We Remember

Thomas Bingle MC

Thomas Bingle MC
Rank: 
Captain
Unit at enlistment: 
125th Battalion
Force: 
C.E.F.
Volunteered or conscripted: 
Volunteered
Survived the war: 
Yes
Wounded: 
Yes
Cemetery: 
Farringdon Cemetery, Brantford, Ontario
Awards or decorations: 
Military Cross
Birth country: 
Canada
Birth county: 
Niagara Region
Birth city: 
Grimsby, Ontario
Address at enlistment: 
44 Darling Street, Brantford, Ontario
Next of kin address: 
Grimsby, Ontario
Trade or calling: 
Teacher
Employer: 
King George Public School
Religious denominations: 
Church of England
Marital status: 
Single
Age at enlistment: 
24
Gallantry medals: 
Yes
Image gallery: 

Letters and documents

London Gazette: 31158
Date: February 1, 1919
Honour or Award: Military Cross
Name: Thomas Bingle (Captain)
Unit: 44th Battalion

Details: For conspicuous gallantry at Dury on September 2nd, 1918, as second in command of his company. When during the advance his company became temporarily disorganized, he stead them, reorganizing in waves and starting them forward. After gaining the position indicated, the section of trench commanded by this Officer was heavily shelled. By careful distribution he averted many casualties, and by his cheerful example inspired all ranks and was responsible for complete and careful organization for defence. He was severely wounded checking up his forward post.

BX November 8, 1918 

Captain Thomas Bingle Hit – Sorely Honored – Will Receive the Military Cross for His Valor – Lost One Leg and Toes of the Other

That Captain Thomas Bingle had been recommended for and will receive the Military Cross was the word received in the city by letter yesterday afternoon. Capt. Bingle, who was on the staff of the Central School here, was through some of the hottest fighting, and received wounds which resulted in the loss of one leg above the knee and the loss of the other foot.

This is the fourth officer of the 125th Battalion to receive the Military Cross, the others being Lieutenants Jack Orr, Morley, Verity and Dean Andrews.

BX August 20, 1918

Word has been received that Captain Thomas Bingle was wounded in the recent big push, and that he had been admitted to hospital in France. Mr. E.E.C. Kilmer yesterday received further word that Capt. Bingle’s injuries were light and that he would not probably leave France. Capt. Bingle was formerly principal of King George School, and was in command of a company of the 125th Battalion. He is the eighth officer of the First Brants reported in the casualty list of the past week.

BX September 9, 1918

Mr. E.E.C. Kilmer, public school inspector, this morning received word that Captain Thomas Bingle formerly on the local public school staff and adjutant of the public school cadet corps had been taken to No. 8 British Red Cross hospital La Targette, France being dangerously ill with gunshot wounds in the right arm and the feet. He left with the 125th Battalion but had been with the 44th infantry.

BX September 19, 1918

Capt. Bingle’s Injuries

Mr. E.E.C. Kilmer received word yesterday concerning the injuries received by Captain Thomas Bingle in the recent fighting. The word stated that Capt. Bingle would recover, but that he had been badly smashed up by a shell which dropped near him. Both feet were injured by fragments.

BX May 11, 1916

Four Principals Are Now in Khaki – Two More Offered Services but Were Rejected on Physical Grounds

Brantford public school principals have made a record in this Great War that few cities can compare favorably with.  Out of the seven public schools in the city four of the principals are now in khaki and are training with their respective battalions. Two others offered their services but were rejected.  As the principal of the other school is a lady, it can be truly said that a full percentage of the male principals in Brantford have offered to do their bit.

Captain Walter Joyce of Central School is now with the 215th Battalion, in training here; Captain Thomas Bingle of the King George School is with the 125th also in training here; Lieutenant Frank Dickson of the King Edward School is with the 36th Battalion now overseas, and Sergeant John Aubrey Holdsworth, who succeeded Mr. Dickson and was only at the head of King Edward School for a short time when the path of duty was opened to him, is with the 215th Battalion.  Mr. Rowe of Dufferin school who holds a lieutenant’s certificate and Mr. White assistant principal of Dufferin, who possesses a captain’s certificate both offered their services but failed to pass the doctor’s test

BX April 20, 1959

Thomas Bingle Dies – Former Principal

Thomas Bingle, MC, 6 Lincoln Avenue, prominent educator in Brantford for 40 years, died on Saturday in the Brantford General Hospital, at the age of 66.

Born in Grimsby, he received his elementary and secondary school education there, later attending Hamilton Normal School and the University of Toronto. He came to Brantford in 1912.

Mr. Bingle became the first principal of King George School here in September, 1915, and on his return from overseas in 1920 resumed the post.

During the First World War he saw service with the 125th Battalion in England and later joined the 44th Battalion from Winnipeg to see action in France. He was severely wounded in 1918.

He served as principal of King George School until 1942, when he was appointed acting public school inspector while Russell Reid, then inspector and now superintendent of public schools, served during the Second World War.

Relinquishing this position when Mr. Reid returned, Mr. Bingle became principal of Central School where he remained until ill health forced him to retire in 1951.

He was a member of Grace Anglican Church and a member of the board of management. He was a past master of Ozias Lodge AF and AM, a charter member and past president of the Kiwanis Club of Brantford and life member of the Ontario Public School Men Teachers’ Federation.

Mr. Bingle is survived by his widow, the former Florence Rothwell, one son, Robert Britton Bingle of Brantford, and two brothers, R.A. Bingle of London and W.B. Bingle of Toronto.

Mr. Bingle is resting at Thorpe Brothers’ Funeral Home until Tuesday, when service will be conducted at 2 p.m. In Grace Church. Interment will be in Farringdon Burial Ground.

BX April 22, 1959

Thomas Bingle Tribute Paid

The funeral of Captain Thomas Bingle, MC, BA, B. Paed., was conducted on Tuesday afternoon, with service in Grace Anglican Church and interment in Farringdon Burial Ground. The rector, Ven. Archdeacon H.F. Appleyard officiated, assisted by Rev. R.T. Young, minister of Farringdon Independent Church.

Attending, together with many former pupils of the popular retired school principal were representatives of the City Council, the Public Library Board and staff, the Board of Education and staff, the Ontario Public School Men Teachers’ Federation, the Kiwanis Club of Brantford, of which he was a charter member, the 125th Battalion Association, Ozias Lodge AF and AM, the Ontario School Inspectors’ Association, the Board of Management of Grace Church, Brant Chapter IODE, the Women’s Hospital Aid and the Canadian Club of Brantford.

Pallbearers were Donald M. Waterous, Dr. R.W. Digby and J.A.D. Slemin, QC, former officers with Captain Bingle in the 125th Battalion and Lloyd Myles, W. Fred Billo and Tom Morrison, Brantford school principals. Honorary bearers, all former members of the 125th Battalion, were P.E. James, P.A. Shultis, Sr., Samuel Seago, H.J. McLean, A.S. Maxwell, Cameron Thorburn, W. Ashton Cockshutt, and C.C. Slemin, QC.

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