1916 - WW1 - 87th Battalion (CGG) original photograph of Acting Corporal Frederick William Skeates, DCM from Grande Ligne, Quebec. (1894-1974)

Photograph

Musée Canadian Grenadier Guards Museum

177324 Corporal Frederick William Skeates, DCM - 87th Battalion Canadian Grenadier Guards

Name/Title

1916 - WW1 - 87th Battalion (CGG) original photograph of Acting Corporal Frederick William Skeates, DCM from Grande Ligne, Quebec. (1894-1974)

Description

A World War I era framed original photograph of 177324 A/Corporal Frederick William Skeates, DCM who came from Grande Ligne, Quebec - And was one of several CGG members to act as translators and participated in the 1919 Treaty of Paris. Born on May 5th, 1894 in Lachine, Quebec, A/Corporal Skeates worked as a timekeeper prior to enlisting with the 87th Battalion (CGG) on November 1st, 1915. A/Cpl Skeates passed away while living in the Beebe Junction, Estrie Region, Quebec in 1974. Traveling on the HMS Empress of Britain, Corporal Skeates arrived in the UK on 14 May 1916 and eventually arrived in France on 10th August 1916 and was posted to the Signaling Section of the 87th Battalion C.E.F., 1916-1918. He participated in every major battle of WW1 with the 87th Battalion CGG and earned a Good Conduct Stripe and was eventually promoted to Corporal by November 1918. In February 1919, he was appointed to the Chief British Signals Officer in Paris France. He survived the war, being one of only 124 original CGG 87th Bn members to have remained active with the 87th Bn CGG at war’s end and he repatriated to Canada aboard HMS Mauretania. Cpl Skeates discharged on May 30th, 1919, and returned to live in Grand Ligne, Quebec where he passed in 1974. Corporal Skeates was awarded the Distinguished Conduct Medal (DCM) on 3rd June 1919 as authorized by the London Gazette 31370. "177324 Skeates, F.W. Pte (A/Cpl) 87th bn Inf. 03/11/20 04/24/20 p3623 - For conspicuous gallantry and devotion to duty in Arras sector, 3rd September 1918. In the advance to Ecourt St. Quentin, as linesman, he repaired breaks under very heavy fire. While thus employed he was partly buried by bursting shells." He was also one of 18 Canadian Grenadier Guards to participate in the unveiling of the Vimy Memorial Pilgrimage In 1936.

Created By

Bertille L. Hurel

Create Date

July 6, 2022

Updated By

Lieutenant Michael Hayes-Rivet, retired.

Update Date

October 27, 2024