The Ottawa Valley fights for Freedom -- World Wars 1 and 2
January 13, 2005:
Taylor Kennedy is doing some work on the Ottawa Valley's participation
in World War 1. Thanks Taylor, for sending along the following link
where names of soldiers can be searched for at the Veteran's Affairs Virtual Memorial:
www.vac-acc.gc.ca/general/sub.cfm?source=collections/virtualmem
and see another link posted from Steven Puziak on January 17, 2005, below.
The Virtual Memorial also includes photographs of many soldiers.
TIMOTHY JOSEPH TIERNEY – son of Timothy Tierney and Catherine Houlahan.
Grandson of Patrick Houlahan and Bridget Larkin. Great grandson of John
Houlahan and Catherine Kennedy. He was drafted on November 14, 1917 under
the Military Service Act. He was in the 2nd Depot Battalion of the Eastern
Ontario Regiment His regimental numbers were 3322766. Born June 21, 1897
in Jockvale, he was 20 years and 5 months old at the time. He stood 5 feet
0 inches. Had a chest expansion of 39 inches [ 2 inch expansion]. His complexion
was DARK, eyes were BLUE and hair was BROWN. He returned from War to marry
Marie O. McKenna.
THOMAS PERCY TIERNEY – son of William Tierney and Elizabeth Power.
Grandson of John Tierney and Bridget Nash. Great grandson of Timothy Tierney
and Ellen Waters. Thomas Percy was 1st cousin to Timothy Joseph Tierney above.
He was born December 21, 1896 in Jockvale. He enlisted into the 258th Battalion,
Canadian Infantry on August 20th, 1917. His regimental numbers were
1105227. He was 20 years and 8 months old at the time of enlisting.
He stood 5 feet 9 inches tall with a 34 inch chest. His range of expansion
was 4 inches. His complexion was BROWN, his eyes were BLUE and his hair
was BROWN. He had 20 / 20 vision. He returned from War. (see posting dated December 29, 2007).
JOHN EMMETT HOULAHAN – son of Thomas Houlahan and Margaret Gleeson.
Grandson of George Houlahan and Mary Costello. He was drafted on June 29,
1918 under the Military Service Act of 1917. He was in the 2nd Battalion
of the Eastern Ontario Regiment. His regimental numbers were 3325690.
John Emmett was born in Fallowfield on May 9th, 1897. He was 21 years
and 6 months old at the time. He stood 5 feet and 5 inches tall. Had a
32 inch chest with a 3 inch expansion. His complexion was MEDIUM, his
eyes were GREY and his hair was BROWN. There were no distinguishing marks.
He returned from War.
JOSEPH LEO HOULAHAN – son of George Houlahan and Mary Ann Lynch.
Grandson of George Houlahan and Mary Costello. Joseph was born in Bells
Corners on November 9th, 1893. He was drafted on November 17, 1917 under
the Military Service Act of 1917. He was posted to the 2ND Depot Battalion
of Eastern Ontario and his regimental numbers were 3327508. Joseph was
25 years old at the time. He stood 5 feet and 9 inches tall with a 32
inch chest with an expansion of 2 ½ inches. He had a RUDDY complexion,
his eyes were BLUE and hair was BROWN. He was a returned man from the
War. However in 1921, a fire broke out in the farm house, and from the
field Joseph ran into the house, who thought his mother was still inside,
to save her. But she had already escaped through the front. Joseph Leo
suffered severe burns and died September 26, 1921 as a result. He was
1st cousin to both Mathew Austin and John Emmett Houlahan.
PATRICK SYLVESTER HOULAHAN – son of John Patrick Houlahan and Margaret
Jane Brophy. Grandson of Patrick Houlahan and Bridget Larkin. Great grandson
of John Houlahan and Catherine Kennedy. Patrick Sylvester was drafted
under the Military Service Act of 1917 on October 30th, 1918 in Toronto.
His address at the time was 353 Margueretta Street. Born on October 26th,
1896, he was 21 years of age at the time of the draft. He stood 5 feet and
4 ½ inches tall, with a FAIR complexion, BLUE eyes and AUBURN hair. Pat
was placed with the 1st Depot Battalion of the Central Ontario Regiment.
His regimental numbers were 3031871.He was born in Jockvale returned from the War.
MATHEW AUSTIN HOULAHAN – son of Thomas Houlahan and Margaret Gleeson.
