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Canada 150th Celebrations

10/22/2017

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The Act of Remembrance

They shall grow not old,
as we that are left grow old:
Age shall not weary them,
nor the years condemn.
At the going down of the sun
and in the morning
We will remember them.

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This weekend, during the Association of 8th Canadian Hussars (PL) Inc’s annual general meeting and  reunion, we, the 8th Hussars Museum, celebrated the Regiments and the Town of Sussex's military contributions during Canada's 150 years as a nation. The 8th Canadian Hussars (Princess Louise’s) Regiment is one of only a few Regiments in Canada who can celebrate service to Canada for that entire period of time and the Town of Sussex has been home to the Regiment for all of those 150 years plus as well.

The towns military history also includes Camp Sussex and the role it has played in Canada military life, while supporting Canadian war efforts in both World War I and II.
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Friday Night a Meet and Greet was held at the Sussex Milton Gregg Armory, where old friends gathered sharing stories and memories.
A game of trivia, based on the history of the 8th Hussars was enjoyed-      Cpl Byron Ostrum was the winner,
PictureRoll of Honour - Dan Lynch - Jamie Kendall
The Memorial Service was held at the 8th Hussars Museum at the historic Train Station in Sussex with the dedication of the new UN and NATO memorial cairn as part of the service. The Regiment marched on at 0945 hrs followed by the arrival of the Town Executive and special quests. A number of veterans from the peacekeeping years and the NATO tours were on hand to share in the unveiling process. The cairn was  placed directly in front of the Lynx monument  and several historical vehicles were on static display for the event.
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The 150th dinner was held at the Royal Canadian Legion,  We attempted as closely as possible to duplicate the turkey dinner served in 1867 when a troop of Hussars trained at Fox Hill, NB and held a party to honour the founding of Canada.  The 8th Hussars Museum volunteers and members of the Regiment presented a military history of the Regiment and the Town in three segments featuring 50-year periods of time. Vignettes illustrating specific events were included and most of the parts were played by soldiers of the Regiment. The evening was closed out with the entertainment provided by Differentfolk, a traditional band from central New Brunswick.
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Dan and his  wife’ Monique are posing in the above photograph.  They are from Arnprior ON and traveled down to join the event along with numerous other former members of the Regiment from Ontario.
Photographs taken at meet and greet Friday night , Memorial Service Saturday morning , Lunch with the soldiers and  association members and Regiment at AGM . ENJOY !
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summer2017

8/29/2017

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“Summer 2017”

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Summer is winding down a little too quickly and our summer students are finished this week. Thank you to our three outstanding  students, for a great summer: Matthew Gamble, Hayden Johnston and Olivia McLean. We had a very busy summer, starting with visiting school classes, Sussex Summerfest and numerous visitors in for tours. We have received very positive feedback from the general public informing us of how pleasant of an experience their visit was because of the knowledgeable and pleasant  staff.

The 8th Hussars Museum has summer student opportunities each year, funding is dependent upon grants from Young Canada Works, Community Museums Summer Employment Program and Canada Summer Jobs. Today we had the opportunity to thank Alaina Lockhart MP for Fundy Royal for our funding through Canada Summer Jobs and Young Canada Works.  As well we thank the Province of New Brunswick  Heritage Branch  for their support through  Community Museums Summer Employment Program.
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A Few Words from Matthew :
I was pleased to have been able to spend another summer with the 8th Hussars Museum in Sussex this year.

This fall I will enter my third year of studies at St. Thomas University in Fredericton where I am pursuing a double-major in International Relations and Economics.

For the majority of the summer, I spent time doing archival work on photographs of the Regiment from the Cold War era. Hopefully some former or current Hussars will be able to visit the museum and take a look. Some pictures will definitely bring back some fond memories and cause a few laughs!

I was also happy to play a part in the creation of the Camp Sussex Presentation given at the museum as a part of Sussex Summerfest 2017. Through my research for this project, I learned some very interesting details about life in Camp Sussex around the turn of the century.

Along the way I had the opportunity to speak with many veterans and many other interesting people who were able to stop into the museum. Especially as many of our WWII veterans continue to grow older, I make it a personal mission to learn as much as possible from these extraordinary men and preserve their crucial contributions for future generations.

All and all, I am thankful to have the opportunity to have a summer job in a field that I am passionate about, and one where I can learn from the life experiences of the Greatest Generation.

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A few words from Hayden
I'm grateful for the opportunity to come and work at the 8th Hussars Museum for a second year. I am currently entering into my third year of university, working towards the completion of a double-major in political science and psychology. This is in preparation for graduate school, were I intent to study law. In light of this, working at the Museum has provided me with experience applicable to my area of study, especially related to understanding differences between individuals.

My main focus at the Museum this year was on archival preservation. Over the course of this summer, I have had the opportunity to examine numerous historical photographs pertaining to Canadian Forces Operations in Canada and throughout the world. These photos provide insight into the operation of the Canadian Military Machine and the ever evolving doctrines employed by the Military Establishment.

Additionally, Museum staff participated in the Town of Sussex's Summerfest program; this saw the Museum host a presentation pertaining to the former Military Camp, Camp Sussex. I was fortunate to be able to participate and learn about this often neglected part of New Brunswick history.

Besides this, I have been fortunate to meet a plethora of individuals, ranging from veterans to tourists from across the continent. Many of these people were kind enough to share their experiences, both in and out of the armed forces.
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A message from Olivia
Thank you Carol for an amazing summer. I have had so many enjoyable learning opportunities over the course of the summer. Yesterday , I gave a tour to a past member of the 8th Hussars, it was a nice challenge to expand my knowledge and share everything I learned over the course of the summer. I have met some very interesting life changing people over the summer. Working at the museum was an experience that I was very fortunate to have been able to share with every new person I met. The world is a small place and it was amazing to see people who did not have knowledge on the world be opened up to a new concept and realize the pain and suffering people went through. You guys were amazing people to work with. Thanks again for an amazing experience that I will certainly never forget.
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Merit

8/4/2017

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The 8th Hussars Museum has been selected as a recipient of the 2017 New Brunswick Day Merit Award, which is designed to provide the opportunity for  the community to honour  our unsung heroes and recognize achievements in six different fields of endeavor: Arts and Culture, business ,community leadership, environment, sport, recreation, active living and volunteer service.
 
We were chosen to receive the New Brunswick Day Merit Award for Arts and Culture, for the preservation and display of the military regiment and and connections to the community.On behalf of the Town of Sussex and Members of the Council we were invited to attend the New Brunswick Day Ceremony today for the 2017 New Brunswick Celebrations at O'Connel Park. On this special occasion , we, the Members of the 8th Hussars Museum are very honored and proud to have received the Merit Award  for Arts and Culture.
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The 8th Hussars Museum was founded in 2004 under a Memorandum of Understanding between the Town of Sussex and the Association of the 8th Canadian Hussars (Princess Louise’s) Inc. The opening of the museum was held in support of the 100th Anniversary of the Town of Sussex. The museum functions both as a museum with 3645 artefacts nationally registered and as an archive with documents dating back to 1793 and over 14,063 historical photographs scanned and saved.


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The source of many of the museums numerous artefacts is the 8th Canadian Hussars (PL) regiment which is one of Canada’s oldest continually serving cavalry/armoured regiments, having been established in Kings County in 1848. The museum also has a mandate to preserve and share the history of Camp Sussex, one of the first permanent military camps established in Canada after Confederation. By focusing on these two roles, it allows the museum to provide a venue to share the rich military heritage of the southern part of the province and the many local military personnel who have volunteered to fight for peace and freedom and often paid the Supreme Sacrifice.

