Private John Crowe was drafted into the CEF in
January 1918, he did not volunteer. Regardless, he served
his country well and was KIA during what is known as
"Canada's Hundred Days". John was born in Milton on
November 28, 1891, to parents Joseph and Bella Crowe.
Private Crowe was assigned to the CEF with the 2nd Depot Battalion
and then to the 8th Reserve Battalion. He was subsequently transferred to the
102nd Battalion on May 10, 1918 (4th Division, 11th Infantry
Brigade).
During the period of September 27th to October 11th, 1918 the
CEF was moving through the Hindenburg Line to Cambrai and was
involved in the action at the Canal du Nord. The maps show the
unit just south of Bourlon Wood.
Private Crowe died of gunshot wounds to his right leg and
thighs at the 1st Canadian Casualty Clearing Station on October
2, 1918. It is presumed that Crowe was wounded on the
previous day, as the 102nd was on loan to the 3rd Division from
the 4th Division in the Battle
of Bourlon Wood.
Details of this action are reported
in the September
1918 Wary Diary. Private Crowe was probably one of the
casualties reported at Bantingny.
An
additional photograph of a grave
site memorial to Private John Crowe was discovered in the
Milton Evergreen Cemetery in May 2009. This is apparently a new
addition or an enhancement of an older stone covered by the
bronze plaque. Note the misspelling of CAMBRAI (as CAMBRAL).
This image was uploaded to the Canadian Virtual War Memorial,
which you can find at this link:
CROWE
Virtual War Memorial
