Signaller Robert Edmund Archibald - An Artillery Soldier's Story

Date of Birth: June 14, 1896

Place of Birth: New Town, Guysborough County

Mother's Name: Janie Gunn

Father's Name: William Henry Archibald

Date of Enlistment: January 18, 1918 at Halifax, NS

Regimental Number: 2101004

Rank: Signaller

Force: Canadian Expeditionary Force (Artillery)

Units: No. 10 Halifax Siege Battery; 16th Battery, 6th Brigade Canadian Field Artillery

Location of service: England, France, Belgium & Germany

Occupation at Enlistment: Student

Marital Status at Enlistment: Single

Next of Kin: William Henry Archibald, New Town, Guysborough County (father)

Edmund's older brother, Alexander Daniel Archibald, enlisted with the Canadian Army Medical Corps on February 6, 1915.  After rising through the non-commissioned ranks, Alexander received a commission as Lieutenant and joined the 85th Battalion at the front in July 1917.  Before year's end, he was wounded twice but remained at duty.  A third wound, inflicted by an artillery shell at Cambrai in September 1918, resulted in the loss of his right leg and his subsequent return to Canada.

*****

Robert Edmund Archibald was the second youngest of seven children born to William Henry and Jane (Gunn) Archibald of New Town, Guysborough County.  The fifth of the couple's six sons, Edmund was a student at Dalhousie University, Halifax when he was conscripted under the Military Service Act (1917).  He underwent the required medical examination on October 16, 1917 and was subsequently called to service with No. 10 Halifax Siege Battery on January 18, 1918.

Signaller Robert Edmund Archibald.

Initially authorized on October 1, 1916, No. 10 Halifax Siege Battery recruited a total of 85 officers and men within two months.  Personnel were accommodated at the South Barracks, Halifax while undergoing their initial training.  Three groups of trained recruits - a total of 185 officers and men - departed for England during the first half of 1917, followed by an additional 200 "all ranks" in November 1917.

By that time, the demand for reinforcements for artillery batteries and brigades already in the field was so great that No. 10's personnel were reassigned to No. 10, 11 and 12 Siege Batteries and the 3rd Brigade Canadian Garrison Artillery.  No. 10 Siege Battery's Halifax Depot continued to operate, however, providing training for almost 800 men conscripted under the Military Service Act and sending drafts to England to serve as reinforcements for artillery units in the field.

Edmund was part of a draft that departed for England on board SS Missinabie on March 22, 1918 and landed at Glasgow, Scotland twelve days later.  The group made its way south to Camp Witley, where the men spent the summer training and awaiting orders to proceed to the front.  Perhaps because of his time at Dalhousie University, Edmund was selected for signaller training. 

Working in pairs, signallers were deployed in forward positions, one man with a telescope acting as a "spotter" while the other relayed and received messages.  The soldiers provided information on enemy targets to artillery units, allowing personnel to adjust trajectory and direction accordingly.  Signallers sent and received Morse Code messages via landline, when available.  Sun and mirrors during daylight hours and Lucas Lamps at night-time provided alternatives where landlines were damaged or non-existent. 

Needless to say, operating in forward positions placed signallers in considerable danger, as they were constantly exposed to enemy artillery fire.  Edmund's specific role with his battery cannot be fully ascertained.  He may have been trained to serve in a forward location, or - perhaps more likely - recieve and transmit messages on behalf of his artillery battery.

On October 9, 1918, Edmund completed his training and was designated a "reinforcement" for units in the field.  Three days later, he was "taken on strength" by the Canadian Artillery Pool.  On October 14, 1918, he crossed the English Channel to the Canadian Corps Reinforcement Centre (CCRC), where he awaited orders to proceed to an active unit in the field.  On November 4, 1918, Edmund was posted to the 16th Field Battery, 6th Brigade Canadian Field Artillery, 2nd Canadian Division and immediately left to join the battery in the field.

*****

The 6th Brigade Canadian Field Artillery (CFA) was initially organized at Fredericton, NB and included personnel from all three Maritime Provinces.  Its first recruits departed from Halifax on board the SS Megantic on February 22, 1915.  Upon arriving in England, the unit was re-designated the Canadian Reserve Artillery.  Several months later, its personnel were assigned to the 8th Brigade CFA, authorized on September 19, 1915.  The unit returned to its original title of 6th Brigade CFA in November 1915.

On January 10, 1916, 6th Brigade CFA proceeded to France as part of the 2nd Canadian Divisional Artillery.  By November 1918, it represented one of the 2nd Division's two artillery units, consisting of the 15th, 16th and 25th Field Batteries, the 22nd Howitzer Battery, and the 2nd Division Ammunition Column.

At the beginning of the war, each field battery contained four "60 pounder" guns that became the 'work horse" of British and Canadian artillery.  In 1916, military authorities increased the number of guns per battery to six.  The British-designed and manufactured Ordnance BL 60-pounder, developed from 1903 to 1905, fired a five-inch (127 mm) shell and accommodated both horse and mechanical transport.  The weapon served throughout the war on all fronts and was the mainstay of British artillery units until 1942.

