We Remember

Thomas Elliott

Thomas Elliott
Rank: 
Private
Regimental number: 
11317
Unit at enlistment: 
4th Battalion
Force: 
C.E.F.
Volunteered or conscripted: 
Volunteered
Survived the war: 
Yes
Cemetery: 
Mount Hope Cemetery, Soldiers' Plot, Brantford, Ontario
Awards or decorations: 
Russian Order of St. George, 4th Class
Birth country: 
Scotland
Birth county: 
Renfrewshire
Birth city: 
Howwood
Address at enlistment: 
112 Sydenham Street, Brantford, Ontario
Next of kin address: 
112 Sydenham Street, Brantford, Ontario
Trade or calling: 
Hospital Orderly
Employer: 
Brantford General Hospital
Religious denominations: 
Presbyterian
Marital status: 
Single
Age at enlistment: 
29
Image gallery: 

Letters and documents

London Gazette: 29275
Date: August 25, 1915
Honour or Award: Russian Order of St. George, 4th Class
Name: Thomas Eliott (11317)
Unit: 4th Battalion

Awarded “The Cross of the Order of St. George,” 4th Class by His Imperial Majesty the Emperor of Russia for gallantry and distinguished service in the field.

BX August 28, 1915

Included in the list of Canadians who received recognition by the Czar for their gallantry in France, appears the name of Sergeant Thomas Elliott, of the Fourth Infantry Brigade. Sergeant Thomas is an ex-orderly of the Brantford General Hospital and left for the front at the outbreak of the war, serving as ambulance attendant. No details are given as to the nature of the deeds which occasioned the recognition by the Czar. Sergeant Thomas’ father and brother and sister reside on Terrace Hill.

BX March 30, 1916

St. George’s Cross to Sergt. Elliott – Czar’s Decoration for Brantford Man has Been Received

The first of its kind awarded to a Brantford man since the war broke out is the Russian Cross of St. George conferred some time ago upon Sergeant Thomas Elliott formerly of the Volunteer Battalion of the Argyle and Sutherland Highlanders, by the Czar of Russia.

This emblem, which is of very beautiful design, was received here yesterday by the members of Sergeant Elliott’s family, and is treasured very highly by them as it is the only one in the city.

Sergeant Elliott left here with the First Contingent with the medical corps and has ever since been engaged in ministering to the wants of the wounded and suffering on European battlefields.

BX September 26, 1914

Parting Message From a Brantford Volunteer – Grateful for Favors Received – Pte. Elliott Expresses Appreciation of All That Has Been Done for Boys Now on Their Way to the Battlefield

To the Editor of The Expositor,

Sir,  

I wish through the medium of your valuable paper to thank the kind friends in Brantford who supplied the many useful articles to our regiment, for which I received my just share.

For the information of your readers I would like to express my feelings regarding the manner in which the Brantford contingent have been treated here at Valcartier during our stay here, which ends today. We have received the very best of treatment. Our officers have treated us in a most considerate manner and our best feelings of appreciation are due Captains Colquhoun and Towers and our able and courteous Lieutenants, Messrs. Jones and Miller, who have certainly used us well. The drilling has been sound, though not by any means severe, and the food good.

Ample time has been allowed for recreation, bathing, parades and much more which go to brighten the time and cheer us all up, especially those who for the present feel the sting of parting.

However, we expect to get away in a few hours on board ship, so we will soon meet the Germans and do what we can to maintain the prestige and the honor of our beloved King and country.

Before we leave I would like to feel assured to some extent that trade will be good enough in Brantford during the coming winter to ensure that the children especially will not feel the pangs of hunger to any great extent.
 
Please do not fail to record my warmest thanks to all who have in any way given of their time or money to provide the boys and myself with such lovely and most useful articles.

Pte. Thomas Elliott,
38th Dufferin Rifles

November 16, 1914 

Thinking Of Those At Home – Active Service Volunteers Send Money to Help Feed Hungry Children
 
That the Brantford boys who volunteered for active service and are already in England on their way to the front have not forgotten those they have left behind, any more than they have been forgotten by those at home, is shown by a letter received this morning by The Expositor. Enclosed with the letter was a £1 note to be devoted to relief work, particularly among the poor children of Brantford. This will be turned over to the Social Service League and will undoubtedly be put to good use.

The letter follows:

November 2, 1914

From a few of the boys of the 4th Batt., 1st Brigade,
G. Company, Bustard Camp,
Salisbury Plain, Eng.

To the Editor of The Expositor,

Sir,

While journeying in the train from Devonport on our way to camp on Thursday, Oct. 22, a few of us held a smoker and while we thought of many things we still kept a small place in our thoughts for the folks in Brantford, hoping and wishing that they might be all well. In order to stimulate such a thought we resolved to send our mite to aid the cause of the hungry children, whom we fear will be numerous in Brantford during the winter, as a result of which resolve we ask you to accept on their behalf the enclosed small amount. We, the undersigned herewith send our very best wishes for the future of the children, the needy and all who may be in trouble. With kindest thoughts in our minds we remain,

Pte. John Hawke, Lance-Corp. T. Elliott, Pte. David Ross, Pte. Thos. Podd, Pte. George Mockford, Pte. Chas Stodden

BX November 1, 1915

Sergt. Thomas Elliott Wears Order of St. George Cross – Local Member of 4th Battalion Denies That He Was Crucified to Door by the Germans – Still Alive and Active in War Against Oppressors of Freedom.

