Halls, Private Frank

Service highlights

  • Service number: 602204
  • Rank at death: Private
  • Enlisted: 13 January 1915, St. Marys
  • Initial unit: 34th Canadian Infantry Battalion
  • Sailed overseas: 23 October 1915 from Quebec City on SS California
  • Died of wounds: 26 July 1916
  • Burial: Railway Dugouts Burial Ground
  • Commemorated: Cenotaph in St. Marys

A Life and Service Remembered

Frank Halls was born on 18 March 1889 in Takely, Essex, England. Before coming to Canada, he had served with a part time unit, the Essex Volunteers, and was likely connected with a territorial battalion of the Essex Regiment. In March 1912 he immigrated to Canada and settled in St. Marys, building a life that appears rooted in the town. Records describe him as a farmer, and by April 1914 his address was listed as Queen Street West.

He enlisted in St. Marys on 13 January 1915 with the 34th Canadian Infantry Battalion. After initial training in Canada, he sailed for England on 23 October 1915, leaving from Quebec City aboard the SS California. Not long after arrival, he was transferred to the 12th Reserve Battalion at Shorncliffe to complete infantry training.

On 24 April 1916, Frank was seconded to the 10th Brigade Machine Gun Company with the 4th Canadian Division. Why he volunteered for a role that some called the “Suicide Club” is not recorded, but the choice speaks to a willingness to take on the most dangerous work when the army needed it. On 23 June 1916 he was sent to the Canadian Machine Gun Depot at Shorncliffe, and less than three weeks later, on 12 July 1916, he was posted to the 7th Canadian Infantry Battalion.

His battalion was holding a sector at the Bluff in the Ypres Salient. Even in a so called quiet part of the line, danger never truly eased. On 26 July 1916, Frank was wounded, either by a bullet or shellfire, the records are not clear. He was evacuated through the battalion aid post and brigade dressing station, and later that day he died from his wounds.

Frank was buried at the Railway Dugouts Burial Ground, also known as Transport Farm, near Zillebeke, Belgium. He was survived by his parents, Mr. and Mrs. Charles Halls of Little Canfield, Dunmow, Essex, England. He is remembered on the cenotaph in St. Marys.

Major battles and operations

  • Service in the Ypres Salient, including the Bluff sector, summer 1916
  • Machine gun service with the 10th Brigade Machine Gun Company, 4th Canadian Division

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