Ordnance BL 60-pounder - Amiens, August 1918. (Library & Archives Canada)

When Edmund reached the 6th Brigade CFA on November 5, 1918, the unit was in reserve at Valenciennes, France, "men and horses all under cover and very comfortable."  The 2nd Division, to which the unit was attached, played a crucial role in a major offensive launched in late summer and referred to as "Canada's 100 Days".  In a series of engagements commencing at Amiens on August 8, 1918, Canadian and Allied forces broke the stalemate in northern France and steadily drove German forces back toward the Belgian frontier.

At the time of Edmund's arrival, Canadian infantry units were advancing toward retreating German forces as the 6th Brigade CFA's war diary observed: "From present indication, the end is drawing near daily."  On November 6, 1918, the Brigade "moved forward to positions of assembly in the vicinity of Onnaing….  [Batteries] arrived at 11 am and at 2 pm moved into action…."  Later that evening, "the 2nd Division relieved the 4th… and are to attack in the morning."

The following day, the Brigade's batteries "fired crashes at 6:30 and 6:45 am and [the] attack was launched.  At 8:00 am infantry approache[d] Élouges [Belgium] and at 8:30 am had crossed [the] Honelle River between Quievrain and Baiseux."  The 15th and 16th Batteries moved forward with the advancing infantry units, although "machine gun fire prevented the batteries from moving farther up….  Harassing fire was carried out during the night."

On the morning of November 8, 1918, the Brigade once again fired crashes from 7:30 to 8:10 a.m., but refrained from harassing fire as "the infantry keep feeling forward during the night".  When scouts observed the enemy in retreat the following morning, "all batteries started forward".  The 16th provided "close support" for the advancing 18th Battalion, "going into action at 2:45 [pm]….  Other batteries followed[,] going into action about 5 pm."  By day's end, Canadian units had advanced an incredible ten kilometres into Belgium.

The attack continued on November 10, 1918 as the 6th Brigade CFA left Frameries, Belgium and crossed over Mount Eribus, the 16th Battery moving forward at 6:00 p.m..  As the 6th Brigade reached the outskirts of Mons at 8:15 a.m. November 11, 1918, its officers received word that "hostilities would cease at 11:00 am and the line would remain as at that hour."  Later that morning, the 3rd Canadian Division passed through Mons, the 15th Battery in support.  The 6th Brigade's remaining batteries advanced through "joy-possessed Mons" by day's end, camping at Havré for the night.

The first day after the cessation of hostilities found Edmund and his comrades "in comfortable billets[,]… being treated royally by the inhabitants, who are very pleased at their deliverance."  On November 13, 1918, the Brigade's officers were notified that the 2nd Canadian Division had been selected as part of the "army of occupation" scheduled to enter Germany under the terms of surrender.  Personnel immediately began preparations "to have men, horses, harness and vehicles put in shape for the march."  In the afternoon, "one section per battery went to Mons… to participate in the official entry by the Army."

The following day, the unit's war diary described British, French and Belgian prisoners of war "drift[ing] through on their way back from German bondage under the terms of the Armistice.  They are as a rule sorry sights after their sojourn with the [Germans]."  Preparations for the impending move continued for several days as officers received word that the march into Germany would commence on November 21, 1918, at a daily pace of 20 kilometres.  On November 18, 1918, the unit received instructions to accompany the 5th Canadian Infantry Brigade as part of the "army of occupation".

On November 21, 1918, the 16th Battery moved forward with the advance guard, departing Havré at 4:00 a.m..  The remainder of 6th Brigade CFA followed three hours later, reaching Gouy-lez-Piéton by mid-afternoon.  Personnel remained there for two days, during which time they were "treated royally by the civilian population."

The advance resumed on November 24, 1918, reaching Sombreffe, Belgium by 5:00 p.m..  The soldiers were "again comfortably billeted, most of the men sleeping in beds during the night."  The following day, the unit passed through Vedrin and encamped at Champion, where personnel once again rested for two days.  The war diary noted one location of interest in the vicinity: "There is a zeppelin aerodrome near here in one of which are about 100 [German] planes left under the terms of the armistice.  Many…are badly damaged and practically none in working order."

Recruitment poster. (Esther Clark Wright Archives, Acadia University)

On November 28, 1918, 6th Brigade CFA followed the northern bank of the Meuse River to Thon.  Once again, the war diary described a remnant of the recently concluded conflict:

"Anchored in the river here is a barge, loaded with wine which the [Germans] had brought from France, apparently on its way to Germany.  The trip along the banks of the Meuse is very interesting.  Great walls of rock tower over both sides of the river."

The advance continued over the next three days, the war diary commenting: "Although the marches are rather longer than at first[,] the horses are standing up well and are in very good shape."  Personnel arrived at Vaux Chevanne "about 4.30 pm [December 1, 1918] in a down-pour of rain" after a difficult day.   The unit's war diary described the journey:

"On the way we passed through some of the hilliest country we have experienced during the whole trip.  One climb during the day was nearly five miles long and the summit was more than 500 metres above sea level."

The men enjoyed two days' rest after the ordeal, the war diary noting with a tone of concern that "there is quite a lot of 'flu' in the Brigade."

The unit resumed the advance on December 4, 1918, crossing the German border at 11:30 a.m. the following day.  By late afternoon, the soldiers reached the village of Rodt, a "small farming village… in one of the poorest parts of Germany."  The war diary observed that "the natives do not appear to be belligerent but on the other hand do their best to make the soldiers comfortable and show the required respect to British officers."

