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In Grateful
Remembrance
Honouring the Men
from Knox, Owen Sound,
Who Paid the Supreme Sacrifice
Janet Iles
2011
Janet Iles Consulting & Research Services
© 2011 Janet Iles
All Right Reserved
ISBN 978-9-9782222-1-5
For ordering information, contact the author at [email protected]
Preface: Why I Wrote This Book
As the soldiers carried the flag-draped coffin and the lone bagpiper played a
lament, tears streamed down my face. I was watching the brief repatriation
ceremony on television. Although I did not know the soldier, my heart went out to
the family, friends and comrades for the tragic loss of this young corporal.
My mind wandered back about ninety years ago to the First World War. During
my research about this war, I read newspapers of that era. My focus was Owen
Sound and area with a particular interest of how the war affected Knox
Presbyterian Church. Day after day the local newspapers reported the death or
wounding of young men. Loved ones and friends learned of the casualties through
letters, telegrams and newspaper announcements. Days, weeks and sometimes
months went by before the deaths were confirmed. Now, in contrast, with modern
communication, sometimes only hours have passed before the world knows.
Knox Presbyterian, Owen Sound (now United Church of Canada) saw its share of
losses in the First World War. Twenty-two men connected to Knox are
remembered on a plaque in the sanctuary. One died in a hospital in England after
the plaque was ordered, but his name was mentioned in the newspaper article
about the dedication of the church organ.
After the First World War, the congregation wanted a way to visibly honour the
sacrifice paid by these young men. In 1919, the congregation decided to purchase
a new pipe organ that would be dedicated to their memory. During a church
service on 14 September 1919, they unveiled two bronze memorial tablets and
dedicated the memorial organ. It was not until I was helping with the Church’s
application to have the organ designated as a “military memorial” that I really
looked at the plaques. All my life those plaques had hung there, but I had never
paused to think about the names listed.
Questions came to me. What could I find about these men? I was not only
interested in their military history, but also their families. Who was left to mourn?
What were the feelings of the family and the congregation at Knox as another
death was reported? These questions prompted this project. My goal was to
research and compile brief stories about each man. As you read about them, I
hope you consider the feelings of the families and the congregation. This work
also documents the story of the memorial organ at Knox and includes some
church history to provide context to the project.
In Grateful Remembrance
Dedication
This book is dedicated to the memory of the men affiliated with Knox
Presbyterian/United who fought in both World Wars and especially to those who
paid the supreme sacrifice.
I also dedicate this book to the memory of my parents: Harold Ballantyne “Bob”
Iles and Marion Love. Both were very involved in the life and work of Knox
United Church. They led by example. They did not send us to church; they took
us with them. My dad enjoyed preparing displays to showcase the Church and its
history. This sparked my interest in sharing what I have learned about my Church.
Table of Contents
Introduction, 1
The Men
Norman Richard Birge, 5
William Fawcett Campbell, 8
William Oswald Fraser, 11
William Ira Fulford, 15
John Gershon Galbraith, 20
Albert Edward Gaskell, 24
Gordon Brothers: Charles Haughton McKay and Thomas Seton Gordon, 27
Alexander McKay Gunn, 35
Victor J. Lennox, 38
Allen Beatty Malcom, 40
Joseph McDonald, 43
Robert Edward McDonald, 45
Roy Brown Mackenzie, 48
Charles Edgar Orford, 50
Clarence Porter, 54
Seth Enos Rawn, 58
James Dawson Sheffield, 61
Cyril Slade, 64
Arthur Frederick Thompson, 66
John A. Thompson, 69
James Dawson Watt, 71
Louis Zeiggel, 73
Appendices
Chronology of Events, 79
Cemeteries/Memorials – List by Region, 81
Maps – Places Where the Men are Remembered in Europe, 82
IOOF Monument, Greenwood Cemetery, 83
Honour Roll at Knox, 84
World War Two (1939-1945), 85
Memorial Church Organ, 89
Historical Highlights, 96
Knox History Timeline, 102
Bibliography, 107
Index, 109
In Grateful Remembrance
Acknowledgements
No book can be written without the assistance of many people. I give my thanks
to each one.
To my brother, Ted, and my sister, Nancy Duffy, for reading my progress reports
in my weekly e-mails. A special thank you goes to Nancy for acting as my editor.
