JAMES JOHN SHADGETT – 195276 – Active Service (World War I)
On October 11th, 1915 John James Shadgett completed the Attestation Paper for the Canadian Expeditionary Force (CEF), in Peterborough, Ontario. He was 43 years, and 11 months old, when as a married man, with 5 children; he enlisted for the duration of the War. John Shadgett indicated that he was born in London, England and gave his birth date as March 19th, 1871. The Attestation Paper does not indicate where he was educated or to what level. His current address was listed as 231 King Street, Peterborough, Ontario. He indicated that he had no previous Military experience. As far as his Trade or Calling, he lists ”Carriage Painter”. Shadgett was 5’ 4’’ tall, and had a 35” chest (expanded). He had a dark complexion, grey eyes, and dark grey hair. His medical examination took place in Peterborough, Ontario, on October 11th, 1915. He had no medical issues or physical limitations, and as such he was deemed fit (Category A), for Overseas duty with the Canadian Expeditionary Force. His next-of-kin was listed as his wife Mrs. Emma Shadgett. John Shadgett signed the Oath and Certificate of Attestation on October 11th, 1915. The Certificate of Magistrate was signed by the Justice on November 12th, 1915 also in Peterborough, Ontario. John James Shadgett was taken-on-strength as a ”Private” with the 57th Regiment, CEF and was assigned Regimental Service Number 195276.
The Certificate of Officer Commanding Unit was signed November 26th, 1915 also in Peterborough, Ontario.
Private Shadgett went overseas with the 93rd Peterborough Infantry Battalion, arriving at Liverpool, England aboard the Empress of Britain on July 25th, 1916. On September 7th, 1916 he was struck-off-strength from the 93rd Battalion on being posted to the 5th Canadian Mounted Rifle Battalion.
The 5th Canadian Mounted Rifle Battalion was a Quebec Regiment raised in the Eastern Townships. On January 1st, 1916 it was converted to an Infantry Unit, and was attached to the 8th Canadian Infantry Brigade, 3rd Canadian Division.
The 12th was quiet. There was slight trench mortar activity on both sides. No damage. Every available man was working on trench cave-ins. Patrols out, but no enemy encountered. It was reported, enemy wire was very heavy and strong. Work continued on the trenches during the 13th. The usual patrols and trench mortar activity reported. A gas alert was issued on the 14th. Battalion machine guns firing at intervals throughout the day. Patrols out as usual. On the 15tth, patrols were out laying *”Ammonal Tubes” under enemy wire. The “Tubes” were exploded and it was reported, the wire was cut through in several places.
*Ammonal is an explosive made from Ammonium Nitrate and Aluminum Powder.
Patrols were out as normal on the 16th, and reported no enemy encountered. There was considerable aerial and trench mortar activity. On the 17th, it was reported that enemy were seen moving gas canisters into position. Stokes guns were brought into play. Patrols out as usual. In the afternoon, the Battalion was relieved by the 1st CMR Bn, and moved to former billets at Etrun, France. A muster parade was called on the 18th and 22 Officers and 571 other ranks answered. A church parade was held the morning of the 19th. The afternoon was spent by the Battalion in instruction in saluting, care of arms, and general smartening up. The weather on the 20th was dull and overcast. The Battalion received instructions in Bombing at the Brigade Bombing School. They also practiced bayonet fighting, as well as Squad and Platoon drills. On the 21st, all ranks paraded to the Divisional Gas School at Ecoivres where they were issued with and received instruction in the use of the new Small Box Respirators. On the 22nd, 126 reinforcements arrived from the 9th Reserve Battalion. The Battalion relieved the 1st CMR Bn in the Front-Line on the 23rd. The weather was overcast and later turned to rain on the 24th. Battalion patrols were out all night along the entire Front-Line, with no enemy encountered. Battalion heavy trench mortars fired on enemy communication and support trenches north east of Lille Road. It was still raining on the 25th. The enemy threw over trench mortar and whiz bangs (so named because of the noise they made) at intervals during the day, to which the Bn responded vigorously with its heavy trench mortars and Stokes. On the 26th, the enemy trench mortars were quite active and accurate, but caused no casualties. Battalion patrols were out as usual but encountered no enemy. The weather was clear and frosty on the 27th. Enemy trench mortars were more active than normal on the Battalion front and support lines, but no casualties were reported. Several enemy work parties were located during the night and artillery, Stokes, and machine gun fire were brought to bear on their positions. Although, it was quiet in front of the Battalion, there was heavy action in front of the 60th Cdn Inf Bn to the left on the 28th. The enemy fired the usual trench mortars mixed up with rifle grenades were fired on Battalion lines, but no damage. On the 29th, the Battalion was relieved by the 1st CMR Bn. It in turn relieved the 2nd CMR Bn in Brigade support at Ecurie. In the morning of the 30th, all available men were employed on upkeep of Ecurie Defences. In the afternoon, Cdn Corps Commander – Lt Gen Sir Julien Byng K.C.B. presented Ribbons to all Officers, NCOs, and men of the 8th Cdn Inf Brigade who had been awarded DSOs, Military Crosses, DCMs and Military Medals. The Band of the 3rd Pioneer Battalion provided the music. The Ceremony ended with a Brigade March Past.
