News Archive: Dec. 2021 back to May 2007. (note: some older links may no longer be current.) > Back to Latest News <
4th December 2021
A warm welcome is extended to Andy Cundell for representing relative 109353 Pte William Glennie, who as a 4th CMR original was sadly lost on June 2nd 1916, during the 4th CMR's blackest day: the 'Battle for Mount Sorrel'.
26th November 2021
A 4cmr.com welcome to WO Jason Dalton, who represents his great grandfather's youngest brother, 649291, Pte Lawrence William Dalton. Originally of the 159th (1st Algonquin) BN, Lawrence was transferred to the 4th CMR in June 1917, but was sadly lost at Passchendaele in October 1917. Welcome Jason.
17th November 2021
A very warm welcome is given to author Angela Young (née Pridmore) for supplying an extensive and fascinating biography for her relation 838370 Pte John Pridmore, who was one of the many "Home Children" who were sent to Canada from the UK and found themselves back in Europe fighting for the old homeland. Sadly, John was last in the attack on Vimy Ridge in April 1917. Welcome, Angela, and thank you for such a detailed biography.
Thanks are also extended to Vincent Goudsmet for providing images to allow this site to expand the Memorials section. The quiet but well kept Bedford House Cemetery, 2.5km south of Ieper, has now been added to the list of 4CMR relevant cemeteries visited. Biographies for the 10 men of the 4CMR who lie at rest there will follow in time. Bedankt Vincent.
The Memorials section will be receiving a much needed facelift in due course.
16th November 2021
A warm welcome is extended to Patrick Daly for representing his great uncle, 111452, Cpl Bryan Sheridan, a Co. Meath man who was lost with so many 4CMR comrades in the 'Battle for Mount Sorrel' on June 2nd 1916. We will remember them.
9th November 2021
A warm 4cmr.com welcome is extended to Jennifer Stuart-Jessel, who represents her great uncle 109630, Pte Albert Victor Stuart. Albert survived 4CMR's darkest day, 2nd June 1916's 'Battle for Mount Sorrel', though was taken POW. Released in 1918, he returned safely home.
6th November 2021
A welcome and thanks is extended to Vincent Goudsmet for representing 111020 Pte Kennedy Gideon Francis Baldwin, who originally attested into the 6th CMR, which was absorbed into the 4th CMR in January 1916 under divisional restructuring. Kennedy was lost on the morning of June 2nd, 1916, in the Battle for Mount Sorrel. He lies at rest in the Bedford House Cemetery, south of Ieper, Belgium. Further thanks are expressed to Vincent for representing 8 further 4CMR men lying at rest at Bedford House Cemetery.
28th October 2021
A further welcome is extended to Darren Prickett, who represented 401659, Pte Alexander Oliver back in February 2021. Formerly of the 33rd Battalion, Alex was one of the 4th CMR's 350 men taken POW during the conclusion of the opening morning of the 'Battle for Mount Sorrel', on June 2nd, 1916. Though held POW for nearly two and a half years, Alex subsequently escaped in early November 1918. With many thanks to Darren for the details on the escape from captivity, Alex's biography has now been added to the 'O' In Memoriam page.
18th September 2021
A warm welcome is extended to Wayne Olson for representing his grandfather 401261, Pte Horace Edwin Bell, a former 33rd Battalion man who was transferred to the 4th CMR in June 1916. Though twice wounded, Horace survived the war.
10th September 2021
Many thanks are extended to Al Lloyd, webmaster at 21stbattalion.ca, for representing former 4th CMR Lt William John Nesbitt. Please do visit the 21st Battalion website, where you will find a plethora of valuable information on the regiment and men of the 21st Bn.
26th April, 2021
A warm welcome is extended to Andrew Webb-trezzi, who, through his research of acquired 4th CMR photos, which includes a group shot of former 95th Battalion men, represents the following men of the 4th CMR:
Majors Walter Moorhouse and Wilfred Sifton, Lts. Lionel Clarke and Ernest Steer, Capts. Alex Lightbourn, William Muirhead, Harry Symons and Allan Taylor DSO.
And former 95th BN men: Sgts. 201593 William Garlick and 202218 William Loveys and Ptes. 139541 George Crane & brother 2017769 John Crane, and 202097 Harry Ferris.
The representation of the brothers Crane brought to my attention a sibling relationship which had not previously been recorded. This has resulted in a section update within the Demographics page. Many thanks Andrew.
28th February, 2021
Chris Harper is welcomed into the 4CMR family, representing his great great grandfather 633341, PteWillis Harper a former 154th Battalion man who was transferred to the 4CMR in November 1916. Willis survived the war. Welcome Chris.
21st February, 2021
A warm welcome is extended to Darren Prickett, who represents 401659, Pte Alexander Oliver. Formerly of the 33rd Battalion, Alexander was one of the 4th CMR's 350 men taken POW during the conclusion of the opening morning of the 'Battle for Mount Sorrel', on June 2nd, 1916. Though held for nearly two and a half years, Alexander subsequently escaped in early November 1918.
19th February, 2021
A special warm welcome is extended to Deirdre Codd, who represents her great uncle 838741 Pte John Hatton, a former 147th Battalion man, who was transferred to the 4th CMR in February 1917. Though victim of a gas shelling near Vimy Ridge in September 1917, John survived the war.
1st February, 2021
A warm welcome is extended to Andrew Innes, who represents his great grandfather, Lt Leroy Carle Innes. Originally attesting into Lord Strathcona's Light Horse, Leroy was transferred to the 4th CMR at the end of November 1916, though was amongst eight men wounded in two separate rifle grenade accidents on the same day, 14th March 1917, during training exercises. Leroy was wounded in both legs and his injuries were sufficient to end his service. He was struck off strength in mid-December 1917.
28th January, 2021
An extended family welcome is given to Laraine (née Jackson) Sleigh and the members of the Jackson family representing 835729 Pte Rufus Jackson. Originally of the 146th (Frontenac) Battalion, Rufus was transferred to the 4th CMR in December 1916, though sadly was lost in the Battle of Vimy Ridge in April 1917.
23rd January, 2021
A warm welcome is extended to Neville Russell, who represents his grandfather, 475137, Sgt Frank Lyons, DCM. Originally of the 90th (Winnipeg Rifles) Battalion, Frank was transferred to the 4th CMR in March 1916. He was awarded a Distinguished Conduct Medal (DCM) in 1918 for actions likely to have occurred in 1917. Click Here to see the citation associated with this award. Frank survived the war.
Also welcomed is Richard Faulkner, who represents his great uncle, 1030075, Pte Leonard Haywood. Originally attesting into the 236th Overseas Battalion (The New Brunswick Kilties - Sir Sam's Own), Len was transferred, via the 177th and then 3rd Reserve Battalion, to the 4th CMR in February 1918. He survived the war.
Welcome both. You bring the total number of 4th CMR men represented to 742 (16.4% of the regiment). Thank you.
20th January, 2021
A 4CMR welcome is extended to Murray Christenson, who represents his grandfather, 109642, Pte Alfred Thompson and his great uncle, 109506, Pte Wilfred Marrison, both of whom signed on in late 1914 as 4CMR originals, and both of whom were amongst the 350 taken POW on 2nd June 1916, in the 'Battle for Mount Sorrel'. Alfred was repatriated in late November 1918, whilst Wilfred followed a week later, in early December.
15th January, 2021
A warm welcome is extended to Loris Valvona, who represents former 209th Battalion man, 252985, Pte George William Woodward. Signing up in May 1916, George was transferred to the 4th CMR in August 1918. He saw the war out without noted incident, though did contract influenza a week after the Armistice was actioned. Thankfully he fully recovered.
Any family member of George Woodward is invited to contact the website (see Contact) accordingly.
17th December, 2020
It is a pleasure to welcome Geoff Clarke, who steps up to represent Cpl Robert Qua, a former 180th Battalion man, who was transferred to the 4th CMR in February 1918. Robert, having survived a gassing in August 1918, was transferred to the 1st C.O.R.D., where he subsequently became a Lieutenant. Geoff also represents Sgt Charles Bittle, formerly an 83rd (Reserve) Battalion man, who was transferred to the 4th CMR in January 1917 but was sadly lost just weeks later. Welcome Geoff.
9th December, 2020
A warm welcome is extended to Wayne & Karen Douglas, who represent Pte Robert Richardson, a former 146th Battalion man who, via the 95th Battalion, was transferred to the 4th CMR on October 27th 1916. Though receiving a severe hand wound in December 1916 that precluded his return to active service, Robert was struck off strength with the 4th CMR on December 31st 1917, therein surviving the war.
25th November, 2020
A new page, Panels 30 and 32, has been added to the site, listing all 4th CMR men who appear on the Menin Gate Memomorial in Ieper, Belgium. Those from all of the Canadian Mounted Rifles regiments (the 1st, 2nd, 4th & 5th CMRs), who were lost without trace in defence of the town, were listed together on wall panals 30 and 32 of the Memorial, without regimental differentiation. Of the 710 men listed, this project identified all 236 men of the 4th CMR on 16 of the stone tablets across panels 30 and 32, listed them alphabetically, linked their biographies (where they had been submitted and posted on this website) and also linked them to my own (large) images of the stone tablets on which the given man's name appeared.
If any errors were made, they are entirely mine, however, I was able to identify one entry on Panel 32, where the family name had been mispelled. I have notified the Commonweath War Graves Commission accordingly. It is hoped that I can roll this project out further to include the Memorials at Vimy and Thiepval, in time.
26th October, 2020
A warm welcome is extended to Stuart Patton, who represents great uncle 1066070, Pte George Smith, originally a 248th Battalion man. Coming to the 4th CMR via the 8th Reserve Battalion in November 1917, George survived the war.
3rd September, 2020
Thank you to Garry Farmer for providing an extensive and well sourced biography for James Hibbert Hicks, a former 81st BN man who was transferred to the 4th CMR on 6th June 1916, after the huge losses the 4th CMR suffered on June 2nd in the 'Battle for Mount Sorrel'. Sadly James was lost at Courcelette in the following September.
1st September, 2020
Further cross-checking of the Nominal Roll and the demographics database, in combination with the full service records, has revealed five men not included in the original database used on this website. As such the regiment's numbers have now been revised, up from 4,516 to 4,521. This impacted the Demographics statistics, and the page has been updated accordingly. Further database proofing is being undertaken and it is highly likely that further missed members of the regiment will be found as this progresses.
31st August, 2020
Sincere thanks are extended to Pete Maxfield, who manages sister CMR website 1st Canadian Mounted Rifles, for bringing back into the fold two 4th CMR soldiers who had been missed off of the 4th's Nominal Roll. Namely 213438 Pte George Bertrand and 401627 Sgt Charles Dare Windsor, MM.
Their inclusion swells the known numbers to have served in the 4th CMR from 4,514 to 4,516. These weren't the first to have been missed and subsequently found and they won't be the last, I'm sure. Thank you for your valued work in finding and representing these men, Pete. Very much appreciated.
Pete additionally stands alongside: 109248 Capt. Leslie Bernard Bumstead, MC + Bar, 805404 Lt William George Butson, Major Harry Duncan Lockhart Duncan, DSO, Lt Merrill Whedon MacDowell, MC, Capt. Leslie Gordon Mills and
Capt. Morris Allaire Scovil.
As an interesting side note, it is believed that all three of the current CMR websites (1st CMR, 2nd CMR & 4th CMR) are run by Brits in the UK.
16th August, 2020
A warm welcome is extended to Chuck Ellis for representing his great uncle, 158661 Pte Ernest Parent, a former 81st Battalion man brought into the 4th CMR as a rebuilding draft of men on 7th June 1916, after the 4th's huge losses in the 'Battle for Mount Sorrel' on June 2nd. Though wounded in the right knee in mid-September 1916, likely in the action Courcelette, France, Ernest survived the war.
12th August, 2020
Attention is drawn to the Channel Islands Great War Project, who are researching those men serving in WW1 who came from the British Channel Islands, namely the islands of: Jersey, Guernsey, Sark and Alderney.
Seven men from the Channel Islands are known to have served with the 4th CMR. Three were from Jersey: 835940 Pte Charles Davis, 3033184 Pte John (Le) Monnier and 2304404 Pte Francois Vasslin; and four from Guernsey: 135680 Pte Stephen Cherry, 109290 Pte John Curtis, 1066221 Pte Thomas Mahy and 649328 Cpl William Smart.
It is no small project by any means and you are invited to visit their website to see the great work they have done thus far. Thanks to the Study Group for representing these seven 4th CMR men.
27th July, 2020
A warm welcome is extended to Sean McGuire, who represents his great uncle, 111299, Sgt Edward Blake MacDonald, a former 6th CMR man who was transferred to the 4th CMR in January 1916, when the two regiments were combined in a divisional consolidated. Sadly, Edward was lost in the action at Regina Trench in October 1916.
3rd July, 2020
Thanks go to Riley Buckles for representing his great grandfather, 135646, Cpl William Buckles, who was a former 74th Battalion man transferred to the 4th CMR, as a reinforcement draft in early June 1916. This was due to the huge losses suffered by the 4CMR in the 'Battle for Mount Sorrel' on June 2nd, 1916. Though wounded during the push on Pozières, near Albert, France, William survived the war. Welcome Riley.
21st May, 2020
A warm welcome is extended to Steve Arnold, who represents his father's uncle, 109202 Pte Alfred Arnold, who was wounded at Vimy in 1917, but survived the war. Welcome Steve.
3rd March, 2020
Warm welcomes are extended to Rob and Ron Houghton, cousins who represent their grandfather 109401 Pte William Houghton, who attested into the 4th CMR in the original intake in November 1914, and survived the war. Welcome both.
18th February, 2020
I was both pleased and surprised to find that early February 2020 saw this website's 100,000th unique visitor. A truly amazing milestone.
5th February, 2020
Many thanks are extended to Judy Stockham of the Kenora Great War Project for the biography of 172210 Pte Clarence Hewson.
24th January, 2020
As a result of the research on the medals awarded to the 4th CMR (see 2nd January, below), a "lost" soldier was found who had been missed from the transcription of the Nominal Roll. He has now been added to all relevant sections in the website and figures updated where impacted, especially so in the Demographics section. The official number currently known to have served with the regiment now stands at 4,514.
2nd January, 2020
A new page has been added to the site: Medals. This presents as many of the citations for the 187 men of the 4th CMR who were awarded 202 medals and 13 bars during the course of the war as could be found. This is a work in progress project and as such is not yet fully complete.
20th December, 2019
Many thanks are extended to Garry Farmer, for supplying a biography for 109247 RSM Reginald Bumpstead. Thank you, Garry.
10th November, 2019
A warm welcome to Peter O'Malley, who represents his maternal grandfather, 648801 Sgt Peter James Seeley DCM & MM, who was a 159th BN man transferred to the 4th CMR in April 1917. Though wounded in late August 1918, Peter Seeley survived the war. Welcome, Peter.
7th November, 2019
Warm welcomes are extended to the following:
Mark Springate, who represents his great uncle, 648131 LCpl Donald Cant, a former 159th BN man
who was sadly lost with the 4th CMR in August 1918.
Timothy McCraken, representing 109525 Pte James McVittie, an original contingent 4th CMR man who was lost at the 'Battle for Mount Sorrel' in June 2nd 1916.
Garry Farmer for providing a concise biography of a distant relative, 2161342 Pte John Smith Hulton, who, though wounded by gas, did survive the war.
and Lori Gibb Coverdale, representing her grandfather, 109350 Pte Gordon McIntyre Gibb MM, also an original contingent 4th CMR man, who avoided certain death at the 'Battle for Mount Sorrel' on June 2nd by the fortune of being on leave. Although subsequently wounded and returned to Canada, Gordon survived the war to the ripe old age of 87.
Thank you all and once again welcome.
20th September, 2019
A warm welcome is extended to Cliff Grenfell for representing 158103, Pte William Henry Head, a former 81st Battalion man who was transferred to the 4th CMR as a reinforcement draft with fellow 81st BN men in mid June 1916. This was brought about by the huge losses suffered by the 4th CMR in the 'Battle for Mount Sorrel' in early June. Though wounded in October 1916, William did survive the war.
10th September, 2019
The Demographics page was further updated today with fine tunings to some records, which have made due to details being accessible from previously unavailable information.
1st July, 2019
4th CMR researcher David Kavanagh has provided a biography of 111531, Pte Colin Melville Woodrow. Originally a 6th CMR man, Colin was transferred to the 4th CMR in January 1916, under divisional reorganisation. Wounded twice in the line of duty with the 4th CMR, Colin survived the war. Many thanks, David.
12th June, 2019
Many thanks are extended to Bell family historian, Sharon (Bell) Hurst, for providing a biography for 171591, Pte Robert James Bell. Originally an 83rd Battalion man, Robert was transferred to the 4th CMR in early June 1916, but was sadly lost at Pozières, France, in mid-September 1916.
2nd April, 2019
Huge thanks are extended to Harry MacKendrick for representing his grandfather, Lt Harry Crane MacKendrick, and his 4th CMR fellows: Lt George James Aitkin, Lt Arthur Elliott Allen, Capt. John D. S. Fleek MC, and Major Albert Percy Menzies. Biographies by 4th CMR researcher David Kavanagh will follow soon, which will include images supplied from Harry MacKendrick's own collection.
10th February, 2019
A warm welcome is extended to Lloyd Truscott, who represents his great uncle, 109543 Cpl John Calvin Peters, who was a 4th CMR Original, attesting in Toronto in late November 1914. Surviving a two month bout of influenza in late 1916, and nearly a month of hospitalisation for a mild wounding in early April 1918 whilst the regiment held the front line near La Chaudiere, France, John survived the war.
8th February, 2019
Another milestone was reached today, when 157048 Pte Andrew Armitage was represented by his great-granddaughter, Kristin Ingram, making him the 700th man to be represented by a relation or researcher - that is 15.5% of the regiment honoured specifically by somebody today, 100 years after the conflict ended. Andrew was a motor mechanic living in Newmarket, Ontario, when he originally attested into the 81st Battalion, which became a feeder battalion for the 4th CMR in late June, following their huge losses at the 'Battle for Mount Sorrel' at the beginning of the month.
Although receiving a gunshot wound in mid-September 1916, more than likely in the attack on Courcelette, in France, Andrew was accidentally injured again in August 1918, when a supply lorry slid on a muddy road and caused an injury to his left leg. This bothered him from then on in and in surviving the war he underwent a medical board inspection and was discharged as medically unfit to continue in February 1919. Welcome Kristin, and a huge thank you to you and all who have stepped up to stand alongside men of the 4th CMR since 2006.
6th February, 2019
A warm welcome goes to Julia Hodge, who represents her grandfather 113296, Pte David Hodge, originally an 8th CMR man. David was transferred to the 4th CMR in January 1916 when the 8th CMR was absorbed into the regiment under divisional restructuring. Wounded in the 'Battle for Mount Sorrel', on June 2nd 1916, David latterly experienced issues with his nerves through 1917 and was invalided out of front line service and returned to Canada in early 1918. David saw some of the harshest fighting during his time in the regiment and his service is duly acknowledged here. Welcome Julia.
23rd January, 2019
A warm welcome is extended to Joni Goss for representing 401762, Cpl John Allen. Originally a 70th Battalion man, John was transferred to the 33rd Battalion, from where he was then transferred to the 4th CMR in early June 1916, taken on then as reinforcements following the 4th CMR's big losses in the 'Battle for Mount Sorrel' on June 2nd 1916. John survived the war without noted incident and was struck off strength in Toronto on March 29th, 1919. Thank you Joni for standing alongside John Allen today.
2nd January, 2019
In welcoming you to a New Year, I am pleased to announce a second book has been produced by prolific contributor to this site, George Auer. His first was "Soldiers of the Soil: Grey County goes to War", released in 2015, which tells the personal stories of the men and women of Grey County, Ontario, in WW1. The second and most recent is "The Day the Ravebeek Ran Grey", which is a detailed and Grey County focussed look at the 3rd Battle of Ypres, more widely known simply as Passchendaele.
Both books are available through The Ginger Press, but please do see either my Researchers or Bibliography sections for further details.
28th November, 2018
A warm welcome is extended to Christine Arbic, who represents her great grandfather's cousin, 633767, Pte Victor Arbic, a former 154th Battalion man who was transferred to the 4th CMR in November 1916 and sadly died in June 1917. Thank you Christine.
24th November, 2018
A quick bit of site news, the Demographic breakdown project has now been concluded. Today's update brings to close a body of research that has been ongoing pretty much since about six years before this website went live in 2006. Only about half a dozen records remain untraceable amongst the 4,513 members of the regiment. Do take a look at the page to get an insight in the lives of the men. I'm proud of the final result, being a labour of love for so many years.
16th November, 2018
Many thanks go to Janet Harris, whose great-great uncle was, 111211 Pte Harold Grimmer, and to her son, Alexander Harris, for standing alongside Harold and remembering him, his service and sacrifice. Sadly Harold, originally attesting as a 6th CMR man, was lost to gas attack injuries near Feuchy, France, in late August 1918. Thank you Janet and Alexander.
