CANADIAN & NEW ZEALAND CASUALTIES BURIED IN BUXTON CEMETERY:
Buxton Cemetery was laid out in 1896 about one mile [1.6 kms.] south-east of the town as it then existed, on the London Road and covers 13 acres [5.26 Ha.]
[N.B. Despite its name the A.515, “London Road“, does not go London but runs 48 miles (77 kms) from Buxton to Lichfield, Staffs.]
The Cemetery is an official Commonwealth War Graves Cemetery, containing its Cross of Sacrifice, along with the graves of local men who succumbed to their wounds away from the Battlefields, plus many who died in one of the many Hospitals housed in the town during both Wars. Many of these graves are Canadian soldiers, as the Devonshire Hospital and Empire Hotel were designated Canadian Hospitals.
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The Buxton Advertiser’ of 25th September 1920 reported that:
“Arranged by the Buxton Canadian Club, a very impressive memorial service was held last Sunday [19th September 1920] over the graves of their comrades at the Cemetery.
A procession was formed in The Crescent at 2.30, but just after two o’clock rain commenced to fall heavily, and there with every indication that the event would be spoiled. Happily the downpour ceased just about the time for starting the procession, and the weather remained fine for the rest of the ceremony.” The paper then named those Canadians buried in the Cemetery.
The procession was headed by Burbage Brass Band, pictured above, “… after which came a design of the Maple Leaf in flowers, carried by members of the Canadian Club.” About 60 ex-service men, members of the Comrades Club, Fairfield Band, representatives of a number of Trade Unions and the Boys Brigade, processed along Terrace Road, High Street and London Road to the Cemetery.
At the Cemetery the Service was conducted by the Rev. Scott-Moncrieff, attended by a large crowd. He then gave a stirring and impassioned sermon about the sacrifices made by the Dominions of the Empire.
See: Canon Scott-Moncrieff’s Sermon The Memorial Service Programme
As well as Canadian burials from both Wars, the Second World War saw 3 additional burials from the Royal New Zealand Air Force.
CWGC Records state that “Buxton Cemetery contains 54 scattered burials of the First World War, 29 of them Canadian; a Canadian special orthopaedic hospital was at Buxton in 1917-19 and the town was No 1 Canadian Discharge Depot. The cemetery also contains 22 Second World War burials, some of them made from the RAF station that was at Harpur Hill at this time.”
Whilst it is true that graves are scattered, there are two specific plots containing Commonwealth War Graves which tend, on the whole, to be the war dead from these Commonwealth casualties.
1: Canadian Burials in Buxton Cemetery : Buxton Town Cemetery contains the graves of 36 Canadian servicemen, from both Wars: 29 from World War 1 and 7 from World War 2 .
Many of the World War 1 casualties died in the latter stages of the War and after it had ended. The primary causes of death seem to be respiratory illnesses, undoubtedly linked to the influenza pandemic that spread worldwide during 1918-1919, also known by the misnomer “Spanish flu“.
2: New Zealand Burials in Buxton Cemetery : during the Second World War three casualties from the Royal New Zealand Air Force were buried in Buxton Cemetery, alongside an RAFVR Comrade who died in the same air-crash.
For each of the names listed below, CLICK the name to see the Commonwealth War Grave entry. However, the excellent “Canadian Virtual War Memorial” site contains 
the Service details, individual photos and photos of the Grave in Buxton Cemetery. To access these details – simply CLICK the maple leaf logo next to each name.
Other information has been added where appropriate. [N.B. “CEF” = Canadian Expeditionary Force.]
Canadian Casualties – World War 1
Gunner 339636 ALLISON, William Roderick, Canadian 
Garrison Artillery, 4th Canadian Siege Battery, 2nd Brigade.
William was born on 17th May 1897, the son of William and Gertrude (née McBride) Allison of New Westminster, British Columbia, and was employed as a bank clerk. He enlisted in the CEF on 3rd April 1918 in Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada. He was 5 ft. 11 ins [1.80m] tall, had a ‘fresh‘ complexion, blue eyes and brown hair. William died from wounds sustained in action on 24th February 1919 and is buried in Grave 3189, in Buxton Cemetery. [See also “Lest WE forget “]
Driver 85281 BENNETT, Vincent Gernon, Canadian Field Artillery, 1st Divisional Ammunition Column .
