Herbert Kearse Canadian Infantry, C.E.F., Alberta Regiment 10th Bn.
1915
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Diary
This was just a few notes of events which has happened in my travels since I enlisted if ever I should become a casualty will the finders please send this and other personal belongings to my wife.
Mrs H. W. Kearse, Brant Ave, Burlington, Ont, Canada
also please communicate with Mrs. J. Douglas, High St. Eynsham, Oxon, England
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This is written by Pte. H. W. Kearse 174314. Enlisted with the 86th Machine Gun Battalion at Hamilton, Ontario on August the 10th 1915. At present stationed at Shorncliffe, Kent, being the Canadian Machine Gun Depot.
So if you will kindly return this and other personal belongings to my Wife and family you will have their everlasting gratitude and thanks.
H. W. KearsePage 3
Medically examined and passed for active service on August 10th 1915
August 15th
Reported for duty
August 24th
Received uniform of the XIII Royal Regiment
August 28
Picked out for 86th Machine Gun Battalion by Col. Labatt
Sept 4th
Paraded to give send off to quota of 92nd Highlanders to Niagara Camp.
Sept 8th
Paraded to H. A. A. grounds to grand fete in aid of Patriotic fund.Page 4
Sept 13th
Paraded to see off quota of Dragoons going to Niagara Camp
Sept16th
Paraded to send off quota of 76th Bantams to Niagara
Sept 17th
Paraded to Hamilton fair in jockey Club Grounds on Barton Street East
Sept 20th
Received new uniform
Sept 21st
Paraded to give send off to quota of A. S. C. going to Niagara CampPage 5
Sept 23rd
Paraded Streets of Hamilton which were lined with thousands of people. To Gore park where a Civic farewell was tendered the 86th M. G. Batt who were leaving Hamilton for Niagara Camp. Speakers were the honorable Sir Sam Hughes Minister of Militia and Defence and the mayor of Hamilton. Left Hamilton via T. H. B. Railway 11 a.m. arrived Niagara at 1:30 p.m.
Sept 25th
Grand marching past 10,000 men taking part, Premier Borden taking the Salute.Page 6
Sept 30th
Stood on Banks of Lake Ontario to see off Draft of 76th en route for England. On Steamer Chipawa bands playing and cheering, glorious sight.
Oct 5th
Second innoculation
Oct 6th
Photo taken of A. Company
Oct 7th
Vaccinated. Grand review at Headquaters parade ground by his Royal Highness the Duke of Connaught Governor General of Canada.
Oct 8th
Third innoculation and received Ross Rifles.
Sept 29th
First innoculationPage 7
Oct 15th
Paraded early to see off 35th Battalion en route for England. 10,000 troops lined up on both sides of the Street at Niagara on Lake and gave them a rousing send off. On the same day went on first long march to Queenston Heights.Page 8
Submitted by Gina Kearse
Nov 6th
Up early and broke camp, started on long march at 12:30 arrived at St. Kitts 4:30 splendid reception. Stayed over Sunday and through kindness of citizens of St. Catherines every man was invited out to dinner went to the home of Ms. Dixon 15 William Street had a splendid dinner, 8 of us being there had our pictures taken.
Nov 7th
Left St. Kitts 7:30 a.m. Advance guard scouted all round the hills for enemy who was expected to attack us. Very hard day. Reach Vineland where the people had spread out for us all kinds of pies and fruit, reached Grimsby 4:30 stayed on outpost duty till 7:30, very tired, had to buy our supper or go without.
Nov 5th
Paraded up and down the streets of Niagara on Lake carrying Officers on tent floors playing all kinds of instruments also made a big bonfire prior to leaving for Hamilton on long march next day.
Herbert was born on August 27th 1888 in Burford, England. He moved to Burlington, Ontario, Canada in October of 1910. He was married to Louisa (Deane) Kearse and they had two sons Robert and Harold. He enlisted on September 3, 1915. His unit was the 86th Battalion.
Herbert was a Lance Corporal in charge of a Lewis gun crew, when he was killed on April 28th, 1917. Having no known grave his name is commemorated on the Vimy Memorial in France. His decorations include the British War Medal and Victory Medal.