2nd October, 2018
A warm welcome is extended to Kevin Clements, for representing his grandfather, Pte Alleyn Young Clements. Originally a 6th CMR man, Alleyn was transferred to the 4th CMR in January 1916. Being one of the 350 men of the 4th CMR taken POW on June 2nd, 1916, Alleyn survived the war, albeit from within the confines of a German POW camp and latterly being interned in the Netherlands from the summer of 1918 onwards, before final repatriation 11 days after the war ended.
10th September, 2018
Many thanks are extended to Simon Grayson for representing the following 4th CMR men: 835301, Pte Gordon Kimmett and brothers 727620, Pte Frederick Seehaver and A.Sgt George Seehaver. Gordon Kimmett, a former 146th Battalion man, having survived a gunshot wound to the head in service passed away in the UK in February 1919 due to influenza. Similarly George Seehaver, a former 110th Battalion man, contracted and died of influenza in the UK in October 1918 whilst waiting for a commission. Both lie at rest in Bramshott (St Mary) Churchyard, Hampshire, England. Frederick Seehaver, also a 110th Battalion man, though suffering an accidental gunshot wound to the left shoulder, in July 1917, survived the war. Thank you Simon.
A further welcome is extended to Allan McAllister, who has now provided a biography for his great uncle, 171280, Pte Frederick Bennett, and to Kent Fraser, for his biography of Lt Earle Gordon Richards. With apologies for the unavoidable delay in posting these, welcome again both to the fold. We will remember them.
28th August, 2018
A warm welcome is extended to Ken Davies, representing his great-grandfather, 109295, Pte David Davies. Associated with horses all his life, David latterly served with the Canadian Light Horse, and survived the war.
25th June, 2018
Many thanks to Richard and Pete Lower, for representing their great grandfather, 835679 Pte William Jones Lower, and grandfather, 835720 Pte William Jabez Lower, who signed up as father and son. Originally attesting into the 146th (Frontenac) Battalion, they were transferred to the 4th CMR in early November 1916. Both survived the war without further notable incident. This representation confirms a 5th father and son combination serving with the 4th CMR.
Also thanks go to Eleanor May, representing her grandfather, 838204, Pte William Warrington. Originally a 147th (Grey) Battalion man, William was transferred to the 4th CMR in March 1917. He survived the war.
29th May, 2018
A warm welcome is extended to Allan McAllister, who represents his great uncle, 171280, Pte Frederick Bennett. Originally an 83rd Battalion man, Frederick was transferred to the 4th CMR in late July 1916, but was subsequently lost on October 1st, 1916, in the costly attack on Regina Trench.
24th May, 2018
Kent Gowland steps up today to represent his grandfather, 3039728, Pte George Henry Gowland, who, originally as a 1st Battalion, 1st Central Ontario Regiment man, was drafted into the CEF under the Military Service Act 1917, in May 1918. Following training he was moved to Europe, where he was transferred from the 3rd Reserve Battalion into the 4th CMR in October 1918. He was able to join them in the field in mid-November 1918, just days after the Armistice was settled. Welcome, Kent.
17th April, 2018
A warm welcome is extended to Matthew Scarlino, representing principally former Toronto police officers (though other police forces are represented) who joined the CEF when the call came: 172439 Pte Edward Burnell, 171254 Sgt Mosley Chapman, 172406 Sgt James Davison MM, 491194 Pte Frederick Hogg, 3034877 Pte Felix Johnson, 1003427 RSM. Clement Jordon, 766430 Lt John Lowrie, 157506 A.Sgt Henry Mackie, 171255 Cpl William McCullagh, 649407 Sgt John McGregor, 109527 Pte Thomas Newcombe, 109651 RSM Frederick Tucker and 916965 Sgt Philip Walter.
This brings the total number of men represented to 661 (14.6%) of the 4,514 who served with the regiment. Thank you, Matthew.
7th March, 2018
Further to Paula Pocock representing 113055 Pte Leonard Allen back last summer, and following an unavoidable delay at this end, I have now been able to add Leonard's biography. Many thanks Paula.
4th March, 2018
Welcome to Dave Mitchell, who represents 109491 CSM James Buchanan Mitchell DCM, who was born in Londonderry, Northern Ireland, and attested as a 4th CMR original in Toronto in May 1915. Though wounded in September 1916, and awarded the DCM (Distinguished Conduct Medal) for action near Folies (S.E. of Amiens, France) in August 1918, James survived the war.
25th February, 2018
A warm welcome is extended to Nancy Collins, who represents her father, 649266, L/Cpl Louis Pilkington. Originally a 159th Battalion man, Louis was transferred, along with 104 fellow 159th men, to the 4th CMR in March and April of 1917. He was wounded twice whilst in service with the 4th CMR, but survived the war. Welcome Nancy.
24th February, 2018
Andy Fitton is welcomed to the fold, in representing 109565, Pte Thomas Reddicen, a former Manchester, England man, who signed up in Toronto, as one of the originals in December 1914. Thomas was discharged back to Canada on medical grounds in October 1915 and sadly passed away in 1917. Remembered here today by Andy.
23rd January, 2018
A warm welcome is extended to Ian Murray, who represents his father, Pte Douglas Murray, and Douglas's older brother, Pte William Geo. Murray. As an "original", Douglas Murray saw all the actions the regiment was involved in throughout the bitter conflict. William, also an original, was taken POW in June 2nd 1916's Battle for Mount Sorrel, being one of 350 men taken than morning. He was repatriated in March 1918. Thankfully, both men ultimately survived the war.
14th January, 2018
Welcome, Rick Neville, who represents his great uncle, Pte Henry "Hank" Hargreaves Neville. Originally a 33rd Battalion man, Hank found himself transferred to the 4th CMR in May 1916. Having survived the regiment's darkest day a few weeks later, in the Battle for Mount Sorrel, the 4th CMR had just moved into Mouquet Farm, located in the brickfields north of the town of Albert, France, on September 11th, 1916, when they were subjected to a gas shell attack. Alas, Hank died the following day. Sadly his body was not recovered after the attack and he is remembered today on the Vimy Memorial.
14th December, 2017
A warm welcome is extended to Wayne Andrew, representing his grandfather, Pte. John Keam, who, though wounded on June 2nd, 1916, in the 4CMR's darkest day at the opening of the Battle for Mount Sorrel, survived the war. Welcome Wayne.
5th December, 2017
A 4cmr.com welcome to Bob Wilson, joining those remembering his great uncle, Pte. Allan Dunoon.
3rd December, 2017
A warm welcome to Edward Gardiner, who represents his father, 3108144, Pte. Louis Gardiner, who, originally as a 19th Battalion man, was transferred to the 4th CMR in September, 1918. He received a gunshot wound to the arm less than two weeks later, which took him out of the war.
13th November, 2017
I welcome brothers Bill and David Iles, who represent their grandfather, 928891, Pte. Neil Orr Douglas Iles. Originally a 216th Battalion man, Neil was transferred to the 4th CMR in February 1918 and though he was wounded near Amiens in August 1918, thankfully he survived the war.
And a warm welcome is extended to Kent Fraser, representing Lt. Earle Gordon Richards, who died in late March 1917, the preparation actions prior to April's assault on Vimy Ridge.
6th November, 2017
It was great to hear from Darrell Duthie. Darrell represents Capt. Beecher Doran Poyser MC, who, originally a 228th Battalion man, was transferred into the 4th CMR and saw action in Passchendaele. Whilst he was subsequently later wounded at Kemmel Hill, on August 3rd, 1918, in the Ypres Salient, Beecher survived the war.
Darrell also represents Captain Thomas Dixon MM MC, a 4th CMR original, who was lost at Kemmeml Hill, also on August 3rd, 1918.
Darrell has written a Great War novel, Malcolm MacPhail's Great War, which latterly features the 4th CMR and two of its Captains, Beecher Poyser MC and Thomas Dixon MM MC. The book is available at both Amazon.com and Amazon.co.uk, and was published in November 2017.
I highly recommend this book, as it does put you into the thick of the CEF action in 1917 & 1918. Darrell does a fantastic job of maintaining the pace and tension of actions at the front at that time, ably portraying the life of an intelligence officer in the midst of the Great War. The extent of the research is breathtaking, as is evident in the locations, the command hierarchy and the detail of the actions described. If you enjoy WW1 fiction, this book is for you, and it would be an excellent gift for somebody you know who is interested in the First World War.
For a fuller description of this book, please see the Amazon listings for it, or the Links page, Bibliography, on this website.
27th October, 2017
A warm welcome is extended to Karen Girling, representing her grandfather, 109334, Sgt. Murray Harle Featherstonhaugh, who survived the war. A biography will follow in due course.
7th September, 2017
David Thwaites joins the fold, representing two Robert Thwaites: 648891, Pte. Robert Thwaites, a former 159th Battalion man, originally from Hastings County, Ontario, and 171542, Sgt. Robert Edward Thwaites, a former 83rd Battalion man, from the County of Kent, England, who David is related to. Also represented is 648539, Pte. Stanley Logan, Pte. Robert Thwaites' brother-in-law. Stanley was also an 159th Battalion man, and joined up with Robert Thwaites in New Liskeard, Ontario.
4th September, 2017
A warm welcome to Michele Bruton Davies, representing her great-grandfather, 109581, Pte. Russell Sadler, who, though wounded in August 1917, survived the war. Russell's representation brings the number of men represented by relatives and researchers today to 634, just over 14% of the total number of men forming the regiment.
26th August, 2017
Bill Zorzi's gone and done it again, with the find of another man missing from the Nominal Roll. 158179 Pte. Alfred Scott has been added now, bringing the regiment total up to 4,514. Alfred was originally with the 81st Battalion and transferred into the 4th CMR June 7th, 1916. The transfer of the 81st Battalion men was much needed, following the huge losses the 4th CMR suffered on June 2nd, in the Battle for Mount Sorrel. Alfred sadly was lost a few months later, in the action against Regina Trench, in October 1916.
30th July, 2017
Further thanks go to Bill Zorzi for spotting 144236 Pte. Jules Winne was missing from the 'W' page listing. As the listings are only as good as the original Nominal Roll, Winne's name was omitted at that stage and that was error carried on to the In Memoriam listings. Even after 14 years of demographic research on the members of the regiment, this may yet not be the last case of a 4th CMR missing son being discovered. Jules Winne has now been added to the listings, bringing the known number of men having served with the 4th CMR up to 4,513. Originally a 77th Battalion man, Jules, Belgian by birth, was transferred to the 4th CMR in March 1916, but was sadly lost in the action at Regina Trench on 1st October 1916. He is remembered on the Vimy Memorial.
25th July, 2017
Bill Zorzi joins the fold, representing distant relative Pte. Fred Wingate.. Originally a 33rd Battalion man, Fred was one of the 108 Americans known to have served with the 4th CMR. He was transferred into the 4th CMR in May 1916, though sadly he was lost in the action at Regina Trench on October 1st, 1916. Welcome Bill.
6th July, 2017
A warm welcome is extended to Andy Polson, representing his great uncle Pte. John "Jack" Henry Polson, who initially attested into the 83rd Battalion, and who, after being transferred to the 4th CMR in June 1916, was sadly subsequently lost near Albert, France, on October 15th, 1916.
A welcome and many thanks go to Paula Pocock for representing brothers-in-law Pte. Percy Wardle and Pte. Leonard Allen, who was married to Percy's sister. Both originally attested into the 8th CMR but were transferred into the 4th CMR when the 8th CMR was absorbed by the 4th CMR in January 1916, under divisional restructuring. Sadly both were lost in the war: Leonard Allen on his birthday in the 'Battle for Mount Sorrel', near Ypres, Belgium, on June 2nd, 1916, and Percy Wardle in the actions around Albert, France, on September 30th, 1916.
6th June, 2017
Thanks go to William and Tanner Leach, for representing L/Cpl. Robert Dron. Originally attesting into the 33rd Battalion, Robert was transferred to the 4th CMR in the 7th June 1916 rebuild of the regiment after its huge losses in the 2nd June 1916 'Battle for Mount Sorrel'. Sadly Robert was subsequently lost in the action at Vimy, in April 1917.
19th May, 2017
A warm welcome is extended to Kathleen McLarnon, who represents her great-grandfather, Pte. William McLarnon. Originally attesting as an 8th CMR man, William was transferred to the 4th CMR in January 1916, when the 8th CMR was absorbed into the 4th CMR under divisional restructuring. Sadly William was one of the 191 men of the 4th CMR lost on June 2nd, 1916, in the Battle for Mount Sorrel. He is remembered on the Menin Gate Memorial, in Ieper.
1st May, 2017
Many thanks are extended to Fred Appleton for representing Capt. John Martin. An original 4th CMR sign-up, the then Lieutenant Martin was amongst 345 men of the regiment taken POW on June 2nd, 1916, in the opening action of the 14 day Battle for Mount Sorrel, near Ypres, Belgium. Repatriated in March 1918, then made Captain, John Martin survived the war. Welcome Fred, and thank you for stepping up to stand alongside Captain Martin.
13th April, 2017
A warm welcome to Stan Glass who represents his father, Sgt. Cyril Glass MM, who, originally attesting as a 146th Battalion man, was transferred to the 4th CMR in December 1916. Cyril was awarded the MM (Military Medal) around late August 1918 and survived the war.
11th April, 2017
171507 Cpl. James Percy Melross is represented today by step-granddaughter Gail Paton. James was orginally an 83rd Battalion man who, along with 240 of his fellows, was transferred to the 4th CMR in June 1916, following the 4th's huge losses at the beginning of the month. A warm welcome to you Gail.
10th April, 2017
A warm welcome is extended to Nancy Truman, great great-granddaughter to 778703 Pte. Alfred William Brock, who sadly was lost in July 1918 during a trench raid on enemy lines. Alfred is commemorated on the Vimy Ridge memorial.
9th April, 2017
A welcome is extended to Joan Kass, who represents her grandfather, 109415, Sgt. Stephen Jenner. Although surviving the June 2nd, 1916 'Battle for Mount Sorrel', Stephen was amongst 265 men of the 4th CMR taken POW that day. He was eventually repatriated via Holland on November 18th, 1918. Welcome Joan.
7th April, 2017
Jessica Reid joins the fold today, representing her great great uncle, 637044, Pte. Charles Benjamin Reid. Originally a 155th Battalion man, Charles was transferred, along with 94 of his fellows, to the 4th CMR in late November 1916. Sadly, Charles was lost at Passchendaele in October 1917. Welcome Jessica.
6th April, 2017
A warm wlecome is extended to John Marks, who represents his great grandfather, CQMS. James William Marks, who was orginally a 37th Battalion man, transferred to the 4th CMR in May 1916. James Marks survived the war.
5th March, 2017
Kevin Breyne joins the 4cmr.com fold today, representing Pte. Matthew Rae, a Scottish ex-pat who signed up as one of the 4th CMR "originals". Matthew was wounded in the 'Battle for Mount Sorrel' on June 2nd, 1916, taken as a POW, and sadly passed away in Kortrijk, Belgium, where Kevin lives, in March 1917. Welcome Kevin.
A link has been provided to "The Matthew Rae Story", a blogspot provided by the Markham Public Library. A personal biography will be submitted in due course.
3rd March, 2017
The Demographics page has been updated in a series of ongoing changes. Two additional tables have been added in 'The reality of war' section, towards the bottom of the page. One details the woundings and losses of 4th CMR troops by year, and the other breaks down, by year, those men of the regiment taken as POWs.
17th February, 2017
A warm welcome is extended to Roger Lane, who represents his grandfather, Pte. Albert George Lane; a former 6th CMR man who was transferred into the 4th CMR in Janaury 1916, then subsequenly taken as a P.O.W. in June 2nd, 1916's 'Battle for Mount Sorrel'. Albert was repatriated in late December 1918.
Also receiving a welcome is Liz Tobin, who represents Lt. Guy Rutter, one of the originals of the 4th CMR. He was also caught up in the 'Battle for Mount Sorrel', on June 2nd, 1916. Though intitially presumed dead he did survive but was struck off strength on June 12th.
11th February, 2017
A revised biography for Lt. Vernon Dowling has been added to the 'D' In Memoriam page, as updated by Phil Dowling and Rick Munroe, with their acknowledged thanks to Kevin Dowling.
This is an exquisite and detailed piece of work by these gentlemen. Take note. This is how it is done!.
30th January, 2017
A warm welcome is extended to Bob Lomax, representing his grandfather, 916251 Pte. Robert Lomax. Attesting orginally into the 198th (Canadian Buffs) Battalion with his brother, 916491 Pte. John "Jack" Lomax, the pair, who were transferred to the 4th CMR in March 1918, saw the war out without further notable incident and were struck off strength in March 1919.
23rd January, 2017
In a focus on men of the 4th CMR from Grey County, Ontario, George Auer has provided biographies for Pte. William Ira Fulford, who was one of the regiment's earlier losses, and brothers Capt. Leslie Bumstead MC and RSM Reginald Bumpstead MSM, the former being wounded twice and the latter being taken POW. All three survived the war. Many thanks to George for these biographies.
2nd January, 2017
The Demographics page has been updated again, following the loss of one name on the In Memoriam pages, who was found not to have served with the 4th CMR after all. The number who served in the regiment stands at 4,512. This small change, plus several further records being "back filled" with data just available, has meant changes to stats throughout the page.
However, this update has allowed me to add another major section to the page, the number of feeder units who made up the 4th CMR. A total of 158 separate units provided men for the regiment through divisional & regimental consolidations and through reserve battalion drafts, when numbers needed to be replenished. Many thanks to George Auer for the suggestion for this new section.
30th December, 2016
George Auer's ongoing 147th (Grey) Battalion research has provided a biography for Pte. Dennis Confrey, who was transferred to the 4th CMR in March 1917. Wounded twice thereafter, Dennis survived the war. Thanks go to George for the biography.
29th December, 2016
4th CMR researcher, David Kavanagh, has submitted a biography for Lt. Guy Dingle, a former 156th Battalion man, by way of the 147th (Grey) Battalion, who was transferred to the 4th CMR in May 1917. Two months later Guy was accidentally wounded when an unexploded shell he had picked up went off in his hand. Though not as ultimately devastating as the Pte. Clarence McCabe event, which was brought to our attention by Brian Joyce, it is uncannily similar. Many thanks go to David for the work on the Guy Dingle biography.
27th December, 2016
A further round of demographic work has been undertaken in recent weeks, culmintaing in today's update on the Demographics page.
Some 58 records were found that were not available back in the early summer, so this data has now been added to the demographic breakdowns. A little over 60 records relating to 4th CMR men remain to be digitized. The demographics page will be further updated when this data becomes available. In the meantime, for those having used the figures since they were first posted on the site, note that the 58 new records have had a knock-on effect to the statistics and graphs; all of which have been updated today.
As a reminder, if you wish to use the data presented on the demographic page, please do credit or cite www.4cmr.com as the source, as I cite the L&AC archives and the 4th CMR Regimental History (S. G. Bennett, 1926) as the sources for my original database.
15th December, 2016
More George Auer 'H' - In Memoriam page biographies, for former 147th (Grey) Battalion and 248th Battalion men who were transferred to the 4th CMR, have been added today.
These include: Pte. Richard Haskett, Pte. John Hatton, Pte. Charles Havens, Pte. Willem E. Hazen and Pte. William J. Hazen.
10th December, 2016
Five more biographies have been added to the "H" - In Memoriam page. Further thanks go to George Auer for these.
Added were: Pte. Thomas Hanbury, A.Sgt. Winfield Hancock, Pte. Samuel Hanson, Pte. Percy Harding and Pte. Clayton Harris.
8th December, 2016
George Auer's research work on men of the 147th (Grey) and 248th Battalions, who were transferred into the 4th CMR variously in 1917, continues, and the first five new biographies for the 'H' - In Memoriam page have been added today.
Those included are: L/Cpl. George Hainer, Pte. Percy Haines, A/CQMS. Austin Hall, Pte. Peter Hamilton and Pte. Joseph Hamlet.
As ever, huge thanks go to George for this huge body of work, as he researches each member of the 147th (Grey) and 248th Battalions. Further biographies will be included shortly, as they are processed for posting on the site.
13th September, 2016
Thanks are extended to Cpl. William Right, GGHG, for representing brothers 177770 Pte. Ross McKenzie and 835371 L/Cpl. William McKenzie. Both born in Palmerston, Ontario, and living in Lantana when they signed up, Ross, a spinner by trade and the younger of the two, attested first, into the 146th Battalion in Montreal in November 1915. William, four years older and a farmer by trade, also attested into the 146th Battalion, in Kingston, in January 1916. Both men were subsequently transferred to the 4th CMR in December 1916. Sadly, William was lost in the action against Passchendaele, in October 1917. Ross survived the war.
The addition of these two men to the 'M' In Memoriam page brings the number of 4th CMR men represented, by relatives and researches today, to 600. That's 13% of the regiment with somebody actively standing alongside them and honouring their memory. We will remember them. Thank you all.