December 1916 – the weather was reported as hazy on the 1st. From the 1st to the 4th, the men were employed in work parties improving the defences and new dugouts at 500 Crater. On the 5th, the Battalion relieved the 1st CMR Bn in the Front-Line. With the wind blowing from the north east, a gas alert was raised. Patrols were sent out, but came back with nothing to report. There was the usual enemy trench mortar and machine gun activity. A number of dugouts were bombed, resulting in three Battalion casualties. Battalion artillery dispersed a party of 50 enemy seen on the road running from Thelus to Farbus. Patrols were out and encountered small parties of the enemy, which resulted in 4 casualties. 6 Officers arrived as reinforcements. The weather on the 8th was dull and drizzling rain. Machine guns on both sides were active along the whole front, during the night. Battalion patrols went out during the night, and nothing unusual was reported. The night of the 9th, passed quietly. There was the usual amount of rifle and trench mortar activity. Several trench mortar shells hit the roof of a deep dugout causing significant damage, but no casualties. Due to very bright moonlight, patrols were unable to get close to enemy line. There was a considerable increase, on both sides, in trench mortar and artillery activity. An enemy work party was spotted near 500 Crater and were dispersed by Stokes and machine gun fire. Patrols out along the entire Battalion Front-Line. No enemy encountered. On the 11th, the Battalion was relieved by the 1st CMR Bn. The Battalion moved back to former billets at Etrun. Five other rank casualties reported due to shrapnel. The weather on the 12th was reported as dull and overcast. The day was spent in a general cleanup, inspections, baths, and Squad drills. The 13th was spent as the previous day. On the 14th, the day was spent in Squad and Platoon drills, gas helmet drills, bayonet fighting, and bombing practice. The morning of the 15th, was spent as per the previous day, while the afternoon was spent in practising attack tactics. The morning of the 16th, was a repeat, while the afternoon was spent in recreation. On the 17th, the Battalion relieved the 1st CMR Bn in the Front-Line. There was a big increase in artillery activity in preparation for a planned operation on the 20th. In the afternoon, in retaliation, the enemy fired 170 artillery shells and 200 light and heavy trench mortar shells on the Battalion *”saps”, front and support lines causing considerable damage, but no casualties.
*”Saps” were short dead end trenches dug into no-mans-land towards the Enemy Lines. They were used as listening posts and a way to move forward and not be under observation and gun fire.
