World War Wednesdays: Third Battle of Ypres 100th Anniversary

Stretcher-bearers thread through shell holes to carry the wounded to aid posts close behind the front, Canadian War Museum George Metcalf Archival Collection, CWM 19930013-464

     July 31, 2017 is being observed as the beginning of the Third Battle of Ypres centenary, popularly known as the Battle of Passchendaele. This infamous series of events was especially significant for Canadians, and has important connections to the Western Elgin area in particular since many of our local 91st Battalion veterans served there. Read on for an overview of the battles and list of local soldiers who are known to have been present at the 'Battle of Mud.'

Memorial Tablet

Squire nagged and bullied till I went to fight,

(Under Lord Derby's Scheme). I died in hell-

(They called it Passchendaele). My wound was slight,

And I was hobbling back; and then a shell

Burst slick upon the duck-boards: so I fell

Into the bottomless mud, and lost the light.

At sermon-time, while Squire is in his pew,

He gives my gilded name a thoughtful stare;

For, low down upon the list, I'm there;

'In proud and glorious memory'... that's  my due.

Two bleeding years I fought in France, for Squire:

I suffered anguish that he's never guessed.

Once I came home on leave: and then went west...

What greater glory could a man desire?

-Siegfried Sassoon

Overview

     By spring 2017, the Western Front was in a dismal state of affairs: British Admiral Jellicoe had warned the War Cabinet in London that shipping losses caused by the German U-Boats were so great that Britain might not be able to continue the fight into 1918; Czarist Russia was on the brink of revolution, and if it fell, one million additional German troops would be freed to fight on the Western Front; the recent French offensive on the Chemin des Dames under General Robert Nivelle had lost 200,000 men, resulting in mutinies that threatened the very existence of a French Army. In short, there was a desperate need for an Allied victory.

Black Powder Games blog

     As Norman S. Leach writes, "British Field-Marshall Sir Douglas Haig and French General Philippe Pétain both viewed the war in Europe as a succession of battles that had started with the Somme Offensive in 1916. In attempting to keep pressure upon the Imperial German Army under the command of General Erich Ludendorff, Haig planned for a sweeping breakthrough in Flanders that would result in the Germans being driven back, the submarine bases in Belgium being captured, and the French armies being given a chance to recover their morale. Haig's plan pivoted around the Belgian town of Ypres. The only part of Belgium in Allied hands, the Ypres Salient, was open to attack at any time. A ridge, the only high ground in the entire region, ran through Passchendaele, and it was occupied by the German army. With the Germans firmly established upon the high ground, the Allies were vulnerable to constant artillery bombardment. Haig's plan was to make a general breakout along the entire front. If the ridge at Passchendaele could be taken and the town itself liberated, the British could turn north and the Belgian coast would be open to them. However, British Prime Minister David Lloyd George and Haig were both personal and political enemies. Lloyd George did all he could to oppose Haig's plans in Flanders, suggesting an alternative offensive in Italy. The Prime Minister was convinced that Haig would not be able to break through to Belgium, and Lloyd George would then be left to explain to the citizens of Great Britian why, yet again, their sons were forfeiting their lives to little effect. However, Haig and his supporters eventually won the day, and Lloyd George felt obliged to sanction the plan."

Canadian War Museum

     The German Fourth Army was holding the line at Ypres, and noticed the buildup of Allied troops in the area early on. Leach reflects that "The First Battle of Ypres in 1914 and the Second Battle of Ypres in 1915 had consisted of the Germans attacking the Allies. In 1917, however, it would be the Allies who would be attacking a strongly entrenched enemy- one that was ready and waiting for them." In late May 1917, Allied artillery bombarded the German defenses on Messines Ridge (southeast of Ypres), followed by an abrupt ceasefire. The latter caused the Germans to move their reinforcements into place to prepare for an Allied infantry assault and a counterattack while the British detonated the nineteen enormous mines engineers had dug and placed under the ridge. The Battle of Messines Ridge was a complete Allied success, and considered a good omen of things to come at Passchendaele. It also convinced Lloyd George that Haig's plan for a breakthrough just might work. 

