On 4 November 1917, as they were preparing for the attack on Passchendaele village, Private Donald Fraser found some time to contemplate the make-up of his crew (The Journal of Private Fraser, ed. Reginald H. Roy, publ. 1998, CEF Books): "Expecting to remain here until the end of the Passchendaele action, I found time to check up on the crew and the gun and noted the following:

This soldier was almost certainly the Avard Nelson Fage who enlisted in the 40th Battalion at Amherst, Nova Scotia on 17 March 1915.  He was born on 8 April 1889 at Hastings, Cumberland County, Nova Scotia, and at the time of his enlistment he was unmarried, an active militia member, and worked as a butcher at Hastings.  He listed Mr. Thompson Fage, also of Hastings, as next-of-kin. [Family Notes]

Private A.N. Fage was detached to the 25th Canadian Battalion Unit Group No. 1 Halifax "B" on 25 March 1919, for the purpose of demobilisation.

Benjamin Faichney/Fitchney was born on 9 October 1893 at Stirlingshire, Scotland.  He enlisted in the 134th Overseas Battalion (48th Highlanders) at Toronto, Ontario on 31 January 1916, having previously served with the 48th Regiment for two years and with the 5th Scottish Rifles for a further eight years.  He was unmarried, working as a cashier, and living at 414 Huron Street, Toronto, Ontario, and listed his mother, Margaret Faichney of Blanefield, Glasgow, Scotland, as next-of-kin.

Private B. Faichney was wounded on 10 October 1918.

Roy Atwater Fanning was born on 7 April 1888 at Belmont, Peterborough County, Ontario.  When he enlisted in the 205th Battalion at Hamilton, Ontario on 10 April 1916, he was working as a machinist, and living at 493 Wilson Street, Hamilton, Ontario; he stated his next-of-kin to be Charles Atwater Fanning at the same address.  He was not then serving in an active militia, but had previously been with the 96th Regiment at Port Arthur for a year.

On 3 October 1917, while the machine-gun crews of the company were being relieved in the line, they experienced a heavy enemy artillery bombardment.  The following extract is from the War Diary for that day: "During night 3/4th October Company was relieved in the line by attached the 14th Cdn M.G. Coy. Relief complete by 1 a.m. During the relief heavy enemy shelling. Ration Dump T.20.b.30.60 was shelled causing the loss of two horses. No. 240 371 Pte. A. Fanning slightly wounded still at duty."

A month later, on 7 November 1917, and shortly after the village of Passchendaele had been captured, Private Roy Fanning was killed.  His death is commemmorated on the Ypres (Menin Gate) Memorial (Panel 32).

Patrick Joseph Farley/Farrelly was born on 21 April 1879 at Baillietown, Co. Cavan, Ireland, son of Patrick & Cathrine Farrelly.  Prior to his enlistment in the 29th Battalion on 6 November 1914 at Vancouver, B.C. he had spent 12 years serving with the Royal Irish Fusiliers.  He gave his occupation as shoemaker, and his next-of-kin as his brother George Farley, also of Bailietown, Co. Cavan.

Corporal Farley was killed on 15 September 1916, during the Battle of Flers-Courcelette on the Somme.  On this day, the company supported attacks made by the 6th Canadian Infantry Brigade on the village of Courcelette: "Weather fine.  Attack by 27th & 28th Battalions on German Lines.  No 2 Section advanced with attacking Battalions and took up defense positions in Support.  No. 2 & 4 Sections conducted indirect fire approximately 45.000 S.A.A. were fired during the course of the attack.  3.30 P.M. Request from 27th Battalion for two more guns.  Two guns of No. 1 Section under Lt. Douglas were dispatched and took up defensive positions with 27th Battalion." [War Diary]  His name is commemmorated on the Vimy Memorial.

John Farquharson was born on 6 July 1888 at Sydney, Nova Scotia.  He enlisted in the 40th Battalion at Aldershot, Nova Scotia on 21 May 1915, at which time he was unmarried and ranching.  He listed his mother, also of Sydney, Nova Scotia, as next-of-kin.

Private J. Farquharson was detached to the 25th Canadian Battalion Unit Group No. 1 Halifax "B" on 25 March 1919, for the purpose of demobilisation.

