the month.

As the attack commenced at mid-morning August 27, the 25th occupied support positions behind its three Brigade mates. Its soldiers moved forward shortly afterward and managed to enter the German front line, but were forced to take cover as units to their right failed to keep pace. The unit suffered casualties throughout the afternoon, “as the front line was unable to advance owing to the flanks being open.”

While the day’s casualties were relatively light—one Officer killed and two wounded; two OR killed and 17 OR wounded—Edward was once again among of the soldiers affected: “While with his Company consolidating a trench, in front of Chérisy… he was hit in the right side by an enemy machine gun bullet.”

Evacuated to 2/2 London Field Ambulance that afternoon, Edward was transported to No. 43 Casualty Clearing Station on August 28. Private Edward Lewis Connolly lingered for two days before “succumb[ing] to his wounds” on August 30, 1918. He was laid to rest in Ligny-sur-Canche British Cemetery, seven miles south of Saint-Pol-sur-Ternoise, France.

Edward’s story is one of 64 profiles contained in Bantry Publishing’s First World War Honour Roll of Guysborough County, Nova Scotia, Volume II: 1918 - 1937, available for purchase online at bantrypublishing.ca .

Remembering Private Vincent Stephen Hallett—Died of Wounds August 28, 1918

Private Vincent Stephen Hallett was born at Country Harbour, Guysborough County, on December 20, 1898, the seventh of Sarah Elizabeth (Davidson) and Freeman Hallett’s eight children and the youngest of their four sons. Vincent enlisted with the 193rd Battalion at Guysborough on April 15, 1916.

Private Vincent Stephen Hallett

Following a summer of intense training at Camp Aldershot, Vincent and his 193rd comrades boarded SS Olympic at Halifax on October 12 and departed for overseas. Also on board were three other units, the four battalions comprising the Nova Scotia Highland Brigade. Following its overseas arrival, two of the Brigade’s units—the 193rd and 219th Battalions—were disbanded and their soldiers transferred to other units.

Initially assigned to the the 17th Reserve Battalion (Nova Scotia) on January 23, 1917, Vincent was transferred to the 161st Battalion (Ontario) two weeks later. He remained in England with the unit—part of the newly created 5th Canadian Division—throughout the year. When military authorities decided to dissolve the Division in early 1918, Vincent was re-assigned to the 4th Reserve Battalion on March 8, 1918. Within two weeks of his transfer, he received orders to report for duty with the 18th Battalion (Western Ontario) in France.

The 18th was one of four Ontario units assigned to the 2nd Canadian Division’s 4th Brigade. Vincent joined the battalion at Wailly Huts, southwest of Arras, France, on May 15 and served a regular rotation in the line until June 21, when the 18th retired to Divisional Reserve at Wailly. Following three weeks of  training, the battalion returned to the forward area near Arras in mid-July.

At month’s end, personnel travelled southward to Pissy, west of Amiens, in preparation for their next major assignment. Having withstood a major German spring offensive in late March and April 1918, Allied commanders set about planning a counter-offensive scheduled for early August.

In the early hours of August 8, the 18th participated in a major attack on the German line east of Amiens, capturing its objective—a cluster of rock quarries east of Marcelcave—after three hours’ fighting. The unit remained in the line until the afternoon of August 10, at which time its soldiers retired to Divisional Reserve.

The 18th remained in the Amiens area for another week, participating in a second attack on German positions on August 16. The following day, the unit withdrew from the line and over several days made its way northward to sectors near Arras. Personnel returned to the trenches on the evening of August 24 and set about preparing for their third combat assignment of the month—an attack on German positions east of Arras.

On the morning of August 26, the 18th’s soldiers advanced in support behind the 21st Battalion as their Brigade mates participated in the initial advance. During the early afternoon, the 18th moved forward, with orders to capture the village of Guémappe. While the daylight attack initially advanced well beyond the village, units on the 18th’s left flank failed to keep pace, forcing its soldiers to retreat to Guémappe, where they established a defensive line.

The following morning, the 18th resumed the advance, attacking the village of Villers-lès-Cagnicourt. While personnel passed through Vis-en-Artois and managed to reach the Sensée River, a scheduled artillery barrage failed to materialize, forcing the soldiers to form an outpost along the river’s bank and settle in for the night.

