Charles H. Bloxham DCM

Rank:

Private

Regimental number:

19491

Unit at enlistment:

10th Battalion

Force:

C.E.F.

Volunteered or conscripted:

Volunteered

Survived the war:

Yes

Wounded:

Yes

Cemetery:

Mount Hope Cemetery, Brantford, Ontario

Awards or decorations:

Distinguished Conduct Medal

Commemorated at:

Brantford Congregational Church, Independent Order of Foresters

Birth country:

Canada

Birth county:

Brant

Birth city:

Brantford, Ontario

Address at enlistment:

Winnipeg, Manitoba

Next of kin address:

27 Sheridan Street, Brantford, Ontario

Trade or calling:

Butcher

Religious denominations:

Presbyterian

Marital status:

Single

Age at enlistment:

Gallantry medals:

Yes

Image gallery:

Letters and documents

BX September 1, 1915

Enjoying Rest In The Hospital – Private Charles Bloxham Recuperating at Hospital at Le Havre

The many friends of Pte. Charles Bloxham, D.C.M., of this city, will be interested in the following letter received from him yesterday by Mr. J. Hill. The letter, shorn of personal matters, reads as follows:

I am down at the base hospital at Le Havre at present with very little the matter with me. I had rheumatism pretty bad and a very heavy cold, so the battalion doctor thought the rest down here would do me good and so sent me down for a few days and I sure do feel better already. I have been here about ten days and you can’t imagine what a treat it is away from the old firing line, especially when you have had about six months of it up there and have been through a couple of mad bayonet charges, with your cap shot through and also your tunic. So you can guess how much it hurts to get away from it for a spell.

The people at home do not know the horrors of this war. I wish this old war was finished and that all our brave boys could get back home again. I for one would sure be glad to see the good old shores of Canada and that grand city called Brantford, and the good people that live there.

Dear old Brantford! Well, if the Good Lord is willing that is just the town for your “Uncle Dudley.”

That is neither here nor there, however, as we have plenty of work on our hands to do out here. The tenth has not lost a trench and doesn’t intend to. How is that for blowing your own horn? It is sure lovely down here at Havre, just on the sea, and you ought to see the time that I put in sleeping. It is shameful.

Pte. C.H. Bloxham
No. 19491 10th Batt.
C. Company, C.E.F.
France

BX November 20, 1915

Many Invalided Men Arrived

Four Brant County men have been returned to Canada, invalided out of the service owing to wounds. Three of these have been taken to the Soldiers’ Convalescent Home in Toronto, these being Private Harold Joseph Ireland, 36th Battalion, Kennedy Street, city; Bugler Albert Charles Lewis, 1st Battalion, 139 Chestnut Avenue, city and Pte. Charles H. Bloxham, 10th Battalion. The fourth, Private Aylmer Donald Fraser of Paris, returned to Paris. The men formed part of the 142 men who arrived at Toronto yesterday and who were given a big reception in Toronto. It is not known when they will come home here.

BX November 24, 1915

Reception Given to Heroes Who Returned from Front – C.H. Bloxham, A.C. Lewis – Big Crowd Gathered at the Station and Gave a Warm Home-Coming to D.C.M. Wearer and Plucky Little Bugler Who Have Done Their Duty – Enthusiasm Was Spontaneous and Lasting

As the 6.42 train from Toronto pulled into the G.T.R. station last evening two figures in Khaki stepped off one of the middle coaches of a long train. There were cries of “There they are!” and the thousands gathered there to welcome the Brantford heroes back from the battlefront broke into a spontaneous and lasting cheer and hundreds of willing hands were thrust out and the boys swung shoulder high to the delight of the crowd.

The heroes whom the crowd welcomed back last night were Pte. Charles H. Bloxham, D.C.M., 10th Battalion, of 27 Sheridan Street, and Bugler A.C. Lewis, 1st Battalion, who have been invalided home. Thousands were gathered at the station to meet the train, which was right on time, but the crowd would have been much larger had there not been some uncertainty as to the time of arrival.

On their arrival here the returned heroes were hustled into waiting automobiles, in which were their parents and friends, and then lined up in a procession. The train was met by a detachment of men from the 84th Battalion, the local units and two bands. These along with dozens of automobiles and hundreds of people, then formed a procession that wended its triumphal way to the Market Square. The procession was headed by Mayor Spence’s car and closely followed by Mr. W.F. Cockshutt’s car, in which was Bugler Lewis and then Ald. Dowling’s car in which was Private Bloxham.