I am grateful for the time she has spent helping me getting this book ready for
publication.
To organists Eric Osborne and John Stuart-Vanderburg for explaining the
intricacies of the Casavant organ, opus 794. It helped me appreciate this beautiful
instrument.
To the Owen Sound & North Grey Union Public Library for having a wonderful
local history collection. The reference librarians are always willing to help me
with my research.
To the Grey County Archives and staff for your support during this project. A
special thank you to Karin Noble for proofreading the manuscript.
To the Billy Bishop Home and Museum for your assistance and for honouring
those who have served our country.
To those who contributed photographs and gave me permission to use them. They
bring to life the story of the church organ and the men who paid the supreme
sacrifice.
To my Church family, thank you for the opportunity to share my passion for the
history of our Church with you.
The Author
Janet Iles’ interest in Church history began when she helped her father organize
historical displays for special events at Knox United, Owen Sound. She
researched the church history, as well as its organs and organists for the 160th
anniversary at Knox. In 2007, she published The Churches of Grey Presbytery of
the United Church of Canada.
Janet worked at the Owen Sound & North Grey Union Public Library for over 30
years. She performs genealogical and local history research as part of her
business, Janet Iles Consulting & Research Services. She writes two personal
blogs: Janet the Researcher and The Graveyard Rabbit of Grey County, Ontario.
She is President of the Grey County Historical Society and the Markham Berczy
Settlers Association.
Introduction
The Casavant organ, opus 794, is both a visible and auditory memorial dedicated “in grateful
remembrance of the gallant men who gave their lives in the Great War 1914-1918 for liberty,
truth and righteousness.” The following pages honour the memory of the men and their
families and the congregation of Knox Presbyterian (now United), Owen Sound.
I have tried to find out some information about each of the men and their families. This
research was done over a period of five years. The information provided is only an
introduction to each of the men. The amount of information for each varies. Some families
need more research. Where possible, I have also included photographs.
I did not obtain the complete military records for each of the men. These are available from
Library and Archives Canada (LAC) in Ottawa. Their attestation papers are available digitally
on the LAC website at http://www.collectionscanada.gc.ca. In addition, the first page of these
papers for each soldier is also on Ancestry.ca, a paid subscription site. Near the end of my
research, Ancestry.ca added two wonderful resources that provide interesting details: “War
Graves Registry: Circumstances of Death” and the “War Graves Registry: Commonwealth
War Graves”. Both of these databases are linked to digital images of the records. The
originals of these registers are at Library and Archives Canada.
“The War Graves Registry: Circumstances of Death” database (Brown Binders) contains the
initial burial location of the Canadian Expeditionary Force in Belgium, France and the United
Kingdom. The burial registers for soldiers with last names Sims through Z did not survive.
“The War Graves Registry: Commonwealth War Graves” database (Black Binders) contains
records from the War Grave Registers for the Canadian Expeditionary Force who died during
the First World War in Belgium, France and the United Kingdom. These registers “give the
final resting place of the soldier, nurse or other individual, and to record the notification of the
next of kin. If the body was never recovered, these records contain the official memorial on
which the individual’s name would be found.”1
In the endnotes throughout the book, you will notice that a variety of records have been used,
including the War Diaries that are on LAC website.
I have gathered all the supporting information that I have used into binders. They are
currently in my possession.
If you have information, photographs or corrections that I could add, or need to make to the
profiles of the men, or other information provided in the book, please let me know so that I
can update the records and perhaps publish a revised edition.
At Knox, the names of those affiliated with the church who served in the First and Second
World Wars are inscribed on a large wooden plaque now mounted at the rear wall of the
In Grateful Remembrance
sanctuary. Stars mark the names of those who paid the ultimate sacrifice: twenty-two stars for
the First World War and seven stars for the Second World War. For many years, the plaque
hung in the 9th Street narthex and served as a constant reminder to all who entered. Even as a
child, I would stop and look at the names listed. A photo of the plaque and the list of the men
who died in the Second World War are included in pages 84 to 88.
The book also contains information about the organ and some church history to place the
story of these men in context.
