Oct 5, 1891

Born in Pitmillan, Foveran, Aberdeenshire, Scotland to William M. and Isabella (nee Lowrie) Gerrie

Apr 14, 1915

Shown on the payroll of the 35^th Battalion in Toronto, Ontario

Apr 19, 1915

Attested into the 35^th Battalion in Toronto, Ontario

Ø      Number 405559

Ø      Next of kin given as William Gerrie, father, Seggiehole, Arnage, Auchnagatt, Scotland

o       There is a note in the file that in case of casualty to also notify Mrs. J. Valentine, 120 Duchess St., Toronto, Ontario (his landlady)

Ø      Previous occupation given as Teamster

Ø      No previous military experience given

Ø      Religion given as Presbyterian

Ø      Assigned to “D” Company

Oct 16, 1915

Embarked the SS Metagama in Montreal, Quebec

Oct 25, 1915

Disembarked in Plymouth, England and the battalion proceeded to Bramshott to continue training.  The battalion was renamed the 35^th Reserve Battalion and used to train troops to reinforce the battalions at the front

Apr 1, 1916

Transferred to the 21^st Battalion

Apr 2, 1916

Arrived at the CBD (Canadian Base Depot) in the Rouelles Camp, Havre, France and TOS (Taken On Strength) the 21^st Battalion

Apr 18, 1916

Left the CBD to join the battalion

Apr 20, 1916

Joined the 21^st Battalion in the “J” Camp near Reninghelst, Belgium

Sep 15, 1916

As part of the battle of the Somme, the 21^st Battalion was given the task of taking a German stronghold in a sugar refinery near Courcelette.  This was the first time the Canadians had used tanks as part of their attack.  Private Gerrie was wounded in the arms and taken to a field ambulance for first aid before being transferred to a casualty clearing station for further treatment. 

Because of the seriousness of his wounds he was transferred to the No. 1 Canadian General Hospital in Etaples for treatment.

Sep 17, 1916

Invalided to England aboard the Hospital Ship Dieppe

On arrival in England he was admitted to the No. 5 Northern General Hospital in Leicester

Posted to the CCAC (Canadian Casualty Assembly Centre) for pay purposes while in hospital

Sep 26, 1916

Septicaemia set into his blood stream and Private Hugh Gerrie died of his wounds while in hospital.  He was buried in the Savoch Churchyard Cemetery, Savoch, Aberdeenshire, Scotland

Following the war the British War Medal, Victory Medal, Plaque (Dead Man’s Penny), Scroll and Memorial Cross were sent to his father, Mr. William Gerrie, Leggiehole, Arnage, Auchnagatt, Aberdeen, Scotland.

There is a note that since his mother passed away after Hugh, and thus the Memorial Cross was issued to his father.