The 18th reported 10 “other ranks” (OR) killed and 150 OR wounded during the day’s advance. Private Vincent Stephen Hallett was one of the day’s casualties. Struck in the back by shrapnel from an artillery shell, he was evacuated to No. 42 Casualty Clearing Station for treatment. The following day—August 28, 1918—Vincent succumbed to his injuries and was laid to rest in Aubigny Communal Cemetery Extension, six and a half miles northwest of Arras, France. At the time of his death, Vincent was four months shy of his twentieth birthday.

Vincent’s story is one of 64 profiles contained in Bantry Publishing’s First World War Honour Roll of Guysborough County, Nova Scotia, Volume II: 1918 - 1937, available for purchase online at bantrypublishing.ca .

Remembering Private James DeWitt Ferguson—KIA August 28, 1918

James DeWitt Ferguson and his fraternal twin sister, Florence Mabel, were born at Halifax, NS, on November 9, 1891. Their mother, Bessie Ferguson, was a native of Indian Harbour, Guysborough County. Sometime before 1901, Bessie returned to her home community with her twins. By 1915, De Witt had made his way to northern Ontario, where he found employment as a fireman.

Pte. James DeWitt Ferguson's memorial stone, Wine Harbour Cemetery

On November 1, 1915, DeWitt enlisted with the 94th Battalion at Fort Frances, ON. Six months later, he departed from Halifax with his unit aboard SS Olympic. Following the 94th’s dissolution, DeWitt was re-assigned to the 32nd Reserve Battalion on July 18, 1916. After a summer’s training in England, he proceeded to France with a draft of reinforcements for the 52nd Battalion (New Ontario) on October 13.

DeWitt’s arrival at the front was delayed by a brief period in hospital. He joined the 52nd in the forward area on December 23 and served with the unit in sectors near Vimy Ridge, France, throughout the winter of 1916-17. The 52nd’s 9th Brigade remained in reserve during the Canadian Corps’ historic April 9, 1917 attack on Vimy Ridge. Two days later, its soldiers occupied trenches atop the newly captured location. The unit served in sectors near Lens, France, throughout the summer and early autumn of 1917, relocating to Ypres, Belgium, in late October for the Canadian Corps’ Passchendaele operation.

On the evening of October 25, two of the 52nd’s Companies entered support positions behind the 43rd and 58th Battalions, while its two remaining Companies waited in reserve. The following morning, Canadian units launched the first part of a four-stage operation to capture Passchendaele Ridge. While the 52nd’s soldiers did not participate in the attack, they helped consolidate the objective following its capture.

The battalion remained in the line for 48 hours before retiring to camp. In subsequent days, its personnel provided stretcher parties for the evacuation of wounded soldiers before returning to France early the following month. Throughout the winter of 1917-18, DeWitt served regular rotations with the 52nd in sectors near Lens, France. A major German spring offensive launched in late March 1918 did not affect the Canadian Corps’ sector, although its units remained on alert throughout the fighting south of its location.

In early May, DeWitt and his comrades retired from the line and spent two months training before returning to trenches near Neuville-Vitasse in mid-July. Early the following month, the 52nd moved southward to Bois de Boves, southeast of Amiens, where personnel prepared for their role in a major Allied counter-offensive scheduled to take place east of the strategic city.

On the morning of August 8, the 58th occupied support positions while its three Brigade mates participated in the initial attack. Its soldiers remained in the line for one week as Canadian units steadily advanced into German-held territory. Following the unit’s withdrawal from the line on August 16, personnel gradually made their way northward toward Arras, where a second offensive was scheduled to take place before month’s end.

The attack commenced on the morning of August 26, the 52nd stationed nearby awaiting orders. Its soldiers moved forward later that evening and prepared to resume the advance in the early hours of August 27. The objective was the capture of Bois de Vert, a wooded area atop a hill. While the battalion advanced in support, closely behind the attacking 4th Battalion Canadian Mounted Rifles, 2nd Division units to their right had received orders to delay their attack until mid-morning. As a result, the 52nd’s right flank was exposed to hostile fire and its “D” Company suffered significant casualties during the attack.

The units nevertheless managed to secure their objective and continued the attack toward the day’s objective—the village of Boiry—in the late morning hours of August 28. While the 52nd commenced the day in support, its soldiers moved forward and attacked an elevated location known as “Artillery Hill.” While the soldiers succeeded in capturing the position, two days’ fighting took a severe toll on its personnel. By day’s end, the 52nd’s ranks were reduced to little more than 100, although a considerable number of soldiers were presumed to have attached themselves to other units during the advance.

