Lawrence Ellis Ostrander

Rank:

Private

Regimental number:

514045

Unit at enlistment:

Canadian Army Service Corps, Training Depot

Force:

C.E.F.

Volunteered or conscripted:

Volunteered

Survived the war:

Yes

Commemorated at:

Wellington Street Methodist Church

Birth country:

Canada

Birth county:

Oxford

Birth city:

Otterville, Ontario

Address at enlistment:

97 Marlborough Street, Brantford, Ontario

Next of kin address:

97 Marlborough Street, Brantford, Ontario

Trade or calling:

Chauffeur

Religious denominations:

Methodist

Marital status:

Single

Age at enlistment:

Letters and documents

Letters home

BX May 15, 1917

Pte. Ostrander Tells of His Trip – Local Member of C.A.S.C. Relates His Experiences – Now at Otterpool

Writing to his parents of his trip across the Atlantic with a detail of the C.A.S.C., Pte. Lawrence Ellis Ostrander, son of Fireman Ostrander of the Central fire station, gives a diary of the voyage that is full of interest:

Leaving Toronto on Wednesday, April 4 the contingent reached Montreal in due time and crossed the famous Victoria Bridge. Reaching Riviere du Loup on Friday the party detrained and had physical exercises, proceeding to Moncton, N.B., where a driving rain greeted them. On Sunday, the 8th, the trips marched to the Central Methodist Church at Moncton, and in the evening attended the Highfield Baptist Church, where 70 persons were baptized.

Again boarding the train the soldier boys left Moncton at midnight on Monday, reaching Halifax at 10.30 a.m. Tuesday, and boarded the Carpathia.

Cold weather was experienced Wednesday, when their boat left, accompanied by the troopship Canada, and escorted by H.M.S. Antrim. A fishing smack was struck and sunk the first night out. For the remainder of the trip fine weather was experienced.

In his entry for Sunday, April 15, Pte. Ostrander writes: "Nothing but water in sight," and reports experiencing a "dizzy" feeling. A Belgian relief ship was passed later in the day.
After being detailed on picket duty on the 16th, with two quiet days following, the danger zone was entered on the 19th, and Destroyer No. 48 hove in sight as an additional escort.

The boats passed into the war zone on Friday morning. Everyone was ordered on deck in full dress and wearing life belts and the troops slept on deck all night, lookouts keeping a strict watch for lurking subs.

The Irish coast was sighted on Saturday, 21st after nine days of "water," and it was a welcome sight. Numerous cruisers, destroyers, etc., now rushed to greet the Canadians and escort them in. Wireless despatches received that day stated that four or five boats had been sunk within a near radius of the Carpathia.

Sunday, 22nd - Slept in bunks again last night. Pulled into Liverpool harbor early this morning, weighed anchor and finally reached docks at 5 p.m. Left Liverpool on London and Northwestern railway, drawn by a locomotive about the size of those on the Tillsonburg line, arriving at Otterpool camp safely.

The contingent with which is also Drummer Sergt. Phil Gee of this city, who joined a Peel County battalion, is now at Otterpool for a 14 day quarantine, after the expiration of which a six day leave will be granted the troops before settling down to the stern realities of actual warfare. Old London, of course will be the objective point of the vast majority of boys.