As the book goes to press, Knox United Church, Owen Sound is moving towards
amalgamation with Division Street United Church, Owen Sound under a new name on 1
January 2012. This change has made the publication of this book more important to me. I
wanted to ensure that this history is preserved in print.
Janet Iles
1
Ancestry.ca explanation of the database.
2
In Grateful Remembrance
The Men
Norman Richard Birge
Norman Richard Birge was born 15 April 1893 in Horning Mills, Dufferin County, to Charles
and Mary Jane Birge.1 The family also lived for awhile in Mulmur Township, Simcoe
County,2 but they returned to live in Melancthon Township.3 Sometime after the death of
Norman’s father in 1912, Norman’s mother moved to Owen Sound.4
Norman was a sailor. A border crossing record for 24 July 1911 shows him entering the
United States on possibly either the Pretorian or the Siberian, both Allen Line ships,5 with the
destination as the “Soo” [Sault Ste. Marie, Michigan]. His most recent permanent residence
was in Owen Sound. His father was listed as living in Horning Mills.6
Norman joined the Canadian Over-seas Expeditionary Force 7 July 1915 at the Niagara
Camp. Before enlisting with the 58th Battalion, Norman had belonged to the active militia.
Norman was five feet eight inches tall with a fair complexion, light blue eyes and light brown
hair.7
Norman went to France with the Unit in 1916. He was with the Canadian Infantry (Eastern
Ontario Regiment) 2nd Battalion at the time of his death. He died 25 April 1917.8 Norman was
killed instantly by the explosion of a shell during an enemy bombardment of the unit when it
was at Bois-de-la-Ville. He is buried at the Bois-Carré British Cemetery just southeast of
Thélus, Pas de Calais, France. It is four miles south-southwest of Lens, France. (Grave 14,
plot 1, Row D). Due to errors in the several comprehensive reports on the initials of his
Christian name being H. R., the reports and his cross inscription had to be corrected.9
Norman is also remembered on the cenotaph in Dufferin County.
Who was left to mourn his death? What is known about his family?
Norman’s Parents
Norman’s father was Charles Birge born 26 February 183910 in Pennsylvania, USA.11 Charles
came to Canada in about 1845.12 Charles was a sawmiller and a carpenter. Charles’ parents
were John and Margaret Birge. At the time of his marriage, Charles was living in Melancthon
Township. 13 On his death registration, his mother’s maiden name looks like Petra. Charles
[Irving?] Birge died 10 April 1912 in Horning Mills.14
Norman’s mother was Mary Jane Beckett. She was born 30 December 185415 in Hamilton to
Richard Beckett and Esther Ann Knott. She married Charles Birge on 22 September 1886 in
Owen Sound. She was living in Sarawak Township at the time of her marriage to Charles.16
After Charles’ death, Mary Jane re-married. She married John Mitchell, a 64-year-old
widower and farmer from Horning Mills. The marriage took place in Owen Sound on 15
October 1913.17 In Norman’s obituary that was published in the (Owen Sound) Advertiser,
Norman’s mother’s name was given as Mrs. Mitchell,18 whereas in the Owen Sound Sun her
name was given as Mrs. M. Birge.19 It stated that Norman’s mother and grandmother lived
together at 1576 Eighth Avenue East. Mary Birge died in Owen Sound 2 April 1953 at the age
In Grateful Remembrance
of 99. She was buried in Greenwood Cemetery, Owen Sound.20 It is not known what
happened to John Mitchell.
Norman’s Known Siblings
Lena Maria Elizabeth was born 10 August 1887 in Horning Mills, Melancthon Township.21
Lena died from diphtheria on 12 February 1888.22 On 5 April 1889, Ethel Louisa was also
born in Melancthon Township.23 On 3 July 1912, she married John Patterson, a candy maker,
in York, York County.24 Norman’s youngest sister, Irene, was born 13 February 189625 and
died 3 June 1896 in Horning Mills from scarlet fever.26
Norman’s Grandparents
Norman’s paternal grandparents were John Birge and Margaret [Petra?]. Nothing more is
known about them.
Norman’s maternal grandparents were Richard Beckett and Esther Ann Knott. Both were born
in England. Richard was a farmer. He married Esther 11 October 1853 in Whitby, County of
Ontario, Home District. Rev. Gardner Wells conducted the ceremony.27 Richard died 27
February 1896.28 Esther Ann Beckett died 8 November 1921 in Owen Sound.
