thE BRAVE MEN OF PORT MOODY

Section written by Gerrit deWaal

Port Moody during the 1st World War Years

Port Moody was described in Wrigley’s British Columbia Directory as a town located near the head of Burrard Inlet, 4 miles from New Westminster and 12 miles from Vancouver, on the main line of the Canadian Pacific Railway, in Dewdney Provincial Electoral District. The township had two large sawmills, three shingle mills and one tie mill. The B.C. Oil Refinery was located around the point west of the town, and there was a steel-rolling mill at the east end. The Imperial Oil Company, Limited, was located just across the inlet. The B.C.  Electric Company and The Western Canada Power Company furnished electricity for both power and light purposes. The B.C. Telephone Company’s system connected with all local and outside points.

The primary industries in the area were Lumbering, oil and steel refining, and some farming. Although Port Moody had a population of about 1,500, it had over 80 men who volunteered to serve and defend Canada during World War I. Of those, 9 died as a result of their service to their Country and City.

Canadians Rushed to Enlist

During the War’s early months, Canadians rushed to enlist for reasons of patriotism, adventurism, opposition to German aggression, or personal ties to Great Britain. Public attitudes also influenced individual decisions, in particular the widespread view in many parts of the country that those who failed to enlist were cowards.

Sometimes boys as young as 13 would lie about their age and attempt to enlist in the military. The underage volunteers who looked old enough were often accepted.

Daily newspaper editorials, political speeches, and lectures from the pulpit implored men that their duty to King and Country meant serving in the military. Early recruitment posters urged enlistment based on patriotism and emotional connections to the war’s major issues. Later, more desperate posters tried to shame men into enlisting by questioning their loyalty and their manhood.

Port Moody 1914 Honor Roll

In 1914 an honor roll (1)of former residents of the city, who were on active service, was prepared by City Clerk Lye and was hung on the walls of St. John’s Church. Following are the names that were on that script: F. Atoche, F. Appleyard, E. Bowles, O. Button, F. Burnett, F. W. Clarke, A. Cartier, Colonel W.M. Davis, B. Davis, L. Elsdon, J. Elsdon, S. Godden, F. Gibson, Alton Grass , T. Hagan, P. Johnson, H. H. Jones, G. Kane, W. Kreut, E. Kehoe, F. Lowe, S. Lewis, E. Martin, G. McLeod, A. McGowan, C. Nason, A. Oxtoby, W. Pottinger, H. Rose, J. Rose, A. Robertson, E. Reeves, T. Ross, S. Snow, A. Stewart, J. Thompson, Roy  Thompson, L. E. H. Thomas, W. Taylor, T. Smith, L. Walker, H. Walmsley, P, G. Wilson, J. Weaver, F. Winslow, — Watson, and J. Webb.

Stories of Nine Daring Men

1 - Lt. Augustus Wilberforce McKnight

Augustus Wilberforce McKnight (2) was a Port Moody community member before he enlisted in WWI. He was born in Owen Sound, Ontario on Aug. 1, 1888. After graduating in 1910 as a military engineer from the Royal Military College in Kingston, he travelled west to help with construction of the Grand Trunk Pacific Railway.

Eventually, he moved to Port Moody, became the city's engineer and was involved in various associations including the Civilian Rifle Association, tennis club, and was a local Scoutmaster.

When the First World War began, McKnight was commissioned with the rank of Lieutenant in North Vancouver's 6th Field Company Canadian Engineers. He was sent overseas with the 2nd Overseas Contingent, ending up in France and Flanders with the 4th Field Company, Divisional Engineers.

Lt. McKnight was wounded in the small of his back, at about 9 p.m. on the night of November 5th 1915 near Dikkebus, Belgium. He was, at the time, laying out some work for the following night. The bullet struck him a glancing blow in the muscles of the small of the back, and came out near the side, without touching any bones or organs. It is thought that it was just a chance bullet that caught him.