Pierre Fau was born on 28 April 1893 in Paris, France, and enlisted in the 214th Overseas Battalion at St. Brieux, Saskatchewan on 25 March 1916.  At that time, he was single and working as a farmer at St. Brieux, and listed his next-of-kin as his mother, Boe Lucie Fau, also of St. Brieux, Saskatchewan.

Private P. Fau was wounded on 26 August 1918, during the Battle of Arras.

Robert Judson Feener was born on 23 July 1896 at Liverpool, Queen's County, Nova Scotia, son of Arthur Feener. [Family Notes]  He enlisted in the 1st Depot Battalion of the Nova Scotia Regiment at Halifax, Nova Scotia on 20 March 1918, having received a medical examination at the same place on 2 November 1917.  He was single and working as a chauffeur at Liverpool, and listed his father, also of Liverpool, as next-of-kin.

Private R.J. Feener was detached to the 25th Canadian Battalion Unit Group No. 1 Halifax "B" on 25 March 1919, for the purpose of demobilisation.

Ernest D. Fenn was born on 18 August 1891 at Downham, Cambridgeshire, England. [Family Notes]  He enlisted in the ?23rd Overseas Battalion at London, Ontario on 26 August 1915, at which time he was single and working as a farmer.  He listed David Fenn of Little Dowham Fenn, Ely, Cambridgeshire, England, as his next-of-kin.

Lance Corporal E.D. Fenn was wounded on 15 October 1918.

William Chester Ferguson was born on 9 November 1893 at Prince Edward Island, son of Alfred Ferguson.  He enlisted in the 184th Battalion at Winnipeg, Manitoba on 31 March 1916, at which time he was single, working as a teamster, and living at 341 Princess Street, Winnipeg, Manitoba.  He listed his mother, then of Cape Traverse, P.E.I., as next-of-kin.  Notes on his attestation paper include the following: handwritten "card E6 May 8th 1916" and typed "Lieut. Carlyle. West Kildonan Platoon. Report 3/4/1916."  Also there is note to the effect that he was transferred to the 221st Battalion on 30 June 1916.

Private W.C. Ferguson was wounded on 15 October 1918.

An Operation Order dated 8 April 1917 and attached to the 6th Bde. CMG Coy. War Diary contains the following: "Sgt. Dythe with one corporal 10 men and 10 pack animals will report to Divisional Pack Train under Lt. Ferris at 6 a.m. April 9th in BOIS DES ALLEUX."  These were part of the preparations for the attack on Vimy Ridge, which was due to take place on the following day.

Corporal Allan Fidler was gassed on 26 August 1918, during the Battle of Arras.

St. George Fildes was born on 23 April 1888 at Montreal, Quebec, son of Charles Fildes.  He enlisted in the 27th Battalion at Winnipeg, Manitoba on 25 October 1914, and stated that he was currently serving with the 79th Cameron Highlanders of Canada, an active militia.  He was working as a salesman at the time, and showed his next-of-kin as his father, of 2230 Mance Street, Montreal.

Lieutenant S.G. Fildes was loaned to the 2nd Battalion CMG Corps from the 27th (Canadian Infantry) Battalion as Assistant Adjutant.  The following is an extract from the War Diary for 14 April 1918: "Lieut. FILDES was loaned by the 27th Battalion to this Battalion to act as Assistant Adjutant.  He at once started a thorough reorganization of "A" and "Q" Branches of Unit, owing to it having grown beyond all limits.  Card Index system for men started, and with the original A.F.B. 213 of Unit used as a base, made out a complete Nominal Roll of the Battalion."  He remained with the unit, as Assistant Adjutant, until 24 November 1918, when he was admitted to hospital, sick with influenza.  He must have recovered quickly, as he took over the duties of Adjutant on 21 December.  He was mentioned in dispatches on 1 January 1919.  He remained with the battalion until at least February 1919.

George Donald Finlayson was born on 28 August 1890 at Kincardine, Bruce County, Ontario, and enlisted in the 184th Overseas Battalion at Winnipeg, Manitoba on 20 March 1916.  At this time he was married and working as a real estate agent; he listed his wife Gladys Finlayson of 509 Young Street, Winnipeg, Manitoba, as next-of-kin.