1
Norman Richard Birge, Ontario birth registration 06351 (27 October 1893); digital image, Ancestry.ca
(http://www.ancestry.ca : accessed 20 March 2008), citing microfilm MS 929 reel 114, Archives of Ontario,
Toronto.
2
1901 Census of Canada, Ontario, Simcoe County (district 115), Mulmur Township (sub-district F), division 3,
p. 11, Charles Birge household; digital image, Ancestry.ca (http://www.ancestry.ca : accessed 21 March 2008),
citing microfilm T-6497, Library & Archives Canada, Ottawa.
3
1911 census of Canada, Ontario, Dufferin County (district 62), Melancthon Township, (sub-district 12), p. 13,
Charles Birge household; digital image, Ancestry.ca (http://www.ancestry.ca : accessed 21 March 2008), citing
microfilm T-20368, Library & Archives Canada, Ottawa.
4
“Soldiers of the First World War,” [database on-line], Attestation papers for Norman Richard Birge, regimental
no. 452378; digital image, Library and Archives Canada,
(http://www.collectionscanada.gc.ca/databases/cef/index-e.html : accessed 20 March 2008), citing Canadian
Expeditionary Force personnel files, RG 150, Accession 1992-93/166, box 748-54, Library and Archives
Canada, Ottawa.
5
Ship manifest, June 24, 1911, sheet no. 14, stamped 135, line 26, Norman Birge; Ancestry.ca “Border
Crossings: From Canada to U.S., 1895-1956” [database on-line] (http://www.ancestry.ca : accessed 25 May
2007).
On the page on which Norman Birge’s name appears, image 150, there is no naming of the ship. On image 140
a sheet looks like it has been inserted that names the Pretorian. The Pretorian was used to bring emigrants to
Canada. Between image 150 & 152, there is an added page with supplemental information about the Allen Line
ship the Siberian (http://www.normwayheritage.com : accessed 22 March 2008).
6
Ship manifest.
7
“Soldiers of the First World War,” [database on-line], Attestation papers for Norman Richard Birge, regimental
no. 452378.
8
“Pte. N. R. Birge Killed in Action” (Owen Sound Advertiser, 21 May 1917 and “Pte. N. Birge Killed in
Action”, The Owen Sound Sun, 22 May 1917.
9
Canada, CEF Burial Registers, First World War, 1914-1919 [database on-line], entry for Norman Richard
Birge; digital image, Ancestry.ca (http://www.ancestry.ca : accessed 19 April 2011), citing Library and
Archives Canada (LAC). War Graves Registry: Circumstances of Death. RG 150, 1992-1993/314, Box 145238. Box: 154.
10
1901 Census of Canada, Ontario, Simcoe County (district 115), Mulmur Township (sub-district F), division 3,
p. 11, Charles Birge household.
6
Norman Richard Birge
11
Charles Birge – Mary Jane Beckett, Ontario marriage registration 003850 (22 September 1886); digital image,
Ancestry.ca (http://www.ancestry.ca : accessed 20 March 2008), citing microfilm MS 932 reel 53, Archives of
Ontario, Toronto.
12
1901 Census of Canada, Ontario, Simcoe County (district 115), Mulmur Township (sub-district F) , division 3,
p. 11, Charles Birge household.
13
Charles Birge, Ontario death registration 009616 (10 April 1912); digital image, Ancestry.ca
(http://www.ancestry.ca : accessed 21 March 2008), citing MS 935 reel 174, Archives of Ontario, Toronto.
14
Charles Birge, Ontario death registration.
15
1901 Census of Canada, Ontario, Simcoe County (district 115), Mulmur Township (sub-district F) , division 3,
p. 11, Charles Birge household.
16
Charles Birge - Mary Jane Beckett, Ontario marriage registration.
17
Mary Birge – John Mitchell, Ontario marriage registration 005936 (15 October 1913); digital image,
Ancestry.ca (http://www.ancestry.ca : accessed 20 March 2008), citing microfilm MS 932 reel 254, Archives of
Ontario, Toronto.
18
Obituary of Norman Richard Birge, (Owen Sound) The Advertiser.