The museum has actively engaged with numerous partners across Canada and Internationally to better improve the quality of our displays. All artefacts received by the museum are accessioned and uploaded to the Canadian Heritage Information Network for national access, and all archive materials are registered and uploaded to the Council of Archives of New Brunswick database. Due to their efforts in digital preservation the museum was asked in 2015/2016 by CHIN to volunteer as a trial archive to develop a nationally accepted standard for digital preservation of photographs for small museums. This very successful trial resulted in the development of a national preservation policy and plan that was provided to all small museums in Canada. Other programs of note include the development of “The Story of Camp Sussex, A Century of Service to Canada” which is available nationally on the CHIN Virtual Museum and our support to the Faces to Graves project currently underway in the Netherlands which is attempting to put a face to every soldier’s head stone in that countries Canadian War Graves. This program came about due to the museums efforts in supporting the Twinning of Towns between Sussex and Tynarloo NL celebrating the anniversary of the end of WW II and the subsequent presentation of a gold medal to the Regiment in 1952.
The 8th Hussars Museum is operated by museum committee of 10 volunteer members and an additional six volunteers assist in planning, development and construction of new displays.


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CampSussex

8/2/2017

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Lead-up to the Creation of Camp Sussex

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  • In 1794, the first New Brunswick Parliament created its own Militia Act. Men from age 16 to 60 were to attend annual musters to train for few days. No funds were provided, but absentees were fined

  • Camp Sussex became a focal point for militia around the province because of its central location, easy access to rail, long flat stretch of soil, and proximity to clean water for horses

  • In 1876, a soldier's daily pay started at 50 cents, but horses were paid 75 centsPay was not always available, and many times militia volunteers did not expect it or the provision of rations
  • At the time, soldiers were so short of rucksacks and other equipment that men had no method of carrying their daily rations
  • Due to the chronic lack of government funding, the Hussars built their own stables for the horses by collecting money from members of the regiment
  • The Brighton Engineers were formed in Woodstock in 1881. The following year, equipped only with five augers, seven axes, one handsaw and one crosscut saw, the Engineers cut 450 trees over two days, going on to build a 111 ft bridge across Trout Creek in just over four hours. The bridge was then tested by a horse pulling an artillery cannon across
  • Whereas soldiers were often transported by rail, sudden movements of railcars could give horses concussions and other injuries. As a result, many soldiers were against the rail transport of horses

The Heyday of the Militia

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  • In 1891, the area around what became Camp Sussex was thoroughly examined by military planners and became a potential candidate for the establishment of a military camp

  • Prior to the formal establishment of Camp Sussex, much of the land in the area was rented out for military use

  • In the Spring of 1893, the Dominion of Canada purchased Morrison Farm, a 344 acre site just east of the present-day Town of Sussex, to be used for militia training. This date marked the formal establishment of Camp Sussex

  • 1894 - 1914 saw the greatest growth of the Canadian militia. In this time period, more men and horses were trained than ever before

  • The typical day of the militiaman began at 0530 and continued on until 2200 hours. A archetypal daily routine was as follows:

-Reveille: 5:30 AM
-Collection of Daily Rations: 6:00 AM
-Breakfast: 6:30 AM
-First Drill 7:30 AM - 9:00 AM
-Officer Hour: 9:00 AM
-Second Drill: 10:00 AM - 12:00 AM
-Dinner: 12:30 PM
-Third Drill: 2:00 PM - 4:30 PM
-Tea: 5:00 PM
-Rations - Groceries: 5:30 PM
-Guard Mounting: 5:30 PM
-Retreat: 5:30 PM
-First Post: 9:00 PM
-Last Post: 9:30 PM
-Lights Out: 9:45 PM
  • Sick parade for ill soldiers was at 11:00 AM, but horses were to be attended to at 06:30 AM regardless of any ailments a soldier may have been suffering from

  • The loss of a horse would prompt an investigation and possibly even corrective action, as the animals were so valuable to the militia at the time. Nevertheless, there was a marked lack of veterinary kits

  • 1893 was the first year since 1881 that the Hussars could come to camp to train as a single unit. Before then, financial troubles made this difficult

  • The caretaker house was built in 1896, and permanent armouries in 1901. The rifle range was completed in 1906, and was in operation during both World Wars. During the same period the officer's mess, known as the Bungalow, was constructed and went on to become a major social hub in the Town of Sussex

  • In 1895, there were 395 horses stationed at Camp Sussex, but by the eve of WWI, that number increased to just over 1000

  • In 1897, members of the Militia represented the area at Queen Victoria's Diamond Jubilee

  • As the camp became larger, brush clearing was conducted and dykes were built along Trout Creek. The Officers Bungalow

  • In 1913, no less than one-hundred automobiles visited the camp. The automobiles spooked horses, and many soldiers were sceptical of the new technology. Within three years, plans to manufacture tanks were being discussed

  • A company of 2nd (Special Service) battalion 2RCR was raised for the Boer War and consisted of 1000 men. Following the end of the Second Boer War, Camp Sussex served as one of the first military instillations to teach lessons learned from the conflict

  • Camp Sussex artillery fired a "feu de joie" for the Coronation of George V in June, 1911

  • In July 1914, on the eve of the First World War, military planners started to realize the size limitations of Camp Sussex and began to discuss construction of a new, larger military base in New Brunswick at either Gagetown or McGivney. However, the outbreak of the Great War in the following month shelved these plans for almost 40 years

The Interwar Years

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  • The first summer camp after the First World War took place in 1920; however, given that the public viewed the First World War as "the war to end all wars", there was very little support from the general population for any military activity

  • Soldiers would sometimes go on half pay to double the number of camp attendees. On one occasion all pay was forfeited to cover the expenses of the camp. This went on until the mid-1930's

  • In the summer of 1931, only the 8th Hussars and the 74th Battalion (New Brunswick Rangers) trained at Camp Sussex

  • Camp repairs were funded at the expense of unit officers, and the Federal Government gave only partial reimbursements

  • Between 1923 - 1926 funds were so restricted that camp attendance was often limited to officers and NCOs

  • Between 1931 - 1936 volunteer soldiers continued the military presence without pay

  • Nevertheless, the 8th Hussars traveled to a machine-gun competition in Valcartier and won the national competition, all at the expense of the commanding officerThe first training on motorized vehicles took place in 1936. Vehicles (mostly Model T Fords) were rented from local owners for $10.00 a day. Bootleggers'' cars that had been seized by the Mounties were also used. Many had rumble seats that the officers would stand up on. Naturally, many accidents occurred

WWI and WWII

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  • Shortly after the First World War broke out, Camp Sussex was established as the 1st Training Depot Battalion, under the command of Lieutenant-Colonel James McAvity

  • Units established or trained in Camp Sussex during WWI included the 40th Battalion (Moncton), the 64th Battalion (Moncton), and the 104th Battalion (Sussex)

  • During the First World War, Camp Sussex hosted the Serbian Mobilization Camp, where Serbs recruited in Canada were mobilized before being sent overseas to fight in the Serbian Army.

  • During both World Wars, the camp rose to prominence due to its easy rail access and proximity to Halifax. Troops could be transported by rail from Sussex to Halifax in a single night, under the cover of darkness to aid in secrecy

  • During WWII, the camp was built to hold 10 000 men, so entire divisions could be moved in and out easily

  • Units trained in Camp Sussex during this time included the 3rd, 4th, and 5th Divisions

  • During WWII, it was common knowledge that once your husband was posted to Camp Sussex, it was not long until he was deployed overseas

  • By 1944, the camp focus changed to individual training of soldiers and became the A-34 Special Officers Training Center, under the command of Brigadier Milton Gregg, VC

  • At the conclusion of the Second World War, a significant portion of Camp Sussex was soon decommissioned. This meant that a large portion of the Camp infrastructure was sold or else demolished

  • Many of the buildings were towed across the frozen Trout Creek during the winter, as there was no bridge crossing Trout Creek until the 1970s. Other buildings were repurposed as homesteads on Peter Street

  • The larger buildings, including the Drill Halls, were repurposed as Sports Centres. One became the King's County Stadium, and the other was taken to Fredericton were it became the York Arena.

  • The Headquarters of Camp Sussex became the King's County Hospital.

  • The death of Camp Sussex was not swift, it continued until 1971, which saw the majority of the land that was formerly Camp Sussex sold to the Town Sussex. This land became what is today the Industrial Park, our ball parks, and the 8th Hussars Sports Centre.

  • The only remnants of Camp Sussex are the Gregg Armoury, which houses B Squadron of the 8th Hussars.

