Who’s Who
This is a listing of all the people mentioned in the letters and the accompanying Battalion Orders and War Diary.
You can browse through this information—or contact us to add information, documents or photographs relating to people listed here. Simply scroll down the list or click on a person to see more information.
Mary Playfair and several officers, including Bill Leicester, on the steps of the Grand Hotel in Folkestone (Mary has written on the back: “Major Willets — yrs. truly — Major Money — Capt Leicester — Capt. Snider”)| Name | Nickname(s) | Notes | Pictures | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Daisy |
It sounds as though Daisy was a friend of Ross and Mary's from Calgary. Does anyone have any more information about this person? |
Learn more about Daisy |
||
| Private W.D. Adams | Does anyone have any more information about this person? | Learn more about Private W.D. Adams » | ||
| Lieutenant A.M. Aitken | Taken on strength on 25 November 1917. | Learn more about Lieutenant A.M. Aitken » | ||
| Lieutenant Barclay | C.E.
Does anyone have any more information about this person? |
Learn more about Lieutenant Barclay » | ||
| Lieutenant J. Barnett | Was wounded on 23 August 1917. Proceeded on leave on 27 September 1917. Does anyone have any more information on this person? |
Learn more about Lieutenant J. Barnett » | ||
| Matilda Batchelor | The mother of Ruth and Netta. Born Matilda Watkins, she was the daughter of a famous jockey. Her mother died in childbirth and then her father died in a racing accident, leaving her an orphan. She lived with relatives and ultimately was asked to go and care for an aunt who was dying. She did, and when the aunt died, the aunt's husband (Matilda's uncle by marriage, who was a wealthy horseman named Jennings) asked her to marry him. She accepted and had three children with him, eventually moving to France to live on one of his properties there. When he died, he left her and the three children extremely well off. After his death, she eventually re-married and became Mrs. Batchelor. It sounds as though she may be living in Chantilly, France, at this point. (Ross's letter of 6 Jan. 1918 mentions Mary having been there. And his letter of 10 Jan. 1918 mentions her recent visit to Mrs. Batchelor. One presumes this was the same trip as the visit to Chantilly.) |
Learn more about Matilda Batchelor » | ||
| Captain A.R. Batson | M.C. and bar
Attached to C.H.A. Group for 3 days instruction on 19 September 1917. Proceeded on leave on 12 November 1917. Killed in action 2 September 1918, age 32. Buried in Dury Crucifix Cemetery, France. Son of Charlotte Batson of English Harbour, Newfoundland. Does anyone have any more information about this person? |
Learn more about Captain A.R. Batson » | ||
| Belcher | Belcher was probably not a member of the 50th Bn. It sounds as though he is someone Ross and Mary know who has died in combat. Twelve men with the surname Belcher died during WWI and eight of them died before Nov. 19, 1917, when Ross mentions Belcher in his letter. One of these men signed up in Moose Jaw, Saskatchewan, which is only 144 km from Rush Lake, Saskatchewan, so it is possible that Ross and Mary knew him from when they lived in Rush Lake. His name was Thomas Belcher, his regimental number is 781632, he served with the 128th, and he is buried at the Vimy Memorial. Does anyone have any more information about Belcher that could confirm whether Thomas Belcher is the person Ross is referring to? |
Learn more about Belcher » | ||
| Lieutenant W.R. Bertram | Was wounded on 21 August 1917.
Does anyone have any more information about this person? |
Learn more about Lieutenant W.R. Bertram » | ||
| Lieutenant Victor Albert Bowes | A friend of Mary's sister Alma Ferris in Calgary. Joined the Battalion on 9 September 1917. Does anyone have any more information on Victor Bowes? |
Learn more about Lieutenant Victor Albert Bowes » | ||
| P.W. Brown | The War Diary mentions that Brown was taken on strength on 25 November 1917 and Ross mentions him in his letter of 27 November 1917. Does anyone have any more information about Brown? |
Learn more about P.W. Brown » | ||
| Lance Corporal F. Brown | Does anyone have any more information about this person? | Learn more about Lance Corporal F. Brown » | ||
| Lieutenant W.H. Burgess | Was wounded on 21 August 1917. Proceeded on course to 1st Army School on 12 November 1917.
Does anyone have any more information about this person? |
Learn more about Lieutenant W.H. Burgess » | ||
| Private A.D. Cameron | Awarded the Military Medal on 30 November 1917.
Does anyone have any more information about this person? |
Learn more about Private A.D. Cameron » | ||
| Major L.G. Casewell | Reported for duty on 16 October 1917; appointed to “C” Coy. on 17 October 1917. Run over by motor car on the high road on 18 October 1917 and removed to Casualty Clearing Station.