He was carried two miles on a stretcher, then six miles in an ambulance until he reached a temporary hospital where he spent the night. The next day he went eight more miles in the ambulance, then twelve by train to the British Red Cross Base Hospital in Le Touquet, Northern France. Wilberforce was ex-rayed twice, upon arrival and operated on the night of the Eighth. On the Ninth of November, it was found that the bullet had grazed the spine, which was lucky for him. He noted in a letter to his father that: “I am getting on pretty well and expect to be here about a week, Then I shall be sent to England, and in bed for a month and by the end of the second month, according to the here, will be able to be back in the game again. The bullet, by the way, went through my belt, coat, sweater, two shirts, brace, and cholera belt, or the wound would have been more serious. Don't worry about me. I will be out soon with no bad effects from the wound.”

In a letter received by his father, Mr. R. McKnight, Major G. Inksitter, who was the commanding officer of the battalion, pays testimony to Lt. McKnight’s ability and his devotion to the cause. Major Inksitter’s letter, was in part, as follows: ''Before this can reach you, you will have learned officially that your son, Lt. A. W. McKnight has been wounded. As Mr. McKnight's Commanding Officer, permit me to express my sincere regret. The Medical Officer assures me that the wound is not dangerous, and will leave no permanent ill effects. I fear, however, that it will be a couple of months before he can rejoin us. The chief loss therefore will be to the 4th Field Company. After nearly a year of close personal association with him as one of my officers, I am able to say that his devotion to duty, his ability and his integrity are of the highest order. It will indeed be difficult to replace him.”

 After recuperating in hospital in England, Lt. McKnight was given a four-week furlough and spent three of those weeks at his parent’s home in Owen Sound, Ontario. When he was about to return to the front, the Owen Sound Sun of Friday, March 24th 1916 wrote the following: “Lt. Wilbur McKnight left here on Wednesday afternoon on his return to the front, he having completely recovered. The popular officer, who is an Owen Sound boy, and well-known throughout the country, was given a hearty send-off at the C.P.R. station by Company A and the brass band of the 47th Grey Battalion. As he arrived at the station the members of A Company formed an aisle and gave three hearty cheers as he walked through to board the train. Hearty handshakes and best wishes for a safe trip followed, after which more cheers and 1 tiger were given. As the train moved out the band played “Auld Lang Syne’’ which served to awaken in the hearts of all present a sensitiveness of the sorrow of parting even amid the outward manifestation of rejoicing at the valor of the young officer who was going back to fight for freedom and justice.”

Lt. Augustus Wilberforce McKnight was killed on August 6th 1916, west of Voormezeele, in Belgium while overseeing trench construction near Ypres. He was buried at Reninghelst New Military Cemetery in Belgium.

He is commemorated on Page 128 of the First World War Book of Remembrance.

2 - Lance Sergeant Lennox Fraser Robertson

Lennox Frazer Robertson (3) was born on August 1st, 1883 in Edinburgh, Scotland. His parents were James and Jessie Robertson (nee Frazer. He was educated at George Watson’s College and Edinburgh University where he graduated M.A. in 1902. At the age of 24 he immigrated to Canada and found work as a bank clerk. He resided in Port Moody in 1914 and enlisted in Vancouver on November 9th at the age of 31, He was assigned to the Canadian Infantry (British Columbia Regiment), 29th Battalion C.E.F. and went overseas with the 2nd Contingent in 1915 serving with the Expeditionary Force in Flanders and France from October 1915. Regimental Number: 75954.

He moved through the ranks to become a Lance Sergeant, which was an appointment in the Canadian Army up until Unification. A soldier with the rank of corporal could be appointed lance sergeant. He received the pay of a corporal, but wore the rank insignia of a sergeant and was permitted to belong to the Warrant Officers' and Sergeants' Mess.

L/ Sgt Robertson fought at The Battle at Somme and was subsequently wounded on September 10th 1916. He was transported to the 1st General Hospital in Aberdeen, Scotland where he died under care on September 19th 1916.

He was buried in Edinburgh at Morningside Cemetery, Grave Reference: E. 359.

He is commemorated on Page 155 of the First World War Book of Remembrance.

3 - Pte. Lionel Mills Fennell

Lionel (4 p. A17) (5) was the only son of Samuel Amos and Ellenor (Nellie) Fennell of Port Moody, formerly of Mission, B.C. He was born on May 18th, 1897 in Virden, Manitoba and enlisted on September 13th, 1915. He initially served in the 16th Battalion Canadian Infantry (Canadian Scottish Regiment) and was transferred to the 72nd Battalion C.E.F. Regimental Number: 129350. He died of wounds on Sept. 27th 1916, at the age of 19 and is buried at Warloy-Baillon Communal Cemetery Extension, in Somme, France. Grave Reference: IV.B.2.

