UNB’s Gregg Centre for the Study of War and Society has launched a blog. Definitely worth a read!
Visiting George Lyman Anglin
This July, Ms. Lewell visited Vimy Ridge! While there, she took some time to look up where George Lyman Anglin is commemorated (see his story below). Here are some pictures from the trip.
The Canadian national memorial at Vimy Ridge. The weather there is very changeable - an hour after this picture it was bright and sunny again.
Ms Lewell points out "G.L. Anglin" on the Vimy memorial. It's pretty high up there... since she's short, she had to get a tall person to trace the name.
Detail showing the name.
Filed under General Remembrance, Soldier Project 2010
Daniel Lionel Teed
by Colin M.
Daniel Lionel Teed was born on October 12th, 1893 to Mariner G. Teed and Margaret A Teed. He had one sibling, his older brother Hugh M. Teed, who also served in the Canadian Expeditionary Force in the Infantry. He lived on 119 Hagan Street in Saint John. Before the outbreak of the War, he attended the Royal Military College in Ontario. He was 5 foot, 9 ½ inches tall, and was deemed fit for service overseas on January 14th, 1916.
Photo of Daniel Lionel Teed, 1893-1918
Teed was a member of the 5th Battery in Canada’s militia, with the rank of Captain; when he enlisted in the regular army, he was a Lieutenant in the 36th Howitzer Battery. The 36th was part of the 9th Brigade Canadian Field Artillery of the 3rd Canadian Division of the Canadian Corps, and was formed in January of 1916. The 36th Battery fought all across France and Belgium, at the northern end of the Western Front. The unit served until shortly after the end of the war, when it, along with the rest of the 3rd Canadian Division, was disbanded.
Lieutenant Teed had been with his unit since its formation, and was a well-respected officer. He made many friends within the 36th Battery, and was considered a brave and clever man. During the Battle of Hill 70, near Lens in France, in August of 1917, Daniel’s gallantry and brave actions earned him the Military Cross. During this battle, Daniel and another officer, Lieutenant Fleet, were wounded by a German “Yellow Cross” artillery shell. The ‘Yellow Cross’ was a type of shell designed to carry a chemical payload to cause burning and blistering on the skin. He returned to duty on October 7th, 1917.
Gravestone of Daniel Teed, Monchy-le-Preux Cemetery
On September 1st, 1918, the 36th Battery was assigned to clear some German barbed wire, in preparation for an upcoming attack. The battery was in a very exposed area, and came under fire from German artillery while completing their first objective. The next barrage of shells fell short, and Lieutenant Teed ran to the No. 2 howitzer to relay orders. When he arrived, an enemy shell struck the gun, killing Teed, the guns commander Sergeant McKay, and Gunner John Cornfoot. All three men were killed instantly. Despite the loss of these three respected men, the unit was able to finish the wire clearing, and the attack continued as planned.
Sources:
http://www.cwgc.org/search/casualty_details.aspx?casualty=28966
http://ourmaritimeties.com/tng/getperson.php?personID=I25643&tree=Arthur
Hunt, M. S. and Major D. A. MacKinnon. Nova Scotia’s Part in the Great War: Chapter VII: The 36th Battery, C.F.A. The Nova Scotia Veteran Publishing Co. 1920.
Filed under Soldier Project 2010
John Bapst Cronin
by Katie, Jill, Matt, Olivia, Marcus and Kaitlynn
John Bapst Cronin, 1887 – 1916
John Bapst Cronin. Source: Obituary, Saint John Daily Telegraph, Wed. 26 Oct 1916
John Bapst Cronin, son of Mrs. T. J. Cronin of Saint John, New Brunswick, was born on October 12th, 1887. At the age of 28, John Bapst Cronin signed up for the army. John was a short and large man. His height was 5 foot 6 inches, and his chest measured 38 inches around. He had brown eyes and sandy colored hair. His religion was Roman Catholic. He worked as a surveyor. John was not married, as his mother was his next-of-kin. John had four brothers, Leonard in Montreal, Frank; a student at Saint Joseph’s college, Raymond and Henry at home with their mother and one sister, Mollie.
