LEST WE FORGET 73 BODDIE, Robert David WWI Robert David Boddie was born in Aberdeen, Scotland on January 21, 1889, to James and Margaret Boddie of Ivan Cottage, Port Errol, Scotland. He and his brothers James and Alexander Taylor Boddie all immigrated to Canada and served in World War I. He gave his address as Box 40, Conquest and his occupation as farmer when he enlisted in Moose Jaw on October 28, 1914, at the age of 25. He served overseas with the 28th Battalion and the 6th Canadian Machine Gun Company. Robert had previous military service in Scotland with the Highlanders Longside, Scotland. He sailed from Montreal on May 29, 1915 and saw service in both England and France. He was promoted to Corporal on July 15, 1916 and Sergeant on October 4, 1916. Like many of his companions, he suffered from health problems in the trenches: influenza in 1915 and a contusion to his right foot in May 1916. Robert David Boddie received the Military Cross on November 19, 1917. The citation stated: “For conspicuous gallantry and devotion to duty. He fought four guns with great skill and determination. Although heavily shelled and his guns damaged, he repaired and kept them in action throughout the day until they could be replaced. By his courage and cheerfulness under the most trying circumstances, he set a splendid example to his men.” When he was discharged in Toronto at the age of 30 on February 11, 1919, he had a shrapnel wound on his upper chest dating from 1917. His discharge papers indicated his intention to return to Conquest. It is known that he visited relatives in Scotland in 1921 but returned to Canada in 1922 to continue work with Joseph Lorimer in Conquest. He also worked as a bank clerk in Canada but returned to Scotland in 1926 to live with his mother Margaret after his father James died. He married Helen Maggie Bremner. Robert David Boddie died in Peterhead, Scotland in 1977, at the age of 88. BODY, Harold WWI Harold Body was born in Brighton, England on July 31, 1890. His parents were James A. and Alice Mary Body. He attended Holmfield Preparatory School in Sutton and Brighton College, a famous boarding school, Harold had four years of military training at his public school. He found employment with the Bank of Montreal in London. Harold moved to Canada and was working as a bank teller in Conquest when he enlisted in Saskatoon on July 1, 1915 with the 3rd University Company. He was 24 years old. In France, he was attached to the Princess Patricia’s Canadian Light Infantry. Three days after arriving in England on November 24, 1915, Harold Body found himself in France. He suffered a severe gunshot wound to the back at Sanctuary Wood in the Ypres Salient on June 2, 1916. He was treated in hospital at Woolwich. In total, he served seven months in France. His battalion was instrumental in preparing for the famous Battle at Vimy Ridge when he was killed in action on December 15, 1916 at the age of 26. He is buried (Plot 3, Row J, Grave 24) at Ecoivres Military Cemetery northwest of Arras. On his tombstone is engraved: “For King and Country.”
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