PTE. WILLIAM JOHN NASH
SEPT. 9, 1894 - MARCH 4, 1917
The following article was sent to the Home Child mailing list some time ago.
I am unable to remember who sent it.
I am researching the Kings County of New Brunswick and was given a
copy of "Threads of Time, A History of Lower Ridge" from a cousin.
On page 39 the following was printed.
In the late 1800s and early 1900s thousands of children from orphanages
or impoverished families in England were loaded onto ships and sent to
Canada. Some were as young as six years old. They were known as
"home children" and were placed with families where they would help on
farms or in the homes. This poem written by Ren Thorne of
Lower Ridge tells of one of these children. Will Nash who came here as
a child only to return to die at Vimy Ridge, France in the First World
War. His name is on the War Memorial in Havelock.
Will's brother Harry Nash was placed in a home in the Saint John area.
Private Nash
Will Nash came out from England's shores
And down Springhill did roam.
He went to Edward Jackson's place
And called it "Home Sweet Home".
But he was just a young lad then
And when he grew up tall.
He knew not of his native home,
Nor thought of it at all.
He saw the war clouds growing dark,
And when they grew too dense,
He started out to do his bit
For his Homeland's defense.
Of course he drilled as usual.
Here and in England too.
Then went to France to try his luck
As many more boys do.
He fought in trenches side by side
With boys he's always known.
They saw him get the fatal fall
That killed him dead as stone.
Some folks may sing of mighty men,
Who do things great and brave.
They did no more than private Nash
And ended in the grave.
He had no relatives at all
To mourn the deed just done.
But Edward Jackson and his wife
They mourned him like a son.
For they had grown to love him well
Since he was just a boy,
The only parents that he knew
They were his pride and joy.
A Service to his memory
In Havelock Church was made.
For folks remembered what he'd done
And of the price he paid.
His name is on the honor roll
Where King and council sit.
All honor then to poor Will Nash.
Who did his little bit.
R. A Thorne (1917) (Age 17).
Will Nash's Attestation Papers state the following:
Present address was Havelock, NB
Country born - Havelock, NB is recorded.
Next of Kin is recorded as Edward Jackson
Relationship of next of kin is recorded as Friend
Date of Birth is recorded as Sept. 9, 1894
Trade is Farmer
Not Married
Signed name as William John Nash
States he was 21 years old, 5 ft 5 3/4 inches
Complexion was Medium, Eyes - Hazel, Hair - Dark Brown and he was a
Baptist.
And Veterans Affairs of Canada Website has the following:
In memory of Private WILLIAM NASH who died on March 4, 1917.
Service #817128 - Age 21. Force - Army. Regiment -
Canadian Infantry (New Brunswick Regiment). Unit - 26th Bn.
Also states that William is the Foster son of Edward and
Emmeline Jackson of New Brunswick. Born in England.
States that he is buried at ECOIVRES MILITARY CEMETERY,
Pas de Calais, France - Grave Reference - IV.E.14
From the Home Child National Archives List there is a William Nash
listed as arriving in 1896 age 4 on the SS Parisian, Liverpool
departed on March 26, 1896 Arrived Halifax, NS on April 5, 1896
states that the destination was Stratford, Ontario he was a member of
Miss MacPherson's group. Also, a William Nash age 8 also arrived in
1896.
Based on the Army records this would mean that William was 2 when
he arrived not 4.
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