John was 28 years old when he enlisted in the army on May 6th, 1915. He had never served in the military force before this time. He signed up in Edmonton, Alberta, Canada. His unit was the Canadian Infantry (Alberta Regiment) and he was part of the 49th battalion. His service number was 433163.
John Bapst Cronin took his part in the army in the 49th battalion. On May 29th, 1915 the men left Edmonton by train. When the unit reached Montreal, they went on a Canadian Pacific ship Metagama for a sea voyage to Britain. They trained there until it was time to depart for France. The battalion landed in France early October 1915 and soon moved to the front.
The Metagama. Source: unidentified
In 1916, the 49th adopted a new badge to replace the Maple Leaf with the unit number. The design was developed by Private George Brown. The new design contained four blades of a windmill to symbolize the Flanders terrain in which the unit was located. It had a wolf’s head at the center, representing Lestock, Saskatchewan, maple leafs, and the number “49” representing the battalion. Underneath there was a scroll with “Edmonton Regiment” written on it.
Cap badge, 49th "The Edmonton Regiment". Source: Loyal Edmonton Regiment museum
Before going to battle, some members of the battalion decided they needed a motto. The 49th came up with “Fears No Foe” but a veteran suggested they wait until they had actually met foe in battle. The unit did use the motto, but it did not become official until years later.
The battle of the Somme is famous mainly on the account that so many British troops were lost. One third was lost just on the first day of the battle, July first 1916. The attack was launched on a 30 km front and took place from July 1st to November 18th. The aim being to drain the Gremanforces of reserves, and more territorial gain. They expected this battle was that the ferocity of the bombardment would entirely destroy all forward German defenses, enabling the attacking British troops to practically walk across No Man’s Land and take possession of the German front lines from the battered and dazed German troops. 1,500 British guns, together with a similar number of French guns, were employed in the bombardment. Tanks were first introduced in this battle, they were huge, but very slow, and were always breaking down.
Tank on the Somme. Source: National Archives of Canada
During the Somme, the soldiers got to see an explosion unlike any other. This was one of the 17 mines that exploded on July 1st, 1916. The mine took seven months to lie, and was 75 feet deep and 1,000 feet long. It was prepared with a 40,600lb ammonal charge by 252nd Tunneling Company. The resultant crater was 40ft deep and 300ft wide! It is called the Hawthorn Crater and is one of the few craters that are left. This explosion was the first to be blown that day, eight minutes before the other 16.
John Bapst Cronin was killed in battle on October 8, 1916. His battalion would have been fighting in the battle of the Somme at this time. Sadly, John was killed the day before his battalion was leaving the Somme.
John is buried at the Regina Trench Cemetery, located in Grandcourt. His grave reference is II. G. 24. Grandcourt is a small French village located in France with a population of 174 people. Although the cemetery is located in Grandcourt, it is not possible to gain access to the cemetery from the village. Visitors must approach the cemetery from the direction of Courcelette! The cemetery was designed by Sir Herbert Baker. Regina Trench Cemetery now contains 2,279 burials and commemorations of the First World War. 1,077 of the burials are unidentified, but there are special memorials to 14 casualties believed to be buried among them.
Regina Trench Cemetery. Source: Commonwealth War Graves Commission
Bibliography
http://www.cwgc.org/search/cemetery_details.aspxcemetery=23000&mode=1
http://www.cwgc.org/search/certificate.aspx?casualty=234673
http://www.firstworldwar.com/today/hawthorncrater.htm
http://www.veterans.gc.ca/remembers/sub.cfmsource=collections/virtualmem/detail&casualty=234673
Filed under Soldier Project 2010
James Murray Hazen
by Ryan, Brittany, Myles, Kevin, James and Yeji
James Murray Hazen was born April 15, 1896. His parents were John Douglas Hazen, born June 6, 1860, and Caroline Tibbets, born September 22, 1864. He was born into a family that already had three children. The first was Douglas Hazen, who was born September 30, 1885. The second was Kate Hazen, who was born March 1, 1888. The third was Francis Hazen, who was born April l13, 1890. The Hazen family was extremely well off, having a father in the Judges Chamber. James’ life resembled that of Irvings. In the way that certain things are expected, so James was required to war. There he served in the 7th battalion as part of the Canadian Field Artillery.
