Results for ‘WAR Stories’
Held at Observation Post so Long He Was Reported as a Prisoner-Came Through Without a Scratch but He has a Bullet Hole in his Helmet
[Welland Telegraph, 30 June 1916]
Lieut. Gordon Crow, son of Mayor Crow, who is with the artillery in Ypres sector, writing home under date of June 11 (that’s two weeks ago last Sunday), tells of his lucky escape in the serious engagements of the early part of June when the Germans broke the line. He came through without a scratch, but he has some ventilation in his helmet that he never had before. Lieut. Crow got in a tight corner at his observation post and was so long out before he could return that he was reported as a prisoner.
He writes: “It must be an anxious time for you about this time, and I may send you a cable when this scrap ends. I am due for the trenches again this evening, but if I get out of them 48 hours from now safe and sound I’ll be a lucky boy. But I am bomb-proof and bullet-proof as is proved by experience when the bunch came up to visit me at the observation post and bombed me while observing, also firing with their rifles, and not a scratch. It was the tightest corner I shall ever be in and I was reported as a prisoner for a long while until I got into communication again.
I had a great time scouting after them afterward. You should have seen us crawling along looking for Fritz but he saw me first with the result that I have a fine souvenir in a hole through the cover of my tin helmet. However the main thing is that we discovered Fritz though we haven’t strafed him out yet, but we’ll do it.
This has been a great eleven days since the scrap began and we shall all be glad of a rest and believe that we have earned it. Our men have worked like heroes, and we have been fairly lucky so far as casualties, having had only one fellow killed, just outside our door here. He died almost instantly.
This is the worst scrap than the one of last year, and the casualties are appearing daily and will continue to appear. Canada will be proud of her soldiers for they have stood a bombardment the intensity of which was the greatest yet seen, on the front in the opinion of the experts. I had the good fortune to be up there and come through it and consider myself lucky beyond all measure.
We’re giving the Hun all he wants these days, all day and all night, and I’ll wager he is sick of the ground he took, but he’s a good fighter, especially the Royal Wurtembergers, who are opposite us, and he won’t give up without a struggle, and a mighty one. All honor to our infantry who made the counter attack that were unfortunately unsuccessful. I was up when a certain Hieland battalion went up the slope at the double march, and I tell you it was a sight one will never forget.”
Believed To Have Been Wounded in Airplane Fight and Died Afterward
His Observer Was Killed in the Machine-They Were Attacked by Fifteen German Planes.
[Welland Telegraph, 13 August 1918]
J.D. Reilly received a cable on Saturday morning from the secretary of the British Air Ministry at London stating that his son, Flight Lieut. Fred Reilly, had died on or about the day he was reported missing. This makes a very sad ending, indeed, to weeks of harrowing suspense.
Lieut. Reilly was with Lieut. Hall of Woodstock and were over the British lines on May 28th when they were attacked by fifteen German planes. A letter from the front at the time gave the following particulars of the incident:-
“Fred’s Flight Commander being ill, they were sent over the flight under the leadership of an inexperienced man to bomb_______. Arriving there, they were severely shelled by anti-air craft guns and the formation was split up. Fred and his observer, a Canadian, Hall by name, from Woodstock, were separated from the rest and fifteen Bosche machines sat on his tail and shot him down.”
The writer inclined to the belief that Fred had been taken prisoner.
Hall’s relatives at Woodstock were notified on Friday that Hall had been killed on May 28 and from the nature of the cable now received by Mr. Reilly, it is to be presumed that Fred, though he was able to bring down his machine, was wounded and died shortly after.
The young man was 20 years of age and went overseas in August of last year. He had been on the fighting front for two months and had been very busily engaged in the air offensive that has been carried on by the British behind the German lines.
The young man is survived by his parents, Mr. and Mrs. J.D. Reilly, Maple avenue, two sisters, Mrs. Charles Coulson and Miss Beth, and one brother, Capt. James Reilly, who went overseas with Col. Ashton’s battalion in the spring of 1915, and is still in France. They have the most heartfelt sympathy of many friends in the great bereavement they have been called upon to bear.
[Welland Telegraph, 26 July 1918]
“Fred’s cheque arrived.”
Those three words in a cable yesterday from Pat Robertson, son of Senator Robertson to J.D. Reilly, brought the news that Fred Reilly is a prisoner in Germany.
Young Robertson and the missing aviator, though separated for some months, kept in touch with one another through a banking house in London where they carried accounts. A letter received from Robertson previously stated that he had learned through the bank that Fred was in such and such a place.
Now he cables under date of Tuesday, “Fred’s cheque arrived.”
The only meaning that can be taken from this is that Fred Reilly has drawn a cheque on his London account.