Vincent was born in Manchester on 5th April 1875 He was the husband of Mrs. A.J. Bennett of Montreal, Québec. He enlisted in the CEF on 9th December 1914, at Montreal, Québec, Canada . He was 5 ft. 3¼ ins [1.80m] tall, had grey eyes and brown hair. Vincent died at the Canadian Discharge Depot, Buxton, from chronic bronchitis on 24th January 1918 and is buried in Grave 3264, in Buxton Cemetery.
Private 1105264 BENSON, Charles, Canadian Infantry (Quebec Regiment), 14th Battalion.
Charles was born on 3rd June 1884 and died at the Granville Canadian Special Hospital, Buxton, from broncho-pneumonia and colangitis (an infection of the bile duct), on the 20th January 1919. He is buried in Grave 3192, in Buxton Cemetery. He was a ‘machinist‘ by trade and enlisted in the CEF on 25th September 1917 in Richmond, Quebec.
(Saskatchewan Regt.), 46th Battalion.Percy was born on 17th August 1889 at Dedham, Essex, the son of Mr. W. and Mrs. L. Brown, of Old House Farm, Boxted, Essex. He had been battling rheumatic fever for some time and his heart finally gave out and he died on 18th July 1916 in the Canadian Red Cross Special Hospital, Buxton. He is buried in Grave 3036, in Buxton Cemetery. Percy was working as a ‘farmhand’ when he enlisted at Regina, Saskatchewan, in 1915.
The Hospital War Dairy entry reads: “July 20th. Death of a Patient in the Hospital. Pte. Brown of the 46th Battn. C.E.F.; This patient was in bed ever since his admission to the Hospital and was transferred from Bearwood Park, Wokingham. … July 22nd. Funeral of Private Brown with full Military Honours. One Officer, and 36 other ranks represented the Hospital. Firing party, and Gun Carriage supplied by the Royal Engineers who are stationed in Buxton.”
‘The Buxton Advertiser’ of 29th July 1916 reported Percy’s funeral, and published his photo. It was conducted by Rev. J.R. Towers, who had administered to him in Hospital. Percy’s parents attended, as did the Matron and Sisters of the Hospital, other N.C.O.s and men.
Private 452992 CALVER, Alexander Dick, Canadian Infantry (Central Ontario Regt.), 58th Battalion. (Alexander’s brother, 452993 Andrew John, served in same Regiment)
Alexander was born in Langley, Buckinghamshire on 18th October 1887 and died at the Granville Canadian Special Hospital, Buxton, from pneumonia and influenza, on 31st October 1918. He recorded his next-of-kin as being Emily Calver, mother, 196 Ashdale Avenue, Toronto, Ontario, although he was married later to Hilda A. Calver, also of Toronto, Ontario.
He is buried in Grave 3253, in Buxton Cemetery. He was a ‘labourer‘ when he enlisted in the CEF on 29th June 1915 at Niagara Camp, Ontario. He was 5 ft. 6 ins [1.67 m] tall, had a ‘fair’ complexion, blue eyes and brown hair.
Sapper 1081372 CRABTREE, Edward, Canadian Railway Troops.
Edward was born on 16th March 1873 and died at the Granville Canadian Special Hospital, Buxton, cause not stated, on 29th December 1917. He recorded his next-of-kin as his wife Elizabeth Crabtree, 678 Runnymede Road, West Toronto Ontario. He was buried on 2nd January 1918 in Grave 3268, in Buxton Cemetery. He was a ‘Railway Section Man‘ when he enlisted in the CEF on 22nd June 1916 at Toronto, Ontario. He was 5 ft. 8ins [1.71 m] tall, had a ‘medium’ complexion, blue eyes and brown hair.
Private 784570 DOUGHERTY, Nathan Austin, Canadian Infantry, 129th Battalion.
Nathan was born in Mountainsberg, Ontario, on 25th March 1899, the son of George Fenton Dougherty and his wife, Harriet Jane Clarke, of Waterdown, Ontario. [He needed his father’s Certificate of Consent when he enlisted on the in the CEF on 1st March 1916, also at Waterdown, aged 16 years 11 months.] He was employed as a ‘Butcher‘ when he enlisted and stood 5 ft. 4½ ins [1.64 m] tall, had a ‘dark’ complexion, brown eyes and dark brown hair. Nathan died on 10th May 1918, having tragically drowned in a Buxton Reservoir. He is buried in Grave 3260, in Buxton Cemetery.
Sapper 464446 DRYBROUGH, William Charteris, Canadian Engineers (3rd Tunnelling Company).
