On September 15th, 1916 Albert James Rowe completed the Attestation Paper for the Canadian Expeditionary Force (CEF), in Peterborough, Ontario. He was 30 years, and 9 months old, married to Rose Elizabeth Rowe, with three children, all boys; he enlisted for the duration of the War. Albert James Rowe indicated that he was born in Lakefield Ontario and gave his birth date as December 28th, 1885.
The Attestation Paper does not indicate where he was educated or to what level. His current address was listed as P.O. Box 592, Lakefield Ontario. He indicated that he had no previous Military experience. For his occupation he indicates that he was employed as a farmer. Albert James was 5’ 8” tall and had a 36” chest (expanded). He had a dark complexion, brown eyes, and brown hair. His medical examination took place in Peterborough, Ontario, on September 15th, 1916. He had no medical issues or physical limitations, and as such he was deemed fit.
His next-of-kin was listed as his wife Mrs. Rosa Rowe.
Albert James Rowe signed the Oath and Certificate of Attestation on September 15th, 1916. The Certificate of Magistrate was signed by the Justice on September 15th, 1916 also in Peterborough, Ontario. Albert James Rowe was taken-on-strength as a ”Private” with 247th Battalion, CEF and was assigned Regimental Service Number 1063007.
The 247th Battalion, CEF was a unit in the Canadian Expeditionary Force during the First World War. Based in Peterborough, Ontario, the unit began recruiting in the late summer of 1916 in the townships of Peterborough, West Hastings, and Cavan. The unit was absorbed into the 235th Battalion, CEF while still in Canada.
The 235th Battalion embarked for Britain on the R.M.S. Megantic on May 1, 1917.
Upon reaching their destination, the battalion disembarked in Liverpool, for further training. on May 14th, 1917.
The 235th Battalion, CEF was a unit in the Canadian Expeditionary Force during the First World War. Based in Bowmanville, Ontario, the unit began recruiting in the Spring of 1916 in Northumberland and Durham Counties. After sailing to England in May 1917, the battalion was absorbed into the 3rd Reserve Battalion on May 14, 1917.
Private Rowe was reassigned to the 3rd Reserve. Battalion CEF on May 17th, 1917.
Private Rowe was wounded while in France by shrapnel in his right thigh on July 7, 1918 and taken to Fulham Military Hospital.
Private Rowe was listed as recovering from his wound on October 20th, 1918, and sufficiently fit to be discharged on December 15, 1918. He was then reassigned to the 235th Battalion and returned to Kingston, Ontario. He was discharged from service on January 31, 1919.
Private Rowe likely received the Volunteer medal although it is not mentioned in his military file.
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”.
ALBERT JAMES ROWE
PERSONAL HISTORY
Albert James Rowe was born in Lakefield on December 28, 1884, the son of Susannah “Susan” Sutton and John James Rowe. He received his education in the local school.
On April 3, 1906, Albert married Rose Elizabeth Conlon in Lakefield. Rose was born on November 7, 1887, the daughter of Rose Long and Edward Conlon. They made their home near Young’s Point and had three children – Edward, Royden Harold and Cecil Alton Rowe. By 1911 the family was living in Dummer Township and Albert was farming.
In September 1916, Albert went to Peterborough and enlisted to serve his King and Country. While Albert was overseas, his fourth son, Elwood was born and sadly son Cecil Alton passed away on December 3, 1916, age 5 years. Albert returned home to Lakefield in 1919 after the war. And by 1921, the family was living on Rabbit Street in Lakefield and Albert was working as a labourer in a garage. Sadly Rose passed away on April 16, 1924, age 36 years, from a brain tumor and is buried in Lakefield Cemetery.
Albert James Rowe later married Agnes McGinty. Albert James Rowe died in Peterborough on November 20, 1977 and Agnes passed away passed away in Fairhaven Home on April 8, 1980; both are buried in Lakefield Cemetery.
THE ALBERT JAMES ROWE FAMILY OF YOUNG’S POINT
The paternal grandparents of Albert James Rowe were Thomas and Susan Rowe and his maternal grandparents were James and Ann Sutton.
The parents of Albert James Rowe were John James Rowe born February 18, 1862 in England and Susannah “Susan” Sutton, born December 26, 1858 in Dummer Township. Susan was the daughter of James and Ann Sutton. John and Susan married in Lakefield on February 27, 1883 and made their home in Smith Township and John farmed. They had six children Albert James, William Thomas, George Henry, Charlotte “Lottie” Ann, Emma Grace and Florence May Rowe. All three boys enlisted to serve in World War I. Susan passed away on February 17, 1942 and John died on June 29, 1945; both are buried in Lakefield Cemetery.
