My Great Uncle Robert was born in 1895 and originally from Ontario, and moved out to Saskatchewan early in the 20th century with his family.

They homsteaded in the Quill Lake region of Saskatchewan. He farmed, and was active in the community, enjoying baseball and other social events. He was well liked by all who knew him.

He inlisted in the 214th Battalion 'Wadena Widcats' Canadian Expeditionary Force, at Wadena, Saskatchewan in Jan 1916, and after completing his training in Manitoba, near Camp Shilo, found himself reinforcing the 28th North West Battalion (from Regina Saskatchewan)on the Western Front in Jul 1917.

On 06 Nov 1917, the 28th Bn sometime after dawn, was advancing to the village of Passchendaele. Robert was struck down by enemy shrapnel in both legs and left arm.

After spending much time being evacuated from the front due to the mud and constant MG and artillery fire, he found himself at a Casualty Clearing Station near Rouen, France.

He had emergency amputations of both legs and left arm, and after given much morhpia succumbed to his wounds the next day.

When he was leaving 'the line' he said to his mates "well it looks like I'm going home boys, you can have your bloody war". He was quite concious and aware of his surroundings during his evacuation, and kept his sense of humour.

It also should be noted that Robert's unit, the 28th, took their objective by 0900 that day, and held it until they were relieved.

He was just 21 and never married. He became one of the more than 60,000 Canadians who lost their lives during WW1.

He is buried neat Popringhe in a CWGC Cemetery.

His loss enspired me to join the Army at 17, and I am still serving proudly, far far from Dear Ole Canada.

1feral1
Sydney

I am sure that, whevever he may be, he looks down upon you with pride.

Thanks for the nice words.

Regards,

1feral1
Sydney

There is a book called "they called it Passchendael". It is a very graphic and full description of this battle.
I first heard about it here on this board and have been trying to find it since. I have been able to find reviews and such but never the book as it has been out of print for a long time. You may want to find it also. I am still looking and if i find it I will post it here...pat