24th August, 2016
A warm welcome is extended to Wayne Warnica, grandson of and representing Capt. Roy Washington Warnica, who originally attested into the 119th (Algoma) Battalion.
Roy was only one of two men transferred to the 4th CMR from the 119th BN. He served with the 4th CMR from mid-February 1918 to the close of the war. Roy was awarded the Croix de Guerre. Wanye stands proudly alongside his grandfather on the 'W' In Memoriam page.
15th August, 2016
4th CMR researcher, David Kavanagh, has submitted short biographies to accompany seven headstone images supplied by 4cmr.com. These came from research done during the June 2016 commemoration trip to Ieper for the 100th anniversary of the June 2nd, 1916, 'Battle for Mount Sorrel', in which 176 men of the 4th CMR were lost.
The following biographies were added:
Perth Cemetery
401391 Pte. George Rollings.Tyne Cot
835642 Pte. Frederick HughesYpres Reservoir Cemetery
111175 Pte. Frederick Flaherty2nd August, 2016
4th CMR brothers, Ptes. 835143 Alexander Andrews and 835184 Neil Andrews, are today represented by Alexander's great-granddaughter, Katelynn Andrews. Both men were originally 146th Battalion men, born in Kaladar, Ontario, and who were living in Flinton, where they joined up in December 1915. They were transferred to the 4th CMR in early November 1916, along with 264 fellow 146th Battalion men. It was reported that Alexander was accidentally wounded in three places on March 14th, 1917. Brother Neil was wounded exactly a month later, on April 14th, 1917, and again on August 28th, 1918, during the consolidation actions in the Battle for Arras. Both men survived the war. Welcome Katelynn.
11th July, 2016
A warm welcome is extended to Lizzie Lindsay, representing her great great-uncle, 400738, Pte. Hugh Hamill, a former 33rd Battalion man who was transferred to the 4th CMR on June 6th, 1916, after the 4th CMR's huge losses a few days before at the Battle for Mount Sorrel. Sadly Hugh was lost on April 22nd, 1917, in line consolidation work after the attack on Vimy Ridge.
12th June, 2016
113364, Pte. James Lockyer has been represented by granddaughter, Liz Tressider. James, orginally an 8th CMR man, was transferred when the 8th CMR was absorbed into the 4th CMR in January 1916. Wounded in August 1918, James did survive the war. Welcome, Liz.
Also represented today is 111480, Pte. Albin Sumara, the great-uncle of Mark Rushton. Albin, orignally a 6th CMR man, a regiment also absorbed into the 4th CMR in January 1916, was lost during the attack on Boiry Notre-Dame, France, on August 28th, 1918. A hearty welcome to Mark, too.
6th June, 2016
A warm welcome is extended to Tiffany Hewson, who represents her great-grandfather, 172210, Pte. Clarence Victor Hewson. Originally an 83rd Battalion man, Victor signed on in Toronto in September 1915 and along with a little over 220 fellow 83rd Battalion men was later transferred, on June 7th, 1916, to help rebuild the 4th CMR after its decimation on June 2nd, in the Battle for Mount Sorrel. Although Victor was wounded in the left arm on August 26th, 1918, during the attack on Monchy-le-Preux, he survived the war.
2nd June, 2016
On the 100th Anniversary of the Battle for Mount Sorrel, which saw 176 men of the 4th CMR lost, with a further 258 taken POW, a 4th CMR memorial was unveiled on a wet and overcast day. Set at the junction of Pappostraat and Zandvoordestraat, near to Hill 62 (Sanctuary Wood), the memorial remembers that fateful day and the huge toll suffered by the 4th CMR.
21st May, 2016
Paul Barber has provided further biography details for his grandfather, Pte. Percy Barber, who was wounded during the actions following the attack on Vimy Ridge. Percy's page has been updated accordingly. Many thanks, Paul.
16th May, 2016
Jeff Thornton joins cousin John Thornton is standing alongside their grandfather, 109646, Cpl. Peter Thornton. Having survived the Battle for Mount Sorrel, on June 2nd, 1916, Peter was taken as a POW. He was subsequently repatriated in December 1918. Peter's biography has been added via the above link.
9th May, 2016
The new Demographic breakdown page has gone live today. The culmination of several years of detailed research, using the regimental nominal roll coupled with the L&AC archives, and the expert knowledge and contributions from researchers George Auer and Arnie Kay, and invaluable input from Rob Schäfer. The demographic breakdown provides an amazing and informative insight into the social backgrounds of the men of the regiment.
The page will be updated as further statistics are completed and added.
14th April, 2016
4th CMR Researcher David Kavanagh has provided a biography for Pte. Harry Loxley, who originally attested to the 8th CMR, which was absorbed into the 4th CMR in January 1916. Taken POW in the Battle for Mount Sorrel, in June 1916, Harry was eventually repatriated in late November 1918.
11th March, 2016
Stephanie Lomax joins the 4th CMR fold today, in representing her grandfather, Pte. John Lomax, and his brother Pte. Robert Lomax. John "Jack" and Robert Lomax were former 198th Battalion men, who found themselves transferred to the 4th CMR in March 1918. Welcome, Stephanie.
2nd March, 2016
A warm welcome is extended to Jennette Spicer, the neice of Pte. John Smit. Jennette has provided additonal biography details to those originally submitted by Linda Heffernan. John was originally born Johannes Terpstra, in the Netherlands, but went under the name of Smit on attestation into the 147th (Grey) Battalion in Owen Sound, Ontario, in December 1915. Sadly he was lost at Vimy Ridge, in April 1917.
16th February, 2016
Many thanks are extended to George Auer, 147th Battalion and 248th Battalion researcher, who has submitted
20 new biographies for men in these regiments who subsequently found themselves transferred to the 4th CMR in 1917. These biographies include:
Ptes. Charles & James Galbraith
Pte. Francis Galvin
Pte. Stanley Gardhouse
Pte. Errol Gaudin
Pte. Joseph Gawley
Pte. James Geddes
Pte. Garfield Gibbons
Pte. William Gibbons
Sgt. John Gillesby
Pte. Albert Gillespie
Cpl. Gilbert Gilmore
Pte. Ennis Girling
Pte. John Godden
Cpl. Eby Goheen
L/Cpl. James Gould
Pte. William Graham
Pte. George Grant
Pte. William Gregory
Pte. Walter Gull.
26th January, 2016
Carol Lylyk joins the 4th CMR fold today, representing her mother's cousin, Pte. Alfred Gordon. Welcome, Carol. Alfred served with the 154th Battalion, finding himself transferred to the 4th CMR in November 1916, but was lost at Passchendaele in October 1917. Welcome, Carol.
19th January, 2016
A warm welcome is extended to Susan McIntosh, who today represents great uncle Pte. Thomas Henry Hiller. Tom, a former 8th CMR man, who was transferred to the 4th CMR with 361 fellows in January 1916, was amongst the 258 men who were captured and taken POW on the morning of June 2nd, 1916, in the Battle for Mount Sorrel. He was subsequently repatriated in December 1918.
31st December, 2015
Many thanks are extended to George Auer for providing a biography for Pte. Mark Franklin, a former 147th Battalion man who
was transferred to the 4th CMR in April 1917. Private Flanklin in represented by relative, Mark Stevenson. George has also contributed biographies for 13 other men,
of former 147th and 248th Battalion orgin who were transferred to the 4th CMR. These are:
Pte. James Facett
Pte. Harry Featherstone
Pte. Alexander Ferguson
Pte. Harvey Fleming
Pte. James Fleming
Pte. Raymon Fluker
Pte. Charles Foames
Pte. Harry Foster
Pte. Robert Foster
Pte. William Foster
Pte. William Fox
Pte. George Foy
Pte. George Franklin.
13th December, 2015
George Auer is one of the researchers who has contributed a good number of detailed and well researched biographies to this site, specifically concerning 147th (Grey) Battalion and 248th Battalion men, who were transferred to the 4th CMR in 1917 and 1918. He has been the link that has allowed many of the extended 4th CMR family to stand beside their relatives.
George has authored a book entitled, "Soldiers of the Soil: Grey County goes to War", telling the stories of the men and women of Grey County, Ontario, in WW1. For more detail, click on this The Sun Times link of November 7th, 2015, which carried an insightful review from Andrew Armitage, who was a volunteer draft reader of George's book.
For those who are interested in obtaining Soldiers of the Soil ($29.95) copies are being carried by The Ginger Press or can be mail-ordered with their toll free number: 1-800-463-9937, (they accept Visa or MasterCard).
26th November, 2015
The Hughes family have, today, submitted a biography for their grandfather, Cpl. Wilfrid Harvey Hughes. Many thanks to them for their collective work.
14th November, 2015
Many thanks go to Simon Grayson for supplying an image of the headstone for Pte. John Jacob Nellis. A former 146th (Frontenac) Battalion man, John was lost in July 1918, and lies at rest in Brookwood Military Cemetery, Surrey, England.
13th November, 2015
A warm welcome is extended to Wilfrid Hughes, grandson of Cpl. Wilfrid Harvey Hughes, who was taken POW on June 2nd, 1916, in the Battle for Mount Sorrel and who was subsequently repatriated in September 1918.
10th November, 2015
Pte. Robert Wellington Gowdy has been represented by relative Kirk Gowdy today. Robert was originally a 146th Battalion man, who was transferred to the 4th CMR in December 1916. Sadly he was lost in September 1918, due to injuries from a gas shell attack. He lies at rest in Terlincthun British Cemetery, Wimille, on the outskirts of Boulogne, France.
1st November, 2015
A warm welcome is extended to Dana Fawcett, who represents her great-great-grandfather, Pte. Rodney Newton, who was taken POW on June 2nd, 1916, in the Battle for Mount Sorrel. He was subsequently repatriated in late November 1918.
5th October, 2015
Many thanks to Simon Grayson for standing alongside Pte. John Jacob Nellis today. John was a former 146th Battalion man who was transferred to the 4th CMR in November 1916. Sadly he passed away in Surrey, England, in July 1918, one of 37 men of the 4th CMR known to have died and been buried in the UK. A biography of Pte. Nellis will follow.
27th September, 2015
Cpl. Albert Mathews has been added to the 'M' In Memoriam page today, represented by relative Winifred Gray. Albert originally attested into the 8th CMR, but after the regiment was disolved in the divisional restructure in January 1916, he was transferred to and served without noteable incident with the 4th CMR to the war's end.
Also added today:
on the 'K' In Memoriam page, along with a biography, is Sgt. Edward Harold Kemp, represented by Edward Wild. Sgt. Kemp was lost on June 2nd, 1916, at the 'Battle for Mount Sorrel',
and on the 'C' In Memoriam page a biography has been added for Pte. Russell Alexander Cragg, as submitted by his nephew, John F. Cragg. Russell, too, was lost on June 2nd, 1916.
19th September, 2015
A warm welcome is extended to Laird Coghill, who represents relative L/Cpl. John Manley Wood, who, as a former 146th Battalion man, was transferred to the 4th CMR in early December, 1916. Alas L/Cpl. Wood was lost on August 26th, 1918, at the time of the 4th CMR's attack on Monchy-le-Preux, in the area of Arras, France.
5th September, 2015
A salute to John Cragg today, representing his uncle, Pte. Russell Alexander Cragg, who, like so many, was lost in the Battle for Mount Sorrel, on June 2nd, 1916.
21st July, 2015
A warm welcome is extended to Kennedy Gillies, who represents Sgt. Christopher Carruthers, a former 74th Battalion man, who, transferred to the 4th CMR in a draft to rebuild the 4th CMR after their huge losses at the Battle for Mount Sorrel in June 1916, was lost at Vimy Ridge on April 9th, 1917.
9th July, 2015
Today marks the 30,000th time The Last Post is played at the Menin Gate Memorial in Ieper (Ypres), Belgium. At 8pm every night, since 1928, and save for a break during WW2, vehicle and pedestrian traffic is stopped from passing through the gate and the bugle players, volunteers from the local fire service, sound out The Last Post. We thank them for their act of remembrance and for continuing to honour the memory of those lost fighting for and defending the strategic town of Ypres.
16th June, 2015
A welcome to the 4th CMR fold is extended to Bruce West, who today stands alongside his grandfather, Pte. William James West.
14th June, 2015
Two men were remembered today: Lt. John William Townhill, represented by grandsons Jerry and Nicholas Townhill, and Pte. William Cornwall Flint represented by great-granddaughter, Brenda Johnston Slack. A warm welcome to these family members as they stand alongside their 4th CMR relatives today and remember.
5th June, 2015
Two biographies have been added to the 'E' In Memoriam page today: Pte. Roy Eccles and Pte. Vernon Elvidge. Both were former 147th Battalion men who were transferred to the 4th CMR in 1917. The biographies are courtesy of George Auer, in the continuation of his men of Grey County project.
28th April, 2015
Thanks are extended to Tim Bradley, who has submitted a biography for Pte. Joshua Clayton as part of a High School history project. Good work, Tim!
Also added today is the extensive biography for Pte. Alexander Kelly Ramsay, which was submitted by Judy Stockham of the Kenora Great War Project.
28th March, 2015
Two biographies were added to the In Memoriam pages today: Capt. John Finlay MacDuff, with Randall MacDuff Clear representing his grandfather and Lt. Arthur Clarke, with Sue Selfe representing her great uncle.
The 'C' - In Memoriam page was updated today to include Tim Bradley, representing New Brunswick brothers Pte. Joshua Clayton and Pte. Ernest Clayton.
8th March, 2015
A warm welcome is extended to the family of Sgt. Russell Crecine, in particular Leone Crecine, Bernice Crecine, Mary Jane Crecine and April Martinez. Initially represented by 147th Battalion researcher, George Auer, as part of his men of Grey County, Ontario, project, granddaughter April Martinez came across her grandfather's biography on this website on February 24th, and quickly made contact. An update on the biography, with additional information, will follow shortly.
11th February, 2015
Barbara Cronk is welcomed to the 4th CMR fold, as she represents CSM. Arthur Biggs. Originally an 83rd Battalion man, Arthur was transferred to the 4th CMR in a rebuilding draft in June 1916, after the 4th CMR had its major losses during June 2nd's 'Battle for Mount Sorrel'. Sadly Arthur, forward in a shell hole and sniping the enemy, was lost to a return sniper bullet during the actions on Passchendaele, on October 26th, 1917.
4th February, 2015
George Auer's Grey County project continues, which is adding biographies for men of Grey County, Ontario, who originally attested into the 147th and 248th Battalions and were later transferred to the 4th CMR. George has submitted 11 more biographies, as follows:
| Pte. Edward Delanty | Ptes. Bert & Norman Dickson | Pte. Harold Dodsworth | Pte. Walter Doran | Pte. Walter Dukes |
| Pte. Lauchlan Dunbar | Pte. George Dundas | Pte. Thomas Dunn | L/Cpl. William Dunn | Pte. Henry Durant |
27th January, 2015
A warm welcome is extended to John Stevens, who is representing his great uncle, Pte. Ralph Newton. Originally a 135th Battalion man, Ralph was transferred to the 4th CMR in February 1918, but was sadly lost in action after consolidating the capture of the village of Folies in early August 1918.
22nd January, 2015
Many thanks are extended to Gretel Watts for providing a biography of her father, Pte. Norman Gates, who, as a 4th CMR original, was sadly wounded in July 1916 and had to return to Canada in early 1917. His service and giving for the values he upheld are remembered here with genuine respect.
9th January, 2015
A warm welcome is extended to Jeff Cooke, who today stands alongside his grandfather, Pte. John Orme Cooke. Formerly an 81st Battalion man, John was transferred to the 4th CMR, as part of a major reinforcement draft to rebuild the regiment after their huge losses during the opening of June 2nd's 'Battle for Mount Sorrel' in 1916. John remained with the regiment to survive the war.
20th December, 2014
Sgt. Clarence Dougherty MM + Bar was added to the In Memoriam pages today, represented by grandson Gordon Downey and great granddaughter Laura Downey. In extending a warm welcome to them both, we look forward to receiving a biography about one of the 4th CMR's medal recipients in due course.
11th December, 2014
Many thanks are extended to Jenn Layne and the British Home Children Advocacy and Research Association for providing a biography for Pte. John Henry Jones who was lost at Vimy in April 1917, and who was amongst an increasing number of "Home Children" found to have served with the 4th CMR.
A warm welcome is extended to Sue Selfe, who represents Lt. Arthur Clarke MC, on the 'C' in Memoriam page..
3rd December, 2014
A warm welcome is extended to Randall MacDuff Clear, who represents his grandfather, Capt. John Finlay MacDuff Croix de Guerre.
1st December, 2014
Kelly Carey has provided a biography for her great-grandfather, Sgt. Austin Holmes, who was added to the In Memoriam 'H' page on November 24th.
30th November, 2014
George Auer has provided six further biographies of men from his Grey County project, focussed on men originally from the 147th Battalion, who were transferred to the 4th CMR. They are as follows:
| Pte. Clarence Darling | Pte. Bert Davis | Pte. John Davis | Pte. William C. Davis | Pte. William M. Davis | Pte. John Davy |
28th November, 2014
Warm welcomes are extended to the following for representing relatives on the In Memoriam pages:
Kelly Carey, for her great-grandfather, Sgt. Austin Holmes, who was lost at Passchendaele, in October 1917;
Gretel Watts, daughter of Pte. Norman Gates, who served and saw the war through as one of the few surviving 4th CMR "originals";
Ian Baird, for great-great uncle Pte. Ralph Gale, who was taken POW in June 1916, but alas fell victim to the Spanish Flu in July 1918.
25th November, 2014
The Grey County project continues, adding biographies for men of Grey County, Ontario, with men originally from the 147th Battalion, who were transferred to the 4th CMR. George Auer has submitted 11 more biographies, as follows:
| Pte. Frank Cope | Ptes. Andrew & William Craik | Pte. Earl Cranney | Pte. Samuel Crawford | Ptes. Victor & William Croft |
| Pte. Roy Cross | Pte. Dudley Crouch | Sgt. Russell Crecine | Pte. Gordon Cutting |
An amazing body of work on George's part, which has come from a book project he is authoring on Grey County soldiers. Details of this will be forthcoming in due course.
Incidentally, in this group Sgt. Russell Crecine becomes the landmark 500th man remembered on the In Memoriam pages. Thank you all for remembering.
21st November, 2014
A warm welcome is extended to Brian Marshall, who represents his grandfather, Pte. Manley Marshall, and Manley's brother, Pte. George Marshall. Both were originally 146th Battalion men who were transferred to the 4th CMR on November 3rd, 1916. A total of 276 men of the 146th BN were transferred into the regiment in November and December 1916. Whilst Manley was wounded twice, he survived the war. Alas, George was lost at a time when the 4th CMR was engaged in attacks on Monchy-le-Preux and Boiry, 3 miles, 5km, east of Arras, France, in the "Last One Hundred Days" of the war.
20th November, 2014
David Kavanagh has added biographies for Pte. William Ager and Pte. Thomas Barefoot, which have been added via their respective In Memoriam pages.
15th November, 2014
David Kavanagh adds a biography for the 4th CMR's first loss, Pte. John Frederick Balmer, a member of a machine gun section, who was killed on November 25th, 1915, near Hill 63, Ploegsteert, Belgium.
10th November, 2014
A warm welcome is extended to Vanessa Oldham, who, along with her sister and mother, represents Sgt. William. A. O. Potter, who as a leader of a bombing Section was lost at Passchendaele on October 26th, 1917.
Brief biographies have been submitted for Ptes. Robert James Qua, Herbert Mathew Zettel and Richard Mathew Zieman, by UK researcher, David Kavanagh. Thanks are extended for those, David.
Michael Bell joins the fold today, too, representing his great uncle, Pte. Robert James Bell, on the In Memoriam page. Welcome, Michael.
5th November, 2014
George Auer's "Grey County" research project continues with the addition of the following biographies on the In Memoriam pages:
Also added to the In Memoriam page are two subjects for a school Canadian History Project, brothers, Ptes. Frank and James Fallis. It is hoped that biographies will appear in due course. Both men, Frank, originally of the 83rd Battalion, and James, originally of the 81st Battalion, were transferred into the 4th CMR in mid-June, 1916, following the huge 4th CMR losses of June 2nd. Both men survived the war without further noted incident.
26th October, 2014
Following a suggestion from a regular contributor to the site (you know who you are!), the In Memoriam pages have now been expanded to include all 4,515 men who are currently known to have served with the 4th CMR.
Still very much pivotal to the site is that each man should not be forgotten (hence this massive expansion of the In Memoriam pages) and that all reasonable opportunity is presented for each and every man to be remembered and represented through personal connection by the people of today.
If you wish to represent a relative or research subject, or wish to step up and stand alongside a 4th CMR man, please do hop to the Contact page to email me. Let us not forget.
13th October, 2014
Welcome to John Moses, who, along with his father Adrian Moses, represents John's great uncle, Pte. Joseph Edwards. Added to the In Memoriam page today, Joseph was originally a 66th Battalion man. Transferred to the 4th CMR on September 27th, 1917, Joseph was sadly lost in the Passchendaele area just a short time later, on October 30th.
