Private Walter Ernest Jewell
PERSONAL INFORMATION
MILITARY INFORMATION
- Private (Army).
- Private, 52nd Battalion, Infantry (Army).
Military Medal
Date of award: 1917-07-09
Source: London Gazette, Canadian Gazette: September 18, 1917
Distinguished Conduct Medal
Date of award: 1918-02-06
Source: London Gazette, Canadian Gazette: March 9, 1918
RESEARCH INFORMATION
Walter was the son of Alfred Ernest Jewell and Francis. He later married Clara Hanna McBride and planned to live in Birchcliffe Ontario. He had three siblings, Sarah, William and James. In 1911 he was living with his family in Toronto, and listed his occupation as an Ironworker. At his wedding he listed his occupation as a bridge builder.
Jewell, Walter Ernest, Pte, 439639
52nd Bn War Diary, October 1917, Appendix 2.
London Gazette 30389
"For conspicuous gallantry and devotion to duty during a raid on the enemy's trenches. His company met with severe opposition from several enemy strong points. He led his men against one of these on his own initiative, and, after capturing it, bombed his way down the enemy's main trench until he got into touch with his own platoon. His fearless conduct and good judgement contributed largely to the success of the enterprise" (London Gazette 30512/p1755, 05 February 1918).
Pte Jewell won his DCM for work during a raid at Lens shortly after the battle of Hill 70.(Distinguished Conduct Medal)
Listed in LG 30172/p6841, 06 Jul 1917
Pte Jewell won his MM for work at Vimy Ridge. (Military Medal)
History of the 52nd Battalion (52ndbattalion.com)
The 52nd (New Ontario) Battalion, CEF was raised in Northern Ontario during the Spring of 1915 with its mobilization headquarters at Port Arthur (Thunder Bay), Ontario. The Battalion joined the 9th Brigade, 3rd Canadian Division on February 23, 1916 and thus began the trial by fire for the men of the north in the trenches of France and Belgium.
After the war, the men returned home and the 52nd was disbanded in the early 1920s with its Regimental Colours laid-up in St. John The Evangelist Anglican Church.
This website is dedicated to the memory of all the men that served in the ranks of the 52nd. May they never be forgotten.
15
In Port Arthur 1915
March-October 1915
On March 20, 1915, Military District #10 based in Winnipeg issues orders for the mobilization of a battalion in the Thunder Bay District. The battalion is numbered the 52nd with headquarters at Port Arthur. Recruiting takes place during the spring and summer of 1915 across northwest Ontario with the majority of the ranks being filled from Port Arthur, Fort William, Kenora, Fort Frances, and Dryden. A number of officers and troops have previous militia experience with the 96th Lake Superior Regiment. Recruits are billetted in Fort William and Port Arthur through private arrangements. On June 7, 1915 the recruits are moved to Gresley Park, Port Arthur to undergo basic training. During this time, the troops live in tents.
In Ottawa & St John 1915
November 1915
On November 4, 1915 the Battalion moves by train to St. John, New Brunswick arriving on November 8, 1915. Prior to arriving in St. John, the Battalion stops in Ottawa on November 6, 1915 and is inspected by the Governor-General of Canada, the Duke of Connaught. On November 22, 1915 the Battalion sails from St. John for Plymouth, England onboard the S.S. California.
In England 1915
December 1915
The Battalion arrives at Plymouth, England on December 3, 1915. From Plymouth the Battalion moves directly to Witley Camp for 6 weeks of training under British instructors.
1916
In England 1916
January-February 1916
From Whitely Camp the Battalion moves onto Bramshott for 2 more weeks of training. On February 20, 1916 the Battalion sails from Southampton, England to Le Havre, France and spends the night in tents at No. 1 Rest Camp during a snow storm. The next day the Battalion moves by train to Belgium.
In Belgium 1916
February 1916
On February 23, 1916 the 52nd Battalion joins the 9th Brigade
in Belgium under the command of MajGen M. S. Mercer, 3rd Canadian Division. Other battalions in the Brigade include the 43rd, 58th and 60th Battalions.
March 1916
On March 1, 1916 the Battalion takes up billets at Locre, being attached to the 7th Brigade in the Ypres Sector for trench warefare instruction. Over the next seven days, the Bn HQ, A, B, C, and D Coys take turns in the trenches being attached at various times to the 42nd Bn, 49th Bn, RCR, and PPCLI. The first time in the trenches the troops of the 52nd Battalion experience light rifle and machine gun fire. On one occasion, while returning to billets, A and B Coys experience their first taste of shelling on the road at Kemmel Barrier and Kemmel Shelters. On March 10, 1916 the Battalion takes it's first rotation at the front as a unit by moving into M and N trenches in the Kemmal area to relieve the 24th Battalion. On March 11, 1916 the Battalion suffers its first combat fatality when Pte Joe Sebastin is killed while on patrol. The Battalion completes its first rotation in the line on March 16, 1916. On March 23, 1916 the Battalion is inspected by Sir Douglas Haig. During the end of March, the Battalion is tasked with numerous Brigade duties. A number of individuals are also sent on various courses including; machine gun school, Lewis machine gun school, snipers' school, trench mortar course, and NCO course.
April 1916
On April 1, 1916 the Battalion moves back into the trenches at Shrapnal Corner in relief of the 60th Battalion. On April 4, 1916 the Battalion suffers its first officer combat fatality when Lt Thomas Hatton, the Battalion's signals officer, is killed possibly inspecting the trenches from No-Mans-Land. On April 5, 1916 the Battalion is in turn relieved by the 60th Battalion and returns to billets at Railway Dugouts and Maple Copse. On April 9, 1916 the Battalion goes back into the line in relief of the 60th Battalion. On April 10, 1916 the Battalion received an additional 200 helmets, bringing the Battalion's numbers up to 400 total. On April 13, 1916 the Battalion is relieved by the 4th CMR. From April 14 to April 27 the Battalion is in various reserve camps. Large work parties are sent on various tasks and numerous troops are again sent on various training courses. On April 28, 1916 the Battalion relieves 60th Battalion in the Left Hooge Sub Sector.