The cars were lined up on the Market Square and speedily the whole Market Square was thronged with a wildly enthusiastic crowd. Mr. Cockshutt’s car was used as a platform and the reception proper was under way. Mayor Spence acted as spokesman, formally welcoming the boy’s home, and touching on the honor they had brought to the city. Mr. W.F. Cockshutt, M.P., and Lt.-Col Stewart also spoke in a congratulatory vein and their utterances were loudly applauded by the big throng.

Lt.-Col Stewart had just finished speaking when the crowd called for the heroes. “Where is Bloxham?” was the cry and he had to be hoisted up onto the car. His appearance was the cause of more cheering and “Speech! Speech” was the call. Bloxham told the gathering that he was too nervous and tried to talk then, but would be around for two weeks and would in that interval try to see all his friends. He spoke of the good conduct of the Canadians at the front and said that the best British regiments delighted to fight against the Germans with the Canadians alongside of them. They preferred the Canadians to any other soldiers. He told the members of the 84th that he knows what they would do when they got to the front – sustain the good name the rest of the contingents had made.

Bugler Lewis was also urged to his feet and he too, pleaded tiredness thanking the crowd for the reception and saying he had just done his duty.

The automobiles were besieged for a long time by chums and friends desirous of shaking the hands of the returned heroes. The returned soldiers did not have the appearance of wounded men. The extent of their sufferings was not easily apparent, both looking strong and robust. Their step was fairly elastic, but on closer view it was noticed that they were very nervous, and in a convalescent condition.

Immediately after the reception the men were whisked to their homes in the automobiles and the battles were again fought over for the interest of relatives and friends, and many tales of the battlefields that will not be written up were told.

Bloxham and Lewis came up from Quebec to Toronto on Sunday with about 83 Toronto men, in charge of Lt.-Col. F.W. Marlow, A.D.M.S. Seventy-five percent of the men who came home to Toronto had wounds. In Toronto they received a big reception. They are here only for a couple of weeks and will then return to Toronto, where they will be maintained in the convalescent home in the old Bishop Strachan School.

BX November 24, 1915

Possessor of D.C.M. Modest in Demeanor – “A Little Bit of Service” He Gave as Reason for Getting Medal – Save Wounded Under Fire

After undergoing the experience of twice being blown out of the trenches and buried amongst sand bags and dirt, Private C.H. Bloxham, 27 Sheridan Street, the proud possessor of a D.C.M., returned home last evening on a four months’ furlough. Brantford’s first winner of a D.C.M. was very modest, when seen at his home this morning and rather reticent about actual operations.

Bloxham is suffering from shock and concussion, and while looking fit is very nervous. This was chiefly caused by gas from shells while he was buried at Festubert and Givenchy in the months of May and June. Twice was he blown out of the trenches by shells. He stayed at his post with the battalion until August, when he was sent back to the hospital at Le Havre.

Asked as to how he got the D.C.M. he replied that it was at Ypres for “devotion to duty and bravery on the field.” He described it modestly as a “little bit of service,” but the official records at the time said that it was for carrying a wounded comrade a mile to safety, assisting in reforming stragglers and accompanying his officer to brigade headquarters, finding it in the possession of the enemy and escaping with him under heavy fire.

Bloxham enlisted in Winnipeg in August, 1914, with the 10th Battalion and went direct to Valcartier and over to England with the first contingent and had the first winter at Salisbury with all the mud and rain. However, he says the grub was good. In February he sailed for France and had about six months in the trenches.

After having been twice buried by German shells he was sent back to the hospital. Some time was spent at the hospital at Havre and then at a Canadian base hospital, and here he received leave of absence to go to England. While there, he was taken sick again. From here he was sent to the convalescent home at Shorncliffe.

A little time ago he was ordered home for four months to convalesce and is now here on two weeks’ leave and will then return to the convalescent hospital at the old Bishop Strachan School on College Street, Toronto.

“I will go back with a good heart just as soon as my condition permits of it, to continue to do my duty as a soldier,” he said this morning.

He describes the trenches as now being in excellent shape. It was on July 25, about a mile and a half behind the trenches, while General Alderson, Premier Borden and Prince Arthur of Connaught were making an inspection that the Prince told him to go up for his D.C.M. ribbon. His medal for this has not yet been received.

Nobody thought more of the gallant Canadians than the flower of the English army, Scotch and Coldstream Guards. They were delighted to fight alongside the Canadians, and frequently said that they never felt safer than when they had the Canadians in the flank trenches.