     Other preludes to Passchendaele included Pilckem Ridge, which saw massive Allied casualties for only 2,000 yards of ground gained; Langemarck, which brought about another round of heavy casualties for minimal gain, prompted a change of plan to concentrating on small gains rather than pushing for one large breakthrough; Menin Road and Polygon Wood, which cost an additional 30,000 casualties, and placed the British directly under Passchendaele Ridge- and German artillery fire- making it imperative that the ridge be captured quickly; and Broodseinde, a high point for the Allies in Fladers but followed quickly by total failure at Poelkapelle, which lost all Allied advances to German counterattacks.

Ruins of Langemaarck, World War One Battlefields

     Haig knew that the 100,000 casualties the Allies had suffered in the campaign would be wasted if Passchendaele was not captured, and decided that the British, Australian, and New Zealand troops upon whom he had relied were exhausted. His solution, then, was to turn to the Canadians: "He knew that the troops of the Canadian Corps had well earned their reputation as an elite force ready to take on the toughest jobs. With successes at Vimy Ridge and the Battle of Hill 70 behind them, Haig ordered two divisions of the corps to Passchendaele." However, the Canadian General Sir Arthur Currie (Strathroy, Ontario's own) strongly objected to the idea because he felt the Canadians had not yet recovered for a new, pivotal battle.

Mud at Passchendaele, Australian War Memorial

     The main challenge of the impending battle was mud, but the German-reinforced concrete pillboxes also posed a significant threat. Currie personally inspected the battlefield and predicted that the Canadians would be successful, but that it would cost 16,000 casualties. Ultimately, he ordered his officers to prepare to take Passchendaele. Preparations included rebuilding the transportation system, draining swamps, laying deeper telephone wires, and the Canadians specifically built replica German pillboxes and trenches for practice and provided all soldiers with maps of the area. In the preparatory phase alone, 1,500 Canadians lost their lives. Leach describes Currie's pre-battle arrangements: "Sir Arthur Currie had laid out a simple and straightforward plan to take Passchendaele. The Canadians would attack in a series of coordinated operations, each with a limited objective, until the village itself and a defensible position upon the Passchendaele ridge had been gained. The overall goal was to drive a thin wedge into the German positions."

     During the preparatory bombardment between 21 and 25 October, 587 field guns shelled German positions and placed the element of surprise on the Canadians' side. At 0540 hours on 26 October 1917, Canadian heavy machine guns opened fire. Two minutes later, every gun in the Canadian batteries was simultaneously firing. Seven distinct lines of bombardment were utilized: "In all, 20,000 Canadian foot soldiers crawled out of dugouts and trenches, advancing under a mist that quickly turned to rain. The rolling barrage provided some protection, but it moved so quickly and was so complex that it permitted German gunners to target the advancing Canadians."

General Sir Arthur Currie, GOC Canadian Corps (pointing), and General MacBrien with other officers during a training exercise, September 1917. Photo by William Rider-Rider (Imperial War Museum, CO1970)

     Leach reflects that "Currie's strategy of taking and then holding small gains was working. Together with two British divisions, the Canadians moved toward the village of Passchendaele. Under the cover of a driving rainstorm, they quickly reached the outskirts of the now-ruined municipality. For five days, often immersed up to their waists in mud and under intense German artillery fire, these troops held on, waiting for relief. And by the time the 1st and 2nd Divisions relieved these embattled troops, 80 percent of the 3rd and 4th Divisions had become casualties."

     By November 6 the Canadians were ready to begin the advance toward their third and final objective: to capture the high ground north of the town and to secure positions on the eastern side of Passchendaele ridge. Fortunately, this went the most smoothly of all operations to date. The final Canadian action began at 0605 hours on November 10, when Currie used the opportunity to make adjustments to the line and strengthen his defensive positions.