Action at Ypres
This took place the first week of April 1915. The Canadian troops were moved into the front around the town of Ypres. On the right there were Canadian and two British divisions and on the left there was a French division. On April 22 the Germans introduced a new weapon, poison gas. After the intensive artillery bombardment they released 160 tons of chlorine gas into a northeast wind. When the chlorine gas drifted over the trenches the French crumbled, and the soldiers with unprotected lungs died or fled, leaving a gaping four mile hole in the allied line. The German troops put 50 000 Canadian and British soldiers in deadly jeopardy. The Canadian troops fought to close the gap. Also Canadian troops put a counterattack into action to drive the enemy out of Kitchener’s Wood, an oak plantation near St. Julien. On April 24 the Germans attacked in an attempt to destroy the Salient once and for all. The was another violent gas attack, this time the target was the Canadian line. The air was terrible, there were machine guns being fired and chlorine gas in the air. The only way the soldiers could breathe was through mud-soaked, and sometimes even urine-soaked handkerchiefs. In the battlefield, the Canadians established a reputation as a fighting group! In 48 hours, 6,035 Canadian soldiers died. 1 soldier in every 3 died from the little trained civilians.
St Julien Canadian monument in memory of the Second Battle of Ypres. Photo by Ms. Lewell
James was killed April 19, 1916. It is unclear when, where and why he died in this war, but it is clear that his death was not in vain. He was buried at the Lissenthoek Military Cemetery that’s located about 12 kilometers West of Ieper, Belgium; on the road connecting Ieper to Poperinge.
Lijssenthoek Military Cemetery. Photo : Commonwealth War Graves Commission.
Filed under Soldier Project 2010
George Lyman Anglin
by Matt, Jillian, Katie, Olivia, Kaitlynn and Marcus
George Lyman Anglin, son of Dr.James Vickers Anglin and Clara Ellen Ives. Anglin was born on May 5th 1896. He lived in Saint John NB within a large family of five brothers. George’s household were very wealthy, successful and quite well known.
George’s family
His parents got married in 1891. James Vickers Anglin graduated from medicine in 1887 and then he went on to do past graduate education in Edinburgh. In 1891 he joined the Verdun Asylum where he soon became an assistant to the medical superintendant. He returned to Saint John in 1904 after being appointed the superintendant of the Lancaster heights provincial medical hospital. James was a very successful man with his whole life in medical history until the time of his death. Certain accomplishments he took part in were: he had been vice – president of the maritime psychiatric society, and president of the Canadian rotary club. He was also a surgeon with the 62nd regiment with the rank of captain. His wife, Clara attended the Anglin family reunion at the pine grove church in 1936. James Vickers died in Saint John in 1937, and Clara died in 1946.
George attended Saint John High School, and is believed to have been one of the boys in the picture below.
Saint John High School Football team, 1910. Source: New Brunswick Museum "Balls, Bats and Boats: Sporting & Recreational Activities & Traditions in New Brunswick."
He enlisted from Mt. Allison University with the 64th Battalion, C.E.F., and also with the 21st Battalion, C.E.F. After this Mr. Anglin went to Sussex NB training camp and soon after was enlisted in the 21st battalion, the Kingston Ontario regiment, he was 18 years old. We do not know why Lyman ended up there but one of the better theories would hint that he was sent on strength. Often during WW1 many recruits were sent away to other regiments in need of reinforcements.
