MILITARY HISTORY
Private W. Bruce Edwards – 126746 – Active Service (World War I)
On September 27th, 1915 Bruce W. Edwards completed the Attestation Paper for the Canadian Expeditionary Force (CEF), in London, Ontario. He was 24 years old, and he was not married. He enlisted for the duration of the War. Bruce Edwards indicated that he was born in Peterborough, Ontario and gave his birth date as September 12th, 1891.
The Attestation Paper does not indicate where he was educated or to what level. His current address was listed as London, Ontario. He indicated that he had no previous Military experience. For his occupation he indicates that he was employed as a clerk and was 5’ 10 1/2” tall and had a 37” chest (expanded). He had a fair complexion, blue eyes, and brown, grey hair. His medical examination took place in London, Ontario, on September 27th, 1915. He had no medical issues or physical limitations, and as such he was deemed fit.
His next-of-kin was listed as his mother Mrs. William Edwards, Lakefield, Ontario.
Bruce Edwards signed the Oath and Certificate of Attestation on September 27th, 1915. The Certificate of Magistrate was signed by the Justice on September 27th, 1915 also in London, Ontario. W. Bruce Edwards was taken-on-strength as a ”Private” with 102nd Battalion, CEF and was assigned Regimental Service Number 126746.
The 102nd Battalion (Duke of Connaught’s Own), CEF, was an infantry battalion of the Canadian Expeditionary Force in World War I.
Private Edwards was transferred to the 71st O.S Battalion on September 29th, 1916
The 71st Battalion, CEF was an infantry battalion (The Royal Canadian Regiment) of the Canadian Expeditionary Force during World War 1 71st Battalion was authorized on 15 August 1915 and embarked for Great Britain on 1 April 1916. It provided reinforcements to the Canadian Corps in the field until 30 September 1916, when its personnel were absorbed by the ’44th’, ’51st’, ’54th’ and ’74th Battalion(s), CEF’. The battalion was disbanded on 11 April 1918.
Private Edwards embarked for England on the SS Olympic April 4th, 1916 from Halifax. Upon reaching their destination, on April 11th, 1916 the battalion disembarked in Liverpool, for further training on April 25th, 1916.
After completing training in England Private Edwards was reassigned to the 102nd Infantry Battalion on July 12th, 1916 and departed for France on August 11th, 1916.
The 102nd Infantry battalion was awarded the following battle honors during the period Private Edwards served with them – Ancre Heights, Ancre, Arras 1917-1918, Vimy Ridge April 9th to 14th, Hill 70, Ypres July 10th to November 1917 and Passchendaele October 12th to November 10, 1917, Amiens August 8 to 11, 1918 and Scarpe August 1918. Private Edwards fought in the following actions during WW1, Ancre Heights, Arras, 1917, Vimy Ridge 1917, Hill 70, Ypres 1917, Passchendaele, and Amiens
Private Edwards was wounded and suffered influenza and was treated in the hospital in Étaples on September 20, 1917. He was awarded the good conduct badge on September 27, 1917.
Private Edwards is listed as “missing after action” on August 28th, 1918. Private Edwards was officially recorded as “killed in action” on March 8th, 1919. However, his actual date of death was August 8th, 1918.
Private Edwards was killed during the battle of Amiens. Private Edwards is remembered with honour in the Vimy Memorial Cemetery, Pas de Calais, France.
The Battle of Amiens, also known as the Third Battle of Picardy (French 3ème Bataille de Picardie), was the opening phase of the Allied offensive which began on 8 August 1918, later known as the Hundred Days Offensive, that ultimately led to the end of the First world war.
Allied forces advanced over 11 kilometres (7 mi) on the first day, one of the greatest advances of the war, with Gen Henry Rawlinson’s British 4th army with 9 of its 19 divisions supplied by the fast-moving Australian Corps of Lt Gen John Monash and the Canadian Corps of Lt Gen Arthur Currie playing the decisive role. The battle is also notable for its effects on both sides’ morale and the large number of surrendering German forces. Amiens was one of the first major battles involving armoured warfare (tanks).
In Private Edwards Military will, he left all his effects and property to his mother Rebecca Edwards of Lakefield, Ontario.
Private Edwards next of was his parents; his Mother received his Volunteer medal and Memorial Cross. His Father William Edwards received a plaque and scroll commemorating Bruce’s service for his country.
In a letter home to the family of Private Edwards, Lieutenant John Palmer described him as a fine young man of sterling character with a fine disposition which endeared him to all who came in contact with him. No finer lad never wore Khaki or gave his life for the protection of those at home. Private Edwards was hit and instantly killed at the taking of Beaucourt Woods.
An excerpt from an article in Maclean’s by Barbara Ameil, September 1996.
”The Military is the single calling in the world with job specifications that include a commitment to die for your nation. What could be more honourable”.
WILLIAM “BRUCE” EDWARDS
PERSONAL HISTORY
William “Bruce” Edwards was born in Peterborough on September 12, 1891, son of Rebecca Madill and William Edwards; he went by the name “Bruce”. Bryce was living in Lakefield with his parents and sibling. After attending school, Bruce worked as a clerk.
In 1915, Bruce was living in London, Ontario and working as a clerk. It was during this time that he enlisted in London on September 27, 1915 to serve his King and Country. Private Bruce Edwards joined the 102nd Battalion of the Canadian Infantry – Central Ontario Regiment.
Sadly Private Edwards was killed in action on August 8th, 1918 during the Battle of Amiens. He was 26 years of age. Private Edwards is remembered with honour in the Vimy Memorial Cemetery in Pas De Calais, France.
FAMILY HISTORY OF WILLIAM “BRUCE” EDWARDS
The paternal parents of William “Bruce” Edwards were Ann and Matthew Edwards.
The maternal parents of William “Bruce” Edwards were Ann and Isaiah Madill of Douro Township, Peterborough County. They married in Peterborough on May 5, 1859 and had a family of at least eight children.
The parents of William “Bruce” Edwards were Rebecca Wilhelmina Madill and William Edwards. Rebecca was born in Douro Township on September 23, 1860 and William Edwards was born on November 29, 1852. Rebecca and William were married in Lakefield on October 8, 1866. They made their home in Lakefield and had a family of four children – Laura Ann, Margaret Mina, William “Bruce” and Charles “Perry” Edwards. In 1901 William was working at the Canada Cement Works and by 1911 William was a labourer in a local sawmill. Rebecca and William retired to 340 Rubidge Street in Peterborough. William passed away on July 5, 1920 and Rebecca died on March 18, 1934; both are buried in Little Lake Cemetery, Peterborough, ON.
William Bruce Edwards is remembered and honoured on a framed document that hangs in St. John the Baptist Anglican Church in Lakefield Ontario.