Corporal G.D. Finlayson was wounded on 28 August 1918, during the Battle of Arras.

Ernest Fisher was born on 25 September 1892 at Wigan, Lancashire, England, son of William Fisher.  He enlisted in the 192nd Overseas Battalion at Bellevue, Alberta on 7 March 1916, at which time he was working as a motor enigineer at Bellevue.  He listed his father, also of Bellevue, Alberta, as next-of-kin.

Private E. Fisher was wounded on 26 August 1918, during the Battle of Arras.

Walter Abbott Fisher was born on 14 November 1893 at Northampton, Northamptonshire, England. [Family Notes]  He enlisted in the 205th Battalion at Hamilton, Ontario on 13 October 1916, at which time he was working as a shoe-hand, and living at the Franklin Hotel, King Street West, Hamilton.  He listed his mother, Mrs Minnie Botterill of 26 Sharman Road, Northampton, England, as next-of-kin.

Private W.A. Fisher was wounded on 29 August 1918, during the Battle of Arras.

Captain Robert Fleming was O.C. of "H" Battery, No. 2 Company during the month of May 1918.

John Fogan was born on 7 July 1882 at Newcastle, New Brunswick, and enlisted in the 140th (or 64th?) Overseas Battalion at Sussex, New Brunswick on 27 September 1915.  He was married and working as a labourer, and listed his wife, Mary J. Fogan of Newcastle, Northumberland County, New Brunswick, as next-of-kin.

Private J. Fogan was wounded on 28 August 1918, during the Battle of Arras.

Joseph Cyril Foley was born on 4 December 1895 at Vancouver, British Columbia. [Family Notes]  He enlisted in the 121st Overseas Battalion - via the 11th Regiment (The Irish Fusiliers of Canada) - at New Westminster, British Columbia on 1 December 1915.  He was unmarried and working at Dewdney, British Columbia, and listed his father, also of P.O. Dewdney, as next-of-kin.

Private J.C. Foley was wounded on 9 October 1918.

The War Diary for the 2nd Battalion CMG Corps notes that Lieut.-Colonel W.M. Balfour, D.S.O., Commander of the Canadian Machine Gun School Depot at Seaford in England, and Major Forbes M.C. Chief Instructor were attached from 26 to 27 June 1918, "with a view to adjusting their views as to training required for re-enforcements and etc.", after which they "left unit to join 1st Battalion CMG Corps."  During this visit, "the Sections put on an exhibition of field work with marked ability and success."

Donald Fraser includes the following entry in his diary (The Journal of Private Fraser, ed. Reginald H. Roy, publ. 1998, CEF Books): "Friday, 17 August 1917 - This morning a party went forward and brought out one of our guns that had been smashed by shrapnel, the muzzle cap being broken and the jacket perforated ... Later on in the day another went out to look for Elmer Bishop but it appeared a burial party had picked him up.  Quite a number of our dead were lying around.  In addition to Campbell and Bishop, Muirhead was slightly gassed and Drysdale and Forbes were wounded."

John Gurney Fordham was born on 8 January 1878, son of barrister John H. Fordham and his wife Catherine, of 9 Phillimore Gardens, Kensington, London, England.  John Gurney Fordham married Corisande Powell on 11 October 1904 at Victoria, B.C. [Family Notes]  He enlisted at Vancouver, B.C. on 17 December 1914, describing his wife, at 1325 Cardero St, Vancouver, as next-of-kin, and his occupation as a merchant.  He also stated that he was a member of an Active Militia.

On 24 August 1916 the 6th Brigade CMG Company War Diary shows Lt. Fordham departing on two months' special leave. This is the only mention found of him thus far, and it is presumed that his stay with the unit was therefore of a relatively short duration.

John Gurney Fordham died at Vancouver, B.C. on 17 April 1940, aged 63.

Thomas Forrest was born on 5 December 1893 at Carluke, Lanarkshire, Scotland.  He enlisted at Calgary, Alberta on 3 November 1915, at which time he was unmarried, and working as a clerk.  He stated that he was an active member of the 103rd Calgary Rifles, and listed W.P. Forrest of 126, 22nd Avenue, NE Calgary, as his next-of-kin.