These words are but three and are not commonplace and yet it may be doubted if the cable ever carried a message meaning more. A long and bitter suspense is broken, for in the manner in which the young aviator was lost made anything seem possible.
Soon, no doubt, a letter will come through and his friends here will learn how good or ill the fortunes have been to him.
Fred Reilly Was Engaged in an Important Expedition
Comrade Writes That Pilot and Observer are Probably Safe As Machine Was Under Control
[Welland Telegraph, 28 June 1918]
That Flight Lieut. Fred Reilly, reported missing on May 28th, is probably safe in Germany was the cheering news received this week by his parents, Mr. and Mrs. Joliffe D. Reilly, from a comrade in the air forces in France. With his observer, Hall of Woodstock, Fred’s plane separated from the British formation, was attacked by fifteen German planes, and brought down. It was, however, under control and the writer inclines to the opinion that he landed safely. When attacked he was engaged in one of the most important bombing operations that have been carried out by the British recently.
The letter says in part:
“We trained together in Canada and England and worked off the same aerodrome in France. While we were not in the same squadron, but had our huts near each other.
Fred’s Flight Commander being ill, they were sent out over the flight under the leadership of an inexperienced man to bomb__________. Arriving there, they were severely shelled by anti-air craft guns and the formation was split up. Fred and his observer, a Canadian, Hall by name, from Woodstock, were separated from the rest and fifteen Bosche machines sat on his tail and shot him down.
I have made cheerful inquiries from other pilots who went over and they tell me that the machine was under control as it went down, so I think you can hope he is safe in German hands. We will drop a note shortly in Germany and enquire exactly how he is.”
19 April 1898-28 May 1918
WELLAND AVIATOR REPORTED MISSING
Official Messsage Brings Unfortunate News of Fred Reilly
He Had Been With the Allied Forces in France Since the First of April
[Welland Telegraph, 7 June 1918]
Mr. and Mrs. Joliffe D. Reilly, Maple avenue, were officially notified on Tuesday that their youngest son, Flight Lieut. Fred Reilly, with the British aviation forces in France, was reported missing on May 28th. The message was delayed in receipt having been sent to Willard, Manitoba, instead of Welland.
Further news is, of course, very anxiously awaited.
The young man is 20 years of age and after completing his course last year, went overseas in August, He had been on the fighting front for two months and had been very busily engaged in the air offensive that has been carried on by British aviators behind the German lines. From the beginning of his training he developed a great fondness and aptitude for the airplane and was more than ordinarily efficient.
His only brother, Capt. James Reilly, has been overseas for three years with Col. Ashton’s battalion. His cousin, Capt. J.R. Reilly, was wounded at St. Julian, and again suffered wreck when the Hesperian was shelled. His cousin, Hugh Reilly, after being at the front with the artillery for a year is now in England training as an aviator.
The Telegraph expresses the heartfelt wish of many friends that favorable news of Flight Lieut. Reilly may come speedily, for his own sake and for the sake of those plunged in deepest anxiety.
3 September 1893-9 July 1917
[Welland Telegraph, 13 July 1917]
WELLAND AVIATOR VICTIM AT CAMP BORDEN
High in the Clouds He was Caught in Monday’s Storm
Machine Crashed Down and Hit The Earth at Ypres Junction
Few war messages have brought to Welland greater shock than that which came from Camp Borden on Monday evening with the sad news that Clair Page had been killed.
Late in a bright and sunny afternoon there was a sudden hush, followed by a rush of wind and then the storm. High in the clouds in an aeroplane the young man met with some mishap, maybe losing control of his machine in the wind. Anyway it was seen to fall like a feather to the earth. Machine and aviator fell to earth about five miles from camp. The young man left the machine before it reached the ground and the body was found some distance from it.
Camp Borden Version
A despatch from Camp Borden gives this account of the accident:- “Lightening was probably responsible for the death of Cadet Page, of the Royal Flying corps, whose machine crashed down on a road near Ypres Junction during the electrical storm which broke over Camp Borden and vicinity last evening. It is surmised that the aviator was trying to get above the storm, when he was struck and instantly killed. He was alone in the machine at the time. Cadet Donellin, who was also flying alone, tried to make a landing in a turnip field, when his machine turned upside down on touching the ground. He is in the camp hospital with a compound multiple fracture of the right leg, and a badly lacerated chin. He may recover. A third machine, which was caught in the storm, managed to make a safe landing. The storm seemed to be somewhat of a cyclone, circling the camp, the centre of which escaped the full force of the lightning, although the rain poured down in torrents, accompanied by a strong wind.”
