Many of the men who lived and worked at Glenbow later enlisted in the Canadian Expeditionary Force (CEF), Canada\u2019s army that served in the First World War. One of these volunteers was Frederick (Fred) Wall, an English-born stonecutter. However, Fred fought to save lives, not take them.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
In 1909, Fred arrived at Glenbow Quarry. During his leisure time, he provided music for community dances and played football (soccer to us). In 1911, his family joined him at Glenbow, but in the next two years, his wife and oldest daughter died, and he gave up his newborn for adoption.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Fred faced increasing adversity. The stone industry collapsed, economic depression set in, and war broke out. In 1915, he enlisted in the Canadian Army Medical Corps, drawing on experience he had gained in his years with St. John\u2019s Ambulance in England. Initially his two young sons were cared for by another Glenbow family, the Andertons, and then the boys moved to Calgary\u2019s Salvation Army Children\u2019s Home. By joining the CEF, Fred was able to provide a steady wage for his sons\u2019 upkeep.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
As the war dragged on, combat became more brutal. In May 1918, an unprecedented assault on a hospital 45 miles from the front was carried out by a relay of German planes. On the night of May 19th, the air-raid dropped incendiary and high explosive bombs on the No. 1 Canadian General Hospital outside \u00c9taples, France, where Fred was stationed. The sleeping quarters of both the men and the Nursing Sisters were attacked, as were the hospital wards.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
The official report read: \u201cThe portion of the staff and personnel that had escaped injury immediately attended to the needs of those who had been hit.\u2026The devotion to duty with absolute disregard to personal safety, that was exhibited by all ranks is very highly commendable.\u201d Among the dead were 51 enlisted men and officers, 1 nursing sister, and 8 patients. The wounded numbered 46 enlisted men and officers, 6 nursing sisters (2 of whom died of their injuries), and 31 patients. Although Fred did not suffer physical injury, his mental anguish must have been extreme.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Fred Wall is just one example of the many members of the Canadian Army Medical Corps who volunteered to serve the needs of others during the War to End All Wars. Placing their own safety at risk for the greater good, they saved many lives. The selfless dedication of medical professionals to providing health care continues today, as we have witnessed during the current crisis. All medical staff, past and present, deserve our gratitude and support. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
Tips for Researching Ancestors Who Served in WWI<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n Old photos can provide clues to your ancestor\u2019s service. For example, Fred\u2019s rank as Lance Corporal is depicted on his sleeve by a single chevron with the point down. You can find information<\/a> about uniforms, ranks, and badges as well as many other aspects of WWI (and WWII).<\/p>\n\n\n\n