After one day's rest, the march continued through a "part of the country [that was] very hilly[,]… the soft weather [creating] rather a hard task for the horses."  On December 7, the convoy reached Kronenburg, "a small town walled all round and very old, being situated on the summit of a small[,] steep hill, the approach was too sheer for the drawing up of guns and wagons so the[y] were parked and the horse lines situated in the valley below."  After another one-day pause, the journey continued, the war diary anticipating arrival at the final destination within the next two days: "We are bound for Bonn where a bridgehead is to be established."

At 3:30 p.m. December 11, 1918, the 6th Brigade CFA reached Mehlem, on the left bank of the Rhine River, seven kilometres from its final destination.  Personnel spent the following day preparing to cross the Rhine into Bonn, where Canadian Corps Commander, Lieutenant-General Sir Arthur Currie, was scheduled "to inspect us as we cross the bridge."  Once again, the war diary mentioned the worsening epidemic: "Quite a number of the 22nd Battery are sick with influenza."

The column moved out at 8:30 a.m. December 13, 1918, passing through Bonn and crossing the Rhine at mid-day.  The war diary described the symbolic occasion:  "It was a very trying march, being very cold and pouring rain all day.  The Corps Commander inspected, taking the salute at the eastern end of the bridge."  Personnel moved into billets at Hangelar, four and one half kilometres east of Bonn, where they were ordered to remain "until the peace terms are arranged."

Three days later, as Field Marshall Sir Douglas Haig passed through the 2nd Division area,  "[6th Brigade CFA's] troops were on the Road and gave him a rousing reception as he passed."  In the meantime, personnel commenced a schedule of morning training, with sports and recreational activities in the afternoon.  On December 25, 1918, "all Batteries had their Christmas dinner [during the] evening and they were a huge success….  The boys all appreciated the fact that this would be the last Christmas away from their homes."

On December 28, 1918, the 16th Battery - Edmund's unit - relocated to billets at Berlinghaven, where accommodations were "very crowded" and "poor", as personnel shared a space with an Infantry Company.  On New Year's Eve, the battery travelled to Bonn to attend a performance of the "See Too Concert Party", an entertainment troupe from the 2nd Canadian Division.

Canadian troops entering Bonn, Germany.

Throughout the early days of the New Year, personnel engaged in the "usual routine work… [while] officers and OR's [other ranks] are appreciating the opportunities of visiting Bonn and Cologne on pass."  On January 9, 1919, "all ranks" of the Brigade attended another "See Too Concert Party" performance at the Stadt Theatre, Bonn.  The war diary described the event:

"About 500 'all ranks' went and very much enjoyed the show.  A special feature was the attendance of HRH [Edward,] The Prince of Wales and most of the Canadian Corps and 2nd Division Staff.  The prince joined in the mess songs between acts and created a most favourable impression."

On January 23, 1919, military officials organized the "International Games", a sport competition between the 42nd Division USA and 2nd Division Canadians held in Bonn.  The war diary proudly reported that the Canadians were "victorious on all points, although the Americans put up a good fight.  In the evening all ranks of the Brigade about 450 [once again] attended the Stadt Theatre Bonn to see the See Two Concert Party."

Three days later, the 6th Brigade CFA's batteries received notice of impending relief by an Imperial Division and immediately began preparations to move.  On January 27, 1919, the 16th Battery entrained at Wahn, Germany, arriving at Namur, Belgium at 6:00 p.m..  The Brigade's remaining personnel arrived the following day as personnel moved into billets in the villages of Moustier and Mornimont.  The war diary described the unusual space used to quarter the horses:

"[A] large chemical factory in Mornimont… used as a German Ammunition Barge or Railhead and thousands of rounds of all calibres are stored there.  Stringent orders were issued and posted against smoking or lighting fires, as the danger of explosion is recognized.  People here are very hospitable but poor."

On February 2, 1919, officers issued a physical training regimen to all ranks, in addition to football, baseball and hockey schedules.  The war diary noted that the weather was colder than conditions in Bonn, as officers developed plans for equipment return and prepared nominal rolls for demobilization.  Personnel also participated in classes on "educational work subjects" - Book-keeping, Arithmetic, French, Shorthand and Business Law - as the men prepared to return to civilian life. 

Weather conditions remained cold throughout the month, with occasional light snow.  Nevertheless, the men remained in high spirits, participating in baseball, football, tug of war and boxing competitions.  The war diary noted the positive impact on personnel:  "These sporting events have created a splendid feeling amongst the men and greatly relieves the monotony of waiting for the return to home, in such a small place as Moustier."

On February 20, 1919, 2nd Divisional Artillery attended another performance of the "See Two Concert Party" at a local hall.  Three days later, the war diary described precautions implemented to reduce the spread of sickness amongst the men:

"Owing to [the] increase of Influenza, all Public Places for Entertainment, Cinemas and Halls are out of bounds to troops….  Fortunately, we have only a very few cases in the Brigade, although there is a number of cases amongst the civilians here[,] some fatal."

Brigade officers initiated demobilization rolls in all batteries on February 25, 1919 as educational classes continued amidst improving weather conditions.  At month's end, Brigade officers organized a "mounted sports" event that included racing and wrestling competitions.

