copyright © Wartime Heritage Association 2012-2024 Website hosting courtesy of Register.com - a web.com company
Wartime Heritage ASSOCIATION
Remembering World War I Yarmouth Connections
Return to Casualty List Return To Links
Name: George Crowell Service Number: 415770 Rank: Private Service: 40th Battalion/24th Battalion Date of Birth: April 15, 1894 Place of Birth: Bear Point, Shelburne Co., NS Date of Enlistment: August 7, 1915 Place of Enlistment: Aldershot, Nova Scotia Address at Enlistment: Brazil Lake, Yarmouth Co., NS Age at Enlistment: 21 Height: 5 Feet 7 Inches Complexion: Dark Eye Colour: Brown Hair Colour: Black Martial Status: Married Trade: Fisherman Religion: Next of Kin: Bertha Crowell (Wife) Brazil Lake, Yarmouth Co., NS Date of Death: November 7, 1917 Age at Death: 23 Memorial: Menin Gate (Ypres) Memorial Belgium Commemorated on Page 223 of the First World War Book of Remembrance Displayed in the Memorial Chamber of the Peace Tower in Ottawa on May 19 Commemorated on the Yarmouth War Memorial George Crowell enlisted with the 40th Battalion at Aldershot, NS. He trained in Canada until October of 1915 when he embarked for England arriving there on October 28, 1915. On March 15, 1916 he embarked for France for service with the 24th Battalion. On September 30, 1916 Private Crowell suffered wounds to the head, arm and right leg. He was hospitalized in France and transferred to England for treatment and convalescence. He returned to France and joined the 24th Battalion in the field on May 30, 1917. On November 7, 1917 he was killed in action at Passchendaele. George Crowell was admitted to the 2nd Canadian General Hospital at Le-Treport on September 30, 1916 with wounds to his right arm, left leg and head. At the time the Yarmouth newspaper reported his death and later printed a retraction. On October 16, 1916, George wrote to his wife: Following Private Crowell’s death, November 7, 1918, his wife received a number of letters. Percy Anderson was from North Port, Cumberland Co., NS and enlisted at Aldershot, NS three days after George Crowell. He was also with the 40th Battalion and transferred to the 24th Battalion. Both George and Percy were the same age. Percy survived the war. Thomas Goldman (Winnie) Crowell (Regimental Number 415899) with D Company 40th Battalion also wrote to George’s wife. Thomas Crowell was from Baccaro, Shelburne County Nova Scotia and had also enlisted at Aldershot NS on August 15, 1915, a week after George. He was 19, married, and a fisherman. Thomas would also survive the war. Captain O C “A” Company 24th Battalion wrote on November 20, 1917:
George Crowell
I am trying to write you a few lines as it has been a long time since I have been able to do so. I am getting along fine. I was wounded on the 18th September about four weeks ago. Fritz was one too many for me that time but I will get even with him yet if the Lord spares my life to go back, I would have written before but was wounded in right arm and I don’t know as you will be able to make this out as my arm is not steady yet. Hope to hear from you soon. Your loving husband Pte. George Crowell No. 415770 47 Bed No.9 Ward Scottish National Red Cross Hospital
Dear Mrs. Crowell It is with deep regret that I have to inform you of the death of your husband who was killed in action November 7, 1917 during the attack made by the 2nd Canadian Division on Passchendaele. His body was buried along with several of his companions near where he fell. The battalion was in support to the attacking waves and he was killed by enemy barrage. Your husband was a splendid soldier and cheerfully did his duty on all occasions. His personal effects will be forwarded to you in due course. Please accept my sincere and heartfelt sympathy in your bereavement and let me know if there is anything I can do for you.
Dear Mrs. Crowell: It is with feelings better imagined than described that I am about to write to you a letter. You have no doubt heard about poor George by this time. I don’t know as there is much I can say in a letter from here except that we were the best of chums and have always been together since we enlisted in the 40th Battalion. I come from Baccaro, Shelburne County and have been out here some time now. Was wounded on the Somme the same day as George and came out again just before he did. Personally I think that if this keeps up another year anyone is better off where George is than out here as it gets almost unbearable. I was with George when he was hit - not over six feet away - poor fellow. He never knew what stuck him although he lived six hours. He never regained consciousness. ... I have George’s razor I think you sent him - also some photos and if I ever get back or even to ‘blighty’ you shall have them. If there is anything more that you wish to know write and tell me. My address is the same as his, only my number is 414899.
Brynkinalt Aux Hospital Chirking, N. Wales December 3, 1917 Dear Mrs. Crowell Only yesterday I received the sad news that George had been killed on Passchendaele Ridge and I am writing these few lines to tender my sincere sympathy to you in your sorrow. When he wished me good luck as I left the lines on the morning of November 7 I little thought that would be the last time I should see him alive. We had been together over two years and in training camp and in France he proved himself one of the very best ... the finest chum I ever had. ‘Tis hard to realize, oh, so hard to realize when a loved one goes this way and it always seems as thought the best men and the men who would be of the most service to this country are the ones to go. It is little those of us that are left can do or say to alleviate the sorrow that must almost break the heart. Should I be spared to come back to Nova Scotia after the war and you should ever require a friend at any time, I would be only too glad to be of service for the sake of one who was like a brother to me. H.P. Anderson No 415815 24th Canadians
Brazil Lake Cemetery, Brazil Lake, Yarmouth Co., NS