Private T. Forrest was wounded on 6 September 1918.

Frederick William Forster was born on 2 November 1879 at Brantford, Brant County, Ontario.  When he enlisted in the 27th Battalion at Winnipeg, Manitoba on 7 November 1914, he was married and working as an auctioneer and agent, was a member of the 79th Cameron Highlanders of Canada, a militia regiment, and had seen service with "B" Troop of the Manitoba Dragoons.  He listed his next-of-kin as his wife Mrs. Annie Forster, of Pincher Creek, Alberta.

Sergeant F.W. Forster was wounded on 17 May 1918, although he remained at duty.  The following War Diary entry probably refers to this incident: "10.00 am Officer Commanding inspected billets of No. 3 Company and found all very satisfactory.  Lieut. McCULLOUGH (James Arthur) slightly wounded, but remained in duty.  Three other ranks wounded."  Sergeant Forster was wounded again on 11 October 1918.

George Wallace Foster was born on 19 January 1883 in Sussex, England.  He enlisted in the 207th Battalion at Ottawa, Ontario on 22 May 1916, having served for 18 months in the G.G.F.G. in Ottawa.  He was married, and working as a motorman, and gave his next-of-kin as his wife, of 77 Prospect Avenue, Westboro, Ontario.  A typewritten note on his attestation paper indicates that he was assigned to No. 1 Company, Str. Rly. Platoon.

Corporal G.W. Foster was wounded on 8 August 1918, during the Battle of Amiens.

Harold Arthur Fowler was born on 27 November 1891 at Winnipeg, Manitoba, son of F.C. Fowler.  He enlisted in the 44th Overseas Battalion at Winnipeg, Manitoba on 20 February 1915, stating that he was an active member of a militia, and was working as a grain clerk.  He listed his next-of-kin as his father of 422 Ass...barrie(?) Avenue.

Lieut. H.A. Fowler is shown as Paymaster of the Battalion (attached from the C.A.P.C.) from July 1918 until March 1919.  His final rank in the CEF is shown as Major.

William Cushing Francis was born on 31 March 1896 at Caledonia, Queen's County, Nova Scotia, son of Frederick George Francis.  He enlisted in the 193rd Battalion at Truro, Colchester County, Nova Scotia on 14 March 1916, at which time he was unmarried and working as a telegraph operator at Great Village, Nova Scotia.  He listed his father, also of Great Village, as next-of-kin.

Private W.C. Francis was detached to the 25th Canadian Battalion Unit Group No. 1 Halifax "B" on 25 March 1919, for the purpose of demobilisation.

Donald Fraser was born on 15 March 1882 at Abriachan, Inverness, Scotland, son of Hugh Fraser.  With an education at George Watson's College in Edinburgh and, after his father's death in 1903, a brief spell following the family trade as a wine merchant, he emigrated to Canada in 1906.  Initially he worked in Manitoba as a farm labourer, but then became a bank clerk, first in Calgary, then in Vancouver.  He enlisted in the 31st Battalion at Calgary, Alberta on 24 November 1914, statting his profession to be accountant, and listing his sister Annie Fraser, of Allanville, Glenurquhart, Inverness, as next-of-kin.

By the end of May 1915, he was training, with the rest of the Second Division of the C.E.F. at Dibgate Camp in Kent, southern England.  They moved to France in September that year, where Private Fraser fought with the 31st Battalion, taking part in the Battles of St. Eloi Craters, 3rd Ypres, and Courcelette (on the Somme).  On 22 September, he was transferred to the 6th Brigade Machine Gun Company, where he remained until he was wounded during the Battle of Passchendaele in November 1917.  After evacuation to England, treatment and a period of recuperation, he returned to Canada as an invalid in June 1918.

Donald Fraser married Caroline Mackintosh on 1 November 1919.  They lived in Calgary, Alberta, where they had two children, Hugh and Deirdre, and where Donald worked for the Department of National Revenue.  A severe illness prompted the family's move to Victoria, B.C. in 1946, but he died later that year.