Referring to the reception he got last evening Pte. Charles Bloxham said that it was the proudest moment of his life. “I was never so proud of old Brantford before and I can sincerely say that I never expected such a reception. I am also very proud of the way Brantford has answered the call.”

London Gazette: 29202
Date: June 22, 1916
Honour or Award: Distinguished Conduct Medal
Name: Charles H. Bloxham (19491)
Unit: 10th Battalion

Details: For conspicuous gallantry and devotion to duty on the 24th April – he rescued a wounded comrade and carried him for one mile into safety whilst exposed to heavy shell fire; also on this day he assisted in gathering up and reforming stragglers under heavy fire. On the night of the 25th-26th April while near Gravenstafel Cross Roads, he accompanied an officer to Brigade Headquarters and finding it in the hands of the enemy escaped under fire.

BX June 16, 1915

Received the Distinguished Conduct Medal – Private Charles H. Bloxham, Former Brantfordite, is Honoured

The first Brantford boy to receive military distinction at the front in the form of a medal is Private Charles H. (Charlie) Bloxham, son of Mr. and Mrs. J.C. Bloxham, 27 Sheridan Street. He has been awarded the Distinguished Service Medal, which ranks next in military value to the Victoria Cross, the greatest medallion honor that can fall to the lot of any soldier the world over.

The news was received in the city yesterday by Mr. and Mrs. Bloxham from their son, who mentioned it in a letter in a very casual way, without any egotistical pride, though the honor is one that must be well and truly earned before it is granted. He said that he had received an honor, having been awarded the Distinguished Service Medal “for some small service I rendered at Ypres.” He gives no further particulars as to the nature of the services rendered, but that they must have been of the highest caliber is shown by the very fact that he was awarded the decoration.

Private C.H. Bloxham, though a Brantford boy, did not enlist from this city. He was a resident of Winnipeg at the time that the war broke out, and he lost no time in offering his services for King and Country. He volunteered with and was accepted for the 106th Winnipeg Rifles, which formed the chief part of the 10th Battalion, overseas contingent, when the Canadian troops were organized. This is the regiment known as the “Devil’s Own,” having been so christened by the Indians at the time of the Indian troubles in the west, which the Winnipeg Rifles helped to suppress, and the nickname has stuck since that time, having been found appropriate in the present war, even though they are not now dressed in black.

Mentioned in Orders

The letter from Private Bloxham telling of the honor conferred on him was as follows:

May 25, 1915
France,

Dear Father,

You will be more than surprised to read the contents of typewritten sheet. I can assure you it came as a great surprise to me. On joining the contingent to fight for our King and Country, it was my last thought that such a high honor would ever come to me, but, there must be some good in your roaming son. This honor was given to me for some little work I had performed at Ypres, which engagement you must have heard of. We have been into another engagement and the battle is still raging. I have received Alice’s kind letters, also parcels. Hoping you are all well, Good night.

Your loving son,

Charlie

The typewritten sheet mentioned above was Gen. Alderson’s divisional orders granting a medal, awarded for distinguished conduct under the authority granted by His Majesty the King to Pte. C.H. Bloxham.

In a letter to his sister, Miss Alice Bloxham, Private Bloxham says in part:

I have had hardly a minute to myself for quite a time. I can thank my lucky stars that I am able to answer any of your letters at all, for it has been – here, with the lid closed down. Your Uncle Dudley has been right in the midst of it all. I have been attached to the staff since we came out of the trenches, so as to give me a little rest, but I expect to return immediately. I accidentally ran into Mounce and Dawson and two or three others of the 4th Battalion transport of the first brigade, but just for long enough to receive their congratulations. The honor that I received was read out in orders to all the brigade.

BX June 18, 1915

Four Left Out of 55 – Private Charles Bloxham One of Quartet Left in 10th Platoon, 10th Battalion

An interesting letter has been received by Mrs. H.J. Thompson, of Hamilton, formerly of Brantford, from her brother, Pte. Charles Bloxham, who on Wednesday was reported to have been awarded the Distinguished Conduct Medal for bravery on the field of battle. Pte. Bloxham briefly tells of his thrilling experiences, and refers to the heavy losses which his battalion, and especially his platoon, have suffered. With characteristic modesty, he rejoices that he has been able to do something, of which his parents may feel proud, and expresses the hope that he may be spared to return to Canada to tell of his experiences to his friends and loved ones. The letter, deleted of personal matters, is as follows:

May 29, 1915

Dear Josie,

I would have answered your last letter sooner, but have been too busy, for things have been pretty hot around here for some time, and your Uncle Dudley, has been right up to the front all the time as the colonel’s runner, and a busy time I have had of it. Your brother Charles has been so close to death so many times, it would take me forever and a day to tell you about my experiences, but if God is willing that I should ever go back to Canada, I think your hair will stand on ends if it is hanging down your back to the ground, when I relate some of the thrilling experiences which we have come through.