Does anyone have any more information about this person? |
Learn more about Major L.G. Casewell » | ||
| Clark | There were a number of Clarks in the 50th. Does anyone have any information that would help us identify the Clark that Ross mentions? | Learn more about Clark » | ||
| Lieutenant J.H. Colville | Was wounded on 21 August 1917.
Does anyone have any more information about this person? |
Learn more about Lieutenant J.H. Colville » | ||
| Blanche Constanty | This seems to be a female friend of Ross and Mary's, probably someone in France (Ross alludes to the quality of her written English in his letter of 24 December 1917, so we assume she is not a native speaker of English, and in his letter of 27 December 1971 Ross confirms this, asking whether Blanche lives near Mary - presumably in France - and remarking that it is hard to believe she only studied English for a year). Ross has arranged for Charley Holmes to write to her. Does anyone have any more information about Blanche Constanty? |
Learn more about Blanche Constanty » | ||
| Lieutenant J.B. Corley | Rejoined the Battalion on 1 September 1917. Proceeded on leave on 1 November 1917. Returned from leave on 17 November 1917.
Does anyone have any more information about this person? |
Learn more about Lieutenant J.B. Corley » | ||
| Private M.G. Cruikshank | Awarded the Military Medal on 30 November 1917.
Does anyone have any more information about this person? |
Learn more about Private M.G. Cruikshank » | ||
| Robert Dalrymple | Ross says, in his letter of Sept. 21, 1917, that Dalrymple is Regimental Sergeant Major -- and "a good old trusty." Does anyone have any more information about this person? |
Learn more about Robert Dalrymple » | ||
| Private W. Davison | Awarded the Military Medal on 30 November 1917.
Does anyone have any more information about this person? |
Learn more about Private W. Davison » | ||
| Lieutenant W.E. Denley | Rejoined the Battalion on 1 September 1917. Proceeded on leave on 7 November 1917. Returned from leave on 25 November 1917.
Does anyone have any more information about this person? |
Learn more about Lieutenant W.E. Denley » | ||
| Lieutenant Dyde | Wounded (gassed) on 5 September 1917.
Does anyone have any more information about this person? |
Learn more about Lieutenant Dyde » | ||
| Major R.B. Eaton | Left for three months leave to Canada on 20 September 1917.
Does anyone have any more information about this person? |
Learn more about Major R.B. Eaton » | ||
| Captain W.J. Eveleigh | Was wounded on 21 August 1917.
Does anyone have any more information about this person? |
Learn more about Captain W.J. Eveleigh » | ||
| Lieutenant J.H. Farmer | Joined the Battalion on 9 September 1917.
Does anyone have any more information about this person? |
Learn more about Lieutenant J.H. Farmer » | ||
| Georgina Ferris | Geordie | Mary's sister, who was a nurse. It is not clear whether she was a civilian nurse or had enlisted with the military, although her presence in Europe during the war does suggest the latter. Does anyone have any more information about Geordie or her military status? |
Learn more about Georgina Ferris » | |
| Alma Ferris | Mary's sister, who lived in Calgary and was companion to the MP (and later judge) Tweedie. See photos attached. In one, from Christmas 1939, she is at the left (almost out of frame) pouring a drink. |
Learn more about Alma Ferris » | ||
| Lance Sergeant C.F. Fetherston | Awarded the Military Medal on 30 November 1917.
Does anyone have any more information about this person? |
Learn more about Lance Sergeant C.F. Fetherston » | ||
| Captain David Fraser | Attached to C.H.A. Group for 3 days instruction on 19 September 1917. Proceeded on leave on 20 November 1917. Killed in action 27 September 1918, age 34. Buried Quarry Wood, France.
Husband of Christina Fraser of Blairmore, Alberta. Does anyone have any more information about this person? |
Learn more about Captain David Fraser » | ||
| Sergeant T. Girling | Does anyone have any more information about this person? | Learn more about Sergeant T. Girling » | ||
| Hervey Glenn | Glennie | It sounds as though Mary may know Glennie as well as Ross. Does anyone have any more information on this person? |
Learn more about Hervey Glenn » | |
| Lieutenant Robert James Goodman | Bob | The War Diary mentions that Goodman was appointed Acting Adjutant on 2 September 1917; left for Pernes to take part in the Corps Rifle Meet on 21 September 1917; returned 25 September 1917; proceeded from Olhain on leave on 11 October 1917. Does anyone have any more information about Bob Goodman?  |
Learn more about Lieutenant Robert James Goodman » | |
| Lieutenant R. Gordon | Joined the Battalion on 9 September 1917.
