MILITARY HISTORY
Private Douglas Lyttle — C 122166 — ACTIVE SERVICE (World War II)
Douglas, was 18 years, 11 months old single man when, on the September 1, 1943 he completed the Canadian Army Enrolment and Attestation Paper and enlisted, in Kingston, Ontario, and was taken-on-strength to the 3A-District Depot (DD) for the Royal Canadian Army Service Corps (RCASC) (Reinforcements) [Reinf]. On enlistment Douglas had indicated that he preferred the Automotive Trades. He was living at 202 William St. N., Lindsay, Ontario at the time and gave his birth date as October 5, 1924; born in Buckhorn, Ontario. His previous employment was as a Truck Driver. Douglas’s Medical Examination was done September 1, 1943; at the time Douglas was 5′ 6″ tall, 34″ chest, fair hair, blue eyes, weighed 126 pounds and had Hyp’d tonsils. He was found fit for Duty. Douglas named his mother, Mrs. Katie Lyttle, living at 202 William St. N., Lindsay as his next-of-kin. Douglas would have attended the schools in Buckhorn, he completed Grade 8 at 15 years old. Douglas indicated that he was a member of the Royal Canadian Artillery from October 1942 to January 1943 with the Non-Permanent Active Militia of Canada. October 1, 1942 he was with the 45th and then the 56th Field Battery, Royal Canadian Artillery (Reserve); Service Number C 408118.
Douglas Smith Lyttle entered as a Private (Pte) with Service Number C 122166 and was assigned to the District Depot (DD) 3-A at Kingston. September 1, 1943 Pte Lyttle was taken-on-strength with DD 3-A. His Pay Rate was $1.30 per diem. October 1, 1943 Pte Lyttle stated that he was Insured with Crown Life Insurance Company at $2.08 monthly for $1,000.00 (Assigned pay of $2.08 was stopped effective September 1944; Premium returned $23.19). October 7, 1943 Pte Lyttle was struck-off-strength from DD 3-A Kingston, “B” Wing on transfer to the A-19 RCASC (Reinf) Training Centre, (TC) at Borden, Ontario. October 8, 1943 and was taken-on-strength with the RCASC (Reinf) Active Force (AF), Camp Borden and this date a change of address was made for his next-of-kin to 52 Elgin St., W. Lindsay. December 22, 1943 Pte Lyttle was granted 5 day Leave of Absence and a Money Allowance of 50 cents per diem. On December 24, 1943 Pte Lyttle was struck-off-strength from the RCASC (Reinf) to the No 31 Canadian Base Transport Company (CBTC), Cornwall, Ontario. December 25, 1943 he was taken-on-strength to the No 31 Canadian Infantry (Basic) Training Centre [CI(B)TC] for all purposes from A – 19 CASC, TC at Camp Borden, Ontario.
January 1, 1944 Pte Lyttle’s Pay Rate was $1.40 per diem. January 2, 1944 he was granted Christmas Leave with a Ration Allowance for 5 days. January 10, 1944 Pte Lyttle was admitted to the Rideau Military Hospital (RMH) in Ottawa, Ontario with Urethritis. February 7, 1944 he was transferred from the RMH to the Ottawa Civic Hospital. February 11, 1944 Pte Lyttle is discharged from the Ottawa Civic Hospital. March 1, 1944 his Pay Rate was $1.50 per diem. On March 13, 1944 he is admitted to the Cornwall Military Hospital (CMH) with Influenza. March 17, 1944 Pte Lyttle was discharged from the CMH and he is granted Leave of Absence with pay and a Ration Allowance to March 21, 1944, and a Money Allowance of $0.50 per diem from March 18 to 20, 1944 inclusive.
Having qualified in accordance with the provisions of Canadian Army (CA) Routine Order (RO) 346 is authorized to receive the higher Rate of Pay of $1.40 per diem with effect from January 1, 1944 and $1.50 effect from March 1, 1944.