Well, Josie, I wrote a small note to father while we were in the reserve trenches and shells were bursting around us. I also sent him a typewritten sheet which was handed to me, and I think maybe it pleased him as there are not overly many things I have done in my life that have given mother and father much comfort. But, believe me, this is the life that makes you think.

There are very few of us left of the 10th Battalion, and we have lost both of our colonels. The first, Col. Boyle, was killed, and now Col. Guthrie has been wounded. So I will be having another boss and that just doesn’t catch me at all. They have appointed me permanent orderly here at battalion headquarters, but I don’t know how our new C.O. and I will hitch, as I don’t know just who he will be as yet. We are having grand weather here just now. It is not too hot and not too cold at night. There are only four left out of the 10th Platoon, in which there were 55 of us, and we are all privates – that is of the old 10th Platoon. You can figure out for yourself how lucky I have been, and I sincerely hope it will continue for I dearly want to see old Brantford again, and see if I can’t be some comfort to dear mother and father in the future.

C.H.B.

BX November 29, 1915

Second Recruiting Meeting Was An Enthusiastic One – Private Charles H. Bloxham, D.C.M., Appealed for Men and Expressed Hope That Local Option Would Win Out Here – S.L. Launders Labor Leader of Hamilton Gave Fine Address

The second of a series of recruiting meetings held in the Brant Theatre last evening to assist in raising 1,000 men for the new 125th Brant Battalion, was an enthusiastic one, and although definite results were lacking they are looked for this week. The immense audience, which crowded the building from pit to the topmost galleries, indicated the great interest of the people of Brantford in the struggle against Prussian despotism.

One of the speakers was Pte. C.H. Bloxham, D.C.M., one of Brantford’s returned heroes, and in a modest unassuming way he told a little of that grim reality in which he took part and of the great need for men to relieve those who are now in the trenches. He also expressed the hope that his home town would go dry when the local option by-law would go to the people in January.

Pte. Bloxham was given a great ovation at the hands of the big audience. He received in no mean manner the homage that is due him for his act of self-sacrifice. After he had told his story last night and expressed his willingness to return just as soon as his health would permit of it, the audience, filled with admiration for his bravery, gave him a spontaneous tribute that must have thrilled him through and through.

One of the best known Labor men in Canada, S.L. Landers of Hamilton, was the other speaker and the gravity of the present situation was touched upon by him in his appeal for men for the new battalion. His remarks were featured by a note of convincing optimism. He was positive that the Allies would win, but nevertheless they needed more men and immediately.

The musical part of the program was in charge of the 84th band and before the meeting was opened they paraded from the armories to the tune of martial airs. Then as the curtain was rung up and the meeting declared open they rendered God Save the King and Rule Britannia. The stage was appropriately decorated with flags and bunting and conspicuously displayed throughout the house were recruiting banners. Solos were given during the evening by Miss Hilda Hurley and Mr. Ernest Moule. Mayor Spence was the chairman and with him on the platform besides the speakers were Rev. Lavell, T.H. Preston, Ald. J.S. Dowling, W.N. Andrews, Lieut.-Col. Cutcliffe, Ald. Bragg and others

Mayor Spence

The announcement was made that next Sunday evening at a similar meeting Col. Sutherland, recently invalided home from the front with wounds, would speak. He is now commanding the71st Battalion in Oxford County. Assisting him will be talent from Paris. “I am more than pleased to see such a large audience,” said Mayor Spence, the chairman, following the opening selections by the 84th band. “The meeting is under the auspices of the Brant County Recruiting League,” he went on to say. “This league was organized to assist recruiting as far as possible in the organization of the new 125th Battalion, which is to be officered by Brant County men and we also hope the rank and file will be made up of Brant County men.

The mayor again eulogized the good way in which Brant County men had answered the call of King and Country and expressed the hope that the backers of the new 125th Battalion would speedily get the desired quota of men.

“Seven men were received after a recent recruiting meeting in St. George and every day Paris is recruiting men.