Does anyone have any more information about this person? |
Learn more about Lieutenant R. Gordon » | ||
| Major James Graham Graham | John | There were at least two James Grahams in the 50th, possibly more. The Library and Archives Canada records are rather confused for Major Graham: The archives show a one-page Officers’ Declaration Paper (which men who were already in the military before the war filled out) as well as a two-page Attestation Paper (the form that all men filled out when enlisting) and there are some discrepancies in the information on the two different forms, however, most of the important information is the same (e.g., place of birth, city in which enlisted), however, two religions are given and two different birthdates—although they are only different by a year. Does anyone have any more information on this person?  |
Learn more about Major James Graham Graham » | |
| James Graham | Jimmie | There were at least two James Grahams in the 50th, possibly more. It sounds as though "Jimmie Graham" might be a different person than the "Major Graham" Ross mentions from time to time. (Perhaps Jimmie is of lower rank? Maybe he works in QMS if he thinks he can get Ross's pack back...) Based on the casual, comradely way Ross refers to him, we would assume he was a fellow NCO rather than a senior officer. Accordingly, we have guessed that the James Graham who signed up in Calgary at the age of 33, giving his occupation as teamster, is the Jimmie Graham Ross mentions. However, there was also a Lieutenant James Graham in the 50th (who appears to have been Major Graham's son). Lieut. J. Graham did not join the battalion until November 25, 1917, however, and Ross mentions Jimmie before then. Can anyone clarify this? Or does anyone have any other information on Jimmie Graham?  |
Learn more about James Graham » | |
| Lieutenant James Graham Graham | There were at least two James Grahams in the 50th, possibly more. This James Graham appears to be Major Graham's son. HIs attestation papers give the same address (Mud Lake, Macleod, Alberta) and the same next of kin and he was born in India, which suggests a family background in the British military. (Major Graham's attestation papers say that he had 26 years previous military experience when he signed up.) Both men seem to have "Graham" both as a surname and as one of their given names. Lieut. Graham enlisted on May 25, 1915 and presumably underwent officer training before being sent to the front. He is noted as being taken on strength by the 50th Bn. in the War Diary for Nov. 25, 1917. Does anyone have any more information about this person? |
Learn more about Lieutenant James Graham Graham » | ||
| Ruth Grassal | Ruthie | Ruth Grassal, along with her sister Netta Head, co-owner of Carentonne Cottage in Bernay, where Mary stayed in France. It seems likely that Ross and Mary met Ruth Grassal at a pension in Paris and were then invited to Carentonne Cottage. (See also note on Bernay with letter of Aug. 31, 1917 and others.) See the photo of Netta and Ruth — taken much later: in Nice in the 1940s. |
|
Learn more about Ruth Grassal » |
| Harris | Is this the same as the Lieut. R.J. Harris who is "taken on strength" on 25 November 1917? Ross is writing to Harris in September 1917, so Harris is obviously not at the front with the 50th Bn. at the time. And both Ross and Mary seem to know him - or Mary at least knows of him. Could it be that Harris is in Rouen with the Canadian administrative offices there - as Ross was before - and is eventually transferred to the front with the 50th in November - just as, earlier, Ross was? Does anyone know the answers to these questions? |
Learn more about Harris » | ||
| Lieutenant J.R. Harris | Taken on strength on 25 November 1917. Is this the same person as the "Harris" Ross mentions writing to in his letter of 5 September 1917? And refers to again (he says there is a rumour of his being transferred – perhaps to the 50th Bn??) in his letter of 23 September 1917? Could it be that Harris was working in Rouen with Ross – and, like Ross, was ultimately transferred to the front? Does anyone have any more information about this person? |
Learn more about Lieutenant J.R. Harris » | ||
| Lieutenant J.V. Harrison | Joined the Battalion on 9 September 1917.
Does anyone have any more information about this person? |
Learn more about Lieutenant J.V. Harrison » | ||
| Billie Head | "Old Billie" is Netta Head's husband. | Learn more about Billie Head » | ||
| Netta Head | Netta Head, along with her sister Ruth Grassal, co-owner of Carentonne Cottage in Bernay, where Mary stayed in France. It seems likely that Ross and Mary met Netta's sister Ruth Grassal at a pension in Paris and were then invited to Carentonne Cottage. (See also note on Bernay with letter of Aug. 31, 1917 and others.) See the photo of Netta and Ruth (below) — taken much later: in Nice in the 1940s. |
Learn more about Netta Head » | ||
| Private D.A. Henderson | Awarded the Military Medal on 30 November 1917.
Does anyone have any more information about this person? |
Learn more about Private D.A. Henderson » | ||
| Captain T.B.T. Hewett | Proceeded on leave on 25 October 1917. Ceases to be attached on 23 November 1917.
Does anyone have any more information about this person? |
Learn more about Captain T.B.T. Hewett » | ||
| General Hilliam | Does anyone have any more information about this person? | Learn more about General Hilliam » | ||
| Lieutenant A.B. Hodges | Proceeded on leave on 28 October 1917. Returned from leave on 9 November 1917.