He is commemorated on Page 84 of the First World War Book of Remembrance.

4 - Pte. Arthur Francis Burnett

Arthur Burnett (4 p. A17) (4) was the son of Arthur James Burnett and Lydia Mary Hayes Burnett of Crewe, Cheshire, England. He was born on the 28th of October in 1888. He married to Ellen Jane Napper of Port Moody, B.C. Prior to signing up for service in Vancouver on April 29th 1916, he worked as a Steam Fitter in Port Moody. Arthur served in the 75th Battalion Canadian Infantry (Central Ontario Regiment) Regimental Number: 761242 and took part in the attack on Vimy Ridge. When going “over the top” he was hit by enemy shrapnel, death being instantaneous. He died April 9th 1917, at the age of 27 and is buried at The Canadian War Cemetery #2 in France.

He is commemorated on Page 210 of the First World War Book of Remembrance.

5 - Pte. Alton Spalding Grass

Alton (4 pp. A1, A17) (6) was born in New Brunswick in 1900, the 2nd son of Angus Adolphus Grass and Ella Blanche Grass (nee Nason). When he was just a month old, the family moved south, to Maine. At the age of five, Alton‘s father died.  Both of his older brothers and mother, Ella, came to Port Moody and are listed in the 1911 Census as living with their Grandfather James Nason. Their mother, Ella, was a domestic for Robert Abernathy.  

In 1916, Alton lied about his age to join the Canadian Expeditionary Forces. He fought with the 72nd Battalion (Seaforth Highlanders of Canada; Regimental Number: 5563) (7) until being discharged due to illness. He was sent home to British Columbia, where he died in Vancouver General Hospital on April 28th 1917 of scarlet fever complicated by pneumonia. He is listed in the Honour Roll as died of wounds. He was 17 years old when he died and is buried in the Oddfellow section of Fraser Cemetery. (8 p. 10)

After his death, his brother Phair Leroy Grass was conscripted as a sapper and served in Canada until the end of the war. He came home in 1918 and lived to old age in the Tri-Cities area, fathering two children with his wife Martha.

He is commemorated on Page 246 of the First World War Book of Remembrance.

6 - Pte. Sylvester Meleatius Lewis

When Sylvester Meleatius Lewis (9) was born on February 12th 1882, in Saint Peters Bay, Prince Edward Island, his father, Thomas, was 36 and his mother, Catherine, was 27. He had one brother, William Carswel, and one sister, Anastasia.

His mother died 6 days after Sylvester’s birth, on February 18th 1882 at the age of 27.

The 1901 Canadian Census indicated that he lived with his father, siblings and Grandfather in Prince Edward Island.

Before 1916 he moved to Port Moody and worked as a logger. His attestation papers indicated that he enlisted in New Westminster on May 1st 1916.

Sylvester was assigned to the 29th Battalion, C.E.F. (Regimental #: 791010) and after training was sent to England in November of 1916. In Early 1917 sent to Belgium and was subsequently was killed in action just north of Passchendaele, Belgium on November 6th, 1917 (10 p. 5) at age 35. The details of his death are unknown.

His name is just one of the names memorialized at the YPRES (MENIN GATE) MEMORIAL which bears the names of more than 54,000 officers and men whose graves are not known.

 He is commemorated on Page 275 of the First World War Book of Remembrance.

7 – Lieutenant Colonel William Mahlon Davis

Lt. Col. Wm. Mahlon Davis (11) (12) was born May 26th, 1857 to Joel Wallace and Catherine Adams Davis in Malahide Twp. Elgin Co. William Davis and four brothers were among the first settlers in Aylmer, Ontario.

He attended the Canadian Literary Institute later known as the Woodstock College from 1872 to 1874. He entered the Royal Military College Kingston in 1876, graduating as a sergeant in 1880. He was fourth in his class of what was known later as "The Old Eighteen". It was the first graduating class of the college.

From 1880 to 1883 Wm. Mahlon was employed with the Fort Madison and North Western Railway. In 1883 he joined the North West Land Surveys and in 1884 he articled with the City Engineer of St. Thomas, Ontario, passing his final exam as a Provincial Land Surveyor in the spring of 1885.