“The men who are fighting in the trenches today are fighting just as much for Canada, their homes, mothers, sisters and sweethearts as if the battles were being fought here in Canada.”

In referring to one of the speakers, Pte. Bloxham, D.C.M., he said:

“He is one who has gone to the front and made for himself a name that every citizen of Brantford should be proud of. He has won one of the greatest honors His Majesty the King could confer on him.”

Straight from the shoulder was the appeal from Pte. C.H. Bloxham, D.C.M., recently invalided home from the front. Thunderous doesn’t describe the applause when he arose to speak and later when he concluded a modest speech, withal ringing with the need from men at the front.

He again thanked Brantford for the civic reception tendered him on his return. To the boys in the audience he said they would find when they got to England with Canada on their shoulders they would be “it.” He declared that after all there was no place like Canada.

“Since the battle of Ypres,” continued Pte. Bloxham, “the Germans fear the Canadians. They get right down on their knees and holler for mercy. They have a great fear of the cold steel, especially in the hands of the Canadians.

“I might say that the war has changed my whole life. I never believed much in the Higher Providence, but just after the Germans loosened some gas on day, the wind changed and drove it back into the Germans, allowing the French to take two trenches. Now if that is not Providence, I don’t know what it is.

“Now I believe in temperance and would myself like to see Brantford go dry. I used to be a pretty good artist myself. However, a soldier cannot do any training or marching if he has any ‘booze’ stowed away under his belt. I certainly would like to see Brantford go dry.

“More men are needed now and needed badly. When we went out first the Germans nearly had the good old flag in their hands, and I was with the Canadians that stopped them, but we lost a lot of men.

“If you men don’t enlist now you will have to work and be a soldier, too, under German militarism. We want a free country, all of us; we have lived in a free country long enough to continue to want it.”

That the stories of German cruelty heard here were not much exaggerated was the claim of Pte. Bloxham. He told of having seen a little girl with both her hands cut off; an old woman with her wooden leg taken away by the Germans for firewood and of assisting to remove a Canadian who had been crucified, on a barn door.

“Many men who are now in the trenches need a little relief,” said the returned hero in conclusion, “but they will not get it till you men go over to take their places while they are given a much needed rest.”

Three cheers and a tiger for Pte. Bloxham, who had done his little “bit” and was ready and willing to return as soon as his health permitted, were called for by Mayor Spence and heartily given.

Mr. S.L. Landers, a prominent Labor leader from Hamilton, delivered a forceful and sane address that hit the mark. He appreciated; he said the honor to address the meeting because there were so many young men in the audience.

“I know all the young men who have not volunteered are not slackers or shirkers; many of them have been rejected and are now working on munitions, yet there are many who are fit and have not yet volunteered and these are the ones we want to get.

“I always was an anti-militarist, but this isn’t a war for aggrandizement. While I m too old to go overseas I have put on a Home Guard uniform and am now associated with the 109th and may yet, despite my age, and up on the battlefront.

“Men the need is great. This is the first time in the history of the British Empire where the King has ever called the troops. The clarion call for men has reached us. When war broke out we were not prepared for it. For many years pacifists were opposed to a standing army or navy. They claimed it was improbable and almost impossible for Canada to ever be at war with Germany. But all the time we were practically asleep the Germans were preparing.”

The speaker expressed confidence in Kitchener and though highly of his wisdom. “I bank on Kitchener,” he remarked.

“Men are needed and the call is urgent and we are going to get them. France has now sent 10 percent of her population; Britain 8 ½ percent; Australia over 3 ½ percent; and Canada less than 2 ½ percent.

“The war was not forced by Great Britain; Germany knew Great Britain was unprepared. Just about the time trouble started between Austria and Serbia, Germany thought she saw her chance. There was Home Rule questions in Ireland; suffrage troubles in England, labor troubles and uprisings in India. Germany thought this turmoil would help her cause, but she did not know Great Britain. As soon as the war was started Home Rule was dropped, suffragettes declared a truce and everybody was united in a common cause.

“Many of you young men have been preparing to leave the first of the year, you have matters to clean up, but a number of your are in the class ‘let George do it.’ Boys you are losing the opportunity of your life, I am over 50 years of age, have a valid, yet I envy Pte. Bloxham.

“We are going to win the war there is no doubt about that, but the day will come within five, six or eight years hence, when you will be sorry you didn’t grasp this opportunity. With you men who evade the call, in a few years the ‘chickens will come home to roost.’