As the 52nd withdrew from the line on the night of August 28/29, its war diary reported two Officers and 23 “other ranks” killed during 48 hours of combat, while three Officers and 133 OR were wounded and 17 OR missing. Private James DeWitt Ferguson was one of the soldiers lost during the fighting. While DeWitt advanced alongside his “D” Company comrades during the August 28 morning attack, he was killed by an exploding artillery shell following the capture of Boiry.

DeWitt’s remains were never retrieved from the battlefield. His name is inscribed on the Canadian War Memorial, Vimy Ridge, France, one of 11,285 Canadian soldiers lost on the battlefields of northern France and whose final resting place is unknown.

DeWitt’s story is one of 64 profiles contained in Bantry Publishing’s First World War Honour Roll of Guysborough County, Nova Scotia, Volume II: 1918 - 1937, available for purchase online at bantrypublishing.ca .

Remembering Private Alexander Callahan—KIA August 28, 1918

Alexander Callahan was born at Manchester, Guysborough County, on February 20, 1894, the oldest of Burton and Susan Maria (Whitman) Callahan’s seven children. On May 2, 1916, Alex enlisted with the 193rd Battalion at New Glasgow, NS. Five months later, he departed for England aboard SS Olympic, accompanied by his 193rd mates and the three other battalions that comprised the Nova Scotia Highland Brigade.

Private Alexander Callahan

Within months of the Brigade’s overseas arrival, military authorities dissolved the 193rd and 219th Battalions, two of its units. While Alex was initially transferred to the 17th Reserve Battalion on January 23, 1917, six weeks later he was assigned to the recently created Canadian Machine Gun Corps and reported to its Crowborough Depot for training.

On June 16, Alex crossed the English Channel and reported to the Machine Gun Reinforcement Pool at Camiers, France. He remained there for almost three months before being assigned to the 14th Canadian Machine Gun Company (CMGC) on August 7. The following day, Alex joined the unit near Sains-en-Gohelle.

One week after his arrival, Alex and 14th CMGC participated in the Canadian Corps’ successful attack on Hill 70, near Lens. The unit’s “gunners” fired an estimated 96,000 rounds during the opening barrage and provided “SOS” fire, as requested by front line infantry units, throughout the remainder of the day and night.

The unit served a regular rotation in the Lens area for the remainder of the summer and early autumn, relocating to Ypres, Belgium, in early November for the final stage of the Canadian Corps’ attack on Passchendaele Ridge. On November 5, its personnel participated in the opening barrage as Canadian units captured the ridge’s last portions. 14th CMGC made its way back to France later in the month and served in sectors near Vimy throughout the winter of 1917-18.

A reorganization of CMGC Companies in the spring of 1918 resulted in the amalgamation of 14th and 5th CMGC to form No. 1 Company, 2nd Canadian Machine Gun (CMG) Battalion, on March 21, 1918. At the same time, 4th and 6th CMGC united to form No. 2 Company. The entire battalion was attached to the 2nd Canadian Division’s 4th Brigade. When deployed in the forward area, three Companies entered the line during regular rotations, the fourth remaining nearby in reserve.

The newly formed unit served in sectors near La Rivière for the remainder of the spring and early summer before retiring to to Liencourt for a period of rest and training on July 1. Five weeks later, the battalion travelled southward to Longeau, on the outskirts of Amiens, where its personnel prepared to return to the line. Alex and his comrades were about to participate in the Battle of Amiens, which marked the beginning of a major Allied counter-offensive.

On the morning of August 8, one Company advanced with attacking units while Alex’s Company and the remainder of 2nd CMG’s personnel moved forward in support. The following day, No. 1 and 2 Companies were part of the attacking wave. The battalion remained in the line for one week after the Amiens assault, finally retiring on the night of August 17/18.

After several days’ rest, the gunners returned to duty on August 22. Four days later, the battalion remained in reserve as Canadian units once again attacked German positions east of Arras. The following day—August 27—No. 1 and No. 3 Companies supported the advance of the 5th and 4th Infantry Brigades respectively, providing “overhead fire” as the troops crossed the battlefield.

The attack ground to a halt at the Senlis River, which advancing units managed to cross by 7:00 p.m. Canadian troops moved forward for a distance of approximately 1,000 yards, with 2nd CMG’s No. 1 Company sustaining only light casualties. At 12:20 p.m. August 28, the attack resumed at Cagnicourt. Within minutes, the soldiers encountered “extremely heavy machine gun fire” that inflicted casualties on all of 2nd CMG’s gun batteries.

