Can anyone clarify usage and location of FPO T36 in Dec 18 and Jan 19?
The scan shows two PCs to Lancashire. In the earlier one, Harry writes "we have just passed over this river", the card showing the Rhine. The second card shows Cologne. Proud lists usage by TP2 during the final Security Exchange. Is this a Canadian unit? Kennedy & Crab suggests 2nd Canadian Division but with a question mark beside it. The same censor, 1147, has passed both items.
Many thanks.
Jim
Seems odd that Harry from Bolton would be part of a Canadian Army Division.
Wikithing says the 2nd Canadian Div was disbanded in 1919 but lists nothing after November 18. It may be that the ? in K&C is warranted.
Are you a member of the Canadian Military Mail Study Group? It might be worth putting the query to them. If not, I will be happy to do so
Thanks for that, Alan.
I'd appreciate it if you would forward the query to the Canadian Military Mail Study Group.
Regards
Jim
Will do
Jim & Alan
It is fortunate that at the moment I have Alistair Kennedy's card indices for WW1 and have scanned the card for both T36 and 2 Cdn Div - make of them what you will ! I am no expert in WW1 FPOs, nor in Alistair's record keeping or handwriting !
Good luck
Mike
But no mention of censor no 1147
Gents,
Proud (Or Bailey & Toop) Canadian Military Posts Vol 1 gives FPO T36 with the 2nd Canadian Division as you mention. Page 17 has two T36 types used between 1.8.18 and 1.2.19 in the Seeischeid area of Germany, noted as N.S (not seen).
Not sure about your dates. I understand that the 2nd Canadian Div crossed the Rhine 4th December 1918 (with all the other Canadian Division - as planned), and then Canadians started to withdraw from the Rhine for repatriation from the 19th Jan (or so they thought). However, there were insufficient trains to support this and even less shipping to take them back across the Atlantic, which was the initial plan. Many elements of the Canadian Divisions were delayed in Germany, Belgium and Northern France, with locations being unclear.
I have often referred to the following https://scholars.wlu.ca/cgi/viewcontent.cgi?referer=https://www.google.com/&httpsredir=1&article=1651&context=cmh
I have heard back from CMMSG (including our member Robert Toombs) who has confirmed that Harry from Bolton was indeed a member of the Canadian Forces in WWI. He copied his original attestation paper on recruitment, which gives his next of kin as his brother at the same Bolton address
Jim, I am forwarding his email response to you for detailed information