RT Cenotaph
Baldwin H.W. Stoddart was a Sergeant of the 48th Highlanders of Canada during World War II.
Bradford West Gwillimbury Public Library
Municipality : Hamilton
Community : Ontario
Description : Brad Walker was born in Hamilton, Ontario, on December 1, 1917. He enlisted in the Air Force, Fighter Command on May 27, 1940, and served in Canada until December 1st of that year, when he was sent to the United Kingdom. On December 21st, Walker was assigned to the 403 Squadron RCAF at Manston, Kent. He piloted a Spitfire, conducting Fighter Sweeps, escorting bombers and ships, carrying out ground strafing as well as keeping enemy runways out of commission. Squadron Commander Walker saw action in two tours of duty, making 203 operational flights against the enemy, in both the Hurricane, and Spitfire V to IX. He was awarded the Distinguished Flying Cross at a Royal Investiture on June 6th, 1942, for Leadership and Meritorious Service in the Air, mentioned in Despatches twice, and awarded the American Air Medal from the U.S. government, in recognition of leading air combats against the Japanese invading forces. Brad Walker moved to Bradford in 1951.
"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]."
Event Date : Wednesday, March 26, 1958
Event Type : Death
Municipality : Petrolia, Ont.
Description : A former resident of Bradford, Mr. A. C. W. Soper, died at his home in Petrolia on March 26 following a paralytic stroke. He was 86 years of age. Born in London, England, he came to Canada when 17 years of age, first making his home with a brother in Russell, Manitoba. In 1899, at the outbreak of the South African War, he enlisted at Winnipeg and served as a Lance Corporal in the Boer War. For many years he was a commercial traveller for Canada Packers Co., and other firms throughout Ontario. His first wife was the former Eva Edmanson of Bradford, and after his retirement, for a number of years, Mr. and Mrs. Soper resided in the old Edmanson home on John Street west in Bradford, until after Mrs. Edmanson's death. His second marriage was to Mrs. Isobel Hill of Bradford, and shortly after this marriage Mr. and Mrs. Soper moved to Shelburne. They had lived in Petrolia since last August. Mr. Soper was a member of the Masonic Lodge, Russell, Man., and joined the Royal Arch Chapter in England in 1906. He is survived by his widow, Isabell Soper, two daughters, Mrs. Howard Vallat (Doria) of Toronto, and Mrs. Wm. Mann (Caroline) of California; two step-daughters, Mrs. John Eakens, Sarnia, and Miss Rita Hill, with the U.N. staff in Egypt. Following a private funeral service at the residence in Petrolia, conducted by Rev. W. R. Parson, rector of Christ Anglican Church, funeral services were held at the Lathangue-Kilkenny Funeral Home in Bradford, conducted by Rev. R. Woolley. Interment was in Mount Pleasant Cemetery, Bradford.
Bradford Witness
“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."
World War II pilots in front of Hipwell's General Store in the early 1940s.
Soldiers in front of Queen's Hotel on Holland Street, taking a break on their long march to Fort York for their winter dwelling and training. The soldiers were stationed at Camp Borden, but lack of shelter and proper living conditions forced nearly 5000 troops to march from Barrie to Toronto in October 1917.
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.
Government of England
Soldiers breaking camp during the First World War.
Bradford West Gwillimbury Public Library
Soldier standing with a long sword. Please contact the Bradford W.G. Public Library at 905-775-3328 if you have any further information.
Barbara Verney