11th October, 2014
Reproduced with the permission of ProQuest LLC as part of ProQuest® Historical Newspapers, www.proquest.com, I am delighted to be able to share the Toronto Daily Star account of the 4th CMR's homecoming on March 20th, 1919. Please use this link to jump to the War Diary 1919 page as the gateway to seeing this article. In many ways it is both very moving for those with returning loved ones and heart breaking for those whose relatives did not see that day.
3rd October, 2014
A warm welcome is extended to Curtis Auwaerter, who represents his grandfather, Pte. Frederick Oram MM + Bar. Formerly of the 83rd Battalion, Frederick was transferred to the 4th CMR on June 7th, 1916, as part of the reserve contingent used to rebuild the 4th CMR after its heavy losses in the 'Battle of Mount Sorrel' on June 2nd. Frederick survived the war.
12th September, 2014
Many thanks are extended to Steve Cranstoun for providing a biography and image of his grandfather, Cpl. Langford Duer Cranstoun, who has been added to the In Memoriam page today.
2nd September, 2014
A warm welcome is extended to Greg Smith, as he represents his great-grandfather, Pte. Douglas Freeman, who was added to the In Memoriam page today. Originally an 83rd Battalion man transferred to the 4th CMR in July 1916, Douglas was lost, presumed killed, on September 15th, 1916. This was mostly likely during the 4th CMR's flanking support in the attack on Courcelette that had them infront of the infamous Zollern Redoubt.
1st September, 2014
Further Grey County project (147th and 248th Battalion men transferred to the 4th CMR) biographies added today were: Pte. Alfred Brown, L/Cpl. William Brown, Pte. Willis Brown, Pte. Stanley Bryans, Pte. Charles Buchanan, L/Cpl. Elgin Buckley, his brother Pte. Harvey Buckley, Pte. Clement Burdis and Pte. Edward Butterfield. Thanks again to George Auer for his hard work and dedication.
This is a landmark day for the website, as with the inclusion of L/Cpl. William Brown, the number of 4th CMR men individually represented by relatives or researchers today reached and passed 454. This means that since starting this website in 2006, 10% of the regiment's total number (4,542) now has somebody individually remembering them today. A commendable effort, I am sure you will agree. A big thank you to all relatives and researchers alike who have allowed me to honour these men and to perpetuate their memories on the In Memoriam page and, where submitted, through individual biographies of those who served in the 4th CMR. We stand with these men and we truly say, We will remember them.
31st August, 2014
George Auer's Grey County project continues with the addition of the following biographies: Pte. Stanley Boyd, Sgt. Thomas Bradley,
Pte. Sandford Breadner, Pte. Wallace Brett, Pte. Thomas Brooks and Pte. Hector Brown.
18th August, 2014
Additional details have been added to Pte. James Bowman's webpage. Thanks go to George Auer and to Betty Forbes for the update.
15th August, 2014
Warm welcomes are extended to Maureen Wilson, who represents her great uncle, Pte. John Arthur Haworth, and to Peter Semple, also representing his great uncle, Pte. Roderick Mackenzie Ferguson.
12th August, 2014
Many thanks are extended to Jim Bolton, for representing his grandfather, Cpl. John Liscombe, who was added to the In Memoriam page today. John was part of the 4th CMR's original intake at attestation, and aside from a wounding in April 1916, he survived the war. Jim reports that his grandfather took part in the Regimental "Depositing of Colours" service at Toronto's St. James" Cathedral, on June 8th, 1919.
11th August, 2014
A warm welcome is extended to Rosemary Henderson, niece of Pte. John Robb Henderson, who was one of the many lost during June 2nd, 1916's 'Battle for Mount Sorrel'. Originally attesting into the 33rd Battalion, John was transferred to the 4th CMR in May 1916, a week before his loss. A short biography will follow shortly.
Also welcomed to the 4CMR fold is Lorne Sedore, whose great great uncle, Pte. Herbert Walter Turner, was transferred to the 4th CMR from the 110th Battalion in June 1917. He was subsequently lost in August 1918. A biography will also follow soon.
27th July, 2014
The Grey County project continues, with the addition of ten more biographies via the In Memoriam page: Pte. Walter Barrett, Pte. Walter Beare, Pte. Roy Beaton, Pte. Amos Bell, Pte. James Bell, Pte. John Bell, Pte. Frederick Bellamy, Pte. Laird Binns, Pte. William Bott and Pte. William Bouglas. Thanks are once again extended to George Auer for his continued work in remember the men of Grey County, Ontario.
18th July, 2014
Three further Grey County project men were added to the In Memoriam page today: Pte. Percy Barber, Pte. Elgin Alexander Barclay and A/Sgt. Albert Henry Barrett. As ever, thanks to George Auer for his continued submissions of biographies for 147th and 248th BN men of Grey County, Ontario, who saw service with the 4th CMR.
14th July, 2014
A very warm welcome is extended to Rhonda-Lynn Robson, representing her grandfather, Ephraim Robson, who, as a British Home Child, was born in the UK but was re-homed in Canada, along with his brother, Robert. Both Ephraim and Robert signed on in the name Porter (their mother's maiden name) with Ephraim signing on with the 33rd Battalion as Pte. William George Porter. Men from the 33rd BN were transferred to the 4th CMR in June 1916, following the 4th CMR's losses on June 2nd in the Battle for Mount Sorrel. Ephraim survived the war, and indeed saw service with the Perth Regiment in World War 2.
9th July, 2014
Three biographies for former 147th Battalion men, who joined the 4th CMR in early 1917, have been added today: Cpl. John Wesley Baker, Pte. John Wesley Baker and Pte. Wesley George Baker. Many thanks to George Auer for his continued submissions from his Grey County project.
8th July, 2014
A warm welcome is extended to Antony Atkin, who represents his great uncle, L/Cpl John Edward Willis. Taken as a POW in June 2nd, 1916's 'Battle for Mount Sorrel', John was subsequently repatriated December 1918.
5th July, 2014
Many thanks are extended to Keith Randall, in providing a biography for his father, Sgt. John Randall, who was taken POW in the Battle for Mount Sorrel, on June 2nd, 1916.
George Auer continues his Grey County project, submitting biographies of 147th and 248th Battalion men who found themselves in the 4th CMR. The biographies added today are: Pte. James Acton, Cpl. Walter Adair, Pte. Harry Ainsworth, A/Sgt. Alfred Allen, Pte. Hugh Anderson, Pte. Mike Bailey, Lt. Claude Kormann, Lt. Walter Pfeffer and Lt. Joseph Yule.
24th April, 2014
The following from Linda Heffernan's research project were added to the In Memoriam page today, along with their associated biographies: Pte. Alfred Libby, Pte. Colin McLean, Pte. Napolean Paul, Pte. Harry Roushorn, Pte. John Smit, L/Cpl. Thomas Speakman and Pte. William Teal.
Pte. Roushorn was the 408th man to be represented, and as such another milestone was reached as 9% of the regiment's final numbers were then represented by family and researchers alike today.
22nd April, 2014
A biography for L/Cpl. Harold Henderson MM has been added via the In Memoriam page. Many thanks to his grandson, David Kershaw, for providing the details. Harold's story is an amazing one following being taken POW on June 2nd, 1916's 'Battle for Mount Sorrel' and his subsequent escape.
Also added today are the biographies for brothers, Pte. Austin Lewis and Pte. Ernest Percival Lewis, as contributed by Linda Heffernan. Seven further biographies will be added to the In Memoriam page over the coming days thanks to Linda's ongoing research work.
21st April, 2014
As reported on the 18th, Aimee Robison submitted a biography for Pte. Reuben Neath, and this has now been added to the In Memoriam page. Many thanks, Aimee.
18th April 2014
With apologies for the delay, thanks are extended to George Auer for initially bringing Sgt. Nelson Crowe MM to the In Memoriam page in the continuation of his 147th BN project. Nelson was quickly joint represented by his great great niece, Aimee Robison, who was found after a newspaper article concerning Nelson's medals circulated. Aimee provided the image of Nelson and additional biographical detail. In the small world it turns out to be sometimes, Aimee noted that Reuben Neath was also on the In Memoriam page, and I am told that he is also a great great uncle of hers. A biography for Reuben will appear in due course.
Also added today are the biographies for Capt. Thomas Dixon MM MC and his brother, Lt. Gerald Dixon MM. Many thanks to John Cannon for his Babbacombe research project bringing these 4th CMR men to the In Memoriam page.
16th April 2014
4cmr.com welcomes Keith Randall to the fold in representing his father, Sgt. John William Randall. John was taken as a POW in the aftermath of June 2nd, 1916's 'Battle for Mount Sorrel' and repatriated in September 1917.
This is a particularly notable moment, as Sgt. John Randall becomes the In Memoriam page's 400th man to be represented by either a relative or a researcher today. Thank you all so much for your contributions. We will remember them.
14th March 2014
Although now resolved, I have just learned that due to a technical problem, the website has not been receiving email since March 4th. If you emailed me after 3rd March and have not received a reply, with my apologies could I ask you to re-send your email in order that I may respond accordingly. Many thanks.
6th March 2014
A warm welcome is extended to David Kershaw, representing his grandfather, Pte. Harold Henderson. Formerly a 35th Battalion man, Harold survived the June 2nd, 1916, "Battle for Mount Sorrel" only to be taken prisoner. He was repatriated in August 1917, following a successful escape attempt. A biography is planned in due course.
28th February 2014
George Auer's Grey County project continues, with the addition of Major George Donald Fleming and Lt. Neil Edward McDonald MM on the In Memoriam page, and with further details being added to Lt. Robert Spencer's page.
23rd February 2014
Researcher George Auer has done a magnificent body of work on researching the men of the 147th (Grey) and 248th Battalions. As these men became draft transfers into the 4th CMR in 1917, they will duly be included on the In Memoriam page.
The process of bringing these men to the fore begins with the biographies of two former 147th BN men: Private William Richardson and Private Oliver Sensabaugh DCM. Many thanks are extended to George on this work, and details will be forthcoming in due course on a book George is authoring, titled "Soldiers of the Soil / Grey County goes to War."
18th February 2014
Welcome to R. Keith Davidson, great nephew to Pte. John Henry "Harry" Featherston, who was added to the In Memoriam page today. Harry, originally a 147th BN man, was transferred to the 4th CMR in April 1917, and whilst wounded in the following September, he thankfully survived the war.
13th February 2014
Many thanks to Jim Busby for bringing Pte. Harry Erland Lee to the In Memoriam page. Harry, part of the 4th CMR orginals to sail to the UK in Oct. 1915, subsequently saw time with the Fort Garry Horse and was lost at Courcelette in Sept. 1916, with the 1st Canadian Motor Machine Gun Brigade. A biography will follow in due course.
23rd January 2014
Warm welcomes are extended to John Cannon, representing Capt. Thomas W. E. Dixon MC MM, who was lost on August 3rd, 1918, and Donna Gagnon, representing former 8th CMR man, Pte. Vivian E. Steers, who was taken P.O.W. on June 2nd, 1916.
27th November 2013
Thanks are posted to Jim Busby for his continuing research work, this time bringing details of Sgt. Cecil Cavell, a former 110th BN man who survived the war.
26th November 2013
A warm welcome is extended to Malcolm Meachen, representing Pte. Walter Meachen, who was added to the In Memoriam page today. Pte. Meachen, originally attesting into the 110th BN, was transferred to the 4th CMR in April 1917 and survived the war.
25th November 2013
Many thanks to Lynn Matthison, for providing a biography for L/Cpl. Angus Torrie.
This new entry is one of those landmark additions, seeing the numbers of soldiers represented by relatives and researchers today rise to 9% of the regiment's final numbers (some 4,544 men). Many thanks to all for contacting and contributing since the site's launch, back in May 2006, for making that possible.
3rd November 2013
A warm welcome is extended to Thomas Eastwood, who represents his grandfather, Cpl. Herbert John Eastwood; initially of the 130th (Lanark and Renfrew) Battalion, Herbert joined the 4th CMR in the field in January 1917, but sadly was lost after the opening action at Passchendaele in October that year.
Sapper Benjamin Arthur Tribe's page was added to the site for researcher purposes only.
6th September 2013
David Housman joins the 4cmr.com family in representing his grandfather, L/Cpl. Harry Pearson, who originally attested as a 35th Battalion man. Transferred to the 4th CMR in July 1916, Harry survived the war with the regiment, without incident.
David Kavanagh has provided two further brief biographies, for: Hon. Capt. Kenneth Marlatt and Pte. John Moulding.
14th July 2013
Thanks are extended to Jim Busby for the detailed biographies of: Pte. Hugh Baillie, Pte. Joseph McCoy, and Pte. Joseph Wharrie, and to Rick Rackliff for the biogrpahy of his grandfather Pte. Albert Rackliff.
29th June 2013
A warm welcome and thanks are extended to Andrew Godefroy for supplying an excellent biography of Capt. John Symons, 4th CMR's Adjutant until his loss in the 'Battle for Mount Sorrel' on June 2nd, 1916.
25th June 2013
Ptes. Thomas Howard and Gabriel Lee were added to the In Memoriam page today, with thanks to researcher George Auer for standing with them. Pte. Howard passed away 4 years after the war ended (and as such was considered to have died while in service - thus his name is recorded in the Book of Remembrance), whilst Pte. Lee died on active duty in October 1917 and his name appears on the Vimy Memorial.
2nd June 2013
97 years ago German forces opened the Battle for Mount Sorrel around Sanctuary and Armagh Woods, near Zillebeke, south-east of Ypres (Ieper). The battle would rage, back and forth, for 13 days. The line, when the dust settled, was pretty much where it had started. The cost? 10,000 lives in total for no gain.
This was the blackest day for the 4th CMR, with some 190 killed, 110 injured and 280 taken POW. The regiment was so devastated, so scattered in the days after, that only 73 men of 680 answered to their name at roll call on June 3rd. Let us not forget.
14th May 2013
A warm welcome is extended to Steve Harris, representing his grandfather, former 169th BN man, Pte. John P. Harris, who was transferred into the 4th CMR in January 1917.
13th May 2013
Many thanks to 147th BN researcher, George Auer, for representing for 147th BN man, Pte. Willis Clark Brown, who was transferred in to the 4th CMR in April 1917.
4th May 2013
With three new names being added to the In Memoriam page today, warm welcomes are extended to Jim Busby, representing Ptes. Hugh Baillie, Joseph McCoy and co-representing previously listed Joseph Wharrie, and to Rick Rackliff, representing Pte. Albert Rackliff. Biographies or service summaries will follow for all men shortly.
11th April 2013
Many thanks to George Auer for representing Pte. Daniel Miller, a Grey County, Ontario, man, from the 37th BN, wounded three times whilst serving with the 4th CMR. A biography is planned and I hope to be able to share it here in the not too distant future.
21st March 2013
Debra Coulter joins the 4th CMR family, in representing her great great uncle, Pte. Whitford Unger. Originally of the 155th BN, Whitford came into the 4th CMR in November 1916. He was wounded at Vimy, in April, 1917, and although serving with the regiment to the end of the war, he subsequently passed away in 1921. We look forward to a biography on Whitford in due course, but in the meantime, welcome, Debra.
8th March 2013
A warm welcome is extended to Evelyn Davies, who, with her sister, is working on a biography of their great uncle, Pte. John Williams, to share with us here. Originally of the 146th BN, John fell with the 4th CMR at Vimy in April, 1917.
5th March 2013
Many thanks are extended to George Auer, once again, for providing a detailed biography, this time for Major Addison Mackenzie MC.
5th February 2013
In thanking Linda Heffernan for her patience, the biographies of three 4th CMR men who lost their lives in the Battle for Vimy Ridge, on 11th April 1917, have been added to the In Memoriam page. They are: Pte. Edward Cole, Pte. Rufus Jackson and Pte. Thomas Parks. Many thanks are extended to Linda for the biographies, and to J. Stephens for the headstone images.
4th February 2013
With thanks extended once again to George Auer, a detailed biography of Capt. George Clark OC, OBE, MC, has been added, and Pte. Allan Dunoon's biography has been updated, thanks to Elizabeth Reynolds.
3rd February 2013
After an unavoidable, enforced delay, the following updates were made today: L/Sgt. Leicester Sutton's extensive and well researched biography was added, with thanks to Craig Fisher, a photo was added to Pte. William Stoddart's webpage, with thanks to Shaun Stoddart, Pte. George Raynor's webpage was added, with thanks to Ric Raynor, and Pte. James Dainty was added to the In Memoriam, with thanks and welcome to Jon Dainty Sr.
Pte. Dainty brings the total number of men specifically remembered and represented by somebody today to 368 (that's 8% of the regiment).
Further update work is being done which will bring further biographies to the site in the next week or so. Many thanks, to all who have submitted material and biographies in the last few months, for your patience in the meantime.
26th December 2012
In welcoming Ric Raynor to the fold, Ric has supplied a biography for Pte. George Townsend Raynor. George's uncle was Ric's grandfather, so in keeping it all in the family, the biography supplied by Ric will be added via George Raynor's In Memoriam page entry shortly.
In similar vein, Shaun Stoddart has sent in an image of Pte. William Stoddart, Linda Heffernen has provided biographies for 3 further men of the 4th CMR buried at Thelus Military Cemetery who died in the action against Vimy Ridge in April 1917, and Craig Fisher has supplied a fantastic biography and image of L/Sgt. Leonard Sutton.
After unavoidable delay, these valuable updates will be added to the website very shortly. In thanking the above, and all contributors and visitors to the site, here's to 2013 and all that it has in store for us. Lest we forget, may we yet learn.
17th November 2012
Thanks are extended to John Stephens for providing a biography and image of Sgt. Richard Wood, who was one of the too many lost in June 2nd, 1916's "Battle for Mount Sorrel". Richard was John's father's half-brother, and joins Ken Wood, John's half cousin, who was already representing Sgt. Richard Wood on the In Memoriam page.
10th November 2012
As we approach November 11th once again, a time to remember and reflect, and to wonder whether we have yet learned, 4cmr.com is pleased to welcome Dianne Sedore-McCoy, granddaughter to Pte. Rodney Clarke Newton, who was taken POW on June 2nd, 1916 - the 4CMR's darkest day at the outset of the "Battle for Mount Sorrel". Rodney survived to be repatriated in late November 1918, and was first remembered here in 2010 by researcher Art Hubbs.
2nd November 2012
Welcomes are extended by 4cmr.com to:
Bob Richards for representing Pte. Fred Conbeer, who was taken POW on November 5th, 1918 - whilst questions remain concerning his subsequent time in captivity, for the time being his passing date is formally recorded as the same date;
Craig Fisher representing L/Sgt. Leonard Sutton, who died amidst the nightmare of June 2nd 1916's "Battle for Mount Sorrel".
28th October 2012
Thanks are extended to Lynn Matthison for the biography of Pte. Fred Wilson, whose actions prior to his own fatal accident on July 10th, 1918, saved the lives of those around him. A story of extraordinary selflessness.
Also, as a timely reminder, the Faces of Holzminden project is a book currently in development, which vividly illuminates the fascinating lives of the men of Holzminden; the notoriously inescapable German POW camp for officers, located in Lower Saxony, Germany. Determined not to be defined by their prison experiences, many detainees went on to forge blazing careers as captains of industry, inventors, artists, poets, teachers, aviators and businessmen; even a Hollywood director.
As previously encouraged here before, if you have a relative or research subject who, as a Canadian servicemen, was held at Holzminden in WW1, please do visit the above website and via their Contacts page do drop author Jacqueline Cook or Ross Thomas a line. 4cmr.com has supported this project from its early days, and would strongly encourage you to make contact with Jacqueline or Ross if you can provide details on any Holzminden detainees.
19th October 2012
In a much overdue update adding the following entries to the In Memoriam page, 4cmr.com extends warm welcomes to:
Neil Ducas, representing L/Cpl John Ferguson Burns Kyle, who passed away November 2nd 1917, having received serious wounds in the action at Passchendaele on October 26th;
Linda Heffernan, representing Sgt. John Bonham, lost at Passchendaele in April 1917;
David Archer, representing Pte. Charles Ball, who was lost in the "Battle for Mount Sorrel" near Ypres on June 2nd, 1916;
George Auer, representing Capt. John Dobie, who fell near Boiry in the "Second Battle of Arras", on August 28th, 1918, and Pte. Thomas Devine, who was severely injured near Houdain in late Jaunary 1918, and who subsequently passed away due to complications as a result of that wounding in September 1922;
Ian Wright, representing Pte. William Heywood, who, having been one of the lucky few to survive June 2nd, 1916's "Battle for Mount Sorrel", was subsequently taken POW, but survived the the duration of the war;
Reg & Lynn Matthison, representing L/Cpl Charles Matthison and Pte. Fred Wilson, the former being wounded by a fatal grenade accident initiated by the latter.
7th July 2012
A warm welcome is extended to David Archer, who stands alongside Cpl. John Wilson Lamont, who was lost at the 'Battle for Mount Sorrel' on June 2nd, 1916, and Lt. Joseph Hammill Prescott, who was lost at Regina Trench on 16th October, 1916.