Patrols were out, but encountered no enemy. The night was very dark. Patrols were out to prevent enemy observing preparatory work in saps and craters which were in progress for the forthcoming operation. Artillery was very active. Enemy retaliated with whiz bangs and trench mortars. Two casualties were reported. The night of the 19th, passed relatively quietly. Battalion machine guns played on enemy wire to prevent the Hun from effecting repairs. At 11:00 AM a heavy artillery bombardment opened up on selected targets in enemy lines and communication trenches. The enemy retaliated. Four casualties were reported. The morning of the 20th, enemy and Allied aeroplanes were very active overhead. At 1:30 pm the artillery opened up a heavy bombardment on enemy positions from Lille Road to just north of the Snout. This continued to 2:00 pm. The enemy retaliated. At 3:12 pm parties of the 1st CMR Bn advanced from the tunnel at Crater 14 and lined up along the trench and lip of the Crater. At 3:15 pm (Zero hour) the artillery barrage of Lille Road to the Snout was repeated and then lifted. The parties followed the barrage and entered the enemy Front-Line trenches with little opposition and no casualties. In less than 5 minutes small parties of the 1st CMR Bn were returning to the saps with enemy prisoners. Others continued to advance. At 3:30 pm parties from the Battalion moved forward and entered the Enemy Front and Support Trenches. At 4:00 pm the Battalion sent Lewis guns forward to support the 1st CMR Bn. The 21st and 22nd was reported as generally quiet. On the 23rd, the Battalion was relieved by the 1st CMR Bn, and it, in-turn relieved the 2nd CMR Bn in Brigade reserve. The 24th was spent resting. It was reported, that the boys made the best of the circumstances on the 25th, and generally had a good time. The weather on the 26th to 28th was reported as rain. The 28th, the Battalion received orders to relieve the 1st CMR Bn in R2, on the 29th. The relief began at 9 AM, and was completed, without casualties by 10 PM. It was reported, on the 30th, that the continuous rain had rendered the trenches ”almost uninhabitable”. The dugouts had caved in; the trenches had fallen in, or were full of mud and water. The men were engaged in working to improve the situation. The enemy trenches were evidently in a worse plight, as many small parties with full equipment were seen leaving the front line, during the day, and moving to the rear. Battalion snipers claimed 11 kills. Battalion night patrols went out, and reported everything quiet, along the front.
January 1917 – the situation on the 1st was normal. The weather was dull and rainy. The men spent the day trying to improve the conditions in the trenches. Battalion snipers active, claiming 5 kills. The enemy threw several trench mortar shells into Bn line with no casualties. The 2nd was clear and bright. The Battalion Commanding Officer requested an artillery shoot on Enemy Front and support lines in the area of the Snout. 400 18 pound shells landed and caused significant damage to the enemy position. Usual night patrols were out on the 3rd, but didn’t encounter any enemy. Artillery gave the area of the Snout another pounding. On the 4th, Allied aeroplanes were very active overhead. The Battalion was relieved by the 1st CMR Bn during the afternoon. The Battalion returned to Ecurie, where it was relieved by the 4th CMR Bn. At 10:30 PM, the Battalion was settled in billets at Etrun. The 5th was spent resting and cleaning up. Battalion baths and training took place on the 6th. With church parades on the 7th. A scheme of attack with the cooperation of airplanes was planned for the 8th. As a result of stormy weather the planes did not arrive, but the scheme was carried out anyways. The weather on the 9th was damp and misty. The Battalion spent the day training. On the 10th, the Battalion paraded at 8:00 AM and proceeded to the front-line, and relieved the 1st CMR Bn. Relief was complete by noon, with no casualties. The situation on the 11th was quiet. Battalion patrols entered enemy Front-Line trenches and found them unoccupied. On the 12th, a patrol went out during the daylight and entered enemy Front-Line trench to the right of Crater 19 and followed the trench a fair distance to Lille Road. No enemy were encountered. The usual night patrols were out and reported no enemy activity. The 13th was reported as normal, with patrols out at night. On the 14th, a gas attack on the Hun positions was planned. The men were anxious to have a go. The plan was cancelled when the direction of the wind changed. On the 15th, the wind continued to blow in the wrong direction for the gas attack. Thought was given to go ahead with the attack, without the gas, but it was felt that the enemy retaliatory bombardment might hit the gas cylinders. 1 casualty was reported. On the 16th, the Bn was relieved by the 2nd CMR Bn and proceeded to Brigade support position. The 17th was cold with a heavy fall of snow, which reminded everyone of home. The 18th to 20th, were spent cleaning equipment and improving billets. It was noted that very little straw was available. On the 21st, the Bn was relieved by the 4th CMR Bn and following. The rest of the month was spent with the Battalion training. By the end of the month, the weather was cold with snow.
