Hercules Ross Lake

Nov 2, 1891

Born in Hastings County, Ontario to Christopher Thompson and Matilda (nee Boomhower) Lake

 

Apr 3, 1916

Attested into the 155th Battalion CEF in Bancroft, Ontario

 Ø  Number 637023

Ø  Next of kin given as Christopher Thompson Lake, father, Monk Road, Hastings County, Ontario

Ø  Previous occupation given as Labourer

Ø  No previous military experience given

Ø  Religion given as Methodist

 

It appears that he could not read or write as his signature is shown as an X and noted as “his mark”.  A document written later appeared to have a shaky signature that was his own.

 

The following week, his 2 brothers Herman Denis Lake (killed in action April 9, 1917) and John Nathaniel Lake (killed in action May 27, 1918) attested into the same battalion

 

The battalion trained in the Kingston, Ontario area

 

Oct 17, 1916

Embarked the SS Northland at Halifax Nova Scotia

 

 

Oct 28, 1916

Disembarked at Liverpool England and proceeded to the Bramshott Camp

 

Dec 6, 1916

Arrived at the CBD (Canadian Base Depot) in the Rouelles Camp, Havre, France as part of a draft of 147 reinforcements from England and TOS (Taken On Strength) the 21st Battalion.

 

The base depot’s war diary reports that there was no coal and they were short of wood for both heating and cooking.  The diary reports they were burning packing crates to cook food

 

Dec 8, 1916

After leaving the base depot Private Lake joined the 21st Battalion in billets in Bully Grenay along with his brother Herman Denis Lake

 

Apr 9, 1917

During the 21st Battalion’s attack on Vimy Ridge, Private Lake received a wound to his ear and was evacuated to the nearby field ambulance for treatment

 

His brother Herman Denis Lake was killed during this same attack

 

Apr 11, 1917

Transferred to the No. 1 CCS (Casualty Clearing Station) for further treatment

 

Apr 12, 1917

Transferred via the No. 15 AT (Ambulance Train) and admitted to the No. 30 General Hospital in Calais

 

Apr 23, 1917

Discharged to the base depot and posted to “A” Company for those recovering from wounds and illness

 

Apr 29, 1917

After leaving the base depot, he rejoined the 21st Battalion in the 4th Brigade Camp at Aux Rietz

 

May 19, 1917

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

 

Jun 1, 1917

Rejoined the battalion from temporary duty with the engineers

 

Jun 12, 1917

His brother John Nathaniel Lake joined the 21st Battalion

 

Nov 20, 1917

Admitted to the No 6 CFA (Canadian Field Ambulance) with a diagnosis that reads PUO (Pyrexia of Unknown Origin) This was a fever without a known cause and was then transferred to the No. 22 CCS (Casualty Clearing Station)

 

Nov 21, 1917

Transferred via the No. 14 Ambulance Train and admitted to the No. 22 General Hospital in Dannes Camiers

 

Nov 23, 1917

Transferred to the No. 13 Convalescent Depot

 

Nov 25, 1917

Transferred to the No. 6 Convalescent Depot in Etaples to continue his recovery

 

Nov 26, 1917

Transferred to the No 13 Convalescent Depot in Trouville

 

Jan 1, 1918

Discharged to the No. 2 CIBD (Canadian Infantry Base Depot) in Etaples and posted to “A” Company for those recovering from wounds and illness

 

Jan 16, 1918

After leaving the base depot, he joined the Canadian Corps Reinforcement Camp in Calonne Ricouart

 

Mar 1, 1918

After leaving the reinforcement camp, Private Lake rejoined the 21st Battalion in billets in Lievin, France

 

Mar 3, 1918

Granted 14 days leave

 

Mar 20, 1918

Rejoined the battalion from leave

 

Apr 29, 1918

During the night of April 28-29, the 21st Battalion conducted a raid on the enemy trenches near Neuville Vitasse in order to gather information and capture prisoners.  Private Lake received shrapnel wounds to his legs and left arm.  After receiving first aid from the Medical Officer, he was evacuated to the No. 6 CFA for treatment.  Later in the day he was transferred to the No. 3 CCS.

 

Apr 30, 1918

Transferred via the No 27 Ambulance train and admitted to the No. 3 Canadian General Hospital in Le Treport for treatment

 

May 20, 1918

Invalided to England aboard the Hospital Ship St Denis

 

 

On arrival in England he was admitted to the No. 10 Canadian General Hospital in Brighton (Kitchener Military Hospital)

 

Posted to the EORD (Eastern Ontario Regimental Depot) for pay purposes while in hospital

 

May 27, 1918

His brother John Nathaniel Lake was killed in action with the 21st Battalion while Hercules was in hospital

 

Jun 5, 1918

Transferred to the Military Convalescent Hospital in Epsom

 

Jul 31, 1918

Discharged from hospital and granted sick leave until August 10, 1918.  On completion of his leave he was ordered to report to the 3rd CCD (Canadian Convalescent Depot) to continue his recovery

 

Sep 4, 1918

Granted permission to marry

 

Sep 12, 1918

Married in Epsom and his next of kin was changed to read Mrs. Florence Lake, wife, 4 Beaconsfield Cottage, East St., Epsom, Surrey

 

Sep 19, 1918

Ceased to be attached to the convalescent depot and posted to the 6th Reserve Battalion in Seaford

 

Jan 17, 1919

Posted to the EORD in Witley

 

Feb 15, 1919

Attached to the 1st CDD (Canadian Discharge Depot) in Buxton pending return to Canada

 

Mar 8, 1919

Embarked the SS Minnedosa in Liverpool with his wife

  

 

Mar 17, 1919

Disembarked in St. John, New Brunswick

 

Mar 19, 1919

Discharged from the CEF in St. John, New Brunswick

Ø  Rank on discharge Private

Ø  War Service Badge Class “A” issued number 80505

Ø  Proposed residence on discharge, Kingston, Ontario

 

Following the war the British War Medal and Victory Medals were sent to him at Bancroft, Ontario

 

Mar 11, 1931

Died in Colborne, Ontario of Pulmonary Tuberculosis and buried in the Lakeport Cemetery in Colborne


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