Despite the losses, the Canadian units repelled several German counter-attacks during the ensuing hours. Later that night, No. 2 CMG Battalion withdrew from the line, having sustained significant losses during the day’s fighting—three Officers killed and eight wounded; 24 “other ranks” (OR)  killed and 175 wounded.

Private Alexander Callahan was among the “gunners” lost at Cagnicourt that day. His remains were never retrieved from the battlefield. Alex’s name is engraved on the Canadian War Memorial, Vimy Ridge, France, one of more than 11,000 Canadian soldiers lost on the battlefields of northern France and whose final resting place is unknown.

Alex’s story is one of 64 profiles contained in Bantry Publishing’s First World War Honour Roll of Guysborough County, Nova Scotia, Volume II: 1918 - 1937, available for purchase online at bantrypublishing.ca .

Remembering Charles Abner Barss—Died of Sickness August 25, 1918

Charles Abner Barss was born at New Harbour, Guysborough County, on April 11, 1897, the third of David Abner and Mary Caroline (Horton) Barss’ seven children. While Charles worked as a fisherman alongside his father, he reached his twenty-first birthday shortly after the military conscription plan introduced under the terms of the Military Service Act (1917) came into full effect.

Private Charles Abner Barss

Despite suffering from chronic asthma, Charles completed the required medical examination at Camp Aldershot, NS, on May 30 and was placed in “Class A2”—requiring only military training before deemed fit for front line duty. Two days later, he formally attested for overseas service with the 1st Depot Battalion, Nova Scotia Regiment.

Other than a case of measles in late June, Charles completed his basic training without any health issues. On August 2, he departed Halifax for England aboard SS Ixion in the company of a large contingent of conscripts. During the voyage, the cramped conditions below deck contributed to an outbreak of influenza and pneumonia among the passengers. When the vessel docked at Liverpool on August 15, a total of 22 soldiers were immediately rushed to local hospitals for treatment.

Charles was among the sick and was admitted to Texteth Park Auxiliary Hospital with pneumonia. Medical records describe his circumstances at the time as “dangerously ill” and “in a terribly neglected condition.” While staff administered a variety of treatments, his asthma significantly affected his circumstances and Charles failed to recover. Private Charles Abner Barss passed away at 12:55 p.m. Sunday, August 25, 1918.

Before day’s end, a second Nova Scotian soldier, Private Warren Lester Godfried (3188193), also succumbed to pneumonia. Three days later, officials conducted military funerals for the young men and laid their remains to rest in Kirkdale Cemetery, Longmoor Lane, Liverpool, England, five miles from the hospital where they passed away. Private Charles Barss was the first Guysborough County “conscript” to die overseas.

Charles' story is one of 64 profiles contained in Bantry Publishing’s First World War Honour Roll of Guysborough County, Nova Scotia, Volume II: 1918 - 1937, available for purchase online at bantrypublishing.ca .

Remembering Private Wilfred Joseph Whitman—KIA August 17, 1918

Wilfred Joseph Whitman was born at Manchester, Guysborough County, on March 29, 1897, the only child of Rufus William and Nellie (Gavin McDonald) Whitman. Rufus also had an older daughter, Ida, by a previous marriage. Following Rufus’s death in 1907, Wilfred was adopted by his paternal uncle, James Winthrop Whitman, and his wife, Margaret Elizabeth Leet, who operated a boarding house near Mulgrave.

Pte. Wilfred Joseph Whitman's headstone, Villers-Brettoneux Military Cemetery

By 1915, Wilfred had moved to Revere, MA, where his half-sister, Ida, operated a home for the sick. For two years, Wilfred worked as a salesman in the local area. The United States’ entrance in to the First World War in April 1917 and its introduction of a military draft prompted Wilfred to volunteer for service with the 236th Battalion, a New Brunswick unit, at Boston, MA, on June 16, 1917. Before month’s end, he travelled to Fredericton, NB, by train and formally attested for overseas service with the Canadian Expeditionary Force.

On July 4—one week after his attestation—Wilfred married Philomena “Phyllis” Ghilo, in a ceremony held at Fredericton. While Wilfred departed for Camp Valcartier, QC, for basic training, Phyllis returned to Boston, where she gave birth to a son, Wilfred George, on December 8, 1917. By that time, Wilfred Sr. was stationed at Camp Bramshott, England, awaiting orders to proceed to France.

Following the 236th’s dissolution in March 1918, Wilfred was transferred to the 13th Battalion (Royal Highlanders of Canada) and joined the unit in the forward area on April 22. A Montreal-based Highland battalion, the 13th was among the Canadian Corps’ most experienced units, having landed on the continent with the 1st Canadian Division in early 1915.