From 1885 to 1898 he was Consulting Engineer for Woodstock and Oxford County, while in Woodstock he was in partnership with Wm. Fraser Van Buskirk, another graduate of the Royal Military College. He was elected as a member of the Engineering Committee of the Association of Land Surveyors, year 1896 to 1897.

In 1889 be married Catherine Scobie Mckay daughter of Alexander and Christy Jane Mckay. Wm. Mahlon and Catherine were married at the bride's mother's home, and later made their home with Christy Jane McKay a widow.

Two children were born: a daughter Katherine Scobie Davis born Sept. 3rd, 1892, and a son Donald Davis born Sept. 3rd, 1895. While in Woodstock, Wm. Mahlon was a prominent member of the 22nd Regiment of which he was Adjutant.

In 1898 Wm. Mahlon was appointed City Engineer for Kitchener, Guelph and Galt, selling out his business.

In 1908 while living in Kitchener, Lt. Col. Wm. Mahlon Davis organized the Grey's Horse Regiment, at a meeting held in Woodstock. It was in Woodstock that the regimental headquarters was located with Davis as the first commanding officer.

In 1910 he moved to Prince Rupert B.C., as a City Engineer, he later entered into a partnership with B.F. Leslie in 1912 and that firm was appointed Harbour Engineers for the north arm of the Fraser River, and City Engineers of Port Moody B.C.

At the outbreak of the War in 1914 Davis was head of the consulting engineering firm of Davis & Lealie of Vancouver B.C., he at once volunteered for active service for which his military training fitted him.

He raised the 54th Kootenay Battalion, but about the time it was ready for embarkation he was asked by Sir Sam Hughes to raise a Pioneer Corp in the east. With the rank of Lieutenant-Colonel and his well-known energy and ability to organize, he raised what was known as the 2nd Pioneer Regiment (Headquarters in Guelph), in about four weeks, which was considered record time.

In December 1915 he accompanied this regiment to England, where it finished training. About the time the regiment was ready for the war front, he met with a serious accident on June 25th 1916, he was thrown from his horse up against a stone wall, and the horse fell on his head, he never really recovered and was invalided home in July 1918 to Ottawa.

Lt. Col. Wm. Mahlon Davis died Oct.8th, 1918, his wife and daughter were with him at his death, and his son was overseas in France at the time of his father's death.

There are two stones on Lt. Col. Davis's grave at the Beechwood Cemetery, he was buried with full military honours, to quote one newspaper obituary "His life was thus as truly and nobly given to his country as if he had fallen at the head of his regiment, which has distinguished itself in France".

He is commemorated on Page 395 of the First World War Book of Remembrance.

8 - Pte. Joseph Adelard Trepanier

Joseph (13) was born on April 29th, 1888 in Quebec City to his father Elie Trepanier and mother Adeleine Trepanier (nee Bureau). He married Malvina McNeil on July 8th, 1914 at Port Moody, B.C. He was 26 and she was 14. On September 8th, 1916, at the age of 28, he enlisted in Vancouver and listed his occupation as a Fireman. His Regimental Number was 2697677 and was assigned to the 242nd Battalion. Unfortunately, he was found medically unfit for duty because of his eyesight and was discharged on October 25th, 1916.

Undeterred by his first rejection by the armed forces, he enlisted a second time in Quebec on May 13th 1918. This time he passed the medical examination. The age on the Attestation papers said he was 28, but he actually would have been 30. He was placed in the 9th Battalion and was later transferred to the 5th Canadian Garrison Regiment. This time his regimental number was 1049038.

Private Trepanier never got to fight overseas having caught influenza and pneumonia while in Canada. He died on October 11th 1918 at a Military Hospital in Quebec and is buried in Belmont Cemetery in Quebec.

He is commemorated on Page 514 of the First World War Book of Remembrance.

9 – Pte. Earle LaVergne Marsh Martin

Earle Martin (14) was born on August 12th 1901 in Wilmer, British Columbia. His parents were Thomas Martin and Lottie Belle Martin (nee Hollister). He was baptized in The Church of England in Windermere, British Columbia on the 8th of September 1902.

On February 26th, 1916, while living in Port Moody, he enlisted for service at New Westminster. He lied about his age and declared that his birthday was September 11th, 1897. At the time of enlistment, his occupation was listed as a farmer and he was not married.

