Fonds consists of a First World War diary of George Edmund Thorpe, Orderly Room Sergeant with the 123rd Pioneer Battalion, Canadian Expeditionary Force, and subsequently Lieutenant, Canadian Engineers. The diary, entitled "Diary Of My Military Service", consists of almost daily entries from 27 July 1916 to 3 February 1919, and outlines his personal activities and service. Included are references to the 123rd Battalion's training in Canada and England, and to its military actions; amongst these the battles of Vimy Ridge and Hill 70. Also included are several clippings and notes, and a letter recognizing his service at Dead Man's Corner, Ypres, on 21 October 1917. A typescript copy, including footnotes and addenda, facilitates the use of the diary.
Fonds includes files relating to World War II Clerk's Course.
Fonds includes postcards collected by George Edmund Thorpe during the First World War. There are 2 major groups, the first comprised of postcards of Britain with some images of training camps, the second scenes of France and Belgium documenting famous sites before and after the destruction of the war.
Thorpe, George Edmund, 1895-1972 : George Edmund Thorpe (1895-1972) enlisted for active service in November 1915 and was drafted to the 123rd Pioneer Battalion (Royal Grenadiers), Canadian Expeditionary Force. After training at Camp Niagara, he proceeded overseas in August 1916, and after further training in England was sent to France. Except for several brief periods of leave, he served in France with the 123rd Battalion until 31 January 1918, when he was recommended for a commission. Following officer training, he was commissioned Lieutenant with the Canadian Engineers, June 1918. Additional training followed, but he did not see further front-line service. He was transferred to the Reserve of Officers in 1919.
