Description
1914-15 Star, British War & Victory Medal Trio, 75652 Corporal Allison William Thornthwaite, 29th Canadian Infantry, Vancouver Bn “Tobin’s Tigers”, Wounded in Action on 17th July 1916.
Star officially impressed: “75652 Pte A.W. Thornthwaite. 29/Can: Inf:”
Pair officially impressed: “75652 Cpl A.W. Thornthwaite. 29-Can. Inf.”
Confirmed with copy service papers. On original silk ribbons.
Allison William Thornthwaite was born in London England on 11th September 1890, and likely came to Canada to become a Farmer, as indicated on his enlistment papers.
The 29th (Vancouer) Battalion of Canadian Infantry, was formed on 7th November 1914, the exact same day in fact that Allison signed on at Vancouver for service with the regiment.
He would be an “Original Tobin’s Tiger” the regiment having just been formed that same day by the commanding officer, Henry Seymour Tobin, a Soldier, Miner, Surveyor, Industrialist and Barrister well known in Canada the battalion gaining the nickname of “Tobin’s Tigers” from him, being an old veteran of the Boer War and begun recruiting around Vancouver.
He had signed up as early as 28th October, being assigned to the 29th Bn on 7th November when the 29th was formed.
At the time of enlistment he indicated he was currently serving in the local Militia and had served 1 year at the “O.T.C.” (Officer Training Centre) in England.
He was first sent over to England on the RMS Missasabie on 20th May 1915, rising to Lance Corporal on 15th September 1915, 2 days before he and the 29th “Embarked for France” on 17th September 1915.
Notably his papers recall on 14th January 1916 he was granted by his Officer Commanding 29th Bn (Colonel Tobin): “Granted 14 days of special leave of absence for Heroic Rescue work.”
Being shortly after promoted up to Corporal on 20th April 1916.
Whilst fighting in France, he received a “Gun Shot Wound in the Left Arm” on 17th July 1916 was admitted to Norfolk War Hospital in Norwich. The wound left him with a fractured Ulna and having to have the shrapnel and damaged bone removed.
During that month the Tigers were engaged in the Battle of the Somme since 1st July.
Likely due to his wounds he seems to have remained in England for the rest of the war.
Personal Life etc
Born in London during 1890, his father died during 1908, following his marriage to Maud Beatrice Alice Anderson in March 1912 the family all moved to Canada, where his mother would also remarry at Ladner British Columbia during May 1912, the whole family appears to have having departed at Liverpool on 16th March 1912.
A Soldier, Farmer and Government Finance employee he also appears to have had a fine singing voice, as well as a love of Cricket and Birds.
The North Shore Press of Vancouver wrote on 25th November 1930 during their Operatic Society Who’s Who during a production of Gilbert & Sullivan Opera “The Gondoliers” that “Allison Thornthwaite, another newcomer is playing Antonio, and has a fine baritone voice and a good conception of his part.”
He lived a long life in Canada living to 89, his obituary in the Vancouver Sun on 10th November 1979 reads:
“THORNTHWAITE – On 7th November 1979, Allison William Thornthwaite, of Langley, aged 89 years. Survived by 1 son, Gerald of London, England: 1 Brother, Arthur, of Victoria. Predeceased by his Wife Maud and Brother, John and will also be missed by Sister in Law, Dorothy Thornthwaite and family.
Deceased served overseas in First World War with the 29th Battalion ‘Tobins Tigers’ and was a member of the North Shore Cricket Club…”
Enjoying a long life in Langley, Vancouer, he managed a 60 year Diamond Wedding with his wife, being photographed in the local Langley Advance on 30th March 1972.
The article reads:
“DIAMOND WEDDING anniversary was quietly celebrated by Mr and Mrs Allison Thornwaite of Langley on 9th March, Mr Thornthwaite retired from a federal government position in 1956, they have resided at the Good Shepherd Rest Home on Carvolth since Sept 1969.
60 YEARS MARRIAGE MARKED BY COUPLE
Mr and Mrs Thornthwaite quietly celebrated sixty years of marriage on 9th March at the Good Shepherd Rest Home, their place of residence in Langley.
Mr Thornthwaite is 82, she is 84. A Congratulatory letter was received from their only son, Gerald, in England.
a Brother of Mr Thornthwaite’s John, lived in Langley.
Mr Thornthwaite has been a Soldier, Farmer, Government Employee previous to retiring in 1956. They have lived at the Langley rest home since September 1969.
They came to Canada 60 years ago in 1912, but Mr Thornthwaite soon returned overseas to fight in the First World War. He served with the 29th Battalion, known as Tobins Tigers, and was wounded in the trenches.
The Thornthwaite’s farmed in Albert and at Abbotsford, until 1942 when he was employed by the Department of Finance. It was from this position that he retired in 1956.
Mr Thornthwaite was an ardent bird watcher and still maintains a keen interest in his feathered friends.”
He sadly lost his wife in their 65th year during 1977 and died 2 years later.