Sergeant Thomas Elliott of this city, reported crucified, is still alive and wearing the Order of St. George Cross, fourth class – a Russian decoration of merit. He has written a highly interesting letter to Rev. J.W. Gordon, pastor of St. Andrew’s Presbyterian Church here, which reads: 

Oct. 16, 1915
4th Battalion C.E.F.

Dear Mr. Gordon: I thank you for your letter and trust that you are well, as this leaves me in good health. Well, I am still facing the problem of this awful war and its consequences to those actively engaged. I guess you will all be assembled tomorrow (Sunday) to worship God, and I have no doubt you all are anxious and praying for the boys out here. I may tell you that those who have stayed behind are, I believe, doing their share. There may be some exceptions among the men folks, but I feel so very proud of the women who bear their trials and disappointments with loss of father, husband and brother with great fortitude. 

Most, if not all, of our boys agree that the scenery around Brantford is nicer than in France. Yet without one exception they all agree that it was good to be here and also that until the triumph of our arms is accomplished they wish to stay here and fight the good fight.

Our boys are in the best of spirits, always ready for the call of duty, and filled with that desire which has characterized the true manly nature of the British soldier.

I suppose you are looking forward to winter, a time during which unhappily, so many children and mothers suffer through various causes. I earnestly trust that those dear little children in Canada who awaits the return of their dear soldier fathers of raiment nor go without even one meal. May they receive a blessing throughout the dark dreary days of winter and thus be filled with the good things which build up body, character and long patience. To everyone in Brantford and elsewhere in Canada (where the winter is severe), I pray that want shall be unknown.

I have no doubt you would read of my supposed death in the Courier some time ago. Well really, Mr. Gordon, I read it myself and I was surprised to know that I had been so much in the limelight. I quite understand that similar atrocities have been committed by those who are against us, but if I can do anything to avoid it, they are not going to nail me up to a door. I mean to avoid such an uncomfortable experience if I can, but if I get in wrong in the rush for Berlin, well, I will take the consequences. I got through safely at the Ypres scrap, though I guess I might have been laid out if it had not been for good luck. I handled some awful sights, too awful for words. All the way through I have seen some poor fellows receive nasty treatment at the hands of the Huns, and in view of what I have seen I am proud that I am British.

I do not feel able to prophesy when you and I will meet again, but I send my best wishes to all who know me and those who do not, and I ask you to accept same yourself. I will tell you something on the quiet. I have the humble duty of informing you that I have been awarded the Order of St. George’s Cross, fourth class. I do not feel that I have done anything to merit it. I have simply been going here and there doing this and that, but as regards the efficiency of any part of such I have no claim. However, that is all I can really say on the matter of the honor conferred upon me. If I have helped anyone I trust that they will have derived endless joy from it. 

I will close now. Hoping to hear from you, I remain, sincerely yours,  

Sergt. T. Elliott,
(11317)
4th Battalion
1st Brigade,
Canadians

BX June 3, 1915

Was Brantford Man Crucified by Germans? – Wounded Soldier Says Letters Found on Victim Indicated That He Came From This City But Description Does Not Tally With Any Volunteer From Here.

London, June 2. – Pte. George Barrie, 13th Battalion (Royal Highlanders), Montreal, who was wounded, but expects to rejoin his unit immediately, says he was one of those who helped take down the body of the Canadian who had been crucified by the Germans in the fighting round Ypres.

The victim, says Pte. Barrie was a sergeant in the medical service, judging from letters found on him. It appeared that he had come from Brantford, Ont. Barrie says he lost the sergeant’s pay book and letters while cutting his way through barbed wire entanglements.

The victim was about 24 years old. He was found with one Ross rifle bayonet through his left shoulder and a Lee-Enfiled bayonet through his right. Two German bayonets had been thrust through his legs and directly through the lower parts of his body. The 2nd Prussian Guards were the regiment responsible for the deed.

BX December 30, 1980

Thomas Elliott – At Westminster Hospital, London, on Monday, December 29, 1980.  Thomas Elliott, in his 96th year; survived by several nieces and nephews, including Mrs. James (Hazel) Clarke of Brantford; predeceased by several brothers and sisters, including William Elliott, late of Brantford.  Sergeant Elliott served overseas in the Canadian Army Medical Corps during the First World War.  Funeral service at the Beckett-Glaves Funeral Home, 88 Brant Avenue, on Wednesday at 3 p.m. with Rev. Lloyd Brown officiating.  Interment Mount Hope cemetery.

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