Edmund's service with 6th Brigade CFA abruptly ended on March 6, 1919, when he was admitted to No. 5 Canadian Field Ambulance for treatment of scabies.  By day's end, he was transferred to No. 55 Casualty Clearing Station, where he was also diagnosed with influenza.  Six days later, Edmund was admitted to No. 32 Stationary Hospital, Wimereux for treatment of both ailments.  On March 16, 1919 he was "invalided sick" and transported across the English Channel to No. 16 Canadian General Hospital, Orpington.

Medical records indicate that Edmund was suffering from headaches, a slight cough, chills and general weakness at the time of admission.  Within four days, his temperature had returned to normal, although a rash remained on his face and right chest.  A thorough medical examination concluded that his "lungs are both clear, [with] good expansion [and] heart [problems] negative."

One week after Edmund's arrival at Orpington, medical records described his condition: "Skin lesions on face and chest fading.  Much improved."  On March 28, 1919, doctors determined that he had made a "good recovery" and was once again "fit for duty".  Edmund was discharged from hospital on April 1, 1919 and reported to the Canadian Artillery Reinforcement Depot (CARD), South Ripon.

On May 5 1919, Edmund was transferred to Military District No. 6, Rhyl in preparation for his return to Canada.  He left England nine days later and was formally discharged from military service at Halifax, NS on May 29, 1919.  In recognition of his military service, Edmund received the British War and Victory Medals shortly after the war.

*****

Edmund briefly returned to New Town before resuming his studies at Dalhousie University.  He graduated from Dalhousie Medical School in 1925 and opened a medical practice at Melrose, Guysborough County.  On July 28, 1926, Edmund married Ethel Rae Grant, a 19-year-old schoolteacher who was a native of Melrose, in a ceremony held at the bride's family home.

Edmund & Ethel (Grant) Archibald family wedding photo.

In 1929, Edmund and Ethel relocated to Kingston, Massachusetts, where Ethel's sister resided.  Edmund completed post-graduate studies in Public Health at Lansing, Michigan, and joined the staff the State of Massachusetts Department of Public Health as a District Health Officer in May 1930.  Edmund was also employed as an Instructor at the Harvard University School of Public Health. 

Edmund and Ethel did not have any children.  Edmund Archibald passed away at age 79 in Melrose, Massachusetts on June 21, 1975. 

*****

Sources:

Service file of Private Robert Edmund Archibald, number 2101004.  Library & Archives Canada, Ottawa: RG 150, Accession 1992-93/166, Box 213 - 15.  Entire file available online.

War Diary of 6th Brigade Canadian Field Artillery.  Library & Archives Canada, Ottawa: RG9, Militia & Defence, Series III-D-3, Volume 4970, Reel T-10794, File: 545.  Available online.

Photograph of Signaller Robert Edmund Archibald courtesy of Colin McKay, Riverton, Pictou County, reproduced by his daughter Jennifer McKay, Truro, NS.

Edmund & Ethel (Grant) Archibald's wedding photo courtesy of Vi (Archibald) Fraser, Sherbrooke, NS.

Twitter Feed and Research Update

As you can see along the right side of this blog post, I have created a Twitter account with the handle @brucefmacdonald .  As we mark the 100th anniversary of the First World War's events, I plan to post tweets related to the stories of Guysborough County's First World War veterans.  The first tweets (August - December 1914) will focus on the war's early events and the County's first enlistments, while later tweets will honor the 131 veterans who lost their lives during or shortly after the war, from causes related to their service.  All tweets will carry the hashtag #guysboroveterans .

My research into the stories of Guysborough County's 131 war dead is steadily progressing.  I expect to complete profiles of the 71 veterans who died from 1915 to 1917 before year's end and hope to have a manuscript ready for publication sometime early in 2015.  I will provide further details on the blog later this year.

Something that may be of interest is CBC Radio's re-broadcast of the First World War Series, "The Bugle and The Passing Bell", first aired in 1964.  Each program combines the actual voices of veterans relating their stories, supplemented by actors reading from soldiers' diaries and letters.  The series provides a chronological overview of Canadian soldiers' war experiences.   The episodes air weekly on Thursday mornings at 9:30 am Atlantic Time.  All episodes are also available online at The Bugle and The Passing Bell immediately after broadcast.

Lance Corporal John Michael Fogarty - A Siberian Expedition Soldier's Story

Date of Birth: January 24, 1886*

Place of Birth: Hazel Hill, Guysborough County

Mother's Name: Catherine 'Kate' Horne

Father's Name: John Fogarty

Date of Enlistment: April 16, 1918 at Halifax, NS (attestation with Canadian Expeditionary Force);

November 15, 1919 at Halifax, NS (attestation with Permanent Force of Canada)

Regimental Numbers: 3181730 (first attestation); 2779985 (second attestation)

Rank: Lance Corporal

Forces: Canadian and Siberian Expeditionary Forces; Permanent Force of Canada

Units: 1st Depot Battalion Nova Scotia Regiment; 260th Infantry Battalion; Canadian Military Police Corps (CMPC)

Location of service: Canada and Siberia

Occupation at Enlistment: Fisherman

Marital Status at Enlistment: Married

Next of Kin: Isabelle 'Belle' Fogarty, Hazel Hill, Guysborough County (wife)

* Michael's birth date is taken from 1901 census records.  The 1891 census states that Michael was 5 years old at that time.  The 1911 census gives his birthdate as January 1885.  His 1918 attestation papers record Michael's year of birth as 1885, while his 1919 enlistment papers list his year of birth as 1886.

