John Richard Cornelius

Rank:

Captain

Unit at enlistment:

58th Battalion

Force:

C.E.F.

Volunteered or conscripted:

Volunteered

Survived the war:

Yes

Wounded:

Yes

Commemorated at:

Park Baptist Church

Birth country:

Scotland

Birth county:

Midlothian

Birth city:

Edinburgh

Address at enlistment:

538 Colborne Street, Brantford, Ontario

Next of kin address:

538 Colborne Street, Brantford, Ontario

Trade or calling:

Organist

Religious denominations:

Church of England

Marital status:

Single

Age at enlistment:

Letters and documents

BX February 23, 1916

58th Battalion Will Go To the Front As Unit – Interesting Resume of Travels of Brantford Battalion Since Departure – Are Hard Workers – Under Lieutenant Colonal Genet the Battalion has Made a Reputation for Hard Work and Efficiency – Transport Met a Submarine Which Later Was Taken

February 4, 1916

58th Battalion, C.E.F.,
Bramshott Camp,
Hants, England

Quite a period has elapsed since last we parted, also many things have happened. Of course you know of our march to Toronto from Niagara. Our battalion was the only unit which did the march in full war kit, had the fewest fall out and in the quickest time. The men were splendid. Nearly all my men had blistered feet, but would not fall out. They told me I would have to carry them first. The people from Niagara to Hamilton were extremely kind. Fruit was placed on the road for the troops to pick up as they wished. Hamilton received us splendidly, also Toronto. We were in Toronto for about three weeks, and on November 20 left for England very early in the morning. Our journey by train was very pleasant indeed. We halted at Montreal for about three-quarters of an hour, also at Campbelltown and had a short route march. We boarded our transport, “Saxonia,” at Halifax, with another battalion, the 54th from B.C. and a battery from St. John, N.B. The officers of these units were fine fellows.

We held a concert on board, the proceeds going to the Sailor’s Home Fund, following the usual custom when liners cross the ocean.

Submarine Near

Everything went smoothly while on the water until we were within the danger zone. A German submarine was hovering near us. We received this news in the evening, so you can imagine what mixed feelings were aboard. It would certainly have been a stroke for Mr. Kaiser’s tin fishes because there were nearly 3,000 souls on board, also four days loading of ammunition. One tin fish would have put us in kingdom come. However, John Bull, as usual, was on the hunt, for just at daybreak his destroyers appeared one of which dashed across our bow like a greyhound. So with one on the other side about a quarter of a mile apart we sailed into port in safety. We heard afterward that the same submarine which was in our neighborhood at sea was caught at his little game.

Old England and Rain

On sighting Old England’s shores once again I felt very proud that I had been spared to be allowed to be given even a humble part in her troubles. Good old motherland and her colonies have done wonders in this great strife, and by what I have seen greater wonders are coming. For over a month it rained here without a halt, and of course it had its companion mud, but for all this and many other heavy, uncomfortable and distressing conditions, you never hear so much as a grumble. Each and every man is here from Canada to do his best, no matter what the cost, and I believe that such is the spirit with all concerned in the Mother Country’s welfare.

A Busy Time

The 58th, better known as the hard-working battalion, has had a busy time; it would be more to my point were I to say working overtime. It is not for me to boast of the battalion to which I belong, but one has only to look at its short record in Canada and even shorter in England, and then view others. I think before you receive this we will be in France; more can be said as to the movements, but I ask you to excuse me, as it is not proper for an officer to give any movements or dates, but I might say that much as to our removal.

Go as a Unit

We go as a unit, and as far as I can see the men are of a stamp that will give a good account of themselves. Of course, it is all due to our worthy colonel, who sets the pace in all things. He is beloved by all, from the privates upward, and it seems as if his will is all our pleasure. As regards discipline, the standard is very high.

A Worthy Chaplain

Of the other officers, we cannot say too much for their untiring efforts. Not forgetting one whom I may mention. I do not mention his name as picking him out as better than others, not at all, but because his work is different. I mean Capt. C.E. Jeakins, our chaplain, the right man in the right place, a man among men. His work is splendid, ever ready to lend a listening ear to any man and his troubles. His new appointment, only two days old, is fitting for such a gentleman – Brigade Chaplain of the 9th Brigade. I had intended to write a much longer letter but I ask you to excuse me this time, as I am due for some other work. What I have written was started on the 4th and I am closing it on the 7th. I will write you later.

Yours sincerely,

John Richard Cornelius

BX May 11, 1916

That Lieutenant John Richard Cornelius of the 58th Battalion had been slightly wounded and was suffering from shell shock was the word received here by his mother this morning. He was however, able to remain in the trenches.