Showed Ability As An Aviator
Clair A. Page was about 24 years of age, and was born at Welland, where he resided until four years ago, when he went to Hamilton to accept a position with the Canadian Hart Wheels, Limited. He held the position of sales manager in that concern for the last two years, and at the beginning of the war joined the 13th regiment for training.
He later attended military school in Toronto, and obtained his commission as lieutenant in the infantry. After obtaining his commission, not being fortunate enough to obtain an appointment with one of the local regiments, their staffs of officers at that time being complete, he secured a position as supernumerary with the 164th battalion to obtain further training and served without renumeration.
There still being no opportunity for him to secure an appointment, he decided to join the aviation corps, and entered school in Toronto in March. Having passed his examinations at Camp Mohawk, he was just recently ordered to Camp Borden, where he showed exceptional ability as an aviator, considering that he has such a limited training.
Mourning Relatives
He is survived by his mother, who resides on Grove street, two sisters, Miss Daisy Page of Welland, and Mrs. H. Putman of Thorold, one half-sister, Mrs. Ball of Welland, and three half brothers, Alex and Frank of Hamilton and Charles of Buffalo. The remains were brought to Welland in the charge of Cadet Fred Reilly. The funeral service took place on Thursday afternoon, leaving the family home at 2.30 o’clock for the Methodist church. Interment was at Fonthill. The pall bearers were fellow members of the R.F.C.
20 May 1894-10 November 1918
[Welland Telegraph, 26 November 1918]
James McKenney, Industrial Park, received the sad news on Saturday, that his son,, Earl Coleman McKenney, had died of wounds at No. 4 Casualty Clearing Station on Nov. 10, one day before peace was declared. The official message says he suffered gunshot wounds in the back and hand, and a fracture of the left thigh. The young man was 24 years of age and when in Welland was employed by the Canadian Steel Foundries. He is survived by his parents, one sister, Leotta, two brothers in Welland, Argo and Eric and one brother at the front, Ray, who went overseas with the 176th battalion. The bereaved family has much sympathy in their bereavement. The Telegraph hopes we may hear of no more of our boys paying the supreme sacrifice in the great war.
Had Recently Joined the Royal Flying Corps
Premier Borden Cables His Condolences to The Stricken Family
[Welland Telegraph, 24 August 1917]
Deeply regret inform you Lieut. Leo Michener, engineers, officially reported accidently killed, August 2rd. Aeroplane accident. Place not stated.
The above telegram from Ottawa conveyed to Mr. and Mrs. B.J. Michener the news that they suspected from the mis-printed cable in the morning papers of Monday that their son had been killed. In the cable, as stated in Tuesday’s Telegraph, the name had been misspelled, but there was enough similarity as to awaken the gravest fears that the young Welland soldier was the person referred to.
No information is available, other than that the accident took place in the Eastern counties of England on Friday evening and that two officers lost their lives, Major Arthur Justin Ross and Leo. The machine in use was a biplane.
This casualty brings to Welland one of the severest shocks of the war for the young man was one of the best known Wellanders who have entered the service. A resident of Welland from mere boyhood he had spent practically his whole life here and was known to all the younger set, and had as well many fast friends among those older.
He joined the 44th regiment when a youth and saw some years in volunteer service. Shortly after the outbreak of hostilities he enlisted and went overseas with Col. Stewart’s battalion, serving at the front for many months in the capacity of signalling officer. Welland officers at the front reported at various times about his splendid work and his unfailing optimism. At one time he was officially reported killed when he was not even injured. Later, however, he was gassed and had to return to England. On his recovery he went into training for a lieutenant’s commission, but two months ago he joined the R.F.C.
He was a very likable boy and as true a son as ever left Welland. His parents certainly have the very deepest sympathy in the tremendous loss they have sustained. He leaves besides his parents, one sister Zella.
Mr. and Mrs. Michener are at present at Blayney, Simcoe county, where Mr. Michener has been recuperating from a long illness.
Mr. Michener has received the following message of condolence from Sir Robert Borden: “My colleagues and I send our deepest sympathy in the great bereavement you have sustained in the death of your gallant son.”
“I SHALL GO TO WEST WEARING
MY TWO STARS AND WITHOUT A TRACE OF BITTERESS”
[Welland Telegraph, 21 August 1917]
Lieut. Leo Michener, who was killed in a biplane accident in England on August 3rd., went overseas with the second contingent, as a member of the 19th battalion, under Col. McLaren. He was for many months a signalling officer on the Ypres salient. While on duty at Loos, he was reported to have died of wounds, though he was able to anticipate the official message with a cable message saying that he was well and unwounded. At Courcellete a year ago he was gassed and was returned to England. On being discharged from hospital, he entered training for a commission and was later commissioned as lieutenant to the Canadian Engineers. Early in the spring he was made a training officer in which capacity he served until his recent decision to join the Royal Air Squadron.
