Pte. Regimental number 189795. Reference: RG 150, Accession 1992-93/166, Box 729-11, Item: 43519, PDF: BO729-SO11. Date of Birth: 13/11/1898 at London, England. The son of George and Amy Billings of Tilbury, On. Lived and attended Public School in Tilbury where he was also a member of the Tilbury Public School – Boy Scouts, attending a Scout camp in London, ON. in the summer of 1913. A single labourer he was living in Tilbury, ON.

Fred enlisted in the 91^st Bn. at St. Thomas, ON. 3/01/1916 at the age of 18 yrs., height: 5’ 7”, Complexion: Dark, Eyes: Grey, Hair: Dark, Vision 20/20. Medical at Tilbury, ON. 3/01/16. He transferred from the 91^st Bn. to the 186^th overseas Bn. 28/02/16. Before going overseas he attended a ‘bombing’ training course at Camp Bordon. He embarked 28/03/1917 from Halifax, NS. aboard the S. S. Lapland departed Halifax 7/04/17 his name appears on the “Nominal Roll of the 186^th Bn. leaving for England. Arrived in England 7/04/17.

Once in England he underwent more training at Bramshot Camp until  29 April 17, when he crossed to France in a draft for the 1^st Bn.  4/12/17  During the Battle of Arras 26 August to 3 September, 1918, he was wounded in the leg, admitted to the Letroport Hospital on the 16^th of April suffering a gun shot wound in his left leg and right side of his abdomen.   He would return to active service 8/08/1918 in time for the CEF’s actions around Cambria / Armiens where he would be wounded the second time (15 times) in both hips. He would be hospitalized once again. TT 6/02/19 admitted to Eastbourne Military hospital. 23/10/18 Transferred to Epson Hospital. It was reported as follows: “While on active service 1 October, 1918 received a GSW to the left leg right penetrating through, pelvis and left leg. “Disapility at Present”.  .  .24/10/18 TOS (Taken Off Strength) from 1^st Batt. at Witley 15/10/18. Ceased to be attached to 4^th Reserve. Transferred to Kimmel Park pending dispatch to Canada 9/01/1919.    

Departed for Canada aboard the S.S. Aquitania 25/01/19. Fred was posted 28/02/1919 to Casualty Company, granted a furlough with subsistence to 12/02/19. 

He was discharged from HMS the army 05/03/1919.  He was entitled to wear two Blue Chevrons (denoting twice wounded). 

It was noted that he was married to a Mary Crawford and his last known address was 295 Niagara St., Buffalo, NY.

Article in the Tilbury Times 5/02/2019 reported that Fred was serving or five months with a platoon of the 1^st Batt. commanded by Lieut. Arthur Patrick WILSON (MC, DCM) who DOW 1/09/18 in hospital in England.

 

 

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION

Sources

IODE, RG 150, Accession 1992-93/166, Box 729-11, TT (18/04/18, 17/10/18, 6/02/19), TDHS, LAC

Height	5' 7'
Eye Colour	Grery
Age	18
Complexion	Dark
Hair	Dark
Race	White
Birthplace	England 1898
Religion	Anglican
Last Place of Employment	Clerk for J.S. Richardson, Tilbury, Ontario.
Average Earnings	$8.00 per week
Marital Status	Single
When Enlisted	December 31st, 1915
Where Enlisted	Tilbury, Ontario
Next of Kin	Mother- Mrs. Amy Billings, Tilbury, Ontario.

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