Edward Cole

Thank you to Bruce Kettles for providing the service file

 

Aug 20, 1896

Born in Wilberforce, Ontario to William and Isabella June (nee Sinclair) Cole

 

May 24, 1917

Attested into the 252nd Battalion in Lindsay, Ontario

Ø      Number 1087351

Ø      Next of kin given as Mrs. Isabella Cole, mother, Lochlin, Ontario

Ø      Previous occupation given as Labourer

Ø      No previous military experience given

Ø      Religion given as Methodist

On attestation he gave his birth date as August 21, 1896, however his birth registration records it as August 20, 1896

 

Jun 2, 1917

Embarked the RMS Olympic in Halifax, Nova Scotia along with his brother Silas, who had also attested into the 252nd Battalion

Jun 9, 1917

Disembarked in Liverpool, England and the battalion proceeded to Seaford.  On arrival there, the battalion was absorbed into the 6th Reserve Battalion for training.

 

Jun 16, 1917

Admitted to the Canadian Ravenscroft Military Hospital in Seaford, diagnosed with Paroditis, an inflammation of the salivary glands.  The diagnosis was later changed to read Mumps.  While in hospital, there is a note on his medical report that reads “patient is said to be an Epileptic”. 

 

Jul 21, 1917

Discharged to duty from hospital

 

Nov 14, 1917

Transferred to the 21st Battalion and proceeded to the No. 2 CIBD (Canadian Infantry Base Depot) in Etaples, France and TOS (Taken On Strength) the 21st Battalion.

 

Nov 17, 1917

Left the CIBD and joined the CC Rein C (Canadian Corps Reinforcement Camp) in Calonne Ricouart.

 

Nov 24, 1917

Left the CC Rein C and joined the 21st Battalion in the front line trenches in the Acheville section.

 

Nov 29, 1917

Attached to the 4th Field Company, Canadian Engineers for duty

 

Dec 11, 1917

Rejoined the 21st Battalion in billets in the Cellars Camp near Neuville St Vaast

 

Aug 27, 1918

During the allied advance on the Sensee River, Private Cole was wounded in the head by a rifle bullet and taken to the No. 7 CCS (Casualty Clearing Station) for treatment

 

Aug 28, 1918

Pte Cole died of his wounds while in the No. 7 CCS and was buried in the Ligny St. Flochel British Cemetery, south east of St. Pol, France

 

Following the war the British War Medal, Victory Medal, Plaque (Dead Man’s Penny), Scroll and Memorial Cross were sent to his mother, Mrs. Isabella Cole, Lochlin, Ontario

 


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