MILITARY HISTORY
Private Roy Victor Wilson — 195501 — ACTIVE SERVICE (World War I)
Roy Victor Wilson was 19 years, 4 months and 13 days old when, as a single man, he was Attested in the Canadian Army (CA), Canadian Expeditionary Force (CEF) in Peterborough, Ontario and was enlisted on January 17, 1916 into the 93rd Canadian Overseas Battalion (Cdn O/S Bn), CEF. Roy Victor was born in Youngs Point, Ontario on September 4, 1896. He was 5′ 7½” tall, dark complexion, blue eyes, dark brown hair, weighed 125 pounds and had a 36½” chest (expanded). Roy Victor gave his occupation as a Cheesemaker and his next-of-kin was his mother Mrs. Andrew Wilson, living at Youngs Point. He indicated that he had no experience with the Militia Force nor the Military Force. Roy Victor’s Medical Examination was done at the 57th Regiment in Peterborough on January 17, 1916, he had a small mole above his right buttock and was found fit for duty. Then, the same day, he was assigned the Rank of Private (Pte); given Regimental Number 195501 and taken-on-strength to the 93rd Cdn O/S Bn CEF. April 1916 Pte Wilson was required to work on the family farm. On July 15, 1916 Pte Wilson embarked the SS Empress of Britain at Halifax, Nova Scotia for England. He disembarked at Liverpool, England on July 25, 1916 with the 93rd Canadian Overseas Bn CEF.
There was a gap of about 2 months from July 25 to October 4, 1916 due to no data in his Military File, he would have been training with the 93rd Cdn O/S Bn in England. October 4, 1916 Pte Wilson was struck-off-strength from the 93rd Cdn O/S Bn on transfer to the 52nd Canadian Battalion (Cdn Bn) at Otterpool, England. October 5, 1916 he landed in France and was taken-on-strength with the 52nd Cdn Bn. Perforated sheet for
Will Pay Book of Reg.
No. 195501
Name Pte Roy Victor Wilson
Unit 52nd Batt CEF
Military Will
I Roy Victor Wilson 195501 in the advent
of my death I bequeath all of my money,
personal property & effects to my mother
Mrs. Andrew Wilson
Youngs Point
Ontario
Signature Pte Roy Victor Wilson
Rank and Regt 52nd Batt CEF
Date Oct 12th 1916
Pte Wilson’s Military Will was sent to the ESTATES BRANCH, MILITIA DEPT. on December 8, 1917.
On October 15, 1916 Pte Wilson left for the 52nd Cdn Bn; October 20, 1916 he arrived at the 52nd Cdn Bn for duty. December 13, 1916 Pte Wilson, on a Tactical Urgency, reported for duty at Laundy Écoivres, France.
March 2, 1917 Pte Wilson rejoined the 52nd Cdn Bn. August 24, 1917 it was reported from Base that Private Roy Victor Wilson was killed-in-action in the Field at Rouen, France.
There is no mention in Private Roy Victor Wilson’s File with regards to what Military Medals he was eligible to receive or was awarded. Based on his Military Service, he was awarded the:
British War Medal; and
Victory Medal.
He would have also received the CEF Class “A” War Service Badge.
Private Roy Victor Wilson’s Memorial Cross was dispatched to his mother on December 16, 1920 and his medals and decorations were dispatched to his mother on November 9, 1921. His Scroll was dispatched to his father on April 11, 1921 and his Plaque was dispatched to his father on May 10, 1921. All items were sent to Youngs Point.
Private Roy Victor Wilson served for about: 6 months in Canada; 2 months and 10 days in the United Kingdom; 10 months and 19 days in France and 10 days Travel Time for a total time of about 1 year, 7 months and 9 days.
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
ROYDON “ROY” VICTOR WILSON
Roydon “Roy” Victor Wilson was born in Youngs Point, Ontario on September 4, 1896. He was the oldest son of Andrew Wilson and Eliza Jane “Jennie” Jackman. Roy received his education in Youngs Point and became a cheesemaker learning the trade from his father.
On January 17, 1916, at the age of 19 years, Roy Wilson went to Peterborough and enlisted to serve his King and Country. He joined the 93rd Battalion and was later transferred to the 52nd Canadian Infantry Battalion – Manitoba Regiment.
Sadly Private Roydon Victor Wilson was killed in action in France on August 24, 1917, age 20 years, and is remembered with honour in the Aix-Noulette Communal Cemetery Extension near Pas-de-Calais, France.
THE ROYDON “ROY” VICTOR WILSON FAMILY OF YOUNGS POINT
Roy Wilson’s paternal grandparents were Andrew Wilson born in Ireland in 1841 and Margaret Jane Carveth born in 1843 in Ontario. They settled in Smith Township and had a family of nine children: Elizabeth “Eliza” Jane; John James; Ephram; Andrew; William Finley; Lily Edith; George Edward; Henry “Harry” and Alice Rebecca Wilson. Andrew was a carpenter. He passed away in 1898 and Margaret died in 1920; both are buried in Lakefield Cemetery.
Roy Wilson’s maternal grandparents were James E. Jackman born in England in 1850 and Mary Watson born in 1849. They settled in Lakefield and James worked as a carpenter. They had a family of five children: Isaac James; Samuel E.; Ethel M.; George E. and Eliza Jane “Jennie” Jackman. James passed away in 1899 and Mary died in 1927; both are buried in the Hillside Cemetery in Lakefield, Ontario.
The parents of Roy Wilson were Andrew Wilson born in 1872 and Eliza Jane “Jennie” Jackman born in 1873. They married in St. John the Baptist Anglican Church in Lakefield on April 24, 1895 and made their home in Youngs Point. They had a family of 13 children: Roydon Victor; Percival Vern (died in infancy); Baby Wilson (stillborn); Leonard Glenn; Walter (died in infancy); Rexford Brian; Ethel Gwendoline; Bessie Doreen; George Lorimer (died in infancy); Daisy Pauline; James Andrew (died in infancy) and Dorothy Winnifred Wilson. Andrew was a cheesemaker by trade and built the North Smith Cheese Factory in Youngs Point and taught his sons the art of cheese making. Andrew Wilson passed away in 1951 and Eliza Jane “Jennie” died in 1957; both are buried in the Hillside Cemetery in Lakefield, Ontario.