Grandson of George Houlahan and Mary Costello. He was drafted January
3rd, 1918 under the Military Service Act of 1917. He lived at 110 Water
Street, Vancouver, British Columbia at the time. He was in the 10th
Regiment Depot Battalion of B.C. His regimental numbers were 2020563.
He was 25 years and 11 months old at the time. Mathew (Mathais) was
born in Nepean on March 28, 1892. The birth date on his draft, February
12, 1892 was actually when his birth was registered.He stood 5 feet and
6 inches tall. He had a 34 inch chest with a 3 inch expansion. His
complexion was described as FRESH, his eyes were GREY and his hair was
DARK BROWN. He was scared on his left arm. Mathew died on September 27,
1918, killed in action. He was John Emmett’s brother.
GEORGE LEO HOULAHAN – son of James Houlahan and Jane Anne Hawley.
Grandson of John Houlahan and Margaret Brady. George was born in
Jockvale on October 22nd, 1895. He was also drafted under the Military
Service Act of 1917 on June 11th, 1918 in Ottawa. He was 22 years and
8 months old at the time. He stood 5 feet and 6 ½ inches tall. His
complexion was FAIR, his eyes were BLUE and his hair was LIGHT BROWN,
He was placed with the 2nd Depot Battalion of the Eastern Ontario Regiment.
His regimental numbers were 3322724. He had a 31 ½ inch chest with a 2
inch expansion. He returned from the War. He was also a twin brother to
Honorah Helena Houlahan who died 9 months after birth from convulsions for 2 days.
WILLIAM FRANCIS HOULAHAN – son of John J. Houlahan and Ellen Dunn. Grandson
to John Houlahan and Margaret Brady. He was a 1st cousin to Geo. Leo. Born
in Jockvale on August 22nd, 1897. He was drafted under the Military Service
Act of 1917 on July 5th, 1918. He was 20 years and 10 months of age at the
time. He was placed with the 2nd Depot Battalion of the Eastern Ontario
Regiment. His regimental numbers were 3326112. He stood 5 feet and 7 ¼
inches tall. Had a FAIR complexion. His eyes were DARK BLUE and his hair
was BROWN. He also had a small mole on the left shoulder blade. He returned from War.
JOHN PATRICK HOULAHAN – son of John J. Houlahan and Ellen Dunn. Grandson to
John Houlahan and Margaret Brady. Born in Jockvale on April 27th, 1895
and was drafted on June 11th, 1918 under the Military Service Act of 1917.
He was placed with the 2nd Depot Battalion of the Eastern Ontario Regiment.
His regimental numbers were 3322618. He was the brother to William Francis.
He stood 5 feet 9 inches tall. Had a DARK complexion, BROWN eyes and BROWN
hair. He was a returned man from the War.
January 17, 2005:
Greetings Al and Taylor:
Here are some of my "German Canadian" relatives from Ottawa who fought for
Canada in WW I.
One is able to Search Canada's Library and Archives at:
http://www.collectionscanada.ca/02/02010602_e.html
William Rudolph Colfe
Son of Fred Colfe(153 Creighton St. Ottawa,Ontario)
Born: 25 June 1896
Height 5ft 9in
Approved: 21 November 1916
Regimental number: 513475
Otto Charles Pollex
Son of August Pollex
Born: 22 October 1883
Regimental number: 2774707
served 10 years in G.G.F.G.
Height 5ft 8.5 in
Approved 26 April 1907
Also: Regimental Number
SCHINZEL , DAVID FREDERICK 3058118
SCHINZEL , HARRY 4020302
SCHINZEL , HERBERT 4020094
SCHINZEL , W 145477
SCHINZEL , WILLIAM 144585
... Steven Puziak
______________________
also posted on January 17, 2005: (from Taylor)
CYRIL GODFREY PINHEY – son of Godfrey Greene Pinhey and Anna Verona James.
Great grandson of the Hon. Hamnett Kirkes Pinhey and Mary Ann ??. Born in
Ottawa on May 9th, 1896, he enlisted with the Canadian Mounted Rifles
of the Canadian Overseas Expeditionary Force in Ottawa. His regimental numbers
were 226636. Cyril was 19 years old at the time.
Cyril joined on November 4th, 1915 and was a returned soldier.
HENRY FRANKEL PINHEY – son of of Godfrey Greene Pinhey and Anna Verona James.
Great grandson of the Hon. Hamnett Kirkes Pinhey and Mary Ann ??.
