Gallantry on the Somme: T.O.L. Wilkinson VC

| February 25, 2012

Thomas Orde Lawder Wilkinson VC 7th Battalion Loyal North Lancashire Regiment, La Boiselle, France. July 5, 1916 Born in 1894 at Bridgnorth, Shropshire, England, Thomas Wilkinson came to Canada in 1912, and, prior to the Great War, worked as a surveyor on Vancouver Island and in Burnaby, B.C. He joined the 16th Battalion C.E.F. on […]

IN THAT RICH EARTH

| February 16, 2012

A Richer Dust Concealed The recent discovery of 21 German soldier’s bodies at Carspach on the south-eastern portion of the Western Front is truly remarkable. With their virtually intact and well preserved trench and underground shelter, this amazing site should be declared a world heritage site. After all it is wooden structures, such as these, that are […]

Gallantry on the Somme: R. Kennedy DCM MM & Two Bars

| February 8, 2012

Robert Kennedy D.C.M., M.M. and Two Bars 16th Battalion C.E.F., Trenches Mouquet Farm near Pozières September 3 – 7, 1916 The 16th Battalion C.E.F. began their journey to the Somme on August 27, 1916 when they marched from Eperlecques to St. Omer. From here they boarded a train which brought them onto the Somme the following […]

The Real Downton Abbey(s)

| February 3, 2012

Forgotten Landscapes of Calling The popularity of the PBS series Downton Abbey has been much discussed by historians and critics. Despite the criticisms, the audience remains eager for the next episode, engaging with others about the latest plots and subplots. As the second series has moved into the experiences of the Great War, at home […]

Gallantry on the Somme: W.H. Metcalf VC, MM & Bar

| February 1, 2012

William Henry Metcalf V.C. M.M. and Bar 16th Battalion C.E.F., near Courcelette, France. October 7-9, 1916 In November 1998, the Canadian Scottish Regimental Museum was presented with the decorations, campaign and coronation medals of William Metcalf. This twice wounded veteran of the Great War was born in Waite Township, Maine, U.S.A. and joined the 12th […]