Hill 70 - Your Stories

Private Robert Lawrenson

Robert served at Ypres, then the Somme, Vimy Ridge and Hill 70. He had also served at the battles of Mouquet Farms, Courcelette and Regina Trench. The last battle in which Robert Lawrenson participated was the taking of Hill 70 which began the morning of August 15, 1917. Robert (only 18 years of age) was severely wounded in the arms, legs and buttocks on that day and was hospitalized in France until he was invalided to England on September 2, 1917. He arrived in London on September 2, 1917 and was posted to the 1st Quebec Regiment Depot, Shoreham. more

Private Thomas Larkin

As submitted by Raymond Donnelly: Thomas Larkin, born Armagh Ireland, joined CEF 20th Battalion Toronto April 1915, killed 14th July 1917 Lens, in preps for Hill 70. He lived a short anonymous life - orphaned 10, emigrated Canada 17, died 21 after 2 years in trenches. In contrast his sister, Elizabeth, has over 200 descendants. His records have recently been located through LAC. He died for France's liberty on 14th July and on this centenary date the Mayor of Grenay, where he is buried, will host a party of his Irish relatives.

Project News and Updates

The Hill 70 Memorial Park, dedicated to the Canadian Corps that achieved victory at the Battle of Hill 70 in August, 1917, was completed on October 2nd, 2019. The centerpiece of the Memorial is an obelisk signifying the victory of the Canadian Corps at the Battle of Hill 70. In addition to the obelisk, there is a series of walkways dedicated to the six Victoria Cross awards, as well as plazas dedicated to Regiments and soldiers who figured prominently in the battle. To enhance your site tour, you may download an audio-visual history of the Battle of Hill 70 from the AppStore or Google Play.

We are sometimes approached by members of the public who wish to support our work. If you wish to make a contribution, you can use our Canada Helps account in the Donations section of the website.

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	Harold Evans Staples He signed up with the CEF in 1916 in Swan River, Manitoba, with the 226th Battalion. However, on proceeding overseas he was transferred to the 27th Battalion. He saw combat at Hill 70, Passchendaele, Mons, and Cambrai. more
	2nd Lieutenant William Kenneth Rooney Mr. Richard Rooney has provided us with the story of his grandfather, 2nd Lieutenant William Kenneth Rooney, who served in WWI. more
	Major R Earle Drope At the age of seventeen, my father, Robert Earle Drope, enlisted for the military much to his Mother’s concern and distress. more
	Major Fisher Kay (Fisher) Langmuir has kindly provided us with the story of her grandfather, Major Fisher, who served in WWI. Major Fisher enlisted on March 22nd, 1916 in Fredericton… more
	Private Robert Lawrenson Robert served at Ypres, then the Somme, Vimy Ridge and Hill 70. He had also served at the battles of Mouquet Farms, Courcelette and Regina Trench. The last battle in which Robert Lawrenson participated was the taking of Hill 70 which began the morning of August 15, 1917. Robert (only 18 years of age) was severely wounded in the arms, legs and buttocks on that day and was hospitalized in France until he was invalided to England on September 2, 1917. He arrived in London on September 2, 1917 and was posted to the 1st Quebec Regiment Depot, Shoreham. more
	Private Thomas Larkin As submitted by Raymond Donnelly: Thomas Larkin, born Armagh Ireland, joined CEF 20th Battalion Toronto April 1915, killed 14th July 1917 Lens, in preps for Hill 70. He lived a short anonymous life - orphaned 10, emigrated Canada 17, died 21 after 2 years in trenches. In contrast his sister, Elizabeth, has over 200 descendants. His records have recently been located through LAC. He died for France's liberty on 14th July and on this centenary date the Mayor of Grenay, where he is buried, will host a party of his Irish relatives.

Your Stories

Harold Evans Staples

2nd Lieutenant William Kenneth Rooney

Major R Earle Drope

Major Fisher

Private Robert Lawrenson

Private Thomas Larkin

Project News and Updates

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