As to the kind of man he was, no better evidence could be deduced than the following extracts from these letters he sent home:
| “I was out to dinner one night last week with a General Lowry of the Indian Army, one of the finest men I have ever met, an English officer of the old school. He knew I was up for a commission and gave me the finest talk I have ever heard. Life to him and thousands like him is only a secondary consideration. Honor, the regiment and the Empire are first and last. I have met several of these officers since coming to England and I am beginning to get their point of view. I do not know what is going to be my end. I may get back to Canada and I may not, but if not and I go west along with so many of my pals, I’ll go with two stars on my shoulders and without a trace of bitterness, and these are some of the things I have learned from the friends I have made in the past fourteen months.” |
“Go west,” is a soldier’s term for death.
Writing under the head of the Royal Flying Corps., Wantage Hall, Reading, on June 26th, he said:-
| “You see I’m here at last, and jolly proud of myself for having managed it, and now with a bit of good luck, I should be flying my own machine by September and may possibly go to Egypt or Mesopotamia in the fall. It is all most thrillingly interesting, although by no means easy, and the chaps who are in, are every single one picked men. It is in truth the most glorious corps in the world, and we are very badly needed. I am to be a pilot, not an observer, thank goodness, which means that I will have my own machine to fly when I get my wings. Do write and say you are glad I am here, because it really is an honor to be considered good enough.” |
In another letter to a friend in Canada he was writing of his prospects of making his first solo flight.
“The danger,” he said, “is ever present and yet perhaps no more than ever, because our lives are guided by a greater Pilot than any in my glorious corps, and so long as He wills it, we shall live and no longer, and when my time comes, may I go as gallantly as dear old_. I think God loved him too much to let him stay.”
Letters of Condolence
Among many letters of condolence received by Mr. and Mrs. Michener, was the following from Rev. H.W. Avison, M.A., B.A., pastor of the Welland Methodist Church:-
| Our quarterly official board met the other evening and passed a resolution of sympathy for you in the loss of your son. It is a matter of deep regret to us that you have been called to go through such a trying experience. Your son has done valiant service in France, and it is a matter of regret that he fell in an accident. But he died in defence of our homes and our civilization and we are all indebted to him and you for Leo’s wonderful sacrifice. Please accept our sympathy and we pray that you both may be sustained in these trying days and in the lonely moments that may come. |
Memorial Service Extract
In the mourner’s pew sat the lad’s father and mother, Mr. and Mrs. B.J. Michener, his sister, Zella, and his uncle and aunt, Mr. and Mrs. Mortimer.
His parents are proud to say that they have no regrets about his life. He was one of a wonderful class of nine at the Y.M.C.A., all of whom went to the front and of whom five have paid the supreme penalty. Mr. Avison read extracts from some of Leo’s letters home and he concluded with this comment-
| “This is the greater love revealed in the life of this soldier. Will you follow the ideal!” |
IS THE DEAD AVIATOR LEO MICHENER?
Cable Tells of an Accident of Two Airmen
Slight Difference in the Name May Be an Error in Transmission and May Refer to Gallant Welland Lad
Two Airmen Killed
London, Aug. 5-Major Justin Ross of the Royal Engineers and Lieut. Leo Michener were killed in a biplane accident in the eastern counties Friday evening.
18 September 1894-2 August 1917
[Welland Telegraph, 9 August 1917]
The above cable, which appeared in the press of Monday morning, leads many to believe that the lieutenant referred to is Lieut. Leo Michener of Welland, though up to time of going to press, no message had been received here from overseas.
His parents, Mr. and Mrs. B.J. Michener, have been for the past three months at Blayney, Norfolk county, where Mr. Michener is recuperating from a long illness. Mr. Michener saw the item in the paper on Monday afternoon and immediately telephoned Welland to know if any official message had been received at the local telegraph offices.
Leo a short time ago joined the flying forces in England and was in training. The similarity of his name to the one printed in the cable leads one to suspect that the cable has a typographical error.
He went overseas early in the war with Col. Stewart’s battalion of Hamilton. He was unusually proficient as a signaller and served in that capacity in France for many months. At one time he was officially reported killed but on a cable being sent he replied that he was not even injured. Later, however, while on observation, he was injured and gassed, which necessitated his being sent to England. As soon as he was able he went into training for a commission as lieutenant which he secured. Two months ago he decided to join the flying forces.
He was for some years a member of the 44th battalion. Up to the time of his enlistment he was on the staff of the Provincial Hydro Electric Commission at Toronto.
An only son of Mr. and Mrs. Michener, it is to be hoped that further advices may allay the very grave fears that are at present entertained.
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