1915-06-22tu

“Hamilton officers and men share in the honors conferred by Field Marshall Sir John French, who has recommended a large number of Canadians for ‘gallant and distinguished service in the field.’ ”

Hamilton Spectator.    June 23, 1915.

It was a less dreary war-related list than the usual casualty lists than were printed in the local papers, detailing the Hamiltonians and immediate area residents who had suffered wounds, been captured by the Germans or who paid the ultimate sacrifice.

The list published on June 23, 1915 contained ten names and the following brief biographies and reasons for the recognition of their service:

“Major Kimmins, a 77^th officer, was one of the first Canadian officers with the second contingent to give his life for his country. He was killed in action while bravely leading his men. Major Kimmins was employed by the E. D .Smith company for twenty years and was exceptionally well-known throughout the Niagara district. He was a prominent Mason, identified with the Elgar choir and an earnest church worker. Many letters from the front attested to his gallant action.

Lieut. Colquhoun, whose mother is Mrs. Colquhoun, of Barton Lodge, is another young Canadian officer who accomplished many daring deeds. He went from here with the Princess Patricias. On one occasion, he led a small party which crept up to within a short distance of the German line and exploded a mine field, saving the lives of many Canadians. Many other instances are recited of fearless feats performed by Lieut. Colquhoun in the brilliant charges made by the Pats. He was at one time reported killed and missing, and some of the Hamilton men in letters home claimed that his body ad been found. It was later ascertained that he was wounded and a prisoner in Germany.

“The splendid work done by the 11^th battery, commanded by Major Carscallen, is well-known. Major Carscallen is a well-known Hamilton officer. When the war broke out, he and his unit, to a man, volunteered to go to the front. The name was changed to the 11^th battery. It is a complete unit of Hamilton men. Many of the artillerymen, in letters to home, have paid tribute to the gallantry of the commanding officer when the battery was in the thickest of the fighting.

Major W. R. Marshall is a former Hamilton officer and a veteran of the South African war. He was prominently identified with the training of cadets, and in his earlier days, was a big figure in athletics. He went as second in command of the 8^th Highlanders. When that battalion was practically cut to pieces, Major Marshall performed wonders, according to Col. Currie, the commanding officer. It is understood that Major Marshall will shortly be placed in command of the battalion, Col. Currie returning home at the request of Major-General Hughes to assist in training the other contingents.

“Pte. W. M. Leishman went from here with the A. M. C. His wife resides here. Pte. Leishman is a Scotchman and a moulder by trade. He was formerly employed at the Westinghouse. In fighting at Langemarck, he was wounded by a shrapnel shell, while carrying a wounded engineer off the field. While at Shernfold park hospital, Kent, he made a desperate attempt to save two drowning men.

“Pte. J. W. Bizley, an Englishman, who spent many years in Hamilton, was a member of fighting C company of the 91^st Highlanders. He spent six years with the 5^th East Surrey regiment before coming to Canada. He was employed here by Snyder Bros., and is a well-known member of Red Cross Lodge, K of P.

“Word has been received that Gunner R. Judson Gimblett, whose home is in Kingston, has been recommended for the distinguished conduct medal. He is a grandson of Mrs. R. Gimblett, 42 Smith avenue,  and resided in this city for over a year, during which time he made many friends. Gunner Gimblett is but 24 years of age, but comes of a fighting family, his father, Capt. W. Gimblett, is holding a commission in the Canadian Horse Artillery. Gunner , together with another comrade, offered to carry ammunition some miles away from the ammunition column in order to save an infantry brigade from being wiped out. They carried the ammunition amid a shower of shells of all kinds.

Sergt. William Barnacal, a member of the fighting 11^th battery, has been recommended for distinguished service on the field. He was born in England and came to Newfoundland about ten years ago. About four years ago, he moved to Dundas. He was employed as a pattern-maker with the Chapman Engine works. He has had about twelve years’ military experience and held the position of gunnery instructor with the 4^th battery. His wife and family returned to England in February last.

Pte. Ernest Shipman, who has been recommended for the Distinguished Conduct Medal, is one of the youngest solders who left Hamilton last August.  He had just passed his 17^th birthday before he left for the front. He was wounded in the battle of Ypres, and is confined at present to one of the hospitals in England. A piece of shrapnel struck one of his eyes, and it is feared he will lose the sight of it. Pte. Shipman’s father resides on Norman avenue.

The morning dispatches contain the name of Corp. Heath being recommended for distinguished service. The nominal rolls contain the name of C. Heath, a private, who was wounded in the St. Julien engagement. He is confined at the base hospital at Taplow, and his brother, H. Heath, received a letter from him yesterday, stating that he was getting along fine.” ¹

¹ “Many Hamilton Men Honored By French : Gallant Conduct on Field of Battle Recognized”

Hamilton Spectator.   June 23, 1914.