Conclusion

     "The Canadians had done the impossible. After just 14 days of combat, they had driven the German army out of Passchendaele and off the ridge. There was almost nothing left of the village to hold. Altogether, the Canadian Corps had fired a total of 1,453,056 shells, containing 40,908 tons of high explosive. Aerial photographs verified approximately 36,500 Australians and 3,596 New Zealanders. German casualties totaled 260,000 troops. For the Canadians, Currie's words were prophetic. He had told Haig it would cost Canada 16,000 casualties to take Passchendaele- and in truth, the final total was 15,654, many of whom had been killed. One thousand Canadian bodies were never recovered, trapped forever in the mud of Flanders. Nine Canadians won the Victoria Cross during the battles for Passchendaele.

Local Passchendaele Veterans

William Doolittle, Dutton

William McNernie, Dutton

William Henderson Lodge, Iona

Leonard Archibald Munn, Dutton

Alexander Selkirk Stillwell, Iona

David Gill, Rodney

Frank Winifield Janaway, Rodney

George Henry Sayer, Rodney

John Harold Becker, West Lorne

Reuben Byfield, West Lorne

John Henry Gray, West Lorne

John Gyde, West Lorne

Roy H. Kew, West Lorne

Local Veterans Wounded at Passchendaele

Frederick Edwards, West Lorne

Leon Russell Auckland, Rodney

Walter Goodman, West Lorne

     

     Thanks so much for taking the time to observe this momentous occasion and reflecting on the immense contributions of our veterans, both local and nationwide. Information is courtesy of "Passchendaele: Canada's Other Vimy Ridge" by Norman Leach for www.journal.forces.gc.ca.

     Thanks for reading,

Delany (@DLeitchHistory on Twitter)

World War Wednesdays: The Silver Cross Mother

     Attending a Remembrance Day ceremony at which a Silver Cross Mother is present adds an additional element of sorrow to the day. Your heart goes out to the lady who has lost more than you could ever imagine, and you know that there is nothing anyone could ever do to ease that pain. War has a strange way of creating sadness across so many dimensions, whether it reaches you directly or just seeing it from a distance is enough to make it real. This week, we'll discuss what it means to be a Silver Cross Mother, along with the story of Mrs. Charlotte Susan Wood, with information courtesy of veterans.gc.ca.

     Every year, the Royal Canadian Legion selects a National Memorial (Silver) Cross Mother to represent the mothers of Canada at the national Remembrance Day Ceremony in Ottawa. She will lay a wreath at the base of the National War Memorial on behalf of all mothers who lost children in the military service to their nation. During her year-long tenure, which begins on November 1st, she performs other official duties, as required. The Memorial Cross (usually referred to as the Silver Cross) is awarded to mothers and widows of Canadian soldiers who died on active duty or whose death was consequently attributed to such duty. 

     In 1936, Mrs. Charlotte Susan Wood of Winnipeg, Manitoba became known as the first National Memorial (Silver) Cross Mother. Mrs. Wood immigrated with part of her family from Britain to take up a 160 acre Dominion Land Grant northwest of Edmonton in 1905. Of the eleven of Mrs. Wood’s sons/stepsons that signed up to serve with either the Canadian or British army during the First World War, five did not return. 

     On September 22, 1914, her son, Petty Officer Stoker Louis Robert Wood, was lost at sea while serving with the Royal Navy, HMS Hogue.
     On June 4, 1915, a second son, Able Seaman Harry Wood, was killed at Gallipoli while serving with Royal Naval Volunteer Reserve.
     On October 7, 1916, a third son, Private Francis Wood, was killed at the Somme while serving with the Queen’s Own (Royal West Kent Regiment).
     On May 5, 1917, a fourth son, Private Peter Percy Wood, was killed at Vimy Ridge while serving with the Canadian Infantry (Saskatchewan Regiment).
     On November 3, 1917, a fifth son, Leading Seaman Joseph Wood, was killed at Passchendaele while serving with the Royal Naval Volunteer Reserve.

     Mrs. Wood was awarded the George V Jubilee Medal in 1935. While on a pilgrimage to attend the unveiling of the Vimy Ridge Memorial in July 1936, Mrs. Wood was presented to King Edward VIII. Seizing the opportunity she said to him, "I have just been looking at the trenches and I just can’t figure out why our boys had to go through that." He replied, “Please God, Mrs. Wood. It shall never happen again.”
     