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Hirschfeld

8/1/2017

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 Lieutenant-Colonel (Retired) Herman Marland Hirschfeld, CD, PSC, PLFC -

Lieutenant-Colonel Hirschfeld was born on the 5th of August, 1941 in Goldenville, Nova Scotia. In 1962, he joined the Canadian Army and graduated from the Armoured Corps School in Camp Borden, Ontario, as a Second-Lieutenant in 1963.

During his thirty-four year military career, Hirschfeld served with both the Royal Canadian Dragoons and the 8th Canadian Hussars. His duties included Troop Leader, Battle Captain, Squadron Commander, and Regimental Second-in-Command. He was also a member of Canada's Olympic National Biathlon Ski Team.

He also served extensively at the Combat Training Centre at CFB Gagetown, being one of the first officers to serve at the newly formed Combat Arms School.

Hirschfeld took part in a year-long Australian Army Command and Staff Collage Course in Queenscliff, Australia in 1981. While Outback, Hirschfeld made many new friends and enjoyed his time. The Slouch Hat on display was given to him by his Australian friends.

Notably, Hirschfeld served with NATO's Central Army Group HQ in Germany as the Senior Canadian Liaison Officer from 1987-1990. He retired from the Army in June 1996 and currently lives with his wife in Oromocto, New Brunswick








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Riley

7/30/2017

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Cpl Hugh Riley, the 8th Hussars oldest surviving Veteran turns 102!

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His birthday on 12 July 17, was hosted by his daughter Sharon and a large number of his family attended including a number of his surviving siblings. Lots of jokes and stories were told and little brother Pat ( age 94) really got things going when he spotted an 8th Hussars place mat and wanted to know where the artillery ones were at.  Best wishes from the 8th Hussars Regimental Association and the 8th Hussars Museum were delivered by Major (Ret) Tom McLaughlan.
PictureRiley family members who served during WW II. L to R; Stan, Jack, Lilla, Pat and Hugh
Hugh Geoffery Riley, regimental number G250, joined the 4 Canadian Motorcycle Regiment, 8th Princess Louise (NB) Hussars in the August of 1940. Hugh enlisted in Sussex, New Brunswick, the same day as his brother Jack,
regimental number G251. Other family members would also join the war effort, with brother Pat joining the artillery, sister Lilla to the RCAF, and brother Stan to the army. Prior to signing up, Riley worked in the woods, sailed wooden ships in the South Seas for a time, and also trained in Camp Sussex for two summers with the militia.

After his enlistment, Riley trained with the 8th Hussars in Camp Sussex, Camp Borden, and Camp Petawawa, before going on to continue his training with the regiment in Great Britain.

During the Second World War, Corporal Riley served as the 8th Hussars Regimental Signals Section.

Hugh's duties in Signals and Military Intelligence took him all over the Italian Peninsula, and much of his work involved traversing the mountainous Italian terrain in a scout-car to observe enemy action and gather information.
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During his time in Italy, Hugh recalls two days spent hiding in a wine casket when German soldiers overran their position. Riley also recalls working with Col. Robinson to design the 8th Hussars shoulder flash and also worked with the Regimental Adjutant in writing large sections of the 8th Hussars War Diary.

During the Regiment's time in Great Britain, Riley recalls meeting with Prime Minister Winston Churchill, and dancing with famed-singer Vera Lynn. This is the same time the Union Jack was supposedly obtained that Frank Gaunce spoke about being borrowed from 10 Downing St in London while they were driving Winston Churchill around in the Canadian Tanks.

Corporal Riley returned home in February 1946 and was discharged on 8 March 1946. Upon his return to Canada, Hugh was asked to stay on with the Army as he spoke five languages including Russian, but Hugh was keen to get on with family life and leave the army behind.

For his dedicated service, Hugh received the 1939-45 Star, Italy Star , the France and Germany Star, the Defence Medal, and the Canadian Volunteer Service Medal with pin and clasp.

Hugh Riley currently lives in Fredericton, New Brunswick and just celebrated his 102nd birthday.

Hugh's lifetime of accomplishments truly illustrate his extraordinary character.

 Hugh Riley is celebrating his 102nd Christmas. He is currently residing at the Veterans Health unit at the Doctor Everett Chalmers Hospital in Fredericton. He is the 8th Hussar's oldest living veteran at 102 years of age and has rallied very well after a series of health concerns earlier in the fall.The veterans Christmas party at the Health unit was put on by various Legions in the area and as you can see from the photograph Hugh was in fine spirits and actively engaged with the party goers. This photograph was provided by his daughter and primary care giver, Sharon Riley.
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Lynx

6/30/2017

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Getting the Lynx monument in place at the 8th Hussars Museum is part of the Museum's fall 150th celebration and memorial to 8th Canadian Hussars who have been killed in Service as part of Peace keeping and NATO duties for Canada.
Darren Spicer  explains a little history on the Lynx.

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Thanks to Darren Spicer and Bart Ostrum, the hull was cleaned, painted and re-stenciled with the exception of it’s call sign which is still on our to do list. The call sign, as Darren stated will be 42 Charlie. Darren successfully negotiated the support of MSA Towing Service who were available June 29,2017, to donate their time to move the monument and also Arbing Equipment who provided other support to the project free of charge. 

A number of former Hussars stopped by to watch the unloading  and shared some old times with us.

Jason Thorne from the town was in attendance to ensure the positioning of the vehicle met the towns requirements
 
This project would not have gone forward without the support of the CO, Regt 2IC, RSM and other support staff and the museum volunteers . We are looking forward to completing the planning for the fall ceremony which will take place October 21, 2017.
Enjoy viewing photographs of the move from Armories to 8th Hussars Museum
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Sifton

4/23/2017

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Ellis Wellwood Sifton

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Ellis Wellwood Sifton was born in the small SW Ontario farming community of Wallacetown in October 1891. Stating his occupation as Farmer, Sifton joined the Canadian Expeditionary force early and enlisted in St Thomas Ontario with the 18th (Western Ontario) Battalion in October 1914. Unlike the large Convoy that conveyed 1st Canadian Division overseas, 2nd went to England on separate troopships and liners. Staying with the 18th, Sifton went overseas on the SS Grampian from Montreal, met another troopship at sea and arrived in Liverpool England in late April 1915.Their stay in the United Kingdom was to be brief. His service file is brief and says little of his time in the UK. Sifton was dutiful in sending $15 assigned pay home to his Father, John J. Sifton in Wallacetown every month.

18th Battalion was part of 4th Brigade 2nd Canadian Division was led Boer War Victoria Cross hero and controversial commander, Major General R.E.W. Turner and began to deploy to the Front to join 1st Canadian Division in September 1915. The newly promoted Corporal Sifton was among his C Company mates and left Folkstone for Boulogne on the 14th of September 1915.

The Division spent a cold but quiet winter in the line through Ploegsteert Wood and St. Eloi in the Belgian sector but in the early spring of 1916 began to come into constant action with the enemy. Cpl Sifton went through some of the bloodiest battles for the Canadian in 1916 seemingly un-scathed. From the actions at St Eloi craters in March/April to the Battle of Ancre Heights in October/November, the 18th Battalion and 2nd Canadian Division learned their trade in battle leading up to the Battle of Vimy Ridge in April 1917. Cpl Sifton would have come through the battles of Mount Sorrel, Flers-Courcelette, Thiepval and Le Transloy but again his file is absent of any wounds, injuries or ailments. At some point, he was working behind the lines in the Divisional Train as a Driver but had volunteered to willingly return to a fighting role with his old C Company to “take a chance with the boys in the front line”. Promoted Lance Sergeant on the 14th of March 1917, Sifton would step off at the battle of Vimy ridge with his Battalion less than one month later.

On the 9th of April 1917, Lance Sergeant Ellis Wellwood Sifton and 18th Battalion began the attack on German positions. 2nd Divisions frontage was much narrower that their 1st Div neighbours on their right. Also, they have less of a distance to travel to their final line, only 2 miles. The battle’s opening barrage was furious and the Division as a whole suffered few casualties as they consolidated on the old German frontline (the Black line). During the attack, Sgt Sifton had noticed a German Machine Gun emplacement taking it’s toll on the advancing Canadians. Without hesitation, he dashed through a gap in the barbed wire and attacked the Germans position with rifle, bayonet and grenades. Crossing open ground, throwing grenades, Sgt Sifton gained the emplacement and killed the entire enemy crew. As his comrades followed behind to consolidate the position, Sgt Sifton single-handedly held off a small German counter-attack on the position with his bayonet and rifle butt. Just as this was defeated, a wounded German soldier snatched up a rifle and fired at Sgt Sifton’s back, killing him instantly.