Born in Ottawa on September 6th,
1898, he enlisted with the 72nd Battery of the Canadian Overseas Expeditionary
Force in Ottawa. His regimental numbers were 342908.
He joined December 28, 1916. He was a returned
soldier. He was also Cyril’s brother.
RUBY VALENTINE PINHEY – daughter of Hamnett Kirkes Pinhey and Eleanor
Maude Helliwell.
Great grand daughter of the Hon. Hamnett Kirkes Pinhey and Mary Ann ??.
She was 1st cousins to Cyril Godfrey and Henry Frankel.
She enlisted on February 3rd, 1916. Was with the Military Hospital for the
Canadian Over-Seas Expeditionary Force.
She returned from War.
CHARLES HAMNETT PINHEY – son of Hamnett Kirkes Pinhey and Eleanor Maude
Helliwell.
Great grandson of Hon. Hamnett Kirkes Pinhey and Mary Ann ??. He was born
April 29, 1891 in March Township. He was 24 years at the time of enlisting.
He was sworn in with the 43rd Regiment, then the 38th Battalion then with
the 137th Regiment of the Canadian Over-Seas Expeditionary Force. His
regimental numbers were 410173. He was killed in action on November 11, 1916
at Vimy Ridge. He was Ruby’s brother and 1st cousin to Cyril Godfrey and
Henry Frankel Pinhey. His rank was Sergeant.
June 19, 2005:
Velma has a World War I medallion awarded to Joseph John FRYER who was killed
in action on September 27, 1918 and is buried in France.
She would like to return this medallion to Mr. Fryer's family. Click here
for more information.
August 17, 2007:
ROMHILD
I thought I would add my German Canadian descendants, bros Ernest and Fred who
fought as well in World War I - the sons of Caroline (Jung) and Charles Romhild
a local painter in Ottawa. Sadly Fred was killed in action but Ernest returned.
Both could speak German and both were members of St. Paul's Lutheran Church in
Ottawa, Ontario. I have a picture of a Baseball team "1910 Rideau League Valley
Champs" that includes brothers Gus, Ernie and Fred along with surnames of
Noffkee, Schroder, Winges, Shandler, Graham, Marts and other Romhilds (cousins).
ROMHILD - Andreas Wilhelm Friedrich, known as Fred or Freddy, was born on 21 May
1883, in Ottawa, Ontario, Canada. He was the son of Charles Romhild and Elisa
Caroline Jung. His parents Charles and Caroline immigrated to Canada from
Auwallenburg, Thuringen, Germany aboard the SS Kaffraria on April 15, 1888 with
son Gustave. Fred was christened on 28 May 1893 at St. Paul's Lutheran Church,
in Ottawa. The sponsors at his baptism were his grandfather Andreas Romhild and
Wilhelm Winges. He appeared with the surname of Romhilt in the 1901 census for
Ottawa East, Village with his family. He also appeared in the census of 1911,
Ottawa, Carleton with his family with the surname of Rhomeld per transcription.
The family resided at 163 Glenora Avenue in Ottawa. On June 28, 1915, Fred attested
for World War 1 service in Ottawa, Ontario. Fred was 5 foot 7 inches tall, with
brown hair and grey eyes. He indicated he was at that time a Barber by trade. He
listed his brother Ernest as his next of kin,. His regimental number assigned was
454278. His home addressed remained the same, 163 Glenora Avenue. His next of kin
listed was his brother Gustave (Gus Romhild). Fred left for France from the Port
of Montreal on the S.S. Scandinavia August 3, 1915. He transferred to the 39th
battalion August 27th, 1915 and then the 24th on February 18th, 1916. Fred lost
one days pay for falling out of parade without permission and suspended for 168
days for failing to show up for parade, for being out of bounds and neglecting to
follow orders. Fred received a dollar a day pay and ten cents per day as field
allowance. Fred was listed missing following action on September 17th, 1916.
This fact was published in the Ottawa Citizen newspaper History of the 24th
Battalion that was published in 1930 indicated that Fred Romhild was included
in the Honour Roll in Appendix "A" which lists all those killed or died of
wounds while serving with the Battalion. Fred appeared to have died during the
battle at Courcelette (September 17, 1916) which was the unit's first action in
the larger Battle of the Somme. During the battle at Courcelette the Battalion
lost 10 officers and 320 other ranks (killed, wounded, etc.). He was later
listed as killed in action, Pas de Calais France with date of September 17,
1916. Name recorded in the Book of Remembrance Ottawa, Ontario, Parliament
Hill and referenced at the Vimy memorial in France. He was eligible for VM and
BWM medals after however no family history of any medals received.
