Charles Crewe

Canadian Expeditionary Force

Personal Details

Born: 3 May 1879 in Whitchurch,Shropshire and baptised on 25 June 1879 at St. Alkmund`s Parish Church, Whitchurch.

Family: He was one of nine surviving children born to John Crewe, a labourer and his wife Margaret. He married Maud Alice Woodfine on 16 April 1900 in Wrexham, Denbighshire. The couple had four children, John Leslie, Gwendoline and twins Harry and Margaret.

At the time of his baptism and in 1881 his family were living in Chemistry, Whitchurch. By 1891 they had moved to 43 Yardington, Whitchurch. In 1901 and now married, his address was 108 King`s Mills Road, Wrexham, Denbighshire. Charles emigrated to Canada in 1907 and his wife and two children followed him in 1908. They settled in the Winnipeg area of Manitoba, living at a number of addresses including; 497 Boyd Street in 1911, 556 Mountain Avenue in 1916, 233 Bronx Street, Springfield in 1921 and 465 Oak View, Springfield in 1926. At the time of his death in 1936, his home was in St Boniface, Winnipeg, Manitoba.

Employment: In 1900 he was a labourer; in 1901 he was an engine driver. In 1911 he was a night watchman at a brewery. By the time of his enlistment in 1916 his occupation was a railway checker.

Died: 7 March 1936 in St. Boniface, Winnipeg, Manitoba, aged 55.

Military Details

Regiment: Canadian Expeditionary Force 

Rank: Private

Service Number: 874112

Date of Enlistment: 17 February 1916

Date of Discharge: 8 June 1919

Reason for Discharge: Demobilisation

Other Information: His son, John Leslie, also enlisted, but was discharged for being underage. His four nephews Arthur, George, Harry and Thomas also served in the Canadian Forces in WW1.

Medals and Awards

Charles was awarded the Campaign medals (Victory and British War Medals) and the Canadian War Service Badge (number 14906)

Campaign Medals

Great War History Hub Whitchurch Shropshire Medals Front Image

The British War Medal (also known as 'Squeak') was a silver or bronze medal awarded to officers and men of the British and Imperial Forces who either entered a theatre of war or entered service overseas between 5th August 1914 and 11th November 1918 inclusive. This was later extended to services in Russia, Siberia and some other areas in 1919 and 1920. Approximately 6.5 million British War Medals were issued. Approximately 6.4 million of these were the silver versions of this medal. Around 110,000 of a bronze version were issued mainly to Chinese, Maltese and Indian Labour Corps. The front (obv or obverse) of the medal depicts the head of George V. The recipient's service number, rank, name and unit was impressed on the rim.

The Allied Victory Medal (also known as 'Wilfred') was issued by each of the allies. It was decided that each of the allies should each issue their own bronze victory medal with a similar design, similar equivalent wording and identical ribbon. The British medal was designed by W. McMillan. The front depicts a winged classical figure representing victory. Approximately 5.7 million victory medals were issued. Interestingly, eligibility for this medal was more restrictive and not everyone who received the British War Medal ('Squeak') also received the Victory Medal ('Wilfred'). However, in general, all recipients of 'Wilfred' also received 'Squeak' and all recipients of The 1914 Star or The 1914/1915 Star (also known as 'Pip') also received both 'Squeak' and 'Wilfred'. The recipient's service number, rank, name and unit was impressed on the rim.


Canadian War Service Badge

Great War History Hub Whitchurch Shropshire Medals Front Image

The Canadian War Badge was awarded to members of the Canadian Expeditionary Force (CEF) who served in the United Kingdom or at the front, and who, due to old age, wounds or sickness, had retired or relinquished their commissions or been honourably discharged.

 


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