April 3, 1944 A change of address of next-of-kin Mrs. Katie Lyttle from 52 Elgin St., W. Lindsay to 52 Elgin St., N. Lindsay. May 1, 1944 Pte Lyttle made a Pay Assignment to his mother, Mrs. Katie Lyttle, at 52 Elgin St., N. Lindsay. Also on May 1, 1944 there was an annotation that there was $6.00 VLD paid of an $8.40 amount. May 12, 1944 Pte Lyttle is struck-off-strength from No 31 CI(B)TC, Cornwall to A-29 Canadian Infantry Training Centre (CITC), Ipperwash Ontario for all purposes. May 13, 1944 he was taken-on-strength to the A-29 CITC, Ipperwash and is posted to No 4 Company. July 6, 1944 Pte Lyttle was granted 14 days combined Furlough and Embarkation Leave and an allowance of 50 cents per diem in lieu of Rations to July 19, 1944, inclusive. August 1, 1944 he was struck-off-strength from A-29 Canadian Infantry Corps Training Centre (CICTC) on proceeding Overseas effective August 1, 1944 for Pay purposes effective August 31, 1944. Also on August 1, 1944 Pte Lyttle is struck-off-strength from the Canadian Armed Forces (Canada) embarked at Halifax, Nova Scotia and was taken-on-strength August 2, 1944 with the Canadian Army (Overseas) and the No 2 Canadian Infantry Reinforcement Unit (CIRU) in the UK. August 10, 1944 he disembarked at England and on August 11, 1944 he reported for duty to the No 2 CIRU.
August 24, 1944 Pte Lyttle, with the No 2 (CIRU) was struck-off-strength to the X–4 List 13th Bn, 2nd Canadian Base Reinforcement Group (CBRG), United Kingdom (UK). August 25, 1944 Pte Lyttle embarked the UK and is taken-on-strength to the X-4 List 11th Bn, unallocated. August 26, 1944 Pte Lyttle disembarked in France for Northwest Europe. August 28, 1944 Pte Lyttle, is struck-off-strength from the X-4 List 11th Bn to the X–4 List, Canadian Infantry Corps (CIC) 11th Bn to the Essex Scottish Regiment (ESR), in France. August 29, 1944 he is taken-on-strength to the Essex Scottish Regiment (ESR) from the X-4 List 11th CBR Bn X-4 List CIC 11th Bn; un-allotted (Un-al) in the Field. September 12, 1944 Private Douglas Smith Lyttle died of wounds and is struck-off-strength from the ESR to the X-4 List, killed in action in Belgium September 12, 1944. Informed by the Army Field Workshop, Royal Canadian Ordnance Corps (AFW/SRCOC), Central Registry (CR) Private Lyttle is struck-off-strength from the Essex Scottish Regiment, deceased (died of wounds) at the 11th Canadian Field Ambulance, in the Field.
Private Douglas Smith Lyttle was buried in Belgium in the Lombardside Parish Church Cemetery, Dixmude September 12, 1944. Photographs dispatched October 29, 1947.
After the War Private Douglas Smith Lyttle, Service Number C 122166 was reburied in the Adegem Canadian Military Cemetery, Adegem, Belgium. Grave 8, Row C, Plot 1.
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Dated September 1, 1943
Personal Selection Record
Educational Background
Completed Grade 8 at 15 years of age in the Buckhorn Public School, Ontario.
Claims he liked school and appears to have made fair progress. Left because financial help needed at home.
Occupational Background
Truck Driver.
General Labourer — Hotel — 2 months — $1.00 per day.
Truck Driver — Trucking Company — 2 months — $18.00 per week.
Chillman — Lindsay Arsenal — 4 months — $0.55 per hour.
Truck Driver — Lumber Company — 10 months — $0.50 per hour.
Royal Canadian Artillery (RCA) Regular Force (RF) 55th Field Battery October 1942 to January 1943. Left town and obtained a discharge.
Reported for enlistment September 1, 1943.
Other Personal History and Appraisal
Height 5′ 5¾”. Weight 125¾ pounds. Single.
His parents live in Lindsay, Ontario where his father is foreman for a lumber company. He has two brothers Overseas with the Canadian Tank Corps (CTC), one brother a labourer at the Lindsay Arsenal and one attending school. He has three sisters.
Lyttle says that his health is good. He was active in sports at school and plays softball in a local league. He enjoys a normal social life.
