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Harry McArthur during World War I.

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."

Memorium in the Bradford Witness and South Simcoe News for those who lose their lives in WWI.

"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]."

“Military Concert
On Friday last A and B companies of the 1st C.O.R. had to remain in Cookstown over night. On Friday evening a first class concert and minstrel show was given by them in the town hall. There was a very large and appreciative audience who enjoyed it very much. Pte. Harris was the star performer of the evening and won much applause. Several fine choruses were rendered by the men.

Church Parade
On Sunday morning the soldiers who had encamped for Sunday on the fair grounds held a church parade to St. John’s Anglican church. They were about four hundred and fifty strong. Rev. Walter Creswick, the rector, who had been appointed provisional chaplain, preached a sermon very appropriate to the occasion, which was much appreciated by the men.
Great Hospitality has been shown by the people of Cookstown to the soldiers. Besides providing them with pies every day many have entertained them in their homes.”

"James G. McKinstry was born in the town of Bradford on December 4th, 1884. He enlisted on December 11, 1915, into the 10th Royal Grenadiers, who were later absorbed into the 123rd Battalion Canadian Expeditionary Force. The 123rd served in Canada until they embarked for England, on August 8th, 1915. McKinstry served at Bramshott Camp and was confirmed in the rank of A/L Corporal, in 1916. He was appointed A/Cpl. in 1917. In early February, 1917, the 123rd Battalion served overseas in France and Flanders, as a Pioneer Battalion. McKinstry remained in England as a instructor, but was dispatched to the front one month later, as part of the Canadian Corps below Vimy Ridge. In October of that year, the Corps moved to Flanders to aid the British in their autumn offensive. The attack on Passchendaele Ridge took several stages to complete. Cpl. McKinstry was killed in action at Passchendaele on October 21st,1917, and is buried in Ypres Reservoir Cemetery, in Belgium. He was 31 years old at the time of his death. At the end of the offensive in November, the Canadian Corps had sustained 16,000 casualties.

A few of the medals received by Myra Wood for military service in World War I as a nursing sister, serving in Greece, England and Malta.

Photograph of the Cookstown cenotaph

"Citizens Pay tribute to Canada's Soldier Dead in Union Service in Town Hall"

Article features news on construction for the new post office over the land of the old gaol, the history of the old fire hall and the opening of the Holland Theatre.