Wilfred served in sectors near Arras, France, throughout the remainder of the month and retired to Divisional Reserve with the 13th in early May. For two and a half months, personnel trained and participated in a variety of recreational activities before returning to trenches near Beaurains in late July. Within days, the unit was on the move, relocating to Épaumesnil, west of Amiens, in early August.

Having withstood a major German spring offensive in late March and April 1918, Allied commanders set about planning a response. The counter-offensive commenced in the French sector in mid-July, moving northward to British sectors early the following month. The Canadian Corps was part of the plan, its well-rested and fully reinforced units relocating to the Amiens area in early August, in preparation for the attack.

In the early morning hours of August 8, Canadian, Australian and British units launched a carefully planned assault on German positions east of Amiens. The 13th Battalion’s soldiers participated in the action as Wilfred received his first exposure to major combat on the Western Front. Before day’s end, the unit succeeded in capturing its objective, a location known as Hangard Wood. Its soldiers remained in the line until the afternoon of August 9, at which time they withdrew to support positions.

The 13th spent the next six days in support and reserve positions as units in the front line consolidated the significant progress made east of Amiens. On the evening of August 15, its personnel returned to the line near Parvillers-le-Quesnoy in relief of the 42nd Battalion, a fellow “Royal Highlanders of Canada” unit.

Early the following morning, two battle patrols of 30 soldiers advanced toward the village of La Chavatte, When German soldiers holding the position rebuffed the attack, supporting artillery shelled the village, in an attempt to “soften up” resistance. In the early hours of August 17, two Companies advanced toward the objective. While German machine guns once again offered strong resistance, the second attack proved successful as the 13th’s soldiers cleared enemy troops from the village.

The 13th held its position until relieved on the night of August 21/22. While its war diary provided no casualty statistics following the capture of La Chavatte, a report appended to the month’s entries listed one “other rank” (OR) killed, one Officer and 28 OR wounded during the La Chavatte tour.

Private Wilfred Joseph Whitman was among the week’s casualties. Most likely wounded during the advance on La Chavatte, he was evacuated to No. 48 Casualty Clearing Station, where he died of wounds on August 17, 1918. Wilfred was laid to rest in Villers-Bretonneux Military Cemetery, Somme, France. His widow, Phyllis, subsequently re-married and raised a second family. The couple’s son, Wilfred George Whitman Jr., later served with the United States Navy during the Second World War.

Remembering Private James Edward O’Brien—KIA August 10, 1918

James Edward O’Brien was born at Canso, Guysborough County, on March 26, 1896, the fourth of John J. and Elizabeth (Landry) O’Brien’s six children and the youngest of their four sons. James was working as a clerk in the local community when he enlisted with the 193rd Battalion at Canso on April 11, 1916.

Private James Edward O'Brien

Transferred to the 85th Battalion (Nova Scotia Highlanders) on October 12—the same day on which he departed for England with the Nova Scotia Highland Brigade—James was admitted to Bramshott Military Hospital in early November, suffering from “shortness of breath and weakness on exertion.” Medical staff could not identify a specific cause for his symptoms and James was discharged after spending two weeks in hospital.

Shortly after his discharge, James was re-assigned to the 219th Battalion, but the unit’s dissolution in December 1916 resulted in another transfer to the 161st Battalion, an Ontario unit. Throughout the following year, James remained in England with the 161st. When the 6th Reserve Battalion absorbed its personnel in early 1918, James was assigned to the 47th Battalion (British Columbia) on February 15, 1918, and joined his new unit in France on March 4.

Throughout the spring and early summer of 1918, James served a regular rotation with the 47th in sectors near Lens, France. While German forces launched a major “spring offensive” in late March, Canadian sectors were not targeted. The 47th’s personnel spent much of May and all of June in Divisional Reserve and saw little in the way of combat with German forces following their return to trenches near Oppy on July 10.

Allied Commanders, however, were busy planning a major counter-offensive in which the well-rested  Canadian Corps would play a significant role. In early August, the 47th made its way southward to Fourdrinoy, 15 kilometres west of Amiens. After several days’ rest, its personnel entered the line on the evening of August 7 and completed final preparations for an attack on German positions east of Amiens.

At 4:40 a.m. August 8, a massive artillery barrage signalled the beginning of the Battle of Amiens. The 47th’s soldiers advanced in support behind the 44th Battalion, one of its Brigade mates. Forward progress continued throughout the day, the 47th’s personnel reaching the outskirts of Beaucourt-en-Santerre before dark and settling in for the night.

