Clement Poole Coles

Rank:

Private

Regimental number:

772053

Unit at enlistment:

125th Battalion

Force:

C.E.F.

Volunteered or conscripted:

Volunteered

Survived the war:

Yes

Commemorated at:

Alexandra Presbyterian Church

Birth country:

Canada

Birth county:

Brant

Birth city:

Brantford, Ontario

Address at enlistment:

62 Northumberland Street, Brantford, Ontario

Next of kin address:

62 Northumberland Street, Brantford, Ontario

Trade or calling:

Clerk

Employer:

Coles Shoe Company

Religious denominations:

Church of England

Marital status:

Single

Age at enlistment:

Letters and documents

BX October 31, 1916

Local Soldiers London Weekend – Pte. C.P. Coles Tells of a Happy Leave in World’s Greatest City.

Mr. C.P. Coles has received an interesting letter from his son, Pte. Clem Coles of the 125th, telling of a weekend spent in London. He writes

October 15, 1916
Bramshott Camp,

Dear Mother and Dad,

I am fine in health and I hope you are all well at home. I just got back from London a few minutes ago from an enjoyable weekend and I thought I would tell you about my trip in detail if you don’t mind, and I guess you won’t. I left here yesterday morning about 11.45, and marched to the station, which is about 3 miles, under Lieut. Waterous, a fine young fellow whom you know well. I spent a good many of my school days with him and he is just the same old “Red” Waterous. I got a train from Liphook about 1 p.m. and then journeyed on up to London and arrived in Waterloo station about 3.30 pm. From there I walked on towards my uncles, but before I got there I thought I had better have a shave and a massage, so I stopped into a “shaving saloon.” I told the barber what I wanted, so he started at me. I didn’t know if I was going out alive or not. He looked at me first and then he massaged my face and shaved me afterwards. I thought that was going some. They don’t shave over here, they just pull them off. From there I went down to see my uncle and aunt and cousins, and they greeted me in great style and I had a grand meal – just the kind like mother used to cook. Well at tea I went out for a little walk and did a little shopping for some of the boys at the camp. After I got through with that business my cousin and I took a “tube” down to “Oxford Circus” – some place. The traffic is terrible, but they can handle it right. From there we went to a swell theater and spent a grand evening in “Old London.” After the show was over we took a tram right to the door. We went in, had our supper, a little smoke and then retired to a nice feather bed, the first one I had seen for some time, and believe me it sure went good, because I didn’t wake this morning till 9.30 a.m., and when I got up I thought I was home again after sleeping in so late. After breakfast we went to church at the City Temple, which is a grand place. From there we took a tram back and had dinner. After dinner we took a nice walk down around Piccadilly and Oxford Circus, the Strand, Trafalgar Square and all the other places of importance, so you know I had some afternoon. I had my tea after my aunt and uncle and cousin came to the station with me and saw me off safely on the 5.25 p.m. train for Liphook station. Well I had a grand weekend leave, and I hope I get another leave soon, because I am having a pretty good time for a soldier in this country.

I hope this letter finds you all in the best of health and condition, because it leaves me feeling fine. I will close for this time, hoping to hear from you all any time you have a chance to write.

Your loving son,
Clem

772053 C.P. Coles
125th Canadians,
Bramshott Camp,
Hants, England

BX December 1, 1915

Presentation to a Soldier – “Clem” Coles Honored by Fellow Employees on Enlisting

On the occasion of his enlistment with the 125th Battalion for overseas service Mr. “Clem” Coles, for some years employed in his father’s store, at 122 Colborne Street, was last evening the recipient of a wrist watch at the hands of his fellow employees. The presentation was made at the home of Miss Golden, of the staff at 6 Alfred Street. During the evening cards and dancing were indulged in, making a most pleasant evening. The following was the address read:

We, the members and staff of the Coles Shoe Company, desire, on this occasion, to express to you our admiration of your manly and loyal action in enlisting with the 125th Battalion for service overseas. When the time comes we all know you will do your duty to your King and Country, and that Canada has already made in this war at St. Julien and in many other battlefields. Recently we read a local item in the society news of the “Bingville Bugle.” The other day Deacon Butterworth fell down on the post office steps and Bill Jones says he uttered an awful swear word. The deacon denies this and says all he did utter was “Gaul ding it.” Of course we believe Deacon Butterworth – a good deacon always tells the truth. We also read another item in the Bingville Bugle under the heading of “Orders for the Day.” Now Clem, when you see yonder freight train come down yonder track, you loper Clem, now, you loper. Look! Sen! Here it is! As a slight token and remembrance of the good will we all have for you, ask you to accept this wrist watch and as the time goes on you will still be in our thoughts.

BX July 4, 1916

The First Casualty

Of the family of which Clement Poole Coles of this city is a member, 13 have donned the khaki – all of who are eligible. Though many have been at the front since the opening of hostilities, the first casualty is now reported. Arthur, son of Mr. and Mrs. H.P. Coles of Somerset, B.C., having been reported killed in action in the recent heavy fighting.