Bob emigrated to Canada with his mother, Frances, sailing on board the vessel 'Canada' - leaving from Liverpool and arriving at the Port of Quebec on 24th June 1912.
He served with the Princess Patricia's Canadian Force during WWI. On the 8th May 1915 he suffered concussion due to a shell explosion at Ypres. One family member
recalled that he was one of only 3 of his battalion who survived a particular battle at Ypres. We have yet to verify this fact, but it is clear from his Army records that he suffered as a Prisoner of War. Here are remarks from his discharge papers:
14th May 1919 He has 'marked general weakness due to bad treatment'. He was a Prisoner of War from 14-5-15 until 16-11-16. He says he was blown up twice, buried once, and knocked unconscious and taken prisoner on 8-5-15; that he never received treatment, but was kept at heavy work. In October 1917, suffered from Dysentry for six weeks; no treatment. In August 1918, was kicked on knee by German, and was incapacitated until October 1918. Then suffered from Influenza for fourteen days. No treatment. No documentary evidence of these affections. But evidently this bad treatment has left him somewhat debilitated. Conduct: Good.
Army records describe him as 5ft 5 1/2 ins, weight 140 lbs on elistment/132 lbs on discharge; complexion: medium; hair & eyes: brown. His occupation is stated as 'fitter' and 'steelworker'.
Bob's medical records from the army:
Date: 27-3-1919
Station: Seaford
Unit: 6th Reserves
Regimental No.: 51427
Rank: Private
Home address: 2598 A. Esplanade Avenue Montreal
Next of kin: Mrs C . E. White Relationship: Sister
Address of next of kin: 2598A Esplanade Avenue Montreal Canada
Age last birthday: 33
Date of birth: June 25th 1885
Enlistment place: Montreal Date: October 20th 1914
Personal description:
Height: 5ft 51/2 ins Weight: 132lbs (est) Complexion: dark
Colour of hair: brown Colour of eyes: brown Identification marks: Vaccn mark upper part left arm
Former trade or occupation: Fitter
Service: 4 years 155 days
Canada: from 23-10-14 to 25-1-15
England: from 25-1-15 to 23rd-2-15 + 2-1-19 to 27-3-19?
France: 23-2-15 to 8-5-15
P.O.W. Germany: 8-5-15 to 5-1-19
Original disease, or injury: Concussion due to shell explosion
Date of origin: 8-5-15 Place of origin: Ypres Cause: Shell explosion