This youth is short with a good physique. He seems alert and stable. He has Grade 8 Ontario education and inferior learning abilty. He has had about three years experience as a truck driver and claims he has had no accidents. He has driven trucks up to 3½ tons capacity and seems suitable for training as a driver in-charge (I/C).
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Further Information And Follow-up
21 Dec 43, A-19, CASCTC, Camp Borden, Ont.
Found suitable for CIC (Gen Duty) and transferred to #31 CI(B)TC, Cornwall, on authority of telegram Org. 294 dated 20 Dec 43.
Signed by Army Examiner
C122166 Pte. LYTTLE, D.S.
Seems to be adjusting well to Army life, but does not like Infantry. He is making fair progress with the 10 week basic training. It seems that he could do much better if he, tried. He has had no crimes. Wants to become a driver.
Cornwall, Ontario Signed by
11-Apr-44 Capt. L. Newman
Is now 20 years of age. Lyttle is getting along fairly well with the training and wishes to get overseas soon where he hopes to be transferred to the Canadian Forestry Corps (CFC) on claim by the elder brother in that Corps.
A-19, CICTC, Camp Ipperwash. 30 Jun 44 Signed by Capt. M.L. Entwhistle
Routine follow-up at the end of 8th week Advanced Infantry Training:
Good conduct but is cocky and independent. A good soldier.
A-19, CICTC, Camp Ipperwash. 4 Jun 44 Signed by Capt. M.L. Entwhistle
C122166 Pte. LYTTLE, D.S.
Examination of foregoing and interview indicate suitability for overseas in Canadian Infantry Corps (CIC) [Operational] as non-tradesman.
A-19, CICTC, Camp Ipperwash. 4 Jun 44 Signed by Capt. M.L. Entwhistle
Pte Lyttle was transferred to the Infantry on December 23, 1943.
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NOTE: Douglas used the spelling of his family name as “Lyttle” in his Military File, it is believed that “Lytle” was the proper use elsewhere.
Canada, WWII Service Files of War Dead, 1939 1947
CERTIFICATE OF DEATH
THIS IS TO CERTIFY that according to information
received at the Department of National Defence from
the overseas authorities, No C 122166 , Private
Douglas Smith LYTTLE, of the Essex Scottish Regiment,
Canadian Army, died on the 12th of September, 1944
of wounds received in action.
(C. L. Larin) Colonel,
Director of Records.
Officer authorized to sign certificates
of death and/or presumption of death
for the Canadian Army.
Department of National Defence,
Ottawa, Canada
November 1st 1944.
__________________________________________________
Private Douglas Smith Lyttle was awarded the following Campaign Medals:
1939 – 45 Star;
France and Germany Star;
Canadian Volunteer Service Medal and Clasp; and
War Medal 1939 – 45.
.
Private Douglas Smith Lyttle served for about 11 months in Canada; 14 days in the United Kingdom; 17 days in Northwest Europe and 9 days Travel Time for a total time of about 1 year, and 9 days.
Private Douglas Smith Lyttle’s mother, Mrs. Katie Lyttle, would receive his Last Pay of $83.71; War Service Gratuity of $100.92 and Service Estate of $162.09. She would also receive his Personal Effects, Medals, Memorial Cross, Memorial Bar, Plaque and Scroll which would be dispatched in March 1945.
Estate Branch Inventory of C 122166 Pte Lyttle D. S. (Dec’d)
5 Souvenir coins
1 Photo wallet
Snapshots
1 Fountain pen (Waterman’s)
An excerpt from an article in McLean’s magazine by Barbara Amiel, 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 honorable?
PERSONAL HISTORY
DOUGLAS SMITH LYTLE
Douglas Smith Lytle was born in Harvey Township, Peterborough County on October 5, 1924. He was the son of Robert “Foster” Lytle and Catherine “Catie” Traynor. He was raised on the family farm in Harvey Township along with his siblings and attended the local school.
