100 Years Ago: Walter Craig Obituary, Manchester Gifford Wounded, Sergeant Ponton Recruiting

The Intelligencer June 20, 1916 (page 1)

“Walter S. Craig Killed at Front. Some time between the 2nd and 4th of June, Private Walter S. Craig, a well known Belleville young man, sacrificed his life, as many Canadians are doing, in defence of King and country.

Walter was a fine type of young Canadian and was a young man who was beloved by all who knew him. He was a son of the late Mr. James Craig, who was for a number of years connected with the Grand Trunk Railway system in this city. His death is sincerely regretted by a host of friends.

No. 8194, Pte. Walter Stephen Craig enlisted on the 13th August, 1914, in the 15th Regt. Argyle Light Infantry. He had followed railroading until the date of enlisting and was friendly with all the men, being a member of the B. of R.T. …

After training at Salisbury Plains he was sent to France in Feb. 1915, and since has been in the trenches until Christmas Day, when he had some fingers smashed, then he had influenza and measles, which kept him in the hospital until three weeks before this last battle, in which he was slain. …

The late Pte. Craig was in his 22nd year. In religion he was a Presbyterian, being an adherent of St. Andrew’s Church. He leaves to mourn his loss his mother, Mrs. M.J. Craig, three brothers, W.J. and Gordon at home, James of Dunnville and one sister, Ethel, at home.”

[Note: B. of R.T. = Brotherhood of Railroad Trainmen.]

The Intelligencer June 20, 1916 (page 2)

“Manchester Gifford Wounded. A special despatch from Ottawa this afternoon gives the name of Manchester Gifford of Belleville, among the wounded.”

The Intelligencer June 20, 1916 (page 2)

“Sergt. Harry Ponton, who is connected with the Siege battery of heavy artillery of Cobourg is in the city and vicinity for the purpose of procuring recruits for this artillery for overseas service. This is the only heavy artillery battery west of Montreal. There are 260 members in addition to the original battery which is at present doing duty overseas.

Major McKennon is the commanding officer. Sergt. Ponton will no doubt be able to secure recruits for this battery which will not interfere with recruiting for infantry.”