Seager, Frederick: Service no. 53530

Source: September 1916 Casualty

Family Search: Private Frederick Seager was born on 10 September 1884, in Norwich, Norfolk, England, United Kingdom as the son of Sarah Seager. He married Ethel Emma Seager in 1910, in Norwich, Norfolk, England, United Kingdom. They were the parents of at least 1 daughter. He immigrated to Canada in 1913. He registered for military service in 1914. In 1914, at the age of 30, his occupation is listed as baker in Point Edward, Lambton, Ontario, Canada. He died on 15 September 1916, in Courcelette, Somme, Picardie, France, at the age of 32, and was buried in Vimy, Pas-de-Calais, Nord-Pas-de-Calais, France.

The London Advertiser reported on October 12, 1916 that this soldier was wounded. It would be later reported officially, on December 12, 1916, that he was, in fact, killed in action.

This 30-year old baker enlisted with the 18th Battalion at Sarnia, Ontario on October 23, 1914. He was an experienced soldier with 12-years’ service with the Yorkshire Light Infantry.

He was promoted Sergeant on November 4, 1914, in recognition of his previous service.

Sailing with the 18th Battalion from Halifax, Nova Scotia, he landed a Avonmouth on April 29, 1915, and was transported via train to West Sandling Camp in Kent. He reverted to the rank of private, probably in a bid to stay with the 18th but was made sergeant again and transferred to the 36th Battalion on November 5, 1915. He was able to get a transfer back to the 18th on November 18, 1915 and was with the Battalion by the next day.

He was attached to duty with the 2nd Canadian Tunnelling Company on April 10, 1916, and then attached to the 1st Canadian Tunnelling Company on June 7, 1916.

Returning to the Battalion on July 27, 1916, he served with the Battalion and went missing on September 15, 1916. He was posted “wounded and missing” until it was determined he had been killed in action. This was updated in his service record on November 30, 1916.

His sister, Mrs. E.E. Johnston (nee Seager) of Windsor, Ontario would receive his medals, plaque and scroll. His mother, Mrs. Sarah Seager, of 39 Short Street, Norwich, England would receive his Memorial Cross.