Does anyone have any more information about this person? |
Learn more about Lieutenant A.B. Hodges » | ||
| Private W. Holm | Awarded the Military Medal on 30 November 1917.
Does anyone have any more information about this person? |
Learn more about Private W. Holm » | ||
| Quarter Master Sergeant Charles B. Holmes | Charley | Does anyone have any more information on this person? |
Learn more about Quarter Master Sergeant Charles B. Holmes » | |
| Lieutenant A. Hone | Proceeded on leave on 23 November 1917.
Does anyone have any more information about this person? |
Learn more about Lieutenant A. Hone » | ||
| Colonel Ironsides | Does anyone have any more information about this person? | Learn more about Colonel Ironsides » | ||
| K. | Could this be the same person as the “Knowlton” Ross mentions in his letter of 22 September 1917? Does anyone know who this is or have any more information about him? |
Learn more about K. » | ||
| Major Herbert Leo Keegan | The War Diary mentions that Keegan was appointed 2nd in Command on 2 September 1917. Does anyone have any more information about this person? |
Learn more about Major Herbert Leo Keegan » | ||
| Knowlton | It seems that this is someone that Ross's brother Lawrence (Larry) has introduced to a young woman of Ross and Mary's acquaintance - and heartbreak has ensued. Could this be the "K." referred to in Ross's letter of Oct. 9, 1917? Does anyone else have any information about Knowlton? |
Learn more about Knowlton » | ||
| Lieutenant Arthur Edwin Ladler | There was also a John (Jack) Ladler in the 50th Battalion; Arthur and John enlisted within four days of each other, both in Calgary. However, John died (at least according to Victor Wheeler in The 50th Battalion in No Man's Land) on 26 April 1917 - before Ross's mention of Ladler's possible promotion in the fall of 1917. One wonders if the two Ladlers were brothers; however, they were born in different places in England and list different people as next of kin — which doesn't rule this out, but makes it sound less likely... Does anyone have any more information on Arthur or John Ladler? |
Learn more about Lieutenant Arthur Edwin Ladler » | ||
| Lieutenant John Ladler | Jack | Lieut. Ladler, although he was a member of the 50th Bn, died before Ross's correspondence with Mary began — on 26 April 1917 from wounds while a prisoner of war. He is buried in the Cabaret Rouge British Cemetery in France. It is not clear whether he and Arthur Edwin Ladler, also in the 50th Bn and to whom Ross refers in the letters, were brothers or not. Does anyone have any more information on Arthur or John Ladler? |
Learn more about Lieutenant John Ladler » | |
| Private (Acting Corporal) F.J. Lang | Awarded the Military Medal on 30 November 1917.
Does anyone have any more information about this person? |
Learn more about Private (Acting Corporal) F.J. Lang » | ||
| Sergeant Walter William Large | Born in England, W.W. Large enlisted in Calgary in 1915. He was a married stonecutter, 5'10-1/2" with a brown complexion, hazel eyes and black hair. HIs religion is given as Church of England. HIs next of kin, Mrs. Florence Large (his wife? or mother?) was living in England at the time.
Does anyone have any more information on this person? |
Learn more about Sergeant Walter William Large » | ||
| Private R. Laslett | Awarded the Military Medal on 30 November 1917.
Does anyone have any more information about this person? |
Learn more about Private R. Laslett » | ||
| Corporal William James Law | Jimmy | Born May 14, 1891 in Port Dover, Ontario to Samuel and Elizabeth Law Left Port Dover in 1915 to find work out west Enlisted Feb. 26, 1916, Empress Alberta Sept. 1916 - Lance Corporal 175th Infantry June 1917 - Etaples, France - Demoted to Private and assigned to 50th Infantry Sept. 1917 - promoted to Corporal Nov. 30, 1917 - Bruay La Buissiere, France - Cited for the M.M. Feb. 2, 1918 - Lens, France - Awarded M.M. Sept. 14, 1918 - Promoted to Sergeant Oct. 1, 1918 - Bourlon Wood, France - Wounded. Gunshot wound to the right arm and through the right knee April 2, 1919 - Toronto, Ontario - discharged Died Calgary Alberta November 27, 1954 Military Medal Citation – As noted by General Sir Arthur William Currie. Military Medal awarded before Passchendaele to W.J. Law 696442: "During operations October 21st to October 27th 1917. On three separate nights during intense enemy bombardment. He voluntarily went out on the line and skilfully guided in ration parties to our most forward posts. His resourcefulness and braveness exercised on these occasions to assist his comrades are most praiseworthy." Jimmy's cousin three times removed (that is, Jimmy was his great grandfather's cousin), who still lives in Port Dover, provided much of the information above and also some information about Jimmy's life after the war: "His story is a bit of a tragic one. He left town at 24 to seek his fortune so he could return and marry his girlfriend Pearl. After almost a year in Alberta he enlisted and faithfully sent her money from every pay. While in England he complained of flat feet and spent quite a bit of time in hospital for other ailments but was finally sent to the front when the 50th called for reinforcements. He never turned down his rum rations and by war's end had become an alcoholic. He returned to Port Dover in 1919 to ask Pearl to marry him. She told him she would only marry him if he quit drinking; he refused and left for Alberta again not long after."   |
