Regimental number: 226140 Reference: RG 150, Accession 1992-93/166, Box 6171 – 23, Item: 190184, PDF: B6171-S023. Date of Birth 03/09/1897 at Canterbury, England. Son of  Albert and Lizzie Miller of Highgate, Kent Co. ON., P.O. Box 287. A farmer.

Attestation 13/10/15 at Ridgetown, ON. A single farmer, 18 years, height 5’ 9”. Medical exam 13/10/1915 at Ridgetown, ON. TOS to Can. Mtd. Rifles. CDP21/04/17 (Found in Morpeth historical book roll of Honour) 

Albert embarked from Canada aboard the S.S. Olympic 29/03/16. He disembarked in England 11/04/16. He was Taken On Strength at Shorncliffe, England 12/04/16. 25/07/16 Transferred to the Infantry and began his training with 1^st Cdn. Training. TOS 11^th. Batt. at Shorncliffe – transferred to the 18^th Batt. 0verseas (France) joined the 18^th Batt. “In the Field”.

Thanks to Nancy Cameron for information on proper name.  

MILLER, ALBERT EDWARD, Initials: A E Nationality: Canadian Rank: Private Regiment: Canadian Infantry (Western Ontario Regiment) Unit Text: 18th Bn. Age: 17 Date of Death: 15/04/1917  at Vimy Ridge. Service No: 226140 Additional information: Son of Albert and Lizzie Miller, of Highgate, Ontario. Native of Cranbrook, Kent, England. Casualty Type: Commonwealth War Dead Grave/Memorial Reference: IV. D. 22. Cemetery: BOULOGNE EASTERN CEMETERY. CVWN (Photo and Letter)

 

Private Miller trained at London and Hamilton, going overseas Apr. 5, 1916.

In England he transferred to Lord Strathcona’s Royal Cavalry, training with this unit until Oct. when he proceeded to France drafted to the 18th battalion.

15/04/1917 Admitted to No.3 Cdn. General Hospital – Boulogne, France, suffering a GSW to the right thigh (Femur). He contracted ‘Gas Gangrene’ resulting to the amputation of his right leg and DOW. 15/04/17. A casualty of the Battle of Vimy Ridge.

Curator’s note: The following letter is not often found where a parent wasn’t to know the details of their sons death. For that reason I thought it was important to add into the story of many who fell. JRH.

 

No. 3 Canadian General Hospital

(McGill)

 

A.P.O.3 CEF, France.

17 June, 1917.

 

Mrs. Albert Miller,

Highgate,

Kent County, Ont.

 

Dear Madam,

I am in receipt of your letter inquiring for particulars of the death of your son No. 225140, Pte. A. E. Miller of the 18^th Bn.

He was wounded April 10^th sustaining a very severe compound fracture of the right thigh. The dreaded gas gangrene set in in the wound, and it was necessary to amputate the thigh. This was done at a hospital near the front on the 12^th . He reached this hospital at the base on the 12^th , and there was no more continuance of the gas gangrene spreading. His general condition was very serious. He had persistent vomiting and his mind was wandering, periods of restlessness alterating with unconsciousness. There were signs of pneumonia in the right lung. He died at 7 a.m. on the 15^th April, and was buried in the Boulogne Military Cemetery.

His personal belongings were all forwarded to the Army Headquarters here in France. These are always carefully looked after and sent to the next of kin, but usually take some time to reach their destination.

Please accept my sincere sympathy for for you in your sad loss.

Your very truly.

 

1. S. Birkitt, Col. A.M.S.

 

O.C. No.3 Canadian

General Hospital.

 

(McGill)

 

Curators Note:

Gas gangrene (clostridia myonecrosis) is a bacterial infection that produces gas in tissue in gangrene. Clostridium perfringens bacteria cause this deadly form of gangrene. Wounds during the Great War were often septic due to the soup of earth/manure and other rotting material that made up the battlefield. It was often fatal. JH

 

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION

Cenotaph	Chatham and Kent County Cenotaph - Chatham
Sources	Chatham Daily Planet (25-04-1917), Commonwealth War Grave Commission, Chatham Daily Planet (27-09-1919), RG 150, Accession 1992-93/166, Box 6171 - 23, Thanks to nancy Cameron for information on proper name.
Supplemental Information	Age: 17 Date of Death: 15/04/1917 Casualty Type: Commonwealth War Dead Grave/Memorial Reference: IV. D. 22. Cemetery: BOULOGNE EASTERN CEMETERY

Height	6'
Eye Colour	blue
Age	17
Complexion	fair
Hair	fair
Race	white
Birthplace	03/09/1897 at Canterbury, England
Religion	Protestant
Last Place of Employment	Farmer in Orford Township
Marital Status	single
When Enlisted	Oct. 1915
Where Enlisted	Ridgetown, ON
Next of Kin	Parents; Mr. & Mrs. Albert Miller, Highgate ON

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