     Canada’s famous war mother died three years later, just weeks after the start of another world war. She was buried in an unmarked grave in Winnipeg’s Brookside Cemetery. A new gravestone was erected over 60 years later.

     An incredible story of incredible loss, it is a testament to how devastating war can be on all fronts.

     Thanks for reading,
       Delany

World War Wednesdays: Profile of a Local Hero

     So far, I've done a number of features in recognition of some of the major faces of both world wars, including some of our well-known local heroes. In contrast, one of my main goals and most valued aspects of working at Elgin County Archives is discovering more about the vast number of regular Elgin County boys who enlisted and did their hometowns proud. I have wanted to start featuring the stories of some local heroes on here as a way to ensure that their contributions are never forgotten, and I stumbled across one in particular that is a perfect first feature. This week, we're focusing on Arthur Freeman, a St. Thomas veteran of both world wars and example of a true humble hero. All content is courtesy of Elgin County Archives, with gratitude.

     In January of 1980, the St. Thomas Times-Journal interviewed 83-year-old Arthur Freeman, who had a number of memories and reflections to share with readers. He posed for the camera holding his military medal for extraordinary bravery during the First World War, which bore the description: "For conspicuous bravery and devotion to duty during operations on Passchendaele Ridge from Oct. 29 to Nov. 2, 1917 "He remained on duty during almost the whole of this period himself. At all times, notwithstanding heavy hostile fire, he kept his gun in action and his crew organized for attack. During the intense enemy barrage on the night of Oct. 31, his platoon officer gave him permission to withdraw from his section to a less exposed position, which he declined to take advantage of, pointing out that he desired to be in readiness for any counter attack  and held this post, protected his gun from becoming mud-clogged by lying himself along side it. Throughout he did more than his duty at all times". If you remember anything about the First World War and the meaning of the word 'Passhcendaele', you'll know that's a big deal.

    Mr. Freeman, however, had his own feelings about the infamous embodiment of hell on earth. After having seen the movies; read the books and articles, he asserted that everyone has a different account of what happened. He said that people often associated Passchendaele with mud, but he remembers it being worse at the Somme."We lived like bloody rats, deep in the trenches," He said. "You learned to keep your head down."

     Indeed, Mr. Freeman was a good authority on conditions of all the major First World War battles- he saw action at Passchendaele, The Somme, Vimy Ridge, and Ypres. Reflecting on those experiences, he said, "I often sit here and think how we lived. But a hundred people could write the history of the war as they saw it ... there wouldn't be two of them alike."

     As the story's headline proclaims, even heroes come in small packages. In his reflections, Arthur admitted he was really too small physically to meet army regulations. "I was about three inches too small in the chest and a couple inches too short," he remembered. "I guess I was one of the smallest in the regiment. I wasn't big for my age." Remarkably, at just 21 years old and 5 feet, 3 1/2 inches tall, it was he who remained when others would have fled at Passchendaele. He single-handedly held off the enemy placing himself in extreme danger while protecting the men in his crew.

     Mr. Freeman's experiences can be seen as fortunate from the beginning. He joined the 91st Elgins in May of 1916 and was fighting by November. Remembering that rushed time, he said: "All we'd had was squad drill — it was bloody ridiculous. But they didn't have time to train us.. There we were, a bunch of kids. If the Germans had counter-attacked we would have had no idea what to do — we were so disorganized". Though he was hit twice with shrapnel and grazed once with a machine-gun bullet, remarkably, he was never injured seriously.

   Looking back on his experiences and referring to the present time, Arthur wondered, "You wonder why we have to have war... They should have learned from the last two wars .— nobody wins, everybody loses." While he felt honoured by receiving the military medal, he insisted that he had only done his duty, and regarded it as recognition of his entire experience, not just at Passchendaele. "I was more entitled to a medal at the Sommes in 1916 than at Passchendaele. But you do what you have to do and say to hell with it. That's the way I see it anyway."

Arthur Freeman, left, and Howard Vair, representing the 91st Overseas Battalion, lay a wreath in memory of the departed warriors during an annual reunion.

