Canadian soldier Frederick William Hall VC (1885-1915) killed
Canadian soldier Frederick William Hall VC (1885-1915) was killed during the 2nd Battle of Ypres on April 24, 1915. He was attempting to rescue a fellow soldier when he was cut down.
Hall was a Soldiers of Valour Road, one of 3 Victoria Cross Winners who all lived on the same street in Winnipeg, Manitoba. The three soldiers, Hall, Robert Shankland and Lionel (Leo) Clarke were featured on a Canada Post Remembrance Day stamp in 2021.
Soldiers of Valour Road
FDC features Frederick William Hall, VC (a separate cover was issued for each soldier)
Canada Post issued the set October 21, 2021
Designer: Soapbox Design
Frederick William Hall, VC (1885-1915), 8th Canadian Infantry Battalion
Company Sergeant-Major Frederick William Hall, CWM 19940079-035, George Metcalf Archival Collection, © Canadian War Museum
Born in Kilkenny, Ireland, Hall emigrated to Canada in 1913 and settled in Winnipeg where he found work as a shipping clerk. Before coming to Canada, he served 12 years with the Scottish Rifles. He joined the 79th Cameron Highlanders militia shortly after moving to Pine Street.
With the outbreak of WW1, Hall joined the 8th Battalion of Winnipeg, at the age of 29 on September 26, 1914. He sailed for England less than a month later, October 3, 1914, and was killed during the 2nd Battle of Ypres on April 24, 1915, while trying to save wounded soldiers. His body was never recovered.
Hall received his Victoria Cross for his actions at Ypres the day he was killed.
“No. 1539 Colour-Sergeant Frederick William Hall, 8th Canadian Battalion. On 24th April, 1915, in the neighbourhood of Ypres, when a wounded man who was lying some 15 yards from the trench called for help, Company Sergeant-Major Hall endeavoured to reach him in the face of a very heavy enfilade fire which was being poured in by the enemy. The first attempt failed, and a Non-commissioned Officer and private soldier who were attempting to give assistance were both wounded. Company Sergeant-Major Hall then made a second most gallant attempt and was in the act of lifting up the wounded man to bring him in when he fell mortally wounded in the head.” The London Gazette—June 22, 1915, Supplement 29202, Page 6115
Excerpt from FW Hall’s service record. The London Gazette,” No. 29202, dated June 23, 1915
Hall’s Victoria Cross was acquired by the Canadian War Museum in 2012.
Two articles from the Winnipeg Evening Tribune, courtesy Frederick William Hall – The Canadian Virtual War Memorial – Veterans Affairs Canada