The 64th Battalion at Sussex NB training camp, 1915. Photo: The New Brunswick Museum
The 21st battalion
The 21st (Eastern Ontario) Battalion was formed on Oct 19th 1914. The battalion’s commander was Lieut/Col (later Brig-Gen) William St Pierre Hughes. The men of the 21st battalion had trained for a solid 7 months in Kingston, Ontario. When first organized the battalion was organized into eight single company’s named from latter “a” to “h”. After their 7 months of training in Kingston they left to Montreal by train on may 5th 1915. From there on they sailed to Devonport England, soon later they went to the west Sandling camp where they carried on with the rest of their training.
Cap Badge of the 21st Battalion, Canadian Expeditionary Force
The men had arrived in France in September 1915. They were brought to St Omer in cattle trucks filled with up to forty men a truck. From there on they marched to the trenches. The march was not any just any casual walk; it was a physical and mental challenge to the men. The French cobblestone roads proved to be very hard on soldier’s feet, especially with the cheap Canadian boots they were equipped with. The march its self was a battle alone; though their rifles had not yet even been fired. The men surly had reason for low morale but continued smiling, laughing and cheering. The battalion was addressed by general Alderson. “General Alderson addressed a few remarks to the battalion in which he complimented them on their fine appearance”-(http://pwormuseum.ca/21sthistory.html).
The battalion was in action in battles such as Arras, Canal Du Nord, Amiens and Passchendaele, and Vimy Ridge. Vimy ridge was rather important battle for George Anglin’s history as it was the last battle he had served in. he was estimated to be 22 years old.
Vimy Ridge
The battle of Vimy ridge, to most Canadians, is a defying point in Canada’s history. This is a defying point in our military history because the Canadian troops did something that no other troop could do; they took over Vimy ridge and held it. Not only did this establish our military, but it also was the base foundation to what made Canada emerge from Britain to become a nation.
For the first time in the Great World war, all four Canadian divisions fought together and were all under the leadership of General Arthur Currie. Taking over the Ridge seemed to be an impossible task that no other force had accomplished, but the Canadian commanders prepared alot of elaborate and thorough planning. ‘’ Engineers dug great tunnels into the ridge, roads and light railways were built and signals and supplies were ready.’’ (Valour Remembered) They also made medical facilities and also made other luxuries that they referred to as « comforts of home ».Currently Germans had place of Vimy Ridge and it was a vital key in their defense system. The slopes were in their favor and they were also laced with an elaborate trench system that made them strongly protected against the opposing troops. The Canadians were determined to take down the Germans the ground and tactics.
A machine gun emplacement on the crest of Vimy Ridge and the men who drove the Germans from it during the Battle of Vimy Ridge. Source: National Archives of Canada
This attack was very well planned, there was even a bombardment designed to conceal the exact time. The attack started at dawn, Easter Monday, general Currie ordered all four of the Canadian divisions to move forward together for the first time. They walked through driving wind, snow and sleet. On April 9th, after Canada had lost thousands of soldiers, Canada had been in command of Vim Ridge. Miracously three days later the remainder of the Ridge was taken.
In total there were 3598 dead out of 10,602 Canadian casualties. With this intensified battle with such crushing blows, the Germans called it “the week of suffering.” It was a great defense mechanism because it stands so far above the rest of the territory. Vimy Ridge stands out 110 meters and it stretches eight to ten kilometers. This was important because they could see their enemies, and if they tried to make some advancement towards these German troops, which gave them, time to prepare a counter attack to defend the ridge. The victory of Vimy Ridge is an important battle for both the troops and Canada. That year there was four Canadian soldiers to win the Victoria Cross, and more importantly General Arthur Currie was knighted on the battle field by King George V.
George is on the Vimy Memorial, in Pas de Calais, France. George Anglin was a great man, and is respected for everything he had done for his country; we do not forget his sacrifice.
