I’m posting the First World War memoirs of my grandfather-in-law, Sampson J. Goodfellow, a few pages at a time… (Note: The images in this post are taken from the notebook Sam kept during his training as an artillery observer in the Royal Air Force.) (Part 1. Part 2. Part 3. Part 4. Part 5. Part …
Tag: war memoirs
The First World War Memoirs of Sampson J. Goodfellow, Part 12: A Narrow Escape at Passchendaele
I’m posting the First World War memoirs of my grandfather-in-law, Sampson J. Goodfellow, a few pages at a time… (Part 1. Part 2. Part 3. Part 4. Part 5. Part 6. Part 7. Part 8. Part 9. Part 10. Part 11.) One time during the Battle at Passchendaele, I was loaned with my truck to …
The First World War Memoirs of Sampson J. Goodfellow, Part 11: Vimy Ridge to Passchendaele
I’m posting the First World War memoirs of my grandfather-in-law, Sampson J. Goodfellow, a few pages at a time… (Part 1. Part 2. Part 3. Part 4. Part 5. Part 6. Part 7. Part 8. Part 9. Part 10.) The Vimy Ridge Battle started March 1917. The pounding of the barrage, 18 pounders and 7 …
The First World War Memoirs of Sampson J. Goodfellow, Part 10: Rum Running
I’m posting the First World War memoirs of my grandfather-in-law, Sampson J. Goodfellow, a few pages at a time… (Part 1. Part 2. Part 3. Part 4. Part 5. Part 6. Part 7. Part 8. Part 9.) We picked up supplies at Aubigny, Braay, Barlin, etc. and took them up to a point near the …
The First World War Memoirs of Sampson J. Goodfellow, Part 9: Illness and Bad News
I’m posting the First World War memoirs of my grandfather-in-law, Sampson J. Goodfellow, a few pages at a time… (Part 1. Part 2. Part 3. Part 4. Part 5. Part 6. Part 7. Part 8.) We finally reached St. Pol which was on the outskirts of our territory, and then reached Aubigny which was our …
The First World War Memoirs of Sampson J. Goodfellow, Part 8: The Somme and beyond
I’m posting the First World War memoirs of my grandfather-in-law, Sampson J. Goodfellow, a few pages at a time… (Part 1. Part 2. Part 3. Part 4. Part 5. Part 6. Part 7.) An ex-Toronto Policeman in our group informed the Sergeant-Major that I was an Engineer and Draftsman. I was then paraded before the …
The First World War Memoirs of Sampson J. Goodfellow, Part 7: Off to France!
I’m posting the First World War memoirs of my grandfather-in-law, Sampson J. Goodfellow, a few pages at a time… (Part 1. Part 2. Part 3. Part 4. Part 5. Part 6.) I heard very soon that Company Sgt.-Major had been reduced in rank and left our Unit. He was the only real soldier among us. …
The First World War Memoirs of Sampson J. Goodfellow, Part 6: Army Athletics
I’m posting the First World War memoirs of my grandfather-in-law, Sampson J. Goodfellow, a few pages at a time… (Part 1. Part 2. Part 3. Part 4. Part 5.) I have not mentioned anything about our physical training; well, we had plenty. Our Officers knew we would be in competition with other units when we …
The First World War Memoirs of Sampson J. Goodfellow, Part 5: The Cookhouse Revolution
I’m posting the First World War memoirs of my grandfather-in-law, Sampson J. Goodfellow, a few pages at a time… (Part 1. Part 2. Part 3. Part 4.) During the night our Officers along with some of our Senior N.C.O.’s had lots of liquor flowing in one of the tents on my territory. The guard that …
The First World War Memoirs of Sampson J. Goodfellow, Part 4: Trouble with Sergeants
I’m posting the First World War memoirs of my grandfather-in-law, Sampson J. Goodfellow, a few pages at a time… (Part 1. Part 2. Part 3.) We immediately got on the train but did not leave Liverpool until 11:30 a.m. We passed Crewe, Rugby, the outskirts of London and reached Shorncliffe, Kent at 8:15 p.m. We …
The First World War Memoirs of Sampson J. Goodfellow, Part 3: Across the Atlantic
I’m posting the First World War memoirs of my grandfather-in-law, Sampson J. Goodfellow, a few pages at a time… (Part 1. Part 2.) Up at 6:00 a.m., had breakfast and paraded my guard to the Hurricane Deck on port side to have them inspected. The men from other companies got the devil but mine didn’t. …