19
Obituary of Norman Richard Birge, The Owen Sound Sun.
20
“Greenwood Cemetery Owen Sound Interments” [on-line database], City of Owen Sound, Ontario,
Greenwood Cemetery (http://www.owensound.ca/cemetery/index.php : accessed 27 July 2008).
21
Lena Maria Elizabeth Birge, Ontario birth registration 003950 (8 September 1887); digital image, Ancestry.ca
(http://www.ancestry.ca : accessed 20 March 2008), citing microfilm MS 929 reel 81, Archives of Ontario,
Toronto.
22
Lena Maria Birge, Ontario death registration 003607 (28 February 1888); digital image, Ancestry.ca
(http://www.ancestry.ca : accessed 20 March 2008), citing MS 935 reel 50, Archives of Ontario, Toronto.
23
Ethel Louise Birge, Ontario birth registration 006839 (28 June 1889); digital image, Ancestry.ca
(http://www.ancestry.ca : accessed 21 March 2008), citing microfilm MS 929 reel 92, Archives of Ontario,
Toronto.
24
Ethel Louise Birge – John Patterson, Ontario marriage registration 027416 (3 July 1912); digital image,
Ancestry.ca (http://www.ancestry.ca : accessed 21 March 2008), citing microfilm MS 932 reel 241, Archives of
Ontario, Toronto.
25
Irene Birge, Ontario birth registration 007204 (3 August 1896); digital image, Ancestry.ca
(http://www.ancestry.ca : accessed 21 March 2008), citing microfilm MS 929 reel 131, Archives of Ontario,
Toronto.
26
Irene Birge, Ontario death registration 006992 (3 August 1896); digital image, Ancestry.ca
(http://www.ancestry.ca : accessed 20 March 2008), citing MS 935 reel 79, Archives of Ontario, Toronto.
27
Richard Beckett – Esther Knott, Ontario marriage registration (11 October 1853); digital image, Ancestry.ca
(http://www.ancestry.ca ; accessed 22 April 2011), citing microfilm MS 248 reel 02, Archives of Ontario,
Toronto.
28
Richard Beckett, Ontario death registration 9046 (4 March 1896); digital image, Ancestry.ca
(http://www.ancestry.ca : accessed 20 March 2008), citing MS 935 reel 79, Archives of Ontario, Toronto.
7
William Fawcett “Willie” Campbell
William Fawcett Campbell, often called Willie, was born
on 8 September 1891 in Annan, Sydenham Township.1
The family lived in Sydenham Township before moving
to Owen Sound. In 1911, the family was living at 450
Eighth Street East.2 Two years later, they were living at
1098 First Avenue West.3 Before the war, William
worked at the local chair factory and had been a sailor on
the Great Lakes.4
On 27 November 1915 in Owen Sound, William joined
the 147th Grey Owen Sound Battalion of the Canadianover-Seas Expeditionary Force (CEF).5 Willie was of
dark complexion, with blue eyes and dark hair.6 He was
transferred to the 4th Canadian Mounted Rifles (2nd
Central Ontario Regiment) in February 1917. While in
France, he was “gassed” and admitted to the hospital on 6
September 1917.7 It was not long after his return to active
duty that he was killed on 28 August 1918.
William Fawcett Campbell
Owen Sound Sun Times, 10
December 1918, p. 1.
According to the CEF burial register, William’s
circumstances of casualty are described as follows:
"Killed in Action"
During a successful attack south of Boiry and while advancing through an area
which had been previously shelled with gas shells, private Campbell inhaled
some of the gas and died within a few minutes.8
He was buried at Vis-en-Artois British Cemetery, Haucourt, France (eight miles southeast of
Arras) (Grave Reference VI. C. 9).9
Who was left to mourn? What is known about his family?
William’s Parents
William’s father was Daniel Campbell who was born 13 September 183810 in Peel County.11
Daniel was the son of Duncan Campbell and Jane McTavish.12 Daniel was a shoemaker. He
married Sarah Eliza Fawcett on 20 August 1879 in Annan.13 Daniel died 14 February 1910 in
Owen Sound.