    Mr. Freeman finished his reflections with praise for the then-upcoming Elgin Military Museum, which he felt would be a valuable contribution to the county. He finished his interview by saying: "Kids today, or anybody... they read about it (the war) but they wonder what things really looked like... It's good to preserve history".

     That last part has really stuck with me, and I think about it often. It seems like a small message from the past that reinforces what I try to do every day, with the blog, my work, studies, and my writing. I hope that stories like Mr. Freeman's connect with you in the ways that they do with me, so that we can maintain our appreciation for the heroes like him for generations to come.

Thanks for reading,

      Delany

World War Wednesdays: A Bear at War

A Bear at War: The Story of Lt. Lawrence Browning Rogers

     For anyone who visits the Canadian War Museum, there are countless exhibits and objects that cause one to pause and be overwhelmed at the magnitude of human conflict. There is an entire floor dedicated to showcasing tanks, vehicles and large weaponry, a section of the Berlin Wall, and a mock D-Day landing craft. However, there is one tiny little item located in the Canada and the First World War section which can be considered to be the most evocative. It is a dirty, mangled little teddy bear, and the story behind it is one that touches the hearts of historians and visitors alike.

     Before we explore the bear's story, it is important that we first get acquainted with the people involved in it. Lieutenant Lawrence Browning Rogers, born December 17, 1878, was the son of the late Maj. John and Hattie Duncan Rogers, of Montreal. He was married to Janet May Weaver Rogers, with whom he had two children, Howard and Aileen. According to his enlistment information, he was a farmer from Montreal, Quebec. He enlisted with the Canadian Mounted Rifles in Sweetsburg, Quebec on February 11, 1915. He was 36 years old at the time. He was sent to serve as a medic with the regiment in Belgium and France.

Lieutenant Lawrence Browning Rogers in uniform
 

      Before he made his journey overseas, ten-year-old Aileen gave a teddy bear to her father as a good luck charm and a memento of home. He promised to take good care of it, and to keep it with him always.

The little bear

      The family exchanged hundreds of letters during Lawrence's time at war. Below are a few examples of their correspondence.

Lawrence's wife, May feeding the chickens at their farm

Oct. 17, 1917
Dear Laurie
Think of it. I have sent you Christmas boxes already. What they said is we must do so early to ensure delivery. There will be such a lot. I had to pack in two boxes I marked them 1 & 2.
There are a couple of little gifts for Dan, they are marked from children and from me. Aileen made a sweater herself…excuse some uneven places. There is a lot of love and devotion knit into it. Howard saved up his money and that is hard, and bought your present himself and we did enjoy purchasing it.
I have been pretty sick for a week. Was not able to go out. Had to get what I could on Victoria Avenue. Have not been out for a week. Terrible pain in back across shoulders.
I guess it must be my age is breaking me up. Oh Laurie, I am so afraid it may make an invalid of me as it does of lots of women and the children need me. Pray for me to be spared that.
Children are working hard at school… Poor Aileen struggles along. I did not send her to dancing. Cost too much and she did not seem to want to go much.   So I want to give her music and can’t do everything. I have all the money I need. Don’t send me any. You may need it.
If only I could see you again I think it would make a different woman of me. Loneliness is eating my heart out and yours probably too.
I must go and get dinner for kiddies, love from us all and hoping for your leave.
I am always yours,
May

Lawrence and one of the horses, before the war

Sept. 3, 1917
Dear May
My how I dread the thought of putting in another winter in the trenches but I suppose it must be done for we have to win before we come back.
Russia may not be much use just now but she is coming along and the U.S. are doing fine, then Canada will buck up and there will be something doing. I would not be surprised if the actual fighting ceased this fall or early winter.
Wish I could just drop in for supper but suppose like a lot of things it will have to wait.
Tonight is almost a full moon over here but usually we do not appreciate moon-light nights. I don’t think you are getting very sentimental for I sure feel that way myself. I did not think you had gotten over it years ago but just perhaps fed up for a while and I sure don’t blame you for I was anything but good company at times.
Don’t worry dear about a cake although I like them, still it is an awful lot of work and I don’t want you to do it when you are not feeling well. I am glad that Aileen is able to ride her bicycle also Gray but she wants to be careful with him in case he should stumble and throw her.
However I am sure it will do her the world of good learning to ride and then Gray is such a quiet beast to learn on. Glad to hear that you are feeling better but do take care of yourself for my sake.
Dan is going to write to you about his money as soon as he can get time. I heard that Major Hewson was over in England again but could not find out when I was over there.
I am just as anxious as you to see all again and I am hoping and trying all I can to get at least a furlough to come home but cannot tell yet if I can get it.
Well dear there is nothing very much to write about so will close and go to bed.
Lots of love for you all
Yours always
Laurie

