role in the Allied success at Vimy Ridge. Another was Lieutenant Richard Henderson, BCLS #2. According to the BCLS Roll of Honour, “He was attached to the 11th Field Company, Canadian Engineers, with whom he was engaged in consolidating the ground before Vimy Ridge on April 11 1917, when he was instantly killed by a chance shell.” The war diary for the 54th Battalion that day states: “Intermittent shelling… Lieut. R.H. Henderson, attached 11th Coy, C.E., killed.”
Photo from Library and Archives Canada.
receive the Decoration Militaire for his service. He was one of several BC land surveyors who worked on developing the infrastructure of the tunnels, railways and communications that played a key role in the Allied success at the Ridge. John Elliott, the eldest of four brothers, was married and had children. He stayed back in Vancouver to maintain the business while his three brothers— Hector, Lachlan and Marshall—all enlisted. Hector and Marshall worked on Elliott and Hewett’s survey crews. Hector contracted an illness during training and was discharged. Lachlan, who hoped to be a lawyer, was severely wounded at Mount Sorrel and never able to work at steady employment again. Marshall enlisted in the 54th Battalion and fought at Vimy. The war experience of the Elliott brothers is similar to that of many families living in BC during the war years. Continuing the tradition of serving in the Canadian military, Bill’s father
Ray Chapman served in the Second World War.
BC SURVEYORS AT VIMY RIDGE Mervyn Hewett was one of several BC land surveyors who developed the infrastructure of tunnels, railways and communication lines that played a key
On the same day, Marshall Elliott, who served in the 54th Battalion, was injured when one of the intermittent shells fired at this sector of the line exploded near him. The shrapnel lacerated Marshall’s left thigh, and necessitated the amputation of his little toe. He was in the hospital for a few months and left with a permanent weakness in his feet and legs. Many thanks to Bill Chapman and Chapman Land Surveying for your support of this presentation of Vimy, and to all veterans and their families who have served.
Lest We Forget ✥
Dave Dyck, Bill Chapman, Harry Hickman and Keith Errington - Steve Minnie missing from the photo. the LINK | December 2018
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