Reference:  The Journal of Private Fraser, ed. Reginald H. Roy, publ. 1998, CEF Books

Hugh Fraser was born on 16 October 1885 at Glasgow, Scotland.  He enlisted at Valcartier, Quebec on 22 September 1914, at which time he was working as a cleaner and presser.  He stated his next-of-kin as David Fraser, of 89 Bartholomew Road, London, England.

Private H. Fraser was wounded on 10 August 1918, during the Battle of Amiens.

William Oswald Fraser was born on 27 June 1895 at Owen Sound, Grey County, Ontario.  He enlisted in the 147th (Grey) Overseas Battalion at Owen Sound on 15 January 1916, at which time he was married, working as a butcher, and living at 133, 8th Street East, Owen Sound, Ontario.  He listed his wife, Mrs. P.? Fraser, as next-of-kin.

Private W.O. Fraser was killed in action on 6 November 1918, and was buried at Valenciennes (St. Roch) Communal Cemetery, Nord (Grave Ref. I.A.10).  His name is comemmorated on Men of the Empire - A List of Grey County's Fallen Soldiers by Winfield Publishing.

Richard Joseph Edmund Freeman was born on 12 March 1886 at Oxford, England.  He enlisted in the 164th Battalion at Orangeville on 18 February 1916, at which time he was unmarried and working as a farmer at Camilla?, Ontario.  He listed his mother, Bessie Freeman of 64 Holywell, Oxford, England, as next-of-kin.

Private R.J.E. Freeman was wounded on 1 October 1918.

Oscar French was born on 31 December 1896 (although his attestation paper states 30 Dec 1897) at Waverley, Flos Twp., Simcoe Co., Ontario, son of Samuel French & Emily nee Hodges. [Family Notes]  When he enlisted in the 37th Battalion at Niagara, Ontario, on 5 June 1915, he described himself as a Farmer.

Oscar French was one of the two members - the other was Joseph Defayette - of No. 2 Section, 6th Brigade Canadian Machine Gun Company to be killed in the advance on the morning of Monday 9th April 1917, during the Battle of Vimy Ridge.  The War Diary mentions him by name, and states that he was killed by shell fire.  This must have been after Nos. 1 and 2 Section machine-gun crews established their positions close to the "Red Line" on the Les Tilleuls-Petit Vimy road, shortly after 9 a.m.  He was buried at the Nine Elms Military Cemetery, Thelus (Ref. IV.D.15), and also has a memorial tombstone at French's Meth. Cemetery, Flos Twp., Simcoe Co., Ontario.

Donald Fraser mentions the Vimy casualties in his diary (The Journal of Private Fraser, ed. Reginald H. Roy, publ. 1998, CEF Books): "Wednesday 11th April 1917 - I understand our Company's casulaties were twelve.  Horsfall, French and a new battalion man who was attached to us were killed ..."

The War Diary entry for 25 May 1918 indicates that Private H. Freesman [sic], along with three others, was wounded, although there is no indication of the circumstances of these casualties.  He was wounded again on 18 June 1918, the War Diary noting, "No. 142157 Pte FRIESMAM. A. [sic] was wounded in the leg by a machine gun bullet. This is the fourth time this man has been wounded."

Cecil Gray Frost was born on 27 August 1897 (although his attestation paper states 1896) at Orillia, Ontario, son of Mr. & Mrs. W.S. Frost. [Family Notes]  He enlisted in the 157th Overseas Battalion at Camp Borden, Ontario, at which time he was a student and living with his parents at Orillia.  He was a member of the 35th Regiment, an active militia, and had also served as a Captain in the Cadet Corps.  Left: Lieutenant Cecil Gray Frost (2nd from left), with his family at Camp Borden, Ontario in July 1916. Photo © Simcoe County Archives & Orillia Public Library