Ellis Wellwood Sifton was posthumously awarded the Victoria Cross for most conspicuous bravery and devotion to duty. His citation was printed in the London Gazette on 8 June 1917. Sgt Sifton lies buried in Lichfield Crater Cemetery at Thelus, not far from where he fell. His Victoria Cross is on display at the Elgin County Pioneer Museum in St. Thomas, Ontario.

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Pattison

4/23/2017

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808887 Private John Pattison

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John George Pattison was born in Woolwich England on the 8th of September 1875. Woolwich was a Military Industrial town in Kent back then and is part of greater London today. It is not recorded what his background was but it was a mix of middle and lower class residents at that time. By 1906, John was married and had 4 children and had immigrated with his family to Canada.

By 1916, John was living in SW Calgary Alberta and was employed as a labourer with the Calgary Gas Company. It was the enlistment of his son, John Henry with the 82nd Battalion on the 4th of January 1916 that prompted John to enlist himself. He attested with the 137th Battalion in Calgary just two months later. John Pattison was said to have wanted to look after his son in service. At 40 years of age the training as an Infantry Private could not have been easy on him. Maybe more so with his short stature (a bit over 5’2” and 125lbs on enlistment. Still he seems to have been in fine shape and has no sickness recorded on his service file.

Departing Canada in August 1916 with the 137th Battalion, Private Pattison remained with his Battalion until they combined with the 175th Battalion and formed the 21st Reserve Battalion in England in January 1917 to provide reinforcements for the Canadian Corps in the field. It less than a month later that Private John Pattison joined the 50th Battalion, also a Calgary-recruited Battalion, in France. By then the 50th had seen action, as part of 10th Brigade 4th Canadian Division at Ancre Heights in October 1916. They spent a quiet winter in preparation for the upcoming Vimy Battle and that was about when John Pattison joined them. He did managed to be wounded in February, receiving “multiple contusions” from some unknown action but was back with his unit in a few days.

On the 9th of April 1917, the 4th Division, on the far left of the Canadian Corps, had measurably the least distance to cover to reach their first day objectives. Unfortunately, there were considerable terrain and enemy obstacles in their way. That combined with some gaps in the artillery fire plan led to the Division having a very difficult time. Pattison’s 10th Brigade was to act as follow on troops to the 11th and 12 Brigades and not attack the feature known as the Pimple until the following day. Events in 4 Divs front changed that plan.

On the first day of the Battle of Vimy Ridge, 11 and 12 Brigades ran into immediate difficulties and left many pockets of resistance still fighting and objectives un-taken. Canadian Battalions were greatly dispersed over their front and German cross-fire was even affecting 3 Div on the right. Hill 145 and the Pimple remained untaken and the units attempted to take their objectives in front of Givenchy En Gohelle. It wasn’t until the next day, 10 April that that Hill 145 was taken and 50th Battalion was committed. They and the 44th from Winnipeg were moved south and their task was to vault over the Hill and take the woods at the rear of the ridge.

It was on this approach that Private John Pattison won his Victoria Cross. As the Battalion struggled forward under fire, Pattison noticed a German Machine Gun stronghold taking it’s toll on the Canadians. Crouched over and going forward from shell hole to shell hole, he advanced on the position. When he was within range, Pattison stood up and threw three grenades at the enemy. Before the crew could recover, he charged with bayonet fixed and the German position was put out of action. Pattison comrades could resume their advance, taking ground and their ultimate objective. Private Pattison’s bold single-handed attacked led greatly to the entire Battalion advance continuing. His VC was announced in the London Gazette on 2 August 1917 but 42 year old Private John Pattison never read it. He was killed in action on 3 June 1917 near Lens. He is buried in La Chaudiere Military Cemetery, Vimy. His son, went to the front one month later but happily, survived the war.



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Milne

4/23/2017

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427586 Pte W.J. Milne

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William Johnstone Milne was born in Cambusnethan, Scotland in December 1892. This town, located just off the road between Glasgow and Edinburgh must not have had much to offer a lad as, in 1910 at the age of 17, he left for Canada.

William Milne took up the profession that so many Europeans who came to Canada in those days took; Farming. Handy sized 160 acre lots of prairie were available by a wise Canadian government who knew that the opening-up of the West to immigrant settlers and their subsequent development of these lands benefitted the Dominion as well. All that was required was hard back breaking work to tame it.

As the First World War took hold of the British Empire, many rushed to the colours and many did so at a more relaxed pace. Many of those British-born had begun to benefit from their efforts and were not drawn immediately to enlistment and some were anxious to return to the British Isles. While patriotism must have played a large part, some must have found it a convenient excuse to “go home” after failing to find their fortunes or finding the toil too much. Statistically, those from the British Isles did less well in the rural Canadian settlement and British-born made up almost 70% the CEF enlistments early in the war. William Milne’s fortunes as a Farmer are not specifically recorded but it was not until a full year into the War that he enlisted in the 46th Battalion of the CEF in Moose Jaw SK, in September 1915. He was 23 years old.

Arriving in the UK with his Battalion in November 1915, Pte Milne’s Service File is rather bare until April 1916 when he spent alternating stints in Hospital in Aldershot and Bramshott for Influenza and Venereal Disease. Considered almost a self-inflicted wound, he was appropriately docked sixty cents a day in pay for his VD. He transferred to the Continent in June 1916 and joined the 16th Battalion in the Field. Here Canadians would serve on the great Somme battlefields until November. Although his actions at his Divisions battles at Flers-Courcelette and Ancre Heights are not recorded in his file, Pte Milne remained on strength with his Battalion despite repeated visits to Field Ambulance Units for Influenza complaints throughout the winter of 1916/17.

On the first day of the Battle of Vimy Ridge, the 9th of April 1917, Pte Milne and 16th Battalion as part of 3rd Brigade 1st Canadian Division were on the right of the Canadian Corps and have the furthest to advance to gain the day’s objectives. Almost as soon as his Battalion rose out of their jumping off trenches, Pte William Johnstone Milne noticed an enemy machine gun holding up the advance to their first objective at Black Line. Skillfully creeping by crawling on his hands and knees with a bag of grenades over his shoulder, through mud and shell holes, he approached the enemy position unseen and threw a grenade. The blast destroyed some of the crew and demoralized the rest into surrendering., the MG was captured and the advance continued. Later, in front of the Red Line, 16th Battalion was again held up by enemy fire. Milne again crept forward hole to hole and again made use of a grenade to blast an MG in a camouflaged concrete pillbox. He completed its submission with a bayonet attack that demoralized the MG crew to the point of surrender. Again, the advance continued but at some point, shortly thereafter and in some unknown manner, Pte Milne met his end on the Vimy battlefield. Although seen to fall, his remains were never recovered but he is enshrined on the Vimy Memorial and his Victoria Cross and two war medals are displayed at the Canadian War Museum in Ottawa.

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MacDowell

4/23/2017

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Major TW MacDowell VC DSO

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Thain Wendell MacDowell was born in Lachute Quebec on the 16th of September 1890. MacDowell only spent a brief time there as his parents separated and he was soon living in Maitland Ontario, just down stream on the Saint Lawrence from Brockville. Educated at Brockville Collegiate Institute, he joined the local Militia Unit, The Brockville Rifles. Spending a year with them, he then went off as a Student at the Univ of Toronto in 1910. While in Toronto he spent 4 month as an Officer Cadet in the Queens own Regiment. He completed his Bachelor of Arts Degree and in January 1915 was Commissioned as an Officer in the 38th (Ottawa) Battalion of the Canadian Expeditionary Force. MacDowell served with three other brothers, all going overseas, and one earning a Military Cross.