Bibliography-
http://www.billanglin.com/story4pt4.html
http://www.facebook.com/l.php?u=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.billanglin.com%2Fstory3pt2.html&h=4031eGmEYZgVkPjmxCWJYKY7p3g
http://www.histori.ca/minutes/minute.do?id=14742
http://wwii.ca/page9.html
http://pages.interlog.com/~fatjack/vimybattle.htm
Filed under Soldier Project 2010
Christmas Boxes to Kandahar
SJHS doesn’t just remember its soldiers from historical conflicts. While those were undoubtedly important to our school’s history, there is a lack of immediacy that comes from the simple fact of historical distance. Sadly, however, SJHS was also touched by the current conflict in Afghanistan, having lost of one of our alumni in 2008 to an IED. We also remember those who are currently serving in our Forces at home and overseas.
As such, in November of 2010, Ms Lewell’s IB French Immersion Modern History 111 class put together two boxes of goodies to send to Kandahar.
Happy kids, writing Christmas cards to send to the Sandbox.
This was made possible for two reasons. Firstly, Canada Post was offering free shipping for post to Canadian troops in Afghanistan for the Christmas Holidays. Secondly, it happened that the husband of a high school friend of Ms Lewell’s (in a truly Saint John-style story) was posted overseas this winter, and would be spending Christmas there. This made Ms Lewell think: wouldn’t it be nice to send some treats from home to those troops who would be spending Christmas far away from home and their families?
The class pulled together in a truly admirable fashion, sending all kinds of books, cookies, microwaveable Kraft Dinner (who knew that was so popular?) and Tim Horton’s Gift Cards. For indeed, there is a Tim Horton’s at Kandahar Air Force base in Afghanistan. There were also Christmas Cards and letters sent to the troops. We assembled the boxes in the week leading up to Remembrance Day, and Ms Lewell posted them shortly afterwards.
A goofy shot of some really generous kids.
The boxes went on their merry way. It takes a long time for post to get to Kandahar. But this week we heard from our designated target.
Our guy is on the left... Actor Paul Gross is on the right. Ms Lewell is very jealous. Paul Gross! He's awesome!
Our boxes arrived safe and sound, much to Ms Lewell’s relief. The Tim Horton’s gift cards were quickly broken into, and the crew took the time to send a photo of their enjoying a well-earned coffee break.
Coffee break in the Sandbox!
Hopefully the class was able to bring some Christmas Cheer to this crew so far from home this Holiday season. Stay safe, guys, and come back home.
Filed under General Remembrance
Frederick Charles Manning
by Elise, Kate, Rob, Kailey, Gabrielle and Julie
Frederick Charles Manning (1895-1917)
Frederick Charles Manning was born July 24th, 1895 to father Dr. James Manning and mother Helen Harrington Manning in Saint John, New Brunswick. Manning lived at 158 Germain Street in uptown Saint John.
Frederick Charles Manning. Source: Veterans Affairs Canada.
Frederick Charles Manning filled out the attestation papers on May 10th, 1916 as Lieutenant and went overseas in July of 1916 to serve in the over-seas expeditionary force with the 85th Nova Scotia Highland Regiment of the Canadian Infantry.
Crest of the 85th Battalion, Canadian Expeditionary Force. Source: Veterans' Affairs Canada.
Officers of the 85th Nova Scotia Highlanders, including Frederick Charles Manning. Source: Veterans' Affairs Canada.
Before serving in the army Manning was a student teacher. Manning fought in the battle of Vimy Ridge. After Vimy the Canadian Corps suffered 3,598 killed and 7,004 wounded and Canadians were in control of the ridge. Manning was one of the wounded, and later died of his wounds.
Bunker on Vimy Ridge. Source: National Archives of Canada.
Frederick Charles Manning died April 15th, 1917 and is now buried at Wimereux Communal Cemetery in Pas de Calais, France about five kilometers north of Boulogne. ** note from Ms. Lewell: Wimereux is a cemetery that housed casualties from the hospital at Boulogne. Its most famed resident is John McCrae, author of the poem “In Flanders’ Fields”.**
Gravestone of Frederick Charles Manning at Wimereux. Source: Veterans' Affairs Canada.
