World War I

Name: Corporal James Franklin “Frank” Barber, MM

(Date of picture: 1946, East Clifton, Quebec)

Hometown: East Clifton, Quebec Regimental No. 748378

Enlistment age: 32

Regiment: 117th Eastern Townships Battalion & transferred to 87th Canadian Grenadier Guards Battalion

Served: World War 1 in France Frank was born in Sawyerville in 1883 and before he joined 117th Battalion, he served with the 7th Hussars. He embarked for Europe on August 24, 1916. He was transferred to the 87th Battalion in January 1917.

Frank found himself in many dangerous situations. He recounted an incident in the Courcellette Sector during the battle of the Somme when his platoon, who were trapped in the attic of a house, came under attack by a large party of Germans. Quote: “We fired from there for several hours. I am sure that our party got at least 25 Huns by sniping and at least 50 to 75 with the Lewis gun.”

Frank was awarded the Military Medal for bravery. On the night of June 8/9,1917 south of the Souchez River, Frank showed great initiative and courage. Armed with a Lewis gun and along with several other men from his platoon, Frank entered a German dugout system and took a number of prisoners including an officer who held valuable papers.

Name: Henry Claude Cunnington

Served: 1914-1916

He served in the 1st World War in the 117th Eastern Townships O/S Battalion C.E.F. from 1914 – 1916 for 22 months until he was wounded.