Now a Lieutenant, MacDowell and 38th Battalion began their war with a period of Garrison duty in Bermuda from August 1915 until May of the following year where they were succeeded by a French-Canadian Unit. The 38th proceeded directly to England and crossed the Channel to the front in early August joining 12th Brigade 4th Canadian Division in Belgium.

It wasn’t long before they were in the trenches and under fire but their initiation in the attack had to wait a short time. At the end of September, they moved south to join the Canadian Corps in the Somme operations and on the 18th of November went over the top for the first time. Newly-promoted Capt MacDowell was in the thick of battle and led his Company’s soldiers with dash and daring. Their advance was impeded by German Machine Gun fire but MacDowell was able to move close enough to silence not one or two but three MG nests by single handed use of grenades. He closed within throwing distance of the excellently sighted and murderously efficient positions and destroyed them aiding greatly in the capture of all their objectives. The course of the day’s battle was costly with the 38th having some 500 casualties killed or wounded, Thain MacDowell among the latter. He had been wounded slightly in the hand that day but also had been “blown up” by a shell that evening receiving a concussion. These wounds were to cause him great discomfort and he was evacuated to England to recover. For his Bravery and courage in that attack, Captain MacDowell was awarded the Distinguished Service order or DSO, an award just beneath the Victoria Cross in importance. In January 1917, he re-joined the 38th Battalion and was an Acting Major in the trenches in front of Vimy Ridge as the unit prepared for the Battle.

On the 9th of April 1917, the 4th Division was on the far left of the Canadian Corps and had the least distance to cover to their objectives. A lot of his was uphill in tightly constrained with trenches, wire, Machine Guns and concrete pillboxes. MacDowell had studied the maps and photos of the front line carefully and was meticulous in his own planning. From his previous experiences, he knew it was important to know where one was on the battlefield. His unit’s objective was just over the crest of the ridge itself. As the advance began, MacDowell and two of his Runners or Messenger soldier became separated from the main body of soldiers. MacDowell knew where he was so opted to press on. Spotting a Trench work that he thought would be a good HQ he was dismayed to find it covered by two German Machine Gun positions. MacDowell attacked one with grenades and destroyed it so effectively that the other gunner ran away in fright down an underground dugout. Following, Capt MacDowell and his two soldiers went down some 50 steps of tunnel before being confronted by 2 German officers and 75 of their soldiers. Thinking quickly and using the fact that the Germans could not see up the tunnel, Captain MacDowell made that he had a much larger force behind him and the Germans promptly surrendered. The 38th gained all their objective that day, more than 400 casualties was the bill.

Thain MacDowell was again slightly wounded in this action and when his unit came out of the line two weeks later, he was evacuated back to England. In June of 1917 it was announced that he had been awarded the Victoria Cross for his heroic actions on 9 April. He did return to the front briefly but was evacuated again and returned home to Canada to recover from the wars many effects. He did not return to the front again. Thain MacDowell had a successful business career after the war and remained in uniform as an Honorary Colonel. He died in the Bahamas in 1960.


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Dunning

4/14/2017

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Battle of Vimy Ridge diorama donated to 8th Hussars Museum

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A New Brunswick man, Nick Dunning , who creates realistic dioramas of military battle scenes out of his home calls it a passion and a duty and he has now donated  a piece in honour of the 100th anniversary of the Battle of Vimy Ridge to the 8th Hussars Museum. Each piece of work Dunning creates has its start in his basement, which he calls “the bunker.” Dunning spends hours combining his passion for military history and his artistic eye for detail to recreate battles from the First and Second World Wars.

In 1968 / 1969  Nick wore the black beret as a reservist
with the 8th Canadian Hussars in Moncton at No. # 5 depot.
Interview with Nick Dunning
On March 29th 2017, a  group of 8th Hussars Museum committee members were at the Museum to greet Nick Dunning. Nick arrived to donate a new diorama honouring the Battle of Vimy Ridge . Incredible Work!!
We are very proud to have the addition of this diorama to our 2017 exhibits at the 8th Hussars Museum as we commemorate the 100th anniversary of the battle.
Nick Dunning Donates Vimy diorama
Photographs by Don Robinson
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Cadman

4/3/2017

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Private Leopold Wellington Cadman
Canadian Expeditionary Force
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Leopold Cadman was born on May 5, 1880 to Jane and William Cadman in Anderson Settlement, NB. He had three sisters and two brothers. The family attended the Presbyterian Church. On October 28,1915, Leopold enlisted with the 85th Battalion, the Nova Scotia Highlanders. At this time, he was 35 years old living in Sackville, NB with his wife Mabel and their three children: two daughters, 9-year-old Alberta and 4-year-old Vessa and son Aubrey who was 6 years old. He had been supporting his family as a labourer working in the woods and as a farmhand. He was 5 foot seven in height and weighed 157 pounds.

Leopold arrived in Liverpool, England on the SS Olympic on October 18, 1916. On March 20, 1917, he landed in France and would be sent to the Arras sector to help in the battle preparation for the attack on Vimy Ridge. Leopold was part of the 85th Battalion which played a significant role at Vimy. Prior to April 9, the 85th was primarily a labour battalion. On the opening day of the battle the 4th Division was assigned the specific task of taking Hill 145. They struggled greatly and in desperation it was decided to send the untested 85th in to action. The typical artillery battle was called off as it was feared that the battalion would become victims of friendly fire. This however was not communicated to all of the troops. They waited for it for a short time and then went over the top with no protection. Within ten heart pounding minutes the enemy fell victim to a ferocious and heroic bayonet charge. The 85th’s success that day was miraculous. Leopold survived this day physically unscathed.
Two short months later he was not so fortunate. While fighting near Lens on June 26, 1917 he was wounded having received a gun shot wound to his right foot. This was the end of his time on the front. He was sent home for medical reasons on November 19, 1917. He disembarked from the HS Araguay in Halifax on November 28, 1917. During his time in the army, Leopold continued to support his family. They received his $20.00 pay monthly but virtually no correspondence from him during his time overseas other than a Christmas card his oldest daughter received in 1916.
Leopold returned home to Canada but never to Sackville. After disembarkation in Halifax, his military file indicated his movements to Saint John and Fredericton. He was officially discharged on August 19, 1918. He never made contact with his wife or three children. He never sent any further financial support. The family only learned later that he had relocated to Massachusetts where he moved in with a cousin who had served with the American army. The family was understandably perplexed and upset by Leopold’s actions and Leopold’s wife struggled to support her family. Leopold died on November 28, 1936 having never reconnected with his family back in New Brunswick. When his grandchildren would ask their parents about their grandfather, Leopold’s children would refuse to discuss the matter. They still struggled to make sense of their father’s actions from so many years ago.
Curiously a postscript occurred in this story in 1993 when Tom Evans in Liverpool, England was planting daffodils in a public garden. He found Leopold’s dog tag with the bullet that had been removed from his foot affixed to it as he was digging. Mr. Evans held on to the bullet for 20 years when he decided he should try to connect with the Cadman family. An article appeared in the Liverpool newspaper in 2013. Someone in Canada came across it who in turn tracked down Jack Trueman, Leopold’s grandson. Jack too has struggled to put make sense of his grandfather’s post-war experience. He continues to do research and to look for clues of what took place in his life from 1918 to 1936.
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Kennedy

3/26/2017

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Keltie Samuel Kennedy 1262008

Canadian Expeditionary Force
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Keltie Samuel Kennedy was the son of William and Kate Kennedy. He was born on September 23, 1897 in Hampton, NB. As a young man, he attended the Church of England. On May 1, 1916, at the age of 18, Keltie signed up with the 7th Overseas Siege Battery later the 6th Canadian Siege Battery in Saint John, NB. He was 5 feet 10 inches tall and had blue eyes and light brown hair. He was initially stationed on Partridge Island where he did guard duty but in his free time he liked to play ball, tennis and cards. He left Canada on the SS Olympic in May, 1916. He noted in his diary that there was lots of music to entertain the troops as there were five bands aboard. He disembarked in Liverpool and was prepared to fight for King and Empire.