William was born in Leith, Edinburgh, Scotland on 9th August 1872, and was the husband of Jeanet Drybrough, of Vancouver, British Columbia. He had previously served in the Egyptian and South African Campaigns. He enlisted on the in the CEF on 30th October 1915 at Vernon, British Columbia, his occupation was ‘miner‘. William died on 28th February 1918 and is buried in Grave 3261, in Buxton Cemetery.
Private 2493 DUNHAM, Albert Roy, Canadian Army Service Corps, 2nd Canadian Div. Supply Column.
Albert was born in Byers Bay, Ontario on 2nd July 1891. His next of kin was recorded as his mother, Ida. Albert’s occupation was ‘mechanic/chauffeur‘ when he enlisted in the CEF on 11th December 1914 in Toronto, Ontario. At that time he stood 5 ft. 7 ins. [1.69 m.] tall, had a ‘ruddy’ complexion, blue eyes and brown hair. He died on 17th February 1919 at the Granville Canadian Special Hospital, Buxton, from pneumonia and influenza, and is buried in Grave 3190, in Buxton Cemetery on the 18th (‘Buxton Advertiser‘ 22nd February 1919 – the same day as Pt. A. Moseley [see below]).
Private 788561 FISHENDEN, Arthur William, Canadian Infantry (Eastern Ontario Regt.), 38th Battalion.
Arthur was born in Kilndown, Kent on 19th April 1880. He was the son of William and Mary Anna Fishenden and husband of Janet F. Fishenden, of Pakenham, Ontario. He had two sons, aged 11 and 6 years when he died. Arthur’s occupation was ‘Farmer‘ when he enlisted in the CEF on 29th January 1916 in Renfrew, Ontario. At that time he stood 5 ft. 5 ins. [1.65 m.] tall, weighed 11 st. 6 lbs. [72.5 kgs.], had a ‘ruddy’ complexion, greyish-blue eyes and red hair. He died on 28th February 1918 at the Granville Canadian Special Hospital, Buxton, suffering from haematemesis (vomiting blood) after being gassed. Arthur is buried in Grave 3262, in Buxton Cemetery.
N.B. The Fishenden family sent 5 sons to fight in the War: Pt. 781585 William Ernest Fishenden 28th Batt., was killed on 7th January 1917. The other brothers to serve were Pt. George Fishenden, 21st Battn., Farrier-Sgt. Fred Fishenden and Pt. Harry Fishenden.
Gunner 2044059 GEE, William, Canadian Field Artillery (5th Brigade).
William was born in Red Deer, Alberta on 10th September 1891. He was the husband of Kathleen E. Gee, of 386 Lower Addiscombe Rd., Croydon, Surrey, although on his enlistment papers he gave his next of kin as his mother, Mrs Fanny Gee, of 860 Yates Street, Victoria, British Columbia.
William’s occupation was ‘Motorman‘ in the Victoria Fire Department, living at the same address, when he enlisted in the CEF on 15th January 1917 in Victoria. At that time he stood 5 ft. 10½ ins. [1.79 m.] tall, had a ‘fair’ complexion, blue eyes and dark-brown hair. He died on 21st March 1919 at the Granville Canadian Special Hospital, Buxton, from meningitis and influenza, and is buried in Grave 3186, in Buxton Cemetery.
Private 651864 GILBERT, Charles Morris, Canadian Infantry. 190th Battalion.
Charles was born at Port Elgin, Bruce County, Ontario on 4th April 1898. He was the eldest son of Charles and Maggie of 47 Willard Avenue Toronto, Ontario. Charles’ occupation was ‘Shipper‘ at ‘Eaton’s‘ in Toronto, when he enlisted in the CEF on 1st March 1916 in Port Elgin, Ontario. At that time he stood 5 ft. 11 ins. [1.80 m.] tall, had a ‘fair‘ complexion, blue eyes and light-brown hair.
Charles was posted to England in 1916 but was found to be physically unfit. He had two operations in the Summer of 1917 to get him ready for France, but died on 18th October 1918 at the Granville Canadian Special Hospital, Buxton, from pneumonia, and is buried in Grave 3254, in Buxton Cemetery.
Sergeant 310640 GILBERT, Gordon Stephen, Canadian Field Artillery, 6th Brigade.
Gordon was born in Hamilton, Ontario on 25th February 1891. He was married to Ethel Irene Gilbert and living at 685 Shaw Street, Toronto. Gordon’s occupation was a ‘Commercial Traveller‘, when he enlisted in the CEF on 31st December 1915 in Toronto, Ontario. He had previously served for 2 years with the Prince of Wales Own Rifles. At that time he stood 5 ft. 6½ ins. [1.69 m.] tall, had a ‘fresh‘ complexion, blue eyes and brown hair.
