Frank Birdgenaw

 

May 13, 1898

Born at Lindsay Ontario to John Birdgenaw and Josephine Baudry

 

Sep 10, 1915

Attested into the 93rd Battalion at Peterborough Ontario 

Ø      Number 195013

Ø      Next of kin given as John Birdgenaw (father) of 281 Perry St, Peterborough Ontario

Ø      Previous occupation given as Cook

Ø      Previous military experience given as 1 year in the 57th Regiment, Canadian Militia

Ø      Religion given as Roman Catholic

Ø      Assigned to “A” Company 

On Attestation, he lied about his age, stating that his birth date was May 4, 1897.

 

Jul 15, 1916

Embarked the SS Empress of Britain at Halifax Nova Scotia

 

It is worthy here to note that his brother, Daniel, also joined the 93rd Battalion and sailed with him on this date.  They had both been employed at Matthews-Blackell.  Frank as a Cook and his brother as a Sausage Maker

 

Jul 25, 1916

Disembarked at Liverpool England

 

Oct 6, 1916

The 93rd Battalion was absorbed into the 39th Reserve Battalion at West Sandling Camp near Hythe Kent

 

Oct 27, 1916

Posted to the 21st Battalion

 

Oct 28, 1916

Arrived at the CBD (Canadian Base Depot) in France and TOS (Taken On Strength) the 21st Battalion 

This was originally posted as taking place on November 3, 1916, but later corrected

 

Nov 21, 1916

Arrived at the 2nd Entrenching Battalion from the CBD

 

Nov 26, 1916

Joined the 21st Battalion in the field from the 2nd Entrenching Battalion 

The Battalion was in Brigade Support at Calonne

 

Jan 17, 1917

The 21st Battalion was engaged in a large Trench Raid near Calonne.  They captured a large number of prisoners and inflicted many casualties.  The 21st Battalion suffered 73 casualties, consisting of 11 Other Ranks being killed and 61 wounded, with 1 Officer wounded. 

Pte Frank Birdgenaw was one of those killed


Maroc British Cemetery
Grenay France

 

Oct 27, 1917

Frank’s brother, Daniel, was killed in action at Passchendaele as a member of the 52nd Battalion.  They had both joined the 93rd Battalion and sailed to England together.  Daniel is commemorated on the Menin Gate

 

Dec 13, 1920

Beginning on this and on subsequent dates the following were sent to his father at 281 Perry St, Peterborough Ontario 

Ø      Scroll

Ø      Plaque (Dead Man’s Penny) 

In addition, the Cross of Sacrifice was sent to his mother, Josephine, at the same address

 

Mar 28, 1923

The British War Medal and Victory Medals were sent to his father at the address above

 


Daniel and Frank Birdgenaw (195013) were both included on the Matthews-Blackwell Ltd. 1914 - 1918 Roll of Honour. Matthews-Blackwell operated meat packing plants in Brantford, Hull, Montreal, Peterborough and Toronto. Image source: The Standard / Canada's Aid to the Allies and Peace Memorial. Edited by Frederick Yorston. Published by the Montreal Standard Publishing Co., Ltd., Montreal. This large Souvenir Edition magazine included Rolls of Honour for various prominent Canadian businesses.


Return to Tribute list

Home

Contact