Kennedy served in France for nine months. His diary indicates that he was always happy to receive mail from home and also that he attended church services as often as possible. He fought at the Somme and upon his arrival at Vimy he was very impressed by the manpower and the artillery moving in to place in preparation for the big attack. In early April, 1917 Keltie writes of the challenges they faced as there was constant shelling, adverse weather conditions and damaged trenches requiring repairs. Keltie served with a Siege Battery. Their role was to fire heavy artillery rounds with the objective of destroying trenches, bunkers and barbed wire. On Easter Monday, April 9, Keltie was up and moving at 4:00 AM. He noted in his diary that by 7:25 AM there were large numbers of prisoners coming in and by 8:25 our troops were consolidating positions. He knew things were going well and that all of the advanced planning was paying off.  After April 12, the Canadians still had a lot of work to do chasing out pockets of Germans. Shelling from the enemy was a constant threat. On April 15, Keltie was struck on his back by a piece of shrapnel and a rock hit his head. He avoided serious injury this time.
Keltie was wounded for the second time in Arleux, France by a high explosive shell on April 28, 1917.  He was carried out under fire later that day. He sustained an injury to the bone in the left hip and also had a broken femur on his left leg. He became as noted in his medical records “dangerously ill” while in the hospital. The leg was seriously infected and as a result he was sent back to England. He was discharged in February, 1918 and was able to serve as a clerk. Sometime shortly after he married his wife Irene who had been his nurse during his convalescence in England.  The leg again became troublesome and he was readmitted to the hospital in Bramshott in April, 1918 for further medical treatment. He was sent home in June, 1918 where again he was admitted to the hospital in July and discharged on August 20, 1918. The left leg was now one and a half inches shorter than his right leg.

Kennedy returned to Hampton, NB but in the aftermath of the Treaty of Versailles he felt certain that another global conflict was inevitable. These inter- war years were tough ones as there was not much money for the military but Kennedy felt that Canadians had to be ready when the next war started. The 8th Hussars were based in Hampton and Kennedy wanted to keep the regiment ready for the future. He convinced men to volunteer and keep training. He organized a machine gun troop in Hampton with the idea of keeping the men interested and developing their skills.  From 1936 to 1939 he was the Lieutenant-Colonel of the 8th Hussars. Given the situation in Europe in the late 1930’s war was now imminent. It was under his leadership that the 8th Hussars converted from a mounted regiment to an armoured regiment. He was credited with ensuring the 8th Hussars were well prepared for service in the Second World War. During the Second World War, he served at District Headquarters and after the war he served again as Lieutenant-Governor of the Hussars. He would do so until 1948. Keltie was no doubt very proud of his son, Clifford who served in Italy and North west Europe during the Second World War.

Keltie Kennedy died in 1987 at the age of 88. He is celebrated among Hussars today as being the driving force which made the regiment such a formidable force during the Second World War.
 

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Thorne

3/26/2017

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Ora Whitfield Thorne
Canadian Overseas Expeditionary Force
Service Number 742837
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Ora Whitfield Thorne was born to Almeda (Kierstead) and Byatha Thorne on December 24, 1895 in Salem, Kings County, New Brunswick. He was one of 15 children (two girls and 13 boys). He was 18 years old and working on a farm when the First World War broke out. He did not join the military immediately as he feared he would be turned away because of some health issues.

Two years later the war that most thought would be over in a few months raged on. Ora was now 20 years old and he felt compelled to enlist and do his part. He enlisted on March 1, 1916. From March to May of 1916 he trained in Saint John, NB with the 115th Battalion. He then travelled to Quebec where he trained for the next few months in preparation for overseas service.

He was next sent to Halifax where he boarded the SS Olympic. He disembarked in the United Kingdom and trained in Bramshott where he received rifle and machine gun training. He was sent to Le Havre, France in 1917 where he was taken on strength by the 26th Battalion and worked behind the lines at Vimy ensuring that food, ammunition and supplies reached the soldiers.

Thorne became a stretcher bearer while with the 26th. He continued in this role until the end of the war. Thorne would go on to see action at the battle for Hill 70 in August of 1917 and at Passchendaele in the fall of 1917. He was wounded in November of 1917 when a shell struck the ground in front of him. Ora fell in to a hole and didn’t realize he had been wounded until he got up and felt blood. He recovered in the hospital for a two-week period.  Ora would go on to serve at the Battles of Amiens and Canal Du Nord in 1918, two significant battles from Canada’s Hundred Days. The First World War was declared over in November of 1918.

After the armistice, Ora went to Cologne, France for several months where he did guard duty. Before returning home, Ora was one of a few of the 26th Battalion chosen to parade before King George V in London. Ora was sent home with thousands of other Canadian servicemen in the spring of 1919. He disembarked in Halifax, took a train to Saint John from where he was discharged.  Ora returned to Havelock where the community had a small celebration to honour he and two others.

In 1925, Ora married Annie Marcia Thorne, daughter of Charles and May (Mullet) Thorne of the Canaan Road. Ora would go on to farm but when the Second World War broke out he felt compelled to enlist again but was refused. He did contribute however by helping with the construction of additional facilities at Camp Sussex. He then went on to work at Blois Corey’s mill. In 1945, Ora purchased a farm from Dan Burgess where he worked until retirement. He and his wife had two sons, Gerald and Ronny and two daughters, Norma (Mrs. Percy Corey) and Marilyn (Mrs. Dave Delong). Ora and his wife Anne had 22 grandchildren and 13 great grandchildren.
 
From biographical information held by the 8th Hussars Museum located in Sussex, NB. The museum has in its collection two essays. One essay was authored by John Hughes who interviewed Ora Thorne in December, 1983. The other essay was written by Ora Thorne’s daughter, Norma Thorne Corey.

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Ashe

3/26/2017

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Private John Firman Ashe 710173

26th Battalion

2nd Canadian Division
Canadian Expeditionary Force
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  • John Firman Ashe was born to a Presbyterian family in Upham, NB on January 25, 1891. He was the son of Robert and Emma Ashe. He enlisted in April 25, 1916 in Sussex, NB a little more than a month after his good friend Harry Myles had enlisted. He was 25 years old and in his attestation papers he declared himself to be a labourer and that he had eight weeks of experience with the local militia. He had blue eyes, black hair and he was 5 feet 9 ½ inches tall.
  • John was initially with the 104th Battalion as was Harry. They both left Canada on June 28, 1916 on the SS Olympic and disembarked in Liverpool, England together on July 6, 1916 where they trained at Camp Witley. He was transferred to the 26th Battalion on November 28, 1916 upon arriving in France.
  • The 26th Battalion was with the 2nd Canadian Division which played a significant role at Vimy Ridge in April, 1917. April 9th was the opening day of the four-day battle. The 2nd Division had great success on this day. They captured and retained all of its objectives. The 26th Battalion was working with the 24th. They took their sector and support line in 12 minutes and captured the Black Line between 6:02 and 6:14. The 26th pushed through in adverse conditions as the weather went from rain to snow to rain again. At some point during this day, John Firman Ashe was wounded and was taken to the No. 1 Canadian Field Ambulance where he died shortly thereafter. His military file indicated that the nature of the wounds was not reported. He died on the first day of battle to take the ridge. He was only 26 years old. Undoubtedly, this was a sad day for his friend, Harry Myles, who had to fight on with a heavy heart.
  • John Ashe is buried at the Quatre-Vents Military Cemetery located in Estree-Cauchy, France 16 kilometers north-west of Arras. There are over 100 casualties from the First World War buried there. His family were obviously heartbroken. They paid to have the original wooden cross from his burial site brought home. This cross has been brought out of storage countless times over the last 100 years so that generations of his family could learn of his life and of his sacrifice. The cross along with other personal memorabilia were recently donated to the Canadian War Museum in Ottawa. The house where these two young men spent part of their youth is still standing. John’s parent’ s headstone bears his name as well along with the inscription “Killed at Vimy”. John’s family very much treasures his memory.
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Myles

