Part of the Jackson Family History
EXTRACTS FROM THE FERNIE FREE PRESS 1915-1937
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These extracts were very kindly sent to me from Canada and after obtaining permission from The Fernie Free Press, I'm including these on my Jackson Family Website. Our family names are GASH and WALLWORK and more information about the families can be found on The Gash Family page and a page devoted to our Canadians.
The outbreak of the First World War led to Canadians enlisting and joining the United Kingdom, other Commonwealth countries, France and Russia to defeat Germany and its allies. The extracts begin with stories found in the Fernie Free Press during that campaign.
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Free Press June 4, 1915 p.1:2
"Possibly greater interest is being taken in the 54th contingent by the people of Fernie than in previous enlistment owing to the fact that a large number of the boys have grown up from babyhood in our midst and are well known to every citizen. A number of these are: Duncan & George Cody, Kenneth Corsan, Chas. Hunnable, Wm. Forsythe, Andrew Ingram, Ned. Duthie, David Gash and Earnest Westby."
Free Press May 19, 1916 p.3:1
"Fernie's Honor Roll - From time to time we have been asked to publish a complete list of those enlisting for overseas service. Nearly every city in Canada has kept an honor roll of their boys who have gone to the front and we think that Fernie should do something along this line. Below we publish a list of all those of whom we have a record, but we know that there are quite a few we have missed and would like very much to be notified of any ommissions. If you could kindly send in any names omitted from the list below you would greatly oblige....
Extracted from the list:
column 2 - John Wallwork - 2nd Contingent
column 2 - David Gash - 54th............."
“David Gash has received official notice that his son, Pte. David Gash, was admitted to number 14 General Hospital, Wimereux on Sept. 3rd., suffering from concussion. The concussion is slight, according to reports.”
“David Gash will go back – Pte. David Gash, writing from Granville Hospital, at Ramsgate, says in part: ‘I receive the Free Press regularly and notice the large number of casualties among our Fernie boys. I was mighty lucky to come through what I did alive. After we had landed down the Somme we began to get some idea of what was in store for us. We were put into the trenches just back of the Mougeut Farm to relieve the Australians, who had lost heavily. I was a bomber and was detailed with No. 3 Co., bombers for action. The first night we raided the German trenches without serious casualties. You know I am rather tall and it kept me busy dodging the snipers. The next night was quiet and the next day they moved us back to the reserve trenches. In a few days we were back again in the front line trenches and the first night we were ordered to attack the enemy. Our detachment was in charge of Corpl. Aimes. We got right over into the German communication trenches and cleared their dugouts right. After the fight eight of our party, including four of our Fernie boys, settled down in the German trenches, but we had not been there very long when Fritz opened on us with about everything he had. We escaped the first bombardment and had just settled down to try and get a little sleep, thinking they could not get us, leaving Frank Dick, a Fernie man, on guard, when a big one landed a few yards away. About three minutes later one landed right in our midst. I wondered what was coming and then I heard a hiss and knew no more. Dick was standing up and three of my pals were on either side of me, but I was the only one to come out of the mix-up alive. Dick was blown to pieces. After I was dug out they kept on shelling the place with those terrible gas shells and I pretty nearly choked. However, they got me back to the dressing station. I was pretty badly crushed; three fingers of my right hand were broken in several places; my shoulder was dislocated; my leg torn, and I was generally pretty badly used up. They took me to Boulonge and from there to England, first to a London hospital and later to this one. I am getting on fine; my fingers have set again but two of them are pretty crooked. I am leaving here shortly for Hastings, where I will spend the winter and in the spring will rejoin my regiment, when I hope to get revenge on Fritz for killing my pals.'”
“David Gash, who has been recovering in England from wounds received on the Somme last fall, has returned to the trenches.”
“David Gash received word this week that his son David, whom he thought was back in France, is once more in hospital as a result of complications in his wounded hand, which will cost the boy a thumb.”
Free Press April 12, 1918 p.3:3
“Pte. David Gash writing under date of March 9, says that he has just returned from a two weeks’ trip to England and that the men are looking forward daily to the big German drive. He says there are very few Fernie boys in the old battalion and very few of the original 54th boys are still in the line. ‘I saw Louis Beale, David Linn and George Linn the other day. They are well. George is still in the band of the 54th. We have lots of shells and big guns and when the Hun attack comes Fritz will know that he has been at the war before he gets through.’”
“Letters received from the front convey the information that David Gash, son of our esteemed townsman, David Gash, has been awarded the Military Medal for bravery on the field. Everybody here extends congratulations. David left Fernie with the 54th, a tall skinny lad who had difficulty in passing the medical examination. He now weighs over 200-lbs. and is some man.”