February 1917 – the Bn paraded for inspection on the 1st, by Acting Commanding Officer Major Rhoades. After the inspection the Bn carried on with training. Training continued on the 2nd. 100 men employed in a carrying party for the purpose of storing a large quantity of artillery ammunition at Cambligneul. On the 3rd, the Bn paraded at 10:00 AM and route marched to billets at Mt St Eloy in preparation to going to the Front-Line. A work party of 110, of all ranks, spent the 4th, burying a communication line. The rest of the Bn carried on independently with route marches. The weather was cold on the 6th. Situation was normal. There were 2 casualties due to accidents. Company defensive patrols were out at night on the 7th and 8th, but reported no enemy activity. Another accidental casualty. On the 9th, word was received that the enemy may be planning a raid on Bn position during the night. Every precaution was taken, but the enemy didn’t act. A.C.O. Major Rhoades called in an artillery barrage on Enemy Front and Support Lines in the area of the Snout. 100 to 150 rounds were fired resulting in considerable damage to enemy positions. The situation on the 10th was normal. There were 3 Battalion casualties. The situation on the 11th was normal. Word was received that the Battalion would be relieved on the 12th, by the 31st Cdn Inf (Alberta) Bn. On the 12th, the Bn was relieved and marched, by Platoons, to billets at Mt St Eloy. It was reported that during this tour in this sector from October 23rd, 1916 to February 12th, 1917 there had been 5 Officers wounded, and 8 other ranks killed, and 46 wounded. February 13th, the Battalion marched to Houdain, France; followed with another march on the 14th, to billets at Raimert, where it remained until the end of the month. During its time at Raimert, the men were engaged in: Squad, Platoon and Company drills, cleaning equipment, church services, bath parades, bombing practice, bayonet fighting, assaults on trenches, and Battalion and Brigade inspections.
March 1917 – the month opened with the Battalion being shown at Cauchy-a-la-Tour; where it remained until the 18th. During this time, the Battalion Companies trained independently in bombing, bayonet fighting, snap shooting, and machine gun firing. They also trained in assaults and raids on enemy trenches. The Battalion also took part in a Brigade practice attack. The afternoon of the 18th, the Battalion route marched to billets at Houdain. The billets were reported as fair, but not as good as the ones at Raimert. The Companies continued to train independently. On the 23rd, the Battalion route marched to Villiers-a-Bois, where it bivouacked, in woods, for the night, at what was referred to as Forester Camp. The 24th was spent resting up, and putting the Camp in Order. there was considerable artillery activity through the night, mostly Battalion ”heavies” firing on enemy rear positions. Orders were received from 8th Canadian Infantry Brigade Headquarters for the different Companies to move forward. ”A” Company to Goodman Tunnel, ”B” Company to the Quarries, ”C” Company to Neuville St. Vaast, and ”D” Company to St. Eloy; where the men would engaged in work parties. The Battalion was used in this capacity until the end of the month. The effective strength of the Battalion is shown as: 32 Officers and 1045 other ranks. The weather for the month ranged from cold, wet, and snowy to warm and bright.
April 1917 – the month opened with the men still at Forester Camp, but it had been renamed to Woodman Camp. The Companies in forward positions moved back, in preparation for the attack and capture of Vimy Ridge, by the 4 Divisions of the Canadian Corps. Allied artillery shelling of enemy positions went on around the clock. At 10:00 pm, on the 8th, the Battalion moved off. By 11:00 pm, it had cleared Berthonval Farm, and continued on to Pylones, arriving at 2:00 am, on the 9th. By 4:30 am, the Battalion was in position. At 5:30 am (Zero Hour) an intense artillery bombardment, in one continuous roar, began. It is reported the ground trembled, and there was, mixed in with the roar, the swishing and screeching of the shell filled air. 60 guns covered the Battalion’s advance, forming a ”rolling barrage”. Smoke and debris thrown up by the exploding shells, gave the appearance of a solid wall. At 5:50 am, ”A and D” Companies started moving forward towards Swischen Stellung. With ”A” Company in the lead, it came under fire from a party of 40 Huns, who had been hiding in dug-outs in the Crater Line, while the barrage passed over. They were immediately engaged, and after a number were killed, the remainder (about 23) surrendered, and were taken prisoner. By 9:00 am, the 1st CMR Bn moved through Battalion position and continued on the trenches 200 yards in advance of Swischen Stellung. Because of crowding in the Swischen trench, ”B and D” dug in to the rear of Swischen. By 10:30 am, ”C” Company moved forward to Goodman Tunnel. By 1:00 