3/26/2017

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Private Harry Jones Myles 710128
5th Canadian Mounted Rifles
3rd Canadian Division
Canadian Expeditionary Force
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Harry Jones Myles was born in Hammond, Kings County on December 6, 1888. He was the son of Martha and Weldon F. Myles and the family attended the Church of England. Harry enlisted on March 20, 1916 at the age of 27 years old. He was single and stated in his attestation papers that he was a clerk. He had no previous military experience. He had a fair complexion, brown hair and was 5 feet 6 ¾ inches tall.
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Harry joined the 104th Overseas Battalion (B Company). He set sail with his friend from the Shepley Road, John Ashe, on June 28, 1916 on the SS Olympic and they arrived
together in Liverpool, England on July 6, 1916. He trained with John at Camp Witley while in the UK. He was sent to France on November 7, 1916 and was taken on strength by the 5th Canadian Mounted Rifles on December 16, 1916.
In 1917, it was decided that the Canadian Corps would have the responsibility of taking Vimy Ridge. Our four Canadian Divisions would each have distinct responsibilities in this well planned and well rehearsed attack. The 5th CMR was part of the 3rd Division and their war diary indicates an active role in this significant battle. The 5th CMR suffered 91 casualties of which 20 died as a result of the battle. After the battle between April 13th and April 20th, the 5th CMR continued moving forward in adverse conditions as weather and constant shelling affected greatly their advance. On April 20th, patrols were sent forward to determine enemy positions. It was reported in the 5th CMR War Diary on this date that enemy artillery was very active around Bois de la Chaudière which barraged the 5th CMR’s front line heavily between 10:00 and 11:00 PM. At some point on April 20, Harry Myles was killed, eight days after the great Canadian success at Vimy. According to the war diary of the battalion, Harry was one of two 5th CMR’s killed between April 17 and April 23, 1917.

Harry is buried in Cabaret-Rouge British Cemetery which is located 3.5 kilometers north of Arras in Souchez, France. There are 7655 Commonwealth burials from the First World War in this cemetery. Harry Myles is the only soldier from the 5th Canadian Mounted Rifles buried at Cabaret-Rouge. He was only 29 years old when he died.

Two men, Harry Myles and John Ashe, both born and raised here in Kings County, NB, friends for many years,  went to war together, both fought at Vimy and both died in April of 1917. The news surely reverberated deeply with their families and saddened their community. Both men paid the ultimate sacrifice in the name of freedom. Lest we forget.

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Maillet

3/26/2017

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Private Edouard Reuben Maillet 666334
Canadian Expeditionary Force

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Edouard Reuben Maillet was born in Ricibucto- Village in Kent County, NB on January 14, 1890. His father was Reuben S. Maillet and his step-mother was Victoria Maillet. The war that was supposed to be over at Christmas was now in its second year. Maillet felt he had to contribute. He enlisted at the age of 26 in March of 1916 in Moncton, NB. Prior to joining the military he was a labourer. Upon enlistment, he was with placed with the 165th Battalion and later taken on strength by the 4th Pioneer Battalion. His medical records from 1916 indicate that he was 5’ 8” tall and weighed 140 pounds. He had a medium complexion, dark hair and blue eyes. His medical record also noted that he had a contusion to an abdominal wall as the result of an injury sustained in 1912 while in the United States. The file indicates that the injury was the result of lifting a heavy object. Edouard stated during his examination that he aggravated the same area in 1913. This hernia would cause further troubles for Edouard during his military career in Europe.

Edouard served his country for 3 years and 42 days. After training in Canada from March to September, 1916 he then proceeded to England on the SS Metagana. He disembarked in Liverpool on September 22, 1916. He was taken on strength by the 5th Canadian Pioneer Battalion at Crowborough on December 2, 1916. Crowborough had a Canadian Machine Gun Training School which opened during the second half of the First World War. On January 14, 1917, he was sent to France to face battle for the first time. He was taken on strength by the 3rd Canadian Pioneer Battalion. A pioneer battalion worked in conjunction with the engineers. They helped to consolidate positions captured by the infantry. They were also involved with tunneling, mining, wiring, railroad work, and building and maintaining trenches. This battalion played a vital role in the preparation work prior to the April 9th attack on Vimy Ridge and over the course of the four day battle.
Edouard was transferred to the 29th Battalion on May 8, 1917. The hernia which had troubled him for several years was again aggravated as his medical records indicate that he was hit in this spot with a lump of earth while fighting in France in 1917.
On April 30, 1918 Edouard was struck off strength to the 2nd Battalion Canadian Machine Gun Corps. Maillet would fight through until the end of the war. On April 13, 1919, he returned to England and left for Canada on May 14, 1919. He was discharged on May 25, 1919 in Toronto at the age of 29. He returned to Richibucto- Village where he fished for a few years and then took care of the Richibucto Harbour Lights. He retired in 1951 to take care of his wife, Emma, who was ill. Edouard and Emma had 2 sons and 5 daughters.
Edouard died at the age of 74 on February 18, 1964 at Hotel Dieu Hospital in Moncton. He had served his country well and his family is proud of his contribution to the military.
 

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Bowser

3/21/2017

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Edward Murray Bowser 832785
Canadian Expeditionary Force
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Murray Bowser was born on March 31, 1886 in Dorchester, NB, the son of Edward and Margaret Bowser. Murray’s life was marked by a fair bit of tragedy and misfortune. As a child, Murray fell off a house and injured both scapulas which caused him some challenges during his military service. His father drowned in the Tantramar River in Sackville, NB in 1894. The family then relocated to Amherst, NS where Murray eventually found work in a local foundry. Here at the age of 13 he accidentally cut off three fingers of his left hand with a buzz plane. Murray’s mother remarried at the age of 44 to a Cornelius Crowley who was 33 years her senior. Unfortunately, Murray’s mother died shortly thereafter and Cornelius planned to put the children in an orphanage. Happily, his mothers brother, Murray’s uncle, William Union, who lived in Moncton took the children. Murray found work there with the Intercolonial Railway as a moulder.
In 1905, at the age of 19 Murray married Mabel Morrill. On August 8, 1916, Murray enlisted in Val Cartier, Quebec with the 145th Battalion. He was 30 years old. He had previous military experience as he had served with the 74th Regiment for nine years as a cook. He arrived overseas on the SS Tuscania on October 6, 1916. He served overseas with the 9th Reserve Battalion at Bramshott and with the 10th Battalion at Vimy Ridge. The 10th Battalion was part of the First Canadian Division at Vimy. On April 9th, they advanced into heavy small arms fire over heavily shelled terrain. The 10th Battalion suffered most of its casualties in the first 15minutes of the battle on April 9. Murray would survive Vimy but he was a victim of shell shock.
He returned home to Canada on the HMTS Justicia in May of 1917 and was taken on strength by the # 6 Special Service Company in July, 1917. On December 6, 1917 Murray would be present at the worst maritime disaster in Canadian history: the Halifax Explosion. On this day, Private Bowser was among a group of soldiers sent down to the wharf to unload ammunition. They witnessed the Mont Blanc on fire. There were two explosions. The first one did not affect Murray but the second one knocked him out. He remembers regaining consciousness on Barrington Street and being transported to the Camp Hill Hospital. Canadians gained a new perspective of the reality of war with over 2000 dead, 9000 injured and 25,000 left homeless.

Murray was discharged from the army on October 18, 1918. He returned to Moncton and worked for CN as a moulder. In 1925, he married Edna Boudreau. In 1939, he built a house. Disaster struck again as the house burnt down as the result of a grass fire. He lost everything including his First World War uniform. He built his second home on Edinburgh Drive, Moncton. Murray would go on to retire from CN. He was a proud member of the CNR War Vets and the 145th Battalion Association. He had looked adversity in the face countless times but soldiered on to live a full, productive life. He died on October 24, 1974 and is buried at Fair Haven Memorial Gardens on the Salisbury Road in Moncton.

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Main

3/18/2017

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Captain Charles Gilliland Main
Canadian Army Medical Corps
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Charles Gilliland Main was born in St. Andrews, NB on January 2, 1865. He was a physician in Edmundston for a number of years where he was the first doctor in New Brunswick to do an appendectomy. It was not long after he moved to St. Stephen, NB to practice that he felt compelled to enlist. He traveled to Montreal and on April 19, 1916 at the age of 51 he enlisted wanting to do his part to help with the heavy casualties. His military file indicated that he was married to Caroline Matilda and they had one child, Wilmot Balloch Main . They belonged to the Church of England. Both his parents were deceased.