“Word was received on Saturday that David Gash had been gassed on August 30th. David, who has been recommended for the D.C.M. has been twice wounded and now has been knocked out with gas.”
“The following articles have been made from I.O.D.E. material and sent in by:-
….column 2 – Gladys Gash, 3 towels; Mrs. Gash, 1 pair of socks; Mrs. Wallwork, 2 suits pyjamas”
“We had a nice letter today from Corpl. David Gash. David has been recently appointed corporal in charge of the military police at Veast, in France. He expects to remain in France for several months yet.”
“John Wallwork, a returned soldier, was united in marriage last evening to Miss Edna Gash, daughter of Mr. & Mrs. D. Gash. The ceremony took place in the Church of England and was performed by Rev. Yolland.”
“Sergt. David Gash, who was booked to sail for Canada this month, has been detained in England owing to a broken ankle which he received in a football game.”
“Sergt. David Gash is expected to arrive home tomorrow.”
“David Gash has sold his dray and transfer business to Ed. Patterson and Jack Wilson. He expects to move to the coast where he will take up land and go farming. Mr. Gash has resided here for many years, and has made good. His departure will be sincerely regretted.”
“Sergt. David Gash, Jr., accompanied by his wife, arrived home from overseas on Saturday last. He enlisted with the 54th and was through 12 big engagements. Buried alive, wounded twice and finally gassed, David has had a world of experience. He left Fernie a mere lad; he now stands six feet and a half high and weighs 250 pounds.”
David Gash, Jr., who a few weeks ago returned from overseas, will shortly start up in the dray and transfer business. David has been at the coast and looked over several towns with a view to starting business, but says that Fernie is the best bet in the bunch and that he will start here.”
“Little Helen Harrington, who has been ill for many months, died at the home of her parents, Mr. & Mrs. J.J. HARRINGTON, early on Tuesday morning. She was buried from the Roman Catholic church yesterday morning, the funeral being largely attended. The bereaved parents have the sympathy of the entire community.”
Free Press April 2, 1920 p.5:3
“Mrs. David Gash, Jr., died at the Fernie hospital on Sunday after a short illness. The funeral took place on Wednesday and was largely attended. Deceased had only resided in Fernie for a few months, having come over from England with her husband after the war.”
David Gash, Jr., & family wish to thank the G.W.V.A., the Ladies’ Auxilliary, the Ladies’ Chapter, L.O.O.M., Esther Rebekah Lodge and the members of the Church of England for kindness during their recent bereavement.”
“In Memoriam – In Loving Memory of my dear wife, Miriam, who fell asleep March 28, 1920. Interred at Fernie, B.C. ‘We loved her, yes we loved her, But Jesus loved her best, And in his mercy called her Home to rest. The pearly gates were open, And a voice sweetly bid her come To dwell amongst the angels In the eternal land’ Inserted by her loving Husband, David Gash, Jr.”
“Mrs. David Gash, of Calgary, was a Fernie visitor this week.”
“Coal Creek Notes - During the recent visitations of the ‘stork’ to this camp, baby girls were left at the homes of Mr. & Mrs. B. Knight and Mr. & Mrs. J. Wallwork, of Morrisey Cottages.”
“David Gash, of Burton City, is in town today. Dave. is looking fine and seems to have prospered in the farming business.”
“On March 3, a very pretty wedding was solemnized in St. Paul’s Presbyterian Church, Calgary, when Miss Gladys L. Gash, formerly of Fernie, and Mr. J.R. McElwee, formerly of Chilliwack, were united in marriage. The bride was daintily attired in a white crepe de chene dress and was attended by Mrs. F. Benzie. The groomsman was Mr. Benzie. After the wedding a reception and supper were given at the bride’s home, where the happy couple were the recipients of many useful gifts.”
“Mr. & Mrs. Ian McIlwee (nee Miss Gladys Gash) motored in from Calgary this week and were the guests of Mr. & Mrs. John Wallwork.”
Free Press Feb 20, 1925 p.4:3
“Mrs. John Wallwork and two children were called to Calgary on Saturday evening on account of the illness of Mrs. Wallwork’s mother, Mrs. D. Gash, who is suffering from cancer.”
Free Press Jan 1, 1926 p.5:4
“The
funeral of Sister Alice Gash will take place from the English church on Saturday
at 2 p.m. Members of Esther Rebekah Lodge are requested to meet at the I.O.O.F.
Hall on Saturday from 1.15 to
1.30
p.m.”
