They shall not be forgotten: Pvts. E. Tilson and E. Anderson

Editor’s Note: Here are the next two articles in a series researched and written by Rainy River High School students on WW I veterans.

Thomas Edward Tilson
Private 8th Battalion, Manitoba Regiment, 2nd Infantry Brigade, 3rd Infantry Division Canadian Expeditionary Force
Personal Information: Thomas Edward Tilson was born on January 30th,1896 in Parry Sound, Ontario to Thomas and Augusta Tilson. Thomas had one sibling, a sister named Cathren. As a young single man, Thomas moved to Pinewood Ontario, where he started a farm with his family.
Military Movements: Thomas Edward Tilson was a member of the 141st battalion of the Manitoba regiment in the 3rd Infantry Division of the Canadian Expeditionary Force (CEF).
Upon enlistment, Tilson and the other members of the 141st Battalion were organized in Winnipeg, Manitoba. On January 14th, 1916 he was on the S.S. Olympic to Liverpool, England. He was then taken on strength on July 7th, 1917 to the 18th battalion. On August 22nd he was transferred to the 8th battalion. He went to the hospital on March 22nd, 1918 after 2 weeks leave, he was released on April 25th and was given light duties. He then returned to the 8th battalion on August 15th,1918. where he finished his days.
Medical Records: Thomas Edward Tilson had a medical upon his enlistment on January 4th, 1916. He was in good health and he was not vaccinated. He went for another check-up on November 16th, 1916.He was still in good health. On March 22nd, 1918 Thomas was taken by ambulance to GE Estaples.
He was found to have contracted a virus and was released April 25th, 1918 and given light duty. After getting back into the war he was fighting at the Canal du Nord and was killed in action on the first day of the battle.
Lest We Forget: In his written will, Thomas Edward Tilson left all his personal assets and real estate to his mother Augusta Tilson. She received his military plaque identified with serial number 787787. He had received $270.00 in total earnings from the Canadian Expeditionary Force from the time he enlisted until his death at the age of 20.
Thomas is buried at the Sains-Les-Marquion in France. The cemetery was created at the end of September in 1918, after the capture of Sains-Les Marquion(on September 27th) by the Canadian division. It contained the graves of 144 soldiers from Canada. The majority of the Canadian graves belonged to the 2nd, 3rd, and 4th battalions all which were raised in Ontario and fought with the Canadian divisions and died for our freedom today. Every year on November 11th, we remember the soldiers who gave there lives so we can live comfortably. Today I will remember and cherish those who gave away so much for our country and be proud to be Canadian.
Researched by Jason Yeo
Eddie Joseph Anderson
Private 94th Overseas Battalion, 10th Brigade. 4th Canadian Division Canadian Expeditionary Force.
Personal Information: Eddie Joseph Anderson was born on December 25th 1897 in Pelitan, Minnesota U.S.A. Eddie was an only child and he never married. His next of kin was Annie Anderson. Before he served in the Canadian Forces he worked as a clerk in Rainy River, Ont.
Military Movements: Eddie Joseph Anderson was a member of the 94th Battalion of the 10th Brigade Regiment in the 4th Division of the Canadian Expeditionary Force. (CEF).He arrived in England on July 6th 1916 on the SS Olympic. He was struck on strength to the 32nd batttalion, then was taken on strength and joined the 52nd battalion in France and fought in the battle of the Somme. After the battle he was sent to Bte. Field Hospital where he was diagnosed with Cerebral Spinal Fever. Eddie died on September 26, 1918.
Medical Records: Eddie was sent to the No.12 State Hospital and was diagnosed with cerebral spinal fever and a bad case of appendicitis. The case was so severe they couldn‚t treat him, and he died on September 26th, 1918.
Lest We Forget: In his will Eddie Joseph Anderson left everything to his mother Annie Anderson. She received his military plaque identified by serial number 791664. She also received his medals and $400.00 in total earnings from the CEF from the time he enlisted until his death at the age of 21. Eddie was buried at the St. Pol British Cemetery in France in plot number 3b6.
Researched by Curtis Scott