*****

John Michael Fogarty was the oldest son and second of nine children born to John and Kate (Horne) Fogarty of Hazel Hill, Guysborough County.  In 1909, Michael married Isabelle 'Belle' Jollimore of French River, PEI.  Their first child, James, was born there in October 1910.  Sometime after 1911, the couple returned to Hazel Hill, where Michael worked in the local fishery and three more children - daughters Laura, Mary and Hattie - joined the family.

After the outbreak of war in Europe, two of Michael's younger brothers enlisted for service with the Canadian Expeditionary Force.  James Alexander 'Jim' joined the 25th Battalion at Halifax on February 11, 1915, serving with distinction in Belgium and France and rising to the rank of Sergeant before a serious combat wound in January 1918 ended his military career.  Ernest Vincent enlisted with the Divisional Cycle Platoon at Regina, Saskatchewan on November 25, 1916, but was later transferred to the 28th Battalion.  Twice wounded in France, he returned to the front each time, serving overseas until his unit returned to Canada in May 1919.

Like so many of his generation, Michael was eventually drawn to military service.  While his family circumstances made such a choice difficult, the example set by his younger brothers may have prompted him to do so.  Whatever his motivation, on November 27, 1917, Michael enlisted with the 94th Regiment, a northern Nova Scotia militia unit based at Pictou.  Shortly after the outbreak of hostilities in Europe, the 94th was instructed to secure the Commercial Cable Company's strategically important Hazel Hill telegraph facilities.  Its presence in the local community may explain Michael's decision to join the unit.

On February 24, 1918, Michael was officially transferred to the 1st Depot Battalion, Nova Scotia Regiment, where he trained alongside much younger men who had been conscripted under the Military Service Act (MSA).  Michael officially enlisted with the Canadian Expeditionary Force on April 16, 1918.  While military officials used the standard conscription form for his attestation, the line reserved for his MSA number states "not applicable", indicating that he was not drafted into service.

While Michael may have anticipated following his younger siblings to the Western Front, his military career took a dramatically different direction.  Perhaps due to his age, he remained in Canada for six months as many of his younger Depot Battalion comrades were shipped out to England.  As summer gave way to autumn, Michael was assigned to the 260th Battalion, one of two units designated for service with the Siberian Expeditionary Force (SEF).  He travelled by train to British Columbia, where SEF personnel prepared for deployment at several training camps near Vancouver and Victoria.

Michael and Belle's oldest daughter Laura with her husband, Bob Roberts.

 On October 11, 1918 - the day on which he departed for Siberia - Michael was officially transferred to the 260th Battalion.  Prior to leaving Canada, he assigned $ 15 of his monthly pay to his wife Belle, who also received a monthly separation allowance of $ 30 while he served overseas.

*****

The year 1917 was one of "crisis and pessimism" for the Allies fighting the German forces on the Western Front (France and Belgium).  In March 1917, a revolution overthrew Tsar Nicholas II of Russia and established an ineffective Provisional Government that accelerated the disintegration of the Russian Army on the Eastern Front.  Despite the Canadian Corps' successful capture of Vimy Ridge (April 1917) and Passchendaele (November 1917), Allied offensives on the Western and Italian Fronts failed to break the stalemate with Germany or Austria-Hungary in either sector.

The collapse of a Russian offensive on the Eastern front resulted in a second uprising in which the Bolshevik Party, led by Vladimir Lenin, overthrew the fragile Provisional Government in November 1917.  Fierce opponents of the war, Lenin's socialist government negotiated a peace treaty with Germany, ending fighting on the Eastern Front in March 1918.  As a result, Germany was able to transport the bulk of its Eastern Front troops to France and Belgium, where it launched a massive Spring Offensive in an effort to win the war on the Western Front.

In the meantime, Russia was plunged into civil war as groups opposed to the Bolsheviks refused to accept its socialist government.  Its most prominent foes were the Cossacks of the Don River region and a number of White Russian Generals, spread from northern Russia to Vladivostok, who remained loyal to the Provisional Government. 

As early as December 1917, the Allied Supreme War Council pledged its support for Russian forces committed to continuing the war against Germany on the Eastern Front.  As Russia disintegrated into civil war in early 1918, Allied governments saw an opportunity to re-establish a two-front conflict by supporting forces opposed to the Bolshevik government.  They were also concerned that large stockpiles of Allied war materials stored at Murmansk, Archangel and Vladivostok might fall into Bolshevik hands. 

In response to these concerns, Japanese and British naval cruisers sailed into Vladivostok's Golden Bay in January 1918, while the "Czecho-Slovak Legion", a military force loyal to the Allied cause, seized control of the strategically important Trans-Siberian Railroad from the Ural Mountains to Vladivostok.  Small parties of Allied forces also landed at Murmansk and Archangel and guarded supply depots in both locations.

Archangel and Murmansk, Russia.

