MILITARY HISTORY
GUNNER HOLTON JOHN MADILL – No. 2327305 – Active Service (World War I)
On March 25th, 1917, Holton John Madill completed the Attestation Paper for the Canadian Active Service Force (CASF) at Bellville, Ontario. He was 21 years old when, as an unmarried man, he enlisted for the duration of the War. Holton was born in Lakefield, Ontario, and his birthdate was December 4th, 1895. He listed his present address as Lakefield, Ontario, Ontario, and his next of kin, his father Walter Madill.
Holton indicated that he had no previous Military experience and he had not served in an Active Formation or Unit of The Canadian Army. Holton indicated he had previously worked as a druggist. He was described as standing 5 feet 7 ½ inches with a medium complexion, grey eyes, and brown hair.
He was trained in Cobourg with the Cobourg Heavy Battery. Holton was sent to England with the Canadian 2nd Brigade aboard the SS Justicia on June 25th, 1917 and arrived in Liverpool England on July 5th 1917. In England Gunner Madill was transferred to the Canadian 4th Siege Battery and sent to France on November 22nd, 1917.
The role of the Siege Battery
Siege Batteries RGA was equipped with heavy howitzers, sending large caliber high explosive shells in high trajectory, plunging fire. The usual armaments were 6-inch, 8 inch and 9.2 inch howitzers, although some had huge railway or road-mounted 12 inch howitzers. As British artillery tactics developed, the Siege Batteries were most often employed in destroying or neutralizing the enemy artillery, as well as putting destructive fire down on strongpoints, dumps, stores, roads, and railways behind enemy lines.
After the cessation of hostilities, Gunner Madill was returned to England on February 14th, 1919.
Gunner Madill returned to Canada and was discharged in Kingston, Ontario on April 8th, 1919. He lists his home address as Toronto, Ontario. He had served 2 years, 1- year in England and 1 in France. Gunner Madill was eligible for the Volunteer Service Medal and British War Medal (England and France). John Hector Madill died on April 27th, 1969, and is buried in Frankford, Hastings County Ontario.
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
HOLTON JOHN MADILL
Holton John Madill was born in Lakefield, Ontario, on December 4, 1895, the son of Florence Washburn and Walter Madill. He received his education in the local schools. Both Holton and his brother Kenneth were members of the Lakefield Scouts Loon Patrol. Holton was working as a druggist when he decided to enlist in Belleville on March 25, 1917, and serve his King and Country. After two years in the military, Holton returned home in 1919. By 1921, he was living in Belleville and back working as a druggist. On September 6, 1921, he married Lottie Helen Boyle in Peterborough. She was the daughter of Catherine Bethune and William Boyle. They had a family of two boys – William “Bill” Walter Madill and John Holton Madill. Sadly, Holton passed away on April 27, 1969, and Lottie died on September 26, 1973; both are buried in Holy Trinity Anglican Cemetery in Frankford, Ontario.
FAMILY HISTORY OF HOLTON JOHN MADILL
The parents of Holton John Madill were Florence Washburn born July 24, 1874, and Walter Madill born on April 3, 1871. They made their home in Lakefield and had a family of five children – Holton John, Russell Glenn, Kenneth Saxon, Florence “Bessie” and Walter “Ivan” Madill. Walter worked as a tinsmith and plumber. Florence passed away in 1924 and Walter died in 1954; both are buried in Lakefield Cemetery.