Reginald Edgar Todhunter
Private
19th Battalion
American Prosperity
Despite being the center of the world’s largest empire, economic advancement for the average English family was relatively unattainable. Such a fact encouraged emigration with the Todhunter family uprooting their lives in 1907 and making the trek to the United States. Among the family of 6 was then 19-year-old Reginald, who made the voyage alongside his younger siblings. Upon settling in Philadelphia, he would follow his father into the engraving business as they began their new lives in the land of promised economic opportunity.
The outbreak of hostilities with the mother country was certainly troubling, but Reginald remained relatively unaffected in Staten Island, New York, where he pursued his career as an artist. His new home had proved a prosperous place with the brown-eyed Englishman marrying a Pennsylvania gal, Lamossia Heilman, in 1912. The young couple were blessed with their first child in 1913 and thus there was little reason to leave such a life in search of conflict. Besides, his only relation to the service was his eldest brother Lancelot, a Royal Navy veteran of the Boxer Rebellion, who had long since retired to Australia. The rest of the family was in America and that was enough to keep him in place despite his loyalist sentiment to the old country.
His lack of connection to the ongoing hostilities overseas was changed drastically in April of 1917, when Reginald’s youngest brother, Clifford, crossed the U.S.-Canada border and enlisted with Canadian forces. This action mixed with the mobilization of the United States, likely had an effect on Reginald who made a decision the following year to join up himself. In June of 1918, the 30-year-old would depart his beloved wife and son for Canada, following in the footsteps of his younger brother. On June 10th, 1918, he volunteered with the Central Ontario Regiment, the recruiters no doubt eager to enlist him given the few remaining Canadian volunteers. He soon dawned a khaki uniform and was shipped back to England, leaving his beloved family and a comfortable job. |
The End in Sight
The free ticket to England was certainly appreciated, but his time was spent drilling at Witley Camp rather than reminiscing in London. By October 1918, he had been turned into a soldier worthy of the Canadian persona, which was something he now admired dearly. His brother Clifford had paid the price of this now infamous fighting reputation of the Canadian Corps, tragically dying of wounds following a major engagement on October 1st. Some 29 days later, Reginald landed in France, being assigned to the 19th Battalion. No doubt his emotions were clouded by a need for revenge and a fear of what was to come, casualties had been heavy during the ongoing offensive. Yet, by the time he was processed through the replacement depot to the field, the armistice had been signed, saving Reginald from the horrors of the conflict.
For a handful of days the fresh soldier mingled with the veterans of the 19th as they prepared to move to the German Frontier for occupation duty (1). Training was conducted and equipment sorted ensuring they looked the part of sharp soldiers (1). Unfortunately for Reginald, he would contract tonsillitis well training alongside these weary veterans and would be hospitalized. With little need for combat soldiers, Reginald was transferred back home and was able to return to his family in the United States. Life went on as it had before the war, only now family gatherings were forever altered without the presence of Clifford. Though he was gone, Reginald never forgot him, and named his 4th child Clifford in honor of his heroic brother.
Sources:
(1) War diaries - 19th Canadian Infantry Battalion, Library and Archives of Canada, https://recherche-collection-search.bac-lac.gc.ca/eng/home/record?app=fonandcol&IdNumber=2005917&q=19th%20battalion%20war%20diary
(1) War diaries - 19th Canadian Infantry Battalion, Library and Archives of Canada, https://recherche-collection-search.bac-lac.gc.ca/eng/home/record?app=fonandcol&IdNumber=2005917&q=19th%20battalion%20war%20diary