Cecil Bennett

Cecil Bennett came to Canada in 1905 with the Dr. Barnardo Homes. It is not known where he was placed initially but in 1907 Cecil was placed with the family of Ben Johnston in Caven Township, Durham, Ontario. The Johnson family cared well for Cecil, he was not expected to work on the farm until he completed his education. They treated him like a son. Mr. Johnson meticulously kept all the documentation regarding Cecil which has given us a unique look at how these children were placed out. 

On October 20th 1915 Cecil enlisted in Peterborough, Ontario. His next of kin given was Ben Johnson. Cecil had formally served with the 3rd Dragoon's. He also served with the 93rd Battalion Military Police. Cecil would then transfer to the Canadian Infantry, Central Ontario Regiment, 20th Battalion. 

On April 9th 1917, Cecil lost his life on the first day of the Battle of Vimy Ridge.  His body was found on the battle field and buried in a mass grave in the Lichfield Crater Thelus in France. In this cemetery there are fifty seven soldiers buried, fifteen are unknown. 

Cecil is said to have come to Canada with two sisters. We have not been able to identify these girls yet. 

Cecil's Trunk

Cecil's memorial certificate was used to create the memorial plaque commemorating the 1,035 BHC who perished in the First World War.

The 93rd Battalion Military Police, Peterborough, May 26th 1916

Pte. J Harran - 195093
John Wesley Harran was born on September 26th 1884 in Caesarea, Ontario. His wife's name was Ewa. John enlisted on October 20th 1915 in Peterborough, Ontario.  He was the son of Edward and Regina Harran, of Toronto. John died as a result of service, nephritis, on 26 Jul 1921. He is buried in the Prospect Cemetery in Toronto. 
Pte N Clark - 195421
 Norman Clark enlisted in Peterborough, Ontario on December 14th 1915.  Son of William and Emily Clark, of Port Hope, Ontario. Spouse of Agnes Madeline (nee Tamblin) Clark, of Peterborough, Ontario. Norman died on April 9th 1917 at the Battle of Vimy Ridge. He is remembered on the VIMY MEMORIAL; Pas de Calais, France
Pte M. Lonergan - 195279
Michael Ambrose Lonergan was born in Norwood, Ontario on November 24th 1872. His wife's name was Mary. Michael enlisted on November 25th 1915 in Peterborough, Ontario. Michael was discharged and returned home on 28 Oct 1916. Reason given, over age. 
Pte A. Charman - 195405
Arthur Charman enlisted on December 11th 1915 in Peterborough, Ontario. He was born March 16th 1887 in England, Florence was his wife and he was a farmer.
Pte J McFadden
Corporal J Lemay
Sergeant L. O. Millership - 195163
Leonard Oliver Millership enlisted on September 27th 1915 in Peterborough, Ontario. He was the son of George Thomas Millership and his wife Alice Trulman. Leonard married Lydia Jane Pearl Anderson on May 19th 1915 in Ontario. Leonard was KIA on November 6th 1917 Passchendaele. He is buried in the Passchendaele New British Cemetery 
Zonnebeke, West Flanders (West-Vlaanderen), Belgium
Lance-Corp G. Cookman  - 195592
George Ernest Cookman enlisted on January 26th 1916 in Peterborough, Ontario. He was born May 25th of 1889 in England. He married on 25 Jan 1919 to Mary Mcewen Scrymgeour.
Pte H. Mather - 195482