families.
On April 9, 1917, during World War One, the battle at Vimy Ridge France was instrumental for the war. It was a day that put Canadians on the map as a major force. Today there is a huge monument in France that pays tribute to the Canadians that served, fought and for those that gave their lives.
Our grandfather, Ernest Adolphus Ellis, born January 5, 1884 was one soldier that was present at the battle at Vimy Ridge in April. He continued to serve his country during the war. While still fighting at Vimy Ridge, he was wounded on May 8th 1917. For his courage and devotion to duty, he was awarded the Military Medal. According to his records in Ottawa- "this man worked untiringly during an enemy counter attack dressing his wounded comrades under intense shell-fire. He was wounded himself but insisted on continuing his work on several serious cases before going out. His coolness and steadiness under fire and his devotion to his suffering comrades, were a source of encouragement to his country." He earned the British War Medal and Victory Medal which were issued to him in 1922. The Good Conduct Badge was also awarded to him.
Ernie's story is one of thousands. It represents the sacrifices made to this country that have helped forge who we are today. The devotion to duty and country can never be forgotten.
By honouring our past, we can also honour those who serve today in our Armed Forces, Police, Fire Fighters and other professions that keep us safe. Do you have a story about a loved one that served your Nation? Do you know someone who has served today? Let us remember to honour them as their efforts allow us to have peace and to live without violence in our lives.
What I found: Ernest enlisted in the Canadian Over-seas Expeditionary Force at Toronto on August 23, 1915. He was a clerk, married and living at 142 Sumach Street in Toronto. Ernest was already a member of the militia with the 12 York Rangers. Ernest was 5 ft 6 1/2 inches tall, with blue eyes, dark hair and a dark complexion. He had a scar on his right ankle. His denomination was Methodist. Ernest sailed from Montreal on the SS Metagama on 16 Oct and arrived in England on 25 Oct 1915. He went to France March 15, 1916 with the 20th Bn., 2nd Canadian Division. He was wounded at Courcellette six months later on Sept 16, 1916 with a shrapnel wound on the head and face. He was admitted to #4 General Hospital Camiers, and was back to duty 8 Oct. He was wounded again at Vimy Ridge on 8 May 1917 with a shrapnel wound on the back of his left hand. He was sent to #32 Stat Hospital at Boulogne. Back to duty in July, he was wounded again on the left hand on 15 Aug 1917 at Lens. Sent to #2 Stat Hospital, Abbeville and discharged in Sept. He was sent to #12 Field Ambulance with abscess on his right leg. Moved to #8 Stationary Hospital at Vimereaux he was returned to England at #2 Military Hospital, Canterbury on 3 Nov, and then admitted to #16 Can Gen Hosp on 15 Nov. While convalescing he remained in England for the remainder of the war. He embarked for Canada on 10 Dec 1918 on the HMT Melita and landed at Saint John NB on 18 Dec. He was discharged 21 Jan 1919. Ernest was awarded the Military Medal for bravery in the field, and a Good Conduct badge.
ReplyDeleteA great summary of Ernie' war experience. It makes us proud to have such a man in our family. And as Ellis to boot!
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