8th June 2012
4cmr.com welcomes Ian Wright, who stands alongside his grandfather, L/Cpl. William Heywood, who, as an original member of the 4th CMR, though surviving the "Battle for Mount Sorrel" on June 2nd, 1916, was taken POW that morning and was not repatriated until December 1918.
22nd April 2012
Many thanks are extended to Rev. Stephen Hallford and Lyle Falk for providing images of a picture of the Rev. Hon. Capt. William Davis and the plaque dedicated to him by his comrades, both of which hang in St. Peter's Anglican Church, in Edmonton, Alberta.
3rd April 2012
Tony Ross is welcomed to 4cmr.com, as he represents Pte. Sidney Drew, who originally as a 33rd Battalion man, served with the 4th CMR from June 1916 until he was honourably discharged in February 1917. Sidney becomes the 355th man to be represented on the In Memoriam page.
2nd April 2012
A warm welcome is extended to Bruce Hill, along with sincere thanks for the biography and image of his grandfather, Pte. Walter "John" Hill, whose details have been added to the In Memoriam page today.
4th March 2012
4cmr.com would like to take this opportunity to draw your attention to Faces of Holzminden, a book dedicated to illuminating the personal stories of the officer POWs held in the notorious Kaserne Holzminden camp, in Lower Saxony, Germany, between September 1917 and December 1918. Linked to an up and coming feature film, entitled "The Enemy Within" which dramatises the famous Allied tunnelling escape of July, 1918, Faces of Holzminden is aiming for a release to coincide with the centenary anniversary of the commencement of the Great War in 2014.
If a relative or research subject spent any time at Holzminden, or even if they didn't, do drop in on this fascinating body of work, lend your encouragement to its progress, and contribute if you can via the email addresses on their website of via their Facebook page.
17th January 2012
The entry for Hon. Captain Rev. William Davis has been extended, with an additional quote from the Operational Narratives for the actions on Oct. 26th, 1917.
Warm welcomes are extended to Colleen Leonard and Kenneth Lyle, grandchildren of Cpl. Herbert Edward Scarborough, who was added to the In Memoriam page today. Cpl. Scarborough survived the war and a biography will follow in due course.
27th December 2011
The extensive resources available on the 'Library and Archives Canada' website now include the addition of 'Circumstances of Death Registers - First World War' pages. These provide views of the original register pages that detail the cause of death for all soldiers lost whilst serving with the Canadian Expeditionary Force in WW1. For a brief overview and helpful indexing page, see the Microform Index page, added to this site today.
24th December 2011
A new section, 4th CMR Chaplains, has been added to the site. As an extension to the In Memoriam page, this new section is a tribute to the 4th CMR Chaplains who served in a direct or support role in meeting the needs of the men, in both spiritual and practical terms. Selfless to the end, as many as 300 or more chaplains lost their lives in WW1, and here 4cmr.com begins the process of identifying them and recognising and acknowledging their contribution through those difficult and dark days.
22nd December 2011
A warm welcome is extended to Chris Jones, whose grandmother's brother, Pte. Irving Belaire, was added to the In Memoriam page today. Pte. Belaire, who fell at the Battle for Mount Sorrel, on June 2nd, 1916, becomes the 350th man of the 4th CMR to be remembered and represented today by relatives or researchers.
15th December 2011
L/Cpl. Henry Boyd Hodge was added to the In Memoriam page today. A biography will follow shortly, as part of a project researching the chaplains of the 4th CMR. In the meantime, please do see Hon. Capt. the Rev. William Davies' biography.
11th December 2011
A minor site update was rolled out today. A further rejuvination will take place in 2012 to add features and broaden the scope of the site a little more. Thanks go to all who have contributed over the years to see that 8% of the regiment's numbers are directly represented and remembered by a relative or researcher today.
As part and parcel of that, a warm welcome is extended to Julia Cameron, granddaughter of one of the 4th CMR's earlier Commanding Officers, Sandford Fleming Smith DSO, whose name has been added to the In Memoriam page. A biography will follow in due course.
20th November 2011
Thanks are extended to Bart Blachford for providing an image of Lt. Alexander McDonald's headstone. The Lieutenant was lost in the attack on Le Quesnel on August 9th, 1918. 4cmr.com has provided a biography to accompany the image.
Further thanks are extended to Lynn Weimer, for supplying a biography for Pte. Elmer Stevens.
13th November 2011
Ptes. William James Laird and William John McKessock were added to the In Memoriam page today, represented by William Laird's grandson, Jack Laird. William Laird survived the war, whilst William McKessock fell at Passchendaele in October 1917. Welcome to the fold, Jack.
10th November 2011
On the eve of November 11th, warm welcomes are extended to Maryann Hazelwood, representing Pte. Thomas Henry "Reginald" Daniels, who was lost at Mouquet Farm, Pozieres, in September 1916, and to 2Lt. Bill Walker (RCAC), representing Pte. Willaim Angus Smith, who was taken POW in mid-1918 and not repatriated until January 1919.
It is of special note, as we approach Remembrence Day, that the number of 4th CMR men represented by relatives and researchers today reached 342; 8% of the regiment's final numbers. We will indeed remember them.
1st November 2011
Thanks are extended to Mattan Jones, for supplying a biography for Pte. John Wilson, who fell near Monquet Farm, on The Somme, in September 1916.
26th October 2011
Two updates to the In Memoriam page today see Bryan Joyce adding a detailed biography to Cpl. Philip Lizmore's entry, and newcomer, W. John Maize, representing Major Henry Clarke Davis MC + Bar, much about whom is written in S.G. Bennett's 1926 4th CMR History. John has also provided a detailed biography about a man greatly revered in the 4th CMR.
18th October 2011
A warm welcome is extended to Wendy Chaloux, who represents new In Memoriam page addition, Lt. John Duncan Campbell. Originally a reserve officer with the 33rd Grey Regiment, John came to the 4th CMR via the 147th (Grey) Battalion. Alas he was lost at Passchendaele in October 1917.
6th October 2011
A brief biography and images have been added to the In Memoriam page entry for Lt. Edwin Austin Abbey, with fellow officers Major Addison A. MacKenzie, Captain Gregory Clark, and Lts. William G. Butson, James A. Chenney and Lyell C. Johnston being represented on the In Memoriam page.
1st October 2011
Two new additions have been placed on the In Memoriam page: Pte. William John Hopkins, represented by Erik Kegelmann, and Pte. William Joseph Gereghty, represented by great-granddaughter Brandi Butts.
Pte. Hopkins was a 147th Battalion man, transfered to the 4th CMR in March 1917. He was lost on October 26th, 1917, in the opening offensive against Passchendaele. Pte. Gereghty was a 1st Battalion, 2nd Central Ontario Regiment man, who was transferred to the 4th CMR in early September 1918. He subsequently survived the war. A warm welcome is extended to Erik and Brandi.
25th September 2011
In the addition to the continuing process of researching the May 25th, 1917, unexploded shell accident which killed 10 men of the 4th CMR, and wounded 10 others, Bryan Joyce has provided biographes for Sgt. Percy Roy Lawson and Cpl. Stanley Otis Clark. Sgt. Lawson was killed in the attack on Vimy Ridge, in April 1917, and Cpl. Clark was killed in the earlier attack on Regina Trench, in October 1916.
Bryan also stands alongside Sergeants Edward MacDonald, William Reynolds and Joseph Thompson on the In Memoriam page. These men were also lost in the Regina Trench attack and one of these was more than likely directly replaced in the field by Sgt. Lawson.
19th September 2011
Bryan Joyce has added a biography for May 26th, 1917, accident victim, Pte. Thomas Davy.
LCol. George Franklin McFarland has been added to the In Memoriam page, represented by 147th and 248th Battalion researcher, George Auer. This detailed and informative biography brings the total number of 4th CMR men represented on this website to 327; 7% of the regiment's final numbers.
4cmr.com acknowledges the extensive work put in by both Bryan and George over the years to honour the memories of the men of the 4th CMR
11th September 2011
Further thanks are extended to Bryan Joyce for representing Pte. Thomas Davy and Pte. Morley Gilbert, both wounded in the May 26th, 1917, unexploded bomb incident, which Bryan has done extensive research work on. Also welcomed back to the 4cmr.com fold is Debbie Bennett-Toms, representing Ptes. Robert Kerr and George Rennie, and Sgt. Roderick MacKenzie, who were killed by the same mortar explosion as her grandfather's brother, Pte. William Sharp, whom she already represents. We also again acknowledge the loss of Major Sneath of the 5th CMR the same day, but in a seperate incident. He and the 4th CMR men were buried in a joint ceremony at Thelus Military Cemetery.
8th September 2011
Special thanks go to George Auer for representing Pte. Malcolm Campbell, to Bryan Joyce for representing Cpls. Stanley Otis Clark, James Hulland (representation for the latter being transferred from 4cmr.com to Bryan), Cpl. Philip Robert Lizmore and Sgt. Percy Roy Lawson. Special thanks are also extended to Lynn Weimer & Lavina Mather for representing Pte. Elmer Leroy Stevens. Biographies for some of these men will be provided in due course. These men will not be forgotten.
4th September 2011
A warm welcome is extended to Bruce Gill, as he stands alongside his father, Sgt. Albert Edward Gill, on the In Memoriam page. Although wounded at Hill 70 in January 1918, Albert Gill survived the war. Bruce has provided a biography and image of his father, which can be accessed via the In Memoriam page.
17th August 2011
Added to the In Memoriam page today is Pte. Alfred Wood, represented by his granddaughter, Carly Wood. Alfred was wounded at Vimy in April 1917, but survived the war. A biography will follow in due course. Welcome to the fold, Carly.
Alfred's addition brings the total 4th CMR soldiers representated to date to 315. (7% of the regiment's final numbers). Thank you all.
31st July 2011
I am pleased to add a biography page to Pte. Jack Belfontaine's entry on the In Memoriam page. Many thanks go to his grandson, Chris Belfontaine, for the details and the images
A warm welcome is extended to Bruce Deynes, who, representing his great-grandmother's nephew, L/Cpl. Elwood Richards MM, brought to light a previously unknown commemorative cap badge issued to men of the 4CMR, to commemorate their second Christmas and New Year in the field.
Also very much welcomed to the website is Terry House, whose WW1 nurse relative, Ethel Paskell, kept an autograph book. In amongst many and varied inscriptions was found a poem written by 4CMR Private Charles Norman Allen. This poem was written after Charles had been wounded in the line north-west of Albert in September 1916 and found himself under care in a Cardiff hospital. Many thanks are extended to Terry for a scan and transcription of the poem, which is copied in full with Terry's permission on Charles Allen's webpage. Terry also kindly agreed to represent Pte. Charles Allen and as such rightly stands alongside him on the website's In Memoriam page.
15th June 2011
4cmr.com welcomes James Carver to the fold, representing his grandfather on the In Memoriam page: Sgt. David Harold Borden, who originally attested as a 6th CMR man.
Also very warmly welcomed are Phil Dowling and Rick Munroe. Their relative, Lt. Vernon Dowling, was one of the very earliest entries on the fledgling 4cmr.com site way back, and it is a joy and pleasure to add to the site today a full and extensively detailed biography for Vernon. As with many others on the site, this biography is a work of love and admiration. As it is for all the men we remember here, it is a distinct honour to share Vernon's story with you. Many thanks to Phiil and Rick for their hard work.
5th May 2011
Welcomes are extended to: Kenneth Wood, representing his uncle Sgt. Richard Wood, and Thomas William Mather and Lynn Weimer for the biography and images supplied for Pte. Thomas Laidlaw Mather's webpage.
11th April 2011
New additions to the In Memoriam page included: Pte. Samuel Heyes, represented by Darrell Zinck, Pte. Frederick Hall, represented by Carol Mason (with thanks to Evan Hand), Capt. Herbert Rounds, represented by Mike Kells, and Pte. Edwin Payne, represented by Glenn Mealey. Know, all, that they are not forgotten and that it is an honour to remember them here. Further and more recent contacts will be posted on the website in the next few days.
10th April 2011
A warm welcome is extended to John Bayrcroft, who is the nephew of Pte. Thomas Errol Baycroft. From the In Memoriam page entry, a biography and Facebook link will be added to the website shortly.
7th March 2011
Peter Maxfield has provided this link to his building work on the 1st Canadian Mounted Rifles. With the War Diaries transcription well under way, this link provides access to a growing set of photos and artifacts that aspires to be the basis of a proposed 1st C.M.R. website. Recent additions include a panoramic glass plate of the officers and men outside Brandon Armoury in early 1915, and scans of a handwritten Nominal Roll of "A" Squadron (Company).
Peter Maxfield is a grandson of Major (Lt.-Col) W.E.Maxfield D.S.O. (won at Vimy Ridge). 4cmr.com wishes Pete all the best for the coming website and invites 4CMR visitors to support the work in progress by dropping in to see the material and records concerning this sister CMR regiment.
19th February 2011
A welcomed contact was received from Lynn Weimer this week. Great niece to Pte. Thomas Laidlaw Mather, Lynn was delighted to find an image of her relation's headstone provided by the site. Thomas was, until this time, represented by the website pending hoped for contact by any relatives. As such, 4cmr.com hands over representation of Pte. Mather to Lynn's father, also a Thomas and nephew to Pte. Mather, and Lynn herself.
17th February 2011
A warm welcome is extended to Mike King, who stands alongside his great-great uncle, Pte. Elijah Martin on the In Memoriam page. It is with thanks to Yvo Henniker-Heaton that Mike was able to see an image of Elijah's headstone at Ligny-St.Flochel cemetery.
23rd January 2011
Thanks are extended to Elizabeth Reynolds for supplying a biography for and photograph of Pte. Allan Dunoon, which have been added to Allan Dunoon's entry on the In Memoriam page.
17th January 2011
Many thanks to Olivier Hancart, for finding a photograph postcard of Ptes. Jack "John" Aicken and Douglas Murray at a military fair in France and subsequently supplying a copy of it to 4cmr.com for sharing here. It is noted that both men survived the war, as original 4CMR intakes, without significant wounding or injury. Their names have been added to the In Memoriam page, bringing the total represented there to 306.
Olivier tells me he also found a 4CMR cap badge in the fields in Maroeuil, France. The 4CMR were in billets there in Oct. 1916 and Jan. 1917. A rare and lucky find for sure.
14th January 2011
Warm welcomes are extended to the family of Pte. John Albert McIndoo, who has been added to the In Memoriam page today.
13th January 2011
A further biography has been added to the In Memoriam page, for new addition Sgt. George Knowles, who died in an accidental explosion on May 26th, 1917. Thanks are extended to Bryan Joyce for contributing this biography, and for the others killed in this tragic incident.
8th January 2011
A biography has been added to Pte. Walter McNair's entry on the In Memoriam page. Thanks to Bruce McNair, and sister Debbie, for the image and the biography details.
3rd January 2011
Many thanks are extended to Bryan Joyce, for two further biographies supplied for 4CMR men lost in the accidental blind shell blast of May 26th, 1917. Bryan brings the first additions of 2011 to the In Memoriam page: Ptes. Shurley Asselstine and George Griffin.
10th November 2010
Today marks another milestone, as the 300th man is added to the In Memoriam page, Pte. John Monds, as represented by relative David Monds. Lost at Vimy in April 1917, Pte. Monds was a former 146th BN man, transferred to the 4CMR in November 1916. Welcome to David.
2nd November 2010
The In Memoriam page has been updated today, with the addition of the following 4CMR men: Cpl. Peter Thornton (represented by Jeff Thornton), Pte. Charles Hartin (Bryan Joyce), Ptes. George and Joseph Heaps (Kate Smith) and Pte. Walter McNair (Bruce McNair). A warm welcome is extended to these relatives and researchers, who collectively bring the number of 4CMR men represented today by family or researchers to 299 (7% of the regiment's final numbers). Biographies have been furnished for some of the above and will these will be added to the site via the In Memoriam page very shortly.
22nd October 2010
Thanks to a link that was found in the 4cmr.com News Archive (18 Oct. 2009), Sharon Lord was able to make contact with a researcher who had a picture of her 4CMR grandfather, Pte. Joseph Villeneuve, who had been taken POW during the Battle for Mount Sorrel, in June 1916. As such I welcome Sharon and her mother, Lucille - Joseph's daughter - to the 4CMR family. Joseph Villeneuve's biography will appear via the In Memoriam page in due course.
4th October 2010
A warm welcome is extended to Ralph Linhardt, for bringing close family friend, Pte. Cromwell Evans, to my attention. His memory is honoured on the In Memoriam page accordingly.
29 September 2010
Many thanks are extended to Heather Baiano and Sandy Lyons, for provision of a biography for Pte. Francis Kidd.
27 September 2010
A biography and images have been added to In Memoriam page for Pte. Bert Traviss, who was killed during a 4CMR baseball game when a fellow 4CMR man, Pte. Clarence McCabe, picked up an unexploded shell, which subsequently went off, killing 8 men and wounding 11 others. Thanks to Bryan Joyce for the biography, as part of his on-going research into the incident, and to George Auer for the images of the former 147th BN soldier.
25 September 2010
Thanks are extended to Maragret Roper for the provision of a biography for Pte. Henry Mills. 4cmr.com represented Henry for a number of years as part of the 4CMR Maple Copse Cemetery project I had carried out, and like a couple of others in this last year, it was a delight and privilege to hand representation over to a relative.
5 September 2010
The War Diary is now complete. It has taken some 4 years, in fits and bursts, to summarise and complete the movements and history of the Battalion. In many ways I feel I have been with the Regiment for the length of it's tour in Europe in real time, and it was quite emotional to go through the demobilization with them as the summarizing project finished. Thanks are extended to Arnie Kay, for his help in securing the early pages, before the on-line resource became available, and for helping to secure copies of pages not in the on-line resource even today. I trust that this body of work will be of value to all who wish to know what the 4CMR went through in the "Great War".
3 September 2010
Many thanks go to Bryan Joyce, who continues the study of the unfortunate accident on May 26th 1917, when 4CMR man Pte. Clarence McCabe picked up an unexploded shell during a game of baseball. The shell went off, killing him, 7 other men and wounding 11 others. Bryan has been researching the individuals involved, which included his relative Clarence McCabe, and here brings the third representation to the In Memoriam page, through the biography of Pte. James Dunn.
Updates to the 4CMR History pages will continue now without further fanfare.
31 August 2010
Following assistance from researcher, Arnie Kay (see the Links page for contact details), the 4CMR War Diary pages missing from the Library and Archives on-line resource were secured for months April through August, 1918, making it possible to continue work on bringing the 4CMR History pages up to date. April to October, 1918, have now been added, with necessary changes being made to the 4CMR History pages; a single page for each year of the war is now available, where it was one continual page before.
18 August 2010
Thanks are extended to Debbie Bennett-Toms for providing an image and biography details of her grandfather, Pte. "Jack" Sharp, which are now shared with you on the In Memoriam page.
13 August 2010
Further additions and biographies were placed on the In Memoriam page today, bringing the total of 4CMR men now represented to 292. Many thanks to Art Hubbs in his on-going project, Paul Branscombe, representing his father and adding a biography, and Bryan Joyce for his work on the May 26th, 1917, unexploded shell blast which claimed his relative, Pte. Clarence McCabe, and 7 other 4CMR men.
11 August 2010
A further push on the War Diary entries on the 4CMR History page sees the material extended now to the end of March, 1918. Gaps in the Library and Archives of Canada scans means a slower progression through the months of April to August, 1918, using the S. G. Bennett 4th CMR Regimental History book as the prime source of information. As it was written in 1926, I have found some errors in its accounts when placed against the War Diaries written at the time (understandable, I guess). Steps are being taken to secure the pages from the War Diaries themselves, and I hope to be able to complete the 4CMR History page before too long.
8 August 2010
Work continues on extending the 4CMR History page, with War Diary entries now to the end of January 1918, a month that includes details on the formal Citation for the 4CMR's only VC winner, Pte Thomas Holmes, for his actions on the opening day of the Second Battle of Passchendaele, October 26th, 1917.
29 July 2010
A warm welcome is extended to Cara Howard, who represents her great-great uncle, Pte. William James Smith, on the In Memoriam page. Alas William was one of the unfortunate all too many to be wounded and subsequently die after ceasation of hostilities. One can only imagine what that meant to his family at the time. Notwithstanding, William becomes the 276 man represented and will not be forgotten.
28 July 2010
Work continues on completing the 4CMR History page. Entries to the diary have now been extended from September 1916 through to the end of June 1917.
25 July 2010
It is a pleasure to welcome Christopher Russo to the fold, as he represents his great-great-grandfather, Sgt. Matthew Tickner. Originally of the 83rd (Reserve) BN, Matthew was transferred into the 4CMR in July 1916, and lost his life in the action at Vimy Ridge in April 1917. Matthew becomes the 275th man represented on the In Memoriam page. We will remember.
