Born in Tilbury East Twsp., Kent Co., ON. Son of Albert Reaume of Jeanette’s Creek, Raleigh Twsp., Kent Co., ON., Date of birth 7/06/1892. The brother of John Herbert (213944). Served with the 24^th Kent Regt. 1914-15. Prior to his enlistment he was a labourer. Enlisted 25/01/1916 with the 99^th Bn., at the time of his enlistment he was 24 years, 5 months. A brother John Herbert was also serving in the 99^th Bn. He also had two sisters Elizabeth (McAvenue) and Bella (Bechard).

The husband of Annie May (nee Brown) they were living at 35 St. George St., Chatham, ON with their son Herbert and Herman (born while Alfred was overseas) and a daughter Beatrice (Adam) came after the war and a son Stephen born in February of 1921. Annie died 23 June, 1921 in Chatham from complications of childbirth.   

At his enlistment medical at Tilbury, ON. 1/02/16, he was 5’ 8”, fair complexion, Brown eyes and dark hair.

Pte. Alfred Reaume trained with the 24th Kent Regiment during 1914-1915.

The 99^th sailed from Halifax, NS aboard the S. S. Olympic 31/05/16 arriving at Liverpool, England 8/06/16.

After his basic training he was transferred to the 20^th Battalion in France. He was transferred to the  35^th Battalion  and was involved in the Battle of Vimy Ridge. He suffered as serious Gun Shot Wound wound to his left foot requiring amputation of the foot.

Pte. Alfred Reaume left London with the 99th Battalion for overseas May 28th, 1916, arriving in England June 8th. Upon recovery from an operation he proceeded to France in August 1916, going at once to the Somme Battle. He was later moved to the Loos front, and in February 1917 moved to the Arras front for the Vimy Battle.

Easter Monday, April 9th, 1917, he went over the top with his comrades to take Vimy, when, in the German third line of trenches, he was wounded in the left foot by a bomb.

At the Dressing Station his foot was amputated and he was admitted to No.3 Canadian General Hospital May 30th, and had a re-amputation June 20th. On August 12th, he was transferred to the Princess Patricia Red Cross Hospital and August 29th, to Epsom Canadian Hospital.

He was reported as “Dangerously Ill” 13/01/17 A week later he was none better and he was transferred to W.H. Napsbury, St. Abans in England. 30/05/17 He was transferred again to Grenville, Ramsgate and was treated there until August 15^th when he was transferred to P.P.RX hospital at Ramsgate. He was there until August 30 when he was transferred to the Canadian hospital at Epson. His final hospital in England was at #5 Cdn. General Hospital – Liverpool awaiting transfer to Canada.

Alfred was invalided to Canada the 15^th of November and was taken in to Davisville Hospital in Toronto, ON. After a brief stay he was transferred to the Military Hospital in London, ON., from there he would be until being discharged Medically Unfit for Service.   

The Tilbury Times, Thursday,

6 December, 1917.

Lost His Leg in Vimy Ridge Show

“Pte. Alfred Reaume who enlisted from Tilbury and went overseas in the 99^th Battalion, returned home last Monday evening. The soldier was wounded in the battle at Vimy Ridge on April 9^th last. It was hours before he could be taken to a dressing station and as a result the wound in his left leg became so bad that the amputation was necessary about 4 inches below the knee joint. He was in bed for 3 months in England since then he has been convalescing. A brother of the soldier, Pte. John Reaume also enlisted in the 99^th Battalion. He has been wounded but is back again in service. Since the soldier left home his son has grown until the father hardly knew him as a result of a two year’s absence. Another little lad arrived at home since the father went overseas and last evening he was having a most enjoyable time getting acquainted with the little tots and relating to his relatives some of his experiences. The soldier states that the care given the wounded in England is exceptionally good. He has nothing but words of praise for the hospital workers. The mother of the soldier, Mrs. Reaume of Tilbury was present Monday evening to join the reception of the soldier and a very joyful was had as former friends gathered, the only saddening feature being that the brother is not home too. Pte. Reaume is on a ten day leave and will then report to Toronto where he expects that shortly an artificial leg will be secured.”

He left there for Liverpool October 24th, sailing for Canada November 15th, 1917. He arrived at Halifax November 27th, 1917, passed the Medical Board there, and arrived in Chatham December 3rd, 1917.

Pte. Alfred Reaume was given his honourable discharge being unfit for further military service, having but four inches of stump left below the knee joint on the left leg.

Alfred passed away on Wednesday 28 July, 1948 in Windsor ON. where he had been living for four months after leaving Westminister Hospital in London, ON. where he had been a patient for some time. His wife Annie had predeceased him. A member of Branch 28 Legion in Chatham he was buried in the “Soldier’s Plot at St. Alphonsus Cemetery. TT 29/07/48.

 

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION

Sources

Chatham Daily Planet (16-09-1916), Chatham Daily Planet (20-07-1917), Royal Canadian Legion Br. 206 - Tilbury - List of Veterans, IODE(P), RCL-206., B. Ritter granddaughter.

Height	5'5"
Eye Colour	Brown
Age	26
Complexion	Fair
Hair	Black
Race	White
Birthplace	Tilbury East, Ontario
Religion	Catholic
Last Place of Employment	Harry Hallett, Tile Plant, Tilbury.
Average Earnings	$ 700.00 per year
Marital Status	Married
Marriage Info	May 12th, 1913, St.Peter's Church, River Road, Kent.
When Enlisted	January 24th, 1916
Where Enlisted	Tilbury, Ontario
Allowance from Patriotic Fund	$ 16.00 per month
Next of Kin	Wife- Mrs. Annie Reaume, Tilbury. Son- Herbert Reaume. Son-

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