The Elliott Brothers of Cape Croker

The Elliott brothers came for Cape Croker, in the Bruce Peninsula, and if one looks at their service records it may show the concern of an older brother over that of the younger. Daniel and Joseph Elliott joined the 160^th Battalion in Cape Croker. This village was approximately 90 kilometers from the headquarters in Walkerton, Ontario and indicates an active recruiting drive in an Indian Reserve. Enough Native Canadians joined the 160^th Battalion that at least one company, “C”, was formed with members hailing from the Saugeen and Cape Croker Reserves.

Daniel, the youngest, joined first, and Joseph 16 days later. From that moment their existence was intertwined in life until Daniel died of his wounds in June, 1918, followed by his elder brother in September of the same year.

Their service records offer little deep insight into their service but there are some notable items:

1. Daniel Elliot earned a Good Conduct Badge at Witley Camp on January 01, 1918.
2. Daniel lists his father, Frank, as his next-of-kin on his attestation papers but there later is a record of assigned pay of $15.00 per month and the War Service Gratuity being assigned to his widow, Sarah Elliot of Cape Croker.
3. An interesting note regarding an address for Joseph Elliot’s son Alfred lists his address as care of Reverend S.R. McVitty, Mt. Elgin Residential School, Muncey, Ontario. This is a reminder of a part of Canada’s history that we are not proud of. Muncey was located near London, Ontario almost 250 kilometers from Cape Croker.
4. Joseph did assign $15.00 per month to his son by way of Reverend McVitty, who is identified as guardian in the service records.

The Elliot brothers joined together, very likely trained together in Company “C” of the 160^th Battalion in Ontario and then were shipped to England and then assigned to the 18^th Battalion on the same days. They served together and are buried approximately 20 kilometers apart.

They are remembered.