pm, it was reported that all Battalion objectives had been achieved. ”A” Company was now brought forward to reinforce ”B” Company. At 3:00 pm, ”B” Company was ordered forward to ”clear up a situation at an area identified as Strong Points. ”B and D” Companies reported 25 casualties each, as a result of enemy shelling that lasted for an hour. The evening of the 9th, parts of the Battalion were being used to carry water, tools, bombs, and small arms ammunition to the front-line trenches. At 10:00 am, on the 10th, ”B, C, and D” Companies were ordered to move forward and secure the Vimy and Petit Vimy defences, lying between Petit Vimy and Vimy Station. The afternoon of the 11th, the Battalion was relieved and moved back to billets at Woodman Camp. Battalion casualties were reported as: 2 officers wounded; 17 other ranks killed, 3 died-of-wounds, 58 wounded, 5 missing, and 6 shell shocked. The 12th and 13th, were spent with the men resting, cleaning up, and a bath parade at Villers-au-Bois. The 14th, was spent in work parties, repairing roads forward of Neuville St. Vaast. Orders received, for the Battalion, be prepared to move to billets at Neuville St. Vaast. Due to very heavy rain, nothing happened on the 15th. The 16th, was spent in preparations for the move. At 12:30 pm, on the 17th, the Battalion left Woodman Camp, and reached the junction of the Quarries Line, by 3:30 pm, where it waited for guides, to take them forward. In-spite of considerable enemy artillery fire, in the area, resulting a number of casualties, relief of the 43rd Cdn Inf Battalion was completed by 8:30 pm. The Battalion took up a position in the east end of the Prinz Arnolf Tunnel. The entire area was described as a quagmire, due to the heavy rains. The Battalion was relieved, the evening of the 18th, and in turn relieved the 52nd Cdn Inf Battalion in the Outpost Line. Relief was complete by 5:30 am, on the 19th. Enemy artillery shelled the area continuously, throughout the day, ”as if, they had a grudge against us, for being in the area”. The positions continued to be shelled on the 20th, but based on the construction of the trenches and dug-outs, few casualties occurred. Battalion patrols, were out in no-mans-land, throughout the night of the 20th and 21st. Nothing significant was reported. Shelling of enemy positions continued through the 21st. Battalion Patrols continued the evening of the 21st. The Battalion was relieved, in the early morning hours of the 22nd, and moved to a position in the Quarries Line. The 23rd to 30th, were spent in work parties, a move to billets at Villers-au-Bois, bath parades, church services, rifle and kit inspections, musketry (rifle) training, bayonet fighting, Platoon drills. The Battalion was inspected by the Officer Commanding. On the 30th, orders were received to prepare to move to a forward position. At this point, Battalion strength was shown as: 34 officers and 958 other ranks.
May 1917 – on the 1st, the Battalion left Villers-au-Bois and moved to the Empire Shelters at the Quarries Line, where it remained until the 5th. In-spite of heavy enemy artillery shelling in the area, the men were engaged in work parties repairing area roads. The evening of the 5th, the Battalion moved forward to ”Vimy Support trenches”, and relieved the 116th Cdn Inf Battalion. The enemy continued to shell the area. On the 11th, the Battalion moved to Winnipeg Camp – Quarries Line, followed by a move back to Villers-au-Bois on the 12th, where it remained until the 20th. During this time, the men were engaged in ”training per syllabus”. It is reported it rained heavily. On the 20th, it moved back to Winnipeg Camp, where it remained until the 20th. The men were kept busy in working parties. The Battalion moved forward to the Support Lines, on the 27th, and relieved the 58th Cdn. Inf. Bn. The men were engaged in work and carrying parties until the end of the month.
June 1917 – the month opened with the Battalion being shown in Vimy Defences, where it remained until the 8th. The weather was described as relatively fair, but turning showery on the 7th. Both sides exchanged artillery and trench mortar barrages. A number of casualties were reported during this tour. During the night of the 8th, the Battalion moved back to the Quarries Line. The 9th to 12th, were spent in working parties. On the 13th, the Battalion was relieved by the 116th Cdn. Inf. Bn., and moved back to Villers-au-Bois. The next 4 days, were spent in cleaning equipment, and Platoon organization. The night of the 17th, the Battalion moved forward, and relieved the 43rd Cdn. Inf. Bn, in a support position Vimy Defences, where it remained until the 26th. During its time, in this position, both sides were busy exchanging artillery fire. There was also a lot of aerial activity. The men spent time deepening and improving the conditions in the trenches. On the 26th, the Battalion marched back to Villers-au-Bois, where stayed until the end of the month.