“Is there anyone here who is going to take the place of the O’Neill brothers, Stephenson’s place or the place left by Lieut. Brant? I take my hat off to the few Irish, Scotch and Welsh who went, but the majority of the first and second contingent was British born, but the reason for that is that they come of fighting stock. We are not a fighting nation and it is only natural that when the call first came they would answer first, but our boys are waking up and we want you boys to rally up the call of the 125th Battalion.

“It is said that this is not our fight because we are over 3,000 miles from the battlefront. If we lose this war Canada is going to figure in the indemnity for Germany is looking for overseas colonies.

“In the first contingent many went just for patriotic or adventurous reasons, but now the men that are leaving are going to protect our homes and all that are near and dear to us. Where would we be if the British navy did not have the German fleet boxed up like rats in a trap. The British navy has always protected us and now it is up to us to go and fight.

“We used to have an inclination to look down on the Englishmen, who came out here, but the majority of those English waifs and Barnardo boys sent out here are now in the trenches and they were the first to volunteer. I don’t chide our Canadians, they have gone, and are going. I know we are going to get the quota asked for.

“While Hamilton officials were in the United States getting information in regard to insurance policies told them that they could give them a better rate, if the Canadian boys would run a little. They have established for themselves a reputation. We want to see the war ended in Germany not in Flanders or Belgium.

“Our friend, Tin Can Ford is going to hire a vessel and taking a lot of pacifists to Europe with the intention of having the boys out of the trenches by Christmas. There is only one way to end it.” The way, be illustrated by a story, “if you saw a man raising a ruction on the street, you would want to hit him, wouldn't you, well that is the way we should feel about this fight.”

There are according to the speaker, 250,000 Serbian women in the trenches and he asked what the men were going to do to protect them. In conclusion he said:

“I do not know when the Germans will be driven out of Belgium. I do not know when the Dardanelles will be freed, or when the war will be over, but I know we are going to win one battle and that will be the last.”

BX January 10, 1916

Ten Added to 125th Brant Battalion Following Appeal of Gen. Logie and Officers – Stirring Address Given at Recruiting Rally at Brant and Overflow at Colonial Theatre – Presentation of Watch Fob to Pte. C.H. Bloxham, D.C.M. From I.O.D.E. in Recognition of Valor

While compulsion is under way in Britain, in Canada and in Brantford especially, the voluntarists are continuing their efforts to secure recruits, and are meeting with fairly satisfactory results. Evidence to this end was furnished at the Brant Theatre last evening when, following impassioned and forceful pleas by Brig.-Gen Logie of the headquarters staff, Toronto; Capt. A.P. VanSomeren, paymaster of the 125th; Capt. Ashton Cockshutt and Capt. Hanna, medical officer of the 125th Battalion, seven men came from the ranks of the non-khaki clad of Brantford and by stepping upon the platform signified their willingness to become soldiers of the Empire. As they stepped upon the stage these men were given a welcome which if they be spared till that time when peace comes once more to Europe they will undoubtedly recall as the proudest moment of their lives.

The crowd of enthusiastic citizens who gathered last evening was the largest since the series of rallies to secure recruits for the new 125th Brant Battalion began. Long before the hour appointed for the meeting to commence the building was packed from the stage to the door, every available seat being taken up, while hundreds of others thronged the street in front of the building clamoring for admittance.

An Overflow Meeting

As this juncture it was realized that something should be done, and he officers of the 125th, who had full charge of the meeting, immediately made arrangements for an overflow meeting at the Colonial Theatre, where three more men were secured, making a total of ten for the evening, which brought the total (if they were all passed as medically fit) since the New Year up to 26 men, or an average of 13 men per day.

At the Colonial

At the meeting in the Colonial Theatre W.S. Brewster acted as chairman, and addresses were made by Rev. A.E. Lavell, Capt. VanSomeren, Capt, Hanna, and Lieut.-Col. R.W. Leonard of St. Catharines.

At the Brant

The stirring appeals for men the moment when Brigadier General Logie rose to speak, and the appearance upon the stage following the address of Capt. Cockshutt, of seven recruits, all were heartily and appreciatively received, but the enthusiasm reached a climax when Mr. J.C. Bloxham on behalf of his son, C.H. Bloxham, received the D.C.M. and a watch fob as a gift of recognition for Pte. Bloxham of his unselfish devotion to the cause, from the Daughters of the Empire.