James and his comrades rested throughout the following day before relieving the 11th Brigade’s 87th Battalion in the front trenches during the late evening hours. As morning approached, the 47th prepared for its first major combat since James’ arrival in France. At 10:15 a.m. August 10, its soldiers resumed the attack on the German line.

Despite heavy artillery bombardment, the soldiers steadily moved forward throughout the day, until machine gun fire halted the advance west of Fouquescourt. While personnel managed to drive enemy forces from the village by early evening, stiff resistance and dwindling light forced the unit to consolidate its position and settle in for the night.

Private James O’Brien’s first combat experience proved to be his last. Around 6:00 p.m. August 10, while taking part in the 47th’s attack on Fouquescourt, James was struck by a machine gun bullet and instantly killed. He was laid to rest in the Australian Imperial Forces Burial Ground, Flers, France.

James' story is one of 64 profiles contained in Bantry Publishing’s First World War Honour Roll of Guysborough County, Nova Scotia, Volume II: 1918 - 1937, available for purchase online at bantrypublishing.ca .

Remembering Private Clayton R. Mills—KIA August 9, 1918

Clayton R. Mills was born at Port Hilford, Guysborough County, on January 15, 1888, the youngest of Anne Scott “Annie” (McKeen) and Robert Bruce Mills’ five children. Sometime before 1901, the family moved to Sherbrooke, where Robert worked at a local saw mill. In 1904, Robert, Annie and children relocated to a farm at The Forks (Glenelg), where the couple spent their remaining days.

Clayton R. Mills (pre-war portrait)

During the years prior to the First World War, Clayton travelled to Western Canada on the annual “harvest trains,” usually in the company of his older brother, Frank. Clayton eventually remained out west, made his way to Vancouver, BC, sometime after 1911, and found work as a carpenter.

Following the outbreak of war, British Columbia provided a large number of soldiers for overseas service. Clayton was among the volunteers, enlisting with the 121st Battalion (“Western Irish”) at New Westminster, BC, on January 9, 1916. He spent seven months training at Camp Vernon, BC, before following the unit across the country by train. On August 14, the 121st departed for overseas and arrived at Liverpool, England, after a 10-day passage.

Before year’s end, the 121st was designated a “reserve battalion” for the 29th Battalion (British Columbia). While Clayton was transferred to the 29th on November 28, 1916, he spent more than three months working with 2nd Entrenching Battalion before finally joining his new unit on March 5, 1917. Before year’s end, Clayton saw combat with the 29th at Vimy Ridge, France (April 9, 1917) and Passchendaele, Belgium (November 6, 1917).

Throughout the winter of 1917-18, Clayton served a regular rotation with the 29th in sectors near Arras, France. Tours in the line extended into early summer before the unit retired to Divisional Reserve in late June 1918. After a month’s rest and training, personnel returned to the line east of Amiens, France, in early August and prepared for its role in a major counter-offensive on the German line.

While the attack commenced at 4:30 a.m. August 8, the 29th did not participate in the first day’s fighting. The following morning, however, its soldiers prepared for battle, their objective being the village of Rosières. At precisely 10:00 a.m. August 9, Clayton and his comrades advanced toward the German line. The soldiers immediately encountered a fierce barrage of machine gun and artillery fire but determinedly made their way forward, securing their objective by mid-afternoon. Before day’s end, the 29th’s soldiers advanced six kilometres into German-held territory.

In total, Canadian units suffered more than 2,500 casualties during the fighting at Amiens. Following its August 9, 1918 advance, the 29th’s war diary reported 159 soldiers lost in the initial minutes of fighting. Private Clayton Mills was one of the early fatalities, “hit in the head and instantly killed by an enemy machine gun bullet” shortly after leaving the “jumping off” trenches. Clayton was laid to rest in Rosières Communal Cemetery Extension, Somme, France.

Clayton’s story is one of 64 profiles contained in Bantry Publishing’s "First World War Honour Roll of Guysborough County, Nova Scotia, Volume II: 1918 - 1937," available for purchase online at bantrypublishing.ca .