July 1917 – on the 1st, the Battalion marched to billets at Seaforth Camp, Bois-de-Brothonval, France, and relieved the 45th Cdn. Inf. Bn. The next 4 days were spent with the men practising attack schemes on a taped course. On the 5th, ”A & B” Companies moved forward, and took up positions in Basin and Beno trenches, while ”C & D” Companies remained in place continuing to practice attack schemes. On the 10th, the Battalion relieved the RCRs (Royal Canadian Regiment) in Reserve. The weather was reported fine, on the 11th, with the men engaged in work parties, improving trenches in the Resistance Line, which continued for several days. Both sides continued to exchange artillery fire. The 18th, the Battalion was relieved by the 116th Cdn. Inf. Bn., and marched to a Camp, immediately north of Bois-de-Berthonval. It paraded on the 19th, and marched to St. Lawrence Camp, near Chateau-de-la-Haie. The next few days were spent in: resting, cleaning equipment, bathe parades, sports, Platoon and Company drills. The early morning hours of the 25th, the Battalion marched to billets at Raimbert, where it remained until the end of the month. The Battalion was inspected, by the Officer Commanding, while the Companies trained independently.
August 1917 – the Battalion remained in this position until the 16th. The days were spent in: physical training, Platoon drills, musketry (rifle) practice, attack schemes, and Brigade sports activities, where the Battalion won the Brigade Cup. The Battalion marched to Gouy Servins, on the 16th. Where the Battalion rested, while the 1st and 2nd Cdn. Divisions attacked and captured, in heavy fighting, the north east outskirts of Lens. On the 17th, the Battalion, along with a battery of the Cdn. Field Artillery, and a Section of the 9th Cdn. Machine Gun Company, advanced through Chateau-de-la-Haie and Bois-de-la-Haie and captured the eastern end of Carency Ridge. On the 18th, the Battalion marched to billets in the area of Les Brebis. The Battalion moved forward to Support Line on the 19th, and relieved the 14th Cdn. Inf. Bn. Scattered enemy shelling was reported in the area, when, on the evening of the 20th, the Battalion moved to the front line, and relieved the 3rd Cdn. Inf. Bn. The 21st to 24th, were reported as relatively quiet, except for enemy aeroplanes overhead, and some shelling of the Battalion lines, to which the Battalion guns retaliated. On the 25th, the Battalion was relieved by the 4th CMR Bn, and moved back to a position is close support. On the 27th, the Battalion was relieved, initially moving to Les Bresbis, and then on to billets at Bouvigny-Bouffelles, where it remained for the rest of the month. The weather is reported as ”showery”.
September 1917 – the month began with a church parade, and preparations being made for a move. On the 2nd, the Battalion route marched to billets at Bois-de-Alleux, where it engaged in musketry training, bayonet fighting, and practising attack schemes. The afternoon of the 4th, it route marched to Neuville St. Vaast. The morning of the 5th, it moved forward to a support position, and relieved the 2nd CMR Bn. Although there was considerable enemy shelling in the areas of Vimy, Petit Vimy, and Culvert; it was relatively quiet for the Battalion. The men were engaged in work parties, and digging a new communication trench. The evening of the 11th, the Battalion moved from a support position into the front line trenches, relieving the 4th CMR Bn. During the 12th to 14th, the enemy artillery registered on Percy, Teddy Gerrard, and Toledo trenches. The evening of the 15th, an enemy message was intercepted, stating: ”everything is ready; indicating a possible enemy attack. Preparations were made to repel an attack on the 16th, the area to the immediate left of the Battalion position was heavily shelled, by enemy artillery. The shelling continued throughout the day of the 17th. In the evening the Battalion was relieved by the 42nd Cdn. Inf. Bn., and marched to billets at Neuville St. Vaast. On the 18th, the Battalion marched to billets at Maisnel Bouche, where it remained for the rest of the month. The weather was reported as ”fair and warm”. The time was spent: with companies training independently, musketry on the range, practising advancing in artillery formation, wire cutting, and attack schemes on a taped course. There were also, church parades, and sports, including tug-of-war.