The 6th Brigade, C.F.A., had been in France since 10th January 1916, and served as part of the 2nd Canadian Divisional Artillery. Gordon died on 10th March 1919 at the Granville Canadian Special Hospital, Buxton, from gas poisoning, and is buried in Grave 3187, in Buxton Cemetery.
Sapper 1102216 HILLER, Fred, Canadian Railway Troops, 7th Battalion.
Fred was born in Scotland on 17th November 1883. He was the son of Archie and Martha Hiller, of Simcoe, Ontario, was unmarried and on his enlistment papers named his brother James as his next of kin. Fred’s occupation was a ‘Trainman‘, when he enlisted in the CEF on 27th January 1917 in St Catherine’s, Ontario.
He had previously served for 2 years with the Prince of Wales Own Rifles. At that time he stood 5 ft. 6 ins. [1.68 m.] tall, had a ‘fresh’ complexion, brown eyes and brown hair. Fred died on 5th June 1918 at the Canadian Red Cross Special Hospital, Buxton, from polioencephalitis and meningitis, and was buried in Grave 3259, in Buxton Cemetery on the 7th June. ‘The Buxton Advertiser’, reporting the funeral, stated that Fred was a native of Detroit, U.S.A.
Private 925378 HOCH, Frank William, [N.B. Name on enlistment papers is HOCK] Canadian Infantry (Saskatchewan Regiment), 5th Battalion.
Frank was born on 10th October 1888 in La Crosse, Wisconsin, the son of Joseph and Mary Hoch. Walkerton, Ontario. The Saskatchewan Virtual War Memorial records that he enlisted on 10th February 1916 at Esteban, and at that time was living at Frobisher, Saskatchewan, employed as a “Drayman“. At that time he stood 5 ft. 11½ ins. [1.81 m.] tall, had a ‘fair’ complexion, grey eyes and light-brown hair.
The war diary entry for his death is dated 1st January: “No. 925378 Private F. W. HOCK [sic], died in hospital at 1.30 a.m.” Frank had been at the front for four months when he was diagnosed with rheumatic fever and invalided to England just before the Battle of Vimy Ridge. He died on 2nd June 1918 at the Canadian Red Cross Special Hospital, Buxton, of anaemia, spleen problems and respiratory difficulties, all associated with rheumatic fever, and is buried in Grave 3266, in Buxton Cemetery.
Lieutenant JOHNSTONE, Gordon Simpson, Canadian Infantry (Eastern Ontario Regt.) 38th Battalion.
Gordon was born on 29th October 1889 in Ottawa, Ontario, the son of Washington Joseph and Emily Maude Johnstone of Ottawa, Ontario, and husband of Elizabeth Benedict Johnstone, of 258 Laurier Avenue, Ottawa, Ontario. He enlisted on 26th March 1916 at Ottawa and at that time was living at 529 Percy Street, Ottawa, (his parents’ home) employed as a “Civil Servant“. At that time he stood 5 ft. 11½ ins. [1.81 m.] tall, had a ‘fair’ complexion, blue eyes and ‘light‘ hair.
The 38th Battalion had initially arrived in France on 13th August 1916, becoming part of the 4th Canadian Division, 12th Canadian Infantry Brigade. Gordon died on the 4th November 1918 at the Granville Canadian Special Hospital, Buxton, of “Hallucination and fracture of the 6th cervical vertebrae“, and is buried in Grave 2477, in Buxton Cemetery. [N.B. This is a “1st Class” Grave – presumably as he was an Officer.]
Sapper 669279 MAJOR, John William, Canadian Engineers.
John was born on 14th March 1877, the son of the late Henry and Harriet of Liverpool and husband of Lucy J, (née Holloway), later of 61 Halesbury Road, Kensington, Liverpool. He enlisted on 15th January 1916 at Toronto, Ontario, and at that time was living with his wife at 79 Maitland Street, Toronto, employed as a “Auto Painter“. At that time he stood 5 ft. 3 ins. [1.60 m.] tall, had a ‘dark’ complexion, hazel eyes and ‘dark’ hair. He died on 11th June 1918 at the Granville Canadian Special Hospital, Buxton, of Septicaemia, and is buried in Grave 3258, in Buxton Cemetery.