Remembering Private Henry “Harry” McLeod—KIA August 9, 1918

Henry “Harry” McLeod was born at Halifax, NS, on July 12, 1887, the eldest of Lavina Grace (O’Hara) and Neil McLeod’s four children. Grace was a native of New Harbour, Guysborough County, while Neil was a sea captain from St. Ann’s, Cape Breton. When Neil passed away sometime during the 1890s, the family appears to have disintegrated, as the children were taken in by various O’Hara relatives. Harry was adopted by his maternal uncle, James O’Hara, New Harbour, while his two younger brothers lived nearby. Their sister, Ethel, was raised at Milton, Queen’s County, by O’Hara relatives.

Private Henry "Harry McLeod

By 1911, Harry had established residence at Stellarton, Pictou County, where he worked in the local coal mines. Following the outbreak of the First World War, mining towns received particular attention from military recruiters. On April 6, 1916, Harry enlisted with the 193rd Battalion at Stellarton. After a summer’s training at Camp Aldershot, he departed for England with the 193rd and its Nova Scotia Highland Brigade counterparts on October 12, 1916.

Shortly after its overseas arrival, two of the Brigade’s units—the 193rd and 219th Battalions—were dissolved, in order to provide reinforcements for Canadian units at the front. In late December 1916, Harry was transferred to the 185th Battalion (Cape Breton Highlanders), one of two Highland Brigade units to remain intact.

Harry trained in England with the 185th for five months before receiving a transfer to the 25th Battalion (Nova Scotia) on May 27, 1917. He immediately crossed the English Channel to France, but was temporarily assigned to 2nd Entrenching Battalion, one of several labour units working in the forward area. After several months’ service with 2nd Entrenching, Harry finally joined the 25th’s ranks on August 20.

The unit had just withdrawn from the line following the Canadian Corps’ successful attack on Hill 70, near Lens, France. For the next two months, Harry served a regular rotation with the 25th in sectors near the city. In early November, the battalion relocated to Ypres, Belgium, where its soldiers occupied support positions during the final stage of the Canadian Corps’ attack on Passchendaele Ridge.

The 25th withdrew from the line several days after the ridge’s capture and returned to France before month’s end. Throughout the winter of 1917-18, Harry served regular tours alongside his 25th comrades in sectors near Lens. In late March 1918, German forces launched a major offensive south of the Canadian Corps. While unaffected by the subsequent fighting, the unit’s soldiers nevertheless remained on the alert, conducting regular night-time patrols in No Man’s Land.

On the night of April 21/22, 1918, while participating in one such assignment, Harry suffered a shrapnel wound to his right hand during a skirmish with enemy soldiers. Evacuated for medical treatment, Harry made a rapid recovery, as the wound was slight. He spent one month at the Canadian Corps Reinforcement Centre before rejoining the 25th at Neuville-Vitasse on June 8. The unit remained in the line until month’s end, at which time its personnel retired to Divisional Reserve for a month’s rest and training.

In late July 1918, the 25th made its way south to a location near Amiens as the Canadian Corps prepared to return to the line. In the early hours of August 5, its soldiers entered trenches near Bois de Blangy. Two days later, they advanced to “jumping off” positions near Cachy and made final preparations for combat. Harry and his comrades were about to participate in a major Allied counter-attack on the German line east of Amiens, France.

At 4:20 a.m. August 8, the 24th and 26th Battalions—two of the 25th’s 5th Brigade mates—launched an attack on German trenches opposite their position. As the 25th followed in close support, a heavy mist hanging over the battlefield made it difficult for the soldiers to find their way. The Brigade nevertheless succeeded in capturing its objective—a location 1,000 yards beyond the village of Guillaucourt—by mid-day and personnel set about consolidating their position.

The following day—August 9, 1918—the 25th resumed the attack at 1:00 p.m. and succeeded in capturing three French villages before evening. During the advance, however, its soldiers encountered considerable enemy machine gun fire, resulting in numerous casualties. As night fell, Private Harry McLeod was officially reported “missing.” Sometime afterward, Harry’s remains were located, his “circumstances of casualty” stating that he “was killed while taking part in operations in the vicinity of Méharicourt.” Private Harry McLeod was laid to rest in Hillside British Cemetery, near Moreuil, France.

Harry’s story is one of 64 profiles contained in Bantry Publishing’s First World War Honour Roll of Guysborough County, Nova Scotia, Volume II: 1918 - 1937, available for purchase online at bantrypublishing.ca .

Remembering Sapper Francis Stewart “Frank” Manson—DOS August 3, 1918

Francis Stewart “Frank” Manson was born at Sherbrooke, Guysborough County, on December 2, 1892, the youngest of Lucy (Walters) and George W. Manson’s four sons. Only months after Frank’s birth, his mother, Lucy, died of tuberculosis. While George remained in the area—he was a school teacher at nearby Country Harbour—the four boys were taken in by local relatives.

