Name/Title
1916 - 19 June - An original photo of the 87th Battalion (CGG) aboard a Troop Ship (possibly the SS Archangel) on their way to France attributed to 177769 Pte George Vincent Magrane (who served with the 1st BN CEF.)Scope and Content
1916 - An original photo of the 87th Battalion (CGG) aboard a Troop Ship (possibly the SS Archangel) on their way to France attributed to 177769 Pte George Vincent Magrane (who served with the 1st BN CEF.)
Very few photos of the 87th Battalion exist, but this one is unique in particular as it shows all ranks (an Officer, a Sr. NCO with pipe, and other ranks soldiers) relaxing while aboard a ship (most likely the SS Troop Ship Archangel) on their way to France in 1916. The photo is attributed to a Pte Magrane who was awarded an MM (Bravery) for being a lone stretcher bearer saving wounded comrades during the Battle of Passchendaele but sadly was so 'shot up' by the end of the war that he died in 1920 due to illness and wounds associated with his service. He was given full military honours at his funeral in Barrie Ontario and is memorialized at his family grave site in Chester, England.
ABOUT THE CGG SOLDIER
177769 Private Magrane was born on 4 February 1884 in Alverstoke, England and passed away in Barrie, Ontario on 4 July, 1920. He enlisted in Montreal on the 3rd November 1915 and was transferred to the 1st Battalion CEF on 18 June 1916. He served in France at the Somme, Ypres, Passchendaele, and Hill 70. He was awarded the Military Medal at the Battle of the Somme. He was shot through the lungs and had his teeth all shot out. He suffered much both before and after his discharge. He died, from the effects of wounds received in action, in the Royal Victoria Hospital, Barrie, Ontario, Canada, aged 34 yrs. He left Jessie, a widow with a 4-month-old baby to care for. The funeral was held with full military honours. A firing party gave the volleys, and the 'Last Post' was sounded. He is buried in Barrie, Ontario but is commemorated on his family grave in Overleigh Cemetery, Chester, England.Created By
Lieutenant Michael Hayes-Rivet, retired.Create Date
February 20, 2026Updated By
Lieutenant Michael Hayes-Rivet, retired.Update Date
February 20, 2026
