True and Fascinating Canadian History
The 100th Anniversary of the Start of World War I
1914 - 2014
The following story was received from Ms. Thomasina Godwin in early November, 2014. It is the memorable and poignant story of her great-great uncle, Royal North West Mounted Police (RNWMP) Reg.#4989, Constable Basil Charles Conroy Warde.
In her own words, Ms Godwin recounts that Basil Warde was born in England then he immigrated to Canada and he joined the RNWMP. A few short years later, Basil Warde returned home. He joined the Allied Forces, participated in WWI's Battle of the Somme and was killed on the battlefield. He was buried nearby where he died.
Vet of the Month: November 2014
Reg.#4989, Constable
Basil Charles Conroy Warde. WWI. KIA
(thomasina.j@gmail.com)
Hello Joe,
As 2014 marks the 100th anniversary of the start of WWI, I thought it would be the best time to share some photos and information on my great-great uncle Reg.#4989, Basil Charles Conroy Warde.
Basil was born on February 28th, 1892 in Seven oaks, Kent, England. He was the fifth of six children, and the youngest son. His family were relatives of the Warde’s of Squerryes Court and he received his education at Tonbridge School. Tonbridge is a boarding school for boys located in Tonbridge, Kent, England. It was founded in 1553.
Basil and his older brother Richard had a thirst to explore other frontiers and work hard for a living. Richard travelled to South America, where for some time he was involved in cattle ranching. And Basil, as you can tell, came to Canada.
Basil wasn’t the first in his family to travel to Canada. His great uncle, Major Henry John Warde, came to Canada with the Royal Regiment and he was killed in a duel on May 22, 1838 in Montreal, QC.
Basil arrived in Saint John, New Brunswick on January 8th, 1910 aboard the Empress of Britain. He was not yet 18 years of age. The passenger list stated that Basil's intended occupation in Canada was farming, yet a few days later, on January 14th he had engaged with the Royal North-West Mounted Police (RNWMP).
Not much is known about Basil’s experience with the RNWMP, as many of the service records from that period have been destroyed. Nevertheless, I have attached a photo (on left) of Basil in Gravelbourg, Saskatchewan (photo was dated 1910). At that time, Gravelbourg was a small, budding town with settlers arriving from across Canada, from the United States, and from many European countries.
On October 25th, 1914 Basil arrived back in England as the country was engaged in World War I. He attended the wedding of his sister, Francesca, to Edward Norman Fortescue Hitchens on July 12th, 1915 (these are my great grandparents). My family has some photos of the wedding where Basil can be seen in his military uniform.
On February 28th, 1916 Basil entered France with the 2nd Battalion, Oxford and Bucks Light Infantry. At this point his Battalion were probably in Béthune or the Festubert trenches -- it is hard to imagine what frightful \conditions Basil would have encountered in the trenches upon his arrival.
Meanwhile, back home in England, my grandmother Enriquetta Mary Hitchins, was born. It was May 23, 1916. Basil would have received the news of Enriquetta's birth shortly afterwards. On June 19th, 1916 Basil wrote a letter (see below) to his new little niece providing her with some insightful life advice. I have attached his letter as I feel it provides a testament to Basil's character, far more superior than any account that I could give.
July 1st, 1916 saw the start of the Battle of the Somme. Basil's Battalion was involved in operations around Delville Wood and Guillemont. Early in the morning of July 30th, the 2nd Oxford and Bucks Light Infantry and the 24th Royal Fusiliers, supported by 5 Brigade’s Machine Gun Company, attacked from Waterlot Farm towards Guillemont Station, but the attack was unsuccessful and the Units were forced to withdraw.
There were heavy causalities that day and Basil was listed as missing and presumed dead. Eventually, his body was located. He now rests in Delville Wood Cemetery, France not far from where he fell.
Basil Warde was only 24 years of age when he died and it was a tough loss for a close-knit family. Some of his personal belongings have been passed down over the years and his memory has not been forgotten. In fact, my sister, a Constable with the RCMP, now holds his RNWMP belt and pin.
Sincerely,
Thomasina Godwin
I am deeply appreciative to Thomasina Godwin for writing to me about her great, great uncle Basil Charles Conroy Warde.
It is perhaps true that no one today can imagine the horrific conditions under which he fought during WWI. Yet, her story is a
vivid reminder about all soldiers who went to war.
R. I. P.
I have explained to Thomasina Godwin that I will visit Basil Warde's grave in Delville Wood Cemetery when I travel to France in April, 2015.
Reporting from Fort Healy,
J. J. Healy
November 11, 2014
The following note was received from Mr. Matt Ball on June 1, 2015
Dear Joe,
I wonder if you might be able to help as I have just read the letter from Thomasina Godwin regarding her uncle, Basil Charles Conry Warde on your website.
Sadly this appeared after publication of my book, Seven oaks War Memorial, The Men Remembered, which features Basil. I wonder if you would be able to forward my contact details to her? I’d be very grateful for any further information and perhaps photos that she may have.
I am due to be taking part at an event at the Warde family’s ancestral home in Kent, Squerryes, later this month. Basil also features in the photo gallery on my website at (sevenoaksww1.org) and it would be nice to write a longer piece about him.
Thanks and best wishes,
Matt Ball
(matthewjball@btinternet.com)