October 1917 – the Battalion remained at Maisnel Bouche until the 15th. During this time the men engaged in: musketry and physical training, gas mask and wire cutting drills. They practiced attack schemes over a taped course, by Squads, Platoons, or Companies; they also practiced with other Battalions, or Brigade strength. There were bath, and church parades. They also underwent an inspection by the Corps Commander, where medal ribbons were awarded. On the 15th, the Battalion marched to the train station at Savy, where they entrained, and were carried to Caestre. The boredom of the trip was relieved by the entertainment of the brass band that was on board. Upon arrival, they marched to billets in St. Slyvestre Capple, which were described as very comfortable. Over the next few days, the men were engaged in: Squad, Platoon, and Company drills, along with practising attack schemes. On the 22nd, they marched to a new Camp, in the area of Wieltze, which ”in the rain and mud did not present a very inviting appearance”. The 23rd was spent in resting, and a general cleanup. The 24th was spent in preparation for a move to the forward area. There was considerable enemy aeroplane activity overhead, and many bombs were dropped, but no damage was done, and there were no casualties reported. The morning of the 25th, the Battalion proceeded to California trench in the reserve area. On the 26th, it moved forward to an intermediate area identified as Capricorn Keep. The men were engaged draining water from the dugouts, so as to make them livable. As preparations for the planned attack continued, on the 27th, they moved forward to the support area. On the 28th, they left the support area, and relieved the 2nd CMR Bn on the front line. ”A and C” Companies were in the front line trenches, ”B and D” Companies were in close support in the old British line trenches. Battalion patrols were pushed forward on the 29th, in the area of the Woodland Plantation, gathering information that proved valuable during the attack on the 30th. The plan for the 30th, was for the Battalion to attack in 2 waves, ”A and C” Companies in the 1st, ”B and D” in the 2nd. The plan called for the 1st wave was to attack, capture, and consolidate an objective identified as the ”blue line”. The 2nd wave would follow (200 yards behind) and was responsible for mopping up of the area of the attack. The night was described as ”fine, and cool, with a 3/4 full moon. It was reported that by 5:30 am, the men were in a state of readiness in their jump off positions. The hours leading up to the attack were marked with consistent and fairly heavy shelling by both sides. At 5:50 am, the supporting barrage opened up, with the enemy responding immediately. At precisely 5:54 am, the 1st wave went over the top. Smoke shells fired made it very difficult for the attacking troops to see where they were going. At 6:25 am, the 2nd wave followed. It was reported that a considerable amount of the Battalion shrapnel shells were falling short, and landing among the men. They were also faced with heavy hostile machine gun fire. Taking heavy casualties, the advance continued. By 9:00 am, it was reported that the Battalion was in possession of Source, Vapour, and Vanity Farms, but that the flanks were exposed. Communications broke down during the day making it difficult to co-ordinate the attack, and know exactly what was going on. The Battalion faced numerous enemy counterattacks, and heavy shelling. In the end 22 officers, and 381 other ranks were reported killed, missing, or wounded.
November 1917 – opened with the Battalion vacating Capricorn Keep, and proceeded to the Transport Lines, where their packs were collected; they then marched to Asylum Ypres, where they ”embussed” (boarded buses) which took them to billets at Mills Camp, in the area of Wattou.
There is a note in the Military File, stating: ”soldier never complained of illness, since enlistment, but was sent out of the line, in France, November 1917 because of debility (as being Infirm), and overage, and was given light duty at Permanent Base. At which, he was employed till demobilization”.
December 4th, 1917 Pte. Shadgett was struck-off-strength from the 5th CMRs on being posted to the Canadian Army Labour Pool.
April 17th, 1918 he was struck-off-strength on transfer to 7th (unreadable) E Coy, in the field.
December 4th, 1918 he was posted to the General Depot, pending transfer to England. December 6th, 1918 he is shown at Witley, in England, where he was taken-on-strength with the General Depot, from the Canadian Labour Pool.
February 1st, 1919 he was struck-off-strength from the General Depot on being posted to MD3 Wing ”unreadable” Rhyl. Rhyl was a small village, in Wales, close to Kinmel Park. February 22nd, 1919 he was struck-off-strength from MD3C Wing on transfer to Kinmel Park, pending embarkation to Canada.
Private Shadgett embarked from England on March 1st, 1919. there is no indication in the Military File when he arrived in Canada, but the journey usually took approximately one week.
Private John James Shadgett was discharged from the Canadian Expeditionary Force on April 1st, 1919 at No 3 District Depot, in Kingston, Ontario, as ”being medically unfit for further War Service.
The Military File makes no mention of what Medals he was entitled to, or received, but based on established Military criteria, he would have not been eligible for the 1914-15 Star, but would have been eligible to receive: the British War Medal and the Victory Medal.
According to the Military File, Private John James Shadgett served a total of 3 years, 5 months, and 10 days with the Canadian Expeditionary Force: 9 months and 23 in Canada; 4 months, and 18 days in the U.K., and 2years and 3 months in France.