Learn more about Corporal William James Law » | |
| Lieutenant William Frederick Leicester | Bill | It sounds as though Bill Leicester is someone that Mary and Ross both know—perhaps a friend from Canada before Ross and Bill enlisted. Since Bill enlisted in Swift Current, where, his Officers' Declaration Paper tells us, his wife lives, this seems likely: Swift Current is only 35 km from Rush Lake, where Mary and Ross lived for a time. Like Major Graham, Bill appears to have been an active member of the military before the war (the documents Library and Archives Canada has on file for them are Officers' Declaration Papers rather than the Attestation Papers filled out by men who were enlisting for the first time - and neither Bill nor Major Graham seems to have a regimental number, which all men were assigned upon enlistment). See the photograph of Mary and Bill with some other officers. (Mary is second from the left and Bill second from the right.) Note Bill's height, which Ross remarks upon in his letter of Nov. 23, 1917 ("Bill is so long — !"). Does anyone have any more information on Bill Leicester?  |
|
Learn more about Lieutenant William Frederick Leicester » |
| Private F. Lewis | Awarded the Military Medal on 30 November 1917.
Does anyone have any more information about this person? |
Learn more about Private F. Lewis » | ||
| Lieutenant J.A. MacDonald | Taken on strength on 25 November 1917. | Learn more about Lieutenant J.A. MacDonald » | ||
| Pansy MacGregor | It sounds as though this is a friend of Ross and Mary's from Calgary. Does anyone have any more information about this person? |
Learn more about Pansy MacGregor » | ||
| Sergeant John McCall | Does anyone have any more information on this person? | Learn more about Sergeant John McCall » | ||
| Private H.H. McCrea | Awarded the Military Medal on 30 November 1917.
Does anyone have any more information about this person? |
Learn more about Private H.H. McCrea » | ||
| Lieutenant E.G. McDonald | Joined the Battalion on 9 September 1917.
Does anyone have any more information about this person? |
Learn more about Lieutenant E.G. McDonald » | ||
| Lance Corporal R. McDougall | Awarded the Military Medal on 30 November 1917.
Does anyone have any more information about this person? |
Learn more about Lance Corporal R. McDougall » | ||
| Lieutenant H. McKenzie | Was wounded on 21 August 1917 and subsequently died.
Does anyone have any more information about this person? |
Learn more about Lieutenant H. McKenzie » | ||
| Lieutenant W.N. McPhee | Are this man's initials W.N. or W.R.? Or are there two McPhees in the Battalion?
W.N. McPhee was noted as wounded on 21 August 1917. W.R. McPhee left for Pernes to take part in the Corps Rifle Meet on 21 September 1917, returned 25 September 1917. Does anyone have any more information about this person? |
Learn more about Lieutenant W.N. McPhee » | ||
| Lieutenant R.H. Milburn | Joined the Battalion on 30 August 1917.
Does anyone have any more information on this person? |
Learn more about Lieutenant R.H. Milburn » | ||
| Miller | Ross mentions Miller frequently and it sounds as though he is one of the NCOs working with Ross and Turkey in the Orderly Room. There are, unfortunately, five Millers listed in the Calgary Herald as returning with the 50th Bn. It is hard to know which one he is. In his letter of Nov. 8, 1917, Ross says that Miller is "not twenty yet" and spent nine months in the line and was wounded twice before being assigned to the Orderly Room. Does anyone have any information that would help us to identify Miller? |
Learn more about Miller » | ||
| Lieutenant J. Montgomery-Bell | Taken on strength on 25 November 1917. | Learn more about Lieutenant J. Montgomery-Bell » | ||
| Corporal T. More | Awarded the Military Medal on 30 November 1917.
Does anyone have any more information about this person? |
Learn more about Corporal T. More » | ||
| Sergeant Major Thomas Charles Morrison | Tommy | Ross mentions in his letter of October 27, 1917 that Tommy is a C.S.M. (Company Sergeant Major?). We are assuming that the Tommy Morrison Ross mentions in the letters is Thomas Charles Morrison, solely on the basis of Thomas Charles being the only Morrison on the Library and Archives Canada website "Soldiers of the First World War - CEF" Does anyone have any more information on Tommy Morrison?  |
Learn more about Sergeant Major Thomas Charles Morrison » | |
| Lieutenant J.H. Neeland | Was wounded (gassed) on 21 August 1917.
