Image: Details about Victor’s active service from his military service file (Library & Archives Canada)
Regimental Number: 670126
Rank: Sapper
Branch: 166th Battalion; 10th Battalion, Canadian Engineers
Victor was born in London, England on April 26, 1897. He came to Canada in 1914 and was living near London, Ontario when he enlisted in May of 1916. After being discharged, Victor returned to Canada. He overheard a soldier in front of him stating Edmonton as his destination, and so Victor too answered Edmonton when his turn came. He settled in the Bad Heart area in summer of 1919 (3-75-2-W6 and 4-75-2-W6). His friend Percy Trendall came to the Peace country with him and homesteaded nearby; the had gone to school together in England, and had enlisted and been discharged on the same day. In 1939, Victor married Jennie Smichura. They had three children. Victor died on May 7, 1970.
Sources: Wagon Trails Grown Over, p. 44, 1147
The Archives’ online Soldiers’ Memorial. Each week, our volunteers select a remarkable individual to showcase in this blog series. The Soldiers’ Memorial commemorates more than 1,100 WWI veterans and 2,300 WWII veterans from our region. Three dedicated volunteers have contributed over 1,200 hours to this project by researching and writing biographies. Our goal is to have all South Peace soldiers acknowledged for their service. If you know of someone who lived in the South Peace and should be listed on the Memorial, or would like to get involved by researching a local veteran, please contact the Archives.