He embarked for the European Theater at Halifax on November 1st, 1916 and disembarked at Liverpool ten days later.

He was originally with the 104th Regiment but was later assigned to the Canadian Infantry, 131st Battalion. Regimental Number: 790727.

He remained in England until June 31st, 1917. He was then sent to France where he remained until December 1917. It is not known where or if he did battle during his tour of duty in France.

In December of 1917 after seven and one half months in France, he was returned to England for repatriation to Canada. The reason for his return was that he was a minor and could not serve due to being underage. He returned to Canada on February 13th, 1918 and was discharged on March 21st, 1918 at the age of 16 years and six months.

He returned to British Columbia where he died on the 18th of August 1974 and is buried in the Pine Ridge Cemetery, Merritt, British Columbia.

Stories of Heroism and Humor

Pte. John Chipman “Chip” Kerr 

In 1854 Queen Victoria decreed that a medal be struck honouring “valour” in the services.

Since 1854 John Chipman “Chip” Kerr was one of ninety-four Canadians who have received that medal–The British Empire’s highest military honour–The Victoria Cross.

“War is hell, but what is homesteading?” This was the note Chip Kerr left behind on his Alberta homestead door. Chip was farming in Alberta before departing to enlist in the Edmonton 49th Battalion which fought at Ypres before moving on to the Somme.

On September 16th 1916, Kerr was Chief Bayonet man with the 49th Infantry Battalion near Courcelette, France, during the Battle of the Somme. Realizing the Canadians' supply of bombs was low, Kerr valiantly got out of his trench and ran along the parados while exposed to heavy fire. When he came into close contact with the enemy, he opened fire at point-blank range, inflicting heavy losses. This led the enemy to surrender because the Germans believed they were surrounded. Despite having part of his index finger blown, Kerr managed to lead his group of twelve men in capturing 62 prisoners and 250 yards of enemy trench. Kerr did not have his wound attended to until after he and two other men escorted the prisoners back while under fire, and reported for duty.

For these courageous acts, he received the Victoria Cross from King George V at Buckingham Palace on February 5th 1917. Today, Kerr's medal is displayed at the Canadian War Museum, in Ottawa. During the Second World War, Kerr re-enlisted in the army, transferred to the Royal Canadian Air Force, and was posted to Sea Island, B.C. After the war, he retired with his family to Port Moody.

During World War II Chip reenlisted and became a service policeman at Sea Island in Richmond, B.C. After the war, he retired with his family to Port Moody. His house, which he called “Sleepy Castle”, was on the 2300 block of St. Johns. It was relocated to 2100 Clarke Street and has been declared a heritage house. Chip died on February 19th 1963 and lies in the Mountain View Cemetery in Vancouver, British Columbia. His widow donated his medal to the Canadian War Museum.

Chip was honoured by the city of Edmonton, has a mountain named in his honour in Jasper National Park in 1951, in 2006 in Port Moody “Chip Kerr Park” was named after him and the “Chip Kerr Lounge” in Branch 119, Royal Canadian Legion, of which he was a life member.

Stored at the Port Moody Museum, on behalf of the city, is a framed document which reads “Citizens of the City of Port Moody 1914 to 19 - Serving with His Majesty’s Forces during the European War.”[Ma1] 

There are 54 men listed on the document along with their military units. Five were listed as killed and five were listed as severely wounded. This is an enormous contribution considering the small population in Port Moody in 1914!

Pte. W. (Darcy) Kreut

One of those listed was W. (Darcy) Kreut. Because they had worked in the local sawmills, he and six others on the list were assigned to the foresters. This was a special unit set up to log and operate portable saw mills in France.

Starting in 1916 morale-boosting concerts were given to the troops. The concept was expanded when the YMCA got permission to second talented men from various units to perform under the name “Dumbells” (taken from the 3rd Division insignia). They were extremely successful because their humourous skits were based on the everyday soldiers’ lives. The Dumbells performed wherever Canadian troops were fighting.

After military service, Pte. Kreut worked at the Ioco refinery and lived on the town site. He carried on his ability to make people happy with his skits and singing. He was the perpetual Santa Claus. He performed in many fundraising concerts in the Ioco Hall during the Depression.