Dartmouth’s Connections to the Battle of Vimy Ridge
Today marks the 100th anniversary of the Battle of Vimy Ridge. Did you know that 338 people from Dartmouth served in the First World War? 337 men and 11 women. Of the 348 people from Dartmouth who served, how many of them fought at Vimy Ridge? To commemorate the 100th anniversary of Vimy Ridge, and with so many Dartmouth high school students travelling to Vimy, we wanted to acknowledge three of the service personnel with connections to Dartmouth who are memorialized at the Canadian National Vimy Memorial.
Private Frank Kuhn was born on July 25, 1893 in Dartmouth, NS to Martha Kuhn. He was 22 years old and working as a chauffeur when he signed up for the Canadian Expeditionary Force. On October 12, 1916, he sailed aboard the Olympic from Halifax to Liverpool, England and arrived six days later. He transferred from the 219th Battalion to the 85th Battalion on December 28, 1916. From there he proceeded to France. He was killed in action on April 9, 1917 and is buried at the Canadian Cemetery No. 2. in Neuville-St. Vaast, France.
Private Russell John Boland was born on July 1, 1897 in Montague, Halifax County, NS to Edward and Mary Boland. He signed up for the Canadian Expeditionary Force in February 1916. When he signed up, he was 18 years old and living on Ochterloney Street in Dartmouth while working as a rope maker. He sailed from Halifax on July 25, 1916 and arrived in Liverpool, England six days later. On October 5, 1916, he was transferred for overseas service from the 112th Battalion to the 25th Battalion. He arrived in France a day later. He was killed in action on August 15, 1917.
Private John Geoffrey Cutler was born on September 8, 1891 in Dartmouth, NS to Thomas and Susan (Foster) Cutler. He married Margaret Massey on May 1, 1915 in Winnipeg, a few days before he enlisted. He signed up for the Canadian Expeditionary Force on May 6, 1915 also in Winnipeg. He was 24 years old and working as a clerk. He arrived in England on October 30, 1915. He initially enlisted with the 44th Battalion but was seconded to the 18th Reserve Battalion and then drafted to the 8th Battalion. He was killed in action on August 15, 1917 during the Battle of Hill 70.
Unveiling of First World War memorial plaque outside post office on Queen Street in Dartmouth. (DHM 2008.010)
To view the complete service files for Private Kuhn, Private Boland and Private Cutler or to find your own connection, click here.
If you have a personal connection to the Battle of Vimy Ridge or know of anyone with a Dartmouth connection to it, please let us know.