With a little housekeeping on the site today links have been added on the Links page for: the Canadian on-line memorial resource, The Books of Remembrance, as provided by Veterans Affairs Canada; and books: 'The Governor General's Hourse Gaurds - Second to None' and 'Clarance McCabe - A Canadian Soldier of the First World War'. Look out for the green *NEW* tags on the Links page for fuller details of these new entries.
24 July 2010
A warm welcome is extended to Paul Branscombe, in representing his father, L./Cpl. Harry Boyd Barnscombe on the In Memoriam page. Originally an 198th BN man, Harry was one of 17 from that battalion to be transferred to the 4CMR by the end of March 1918, and in seeing the pivotal final months of the war with the 4CMR, he survived to see its end.
20 July 2010
In welcoming Chris Thompson to the fold, I am delighted to add his grandmother's brother, Pte. William John Hayes Cooper to the In Memoriam page. Also added to the In Memoriam page, and the new Ligny-St.Fochel memorials page, are 17 new men, who are being represented by previous contributor, Yvo Henniker-Heaton. In addition to images of their headstones, and links to existing pages (Bigg, Nicholson and Wright) is a link to an image of the German headstones - 46 are at rest at Ligny-St.Flochel. To the memories of William Cooper and all of the men covered on the Ligny-St. Flochel page, we will not forget.
The recent additions to the In Memoriam page push those in the 4CMR represented today to 273. Thank you all.
16 July 2010
A fresh round of updates were put up onto the site today, with the addition of pages dedicated to Lt. Jaffray Eaton, Pte. Roy Kallar and Pte. Clarence McCabe, represented by George Auer, Matt Parker and Bryan Joyce respectively. The number of men represented now rises to 255. Biography details for Pte. Roger Lamont and Pte. George Webber, have been added, courtesy of George Auer, as has an obituary for Pte. John "Jack" Evans (featured in the 1918 book "Out of the Jaws of Hunland"), courtesy of Rowena Evans and a biography for Pte. Cyril Quinney, supplied by Paul Quinney.
Incidentally, and most importantly, George Auer, one of the researchers who has contributed a number of detailed and well researched articles to this site, has been the link that has allowed many of the extended 4CMR family to stand beside their relatives. George is in the midst of compiling a book "Soldiers of the Soil/Grey County goes to War". I would like to support his efforts by requesting that if your 4CMR family member or research subject hailed from Grey County, Ontario, that you share with George any pictures, letters, diaries and oral histories that you may have on your relative. Please do email 4cmr.com via the Contact page, who will forward any contacts to George directly.
On the In Memoriam page, further additions are in-hand, with 4CMR soldiers from the Ligny St.Flochel (France) cemetary being represented by Yvo Heaton, soon to be added, and more subjects being added under Art Hubbs' continuing research project. It is hoped that a further tunnel carving (see John Wilson's entry) will be added very soon, and further new entries to the In Memoriam page will be seen if recent correspondents follow through with their initial contacts.
4 July 2010
A light went out in the world yesterday, with the passing of Florence Layton, the daughter of 4CMR's 109125, Cpl. Frank Forsdike. This website was founded on the basis of being there should the Layton family start looking into Frank's history and it blossomed very quickly into being there for the 4CMR family. I do, therefore, count myself blessed that the Layton family did find the site, that we got together as we did, that Florence received her father's previously unclaimed WW1 medals and in the same turn was reunited with a branch of the family overseas long lost. Florence was a delight to spend time with and it was my pleasure to reintroduce her to the father she never knew.
To Bert & Pat, to Helen & Lou, to Margie and the memory of Duco, to the grandchildren and great-grandchildren, as a wonderful and loving family your loss is felt and Mom will be missed. We will remember.
27 May 2010
It is with great pleasure that I am able to hand over a 4cmr.com representation of Lt. Harris McClure Mills to his family, following contact from his great nephew, Jeff, who has asked that his own son, Daniel, represents Harris today. My joy and honour to facilitate that. Welcome to the Burgess family, and for your relative Harris Mills and all who served and deserve to have their memories perpetuated, "We will remember them".
24 May 2010
A time of note in the In Memoriam page representations, as we pass the 250 mark, with the addition of 4 research subjects from Art Hubbs' project: Pte. Ernest Crofts, coming into the 4CMR from the 8th CMR in January, 1916, wounded and taken POW in August, 1916, repatriated at the end of the War and struck off strength in May, 1919; Pte. Robert Johnston, an original 4CMR intake man who was taken POW in June 2nd, 1916's Battle for Mount Sorrel, repatriated in December, 1918, and struck off strength in April, 1919; Pte. Leonard Langridge and brother, L/Cpl. William Langridge, who were both 33rd BN men, coming into the 4CMR in May, 1916, although also taken POW in the Battle for Mount Sorrel, Leonard survived the War, whereas brother William died in that battle.
What is remarkable at this stage is that an impressive 6% of the total regiment (some 4,500) are now represented today directly by relatives or researchers. Thank you all for that.
19 May 2010
Two further research subjects from Art Hubbs project were added to the In Memoriam page today: Sgt. Richard Wooding and Pte. Harold Nelson Wright. Both were lost on June 2nd, 1916, in the Battle for Mount Sorrel, and again 4cmr.com has been able to provide images of their names on the Menin Gate, Ieper (Ypres), to Art to compliment his research. Sgt. Wright was a 6th CMR man, which was absorbed into the 4CMR in January 1916, and Pte. Wooding was an original 4CMR sign-up.
11 May 2010
Art Hubbs' research project continues apace, and brings two further 4CMR men to the In Memoriam page: Pte. Clarence Boyd Frood and Pte. David William Mossman, both lost at the outset of the Battle of Mount Sorrel on June 2nd, 1916. Clarence Frood came from Renfrew, Ontario, and David Mossman was from Belleville, Ontario. Both attested into the 8th CMR and found themselves in the 4CMR in late January 1916. As both were lost without trace, their names appear on the Menin Gate Memorial, in Ypres. 4cmr.com has been able to provide images of their names on the Menin Gate to Art to compliment his extensive studies.
4 May 2010
An interesting and thought provoking addition to the In Memoriam page today, as Pte. John Henry Jones is added to the wall of remembrence. Born in England in 1895, John went to Canada from Liverpool, on the S.S.Virginian, arriving in Halifax on April 14, 1905. Sent to the Marchmont Home in Belleville, Ontario, John was a "Barnardo's boy", shipped to Canada at a time when many of the children became cheap labour; a lot of them living very harsh lives. Originally signed up with the 155th BN, John was transferred to the 4CMR in late November, 1916, with 94 other men of the 155th, and served until he fell, aged 21, on the 11th of April, 1917. He is buried at La Chaudiere Military Cemetery, Vimy, France. Many thanks to Art Hubbs, once again, for bringing John Jones to our attention. We will remember them.
1 May 2010
Art Hubbs continues his extensive research project, bringing Ptes Arnold Parrington, James Langdon, Stewart Harcus, brothers Percival & William Sharman and unrelated James Sharman to the In Memoriam page. This effort pushes 4CMR men represented by relatives or researchers to 243.
25 April 2010
On this, ANZAC Day, with honour we remember Pte. Albert Edward Bartley, as represented on the In Memoriam page by Art Hubbs. Albert, coming from the 8th CMR in late January, 1916, was wounded on August 10th and reported as POW on the 16th. Like many, he was repatriated in March 1919. A man of Peterborough, Ontario, Albert will not be forgotten. Many thanks to Art for providing details on his research subject.
15 April 2010
Welcome to Sheree Fordyce and Cindy Ruthven, who respectively represent Ptes. Joseph Belanger and Alexander Whyte. Art Hubbs also brings a further research subject to the In Memoriam page, as L/Cpl. William Post completes the line-up for today's updates. 236 men of the 4CMR are specifically represented and honoured now. Thank you all.
29 March 2010
Lt. Frederick Joseph Watt has been placed on the In Memoriam page, represented by his daughter, Joann Watt Henderson. Although only with the 4CMR for a short time late in 1916, coming from the 111th BN with 5 other "men of rank", 4cmr.com is honoured to remember him and the service he gave. As we hear often these days, Lt. Watt's great-grandson, also Frederick, is about to step up and join the Canadian Forces. We salute both Fredericks for their actions in serving their country.
26 March 2010
Pte. Rodney Clarke Newton, represented by regular contributor, Art Hubbs, was added to the In Memoriam page today. Rodney, originally of the 8CMR found himself in the 4CMR in January 1916 with 362 other men of the 8CMR, and was amongst the large contingent of men taken POW at the outset of the 4CMR's obliteration in the Battle for Mount Sorrel, in June 1916. Repatriated a few days after the end of the War, Rodney was struck off strength in April, 1919. Many thanks to Art for bringing Pte. Newton to the In Memoriam wall. He becomes the 232nd man to be specifically represented by a relative or researcher today.
20 March 2010
Pte. William Victor Besterd has been added to the In Memoriam page today, represented by his grandson, Patrick Maguire. Originally of the 33rd BN, William was transferred to the 4CMR with 206 fellow 33rd BN men on June 6th, 1916, 4 days after devastating losses to the 4CMR at the Battle for Mount Sorrel required reserves to build their numbers back up. Wounded near Poziers in September, 1916, William survived the war. Welcome, Patrick.
14 March 2010
Michael Akay joins the fold today, representing his grandfather, Pte. Arthur Galbraith on the In Memoriam page. Originally with the 146th BN, Arthur was transferred into the 4CMR in November, 1916. Wounded (losing a leg) in October 1917, Arthur was struck off strength with the 4CMR in November 1918. Welcome, Michael.
And George Auer represents Pte. George Bell on the In Memoriam wall, bringing the total there now to 230. In coming across an image of three 4CMR men, George knew that one soldier was Pte. James Welsh MM from the associated paperwork. Subsequent research work yielded results in identifying the other two: Ptes. George Bell DCM and Adam Clarke. You can see the image against any of the three mens' names on the In Memoriam page, or through this Link.
11 March 2010
Two more 4CMR men were added to the In Memoriam page today: Pte. John Frederick Dolan, represented by Elaine Yu, who provided a cracking biography originally written as an history paper, and Pte. John Joseph Belfontaine, represented by grandson, Chris Belfontaine. Welcome both. Together we will remember them.
9 March 2010
The number of 4CMR men represented by family or researchers today rises to 226, with the addition of Pte. William "Jack" Sharp, who is represented by his great neice, Debbie Bennett-Toms. Welcome, Debbie.
As three further names await confirmation for inclusion, interest in the site increases at this time of year as the Vimy commemoriation approaches. The traffic on the site has exceeded all previous year on year records for the year so far; receiving some 300 hits per day now. Thank you all for your interest and I look forward to hearing from many more people in due course.
7 March 2010
Pte Walter Finnie is added to the In Memoriam page, with regular contributor, Bruce Gilbert, standing by his side. Walter died of wounds in September, 1916, and becomes our 225th man to be specifically remembered and represented by someone today.
5 March 2010
I welcome John Segain to the fold, as he represents his great uncle, Pte. Frank Scott, who was one of the few 4CMR Nov 1914 "originals" to see and survive service throughout the war.
4 March 2010
A very warm welcome is extended to Mattan Jones, who stands along side his half great uncle, Pte. John Wilson. John was lost in action at Vimy in September 1916.
14 February 2010
Lt. Percy Wright was added to the In Memoriam page today, represented to by his grandson, Yvo Henniker-Heaton. One of three men to have originally come from the P.P.C.L.I. (Princess Patricia's Canadian Light Infantry), Percy was transferred into the 4CMR in June 1918, but alas lost his life in September, 1918. He lies at rest in Ligny-St.Flochel British Cemetery, Averdoingt, France. A warm welcome to Yvo as his grandfather becomes the 222nd man to be represented on the In Memoriam Wall. We will remember them.
12 February 2010
It is an honour and pleasure to welcome Jerry Sanderson to the fold, as he represents his grandfather, Cpl. Edward Henry Sanderson. Edward who was one of the 277 men of the 4CMR taken prisoner in the first hours of June 2nd, 1916's Battle for Mount Sorrel. Edward survived that dark day to endure many more as a POW, before being repatriated on November 18th, 1918. Jerry had no details about his grandfather prior to contacting the website, so I am both delighted and proud that once more 4cmr.com has been able to step in, provide vital links to the past and touch lives today.
7 February 2010
Citation details for the Military Cross (MC) have been added to Lt. Archie Black MC's page. Many thanks to Arnie Kay for his help on this. Do see the Links page, Researchers section, for details on Arnie's research services.
5 February 2010
A further 4CMR man has been added to the In Memoriam page today, bringing the total represented now to 220. I thank George Auer, a regular contributor, for standing alongside Pte. Roger Lamont, who died in October 1917 and lies at rest at Nine Elms British Cemetery, Poperinghe, Belgium.
Welcome, also, to the new-look website, which features additional navigation functionality between In Memoriam pages and extended detail on the Memorials pages. Many thanks again go to Mark at Silverknife for his support and advice. For all of your web services and PC needs, pay Mark a visit for genuine and affordable support services. Thanks also go to my long suffering family, who were beginning to wonder if I'd ever come out of the Study. Whilst the website remains a work-in-progress, feedback is always welcome.
4 February 2010
With pleasure, I welcome Jim Whaley, who stands alongside his great uncle, Pte. Roy Urquhart; who died during the 4CMR's attack on Wolfe Copse, Passchendaele, in October, 1917.
An image and a short biography have been added to Lt. Archie Black MC's page. Many thanks to his son, Richard Black, for the details.
1 February 2010
There has been much interest in the reburial of 250 British and Australian soldiers, who died in 1916 in the Battle of Fromelles. Their mass grave was discovered recently and whilst DNA testing continues, in a bid to identify as many as possible through matches with proven, living relatives today, the first of the reburials took place at the new CWGC cemetery (Pheasant Wood Military Cemetery, Fromelles, France). For further details, and video coverage from the service, please click BBC coverage.
17 January 2010
It is a pleasure to add two new names to the In Memoriam page today: Pte. William Stuart Ritchie, represented by Bruce Gilbert, and Lt. Archie Black MC, represented by his son, Dr R Black. In the former, a letter describing the transit from Canada to the UK and then life in the front line, written by William Ritchie to his brother, has been transcribed by Bruce, and will appear in due course in an In Memoriam page to be formed for William.
9 January 2010
I welcome the first addition to the In Memoriam page in 2010, with Pte. Erniest Trump being represented by Geoffrey Holdsworth. A warm welcome.
The website is, as reported on Jan. 1st, undergoing an off-line development, which I hope to be able to roll out by the end of the month. There will be a faceflift overall and added functionality within the In Memoriam page, allowing visitors to scroll through the entries rather than having to go back to the In Memoriam main page each time to see the next or previous entry. Major changes to the Memorials page have also been implemented, changing that to a more useful resource than a straight links to headstone images page. Further afield, work is also planned on the improving the Gallery page. If you have any suggestions on developments, do drop me a line or two.
1 January 2010
Happy New Year to one and all. 2009 was the busiest year so far for the site, receiving some 64,000 hits, as against 56,600 in 2008. The total number of men represented on the In Memoriam page rose from the low 100 mark to 215 by the close of the year. Some heart-warming stories of family branches being brought back together through the site were reported to me and to all I say you are most welcome.
2010 will no doubt be another interesting year, certainly as a major facelift for the website is currently being worked on. On that front, I am indebted to Mark Hewitt over at Silverknife for his further help in tutoring me on raw xhtml programming, as I endeavour to pep things up a little whilst maintaining a simple and straightforward website.
19 December 2009
Merry Christmas and may 2010 be all you need it to be. Let us not forget.
8 December 2009
The website has undergone further minor visual improvements today in preparation for a more in-depth facelift, which will be coming around New Year.
November 09 saw 9,500 hits; the highest hit rate on the site to-date - barring of course the 8,500 hits on one day in May 2008, on the weekend the medals ceremony was aired on Canadian TV and reported on in coast to coast papers and on-line (please do see Frank Forsdike for details). Thank you all so much for your interest in the site.
24 November 2009
Catherine Switzer has provided a stunning and thoroughly researched double biography for Ptes. Collins and David Cooke. Thank you, Catherine, you have done a wonderful job.
20 November 2009
It is with great pleasure that I welcome Ted Burns, representing his grandfather, L/Cpl. Edward Edwin Burns. Ted was able to supply some cracking images and a thorough biography of his grandfather to share with us. Also, I welcome Ted's sister, Edward Burns' granddaughter, Marie Janowiak. It is an honour to remember your grandfather this way and whilst we mourn all of their losses, they are not forgotten here.
19 November 2009
I have been contacted by a British Columbia man who has offered an original copy of "Out of the Jaws of Hunland" for sale. In the region of CAN$25, the Evans & McMullen book, written before WW1 was concluded, concerns the exploits of these two men, and their various colleagues, in being taken POW on June 2nd, 1916, during the Battle for Mount Sorrel, and their amazing stories of endurance and escape. If you are interested in buying this book I will forward your email to Steve in B.C. and you can come to an agreement on cost and shipping arrangements. I have a copy of this book and highly recommend it.
16 November 2009
Accompanying a slight format update on the website (better handled by IE7 than it is Firefox - big shock), I welcome John Workman, who is standing alongside his wife's grandfather, Pte. Francis Blackbourn, formerly of the 8th CMR, which was transferred to the 4CMR in January 1916. A pleasure to have you with us, as your grandfather becomes the In Memoriam's 214th man represented (that's an amazing 5% of the Regiment's closing numbers).
15 November 2009
Ahead of a planned although minor update to the website's format, I am pleased to welcome Bill Howitt to the fold, representing his father. Pte. Richard Howitt was taken POW on 2nd June, 1916 (during the 'Battle for Mount Sorrel'), only to escape in October 1917 and make it back home. He features in the Evans and McMullen book, "Out of the Jaws of Hunland". Thanks to Richard Johnston for intially bringing his grand uncle to my attention and then seeing to it that Richard Howitt's son, Bill, was put in touch. Welcome both.
14 November 2009
There have been some exciting contacts in recent weeks, pushing the represented men on the In Memoriam page to 212. Of note has been yet another story of families being reunited by this website, this time through 4CMR man, RSM Donald Smith. The backstory to this website was always to be there in the hope that relatives of Cpl. Frank Forsdike (my great-grandfather's brother) would one day go looking for Frank's history, find this site, contact me and I would be able to see Frank's medals return to the family they never reached. That happened and I gained a whole new line of family in Canada I had spent 13 frustrating years trying to find. To Anne & Ted, then, a warm family welcome.
There have been another couple of contacts where people had relatives in the 4CMR, who have not subsequently come back to me to consent to being placed on the In Memoriam page alongside their relative. I trust that in due course they will.
Pte. Robert H. Morley was brought to my attention by Linda, who had spotted his headstone in the military section of Little Lake Cemetery, Peterborough, Ontario. Able to view the man's obituary in the local archives, Linda dropped the details over to me, where a mystery began to unravel. Although it is very clear from his headstone that Robert was associated with the 4CMR, and that his records show that he attested into the 136th BN, there is no record of him having been in the 4CMR. Various battalions fed into given regiments during the Great War, but the 136th BN had no connection with the 4CMR, save one other man, Lt Butson. Other BN's, such as the 147th and the 248th, for instance, fed men numbered in the hundreds into the 4CMR. The 136th only had one known man, and now Robert Morley. That his headstone states bodly that he was associated with the 4CMR is good enough until we can prove whether Robert fully served with the 4CMR or not. Many thanks to Linda for bringing him to my attention.
11 November 2009
Lest we forget.
02 November 2009
Art Hubbs continues sterling work with his research, adding 4CMR men Robert Holmes, brothers Harland & James Martin and Harold Lawrence to the In Memoriam page. An earlier man, Harold Lattimer, again one of Art's research subjects was missed off the In Memoriam wall, so in bringing him into the fold, the In Memoriam total now stands at 208 4CMR represented today.
Pte Thomas Lyons was added to the In Memoriam page a while back, and Meredith Johnson has provided a further picture of the 19 year old, taken just 16 days before he was lost. A question is being asked as to who the fellow 4CMR man is in the picture. Referred to as his "chum", it is possible that he may be a fellow former 83rd BN man. Take a look-see at the image on the Gallery page and if you can help provide any clues as to who he is, let me know.
30th October 2009
With the final images from the UK 4CMR memorials being claimed and represented, thank you Chris Henzler, the number of 4CMR men now represented today rises to 203. As we approach that significant time of remembrence, let us not forget.
27th October 2009
A pick up in contacts in recent days brings Roderick Groundes-Peace to the 4CMR fold, representing his grandfather, Pte. Albert Grounds Peace. Albert's time in the 4CMR gave way to a commission in the RFC. Please do see his biography on the In Memoriam page. Welcome, Roderick.
25th October 2009
I have been debating for some time as to whether or not to add 26 men of the 4CMR to the In Memoriam page, for whom I had taken headstone images at Maple Copse, Sanctuary Wood and Tyne Cot cemeteries - which can be seen on the 4CMR Memorials > Belgium page. These included a few whose headstone images had been supplied over a four year period and for whom those persons did not want to be mentioned or for whom I had subsequently lost the credit links.