Hon. Lieut.-Col. W.F. Cockshutt

Hon. Lieut.-Col. W.F. Cockshutt acted as the chairman and in a few brief words introduced the speakers. He referred to the excellent way in which the people of Canada had responded, so far and hoped that he young men of Brantford would rally to the call so that the much-talked-of conscription would not be necessary around her borders. He then called upon the band for a few verses of “Onward Christian Soldiers.”

Capt. A.P. VanSomeren

Capt. A.P. VanSomeren was the first speaker of the evening and referred to the difficulty it was to break new ground on the subject on which so much had been said since the war began. What was wanted now as action on the part of every man of the British Empire. He referred to the mottoes which were distributed in blazoned letters throughout the city and hoped the young men realized what they meant. “Every citizen who is fit between the ages of 18 and 45 who can possibly leave at all should come out and do his duty,” he said. This new Brant Battalion was an opportunity for the men of Brant County to get in with their pals and be under men they knew. He believed that the responsibility of the war rested on Germany, and told of the disastrous results which would have resulted had Britain not taken the part she did. Canada, one of the foremost stars in the British Empire, would have been the first place Germany would have attacked if the British navy had not risen to the occasion. He exhorted his hearers not to delay but to come out and do their bit.

“We take our stand today as one of the nations who respects integrity and respects the treaties which the Germans have violated because we are ourselves a nation within a nation.”

He referred to the efforts the ladies were going to make to fill the places which were to be vacated by the young men. “Surely, Canada above all parts of the British Empire, should get busy and not be left behind.” He referred to the great opportunities that came out of this chance of enlistment. Although he knew there were a few hardships, they were more than made up by the honor that would be gained by those who had done their duty, be it ever so humble and small. “Come in boys and do your bit,” he concluded.

Corporal Murray then sang “Do Your Bit,” and was heartily joined in the chorus by the soldiers.

Brig.-Gen Logie

Brig.-Gen Logie, commander of the divisional area, was given a great ovation on his arising to speak. He explained that he was not a great public speaker by any means and came to address the men of Brantford who had not yet volunteered for active service. He was sure they, as everyone else, knew what the great conflict was for and hoped those not in uniform would before the evening was over see their duty and come forward in answer to the call that was being made.

It was the mothers who were letting their sons go, the wives who were letting their husbands go and the ladies who let their sweethearts go who were making the greatest sacrifices. He explained to them that their going did not necessarily mean an obituary notice in The Expositor or The Courier, and that the tears of parting would be more than made up by the tears of joy with which after they had covered themselves with glory they would be welcomed home. He referred to the units which were in the Dominion when the war commenced and paid a tribute to the two Brantford units which were in the city at that time, the 38th Dufferin Rifles and the 32nd Battery. People had said they would not be able to stand against the trained machines of Germany, but it had been proven in the great battles of the past that they were more efficient than the Germans and that the fright that the Germans had tried to inspire for the purpose of terrorizing the people was false.

“Think of the heirlooms the boys will bring back which will forever be treasured in a niche in the family fire place,” he said.

He also appealed to the employers of the county who were against letting their workmen go, and exhorted them to sit down and think out how best they could spare them and keep their places until they came back. In the case of the farmers, too, he believed expediency should be adopted that the war might be brought to a successful conclusion. Although it was hard for the mothers and fathers on the farms to spare their sons, nevertheless it must be done.

“The whole thing upsets our preconceived ideas and we find it hard to re-adjust ourselves.”

“Every man should be making his plans to get away and join the colors, because men and more men are needed. Don’t’ think that 500,000 men will be enough from Canada to subdue the Huns. When the 125th Brant Battalion is formed another will be needed, and after that still another.”

He told a story to illustrate the fact that Prussian guns were not the most dangerous things in the world, and commented upon the fact that he was soon to go to France, and promised that if any Brantford men were under him he would not ask them to do anything he would not do himself, or go anywhere he would not go himself.

“Every man is needed; we must have them, and they must eventually come, and I would again say to the wives, mothers and sweethearts, you will be the proud ones when the Johnnies come marching home.”

Capt. G.M. Hanna

Capt. G.M. Hanna, medical officer of the 125th Battalion, also made an appeal, asking the men to realize that next spring or summer when the battalion left here 1,117 strong, it was leaving to protect the mothers and sisters and old men, and not the young men whose duty it was to go. “All the sacrifices are for them and not for you who say you will go when you are needed. Don’t wait until you are forced to go. Let us hope that conscription will never enter into Canada, and to present it you should join now,” he said, adding that when that time came, if it ever did, he would rather be in the trenches in Flanders up to his knees in mud and water with death bullets whizzing over his head than to be here to face the questioning look of his fellow citizens which would convey the question “Why are you not with your brothers in the trenches?”

