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Ontario War
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Adams' children

These are the children of Charles and Emily (Johnson) Adams, farmers of Bradford. David and John in the back row, and their sisters Bertha, Lilly (Perry) and Emily (Else). Jessie Lawrence is not pictured as she lived in Saskatchewan. David and John fought in World War I, though John died in Belgium on November 10th, 1917 and is buried in the Lijssenthoek Military Cemetery.

Bradford West Gwillimbury Public Library

Veterans Dinner and Get Together

"Bradford Army and Navy Veterans had a fowl dinner and get-together in their new club rooms on the evening of Remembrance Day, Friday, Nov. 11th, when veterans and a few invited guests to the number of nearly forty, sat down to the wonderful repast provided. Before partaking of the meal two minutes' silence were observed in memory of comrades who fell in the Great War. After dinner Rev. C.H. Forth, who, it was announced, had accepted the office of Honorary Chaplain of the Bradford branch of the Army and Navy Veterans, occupied the chair, when a programme of short speeches and music was carried out. Reeve Nolan, who was one of those present, during his remarks, complimented the local Veterans upon the most able manner in which they arranged and carried out their big three days' celebration the past summer, and assured them that if they attempted another such affair in the future they would receive even a greater measure of support from the public of Bradford.
The Veterans are to be complimented upon the transformation they have made in the appearance of the large room above the Fire Hall, which they are now using as their club room. We would suggest that anyone who has an easy chair which they have discarded or put away in the attic to be forgotten, might get in touch with the Veterans, who could make good use of it in their club room."

Bradford Witness

Smith, Henry Harvey

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."

Bradford West Gwillimbury Public Library

New street names will honor Bradford West Gwillimbury vets

Continuation of veteran biographies (see Related Description: "The noise of the aircraft, the guns..."): Gunner John Douglas Breeze, 1st Lieutenant Arthur Kneeshaw, Flight Officer James M. Booth, Corporal James G. McKinstry, Signalman Lester B. Woolven, Brigadier-General (Padre) Ormand A. Hopkins

Bradford Witness

Belfry, George

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.

Spence, Cpl. William obituary

"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]."

Bradford Witness

Soldiers on the March

“Soldiers on the March
On Tuesday the first detachment of soldiers en route to Toronto arrived in Cookstown. About half-past two the citizens lined the streets to welcome the boys. At three o’clock, amidst great cheering, led be a band of pipers, the 48th Highlanders, after a bloodless skirmish with the Mounted Rifles of Hamilton, marched into town and encamped at the camp prepared for them by the C.A.S.C. on the Fair grounds. The ladies of Cookstown have undertaken to supply pies for the soldiers. On Tuesday everyone nobly responded, over one hundred and fifty pies were obtained.”

"Military Concert
A grand military concert was held in the Town Hall on Tuesday evening. This concert far surpassed anything Cookstown had seen before. The hall was crowded with a very enthusiastic audience, many of whom had to stand. Rev. W. Creswick presided, and Lieut. White at the piano. Some of the leading items on the programme were given by Pte. MacDonald, who imitated a brass band in his throat. Pte. Gant, slack wire artist, won great applause, and Pte. Pass, comedian, was very much enjoyed also. After the concert supper was given to the entertainers."

Northern Advance

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