After some deliberation I have decided to include them, as certainly those headstones I had imaged in the Ypres area were for my own research project and as such I (or rather the website) should represent them on the In Memoriam page, as that is what this website is all about - specifically remembering and representing those men today. As such, 26 men were added to the In Memoriam page today, with links to their headstone images, as biographies have not yet been written up. A further 5, UK based, additions, also purely headstone images, await confirmation for adding from the source of the images. Not including these 5 additonal UK based links, the total 4CMR men represented on the In Memoriam page stands at 197. Of some 4,546 men who it is known served with the 4CMR, 197 men represents some 4% of the regiment directly represented today.
18th October 2009
Joseph Villeneuve served with the 4CMR from the outset, being part of the original intake, and whilst he was one of the lucky few to have survived June 2nd, 1916's onslaught at the outset of the Battle for Mount Sorrel, he was one of 280 or so 4CMR men taken POW that day.
An article being run by reporter Tamara Cherry in the Toronto Sun today, focusses on a quest by Royal Canadian Legion man, Ken Creighton, to find the family of Joseph Villeneuve. In receipt of an photograph of Joseph, from a Nottinghamshire, England, lady, Edna Callaghan, asking Ken for help in finding the family, it seems the picture was given to her father, a fellow, English, POW in Gustersloh, Germany, during captivity.
If you feel you can help in the quest for family of one Joseph F. Villeneuve, originally from Moose Creek, Ontario, please do contact me, or Ken Creighton direct through details in the Toronto Sun article.
17th October 2009
A warm welcome is extended to Anne Green, who represents her great uncle, RSM Donald Oscar Smith, one of the lucky few to have survived the 2nd June, 1916, obliteration of the 4CMR at the Battle for Mount Sorrel.
11th October 2009
The number of men represented on the In Memoriam page has now risen to 167, with the addition of 4CMR men Thomas Gill and Hubert Petty. Their biographies can be reached through links from their names on the In Memoriam page, which will take you to the Matrix Project blogs for these men.
Richard Laughton manages the The Matrix Project blogspot, formed by members of the Canadian Expeditonary Force Study Group. The project creates blogs about men who served with the CEF in the Great War. A stunning body of work and collective research, which will be of great value and interest to anybody wishing to learn more about the men who served with the CEF.
23rd September 2009
There has been a flurry of activity on the website this week, seeing the addition of four men: Pte's Arthur Cuppage, Collins and David Cooke and Herbert Fair. Thanks are extended to Don Jenkins, Catherine Switzer and Joe Fairway for bringing these men to my attention and for remembering them.
29th August 2009
It is fair to say that this is one of the quietest periods in the website's history. However, I am pleased to welcome Clif Phillips to the fold, as he represents his relation, Pte. Luther Wood; our 160th man remembered. Luther was taken POW in July 1916, where he remained until the end of the War. Clif, welcome. Luther, we will remember.
25th July 2009
4cmr.com respectfully marks the passing of Harry Patch, who, since last week the oldest British survivor of WW1, has died at the age of 111. Click obituary to read about Harry's life - credit: BBC News. One last British survivor remains, Claud Shoules, who at 108 now lives in Perth, Australia.
Rest in peace, Harry Patch.
18th July 2009
4cmr.com respectfully marks the passing of Henry Allingham, the oldest WW1 veteran, who has died at the age of 113. Click obituary to read about Henry's life - credit: BBC News.
Rest in peace, Henry.
17th July 2009
It has again been a quiet time on the website, with no fresh contacts now for a while. Contact was received from a researcher looking into the life and times of Lt. Edwin Austin Abbey - the author of letters home that were subsequently turned into a book called "An American Soldier" in 1918. I await further contact from her in the hope that she will represent Lt Abbey on the In Memoriam page.
In the meantime, I thank Michael Levesque for providing a biography and photo of his grandfather, Pte. Donat "Dan" Levesque, which has been added by a link from his In Memoriam page entry.
23rd June 2009
I welcome Sean Wilson to the 4CMR family, standing alongside his grandfather, Pte. Albert Dore MM. Sean also represents another outstanding Memorial website, RememberNovember11.com, honouring and remembering all those who served and are now serving in Canada's Armed Forces. Please do visit their website.
8th June 2009
A quick flurry of activity on the site saw the number of men represented rise to 158, with the addition of 4CMR men: Frank Huff, John Harvey "J Harvey" Douglas (author of "Captured" - a 4CMR account of life as a POW after June 2nd, 1916's "Battle for Mount Sorrel"), John Symons (the name behind the pen signing the 4CMR War Diaries until his loss at the Battle for Mount Sorrel), and Charles Elmore Sheppard MM. They are being remembered.
An update to Albert Lineker's biography has been made and a biography was added to John Dixon's entry. Thanks to all for the additions and updates.
2nd June 2009
Today marks the 93rd anniversary of the Battle for Mount Sorrel, SE of Ypres town. A dark day for the 4CMR for sure, but not forgetting the 1st CMR, 2nd & 5th CMRs, the P.P.C.L.I, RCR, & 5th Bn, who were to share the brunt of that offensive. So many lost for so little ground lost and regained. A sad but all too familiar story for the day. They are gone, but not forgotten.
Art Hubbs has been busy again with his researches, and adds our 154th man on the In Memoriam page, with relative Pte. Charles Haight, who came from the 33rd BN in June, as the first of many reserves and BNs to build the 4CMR's losses back up after the huge losses 93 years ago, today. Charles, from Sparta, Ontario, subsequently died of wounds in late October, 1918. So near, yet so far.
1st June 2009
Many thanks to Art HUbbs for standing alongside Pte. Clarence Way of Prince Edward County, Ontario, today.
16th May 2009
Today I am pleased to add the biography and images of Sgt. Norman Nicholas to the In Memoriam page. The material was submitted by his grandson, Simon Merrall.
Link News I also welcome contact from Aaron Greyling, who webmasters the Duty & Valour website - the Canadian Forces Wiki. As a building work in progress, Duty & Valour already packs a good deal of current and historic information about the Canadian Forces. I recommend you drop in and visit the site at Duty & Valour
8th May 2009
It certainly has been one of the quietest periods in the website's history, and that makes the welcome to Kevin Schram doubly pleasurable, as he joins us and stands alongside his grandfather's brother, Pte. Garrat Schram, who was lost with the 4CMR at the Battle for Mount Sorrel on June 2nd, 1916. Garrat becomes our 152nd name on the In Memoriam page's "Wall of Honour".
17th April 2009
The usual rush of activity on the website, as we approached and then passed Vimy Ridge Day, didn't materialise this year. Hits on the website were up by 300 to the end of the 2nd week of April, by comparison to last year, but I saw no generation of requests for help or information at all this year. I can usually count on there being big rushes through October into November for Remembrance Day (Veteran's Day), and another going up towards Vimy Ridge Day. I saw a rise in contacts in early November last year, but a noticeable drop since early new year. It is odd how these things go in cycles, and no doubt I'll get another peak in due course. In the meantime, the In Memoriam page sits at a none too shabby 151 men directly represented and honoured today.
28th March 2009
The links to the Battle for Mount Sorrel (2nd June, 1916) article have been reinstated after Chris Baker advised that the revamping of his great site (www.1914-1918.net) had put the study of the battle back in to the scheme of things. Links appear on the Regiment History page and the Links & Bibliography page.
26th March 2009
It is with great pleasure that I recognise the 150th man to be honoured on the In Memoriam page: Lt. Harry Bennett, who was Ron Stallard's father's cousin. Ron wrote just recently and it is a pleasure to welcome both him and his relative to the site, and that Harry's memory be upheld in this way.
Activity has certainly picked up on the website in the last year, as 50 men have been added to the In Memoriam page since September last year! When I looked at it, I realised that we now have 3% of the regiment (of 4,500 men) directly represented now. Thankyou to all, as we are indeed remembering them.
6th March 2009
Further names have been added to the In Memoriam page in recent days, bringing the total men represented to 146. It was a distinct pleasure for 4cmr.com to step down as the representative for Herbert Nown. His great niece, Ruth, found this website whilst researching her great uncle, and she now proudly stands alongside him on the In Memoriam page. That is what this site is all about!! Welcome, Ruth.
Further changes to the In Memoriam page will come soon, with the addition of the Rank column to the soldier's details. Space precluded its inclusion when the site was first launched, but that situation has now largely been resolved as screens have become bigger. If you have any suggestions for material to be added or refined on the site, do drop me a line and let me know.
In light of that and the "big push" on the site to bring it up to date, I sincerely hope that the Regiment History page can be completed in the near future. From September, 1916, onwards, the regiment become increasingly involved in the action, especially in the build ups to some of the big battles, such as Passchendaele and Vimy, and the task to complete the History became bogged down by scale and time. However, as I say, I hope that the History can be completed soon. In the meantime, thanks again to all who have contacted me and to all who have contributed in any small or large part.
26th February 2009
Further site updates have been uploaded today, largely cosmetic, and any feedback would of great value.
22nd February 2009
I have been checking the various links on my website and found a few no longer valid. Please, do let me know if you come across any link in 4cmr.com that is not working. Thank you.
21st February 2009
A fresh, new look comes to 4cmr.com this weekend. The principle change is clearly with the background colour, and in the orientation of the menu, now across the top, rather than down the side. This gives back some of the page width lost to the side menu and helps things settle on the eye.
Other changes are to be found on the In Memoriam page, where the listing, now at 143 men represented, was getting a little crowded. I hope that the introduction of the A-Z finder at the top of the page, and the clearer splitting of the names alphabetically, will smooth things out a little and make the page less "noisey".
I'd appreciate any feedback on the new look. Once again, big thanks to Mark Hewitt for his patience and insight.
31st December 08
It has been an amazing year. It kicked off with being able to travel to Nova Scotia to meet Florence, the daughter of my 4CMR relative Cpl. Frank Forsdike, and stay with his grandson, Bert, and to spend time with his two granddaughters: Margie and Helen. I was subject to the famous Canadian hospitality, introduced to the cracking humour of Ron James, and in wishing to see some real Canadian snow, I was not disappointed.
That amazing trip was followed by a return to Nova Scotia in May, to attend the "home coming" of Frank's previously unclaimed medals, in a moving ceremony in Berwick which saw the medals presented to Florence by COs of the Governor General's Horse Guards - the regiment that perpetuates the 4CMR today. We achieved coast to coast TV and newspaper coverage, in what was for me the culmination of 13 years work in trying to find the family and to see Frank's medals out of safe-keeping in the vaults in Ottawa and into the hands they so rightly belong. It was a proud moment for us all.
It has also been a year of other amazing contacts in-keeping with the by-line of this site: to remember them, and to bring families and researchers together. None more illustrative than that of the Woodroof family (standing alongside CSM Edward Woodroof DCM), bringing Geoffrey Woodroof (England) and Keith Woodroof (New Zealand) into contact via this site through researcher Rick Bahen (Canada). Other families too have been connected, and I am so proud to have been part of that too.
To all who have contributed, to all who have benefitted from the 4 years this site has been up and running, 2009 is upon us. Here's to sanity prevailing in the world, and to the memory of all lost or affected by conflict. Let us not forget.
25th December 08
Merry Christmas to you and yours and here's to what 2009 may bring us. We will remember them.
15th November 08
In just doing a little tidying up on the website, I have split the Latest News page into the current 12 months on the main page and all else before that time on a News Archive page, accessed via a link at the bottom of the current news page. Just a little bid to keep page sizes and load times down.
I would once again thank all who have been in contact recently. As of today's date I have some 119 men honoured on the In Memoriam page, with a couple of others in hand, and around a dozen to be prepared from the Maple Copse cemetery, where I have been doing studies over the years. As I feel closely associated with these men, I will bring them forward onto the In Memoriam page, with 4cmr.com representing them directly.
I've had some interesting contacts from people who had relatives in the 2nd CMR and the 9th CMR regiments in recent weeks. It is a shame that the other CMRs are not represented in the same way. If only I had the time..........
11th November 08
We will remember them.
28th September 08
Time has been spent this weekend getting the In Memoriam page up to date, to the point now where I have 120 men represented, including 12 at rest at Regina Trench Cemetary, represented directly by 4cmr.com, as the gentleman who provided images of their headstones wished to do no more than bring these men to my attention for remembrance. A wish duly noted. Additional biogs have been added to some 10 men, and details are pending clarification on 3 new names to be added. Further to that, men at rest at Maple Copse and Tyne Cot, some 24 soldiers, will be added to the In Memoriam page, as they were research subjects of my own during the early stages of the website and I didn't wish to be seen as self-promoting. As such, they too will be represented by 4cmr.com, rather than me directly. This will take the represented figure to around 150, which is outstanding. We can all join in representing them as we let not their memories fade.
25th September 08
There has been another flurry of activity with contacts to the website in recent weeks. I now have a backlog of new names - some 24 to be precise - to add to the In Memoriam page, along with biographes and images of the men and some headstones. For those of you who have been waiting patiently for a relative or research subject to appear on the In Memoriam page, their time is coming very soon.
13th September 08
In another proud moment for me, it is with the greatest honour that 4cmr.com's 100th man on the In Memoriam page is posted today. The people of the Parish of St. Peter's Anglican Church, of Edmonton, Alberta, Canada, and specifically The Rev. Stephen Hallford, stand beside Hon. Capt. Chaplain, Rev William Henry Davis. Coming from the 138th BN, Capt. Davis served as Chaplain with the 4CMR from 15th Feb. 1917 to his loss on 18th Aug. 1918.
A fuller life and service history will be linked to his name shortly. As we wait for that, please join me in a moment of thanks once again to all who served and died with the 4CMR, and spare a special thought to the men of God who served selflessly right in the thick of the action, quite often to the loss of their own lives in the duty of serving others.
Further men have been notified to me and will push the In Memoriam total well past the 100 mark over the course of this weekend.
Many thanks to you all for remembering them.
26th August 08
Despite one of the most horrendous downpours to hit Belgium, my wife and I were able to make a brief visit to Tyne Cot Cemetery, at Passchendaele, last week. This flying, passing visit was spurred on by the recent discovery that my wife's great-uncle, who served and died with The Yorkshire Regiment, was commemorated there. Finding his name on Panel 52 was a moving experience, but it was also significant. Whilst up to that moment his details had been forgotten by the family, for 90-odd years, he was now no longer an annoymous name lost amongst nearly 35,000 at Tyne Cot. It was an honour and a privilege to be a part of that.
Further 4CMR names have been added to the In Memoriam page today, courtesy of Art Hubbs, who has been doing some sterling research work on members of the regiment. The number of men specifically represented today reaches 99 as a result.
27th July 08
Art Hubbs has provided further research subject names, in: L.Cpl Fred McMullen (co-author of "Out of the Jaws of Hunland" with Jack Evans), Pte. Alexander Bardy and Pte. Everitt Wasson, bringing our total on the In Memoriam page to 93.
A further name, that of Lt. James Searles raises a good question. 2 Vickers guns of the 9th Machine Gun Company, under the command of the 9th MGC's Lt. Searles, were attached to 'A' Company, 4CMR, for the action at Passchendaele on Oct 26th, 1917. Whilst not official members of the 4th CMR, the question raises, should he (Searles) and any other member of attached units, be included on the 4CMR's In Memoriam page? They were attached to the 4CMR, they were under command of the 4CMR, they fought shoulder to shoulder, and in some cases died, with the 4CMR. Should they, and the likes of Lt. Ince (with the 4CMR on paper for one day - see below), be included, especially if there is little to no chance of them being remembered elsewhere (other than on memorials if they did die)? I am, for the time being, erring on the side of "We will remember them", if some link can be confirmed with the 4CMR. Your thoughts on this matter are welcome.
26th July 08
A quick flurry of activity on my part, and that of recent contacts brings the In Memoriam page up to date. Your help and contributions are very greatfully received.
Many thanks to:
Simon Grayson for the biography on Pte. Arthur Jackson.
Gordon McKeeken for images of 4CMR headstones from Regina Trench Cemetery (these will be added to the Memorials pages in due course).
Art Hubbs for further representing 4CMR soldiers, 3 brothers: Ptes Canniff and Norman & L/Cpl. Sherman Foster, and also Pte George Raynor.
Betty Forbes for representing Pte. James Bowman.
Bill Ince for representing Lt. William Ince.
It is noted here that Lt. Ince didn't actually see service directly with the 4CMR. It appears that his was purely an administrative shuffle of some kind, where a soldier has to be shown going into an active service battalion before ending up where he is actually required. None-the-less, Lt. William Campbell Ince was KIA as a member of the 8th Brigade Machine Gun Company. He was in charge of a section of MGs on June 2, 1916 (Battle for Mount Sorrel) and was located in Trench 59 (just up the line from the 4CMR - trenches 47 to 52), with one of his 2 guns. He survived the initial bombardment in a dugout but was subsequently killed defending against the German attack. In fact he was initially MIA and his body was not recovered until 1925. He now rests in peace at Artillery Wood Cemetery. He is duly remembered here.
The official total for men remembered and represented on the In Memoriam page as of today is now 90. Thank you all. Their memory lives on.
14th June 08
4CMR welcomes Arthur and Kate Hubbs, who stand alongside their father and grandfather respectively, Capt. Fred Hubbs, who, a veteran of serving with the 2nd CMR in the Boer War, survived the Battle of Mount Sorrel on June 2nd, 1916, only to be taken POW. Eventually repatriated via Switzerland, after the War Capt. Hubbs subsequently served in Siberia as a Transport Officer in Vladivostok with the British Railway Mission.
An account of Capt. Hubbs time as POW was recently obtained from the British National Archives by his granddaughter, Kate, and in acknowledging both Arthur and Kate for letting me have sight of it, it makes stunning reading and adds enormously to the picture of what these men went through as POW's, having survived June 2nd.
Capt. Fred Hubbs becomes the 84th man on the In Memoriam "Wall of Honour".
In respect of the website, further updates to some pages are about to be posted. This Latest News page will get a trimming, to reduce its size. The long dormant Regimental History page will be reviewed, in light of the details being available on-line from both the War Diaries via ArchiviaNet and the Regimental History by S G Bennett (see my Links page for web links to both sources).
Quality PR images from the medals ceremony on May 10th are still pending and this is delaying that new webpage from being posted. However, we have received permission to use the Global news footage that most of the Canadian TV news viewers would have seen over that weekend. I will endeavour to get a working page up on that as soon as I can.
12th June 08
With the 92nd anniversary of Cpl. Frank Forsdike's loss at the Battle for Mount Sorrel just gone by (2nd June, 1916), it is with further great pride that I was informed by Frank's
grandson, Bert Layton, that under Resolution 2609, in the Nova Scotia House of Assembly on May 12th, Premier Hon. Rodney MacDonald moved that "... all members of this House salute
the bravery of Cpl. Forsdike over nine decades ago, and commend his daughter and family for ensuring his memory and well-earned medals have at last found their way home."
Is that amazing or what? I am so proud.
We will indeed remember them.
22nd May 08
A warm welcome is extended to Gemma Minniti, who stands next to 1027141 Pte. Ariel Mason; our 82nd man on the In Memoriam page. Signing on with the 235th BN in June 1916,
Pte. Mason joined the 4CMR in February 1918, and served without reported incident to the end of the War.
21st May 08
I welcome Ted Smith to the 4CMR family, representing his grandfather, 109606, Pte. Albert Smith. A Boer War veteran, Albert was born in Montreal in 1878 and worked as
a cowboy in western Canada and the US. It is reported he suffered lung injuries caused by gas whilst serving with the 4CMR, and was subsequently struck off strength in May 1918.
However, he lived on to the grand age of 80. Albert Smith's photo will appear on the Gallery page in due course.
For those asking about seeing images from the medals ceremony on May 10th, they will be posted on a specific Ceremony page when the PR quality images taken by 14 Wing, CFB Greenwood,
are made available. We trust this will be soon.
17th May 08
With pride, our 79th and 80th men of the 4CMR are remembered. Through Larry Mortley, we see Ptes George and John Ledingham, brothers from Dornoch, Ontario,
represented on the In Memoriam page. Although wounded in August 1918, George saw the end of the war, whilst, sadly, brother John died
in late October 1917. A picture of the pair will be added to the Gallery page in due course.
We will remember them.
Frank Forsdike's biography page has been extended to include a brief suumary of the memorial ceremony and the medals presentation of May 10th. A specific page will be
dedicated to the event as soon as many of the images taken on the day have been collated. Video has also been made available by kind permission of Kirk Starratt,
NovaNewsNow.com, 2008 Transcontinental Mediacredit. A direct link to the new page will be signalled here and on Frank's page when it goes live.
Links
Cpl. Frank Forsdike's biography page
13th May 08
After weeks of frenzied activity by Bert and family in Nova Scotia, it is with all thanks to them, 14 Wing Greenwood, and The Canadian Legion, Ortona Branch 69 in Berwick,
that the medals ceremony went ahead on Saturday, May 10th.
I'll be providing details, pictures and video of the event either on 4CMR Cpl. Frank Forsdike's biography page (via the In Memoriam page), or on a specific ceremony page, in the immediate future. Needless to say, whilst it was an emotional day, it was a pleasure and honour to be there and to be part of it.
