100 Years Ago: Occupational Training to Help Soldiers, D. Herbert Gunter Killed in Action, Malcolm Stimers Killed in Action, Charles Henry Ranson Gassed

The Intelligencer August 31, 1918 (page 1)

“Occupational Training For Soldiers Benefit. Kingston. On Monday next Misses H. Meek, A. Sutherland, Sybil Hamilton, Marjorie Uglow and Ruby Driver leave for Toronto, where they will take a course in occupational training. The course, which is conducted by the Invalid Soldiers’ Commission, Vocational Branch, will last six weeks. … The work consists of weaving, brass work, bead weaving, wood carving, toy making and raffia.

It has been found that by engaging the attention of bed patients in this work the process of healing and recovery from disease is greatly accelerated. The young ladies are under medical direction. …

The work is along purely scientific lines, being psychological, and proves that our medical officers are in the forefront of the profession today. Soldiers as a class are not readers, and with the mind unoccupied their suffering would be accentuated.”

The Intelligencer August 31, 1918 (page 7)

“A Heavy Toll. D. Herbert Gunter, son of Mr. Chas. Gunter of Coe Hill, was killed in action on Aug. 9^th. The war has exacted a heavy toll from the homes in and around Coe Hill.”

[Note: Private Daniel Herbert Gunter died on August 8, 1918. He is commemorated on Page 420 of the First World War Book of Remembrance.]

The Intelligencer August 31, 1918 (page 7)

“Made Supreme Sacrifice. Mrs. Wm. Lees of Bancroft, was officially notified on Wednesday last that her son, Malcolm Stimers, had been killed in action, August 5^th. Malcolm went overseas with the 155^th Battalion as a bugler, and had been in France for over two years. He was only about twenty years of age.”

[Note: Private Malcolm Lester Stimers died on August 6, 1918. He is commemorated on Page 507 of the First World War Book of Remembrance.]

The Intelligencer August 31, 1918 (page 7)

“Local Boy Gassed. Mr. H. Ranson, Charles street, received official notification this morning that his son, C. H. Ranson, had been gassed during the recent heavy fighting in France. Harry was a popular member of the local Bell Telephone staff, and went from Belleville with the 155^th Battalion as a signaller. The official message was as follows: ‘No. 304221 Sig. C. H. Ranson, infantry, officially reported admitted to No. 3 Stationary Hospital, Rouen, Aug. 17. Gassed.’ His many friends will wish him a speedy recovery.”