Aileen's Christmas report card

May 4, 1917
Dear Aileen
I received a letter from mother today enclosing a copy of your Easter report. It was fine and Dad was so proud of it. He showed it to all the boys and Dan came in and of course I  had to show it to him, he was almost as pleased as I was.
I received the Easter parcel yesterday so was able to give Dan his bunny card also the bunch of grapes, which he and I are eating now. He had never seen anything like them before so was very pleased with them.
I would liked to have had Howard’s report too. It must have been fine and I am very much stuck up about you both.
The weather is sure lovely just now and the sun is fine and warm and as you know I like warm weather. It looks good to me.
I want to enclose a letter to Howard and so will finish this one.
Lots of love for you all from
Daddy
                                                                                                                                             

The teddy

Sept. 25, 1916
Dear May
I am awfully glad you decided to go to town for the winter and feel sure you will not regret it. First, there will not be so much to worry about, only the cooking for yourselves. Second you will be nearer to family should anything go wrong.  Thirdly you will be much nearer to your friends and will not get out of touch with civilization and last but not least, the kiddies will have a chance to go to school…
The weather here is very nice but for a while it was terrible, cold and wet and lots of mud. For two days we had to sleep out in the rain and mud and the consequence of that is most of us have colds and are full of rheumatism.
Tell Aileen I still have the Teddy Bear and will try to hang on to it for her. It is dirty and his hind legs are kind of loose but he is still with me.
Good night dear. Love to all. Hope you are all well.
Yours lovingly,
Laurie

Aileen feeding the chickens

Aug. 13, 1916
Dear May
I received a letter from you dated July 25. You are not the only one who is having a hot time for it is very hot over here but the nights are cold in fact it is necessary to have a blanket to sleep under.
Why does not Clinton try to get into the Canadian Army Medical Corps. I think it would be just the job for him and in my opinion is the best work in the whole army.
I had a nice letter from Harry Jackson the other day. He would like to come over but cannot, you know their little one has been in a plaster cast for a long time and he said that he could not come…the kiddie had to come first and I guess he is right.
How were you so lucky, or should I say successful, with the sweet peas this year. I never could make a success of them, perhaps Jan got them in earlier than I did and took more care of them. If you get anything like a decent offer for the hens let them go. It will be so much less work for you to do.
How did those apple trees come on, that I planted and was so proud of. They ought to have been in pretty good shape this year.
I can sleep on the floor or anywhere else for that matter now but would like to see a good, clean bed again for a while.
I have been put in charge of the dressing station for this trip and do not have to go into the frontline, which is something but don’t think it is all a picnic here for it certainly is not.
However, it is safer than the line. So we should be thankful for even that.
We had one busy day and then things seem to have quieted down, but one can never tell just how soon things will happen over here.
Tell Howard to write me a letter even if he does not like to write the practice will do him good and the letter will do me good. Also tell Aileen I am anxiously looking for another letter from her and some more cookies. The last were fine.
Well there is nothing much to write about, and as there are a few shells going overhead which makes me jumpy, will close. Love to all and hope you all sleep well.
Laurie

"The little ones", Aileen (10) and Howard (7)

