Description
North West Canada Medal, bar Saskatchewn, Private Cornelius Spice, 10th Royal Grenadiers.
Engraved in the correct regimental style: “Pte C. Spice 10th Batt R.G.”
Confirmed on the medal roll, which confirms issue of both the medal and rare clasp for Saskatchewan.
We have a copy of his official Land Grant issued on 7th November 1885 for 320 Acres in Manitoba or the North West Territories as part of “No 3 Company 10th battalion Royal Grenadiers.”
The 10th Royal Grenadiers are held in high regard for their services as infantry during the rebellion, where they earned their very first Battle Honour for their services at Batoche, the battle that put an end to the rebellion, which lasted 3 days from 9-12th May 1885.
The History of the regiment recalls their gallant charge on the 12th May:
“Tuesday 12th May – Left camp at 1pm in skirmishing order. No 1 Company Grenadiers on the right No 2, 3 and 4 prolonged to the left; we met the rebels about 200 yards from the Church.
After a stubborn resistance we drove them before us towards the village, and then charged them then on the plain, and scattered them in all directions. The fire was very hot; about 6 killed and 30 wounded on our side.
About 30 killed on that of the rebels; released about 8 white men that Riel had kept as prisoners of war.”
The White Men had been held as prisoners and were used as a bargaining chip, the rebels promised their execution if the Canadians advanced, there were some back and forth letter between the two commanding officers throughout the battle.
Cornelius Spice was born in Portsmouth, Hampshire, England during October 1865.
The son of Charles Dennis Spice and Caroline Maria Spice (Jones).
As a young man in Hampshire he swam for Portsmouth Swimming Club in August 1878, where 12 year old Cornelius won a writing desk for 1st place in the 88 yard race, and for 2nd place behind his brother, he won a writing case in Plate Diving.
The family moved to Canada shortly afterwards about 1880 and they were entered into the 1881 Census of Canada, living in Toronto.
He had joined up at Toronto on 28th March 1885 for active service.
Vancouver Daily World, 26th April 1892, records: “That Cornelius Spice be appointed Driver at a salary of $55 per month.” for the City of Vancouver.
Vancouver Daily World, 7th Dec 1892, records his wedding:
“Cornelius Spice, a member of the No 2 Hall Fire Brigade, was married on Tuesday evening to Miss R (Rose) A. Balderson, at the residence of W. Harvey, Cambie Street, Rev JF Betts tying the knot.
The wedding was a very quiet affair, only a few relatives of the principals being present.
Mr Spice will be the recipient of a handsome present from his confreres.”
In 1894, the family, with his wife Rose Ann, moved to America, and settled by 1900 in Santa Clara, California, USA, working as an “Ice Man”.
In 1910, he worked as a Bartender in a Saloon, in Santa Clara, Cali.
It looks like he chose to remain around California, he had 2 children and was still living there into the 1920s according to voter registrations, working as an Electrician in 1924.
He died in San Diego on 24th August 1925.