ROMHILD - Ernest Charles was born on 29 April 1889 in Ottawa East, Ontario, Canada.
He married Olga Risto 24 June 1914 in Renfrew County, Ontario. (note his brother
Gustave married Elsie Risto so two borthers married two sisters). They had one
child Charles born in May 1915. Ernie attested for WW1 on November 27, 1915.
He was living at 165 Durmmond Street in Ottawa East and his trade was indicated
as Machinist. His regimental number 145639. : had returned to Canada from
service overseas approximately one month preceding the death of his wife Olga
(Risto) Name: : Olga Romhild Relationship: Wife Regiment Number: 145639 - he
fought overseas and oral history holds that he actually marched nearby to the
village of Romhild, Thurningen, Germany but was unable to detour and visit.
He returned from the war in April 1919. One month later his wife Olga died from
a diabetic coma - Obituary Ottawa Journal - May 1919 - Mrs. E.C. Romhild -
The death occurred in a local hospital on Saturday of Mrs. E.C. Romhild of
No. 7 Chelsea Apartments after an illness of considerable length. Her husband
just returned last month from service overseas. The later Mrs. Romhild was
born in South Algoma, 26 years ago, and came to Ottawa in 1908. Surviving
besides her husband is one son Charles; her parents Mr. and Mrs. J. Risto;
four sisters Mrs. G. Romhild, 11 Hurdman Road, Miss Ericka Risto, Ottawa Ladies
College, Miss Gertrude Risto, Chelsea Apartments; and Miss Annie Risto, South
Algoma; and five brothers, Edwin, Arthur, Frank, Christie, and Ernest all
residing in South Algoma. The funeral is be held from the Chelsea Apartments
at two o'clock Tuesday Afternoon. Interment to be made in Beechwood Cemetery.
Ernest died on March 10, 1976 and is buried as well with Olga in Beechwood
Cemetery.
I have posted my information as well on rootsweb.com (gedcom) and it is accessbile
at family trees on their site (database is tulip222) if you want to take a peek -
research is meant to be shared - per the Romhild line and german ancestors from
Ottawa - the Romhilds are the only line in Canada - the rest went to US through
the church - suprised me but then again they were rather isolated per language
and customs - I recall going to church in Pembroke and it was still conducted
in German - I only knew how to sing Au Taunnanbaum (O Christmas tree) in German
as a child! I often visit your site as I am searching various lines - the four
per parents (O'Neil/Romhild includes Kyer) and (Kidd/Gardiner/Fetherstonhaugh and
includes Landon) - I have lots per Cantley Quebec as well so will send when I get
some it together. As well I have lots more on Ottawa person who fought in WW1 ...
will dig it up for consideration as well - QUESTION I just acquired a photo
(see link above) of my German clan entitled 1901 Rideau League Champs (Baseball)
and some of the names are indicated but not all - any idea where I would find out
sports information - this is my entire clan of German descendants and includes
both Ernie and Fred pre war but I can't figure out who is who in the picture -
any ideas?
... Marlene O'Neil
E-Mail: oneilm@rogers.com
August 28, 2007:
Thanks to Allen Craig for the following information and links:
Hi Marlene and Al
I read your post re the military service of the Romhild brothers with great
interest. As Marlene will know, Fred joined the 59th Battalion and Ernie the 77th.
The 59th was nominally headquatered in Brockville and was intended to recruit in
that area, however, many if not most of its members were actually recruited from
Ottawa and West Quebec. Like many other infantry battalions raised in the early
part of 1915 the 59th sent 2 drafts of about 250 men in the summer and fall of that
year, but the main body did not sail until the spring of 1916. This procedure was
made necessary by the large number of casualties suffered at the 2nd Battle of
Ypres (the 1st gas attack) ; Fred was in the first draft sent from the 59th. Given
the date of his enlistment and the date of sailing its fair to say he was basically
untrained when he arrived in England so he was fortunate to have several months
additional training after his arrival.
The 77th was headquartered and recruited in Ottawa with most of its members
coming from the city and surrounding townships; about half were previously
members of the local militia, the 43rd (Duke of Cornwall's Own Rifles) regiment.
