Letters From the Front

Hon. Major Thomas Augustine Wilson, Chaplain

Death of Corp. Albert Edward Usherwood, 2nd C.M.R. at Vimy Ridge

Red Deer News Published: July 11, 1917

Major Thomas Augustine Wilson's wife was living in Red Deer, Alberta, at the time he volunteered to serve. "Bert" who was mentioned in this letter to Mrs. Mary Usherwood, was Corp. Albert Edward Usherwood, 117597, 2nd Canadian Mounted Rifles (British Columbia Regt.) who died on 09 April 1917.

Dated: June 3, 1917

Major Dr. T. A. Wilson writes June 3rd to Mrs. Usherwood:-

After the battle of Vimy Ridge, I was taken ill with pleurisy and had to go to hospital, consequently I have been unable to write. I am only just getting back my strength.
It was a matter of grief to me to know after the battle that Bert was killed. Being with the battalion and seeing a good deal of him, I am able to tell you that Bert was regarded as one of the bravest non-commissioned officers we had in the battalion. I have so often heard the officers speak of him, as well as the men who knew him so well. He was a good, steady lad, and had he lived would certainly have got further promotion.
Please accept this testimony from me as one who knew him well and who had a deep respect for him, also my sincere sympathy for you all in your bereavement.

Transcribed by: M. I. Pirie