23rd April 08
I am pleased to bring news that planning for the formal presentation of Cpl. Frank Forsdike's medals, to his daughter, is in its advanced stages. Frank died in the Battle for Mount Sorrel, on June 2nd, 1916. His family moved before the war ended and subsequently his medals were not issued. As a result they have remained in the vault in Ottawa for the last 90 years. However, I am delighted to say that they have been issued to his daughter, Florence, and a formal memorial ceremony is taking place in the not too distant future. It is anticipated that the Governor General's Horse Guards (the regiment that perpetuates the 4CMR today) will be represented to make the presentation at an event, hosted by the Royal Canadian Legion, which is expected to attract up to 300 guests, public visitors and media.
Further details will appear here in the not too distant future and with Canadian press coverage expected shortly, I'll post details here as they appear.
This is a great time of pride and honour for us all.
8th March 08
I am pleased now to be able to add Seema to Pte. Harold Crocker's name. Having completed her project, Seema achieved 92%. Well done! It is a pleasure to see you stand alongside Harold Crocker and remember him today. Best wishes from us all.
27th February 08
By strange coincidence, two high school students contacted me this week to ask for help in researching ex-6CMR men who were transferred into the 4CMR in Jan 1916. As such, 4CMR men CSM Merton Crawford and Pte. Harold Crocker are remembered on the In Memoriam page. It is important that young people today get a sense of what these men went through for today's freedoms, and these students are welcome in my very limited capacity to help their studies.
18th February 08
Pte. Tom Depper becomes our 76th man on the In Memoriam page, with Richard (grandson) and Karen Buller standing with him. Tom Depper's biography will appear shortly, along with a picture of him. A warm welcome is extended to Richard and Karen.
16th February 08
I welcome the Evans family to the 4CMR community. A cracking book was written in 1918 by 4CMR men Fred McMullen and Jack Evans, titled "Out of the Jaws of Hunland" (see the Links & Bibliography page for details). It tells the story of surviving that awful day in 4CMR history, 2nd June, 1916, when so many men were lost in the vicinity of Maple Copse, at the outset of the 14 day Battle for Mount Sorrel. It goes on to tell Fred and Jack's stories of their subsequent capture and life as POWs, and more specifically their amazing tales of plotting and carrying out their eventually successful escape plans. The book is still obtainable "out there" and I highly recommend you track it down if you get a chance. Anyhoo, it is an honour, as it is in all contacts, to place Jack Evans on the In Memoriam page, and seeing Derek's name (Jack Evans was Derek's father's cousin) standing alongside him.
Help is requested. According to the information passed down in the Evans family, Jack featured on the cover of the US Life magazine, along with another soldier, in an issue, circa 1917, drumming up support for war bonds, and also in newspaper articles in the UK after the escapes. However, efforts to confirm that and to locate a copy have been without result. Also, it is said that an obituary appeared in a Canadian newspaper after Jack died (he went on to have a career with the Canadian Pacific railroad company). If anybody feels they can help with this quest, please do let me know and I will again act as intermediary for the Evans family.
It has been an extraordinary time in recent weeks with contacts coming from people asking to be put in contact with people representing their relatives on the In Memoriam page. Whilst contact details are NOT shared with anybody, I am happy to act as an intermediate to put people in contact with each other. Remember, I can give no details without consent of the parties involved, and the recipient is not obliged to enter into dialogue with the contact. However, it has been a pleasure to see cousins find each other through this website, as indeed I was to experience for myself. Long may it continue.
Links
4cmr.com Links & Bibliography Page4th February 08
Further to my news of Nov 17th, I have since visited Nova Scotia and had the honour to meet Frank Forsdike's daughter, Florence, and his grandchildren Bert, Margie & Helen. Subject to amazing Canadian hospitality, I spent 6 wonderful days with Bert & his wife Pat, and we all had a blessed time bringing each other up to speed on family developments both sides of the pond. I wanted to see some good Canadian snow whilst there and I was not disappointed :-) I also was introduced to the humour of Ron James (thank you Keith & Jan). If you've never had the pleasure, I recommend YouTube and the keywords "ron james" and "computer rant".
I was thrilled to learn in the last week or so that Frank Forsdike's medals were issued to his daughter, after sitting unclaimed in the vault in Ottawa since 1920. A formal presentation is being arranged in the next few months. I'll report developments on this in due course, as the event seems to be generating a good deal of interest from the media on both sides of the Atlantic. As I say, more details in due course.
Things have been very quiet on the website since last November, but I was delighted this week to receive a contact from a man who found his relative being represented on the In Memoriam page by a researcher. The two are now in contact. It is just the sort of thing I had intended for this site from the outset, and having been party to it personally (per the details above and as reported on Nov 17th), I feel justified in feeling pride in being a part of people finding their relatives via this site.
19th December 07
Four more men are added to the In Memoriam page today. Pte's. Frederick Pratt MM and John Smith, and Lt. Edwin Shepherd have representative David Bluestein
standing alongside them this day, and David Donkin stands alongside Lt. Harry Moore.
We will indeed remember them.
15th December 07
It is with great pride that I announce that 71 men of the 4th CMR are honoured on the In Memoriam page this weekend: Ron Cross stands next to his grandfather, Pte. George Cross; Pte. Thomas Lyons has Meredith Johnson standing with him, and George Auer stands with Sgt. Johnstone Urquhart. On the latter, a diary of Sgt. Uquhart's is being transcribed and I trust that I will be able to include extracts on 4cmr.com in due course. With another three men to be confirmed, hopefully in the next few days, we head well on towards the 80 mark.
It has been an amazing two years or so, as I never dreamed that the site would actually be pivotal to the "long lost" descendants of my 4CMR relative, Cpl. Frank Forsdike, being found. A pity that the Internet was still very much in its infancy, in terms of research, when I started off on this trail 12 years ago. Still, the message from this is, don't give up on your research, as the next breakthrough really could be around the next corner.
25th November 07
A warm welcome to Richard Page, standing alongside grandfather Pte. Rufus Lambert, and his brother Pte. Samuel Lambert. Both came into the 4CMR from the 146th BN, and Rufus was wounded during the 4CMR consolidation of le Quesnel and the successful taking of Folies, on 10th August 1918. Both survived the war.
24th November 07
A bit of fine tuning has been going in various areas of the site, with principle work concentrated on opening headstone and other images in their own windows, rather than hyperlinking to a page or image page. This works well for the headstone images, but I'm not sure it works so well on larger pages, such as cemetary or memorial site information pages. Let me know what you think.
21st November 07
Welcomed to 4cmr.com, to stand alongside Pte Samuel Heyes and Pte George Smart, is Darrell Zinck. It was Darrell's research that brought Pte Heyes "back" into the 4CMR regiment as it were, as the Nominal Roll in the Regimental History does not record Pte Heyes' time with the 4CMR. More on these two men will appear in due course.
19th November 07
It is a pleasure to welcome Steve Lukinuk to 4cmr.com, standing on the In Memoriam page alongside his great-uncle, Cpl. Felton Barter, who fell during the Battle for Mount Sorrel, on June 2nd, 1916.
18th November 07
4cmr.com welcomes Martin Beales to the community, representing Pte. Jabez Beales. Originally signed up with the 99th BN, Jabez was signed on strength with the 4CMR on Oct 28th, 1916, and enduring injuries through mustard gas, survived WW1.
17th November 07
I have finally caught up with all outstanding correspondence, and if all goes well, a total of 9 new names will shortly be added to the In Memoriam page; bringing the total to 70 men remembered and specifically represented today.
The process begins with welcoming Alan Parcell into the 4CMR community. Alan represents his Great Uncle, Pte. Charles Ellis. In posting Charles onto the In Memoriam page, a very moving image of Charles will appear on the Gallery page very shortly, and a short biography will accompany the In Memoriam entry soon therefater.
Further images from another 4CMR new representative, David Donkin, will be appearing soon, one of which will be an amazing scan of the order to cease hostilities on Nov 11th, 1918. Watch out for that! I'll let you know when it has been posted on the site.
Also being planned is an audio clip of one of the first appearances of tanks in 1916, as witnessed by 4CMR Lt. Vernon Dowling. I am endeavouring to get that sorted out in due course, and will bring your attention to it as and when it is added to the site.
Per my news entry of Nov 14th, this website saw light of day for the first time in March 2006 - I swear it was longer than that, but records don't lie :-) Anyhoo, the site was put in place to act as a point of reference for relatives and researches of 4CMR men after my own research was sparked by discovering my great-grandfather's brother, Frank Forsdike, had died whilst serving with the 4CMR in 1916. That was 12 years ago, and essentially a pivotal element of my research was centered on searching for Frank Forsdike's family, if the line survived to this day. Following dead ends and what turned out to be erroneous family lore, which took my research as far a field as South Africa, I had drawn frustrating blanks every which way I turned.
Imagine how emotional I was when, during the evening of Monday, Nov 12th, 2007, on checking my emails I found one headed "Canadian Relative?". I had to read it several times to be sure what I was seeing, as the author of that email, Bert, was reporting himself as the grandson of Frank Forsdike!!!! On top of that he was telling me that Frank's daughter Florence, who was no more than 18 months of age in the family photograph featured in this website's biography of Frank Forsdike and the family were alive and well and living in Nova Scotia!! I was in tears. I was speechless. I couldn't take it all in. Stunned and amazed about sums it up :-)
Bert and I have been emailing like crazy, we have spoken on the phone, our families are hooking up in all ways digital, and now we are making plans to get together as soon as possible. It was also special to learn that the family's military tradition is being continued. The world is becoming a smaller place, isn't it? So, as encouragement to all who are searching and coming up on dead-ends and misleading paths, don't give up, keep putting out the feelers, as one day you never know what might be sitting in your Inbox. Ian
14th November 07
There have been several fresh contacts in recent weeks, so in extending thanks for your patience to those of you who have been waiting for a response from me, I assure you I'll be with you soon.
I have some amazing news to share with the 4CMR community very shortly. It demonstrates the continuing reach of this website, and brings full circle a search that began for me some 14 years ago. Intrigued? So you should be. More details to follow in the very near future. In the meantime let us recall this website's ethos: together we will remember them. Best wishes, Ian
10th November 07
As November 11th approaches, we will indeed remember them.
18th September 07
I have received notice of a 4CMR item for sale on eBay. It is a hand-stitched, embroidered, fringed linen pillow sham that was crafted on the homefront for a soldier in the 4CMR. If you type in "4th canadian mounted rifles" you will find it. Best of luck.
18th August 07
A new book review has been added in the Bibliography section of the Links page. "Prisoner 5-1-11" is Pte. Harry Laird's recollections of life in the 4CMR (having attested into the 7th CMR - yes, there was one) and surviving June 2nd, 1916 as a badly wounded POW. Another from the Norm Christie factory, under CEF Books 2006, this is a cracking read for those wanting to know what trench and POW life was like. It is a modern re-print, and well worth tracking down.
Links
4cmr.com Links page13th August 07
Several more names have been added to the In Memoriam page in the last few weeks, bringing the total now represented to 60. Thank you all for making this happen. Special thanks are extended to George Auer for his work and liaison with so many people whose relatives served with the 4CMR after attesting into the 147th and 248th Battalions.
Per the request for any leads for citation research, I am pleased to advise that Arnie Kay can research citations. Please see Researchers on my Links page for details on Arnie's full range of research services.
Links
4cmr.com Links age15th July 07
I wish to thank everybody who made contributions in the last few weeks. I have now brought the site fully up to date in that respect and am so proud to advise we have 54 men on the In Memoriam "Wall of Honour" now. Thank you all so much for that. Additional biographies have now been added, too, and further names and biographies are due very shortly.
There has again been a request for information concerning the details of an MM (see Ernest Isherwood via the In Memoriam page). If anybody has any clues on how to research an MM, or any award, please do let me know.
Of further news is the addition of informaton on the Regimental History page. Due to some exciting finds on researcher Arnie Kay's front (see Links page for contact details for Arnie Kay), I now have a copy of the Regimental Battle Bar Summary, which condenses the regiment's activity into more overview form. I may be integrating this into the existing history with overviews of each month, before setting down specific details within that month. This may prove to be an interesting addition, and one that will keep me occupied for a few more weeks :-)
29th June 07
At long last the History Channel, UK, is airing the long awaited "Vimy Ridge, Heaven to Hell" documentary on July 5th at 10pm and again on July 6th, at 11am. The programme graced Canadian & US screens a few months back. If you wish specific details on the programme then click on the link below and see what the History Channel has in store for us on the UK side of the water. The 4th CMR is featured, so be sure to see the programme if you are on cable or satellite.
24th June 07
Amazingly, in recognising Henry Allingham's 111th birthday (see 1st June, below), this last week saw the 109th birthday of Harry Patch, the UK's last surviving veteran to have fought in the trenches. Harry, who served with the Duke of Cornwall's Light Infantry and who fought at Passchendaele, was called up in 1917, aged 18. Our best wishes to Harry, Henry, and all survivors of conflict, old and new.
6th June 07
As the 91st anniversary of The Battle for Mount Sorrel reaches mid-point, today marks the remarkable celebration of the 111th birthday of the UK's oldest man, Henry Allingham. The former Royal Navy veteran is just one of three known British veterans of the First World War still living.
Henry, the last founder member of the RAF, and the last survivor of the Battle of Jutland, was treated to RAF fly-bys during celebrations on board HMS Victory in Portsmouth.
If I may, a further reminder of the link to Mark Hewitt's Scadindustries website or his blog for details on Mark's journey, which begins in Toronto in July. Again, wish him well, follow his journey, be there for him if you can.
1st June 07
The month begins on the eve of the 4CMR's darkest day, The Battle for Mount Sorrel. At around 8am, on June 2nd, 1916, the opening bombardment began on the Canadian front south east of Ypres town. Very quickly it obliterated the front line trenches after cutting off the approaches for reinforcements or the means for retreating to the communication and reserve lines. It was recently estimated that some half a million shells were poured into the narrow band of land between Sanctuary and Armagh Woods, putting shells in, from some 2,500 guns, at more than one per minute per gun.
Whilst difficult to both imagine that kind of rain of steel & explosive, or to know just how true or accurate that estimate was, it was undoubtedly one of the more horrendous times for the men of the 4CMR, mainly because it was not a set piece on the part of the allies. It was a quiet, sunny, summery morning until all hell was let loose on the men by the Wüttembergers facing them. That some 76 men of roughly 700 were able to answer to their names on June 3rd, was miracle enough. Actual accounts from the men remain today in two books, "Captured" and "Out of the Jaws of Hunland", the details of which you can find under Bibliography on the Links page. I also explore the matter of the number of 4CMR losses in my own article:
"The Missing Lost. A 4CMR Myth?"
Many, like my relative, Cpl. Frank Forsdike, were not so lucky, and many of those killed were lost without
trace due to the extended bombardments and battles that continued for 13 more days. Subsequently their names appear on Panels 30
& 32 of the Menin Gate Memorial, in Ieper town. The 14 day battle was the only time the Canadians lost a gun, but rest assured they
DID get it back! For a full account of the battle, see Chris Baker's excellent article "The Battle for Mount Sorrel"
from his equally excellent website
www.1914-1918.net. If you get opportunity over this weekend, or the
two weeks to come, do step aside and spare a thought for the men who endured so much, and for the those who gave so much.
It is amazing that this website has been in place for 12 months now, and in that time has received some 24,232 hits. Whilst most of the traffic has come from, oddly, the USA, the remainder has come from Europe as a whole, then Britain specifically, and then, also oddly as I would expect it to have been higher in the "rankings", Canada. There have also been hits from Scandinavia and amazingly, China. As mentioned on May 28th, I'd like to raise the profile in Ontario specifically, so any suggestions of which newspapers or magazines I can target with articles would be of great value. Many thanks, once again, for your support and contribution to date. Long may it continue.
Links
The Missing Lost. A 4CMR Myth?The Battle for Mount Sorrel - Chris Baker's excellent article on this extraordinary battle
www.1914-1918.net - Chris Baker's equally excellent WW1 information website
28th May 07
The In Memoriam page continues to grow. Two former 146th Bn men now join the ranks: Pte. Earl Hammett came into the 4CMR 1st Dec, 1916, was wounded 28th Oct, 1917, and survived to be Struck Off Strength on 3rd July, 1919. Acting Corporal Harry Leath Holland, also came into the 4CMR on 1st Dec, 1916, and was Struck Off Strength on 24th Aug, 1919. Both are represented by Barry Henderson, who receives a warm welcome into the 4CMR family. Look out for features and images on these two in the not too distant future.
I'd like to raise the profile in Canada of the work being done here; especially Ontario, as of course the 4CMR was a Central Ontario regiment. If anybody has any suggestions on the best newspapers or magazines I can send article ideas to, this in order to reach a wider Ontario audience and thereby pull in more 4CMR relatives, please let me know.
Links
In Memoriam26th May 07
Our 40th "man on the wall" was added today. Pte. Allan Dunoon, attesting into the 147th Bn, fell with the 4CMR at Vimy in April 1917. In being proud to see him remembered here, I welcome George and Brock Auer into the 4CMR family. George's son, Brock, took the headstone image under trying light conditions. Well done, Brock. Cracking job. Ian
25th May 07
In adding Tyne Cot to the Cemetery / Memorial details on the Belgium page, a page specific to Canada will appear shortly.
An amazing collection of images of a 4CMR man will be on the Gallery page soon. Please keep an eye out for those.
Links
Belgium - 4CMR Memorials located in this quiet corner of The Netherlands
22nd May 07
In welcoming John Graham into the 4CMR family, we see Pte. James Smith honoured on the In Memoriam page. Pte. Smith came into the
4CMR from the 147th Bn (one of some 354 147th Bn men). The 147th and the 248th Bns are perpetuated by the Grey and Simcoe Foresters
today, and there is a research project underway that, it is hoped, will culminate in a book. If anyone you know came from the 147th
or 248th Bns, do let me know and I can put you in contact with the one of the people involved in the research for this work.
Pte. Smith becomes our 39th man "on the wall", with a small clutch of others in the wings waiting, pending details from the relatives. It is amazing how this website has grown from the tentative steps I took some time back. Indeed, for May 2007 alone, the site has received over 2,500 hits. As I say, amazing, and many thanks to all for making this website work the way it does.
21st May 07
After some deliberation it was decided to rearrange the In Memoriam page into an alphabetical listing for the men, to aid finding an individual easier and for ensuring that a soldier was not accidentally presented twice.
As contacts continue to come in at a steady pace now, could I call on all who have promised articles on an individual, or who have contemplated submitting a short piece on their relative or research subject, to contact me as soon as possible in order to get details sorted for posting on the site. Many thanks, Ian.
19th May 07
The Gallery page has received some excellent additional images in the last few days. Write-ups continue on the subjects, and will be expanded in due course.
Details concerning the refurbished grave site for the 4CMR's only recipient of the VC, awarded to Pte. Thomas "Tommy" Holmes, are being collated. As his story is extensively covered elsewhere on the web and in publications, a thorough account will not be added on 4cmr.com. However, be assured, this hero's actions will be duly presented in the not too distant future.
16th May 07
There has again been a flurry of activity in contacts with the website, and new names will be appearing on the In Memoriam page in due course. Some have asked where the 4CMR Articles page has gone, and the short answer is that it has been removed, as apart from two mens' stories (which are now located via links from their names on the In Memoriam page), one actual article "The Missing Lost. A 4CMR Myth?" which now appears on the Regimental History page, and a link reference to a very useful website providing details on the The Battle for Mount Sorrel, which now appears in several places as it was pivotal to the 4CMR's history, there were no other articles being submitted to retain the page in its own right. That of course can and will probably change with your help :-), but for the time being space is being saved by redistributing the material onto existing pages.
Links
In Memoriam - 4CMR men remembered
The Battle for Mount Sorrel - Chris Baker's excellent article concerning the battle
The Missing Lost. A 4CMR Myth? - explores the discrepancy in reported losses of June 2nd, 1916
12th May 07
Well, my friends, here it is. The new look website. Lighter, more compact and certainly more logical.
Special thanks go to Mark Hewitt for his assistance and certainly his long suffering patience as I came to grips with direct html programming as opposed to clunky Dreamweaver4. Endless rounds of "Mark! Mark! How'd you do this?" and "Mark! WHY is it doing THAT?!" paid off. Cheers, Mark.
The sections have been condensed and made more managable, whilst other elements have been dropped altogether, as largely all they did was duplicate information that could be found elsewhere. In these cases direct links have been set up to guide you to that information.
The site is back to the original concept of pivoting about the In Memoriam page. If you are an "old hand" on the website, and would like to make comment on this rebuilt version, please do feel free to drop me a line.
However, if you are a new visitor to the site, please enjoy what is on offer and please do contact me if you have a relative or a research subject who served in the 4CMR.
Recent Latest News entries will be back shortly, and there will be a News Archive section before too long.
In welcoming Ken Saunders to the 4CMR family, we add his father, Pte. Hubert Earl Saunders to the In Memoriam page.