Like the 59th, the 77th sent 2 drafts in 1915 but not until the late fall, the
main body followed in June of 1916.
Neither of these battalions fought as units: On their arrival in England, the men
were sent to reserve battalions and used to supply replacements for battalions
already in the line. For this reason the only way to know for sure where a man
who enlisted in them actually served is to obtain his service records from LAC.
From the information posted it seems clear this is what Marlene has done.
Instructions for doing this can be accessed from the link to Soldiers of the
First World War enlistment papers shown in Taylor's post.
Finding pictures or much information about the 59th will be a challenge. One
possiblility would be to have a look for the book Our Heroes by Josh DeWolfe
published in 1920 if my memory is right; copies are available at the War Museum in
the resource centre and at Library and Archives Canada. This book includes hundreds
of individual photos of Ottawa men who served and usually includes a breif bio.
Obits for fallen soldiers were often published in their local newspapers shortly
after their death, many are now available through the Paper of Record website.
Information on the 77th is much easier to find. Again the best source for pictures
is a book published shortly after the war entitled Historical Sketch of the 77th
which is available at the War Museum; this book contains photos and bios for most
of the men who enlisted in the Battalion. As well, considerable information is
available in issues of the Ottawa Citizen and Journal for the period, microfilmed
versions of these are available at the archives
The following list of websites may also be of interest for others reseaching the
WW1 service of their ancestors from the Ottawa Area:
http://www.cefresearch.com/ THE CANADIAN EXPEDITIONARY FORCE STUDY GROUP FORUM
A group of enthusiasts with an interest in the Canadian Expeditionary Force and
their role in the First World War. The interests here are broad: Family History/Genealogy,
Military History, Weapons/Equipment, Tactics, Militaria Collecting etc. Members range
from enthusiastic amateurs to professional military historians. Warning This forum
is addictive.
http://www.cefresearch.com/matrix/index.html The CEFSG Matrix Project.
This project was initiated in March 2006 as a means to create an authoritative
listing of the Canadian units that served in the field in all theatres of the
operations. Contains a wide range of useful information.
http://pages.globetrotter.net/buckingham1914/ Pascal Lanthier's tribute to men and women
with links to Buckingham who served in WW1, the 'links to Buckingham' are fairly
loosely defined and I have found men and women from both Ottawa and Hull listed there.
http://38thbattalion.blogspot.com/ Ken Reynolds tribute to the men of the 38th
Royal Ottawa Battalion. Ken, who is with the Directorate of History and Heritage
at DND, is writing brief bios of every man who served with the 38th in the form
of a blog in his time off.
http://www.canadiangreatwarproject.com/ This project is essentially a database containing
more than 73,000 entries for Canadian soldiers from WW1, it provides a variety
of searches and utilities to facilitate researching soldiers. Entries are made
by volunteer researchers like Marlene who has listed Fred Romhild there. The goal
of the site is to create an entry for every member of the CEF during WW1.
Hope this is of some use
Regards,
... Allen Craig
November 26, 2007:
Thanks to Cathie Duchene for the following article and photograph of Tom Sharbot
of Calabogie. This article was written by Wes Bomhower for the Renfrew Weekend News.
December 29, 2007:
Hi Al;
I just thought I should correct a slight error in the parentage of Thomas Percy Tierney,
above, who was born 21 Dec 1896. He was a son of William Tierney and Sarah Elizabeth (Lizzie)
Cayis / Cayes. William Tierney, son of John Tierney & Bridget Nash, and Elizabeth Cayis,
daughter of Louis Cayis and Elizabeth Shannon, were married 13 Nov 1889 in Fallowfield.
Both William and Elizabeth say they were born in Jockvale.
The William Tierney who married Elizabeth Powers was born abt 1866 in South Gloucester
and was a son of James Tierney and Mary Corcoran. Elizabeth Powers was born abt 1873,
also in South Gloucester, and was a daughter of John Powers and Ann Fagan. They were
married in South Gloucester on 2 June 1896.
... Sue
January 5, 2008:
Camp Petawawa during World War I
Included in the photo above is George B. Ryan of Riceville, Ontario.
Many of the men brought their own horses with them to training camp at Petawawa.
... Al
E-mail Taylor Kennedy, Steven Pusiak, Marlene O'Neil, Allen Craig, Sue and Al Lewis
Back to Bytown or Bust - History and Genealogy in the Ottawa area