| Rank | Private |
| Service # | 24533 |
| Unit # | 41st Brockville Rifles |
| Resident | Ridgetown |
13th Bn. DOB: 27/03/1888 at Liverpool, England. The son of William Fraser and Catherine Stewart, of Ridgetown, ON., Box 228, York St. Prior to his enlistment he was an Iron Molder. Attestation 25/09/1914 at Valcartiar, PQ.
RG150, Accession:1992-93/166, Box 9320-47, Item: 252894, PDF: B9320-SO47. Age: 26 Years, Height: 5’ 5”, Girth: 37”, Complexion: Medium, Eyes: Blue, Hair: Medium, Weight: 138#. Medical done at Valcartier, PQ 25/09/14.
Norman was serving with the 5th Royal Highlanders of the 13th Battalion which he joined while at Salisbury Plain where he was training. Prior to his departing 21/09/14 Shown on the 12th Batt. Norman was on the Pay List of the !2th BN. eight days of Field Punishment and was fined $2.00.He was with the 13th Batt. He left from Quebec City, PQ aboard the S.S. Alaunia 4/10/14.
Norman was killed in action 24/04/1915 and his death was reported in the Chatham Daily Planet 17/05/1915. He was noted as Ridgetown’s first war casualty.
“In the fall of 1914 the first Canadian Contingent had embarked from Quebec City into the great line of transports which awaited them and, as each one was filled, it quietly proceeded down the St. Lawrence toward the Gulf where a convoy of British warships were awaiting to escort them to Southampton.” [“OGS-Kent Newsletter Editor].
Dear Ina:
I am writing Bell and not being able to find her address which I thought I had with me, I am unable to write her so I am sending it to you to forward to her. I received Mother’s letter which had been sent me in care of the war office all OK. In which she states that you are to be married sometime this month. Now Ina,I wish to you every happiness which I know will be yours.
I expect to have leave of absence for a few days and may go to London, but when I may be able to get leave is hard to say. In any case I will be sending you some little thing and although later why you know every little thing stops for a soldier.
I am enclosing a Will of the Kaiser – a copy of which I was fortunate enough to receive in camp this morning.
Wishing both of you the greatest happiness imaginable I will remain as ever.
Your affectionate Brother.
Norman
His sister Ida R. Stewart married Arlington V. Hamil of Harwich Twsp., the 27th of October, 1914.
A second letter dated, November 9, 1914, “On Board the CUNARD – R.M.S Lusitania”
Dear Ida:
I am ashamed of not writing before but have been so busy, before I come away, had to go to the country with Mr. Briggs, an old patient of mine so had not a minute there as he was on feeding g.2.h. which took ½ hr. to give properly. However I’ve thought of you very often and do hope you are tremendously happy.
You see Mother dear, I am actually on my way to the “Front” We expect to land tomorrow in England and start to France tomorrow night, shall stay in Paris 2 or 3 days, while they find the best location for our hospital, which they want to get as near the front as possible, so as to get the most seriously wounded. The girls will give you the details. I have so many letters to write haven’t time to tell you all about it.
If we get a chance tomorrow several of us try to get out to Salisbury Plains to see the Canadians, wish I knew which regiment your brother is in. We have had a splendid voyage – none of us was seasick.
The Lusitania is giving a dinner in our honour tonight so we hope to have some fun. Must close now Ina as I feel sure I have writers cramp.
Have had 3 doses of Typhoid and one of Smallpox vaccine since we came on board and you can imagine how sore my arms are that however, is the only reaction I’ve had.
With fondest love and best wishes for the happiness of married lives.
Loving Yours.
On 7 May, 1915 a German U-Boat sank the RMS Lusitania with 1,195 souls aboard. The United States would soon declare war on Germany.
The CFWM., Reported Norman was 27th year serving with 13th Batt. Son of Catherine Stewart and the late William Fraser Stewart. Stewart is remembered on the Mennin Gate: Belgium. Panel 24-26-28-30. “TO The ARMIES of the BRITISH EMPIRE STOOD HERE FROM 1914 to 1918 AND TO THOSE OF THEIR DEAD WHO KNOWN GRAVE”.
His mother received the Memorial Cross and the Scroll 25/01/21 followed by the Plaque 19/12/21. She also received the War Service Gratuity of $180.00 and a Balance to be paid of $8.00.
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION
| Cenotaph | Ridgetown Cenotaph |
| Sources | Commonwealth War Grave Commission, LAC, CVWM, CDP, Madonna Roberts |
| Supplemental Information | Mother: Mrs. Catherine Stewart, Ridgetown Sisters: Mrs. James A. Crawford Mrs. A. V. Hamil, Mull. Mrs. John W. Marshall, Welland Mrs. Meid, St. Louis, MO Brothers: W. F. Stewart, St. Louis, MO J. I. Stewart, St. Thomas |
| Height | 5'5" |
| Weight | 138 lbs. lbs |
| Eye Colour | blue |
| Age | 26 |
| Complexion | Medium |
| Hair | Medium |
| Race | white |
| Birthplace | Liverpool, England |
| Religion | Prebysterian |
| Last Place of Employment | Brockville, ON |
| Average Earnings | 100/mth |
| Marital Status | single |
| When Enlisted | Aug. 1914 |
| Where Enlisted | Brockville, ON |
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