 On June 28, 1918, the Czecho-Slovak Legion overthrew the local Bolshevik government and seized control of Vladivostok.  By the end of July 1918, White Russian opponents of the Bolshevik government assumed control of the city.  Meanwhile, hopeful of re-establishing an Eastern Front in the war against Germany and Austria-Hungary, the Western Allies formulated plans for a multi-national Siberian expedition aimed at overthrowing the Bolshevik government and replacing it with one supportive of Western interests.

By August 1918, Allied governments agreed to dispatch troops to Murmansk, Archangel, the Caspian Sea and Vladivostok, in an effort to topple Russia's Bolshevik government.  When Great Britain formally asked Canada for a contribution, the Canadian government approved the formation of the Siberian Expeditionary Force (SEF) on August 12, 1918.  The proposed contingent consisted of more than 4000 personnel and included the 259th and 260th Infantry Battalions, the 20th Canadian Machine Gun Company and a mounted squadron of Royal North West Mounted Police, in addition to support personnel.

The 259th Battalion consisted of two companies each from Ontario and Quebec, the latter mainly conscripts from Montreal and Quebec City.  In fact, only 378 of its soldiers were volunteers, a situation that later generated a troubling incident.  The 260th Battalion drew its personnel from across Canada - one company each from Atlantic Canada, Manitoba and British Columbia, with a fourth from Alberta and Saskatchewan.

Canadian authorities selected Victoria, BC as the SEF's assembly point and established training camps at New Westminster and Coquitlam.  Troops from across the country converged on Victoria's Willow Camp as the Spanish flu epidemic - transported from Europe by returning Canadian soldiers - swept across the country and was carried west by members of the 259th Battalion making their way to British Columbia.  Seventy-five of its soldiers were hospitalized with the illness, prompting authorities to place SEF soldiers under quarantine and ban all public meetings in Victoria.

On October 3, 1918, an advanced party consisting of Headquarters, administrative, medical, logistics and food services staff assembled at Victoria.  Also attached to the group was a detachment from the 260th Battalion selected for Base Guard duty.  Two Guysborough County veterans were amongst the soldiers chosen for this assignment.  Fellow Hazel Hill native James Edward Feltmate, age 25, the son of Abner and Agnes (Drover) Feltmate, accompanied Michael Fogarty as the advanced party prepared to depart for Siberia.

Map of key locations in Western Allies' Russian missions, 1918-19.

*****

On October 11, 1918, the SEF advanced party, consisting of 62 officers and 618 other ranks (OR), boarded the SS Empress of Japan at Vancouver, BC and sailed for Vladivostok, Russia.  Within twenty-four hours, the challenges of crossing the Pacific Ocean in autumn became apparent as the SEF Headquarters war diary reported: "Weather fine but quite rough, about 30 % of the troops are sea-sick."  Calmer seas prevailed on October 14 and more men were "on deck" as officers organized sports and concerts to occupy their time.

The passage to Russia was not without tragedy.  On October 22, 1918, Headquarters' war diary reported that Pte. Edward Biddle, Base Coy., died of pneumonia following a case of influenza.  The first of the force's 14 casualties - all but one due to illness - Biddle was buried at sea later that day as the "weather became rough and a cold… [and a] heavy sea blew up in the afternoon."  Similar conditions prevailed for several days before the October 24, 1918 war diary entry mercifully reported: "Land in sight on our starboard off and on all morning.  Passed through the Straits of Hagodadi before midnight."

Two days later, two Russian torpedo boat destroyers met the Empress of Japan at 6 am and escorted the vessel into port at Vladivostok.  A Czech Guard of Honor welcomed the Canadians as the SEF's other ranks (OR) occupied temporary quarters in sheds along the quay, while its officers remained on the vessel for their first night in Russia.  The following day - October 27, 1918 - the "weather [was] fine but much colder" as the troops marched off to temporary billets.  The Headquarters war diary lamented a significant lack in manpower for guard duty and work parties, in addition to insufficient storage space for supplies, as the officers set about preparing for the arrival of its remaining personnel.

On October 29, 1918, officers found a suitable location for Base Headquarters: "A building known as the Pushkinsky Theatre… consisting of a small theatre and several billiard and card rooms, has been found to be available for offices… and a guard has been placed over the building."  The task of finding appropriate space for barracks proved more difficult as refugees fleeing the civil war filled many unoccupied buildings.  Headquarters War Diary commented: "The best accommodation has been taken by the Japanese and Americans, making it necessary to arrange to billet Canadian troops outside of town."

Within several days, officers succeeded in securing accommodations for 2800 men and 400 horses, although the building's windows needed replacement and most of its metal fittings had been "stolen by Chinese".  Work parties set about building stoves out of brick and constructing makeshift stovepipes out of corrugated iron sheets in preparation for the coming winter season.  The war diary noted that "the supply of wood is short [and]… everything is very dear", due to shortages caused by the civil war.

On November 5, 1918, Private Michael Fogarty was placed on command to Force Headquarters as a "Base Guard".  One month later, he was attached to Base Headquarters "for rations and quarters".  While in Siberia, he was promoted to the rank of Corporal and remained at Base HQ for all but the last nine days of his service.

Michael and Belle's second daughter, Mary Fogarty McCarthy.

