Simmons, Mervin Cecil

Regimental Number: 23445
Rank: Private
Branch: 7th Battalion

Mervin was born in Verschoyle, Ontario on October 27, 1886. He was working as a carpenter at the time of his enlistment in the Canadian Army in 1914. Mervin was wounded and captured by the Germans in June of 1915 at Ypres. He wrote a book about his experiences as a prisoner of war as well as his attempts to escape; “Three Times & Out” is available to read online at no charge at the link below. Mervin’s third attempt at escape was successful and he was discharged from the Canadian Army on January 6, 1917. He filed on a homestead at NE 3-79-13-W6 in 1918. While en route to the South Peace, he met Nellie McClung and asked her to help write his story. Mervin’s first wife, Catherine May, died in 1949. He later remarried to Honor Jessie Ellis. Mervin died in Dawson Creek in 1964.

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