“Death came to the home of Mr. David Gash on Wednesday, when his beloved wife passed quietly away. Deceased was a victim of cancer and had suffered intensely until very recently. The husband and family have the sincere sympathy of a host of old-time friends in their bereavement. The funeral will take place from the Church of England on Saturday at 2 p.m.”
Free Press Feb 26, 1926 p.4:4
“Little Miss Doris Wallwork entertained quite a number of her little friends on Tuesday afternoon in honor of her 4th birthday. The little tots had a great time.”
Free Press Jan 7, 1927 p.5:4
“Married – On Dec. 28, 1926, at St. John’s church, Victoria, David Gash, of Essondale, to Miss Mercy Elizabeth Tolley of Victoria, formerly of Fernie :”
Free Press June 6, 1930 p.5:2
Kathleen, little daughter of Mr. & Mrs. John Wallwork, underwent an operation in the Fernie hospital on Monday.”
Free Press June 20, 1930 p.8:1
“Card of Thanks – Mr. & Mrs. J. Wallwork wish to thank Dr. Kelman, the matron and nurses for the good care and kindness shown to their daughter Kathleen, during her recent operation and stay in hospital.”
Free Press June 19, 1931 p.5:2
“Mr. & Mrs. James Gash, old timers of Fernie, motored from Vancouver and are the guests of Mrs. Wm. Commons, West Fernie.”
Free Press July 24, 1931 p.8:3
“Mr. & Mrs. James Gash, who have been visiting with friends in the city, left this week by motor car for their home in Vancouver.”
Free Press June 21, 1935 p.1:4
“Cheston-Wallwork – A very pretty wedding took place in Christ Church, Fernie, on Wednesday morning when Norman, second son of Mr. & Mrs. Harry Cheston of White Spruce was united in marriage to Amy, youngest daughter of Mrs. Wallwork of Fernie. The bride was given away by her brother William. The duties of bridesmaid and groomsman were ably carried out by Miss Katherine Wallwork (Niece) and Phil. Hicks respectively. The Rev. Mr. Gibbs of Michel officiated before a large congregation of friends and well-wishers. A dainty repast was served at the home of the bride’s mother after which the newlyweds left by motor car for a honeymoon trip to Calgary. They will take up residence at White Spruce on their return.”
Free Press June 21, 1935 p.8:3
Mr. & Mrs. Norman Cheston receiving congratulations on the occasion of their marriage which took place in Christ Church on Wednesday morning. After a wedding lunch at the home of the brides mother Mrs. Wallwork. The newlyweds left for Calgary for their honeymoon.”
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A photograph (taken recently) and an item from the Fernie Free Press dated 6 September 1912 has been sent to me by the Granddaughter of my Great Uncle James Gash:
COAL CREEK ACCIDENT
A
fatal accident occurred last night about nine o'clock The victim was Ralph
Gash, a lad of seventeen years, who was employed as a coaltipper on an electric
motor running into Mine No. 1 South. It is reported that the lad fell in front
of a trip of moving cars after he had uncoupled the motor from the trip. The
cars passed over his body, breaking an arm and a leg and injuring the boy
internally . He was brought to Fernie on a special train and taken to the
hospital, but human skill failed to save his life, and he passed away this
morning shortly after eight o'clock. The deceased boy was a native of England.
His name was Winstanley but he lived with his stepfather James Gash and was best
known by the latter's surname. Coroner Wilkes is holding an inquest.
And in the Union Paper:
YOUNG MAN KILLED at Coal Creek
Ralph Gash Run Over by Trip Car
Died in Hospital This Morning
A very sad accident occurred last (Thursday) night about 8 o'clock on the coal tipple of the C.N.P. Coal Co. at Coal Creek. Ralph Gash a young English lad of 17 years who was recently promoted to the position of electric motor conductor at No. 1 South Mine, while following the ordinary course of his duties was run over by the trip cars, receiving a number of injuries. A special train conveyed the unfortunate lad to town, and although he was given all possible medical ministration remained unconscious until death supervened about 8 am this (Friday) morning. So far as we have been able to learn the deceased was about to uncouple the cars and losing his balance fell beneath them with the sad ending as above stated. Great sympathy is felt for the grief stricken parents, as the lad was one that evince a cheerful readiness at all times to lend a helping hand, and all of his fellow workers speak highly of his kindly disposition.
Ralph's headstone reads:
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RALPH GASH THE BELOVED SON OF ESTHER ANN GASH DIED SEPT. 6 1912 AGED 17 YEARS A face from our household gone, The voice we loved is stilled, A place vacant in our home, which never can be filled. Someday we shall understand |
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9 February 2008