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Regimental Number 195695

From the Canadian Virtual War Memorial:
“Henry first joined the Army as part of the 80th Battalion, on August 10, 1915. He was discharged at Camp Barriefield, on September 25, 1915 as "medically unfit." In January, 1916, he enlisted again, this time with the 93rd Battalion, 57th Regiment, Peterborough Rangers. On July 15, 1916, Henry shipped out of Halifax, Nova Scotia, aboard the SS Empress of Britain and arrived in Liverpool, England on July 25, 1916. In September 1916, he was moved to France and on October 2, 1916, was assigned to a Unit that was fighting, in the Battle of the Somme, near the village of Courcelette. On October 12th, 1916, he was wounded by shrapnel and on October 14, 1916 he died of those wounds. He was 39 years (?), four months old. Ironically, October 14 was the birthday, of his wife Susan.”

From the Northern Advance, December 28, 1916:
"Pte. Henry Smith, a resident of Bradford nine years ago, has been killed in action. He enlisted at Peterboro."

George Wellington Belfry was born on January 22nd, 1894 in Bradford to William and Julia (Cole) Belfry. George grew up farming prior to his enlistment on February 8th, 1916 at the age of 22. He was drafted into the 76th Battalion though he immediately joined the 18th Battalion which recruited from Western Ontario. George was discharged from duty in early September due to illness, though quickly returned to the front. He was shot on September 15th, though he recovered. The second time he was wounded, on October 1st, proved fatal and he died on November 8th, 1916 and is buried in France.

"Won Military Medal
The following letter gives details of Corporal Wm G. Spence's death and burial:
France Oct 8th, 1918
Mr. James Spence, Bradford, Ontario Canada
Dear Mr. Spence - it is my very painful duty to have to inform you that your son, No. 345884, Corp. W.G. Spence, was killed in action on the 28th Sept., 1918. He was killed while leading his gun crew forward taking part in the attack on enemy positions close to Bourlou Wood.
At a time like this one almost feels that words are useless, but I would like to express to you my sincere sympathy for you in your bereavement, and it is always nice to know that someone, other than oneself, has known and appreciated he who has gone. Corpl. Spence has been with this Company for quite a lone time now, and will be greatly missed by everyone. He was always well liked by the man, and as a N.C.O. [non-commissioned officer], I always found him all that could be desired.
I am glad to be able to tell you that since I commence to write you I have received notice that Corpl. Spence has been awarded the Military Medal for good work in a previous operation. I might tell you that he won this for very good work while taking part in the attack close to Arras on the 2nd Sept. 1918.
I am enclosing herewith a ring which Corpl. Spence left out of the line with one of the other men. He wished it to be sent to you.
It will doubtless be a consolation for you to know that he was buried in the British military cemetery at Quarry Wood, close to the Canal du Nord.
Again assuring you of my sincere sympathy, believe me to remain,
Yours very truly,
F.J. Burke,
Captain, O.C. "D" [Company], 38th [Canadian Infantry Battalion]."

"With Our Men in Uniform" was a weekly column where letters or the location of Bradford and West Gwillimbury troops in the Second World War was disclosed to the town. It was a way to give updates on their conditions, or let the soldiers themselves thank the community for any gifts, support, or to say how they were doing overseas.

This week promoted three letters from soldiers, the location and well-being of Hedley Dimock and letter of thanks from Ken Ogilvie.

"Dear Friends:
Many thanks to you and the people of Bradford for the parcel and cigarettes which I have been receiving regularly. Someone must have given a great deal of thought to the making up of that Christmas parcel. It arrived in fine shape and all the contents in good condition - and thank you, Mrs. Saint, for your care in packing it." ...

"Dear George:
Just a line to let you know I received another 300 cigarettes from the Can. Corps to-day. Many thanks to you and to every member of the Bradford branch.
It just occurred to me that I neglected to write last month, so I also thank you for them, as well.
The weather has been rather bad lately, so we haven't been flying a great deal for the past few days. However, we do manage to keep pounding the Germans fairly regularly. In fact, planes take off from some parts every night to go to Germany and France.
Well, I must sign off. Once again, many thanks. Most sincerely, Lorne E. West."

"Dear Mr. McKenzie:
I would like to thank you and the members of the bradford Canadian Corps Association for your kindness extended to me while in this country. I wish to thank the Corps for their regular assignment of cigarettes. It is hard to express one's appreciation for Canadian cigarettes, as the English fags are very interior when compared to ours.
I have been receiving a very welcome visitor weekly in the form of The Bradford Witness. It keeps me well abreast with all the local happening and recalls to one the days at home. I wish to thank you and the Hon. Earl Rowe for making this possible.
I haven't met anyone from Bradford or vicinity over here in my wanderings, but, judging from your column, "With the Men in Uniform," in The Witness, it is well represented.
Thanking you again, I remain, Respectfully yours, Harold Wilson."

A letter regarding the death of Jack Sutherland while he was fighting in WWI, addressed to his parents.

This item is believed to be a “Holdall,” which would have been used during World War One to keep items together. Holdalls would contain various items needed for personal use and hygiene such as utensils, comb. sewing kit ("Housewife"), shaving equipment, toothbrush, etc. It is stamped with, "1916 W [arrow symbol] D 25." The arrow symbol was used by the British government to denote government property and was used in various parts of the British empire, the "WD" indicates that the item belonged to the British War Department and the "1916" indicates the year.

Photograph of Jack Sutherland standing in front of the Bradford Model School. Jack was the son of Alexander and Elizabeth Sutherland who ran Sutherland’s Bakery and Grocery. He was the nephew of Bessie Campbell. Jack served in the First World War and was killed in action in 1917. He is buried in Shorncliffe Military Cemetery in Sandgate, Eng.