Private 877544 McDONALD, Joseph Angus, Canadian Infantry (Nova Scotia Regiment) 85th Battalion.
Joe was born on 10th October 1891, on Christmas Island, Cape Breton, Nova Scotia, the son of John M. and Mary McDonald of Big Beach, Cape Breton. He enlisted on 18th March 1916 at Sydney, Nova Scotia, and was living with his parents, employed as a “Carpenter“. At that time he stood 5 ft. 9 ins. [1.60 m.] tall, had a ‘ruddy’ complexion, blue eyes and brown hair; he weighed 11 st. 10 lbs. [74.4 kgs.].
The 85th Canadian Infantry Battalion was officially authorized on 14th September 1915 and became the first Nova Scotian Regiment created specifically for overseas service, and the only one to enter combat as a distinct fighting unit. Joe died on 12th October 1918 at the Granville Canadian Special Hospital, Buxton, of Gun shot wounds to the spine, and was buried in Grave 3255, in Buxton Cemetery on the 14th after a Requiem Mass in St Anne’s Church, Buxton [‘Buxton Advertiser’ 19th October 1918].
Private 875015 MILNE, William, Canadian Infantry (Manitoba Regt.) 27th Battalion.
William was born on 22nd February 1894, on Christmas Island, Cape Breton, Nova Scotia, the son of Agnus and Alexandra Milne, of Dromore, Ontario; husband of E. K. Milne, of The Orthopaedic Hospital, 100 Bloor Street West, Toronto, Ontario. He enlisted on 21st March 1916 at Winnipeg, Manitoba, and was living at 645 Jubily [sic] Street, Winnipeg, employed as a “Grocer“.
He was single when he enlisted so must have married before being posted abroad. At that time he stood 5 ft. 9½ ins. [1.61 m.] tall, had a ‘fair’ complexion, blue eyes and fair hair. William died on 2nd January 1919 at the Canadian Red Cross Special Hospital, Buxton, of Broncho-pneumonia, possibly related to the influenza epidemic, and is buried in Grave 3252, in Buxton Cemetery.
Staff Sergeant 435371 MOSELEY, Alfred, Canadian Infantry (Alberta Regiment) 50th Battalion.
Alfred was born on 11th April 1883, in Bristol, the son of Joseph and Anne Moseley and husband of Elsie (née Rook) Moseley, of Bepton, Midhurst, Sussex. He sailed for Montreal on the ‘Royal Edward‘, landing on 7th September 1910. He enlisted on 18th June 1915 at Calgary, Alberta, and was living at 108 – 40th Ave. S.W., Calgary, the home of his mother and sister, Florrie, and employed as a “Clerk“.
He was single when he enlisted and married Elsie in Midhurst in the June quarter 1917. At the time of his enlistment he stood 5 ft. 11 ins. [1.80 m.] tall, had a ‘dark‘ complexion, blue eyes and brown hair. Alfred died on 16th February 1919 at the Granville Granville Canadian Special Hospital, of influenza-pneumonia, and is buried in Grave 3191, in Buxton Cemetery on the 18th (‘Buxton Advertiser’ 22nd February 1919 – the same day as Pt. A.R. Dunham [see above]). Alfred’s widow, her sisters and other relatives were in attendance.
Sapper 507541 MUNRO, Edward Clinton, Canad. Engineers Signal Corps.
Edward was born on 23rd December 1898, at Perth, Ontario, the son of Thomas C. and Annie Munro. He enlisted on 16th January 1917 at Ottawa, Ontario, and was employed as a “Civil Servant – Despatch Rider“.
He had previously served for 1 year in the Governor General’s Foot Guards. He was single when he enlisted. At the time of his enlistment Edward stood 5 ft. 8 ins. [1.58 m.] tall, had a ‘dark’ complexion, brown eyes and black hair.
William died on 23rd February 1918 at the Granville Canadian Special Hospital, Buxton, of “Cerebro-spinal Fever“, and is buried in Grave 3263, in Buxton Cemetery.
Private 3032460 PARKES, Malcolm Henry, 2nd Canadian Mounted Rifles Battalion, (British Columbia Regiment).
Malcolm was born on 31st May 1891, at Toronto, Ontario, the son of Richard S. and Annie Parkes of 364 Clarence Ave., Toronto. He enlisted on 7th January 1918 at Toronto, and was living at 226 St Helena Ave., Toronto, employed as a “Steam Fitter“. He was single when he enlisted. At the time of his enlistment Edward stood 5 ft. 11 ins. [1.80 m.] tall, had a ‘ruddy‘ complexion, grey eyes and brown hair. Malcolm died on 27th April 1919 at the Granville Canadian Special Hospital, Buxton, of “Gunshot wounds to the back“, and is buried in Grave 3184, in Buxton Cemetery.
