June 1916 – Battle of Mount Sorrel

Canadian soldiers were defending Mount Sorrel, a 30-metre hill with a commanding position overlooking the city of Ypres in Belgium. On June 2nd 1916, German troops attacked and overwhelmed the Canadians. They captured Mount Sorrel along with nearby peaks Hill 61 and Hill 62. The Canadians tried to retake the Hills on June 3rd but the Germans repelled the attack.

Fighting continued until June 14 when Mount Sorrel was finally recaptured. During this battle 8,430 Canadian men were killed, wounded, or reported missing. The Germans suffered 5,765 casualties.

The West Hants Historical Society is saluting our local soldiers who died in World War 1. One hundred years ago this month, the following men were killed in action:

Brown, John Cowley

Regimental No. 111057

Pte John Cowley Brown was born in Pembroke, Wales on February 9, 1880. He was working as a Farmer. He volunteered for service in Amherst on March 30, 1915. He was assigned to the 6th Canadian Mounted Rifles and then transferred to the 5th Canadian Mounted Rifles Battalion. He was killed in action in Belgium on June 2, 1916. His next of kin was his Father, Charles Brown residing in Hantsport. His Name is remembered at Menin Gate Memorial in Belgium.

King, Henry Wallace

Regimental No. 414999

Pte Henry Wallace King was born in Windsor on April 6, 1894. He was trained as a Soldier. He volunteered for service in Valcartier on August 18, 1915. He was assigned to the 40th and then transferred to the 60th Battalion. He was killed in action in Belgium on June 3, 1916. His next of kin was his Mother, Mrs. Annie King residing in Windsor. His Name is remembered at Menin Gate Memorial in Belgium.

O’Brien, George

Regimental No. 46179

Sgt George O’Brien was born in Noel on March 19, 1891. He was working as a Carpenter. He volunteered for service in Valcartier on September 28, 1914 and was assigned to the 15th Battalion. He was killed in action in Belgium on June 3, 1916. His next of kin was his Father, William O’Brien residing in Truro. His Name is remembered at Menin Gate (Ypres) Memorial, Belgium.

Hebb, John Garfield

Regimental No. 477395

Pte John Garfield Hebb was born in Windsor on May 6, 1881. He was trained as a Soldier. He volunteered for service in Halifax on August 23, 1915 and was assigned to the RCR Battalion. He was killed in action in Belgium on June 5, 1916. His next of kin was his Brother, W.H. Hebb residing in Hebbs Cross Lunenburg County. His Name is remembered at Menin Gate Memorial in Belgium.

Horne, Bennett John

Regimental No. 166345

Pte. Bennett John Horne was born in Enfield on August 20, 1891. He was working as a Machinist. He volunteered for service in Timmins on October 6, 1915 and was assigned to the 1st Pioneer Battalion. He was killed in action in Belgium on June 6, 1916. His next of kin were his Parents, Andrew & Elizabeth Horne residing in Enfield. His Name is remembered at Menin Gate (Ypres) Memorial in Belgium.

Best, Thomas

Regimental No. 415137

Pte. Thomas Best was born in Sweet’s Corner on March 18, 1893. He was working as a Laborer. He volunteered for service in Kentville on May 4, 1915. He was assigned to the 40th and then transferred to the 13th Battalion. He was killed in action in Belgium on June 13, 1916. His next of kin was his Brother, Walter Best residing in Kentville. His Name is remembered at the Menin Gate Memorial in Belgium.

Note: If you have any old photos, post cards, letters, or diaries from these soldiers (or others); please share them with us at the West Hants Museum in Windsor. We are open every day through the summer.