Does anyone have any more information about this person? |
Learn more about Lieutenant J.H. Neeland » | ||
| Lieutenant W.L. Oliver | Taken on strength on 25 November 1917. | Learn more about Lieutenant W.L. Oliver » | ||
| Lieutenant Colonel L.F. Page | D.S.O. Was ordered a month’s rest on 31 August 1917. Returned from sick leave on 7 October 1917.
Does anyone have any more information about this person? |
Learn more about Lieutenant Colonel L.F. Page » | ||
| Douglas William Paradise | Victor Wheeler in The 50th Battalion in No Man's Land (p. 14) says Paradise was the Regimental Band Director. Source: Victor Wheeler, The 50th Battalion in No Man's Land (Ottawa: CEF Books, 2000). Does anyone have any more information on this person? |
Learn more about Douglas William Paradise » | ||
| Lieutenant C.N. Paris | Was wounded on 22 August 1917.
Does anyone have any more information about this person? |
Learn more about Lieutenant C.N. Paris » | ||
| Lieutenant Colonel James Lewis Rowan Parry | Parry began as a Major and was 2nd in Command of the Battalion. The War Diary mentions that when Lieut. Col. L.F. Page is ordered a month's rest on 31 August 1917, Parry is made Acting Commander. He is eventually promoted to Lt. Col. - as mentioned in Ross's letter of 21 September 1917. (War Diary: On 23 September 1917, permitted to wear badges of rank of Lieut. Colonel pending promotion.) He then became the Commanding Officer of the 50th Battalion. In The 50th Battalion in No Man's Land, Victor Wheeler recalls that in 1916: "After the Scripture reading and hymns, Major J.L.R. Parry, Second-in-Command, gruffly ordered, 'Those who wish to stay for Holy Communion -- take two paces forward!' ... When very few men took those two paces forward, the Major harangued, 'What a bunch of heathens! Oh! What a bunch of HEATHENS!' When, on the eve of battle, so few showed little [sic] interest in partaking of the Holy Sacrament to alleviate their fear and ensure their safety in the distant hereafter, the cheeks of the Old Boer War veteran turned florid with disgust." Source: Victor Wheeler, The 50th Battalion in No Man's Land (Ottawa: CEF Books, 2000), p. 17. Does anyone have any more information about Lt. Col. Parry? |
Learn more about Lieutenant Colonel James Lewis Rowan Parry » | ||
| John George Pattison | Learn more about John George Pattison » | |||
| Lieutenant G.B. Piercey | Or is the name Pierce?? The end of the name is obscured. | Learn more about Lieutenant G.B. Piercey » | ||
| Ross Campbell Playfair | See "Who Is Ross?" page on this website. Does anyone have any more information (facts, photographs, etc.) to add about Ross Playfair?  |
Learn more about Ross Campbell Playfair » | ||
| Lawrence Lees Playfair | Larry | One of Ross’s older brothers. Does anyone have any more information about Larry Playfair? |
Learn more about Lawrence Lees Playfair » | |
| Mary Playfair (née Ferris) | Learn more about Mary Playfair (née Ferris) » | |||
| Lieutenant C.S. Poulter | Joined the Battalion on 9 September 1917.
Does anyone have any more information about this person? |
Learn more about Lieutenant C.S. Poulter » | ||
| Lawrence Power | Larry | Larry, as Ross mentions the first time he writes about him, is the runner for the 50th Bn. Although Ross refers to him as Larry Powers (with an s), according to the attestation papers, this man's surname was Power. Does anyone have any more information about Larry Power?  |
Learn more about Lawrence Power » | |
| Lieutenant Thomas H. Prescott | Appointed Acting Assistant Adjutant on 2 September 1917. Proceeded on leave on 26 September 1917. Returns from leave on 9 October 1917.
By the end of the war, Prescott was a Major (according to the Calgary Herald, 5 June 1919). Does anyone have any more information about this person? |
Learn more about Lieutenant Thomas H. Prescott » | ||
| A.F. Pringle | Went to England on leave on 12 September 1917. Returned [???]. Proceeded on leave on 6 November 1917. Returned from leave on 22 November 1917. Is transferred to “D” Coy. and assumes command on 25 November 1917.
Does anyone have any more information about this person? |
Learn more about A.F. Pringle » | ||
| Lieutenant Stanley Thornton Seymour Reeve | Lieutenant Reeve was born on July 31st 1882 at Waiaw, Canterbury, New Zealand. His parents were William Jesse and Bertha V. Reeve of 13 Freyberg Street, Lyall Bay, Wellington New Zealand.