Private 488313 ROBBIE, Lyman Elroy, Canadian Infantry (Nova Scotia Regiment).
Lyman was born on 14th July 1897, at Truro, Nova Scotia, the son of Alexander and Maggie Robbie, of Bible Hill, Truro, Nova Scotia. He enlisted on 1st April 1916 at Halifax, Nova Scotia, and was living at his parents’ home, employed as a “Farmer“. He was single when he enlisted.
At the time of his enlistment Edward stood 5 ft. 6 ins. [1.68 m.] tall, had a ‘medium‘ [!] complexion, blue eyes and brown hair. Lyman died on 4th March 1919 at the Granville Canadian Special Hospital, Buxton, of “Pneumonia“, possibly related to the influenza epidemic, and is buried in Grave 3188, in Buxton Cemetery.
An article in ‘The Buxton Advertiser’, published on 7th August 2014, speculated that Lyman was only 14 years old when he enlisted – according to his age on the headstone – but as his date of birth confirms, he was 18 when he joined up.
Nursing Sister ROSS, Ada Janet, Canadian Army Medical Corps.
Sister Ross was born on 11th October 1878, at Toronto Ontario, and recorded her next of kin as Mrs. Joseph Ross, 782 25th Street, Edmonton, Alberta. Ada graduated from the Winnipeg General Hospital School of Nursing in 1905 and was appointed Lady Superintendent of the new Selkirk Hospital in 1908. She embarked for England on 1st May 1915 and arrived on the 10th. She enlisted on 12th May 1915 at The Kingsley Hotel, 34 Victoria Street, London.
When writing her Obituary, the Manitoba Free Press, 8th August 1918, page 7, gave the following details of her Service:
“Nursing Sister Ada Janet Ross, of the C.A.M.C., who died at the Canadian Nurses’ Convalescent Hospital at Northwood, Buxton, [left] Derbyshire, England, on July 12, was a graduate of the Winnipeg General Hospital.
The deceased went to France almost with the first Canadian nurses, namely, in May 1915, and remained there for two years, when she was put on hospital ship duty between Canada and the Old Country. For some months prior to her death she had been doing work at Buxton.“
At the time of her enlistment Ada stood 5 ft. 5 ins. [1.65 m.] tall, and weighed 9st 1lb [57.6 kgs.]. She had ‘fair‘ hair, blue eyes and ‘mid-brown’ hair. The details of her War work is that she transferred to the 1st Canadian General Hospital at Étaples on 28th July 1915; transferred to the Ontario Military Hospital in Orpington (16th Canadian General Hospital) on 11th July 1917, and entered the Canadian Red Cross Hospital, in Taplow, Buckinghamshire, on 9th January 1918.
Her final transfer was to the Canadian Red Cross Special Hospital in Buxton on 3rd June 1918, where she died on 12th July 1918l from “peritonitis, tuberculosis and bronchitis/pleurisy“, at the age of 39.
According to the Hospital War Diary, Ada’s funeral took place on the 15th, with full military honours, and she is buried in Grave 2479, in Buxton Cemetery, 1st Class Section.
Two articles have been published in ‘The Buxton Advertiser’ in 1995 and 2008, remembering Ada Ross’ funeral. As the photos below show, Sister Ada Ross must have been very highly thought of in the town. Hundreds lined the route of her cortege to the Cemetery and her coffin was followed by many of the Hospital staff.
Private 1045962 SHOUGHROW, George Franklin, Canadian Infantry, 241st Battalion. “Canadian Scottish Borderers”
George was not a Canadian but a citizen of the USA, born on 17th January 1891, at Brockton, Plymouth County, Massachusetts, USA. He enlisted on 16th April 1917 in Windsor, Ontario, and was living at 9 Porter Street, Detroit, Michigan, employed as a “Teamster“. He was single when he enlisted and named his next of kin as ‘Miss Anna Shoughrow, of Brockton.
At the time of his enlistment Edward stood 5 ft. 4½ ins. [1.64 m.] tall, had a ‘light‘ [!] complexion, blue eyes and brown hair. George died on 23rd January 1918 at the Granville Canadian Special Hospital, Buxton, of “haematemesis” (vomiting blood), possibly after being gassed, and is buried in Grave 3265, in Buxton Cemetery.