He pictured a scene which he would like to see, a parade of all the women who had given of their husbands, sons or brothers to this noble cause, followed by a parade of all the young fit men who had refused to answer the call. The women would be cheered by the citizens and the young men would perhaps as a result, realized their duty.

“Young men, the call is here. It is insistent, it is urgent and there is only one way to answer it. To mothers I would say, ‘let your sons and husbands go, urge them to go. Those who are slight or delicate will be benefited by the training. They will come back ne men, more sympathetic for the loved ones they have left behind’.”

Presentation of D.C.M.

Following the address of Capt. Hanna, Brig Gen. Logie, in the absence of Pte. Charles H. Bloxham presented Mr. J.C. Bloxham, father of the hero, with the D.C.M. The task of doing this was, he said, a pleasant one indeed. “This man has won the highest honor man can get, and I would gladly tonight change my stripes as a brigadier-general for it,” he emphatically stated.

Mrs. Gordon Smith then made the presentation of a beautiful watch fob to Mr. Bloxham for his son, on behalf of the Daughters of the Empire, with a fitting address, which was read by Miss VanNorman.

To both of the presentations Mr. Bloxham replied suitably on behalf of his son who was unable to be present.

Capt. Ashton Cockshutt

The last speaker of the evening was Capt. Ashton Cockshutt of the 125th Battalion, formerly with the 19th Battalion who made an appeal to the young men to come forward and cast their lot with the 125th Battalion without delay. He believed it was his duty on behalf of his regiment to come out and appeal to the young men who had thus far refused to heed the call.

He gave a vivid description of his experiences at Salisbury Plain and France and explained the desire that he felt to get back with his comrades in the trenches. He also commented upon the great honor won by Pte. Bloxham, the first Brantford man to win this great and much coveted medal and felt sure many more of Brantford’s boys would see the conclusion of the war, with similar distinction.

The lame excuses that were put up by those who refuse to heed the call were also discussed by Capt. Cockshutt. Some said they did not need the money. “How many men in the 125th enlisted for the money that was in it?” he asked.

One man had said he was a servant of the King of Kings and would not fight for another king. No man in his opinion was serving the King of Kings better today than the man in the trenches. It was there the boys realized they were nearer to God than anywhere else.

Some people had the idea that a man who was once to the front should not be returned, with which idea he did not agree. “I have been there and I have sworn to serve the King until six months after the war is ended,” he gave as one reason why he wanted to return. He told of ten offices of his old battalion, the tenth, who had been invalided home, who were anxious to go and were going to return in the near future.

He explained that the life in the army was not a dull one. The training was good and the food fair, while the risk was not nearly as great as some imagined.

In conclusion he informed the young men that, as they had been told thousands of times in the past, their King and Country needed them and they would never have a better chance than the opportunity afforded them of enlisting with the 125th Battalion.

BX April 10, 1916

Private Charles H. Bloxham Joins the 215th – Has Been Transferred from the 9th Reserve Battalion to Brants

A returned soldier Private Charles H. Bloxham, D.C.M., is the 200th member of the second Brant County Battalion, the 215th. This morning headquarters at Toronto notified Lieut.-Col. H. Cockshutt that Pte. Bloxham had been transferred from the 9th reserve battalion to his command.

Private Charles Bloxham was one of the first Brantford boys to sign up in defence of his country. He enlisted in Winnipeg at the outbreak of war with the 106th Winnipeg Rifles, known as “the Little Black Devils,” and in June 1915, for meritorious service in the battle of Ypres he was awarded the Distinguished Conduct Medal.

BX October 28, 1933

Charles H. Bloxham

The death occurred this morning of Charles H. Bloxham, in his 48th year. Besides his sorrowing parents he leaves to mourn his loss two sisters, Mrs. G.W. Thexton, Toronto, and Mrs. H.C. Thompson, Hamilton. He was a member of the Independent Order of Foresters and of the Canadian Legion. He was one of the first Canadians to go overseas in 1914, joining the 10th Battalion at Winnipeg in that year. He was the first Canadian to receive his D.C.M. Serving overseas during the greater part of the year, he was shell shocked and gassed, and had been in poor health ever since. The funeral will take place from the home of his parents, 27 Sheridan Street, on Monday, with interment in Mount Hope cemetery.