Sapper Francis Stewart "Frank" Manson

Frank spent his childhood in the Forks at St. Mary’s home of his paternal aunt, Elizabeth Manson, and her husband, Alfred E. McKeen. Sometime after 1901, two of Frank’s older brothers, John Gidison “Jack” and Lowell, left for British Columbia, where they found employment in the mines. By 1907, the pair had saved enough money to have their younger siblings, Alexander and Frank, join them. All four worked at the Britannia Beach copper mine, where Frank was a pipe fitter.

Following the outbreak of the First World War, British Columbia’s lumber camps and mining towns were fertile ground for military recruiters. Young Frank was the first of the Manson brothers to respond, enlisting with the 143rd Battalion at Vancouver, BC, on January 26, 1017. His older brother, Jack, was later conscripted into military service and served in the forward area with an engineering unit.

The 143rd Battalion (BC Bantams) was authorized in November 1915 and commenced its recruitment campaign three months later. Initially designed as a unit for men unable to meet the minimum requirements for service with regular units—height of five feet four inches and chest measurement of 34 inches—the 143rd was only one of two “bantam” units recruited in Canada. Its minimum requirements were reduced to five feet one and a half inches and 30-inch chest measurement, although its recruits had to be at least 22 years of age.

Limited response eventually forced the unit to open its ranks to volunteers above its lower requirements. Frank was one such recruit, his height and chest measurements—five feet seven inches and 35 inches respectively—well beyond the unit’s minimum standards. The 143rd departed Halifax on February 17, 1917 and landed in England 10 days later. Disbanded shortly after its overseas arrival, 750 of its personnel were transferred to the 24th Reserve Battalion and gradually assigned to British Columbia units at the front. A remaining group of 135 “other ranks” (OR) were transferred to the 3rd Battalion, Canadian Railway Troops (CRT), on March 15.

Frank was one of the soldiers assigned to 3rd CRT. The recently formed unit crossed the English Channel to France on March 22. Before month’s end, two of its Companies—“A” and “B”—commenced work at Poperinghe, near Ypres, Belgium, while the remaining two Companies travelled  to Fosse, France. Frank was part of the Poperinghe group, which worked on a railway grade near Ypres throughout the following month.

On April 6, Frank reported to 3rd New Zealand Field Ambulance for treatment of bronchitis. Transferred to hospital at Dieppe, France, the following day, he remained under medical care for three weeks. Shortly after Frank returned to his unit, the two Companies working in Belgium joined their comrades at Barlin, France, where the entire unit commenced maintenance work on a local, small-gauge railway line. The “sappers,” as they were called, toiled in the open, under constant threat of German artillery fire.

Frank remained with the battalion throughout the summer of 1917, working without incident on various projects in the forward area. As autumn arrived, however, the health issues that plagued his first weeks in Belgium returned. On October 24, Frank was admitted to No. 3 Casualty Clearing Station with a suspected case of “phthisis,” a contemporary term for pulmonary tuberculosis. Transported to No. 5 General Hospital, Rouen, shortly afterward, medical staff determined that Frank should be “invalided” to England before month’s end.

On November 2, Frank was admitted to Grove Military Hospital, Tooting Grove, England, where staff confirmed the initial diagnosis. Transferred to No. 16 Canadian General Hospital, Orpington, Kent, at mid-month, Frank received treatment for “chronic tuberculosis.” On January 4, 1918, he was transferred to No. 5 Canadian General Hospital, Liverpool,  the first step of the journey home. One month later, Frank departed for Canada. Upon arrival, he made his way across the country by train to British Columbia, where he was admitted to Vancouver General Hospital’s Military Annex.

Frank’s prognosis was not promising. By early June. a medical report confirmed that he was suffering from “tubercle of lung,” likely contracted in France in October 1917 through exposure and infection “while on active service.” On July 4, 1918, Frank was transferred to Tranquille Sanatorium, Royal Inland Hospital, Kamloops, BC. Four days later, he was officially discharged from military service. Frank remained at Tranquille Sanatorium until his death on August 3, 1918. Two days later, Sapper Francis Stewart Manson was laid to rest in Pleasant Street Cemetery, Kamloops, BC.

Frank’s story is one of 64 profiles contained in Bantry Publishing’s First World War Honour Roll of Guysborough County, Nova Scotia, Volume II: 1918 - 1937, available for purchase online at bantrypublishing.ca .