In March of 1916 when he signed up for services in WWI he was an unmarried law clerk living in Edmonton. He listed his mother, who was living in New Zealand at the time, as his next of kin on his attestation papers. He had previous experience in the Active Militia, having been with the 19th Alberta Dragoons, Squadron B for six months in 1915. Prior to that he had been four years as a sergeant in the Pahiatua Rifles from 1900 to 1904. He signed up for WWI at the end of March 1916. At that time he was 6'2" and had dark complexion and brown eyes and brown hair. He listed his religion as being Methodist. He was declared fit to serve on March 20, 1916 by the medical officer in Edmonton and was killed on August 22, 1917 while serving with the Canadian Infantry (Alberta Regiment, 50th Bn). The headstone for Lieutenant Stanley Thornton Seymour Reeve is located in Aix-Noulette Communal Cemetery Extension, Memorial Grave reference # I.L.9. |
Learn more about Lieutenant Stanley Thornton Seymour Reeve » | ||
| Captain L.C. Reid | M.O. Returned from leave on 17 September 1917.
Does anyone have any more information about this person? |
Learn more about Captain L.C. Reid » | ||
| Lieutenant W.R. Roberts | Joined the Battalion on 9 September 1917.
Does anyone have any more information about this person? |
Learn more about Lieutenant W.R. Roberts » | ||
| Lieutenant L.R. Robertson | Joined the Battalion on 9 September 1917.
Does anyone have any more information about this person? |
Learn more about Lieutenant L.R. Robertson » | ||
| Lieutenant J. Rodgers | Joined and taken on strength on 10 October 1917.
Does anyone have any more information about this person? |
Learn more about Lieutenant J. Rodgers » | ||
| Lieutenant W.L. Ross | Joined the Battalion on 9 September 1917.
Does anyone have any more information about this person? |
Learn more about Lieutenant W.L. Ross » | ||
| Lieutenant T.U. Ross | Joined the Battalion on 9 September 1917. Left for Pernes to take part in the Corps Rifle Meet on 21 September 1917, returned 25 September 1917.
Does anyone have any more information about this person? |
Learn more about Lieutenant T.U. Ross » | ||
| Lieutenant M.T. Russell | Joined the Battalion on 9 September 1917.
Does anyone have any more information about this person? |
Learn more about Lieutenant M.T. Russell » | ||
| Lieutenant A.E. Samuel | Taken on strength on 31 October 1917.
Does anyone have any more information about this person? |
Learn more about Lieutenant A.E. Samuel » | ||
| Private T.G. Sanderson | Awarded the Military Medal on 30 November 1917.
Does anyone have any more information about this person? |
Learn more about Private T.G. Sanderson » | ||
| Lieutenant A.W. Scott | Went to England on leave on 12 September 1917.
Does anyone have any more information about this person? |
Learn more about Lieutenant A.W. Scott » | ||
| Lieutenant A.J. Slade | Proceeded on leave on 19 October 1917.
Does anyone have any more information about this person? |
Learn more about Lieutenant A.J. Slade » | ||
| Lieutenant E.Y. Smith | Was wounded on 21 August 1917.
Does anyone have any more information about this person? |
Learn more about Lieutenant E.Y. Smith » | ||
| Lieutenant R.E. Smith | Joined the Battalion on 9 September 1917.
Does anyone have any more information about this person? |
Learn more about Lieutenant R.E. Smith » | ||
| Private T. Smith | Awarded the Military Medal on 30 November 1917.
Does anyone have any more information about this person? |
Learn more about Private T. Smith » | ||
| Major Robert Stephen | The War Diary notes that Lieut. R. Stephen returned from instructing at Etaples on 2 October 1917; proceeded on leave on 14 October 1917; returned from leave on 29 October 1917; assumed command of “A” Coy. on 31 October 1917.
A caption accompanying a photo in the Calgary Herald on 7 June 1919 tells us that "This officer enlisted at Sarcee in the spring of 1915 and proceeded overseas with the 50th Battalion, going to France as a sergeant. He was awarded a commission 'in the field' in May, 1917, and promoted captain after Passchendaele. He was gassed in 1918, but remained at duty. This officer is one of the 'old standbys,' although but 27 years of age." (A facsimile of the page from the Calgary Herald can be seen at: http://www.ourfutureourpast.ca/newspapr/np_page2.asp?code=n53p0730.jpg) |
Learn more about Major Robert Stephen » | ||
| Private J.A. Suitor | Awarded the Military Medal on 30 November 1917.
Does anyone have any more information about this person? |
Learn more about Private J.A. Suitor » | ||
| Major L.O. Svendsen | Proceeded from Olhain on leave on 11 October 1917.
Does anyone have any more information about this person? |
Learn more about Major L.O. Svendsen » | ||
| Lieutenant J.M. Taylor | Was wounded (gassed) on 21 August 1917. Rejoined and taken on strength on 10 October 1917.