A November 12, 1918 telegram from the War Office interrupted preparations for the SEF's impending arrival: "News received that Germany has accepted the terms of the Armistice and that hostilities on the Western Front ceased."  Three days later, a group of Canadians participated in a celebration described in the Headquarters War Diary:

"All the Allies in Vladivostok took part in a parade through the streets. commencing at 11 AM, and a march past the Allied Commander in Chief….  The parade consisted of troops from the British, French, Italian, American, Czecho, Roumanian, Serbian, Russian, Japanese and Chinese Armies."

While the Armistice was welcome news, it raised significant questions regarding the Siberian expedition's future.  The British government believed that the mission should continue as planned, but the Canadian government, sensitive to public opinion that all Canadian soldiers should return home, contemplated evacuating the advanced party.  Rivalries among White Russian Generals for control of the region further complicated the situation.  By month's end, Admiral Aleksandr Kolchak, former Commander of the Czar's Black Sea Fleet, seized control of the Siberian capital of Omsk and declared himself "Supreme Ruler of All Russia".  The coup's implications for the SEF's mission were unclear.

In the interim, as there was little likelihood of Allied forces engaging in offensive action, Prime Minister Sir Robert Borden decided that the SEF mission should continue at least until the spring of 1919 and therefore its remaining personnel would proceed to Vladivostok as planned.  SEF Headquarters was informed, however, that Canadian troops were not to move inland nor participate in military operations without the express approval of the Canadian government.

The SEF's first British troops - 32 officers and 924 OR of the 1st 9th Hampshire Regiment - arrived from India aboard SS Dunera on November 26, 1918.  Two days later, the War Office notified Headquarters that "for the present no British or Canadian troops are to go west of the Urals."  A second vessel, the SS Monteagle, arrived at Vladivostok on December 5, 1918 with the first group of Canadian troops - 30 officers, 395 OR and 287 horses, in addition to three Canadian Red Cross officers and one matron.   

Three days later, Canadian Brigadier-General J. H. Elmsley, SEF Commander, authorized the transfer of Lt.-Colonel T. S. Morrissey, eight officers and 47 OR to Omsk.  Their task was to provide administrative services for British troops that followed them to the Siberian capital later in the month.  The Omsk mission proved to be Canadian soldiers' furthest inland advance during the Siberian mission.

Michael and Belle's youngest daughter, Hattie Fogarty Donnelly.

The departure of the second group of SEF soldiers from Canada was marred by controversy.  On December 21, 1918, a small group of the 259th Battalion's French Canadian conscripts refused to leave their barracks, when ordered to do so.  Officers instructed their comrades to remove their belts and whip the mutineers into order.  Soldiers then fixed their bayonets and marched the defiant individuals through the streets of Vancouver at knifepoint and onto the waiting transport ship.  The following day, the SS Teesta departed for Siberia.

SEF Headquarters' War Diary recorded the mission's second casualty on December 30, 1918, when Pte. William J. Henderson (attestation 2772673) died of spinal meningitis.  Two days later, the New Year arrived with ferocity, as described in the day's diary entry:

"Very stormy and cold.  Blizzard blowing from early morning hours till about 5 P.M. when wind slowly quieted down.  Fairly calm towards midnight."

The diary also reported "several cases of frost-bite" amongst a group of soldiers sent to unload a recently arrived supply vessel.

On January 12, 1919, SS Teesta arrived in Vladivostok with 22 officers and 564 OR of the 259th Canadian Rifles, 11 officers and 183 OR of the 20th Canadian Machine Gun Company, and a small group of support personnel.  Officers aboard the vessel reported that Rifleman Harold Leo Butler (attestation 2768761) of the 259th Battalion "died en route and was buried at sea", thus becoming the mission's third reported casualty.

Three days later, the SEF's remaining Canadian personnel arrived aboard SS Protesilaus - 15 officers and 474 OR of the 259th Canadian Rifles, 39 officers and 981 OR of the 260th Battalion, and the mission's remaining administrative staff.  Once again, a soldier - Rifleman F. J. Kay (attestation 3139773) of the 259th Battalion - was reported to have died at sea.

By month's end, SEF Headquarters received notice that the Imperial War Cabinet had decided to continue the Siberian mission a least until the Allied governments meeting at the Paris Peace Conference agreed upon a course of action with regard to Russia.  In the meantime, the vast majority of SEF personnel remained at Vladivostok, occupying their time with sentry duty and administrative tasks.  Quartered in barracks at Second River and Gornstai Bay, off-duty soldiers spent their spare hours playing hockey, soccer and basketball leagues, producing two brigade newspapers, and watching movies in a makeshift theatre.  Occasionally, small groups of soldiers received one-day's leave to Vladivostok, where they frequented the Chinese bazaar and Russian baths.

On February 1, 1919, Prime Minister Sir Robert Borden informed SEF Headquarters that Allied leaders had agreed to the early withdrawal of Canadian troops from Siberia.  In the meantime, SEF Headquarters reported increasing Bolshevik activity in the area and two more Canadian soldiers died of pneumonia by month's end.  On March 1, 1919, Prime Minister Borden formally informed Headquarters that "arrangements will be made for the return from Siberia of the Canadian troops early in April."

Map of Vladivostok area (Source: Moffat).

March proved to be the SEF's worst month for casualties, as seven soldiers succumbed to illness - four cases of pneumonia, one each of perio-carditis and spinal meningitis, and one with no recorded cause - while an eighth soldier, Lieutenant A. H. Thring, was accidentally killed.  The war diary recorded the expedition's final casualty from toxaemia on April 5, 1919.  In the meantime, the war diary reported fears of an impending Bolshevik uprising in Vladivostok.  Increasing tensions between the troops and civilian population prompted officers to order soldiers to carry arms with them at all times. 


