Image: Notes about Roy’s ankle injury from his military service file (Library & Archives Canada)
Regimental Number: 904582
Rank: Private
Branch: 194th Battalion; 10th Battalion
Roy was born in Wheeler, Ontario on November 3, 1885. In 1913, he filed on LT 29 in Spirit River. He enlisted in the Canadian Army in March of 1916. On June 30, 1917, while taking refuge from shellfire at Vimy Ridge, Roy fractured his os calcis (heel/ankle) when he dropped down a shaft. A shell casing struck his foot, causing the fracture. Roy’s military service file include many detailed reports about the injury. He had a mild degree of claw foot on his left foot. Another report also indicates that Roy had nervous systems. On page 31 of Roy’s service file is a telegraph sent to his father, informing him of Roy’s hospitalization. Roy was invalided to Canada in late 1917 and discharged on September 3, 1918. Roy eventually left the South Peace. He died on August 20, 1967 and was buried in Santa Barbara, California.
Soldier Spotlight highlights veterans from 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.