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”.
PERSONAL HISTORY
JAMES JOHN SHADGETT
James John Shadgett was born in London, England on November 19, 1870. He was the son of James Shadgett and Mary Thompson. He received his education in England and became a carriage painter and trained to be a detail painter. In 1889, James immigrated to Canada along with his sister Louisa and upon arrival settled in the Bradford, Ontario area. The 1891 Census has James, age 20 years and Louisa, age 17 years, as living with James Lawrence, a widower and his five children in Bradford. James Lawrence, from Ireland is listed as a general blacksmith with a business employing 12 people. His son Thomas, age 21 years is a carriage woodworker, James Shadgett is a carriage painter and Louisa is a domestic house servant.
On October 26, 1892, James married Emma Jane Mason in Newmarket, Ontario. She was born in Gravenhurst, Ontario on February 6, 1784 and was the daughter of Thomas Allen Mason and Elizabeth Ann Smith. By 1894, James and Emma were living in Lakefield at 151 Queen Street on the southeast corner of Strickland and Queen Streets. James operated a paint shop and sold carriages from his residence from about 1893 until 1905 when the family moved to Peterborough. In 1894, James Shadgett – Carriage Painter – was advertising in the Lakefield News – “has diploma & Medal awarded at the Indian Colonial Exhibition, London, England, for style & workmanship. I have also taken a large number of first prizes at exhibitions in Simcoe County. Any person requiring their carriage, wagon or sleigh painted in a first-class manner, should go to J. Shadgett – terms reasonable – satisfaction guaranteed. Opposite the Railway Station, Lakefield.”
In Peterborough James set up his paint shop business on Simcoe Street behind the King’s Hotel and operated a successful business for a number of years repairing, sanding, painting and lettering the many bread and milk wagons and sleighs of the various bakery shops and dairies in the area. They would work on the sleighs in the summer and the wagons in the winter. James and Emma had a family of seven children – Albert “Ab” Victor, Walter James, Lottie Winnifred, Rodger Fredrick, Melville James, Kenneth Theodore and Madeline Shadgett.
In 1913, James Shadgett was working with his son Albert “Ab” at their carriage painting shop located on the corner of Charlotte and Aylmer Streets in Peterborough, Ontario. Both James and Albert resided at 466 George Street in Peterborough. On October 11, 1915, James enlisted to serve his King and Country indicating that he was born March 19, 1871. On April 1, 1919, Private John James Shadgett was discharged from the Canadian Expeditionary Force in Kingston, Ontario and returned home to Peterborough.
The following additional information was provided by James Shadgett’s grandson, Robert “Bob” Shadgett in 2006. In the vernacular of his time, James John Shadgett lived “on his own means” and worked “on his own account”. James could read and write and was a member of the Church of England. In 1901, James & Emma were living in Lakefield with their two sons but by 1911, James & Emma & their family were living in Peterborough.
In the days before automobiles, he was highly skilled in the trade of carriage painting, where he painted the fine designs and patterns on the carriages of the wealthy. Such was his talent, that if he had not been such a heavy drinker, “he could have been a rich man”.
Emma Shadgett was a woman of strong Christian values and principles who lived with a hard living, hard drinking and harsh man. James John Shadgett was such a drinker that apparently he went on a two-week binge of which he had no recollection. When he returned, he discovered that he owned property out in western Canada, possibly won in a poker game. He also discovered that during his absence two of his children had died as a result of an illness similar to meningitis {actually; whooping cough & bronchitis}. Lottie Winnifred Shadgett had died on the 30 April 1899 and Walter James Shadgett had died on the 7 May 1899.
James John Shadgett died in Peterborough on March 20, 1925 and Emma Jane passed away at her Peterborough residence on September 13, 1943; both are buried in Little Lake Cemetery, Peterborough, ON.
THE FAMILY HISTORY OF JAMES JOHN SHADGETT
James John Shadgett parents were James Shadgett and Mary Thompson. They were born in England and married in the spring of 1869 in St. George Southwark, London, England. They had at least two children – James John Shadgett and Louisa Helen Shadgett. Louisa married Robert John Murduff, son of George Murduff and Sarah Jane Darling, in Lakefield on April 6, 1897. Robert passed away on November 9 1951 and Louisa died on September 11, 1956; both are buried in Little Lake Cemetery, Peterborough, ON