The mission's only opportunity for military action occurred on April 12, 1919, when Bolsheviks surrounded the village of Shkotova, north of Vladivostok, jeopardizing the city's coal supply.  Brigadier-General Elmsley immediately dispatched a company from the 259th Battalion to the area.  Upon arriving one week later, the soldiers discovered that the Bolsheviks had withdrawn, and the company returned to Vladivostok on April 21, 1919.

That same day, the SS Monteagle departed Vladivostok for Vancouver, with 1080 Canadian soldiers on board.  The evacuation commenced as Bolshevik supporters laid siege to the city, threatened the lives of Allied and White Russian officers, and vandalized vehicles and supplies.  On May 9, 1919, Private Michael Fogarty left Siberia on the SS Empress of Japan, the same vessel that had carried him to Russia six months previously.  The last major detachment of Canadians - 1491 all ranks - boarded the SS Empress of Russia on May 19, 1919 and sailed for home.

On June 1, 1919, Brigadier-General Elmsley and a small group of officers dedicated a monument to the SEF's fatalities at Marine Cemetery, located on a hillside overlooking the Churkin peninsula.  Four days later, the last Canadian SEF members boarded the SS Monteagle and sailed for Victoria.

The remaining British forces departed from Siberia by summer's end, followed by American forces in autumn 1919.  The final members of the ill-fated Siberian mission left Russian soil in March 1920.  Seven months after the last Canadian soldiers left Vladivostok, Bolshevik forces seized control of the city.  Hampered by the end of hostilities on the Western Front and further hindered by lack of consensus amongst participating Allied countries, the Siberian Expedition can only be described as a complete military failure.

*****

On May 21, 1919, Michael Fogarty and his fellow passengers aboard the SS Empress of Japan arrived at Vancouver.  Michael made his way by train to Halifax, where he was officially discharged from the 260th Battalion on May 29, 1919.  Three days later, he was transferred to Headquarters Staff, where he served in an unspecified capacity throughout the summer months.  On October 31, 1919, Corporal Michael Fogarty was officially discharged from the Canadian Expeditionary Force.

Michael and Belle's son, James Edward, served overseas during the Second World War.

Michael briefly returned to his wife and children, who were living at French River, Prince Edward Island.  A family disagreement prompted him to return to Halifax, where he enlisted with the Permanent Force of Canada as a "Special Guard" with the Canadian Military Police Corps (CMPC) on November 15, 1919.  The following day, Michael was promoted to the rank of Lance Corporal, based on his previous military experience.  While working in Halifax, he assigned $ 6 of his monthly salary to his wife, Belle.

Throughout the winter of 1919-20, Michael served with the CMPC at Halifax, where its members were responsible for maintaining order and discipline amongst armed forces personnel stationed in the city.  Throughout 1920, the CMPC slowly reduced its operations as the vast majority of military personnel returned to civilian life and municipal police forces assumed its duties.  As a result, Lance Corporal Michael Fogarty was formally discharged from military service on March 4, 1920.

Sadly, Michael and Belle parted ways after his discharge.  His younger brother, Ernest, had returned to Western Canada after being released from military service in May 1919.  It appears that Michael joined him in Saskatchewan after leaving the CMPC, as the 1921 Canadian census identifies 35-year-old 'Michael Fogarty', a native of Nova Scotia, living as a boarder in the Maple Creek, Saskatchewan home of John J. Richardson.

Ernest eventually moved to Detroit, Michigan, but Michael spent the remainder of his years in Western Canada.  On April 29, 1953, he died at age 68, from complications due to high blood pressure, at Drumheller, Alberta.  Having resided in the community for six months, he was laid to rest in St. Anthony's Catholic Church Cemetery, Drumheller.

Michael Fogarty's headstone - Drumheller, Alberta.

*****

Sources:

Canadian Army Military Police, 1914-1920 - A Brief History. Canadian Military Police Museum.  Available online.

Isitt, Benjamin.  The Siberian Expedition.  Legion Magazine, November 22, 2008.  Available online.

Moffat, Ian C. D.. Forgotten Battlefields - Canadians in Siberia, 1918-1919.  Canadian Military Journal, Autumn 2007.  Available online.

Service file of Lance Corporal John Michael Fogarty, number 3181730.  Library & Archives Canada, Ottawa: RG 150, Accession 1992-93/166, Box 3165 - 24.  Attestation papers available online.

War Diary of Siberian Expeditionary Force General Staff.  RG9, Series III-D-3, Volumes 5056 & 5057, Reel T-10950, File: 959.  Available online.

War Diary of Siberian Expeditionary Force Headquarters.  RG9, Militia & Defence, Series III-D-3, Volume 5056, Reel T-10950, File: 957.  Available online.

The Canadian Expeditionary Force Study Group's website contains links to Siberian Expeditionary Force war diaries that are available online.

A special thank you to Michael's grand-daughters, Patsy (Donnelly) Weeden, Lower Sackville, NS, Ann (Donnelly) and her husband, David Collier, Lakeside, Halifax County, who provided valuable information and family pictures for this post.