Lieutenant STRONG, Randolph William, Canadian Garrison Artillery, 7th Siege Battery.
Randolph was born on 28th July 1890, at Cambria, Argenteuil Co., Quebec, the son of Matthew J. and Martha Strong. He enlisted on 12th May 1916 in Montreal, and was living at Strathcona Hall, and at that time was a “Student” at McGill University. He was single when he enlisted. At the time of his enlistment Edward stood 5 ft. 7½ ins. [1.64 m.] tall, had a ‘fair’ complexion, grey eyes and fair hair.
Randolph died on 26th July 1918 at the Granville Canadian Special Hospital, Buxton, and is buried in Grave 2478, in Buxton Cemetery. For some reason – not as yet known – Lieutenant Strong does not have an ‘official’ CWGC headstone, but is commemorated with a fairly rough-hewn stone, engraved with the basic details.
Private 1037612 SUTHERLAND, James William, Canadian Infantry. 238th Battalion, Canadian Forestry Company.
James was born on 2nd September 1870, at Drummondville, Quebec. He enlisted on 31st July 1916 in Vancouver, British Columbia, and was living at 1546 Balsam Street, Vancouver, employed as a “Woodsman“, even though his wife, Lucy Ann, was living in Grand Prairie, Alberta [presumably separated by the nature of James’ work.]. At the time of his enlistment James stood 5 ft. 8 ins. [1.73 m.] tall, had a ‘fair’ complexion, blue eyes and grey hair. George died on 13th August 1917, at the Cottage Hospital, Buxton, cause not stated, and is buried in Grave 3267, in Buxton Cemetery.
Private 817550 VINCENT, Malcolm, Canadian Railway Troops, 12th Regt.
Malcolm was born on 16th November 1878, the son of Thomas and Ann Fisher Vincent of 2 Main Street, Nemaines, Lanarkshire, Scotland. He enlisted on 18th September 1915 in Sussex, New Brunswick, and was living, with his wife, Helen, at Minto, Sunbury Co., New Brunswick, Nova Scotia, employed as a “Trackman“.
At the time of his enlistment Malcolm stood 5 ft. 6 ins. [1.68 m.] tall, had a ‘dark’ complexion, light-blue eyes and ‘greyish’ hair. Malcolm died on 31st July 1918, at the Granville Canadian Special Hospital, Buxton, from Appendicitis, and is buried in Grave 3256, in Buxton Cemetery.
Sapper 727828 WAGNER, Louis, Canadian Railway Troops, 10th Regt.
Louis was born in Ellice Township, Perth C., Ontario, on 8th October 1898, the son of of Richard S. and Annie Parks. His brother, John Wagner of Milverton, Perth Co., Ontario was, however, named as his next-of-kin. He enlisted on 11th May 1916 in Milverton, and was living at his brother’s home, employed as a “Laborer” [sic].
At the time of his enlistment Louis stood 5 ft. 3½ ins. [1.61 m.] tall, had a ‘fair’ complexion, blue eyes and brown hair. Malcolm died on 23rd March 1919 , at the Granville Canadian Special Hospital, Buxton, from ‘Pulmonary Tuberculosis‘, and is buried in Grave 3185, in Buxton Cemetery.
Canadian Casualties – World War 2
The following Canadian Airmen from World War 2 are also buried in Buxton Cemetery. They died in two separate crashes. Access to the CWGC Record is via the name and more details can be found through the “Canadian Virtual War Memorial” link, which also has a photo of the headstone:
Four of the airmen named died together, on 13th July 1942, when their Stirling Mk.I Bomber, N6075, of No.101 Squadron, C Flight, RAF, crashed at Merryton Low, near Leek, on a training flight. Details of their flight can be read on the “Peak District Air Accident Research” website, along with photos of their graves.