The 6th Brigade CMG Company War Diary shows that Lt. C.G. Frost reported for duty with this unit on 5 November 1917.  During an attack on 10 November, he was in charge of a barrage gun crew attached to No. 2 Battery.  The 6th Brigade CMG Company War Diary entry for that day includes the following: "Weather stormy with heavy rain.  The 2nd Cdn Div again attacked on the left sector.  Barrage guns in positions taken up on the 9th opened fire in accordance with Fire Organization Table attached.  Zero hour was 6.05 a.m.  Attack was successful but units were subjected to one of the heaviest barrages they have yet endured.  On account of the heavy rain which set in during the early morning and converted the countryside into a quagmire the men suffered severely from exposure, the heavy shelling causing trenches and shelters to cave in and burying men, guns, and ammunition.  It was impossible to keep guns clean.  Casualties for the day were 3 O.R's killed." Left: Lieutenant Cecil Gray Frost, taken in England. Photo © Simcoe County Archives & Orillia Public Library

On 6 January 1918, Lt. Frost proceeded to the Corps Gas School.  The War Diary notes that he returned from leave on 17 February, and he presumably left for this leave directly from the course.  The Nominal Roll for March 1918 shows Lt. Frost as being in "L" Battery of No. 3 Company.  By 1 May, he seems to have been temporarily promoted to Captain and was O.C. of "L" Battery.  In early June he spent some time in "J" Battery, but returned to "L" Battery by mid-July.  Right: Cecil Grey Frost taken near Bramshott, England, 1916 Photo © Simcoe County Archives & Orillia Public Library On 11 October 1918, Acting Captain Frost was wounded by enemy machine-gun fire during an advance in support of the 21st Battalion, and was relieved as O.C. of "L" Battery by Lt. Garneau.  He could not have been seriously wounded, though, as he was back in his position by the end of December 1918, and remained there until the end of March 1919.

After his return from the war, C.G. Frost continued his studies at Osgoode Hall Law School, graduating in 1921.  He and his brother Leslie operated a legal firm in Lindsay, Ontario, and became active in local politics.  He was elected as Mayor of Lindsay in 1936, and remained active in local and provincial conservative politics until his sudden death on 8 June 1947.  [Ref: Orillia Public Library - W.S. Frost Scrapbook and Cecil Gray Frost fonds - Trent University Archives] Left: cFeb 1919, at Floreffe, Belgium

See also Cecil Gray Frost: WW1 Correspondence 1917-1919

William David Frost was born on 31 July 1883 at Redenhall, Norfolk, England, son of Ambrose and Betsy Frost. [Family Notes]  He enlisted in the 128th Overseas Battalion at Moose Jaw, Saskatchewan on 6 March 1916, having served for 13 years 23 days in the 1st Norfolks.  At the time he was living in Moose Jaw and working as a bricklayer.  He listed his next-of-kin as his parents, then of Starston, nr. Harlestone, Norfolk, England.

Private (listed as Corporal in the War Diary) W.D. Frost died on 28 August 1918, during the Battle of Arras, and was buried at Quebec Cemetery, Pas de Calais (Grave Ref. C.25).  The CWGC on-line database shows his parents living at Green Lanes, Starston, Norfolk, England at that time.

Earle Albert Fulton was born on 6 March 1896 at Lakelands, Nova Scotia, son of Arthur W. Fulton. [Family Notes]  He enlisted in the 193rd Overseas Battalion at Parrsboro, Cumberland County, Nova Scotia on 6 April 1916, having previously served for two years with "C" Company in the 93rd Regiment at Aldershot.  He was still an active militia member, unmarried and worked as a lumberman at Parrsboro, Nova Scotia.  He listed his father, still of Lakelands, Nova Scotia, as next-of-kin.

Corporal E.A. Fulton was detached to the 25th Canadian Battalion Unit Group No. 1 Halifax "B" on 25 March 1919, for the purpose of demobilisation.

Earle A. Fulton died on 31 January 1961, and was buried in Halifax.

Louis Emil Fulton was born on 14 August 1898 at Upper Stewiacke, Nova Scotia, son of Samuel A. Fulton. [Family Notes]  He enlisted in the 193rd Overseas Battalion at Truro, Colchester County, Nova Scotia on 11 March 1916, at which time he was unmarried and working as a clerk at Upper Stewiacke.  He listed his father, also of Upper Stewiacke, as next-of-kin.

Private L.E. Fulton was detached to the 25th Canadian Battalion Unit Group No. 1 Halifax "B" on 25 March 1919, for the purpose of demobilisation.