He was appointed to the rank of Captain on March 2, 1916 and joined the Army Medical Corps. He served in England and France. On May 9, 1916, he arrived in Boulogne, France and was stationed at the No. 3 General Hospital. He was attached for temporary duty to the No 13 British Station Hospital during the summer of 1916 and then returned to the No. 3 General Hospital. Main dealt with casualties from many battles during the First World War including those at Vimy Ridge. There were more than 10,500 casualties over the four-day battle. 7,707 of those occurred on April 9 and the early hours of April 10. The wounds that medical staff dealt with were more severe than previous battles due to the increased use of artillery. Charles’ son, Wilmot enlisted in August of 1917. He too joined the Medical Corps and served with his father in Europe. Charles had a very caring heart. He wrote numerous articles for the newspaper detailing his experiences in France as well as those of the soldiers. He was also an amateur photographer. During the war, he took hundreds of photos of life during war time focusing on family, the injured, special times and the dead. His pictures have been preserved by the family and have now been donated to the 8th Hussars Museum.
Charles Main was having some medical issues with ulcers and stomach ailments and was admitted to the hospital for a month in March, 1919. He set sail for Canada on August 13, 1919 and was discharged from service on November 18, 1919. Main returned to New Brunswick and established a long-term family practice on the corner of Charlotte and Watson Streets in the west side of Saint John. His son, Wilmot, would also come to Saint John to teach at Saint John Vocational School. Wilmot would go on to become Vocational’s second director from 1937-1965.

Dr. Charles Gilliland Main died at the age of 75 on September 7. 1940. He is buried in Fernhill Cemetery in Saint John. He was of great service to his country during the First World War and was fortunate enough to return home and help so many others through his medical practice. His family is very proud of Charles and Wilmot for their contributions to the war as well as their many accomplishments during their lifetimes.
Interview
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Fall 2016 Newsletter

2/27/2017

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Harold Gamblin Chapter,

12/4/2016

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The 8th Hussars Christmas Dinner sponsored by the Harold Gamblin Chapter, Hampton N.B. was held at the Masonic Hall yesterday 03 December 2016 starting with a meet and greet at 12:00 noon and followed by a beautiful roast beef dinner.
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The Harold Gamblin Chapter has held a Christmas Dinner for more then 50 years starting with a group of Hampton veterans getting together and preparing the meal themselves, now the Masonic's prepare the dinner . This year there was a special presentation  made to the 8th Hussars Museum. Nick Dunning from Quispamsis, previously a 8th Hussars created a scene with Gordon Bickerton , Princess Louise and Princess Louise 2  the Mascots of the 8th Hussars. Gordon and Mary took great pride in looking after the horses. A full story about A Horse , Hope and Humanity, Remembering- Adopted mascot returned to N.B. with 8th Hussars Regiment can be found online - http://www.rootsweb.ancestry.com/~nbpennfi/penn8a2NewspaperStories_PrincessLouise.htm
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Sgt. Gordon Bickerton holds Princess Louise and her 10-day baby Princess Louise II, at Camp Sussex in 1954.
The inspiration for the scene came from this photograph
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 This scene will be on display at the 8th Hussars Museum to Honor the wonderful work of Nick Dunning and also honor the Mascots and their handler Gordon Bickerton .
    Another scene donated to the 8th Hussars Museum by  Nick Dunning tells the story of a Canadian soldier given a medal by a German. This diorama was  is on display now. More information can be found by clicking the link. http://www.8chassociation.com/blog---museum/diorama
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Friends had the opportunity to socialize and reminisce about their family members and friends whom were with the 8th Hussars past and present.
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Scovil Brown 

11/23/2016

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                                Minister of Veterans Affairs Commendation  

Since serving in uniform, many of Canada’s Veterans continue to provide outstanding service to their country, their communities and their fellow Veterans. To formally recognize the contributions of these outstanding Canadians, the Governor General authorized the creation of the Minister of Veterans Affairs Commendation.

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The Commendation is awarded annually to individuals who have contributed in an exemplary manner to the care and well-being of Veterans or to the remembrance of the contributions, sacrifices and achievements of Veterans.

Hampton,New Brunswick -
Mr. Carl Scovil Brown is a Veteran of the Canadian Armed Forces. Originally a member of the 8th Canadian Hussars, he became a member of the regimental association upon his retirement and continues his involvement today. Mr. Brown ensures that sick members are visited, that families of deceased members are cared for, and that Veterans receive dignified funerals. He is also personally responsible for the establishment of the 8th Canadian Hussars Museum in Sussex, New Brunswick. Upon realizing that nothing existed to commemorate the contributions of the regiment, Mr. Brown developed a plan, recruited like-minded individuals, established committees and worked to create a museum. This involved countless hours gathering; cataloguing and insuring memorabilia; and directing fundraising efforts to acquire a venue to display the regimental history. Thanks to his efforts, the 8th Canadian Hussars Museum is now well established and was recently named the best small museum in Canada. Mr. Brown also convinced the association to fund a memorial tablet depicting the story of “the little colt” Princess Louise, that became the regimental mascot. Mr. Brown is also a long time member of the Royal Canadian Legion and sat on the board that replaced the old and crumbling cenotaph in Hampton, New Brunswick. This project required significant community engagement, fundraising and dedication. Mr. Brown’s financial expertise has been a huge asset to the Legion, helping them achieve the stability they continue to enjoy today.
www.veterans.gc.ca/eng/about-us/department-officials/minister/commendation/bio/1414
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John Burpee Wallace

11/2/2016

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War Brides Part 2

7/27/2016

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War Bride Story of Great Grandmother Ivy Allaby

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Many stories of war brides have circulated around the 8th Hussars Museum as many of the veterans have war
brides or many of the visitors have family members who are war brides.
 
An interesting story by Miranda Morrison, one of our summer students.

"My great grandfather Lloyd Allaby enlisted illegally with the 8th Hussars at the age of 14 so when he arrived in Aldershot and married my great grandmother Ivy Allaby, he was only 16 at the time while she was 14. After they were married, my great grandfather sent her across the Atlantic, back to Canada and while she was on the boat, she heard the news of the war ending. However, it was months later before her husband  returned."
 
 "As many other war brides were, she was promised to come back to a big beautiful house with lots of land, money, plumbing, electricity, and many other exciting things, but this was not the case. Instead, she came back to her husbands parent's shack in the middle of the woods with an outhouse out back. She was young, alone and scared. Everything was new and strange to her, a far cry from her being a field hockey goalie in England. She herself told me of this just a few years ago. She said that my great grandfather's mother and sisters would say that she wasn't good enough and that she was just garbage so she would go behind the house everyday and cry," said Miranda.
"After my great grandfather returned to Canada, life changed for my Great Grammy in a positive way. He purchased their own home and they farmed. Happier days were ahead as the young couple grew their family of 5 kids and spent many hours on their farm. One of Great Grampy's daughters Suzanne married  , Eddie Mercer,  my grandfather, whom died at a young age. 
Grampy Eddie was  known as, "the Meat Man" in Hampton.  Great Grammy spent many hours working in the gardens and raising her children. She did not travel much , nor return to England . She is currently living at the nursing home in Hampton and is turning 91 in October."


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    Welcome to the 8th Hussars Museum
         The 8th Hussars Museum is located in the historic Train Station in Sussex, NB. The building has been restored to its original grandeur and is situated in the hub of the Town of Sussex. The Victorian-era structure houses many of the important artifacts of the museum and is accessible to the general public.  Since the later part of the 19th century, countless Hussars arrived by rail to train at Camp Sussex and later to serve in the South African War, WWI and WWII.

    The collection includes many items representing the life of the Regiment with original uniforms dating back to 1881, original Routine Orders dating back to 1893, memorabilia from members who represented the Regiment at Queen Victoria's Diamond Jubilee, WWI, WWII, UN/NATO peacekeeping tours as well as the Afghanistan engagement.  Of particular interest are the flags from each of these eras.  The Museum also proudly holds the original accouterments of HRH The Princess Royal who is Colonel Commandant of the Regiment

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