Does anyone have any more information about this person? |
Learn more about Lieutenant J.M. Taylor » | ||
| Lieutenant L.G. Taylor | Was wounded on 21 August 1917.
Does anyone have any more information about this person? |
Learn more about Lieutenant L.G. Taylor » | ||
| Thomas Thompson | Tommy | Tommy Thompson appears to be known to both Mary and Ross and is married to someone called Jennie, whom they also know. Does anyone have any more information on Tommy Thompson? |
Learn more about Thomas Thompson » | |
| Jennie Thompson | Jennie seems to be a friend of both Mary and Ross. She is married to Tommy Thompson (whom they both know as well). Does anyone have any more information on Jennie? |
Learn more about Jennie Thompson » | ||
| Lieutenant A.E. Thorne | Joined the Battalion on 9 September 1917.
Does anyone have any more information about this person? |
Learn more about Lieutenant A.E. Thorne » | ||
| Lieutenant W.E. Tidball | Taken on strength on 25 November 1917. | Learn more about Lieutenant W.E. Tidball » | ||
| Private P. Torgeson | Awarded the Military Medal on 30 November 1917.
Does anyone have any more information about this person? |
Learn more about Private P. Torgeson » | ||
| Lance Sergeant A.G. Truswell | Awarded the Military Medal on 30 November 1917.
Does anyone have any more information about this person? |
Learn more about Lance Sergeant A.G. Truswell » | ||
| Sergeant Lawson Turcotte | Turkey, the Turk, Turk | A fellow NCO in Ross’s battalion. Of all the men in the battalion, Turkey seems to have been the one Ross worked with most closely in the course of his duties. Does anyone have any more information on this person?  |
Learn more about Sergeant Lawson Turcotte » | |
| Private Alfred Walter Turnbull | Tinny | Does anyone have any more information about this person? | Learn more about Private Alfred Walter Turnbull » | |
| Lieutenant T.M. Tweed | Proceeded on leave on 24 September 1917. Returns from leave on 8 October 1917.
Does anyone have any more information about this person? |
Learn more about Lieutenant T.M. Tweed » | ||
| Thomas Mitchell March Tweedie | Tweedie was a Calgary MP and later the Chief Justice of the Alberta Supreme Court. He was the longtime companion of Mary's sister, Alma Ferris. See his obituary in the undated clip from an unknown (probably Calgary) newspaper, attached. See also the photo with the entry on Alma Ferris. It may have been to visit Alma that Ross and Mary came to Calgary and Ross ended up enlisting there. Does anyone have any more detailed information on Tweedie or on this relationship? |
|
Learn more about Thomas Mitchell March Tweedie » | |
| Captain C.S. Tyrell | C.A.P.C.
Reported for duty on 23 November 1917. Does anyone have any more information about this person? |
Learn more about Captain C.S. Tyrell » | ||
| Lieutenant A. Weibraham | The spelling of the name is uncertain - some letters are typed over.
Was wounded on 21 August 1917. Does anyone have any more information about this person? |
Learn more about Lieutenant A. Weibraham » | ||
| Lieutenant J. Weir | Was killed on 22 August 1917.
Does anyone have any more information about this person? |
Learn more about Lieutenant J. Weir » | ||
| Lieutenant C.A. Welbourne | Joined the Battalion on 9 September 1917.
Does anyone have any more information about this person? |
Learn more about Lieutenant C.A. Welbourne » | ||
| Private M. Williams | Awarded the Military Medal on 30 November 1917.
Does anyone have any more information about this person? |
Learn more about Private M. Williams » | ||
| Private B.S. Wimbush | Awarded the Military Medal on 30 November 1917.
Does anyone have any more information about this person? |
Learn more about Private B.S. Wimbush » | ||
| Corporal M.H. Wright | Awarded the Military Medal on 30 November 1917.
In The 50th Battalion in No Man's Land (p. 13), Victor Wheeler refers to "Signal Sergeant Harry ('Arry) Wright, a veteran of military service in India," but this may not be the same man. The Calgary Herald of 6 June 1919 (p. 7) lists a Lieut. M.H. Wright as one of the returning men. And Library and Archives Canada has a Marston Howard Wright of Leduc, Alberta on file (regimental No.: 231175). His having signed up in Alberta makes it seem likely that he could have been a member of the 50th, but Marston Howard Wright had no previous military service (he was an unmarried bank clerk born in Ottawa), so it is unlikely that our M.H. Wright (if so Marston Howard is) is Wheeler's Sgt. 'Arry Wright. Marston Howard Wright was only 19 years old when he enlisted, was 5'9", and had a fair complexion, hazel eyes and dark hair. He was a Presbyterian. Can anyone confirm that M.H. Wright of the 50th Bn. was Marston Howard Wright? Does anyone have any more information about this person? |
Learn more about Corporal M.H. Wright » |