Flight Sergeant (Air Obs.) R/85633 GRIFFIN, John Richard, Royal Canadian Air Force. Buried in Grave 4185, Buxton Cemetery. [See: The Canadian Virtual War Memorial]
Flight Sergeant (W.Op./Air Gnr.) R/77394 HELGESEN, Thorstein Enevold, Royal Canadian Air Force. Buried in Grave 4183, Buxton Cemetery (He had sailed from Liverpool to Montreal on the “Duchess of Bedford”, arriving 30th May 1930, Passenger List: T-14764). [See: The Canadian Virtual War Memorial]
Flight Sergeant (W.Op./Air Gnr.) R/71076 HIRST, James Frederick, Royal Canadian Air Force. Buried in Grave 4182, Buxton Cemetery. [See: The Canadian Virtual War Memorial]
Flight Sergeant (Air Gnr.) R/101761 REGIMBAL, Leo Joseph, Royal Canadian Air Force. Buried in Grave 4184, Buxton Cemetery. [See: The Canadian Virtual War Memorial]
Four more airmen were killed in the crash:
- Sergeant Pilot Roderick Urquhart MORRISON, RAFVR, is buried in Cathcart Cemetery;
- Sgt. John Ellis WILLIAMS, Navigator, RAF, is buried in St Michael’s Churchyard, Barton, Westmorland;
- Sgt. William Anthony George ATKINS, Flight Engineer, RAF, is buried in Rotherfield Greys Churchyard, Oxfordshire, and
- Sergeant Edgar DOLPHIN, RAFVR, who was a passenger on the plane, is buried in St Lawrence Churchyard, Biddulph, Staffordshire
The second crash, on 15th February 1943, led to the deaths of five more airmen when their Wellington bomber, HF613, crashed near Castleton, Derbyshire. Details of their flight can be read on the “Peak District Air Accident Research” website, which also has photos of their graves. These three airman buried in Buxton are:
Sergeant (Pilot) R/128147 KESTER, John Douglas, Royal Canadian Air Force. Buried in Grave 4256, Buxton Cemetery. [See: The Canadian Virtual War Memorial]
Sergeant (Nav.) R/122397 CAIRNS, Richard Foote, Royal Canadian Air Force. Buried in Grave 4255, Buxton Cemetery. [See: The Canadian Virtual War Memorial]
Sergeant (Air Gnr) R/156742 HACKETT, William James, Royal Canadian Air Force. Buried in Grave 4254, Buxton Cemetery. [See: The Canadian Virtual War Memorial]
Another Canadian airman, Sgt Bernard Elliott WILKINSON, RCAF, bomb aimer, was also killed at the same time and is Buried in Sec. X.A. Grave 3., Warrington Cemetery. [See: The Canadian Virtual War Memorial]
Sgt William Arthur (Billy) MARWOOD, wireless operator/air gunner, also died in the crash. He now lies in Grave 223, Nottingham Cemetery.
New Zealand Casualties – World War 2
Three airmen of the Royal New Zealand Air Force, who died in World War 2, are also buried in Buxton Cemetery (alongside their RAF crew member). These men were part of a crew of six, four New Zealanders and two RAF, five of whom died together when their Wellington Mk.III Z1566, of 75 Squadron, crashed on 22nd May 1942. These are:
Pilot Officer 411919 Andrew MacKAY, RNZAF – Pilot, buried in Grave 4178, Buxton Cemetery.
Sergeant 405331 Wilfred Hubert SMEATON, RNZAF – 2nd Pilot, buried in Grave 4179, Buxton Cemetery. [Died of his injuries on the 23rd May 1942]
Sergeant 403566 James BEAVAN, RNZAF – Wireless Operator/Air Gunner, buried in Grave 4180, Buxton Cemetery; and their RAF comrade,
Sergeant 1185743 John William BODE, RAFVR – Navigator, buried in Grave 4181.
Sergeant 1113610 Cyril HAYTON, RAFVR – Front Gunner, was buried in Section A.N.. Grave 152, Byker and Heaton Cemetery, Newcastle-upon-Tyne, close to the home of his parents, Moses and Ellen Maria Hayton, in Walker, Newcastle-on-Tyne.
The only survivor was the Rear Gunner, Sergeant Sidney CHAPPELL, RNZAF.
The Wellington had taken off from Feltwell the previous evening (21st May) but after the weather deteriorated at 3.40 a.m. on the 22nd it crashed into a hillside near Grindon Farm, about 10 kms. from Leek, Staffordshire. The burial service at Buxton was conducted by No. 28 Maintenance Unit, whose medical staff had also attended the crash site.
[Photos of the graves, and more information about the flight, can be seen on the “Peak District Air Accident Research” website.]
about ‘The MacKay Crew” of 75 (NZ) Squadron
Sources: I am grateful to my old friend, the late, Brian Mycock, R.M. whose mother, Olive, nursed many of these Canadian soldiers during World War 1. (Brian pictured right with his granddaughter.)
Brian gave me the news cuttings and Memorial Programme sourced above. He has in a great part been the inspiration for this website and without his help and advice it would never have been completed.
