1st CMRs – POWs in Canada

“Ten long years for me to be without my boy”

In the past, I’ve posted some of my family’s ties to the First World War but today, in honour of the 100th anniversary of the end of the First World War, I thought I’d share a brief, new perspective, looking at the war and its impact as my great-great grandfather, James Proven, recorded in hisContinue reading ““Ten long years for me to be without my boy””

Ernest and Harry Proven, 100 Years Later

One hundred years ago today, on April 12, 1917, my great-great uncle Private Ernest Albert Proven, succumbed to wounds received during the assault on Vimy Ridge three days prior. His brother, Lance Corporal (later Sergeant) Harry Proven survived the attack but was killed a year-and-a-half later, on September 29, 1918. Today, I’m happy to announceContinue reading “Ernest and Harry Proven, 100 Years Later”

Pte. Ernest Albert Proven, 1895-1917

Today marks the 97th anniversary of the Canadian assault on Vimy Ridge. Among the thousands of Canadian soldiers who went “over-the-top” that fateful morning were two of my great-great uncles, Harry and Ernest Proven. While Harry survived the attack (read more about him here), his younger brother was not so lucky. On December 13, 1895,Continue reading “Pte. Ernest Albert Proven, 1895-1917”

Sergt. Harry Proven, 1893-1918

September 29, 2013 marks the 95th Anniversary of the death of my great-great uncle, Sergeant Harry Proven. Unfortunately, in the past ninety-five years, much of the history has been lost to time as his younger brother, Ernest Proven, was mortally wounded at Vimy Ridge, and the third brother, my great-grandfather, shared few stories about hisContinue reading “Sergt. Harry Proven, 1893-1918”