Douglas Smith Lytle worked as a truck driver and enlisted to serve his Country in World War II at a young age. He was a Private with the Essex Scottish Regiment. Sadly he was killed in action in Belgium on September 12, 1944, just a few weeks shy of his 20 birthday. Douglas Smith Lytle is remembered with honour in the Adegem Canadian War Cemetery, Belgium. At the time of Douglas’ death, his brother Robert had just returned from overseas where he was attached to the Forestry Corps and brother Clifford was still in Scotland, also with the Forestry Corps.
DOUGLAS SMITH LYTLE FAMILY OF HARVEY TOWNSHIP
The paternal grandparents of Douglas Smith Lytle were Robert Lytle and Lovica Ann Houston
The maternal grandparents of Douglas Smith Lytle were George Traynor born January 15, 1859, and Katherine “Kate” Green born in 1857. Katherine died before 1901 and George remarried Bridget Scott on February 5, 1902 in Hall’s Bridge, Ontario. George died on April 24, 1936 and is buried in St. Mary’s Cemetery, Youngs Point, Ontario
The parents of Douglas Smith Lytle were Robert “Foster” Lytle, born in Harvey Township on April 10, 1887 and Catherine “Catie” Traynor, born in Deseronto, Ontario on July 24, 1887. They settled on a farm in Harvey Township and Foster worked as a lumberman during the winter months. They had a family of ten children: Lottie Catheline; Ross Frederick; Lavica; Wilson “Willie” Hugh; Robert, Clifford; Helen; Roy; Marie Phyliss and Dorothy Lytle. By 1944, Foster and Katie were living at 202 William Street in Lindsay, Ontario. Foster was working as a foreman for the Carew Lumber Company in Lindsay. Foster passed away on December 17, 1956 and Catie died on March 9, 1989; both are buried in Sandy Lake Cemetery in Lakehurst, Ontario.
PTE. DOUGLAS LYTTLE
IS KILLED IN FRANCE
Mr. and Mrs. Foster Lyttle, 52 Elgin St., town, received word recently telling them of their son’s death in France.
The message stated that Pte. Douglas Lyttle had died as a result of wounds he had received while on combat duty with his unit.
Pte. Lyttle enlisted in August, 1943 and had only been overseas since August this year. He trained at Camp Borden and Ipperwash in Canada during the year following his enlistment.
Mr. Foster Lyttle, the boy’s father has been a foreman with the John Carew Lumber Co. for a number of years.
One brother, Robert, has just returned from overseas where he was attached to the Forestry Corps and another brother Clifford is still in Scotland. He also is with the Forestry Corps.
The sincere sympathy of the community is extended to the bereaved family.
From the Lindsay Post Circa September 1944
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September 30, 1944
Mrs. Katie Lyttle,
202 William Street North,
Lindsay, Ontario
It was with deep regret that I learned of the death of your son, C 122166 Private Douglas Smith Lyttle, who gave his life in the Service of his Country in the Western European Theatre of War on the 12th day of September 1944.
From official information we have received, your son died as the result of wounds received in action against the enemy. You may be assured that any additional information received will be communicated to you without delay.
The Minister of National Defence and the Members of the Army Council express to you and your family their sincere sympathy in your bereavement.
We pay tribute to the sacrifice he so bravely made.
(H.F.G. Letson),
Major-General,
Adjutant-General.
2 January 1946
Mrs. Katie Lyttle,
202 William Street North,
Lindsay, Ontario
Dear Madam:
Information has just been received from overseas that the remains of your son C 122166 Private Douglas Smith Lyttle, have, been carefully exhumed from the original p1ace of interment and reverently reburied in Grave 8, Row C, Plot 1, of the Adegem Canadian Military Cemetery, Adegem, Belgium. Marked map is enclosed. This is a recognized Military burial ground and will receive care and maintenance in perpetuity.
The grave will have been marked with a temporary cross which will be replaced in due course by a permanent headstone suitably inscribed. While it cannot now be stated when this work of permanent commemoration will begin, before any action is taken you will be communicated with and an opportunity will be given to you to submit a short personal inscription of your own choice for engraving on the headstone. Therefore, if you should change your address would you be good enough to inform the undersigned.
Yours faithfully,
for C. L. Laurin, Colonel,
Director of Records,
for Adjutant General.