CP24.com readers were asked to share their Remembrance Day stories with us, whether they participated in the war or grew up with a loved one in service. These are their memories and the photos that have defined their experience.
Memories
This is my story about my grandmother's brother who was killed in the First World War. His name was Richard Corkery and he served in the 25th Battalion of the Canadian Infantry [Nova Scotia Regt.] His rank was Private.
He was killed in action Aug.15/1917 at 21 yrs. of age. His name is on the Vimy Memorial in France.
Uncle Richard known as Ritchie came from a small town, Sydney Mines in Cape Breton, Nova Scotia where he worked as a barber. He joined the army at 18 yrs.
His mother, my great-grandmother, was illiterate at that time as education was not important to her generation in the 1800's. When her first-born son was sent overseas to serve in France she taught herself how to read and write so she could personally write to her beloved son and also to read the letters he sent to her.
She took much comfort in those letters sent back and forth.
She was heartbroken to hear of his death on Aug.15/1917, "killed in action" at 21 yrs. of age. His name is inscribed on the Vimy Memorial in France and is commemorated on Page 220 of the First World War Book of Remembrance.
RIP Richard Corkery.
Jacklyn MacQueen
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