William’s mother was Sara Eliza Fawcett who was born 15 February 1856 in Ontario.14 In
1917, she was living at 783 Third Avenue A West.15
William Fawcett Campbell
William’s Known Siblings
The first three children were stillborn males born 13 March 1880,16 28 March 188117 and 3
July 1882.18 A baby girl was born 19 May 1885 with no name given. She also died as
indicated by a note on her birth registration.19 Mary Jane was born 3 March 1887 in Annan.20
Sarah, also known as Sadie, was born 6 May 1889, also in Sydenham Township.21 After
William’s birth, his brother Daniel was born 2 June 1893 in Sydenham Township.22 Daniel
married Ila Mary Elizabeth Griffin, daughter of Alexander Griffin and Martha Brawley, 3
October 1914.23
William’s Grandparents
Norman’s paternal grandparents were Duncan Campbell and Jane McTavish. Both were born
in Scotland.
Norman’s maternal grandparents were William and Mary Fawcett. Nothing more is known
about them.
1
William Fawcett Campbell, Ontario birth registration 015510 (7 October 1891); digital image, Ancestry.ca
(http://www.ancestry.ca : accessed 24 March 2008), citing microfilm MS 929 reel 105, Archives of Ontario,
Toronto.
2
1911 Ontario Census of Canada, Grey North (district 73) Owen Sound (sub-district 48), p. 11, family 114,
Sarah Campbell household; digital image, Ancestry.ca (http://www.ancestry.ca : accessed 23 April 2008), citing
microfilm T-20374, Library and Archives Canada, Ottawa.
3
Malone’s Street, Alphabetical, Business and Miscellaneous Directory of Owen Sound for the Year 1913, (Owen
Sound, ON: W. P. Malone, 1913, p. 40.
4
“Pte. W. Campbell Reported Killed” Owen Sound Sun, 13 September 1918, p. 1.
5
“Soldiers of the First World War,” [database on-line], Attestation papers for William Fawcett Campbell,
regimental no. 838031; digital image, Library and Archives Canada,
(http://www.collectionscanada.gc.ca/databases/cef/index-e.html : accessed 24 March 2008), citing Canadian
Expeditionary Force personnel files, RG 150, Accession 1992-93/166, Box 1460 – 16 , Library and Archives
Canada, Ottawa.
6
“Soldiers of the First World War,” [database on-line], Attestation papers for William Fawcett Campbell,
regimental no. 838031.
7
“Pte. W. F. Campbell “Gassed” Owen Sound Times, 14 September 1917, p. 1.
8
Canada, CEF Burial Registers, First World War, 1914-1919 [database on-line], entry for William Fawcett
Campbell; digital image, Ancestry.ca (http://www.ancestry.ca : accessed 18 April 2011), citing Library and
Archives Canada (LAC). War Graves Registry: Circumstances of Death. RG 150, 1992-1993/314, Box 145238, Box: 161.
9
Veterans Affairs Canada, “Canada Remembers” Canadian Virtual War Memorial (http://www.vacacc.gc.ca/remembers/ : accessed 24 March 2008) database entry for William Fawcett Campbell.
10
1901 Census of Canada, Ontario, Grey North (district 65) Sydenham (sub-district G), division 9, p. 4, family
34, Daniel Campbell household; digital image, Ancestry.ca (http://www.ancestry.ca : accessed 25 April 2008),
citing microfilm T-6469, Library and Archives Canada, Ottawa.
11
Daniel Campbell, Ontario death registration 12966 (14 February 1910); digital image Ancestry.ca
(http://www.ancestry.ca : accessed 26 May 2007), citing MS 935 reel 135, Archives of Ontario, Toronto. This
gives his date of birth as 13 August 1834. Note: The 1901 Ontario Census Grey North Sydenham G-9 p. 4, his
date of birth is given as 13 September 1838.
12
Daniel Campbell, Ontario death registration 12966 (14 February 1910).
13
Daniel Campbell - Sarah Faucet [Fawcett], Ontario marriage registration 53061 (20 August 1879); digital
image, Ancestry.ca (http://www.ancestry.ca : accessed 7 May 2011), citing microfilm MS 932 reel 30, Archives
of Ontario, Toronto
14
1901 Census of Canada, Ontario, Grey North (district 65) Sydenham (sub-district G), division 9, p. 4, family
34, Daniel Campbell household.
9