Bibliography:
http://www.veterans.gc.ca/remembers/sub.cfmsource=collections/virtualmem/Detail&casualty=84316
Filed under Soldier Project 2010
Charles Murray Lawson
Charles Murray Lawson (1883-1915)
by Elise, Rob, Kate, Kailey, Gabrielle and Julie
Charles Murray Lawson was born August 19th 1883 to father William Lawson and mother Julia Ellen Cole. Charles had a sister who made a scrapbook of him after he went to the war.
Charles Lawson's SJHS graduation photo. Source: New Brunswick Museum, Jessie Lawson Fonds
Charles graduated from Saint John High School with honors in 1899 and was the valedictorian of his grad class. He graduated from the University of New Brunswick with a B.A. in 1909; he became a teacher at Sussex Grammar School and Fredericton High School. In 1912 Charles moved back to Saint John to be a teacher at Saint John High School. He was 5 feet 6 inches, he had brown hair and blue eyes and he had a dark complexion.
Lt. C. M. Lawson in uniform. Source: New Brunswick Museum, Jessie Lawson Fonds
Charles was part of the Canadian Expeditionary Force, the Canadian Infantry and the 26th Battalion. The 26th Battalion was New Brunswick’s only infantry unit. He filled out the Attestation papers on February 19th 1915 as a Lieutenant and he went overseas in June 1915.
Charles’ sister made a scrapbook of him which can be found in New Brunswick Museum’s research archives on Douglas Avenue. He was 32 years old when he was killed in action on November 26th 1915; he was shot in “no man’s land”, the area between the trenches. His death is particularly significant to the war because out of the whole 26th Battalion he was the one to volunteer to go out to “no man’s land” to investigate for military information and was shot. He was the first officer of the 26th killed in action during the First World War. He is buried in the Bailleul Communal Cemetery Extension Nord, France.
Lt. Charles Murray Lawson's last letter home. First page.
Second page, Lt. Lawson's last letter home.
Third page, Lt. Lawson's last letter home.
Last page of Lt. Lawson's last letter home to his family in Saint John. Letter images source: the New Brunswick Museum, Jessie Lawson Fonds.
Bailleul Communal Cemetery Extension, France. Photo source: the Commonwealth War Graves Commission
Bibliography
http://www.cwgc.org/search/casualty_details.aspx?casualty=200311
http://www.veterans.gc.ca/remembers/sub.cfmsource=collections/virtualmem/detail&casualty=200311
Filed under Soldier Project 2010
George Willard Kirk
Nine Elms Military Cemetery, Thelus, France. Photo: Commonwealth War Graves Commission
by Brittany, Myles, Kevin, James, Ryan and Yeji
On June 9. 1894, George Willard Kirk was born to father James Kirk, and mother Jennie Kirk. George has two siblings, a younger brother and a younger sister. Murray Kirk was born in June. 1896, and his sister was born in July. 1897.
George’s father James founded in a dry good and general store in 1866 located on the corner of King and Germaine Street. His mother Jennie would stay at home and take care of the children and the house.
George went to Saint John High School and was in the graduating class of 1914. On November 15. 1915 George filled out the Attestation papers, he would of been 18 years of age. At the time he filled out the papers George resided at 77 High Street, Saint John New Brunswick. George was a farmer before he joined the military. He had hazel eyes, and brown hair. George stood at 5 feet and 8inches.
26th Battalion Saint John Fusiliers and Ammunition Column Leaving Saint John, 13 June 1915. Source: New Brunswick Museum collections
George Willard Kirk was in the Canadian Infantry Unit and was in the 26th Bn. George fought in the battle of Vimy Ridge.
George Willard Kirk died on April 17. 1917. George was 23 years of age when he died. George is buried in the Nine Elms Military Cemetery in France.
Filed under Soldier Project 2010
SJHS Remembers 