Aug. 2, 1916
Dear May
I have just washed up my supper dishes – one plate, a cup and a spoon, so feel that I deserve a little leisure and cannot employ it better than writing home and letting you know that I am well.
There are two of us on this job in the medical hut and we get along fine. We have a little gasoline stove and cook our meals on it. We had some eggs, bread and butter and tea, then we managed to get a can of strawberry jam and our M.O. had a parcel sent him the other day and there was a tin of preserved cream in it, which he gave to us and we had that so we did not fare so badly.
Mind we don’t always live that way and there are times when we have to hustle for our grub. I got your parcel all okay and we were very glad to get it. The cake and candy was very acceptable.
I don’t know just when we are going to move again but I suppose it will be soon and then it will be to a new position but at present we cannot say for we don’t know.
I hope you can get an apartment in Westmount so the kiddies can go to school there. Things will right themselves. You know we have always put great faith in the Lord and everything has turned out all okay and I feel sure if we do the same now the Lord will take care of us.
It is wonderful to me to think of how well I have been and what I have gone through in these last 10 months and it’s certainly because a higher power is looking after and taking care of me.
All we can do now is to still put our faith to him and trust that all will come out all right. Kiss the little ones for me and lots of love for all from Daddy.


     Some of these letters were sent by Lt. Rogers while he was stationed at the legendary battle of Passchendaele. According to the Narrative of Operations 29-31 October 1917, 5th CMR War Diary, "At the battle of Passchendaele, the Regimental Aid Post with Capt. Ireland as Medical Officer, and Lieut. Rogers in charge of Stretcher Bearers was established in a Pill Box near the Advance Battalion Headquarters at Kron Prinz Farm." Sadly, the deaths of Lt. Rogers and Captain Ireland are reported on the subsequent page of the Narrative of Operations:
11.20 amReport from Advance Bn. H.Qs., timed 10.30 a.m., that Capt. IRELAND, M.O. and Lieut. ROGERS were killed and only two of Stretcher Bearer party left.
Request made immediately to A.D.S. to send up another M.O. at once. This was quickly responded to.
It was estimated at this time that our casualties (5th CMR) are about 300.
     It was said that he was tending to a wounded soldier, and was killed by enemy fire. His wife May received this letter:

France
Nov. 3, 1917
Dear Mrs. Rogers -
Words written or spoken would fail to express to you our sympathies with you in your sad bereavement.
Mr. Rogers was more than a comrade to both. Dan and myself and I can assure you we both feel the loss of such a comrade deeply.
We have at least one consolation. His sacrifice will not have been made in vain.
His medical work will be remembered by many who have been attended by him in the field and many a poor fellow has departed this world with little pain thanks to the untiring efforts of Mr. rogers.
Our Empire and our God I am sure cannot forget such deeds.
In your sorrow remember that our God knows best what is good for us, and I am sure it is God’s will that our comrade should be called to higher service.
Mr. Rogers died serving his God and Country, what better and nobler death could a man die.
In closing kindly permit Dan and myself to again offer you our sincerest sympathies.
Yours sincerely,
J.M. Wright
    
     Lieutenant Rogers was awarded the Military Medal, and was buried at Menin Gate (Ypres) Memorial, Belgium.

     Amazingly, when Rogers's body was found, the teddy bear given to him by Aileen was still in his pocket. It was battered and dirty, but it was there. It was returned home to his family, making its sad journey home without its carrier. Eighty-five years later, Lawrence's granddaughter found Teddy, the letters, and other war memorabilia packed away in a briefcase.The bear is now on display at the Canadian War Museum, along with a letter from Aileen. It remains one of the most moving historical objects in Canada.

The bear and letter display at the CWM

  
  The story of the bear has since been turned into a children's book called A Bear in War by Stephanie Innes, Harry Endrulat, and Brian Deines. " Accompanied by family photographs and Brian Deine's poignant art, A Bear in War is more than one family's testament to a brave soldier. It is a gentle introduction to war, to Remembrance Day, and to the honor of those who have served their countries." (Amazon)

    

     Thanks for reading about this sad but meaningful story. I consider it to be a timeless one, and powerful for all audiences.

                   Delany


Thanks to the following sources for supplementary information:

The Canadian War Museum http://www.warmuseum.ca/firstworldwar/history/life-at-home-during-the-war/the-home-front/the-childrens-war/
The Canadian Great War Project http://www.canadiangreatwarproject.com/searches/soldierDetail.asp?Id=58943
Pajama Press http://pajamapress.ca/tag/rogers/