On May 7th, 1915, Vincent Smith filled out and signed his attestation papers at a recruitment depot in Ottawa, Ontario. Vincent's regimental number was 410192. Five days before Vincent signed up for war Harold signed his attestation papers, his regimental number being 410191. At 8:35 am on the 24th day of July in 1915 in Barrefield, Ontario Vincent and Harold both had the Certificate Of Magistrate on their attestation papers signed by the Justice. On Vincent's attestation papers he was described as having a fair complexion, blue eyes, and brown hair. On the Day of May, 30th in 1916, The Royal Ottawa's (38th battalion) were sent off to war. A story through my family tells "About five months into war, Vincent, Harold and other soldiers were hiding during a shoot out in a trench when a bomb was dropped in the trench between Harold and Vincent. Harold died in the act while Vincent survived with noticeable marks on the front of his body and vision loss in both eyes. After this event Harold was buried in Vimy France while Vincent was sent home to heal." The date that Harold's death and Vincent's war wounds was reported on November 18, 1916. On November 17, 1916 the 38th took over the front line from the 11th battalion, this was a part of the attack on Desire Trench. Desire Trench is where Harold died and Vincent was wounded. 1
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/38th_Battalion_(Ottawa),_CEF
Top right and left photos are Vincent's attestation papers (1). Bottom left and right photos are Harold's attestation papers (3).
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/38th_Battalion_(Ottawa),_CEF
Top right and left photos are Vincent's attestation papers (1). Bottom left and right photos are Harold's attestation papers (3).
War Diaries 1916
http://data2.collectionscanada.ca/e/e040/e000976892.jpg - days before and during Harold's death and Vincent's injuries.
http://data2.collectionscanada.ca/e/e040/e000976893.jpg
On November 16, 1916 the war diaries of the 38th battalion state that the men had not been paid the previous day as they were supposed to be but will be paid that night. On the 18th the 38th battalion was placed in the front line (Desire Trench) and attacks commenced at 6:10 am that morning. The day was muggy with light snow early in the morning, and showers in the afternoon. To the right of the battalion the 87th battalion advanced as well and it is written that all the battalions obtained their objectives during this offensive. On November 18, 1916 in the war diaries it states that there was a large list of casualties during this operation and both Harold and Vincent would be on this list of killed and wounded. The report of this war diary was officially signed off.
http://data2.collectionscanada.ca/e/e040/e000976893.jpg
On November 16, 1916 the war diaries of the 38th battalion state that the men had not been paid the previous day as they were supposed to be but will be paid that night. On the 18th the 38th battalion was placed in the front line (Desire Trench) and attacks commenced at 6:10 am that morning. The day was muggy with light snow early in the morning, and showers in the afternoon. To the right of the battalion the 87th battalion advanced as well and it is written that all the battalions obtained their objectives during this offensive. On November 18, 1916 in the war diaries it states that there was a large list of casualties during this operation and both Harold and Vincent would be on this list of killed and wounded. The report of this war diary was officially signed off.
1 - Military service file of Vincent Smith
3 - Military service file of Harold Smith
4 - Photographs courtesy of Marion Simpson - Uncle
3 - Military service file of Harold Smith
4 - Photographs courtesy of Marion Simpson - Uncle