Pvt. George Bigham #8417 was born to James and Catherine Bigham on Feb 26, 1879 and lived in Merrickville beside the Thomas Bultemore, Wool Dyer and Thomas Culbert, Merchant, families in District 85. His father was listed as a general labourer. He was the third of five children which included Benjamin, William, Margaret and Sarah. His father had passed away before his death. Pvt. Bigham enlisted Sept 23, 1914 in Valcartier, Quebec at the age of 34 and assigned to the 2nd battalion. George had been serving with the 42nd regiment Lanark and Renfrew from Aug 12, 1914 until his enlistment. He listed his Aunt, Mrs. James Edwards of Smiths Falls, ON as his next of kin, his occupation as a moulder, and his religion as Methodist. He was 5’7, blue eyes, dark brown hair and a large 37” chest. He stated he was married and part of the militia and had no scars. His pay was sent to his wife, Mrs. George Bigham of 237 Foster Avenue Belleville, ON and his mother, Mrs. Catherine Bigham of 87 Mill St. Belleville, ON received a $180 gratuity as a result of George’s death being listed as a dependent. His wife appears to have moved 4-5 times during his service all in Belleville, ON.
Pvt Bigham sailed to England on Oct 3, 1914 and was sent to France with the 2nd battalion on Feb 8, 1915. He was docked 5 dollars in pay and given 7 days of discipline on April 4, 1915 while in Rouen, France.
On April 22, 1915, the 2nd battalion with its four companies were given ordered to attack the enemy 400 yards southwest of St. Julien. The initial attack by company one was unsuccessful but they tied up the enemy enough that the other three companies took their positions including company two led by Cpt. Hooper of Carleton Place. On April 24, after the 2nd battalion brought in reinforcements, the enemy attacked and were able to come around the flack. The initial written order was to retreat, however, some of the companies received a phone message canceling that order. The 3rd battalion did retreat so the enemy was able to engage with company two and four. Company two and four initially repulsed the attack but then being without support had to retreat. Cpt Hooper and company two were completely overrun and company four including Pvt. Bigham took heavy losses in their retreat.
Pvt Bigham was killed in action on April 24, 1915 while with the 2nd battalion southwest of St. Julien near Langemarck. His medals, plaque, scroll and the Memorial Cross went to his mother Mrs. Catherine Bigham of 3 Railway St. Belleville, ON on June 29, 1921. His body was not recovered so he is recognized on Menin Gate Memorial in West Vlaanderen, Belgium on Panel 10-26-28. The Ypres (Menin Gate) Memorial, often referred to simply as the Menin Gate, bears the names of more than 54,000 soldiers who died before 16 August 1917 and have no known grave. He is commemorated on page 5 of the Book of Remembrance.
Pvt Bigham sailed to England on Oct 3, 1914 and was sent to France with the 2nd battalion on Feb 8, 1915. He was docked 5 dollars in pay and given 7 days of discipline on April 4, 1915 while in Rouen, France.
On April 22, 1915, the 2nd battalion with its four companies were given ordered to attack the enemy 400 yards southwest of St. Julien. The initial attack by company one was unsuccessful but they tied up the enemy enough that the other three companies took their positions including company two led by Cpt. Hooper of Carleton Place. On April 24, after the 2nd battalion brought in reinforcements, the enemy attacked and were able to come around the flack. The initial written order was to retreat, however, some of the companies received a phone message canceling that order. The 3rd battalion did retreat so the enemy was able to engage with company two and four. Company two and four initially repulsed the attack but then being without support had to retreat. Cpt Hooper and company two were completely overrun and company four including Pvt. Bigham took heavy losses in their retreat.
Pvt Bigham was killed in action on April 24, 1915 while with the 2nd battalion southwest of St. Julien near Langemarck. His medals, plaque, scroll and the Memorial Cross went to his mother Mrs. Catherine Bigham of 3 Railway St. Belleville, ON on June 29, 1921. His body was not recovered so he is recognized on Menin Gate Memorial in West Vlaanderen, Belgium on Panel 10-26-28. The Ypres (Menin Gate) Memorial, often referred to simply as the Menin Gate, bears the names of more than 54,000 soldiers who died before 16 August 1917 and have no known grave. He is commemorated on page 5 of the Book of Remembrance.