BX June 16, 1916

The Local Casualties in Recent Fighting – Lieutenant John Richard Cornelius Shell Shocked Thrice

That her husband, Lieutenant Harris L. Walsh, has been wounded in the right arm by gunshot was the further word received this morning by Mrs. Walsh from Ottawa. This wire confirms the fact that it was Lieutenant Walsh of Brantford. Uncertainty existed here for some time owing to there being another H.L. Walsh in service.

A wire was also received by Hon. Lieut.-Col. W.F. Cockshutt from the officer in charge of records stating “latest information regarding casualty conditions satisfactory.”

No further information in regard to Lieut. Harvey W. Cockshutt, who was reported missing a week ago, has been received in the city. Efforts were made to trace him, but all to no avail.

For the third time Lieut. J.R. Cornelius has been officially reported suffering from shell shock. Twice before he was reported in the casualty lists, but refused to be removed to the hospital. This time, however, he has had to be sent to the hospital at Boulogne. He was with the 58th Battalion, and the word was received here by his sister, the Misses Cornelius.

BX June 20, 1916

Further Casualties From Brant County Are Recorded – Names of Lieutenant. John Richard Cornelius, Mark George Brind and George Murray Roszel of Brantford

Three Names on List

There are three Brantford names in this morning's casualty list. For the third time the name of Lieutenant John R. Cornelius, 538 Colborne Street appears in the casualties suffering from shock. Mark George Brind, of 55 Jarvis Street, is reported wounded but back on duty again. George Roszel of Echo Place is also reported wounded.

BX June 21, 1916

Where Local Officers Are

Lieutenant Harris L. Walsh, who was recently shot in the right arm, is now in the Royal Free Hospital in London, England, Lieutenant Thomas Roy Coleman is in the hospital at Boulogne, suffering from shot in the head, and Lieutenant John Richard Cornelius is in King’s College Hospital, suffering from concussion.

BX September 5, 1916

Is Yet Very Ill

Lieutenant John Richard Cornelius is yet very ill in hospital in England. Some time ago he was shell shocked for the third time since going on active service duty, and he was removed to hospital. Word has just been received here that he is still confined to his bed, being very weak and exhausted, though still keeping up his spirits.

BX April 13, 1917

On Way Home

Word has been received in the city that Lieutenant John Richard Cornelius, formerly organist of Park Baptist Church, who was thrice shell shocked, the last time so much so that he was invalided out of the service, is on his way home. He left Brantford with Lieut.-Col. Gent’s battalion.

BX April 21, 1917

Arrived at Halifax

The Misses Cornelius received word yesterday from their brother, Lieutenant John Richard Cornelius, stating that he had arrived at Halifax at 2 o'clock yesterday afternoon, on two months leave. He was thrice shell-shocked and for some time has been in a hospital in Scotland. He is expected to reach his home here on Monday next, and expects to report back for duty again. He left here with the 58th Battalion.

BX April 23, 1917

Captain John Richard Cornelius Returns Home – Thrice Shell-Shocked, He is Back in Canada Convalescent

Captain John Richard Cornelius of the 58th Battalion, suffering from severe shell shock and walking with a decided limp, arrived back in the city at 10 o’clock this morning. About two years ago Captain Cornelius, then organist of Park Baptist church, went overseas as a subaltern with the 58th Battalion. For the past year he has been in hospitals in England and Scotland having suffered several shocks as well as being thrown by a shell explosion. Press reports at the time reported him as having been shell shocked three times before he would leave his men.

It was very little time that was given to prepare a reception for Captain John R. Cornelius this morning when it was learned that he was returning. The Soldiers’ Aid Commission, friends from the Park Baptist Church, several of the aldermen and the 215th band were on hand when the train pulled in and Capt. Cornelius stepped off. The hero was placed in a car with his happy mother and sister, and a parade formed up to the Market Square.

Here Ald. J.S. Dowling, chairman of the Soldiers’ Aid Commission, called on Mayor Bowlby to officially welcome Capt. Cornelius back and this he did on behalf of the city. A.G. Olive spoke for the church and W.F. Cockshutt, M.P., touched on the captain’s achievements in various lines before he enlisted, and then on what he had accomplished since enlisting. He complimented him on his safe return. Ex-Mayor Spence who had presented Capt. Cornelius with a revolver when he left also spoke.

In reply Captain Cornelius modestly thanked the gathering for the reception they had given him and remarked that with the revolver the city had presented him he had accounted for at least one Boche. So he remarked that it had cost the City of Brantford $25 to account for the one German.

Ald. Dowling spoke briefly and did not overlook the part the mother and sisters of the returned captain had played. Three cheers and a tiger were then given for him.