Sifton, Ellis Wellwood: Service no. 53730

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Source: April 1917 War Diary re. Victoria Cross.

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Photo of Ellis Sifton — Sifton, Ellis Wellwood: Service no. 53730.

“Lance Sergeant Ellis Wellwood Sifton, posed at the Sifton family home in Wallacetown, circa 1914. Born in Wallacetown on October 11, 1891, Lance-Sergeant Sifton enlisted in the 18th Battalion of the Canadian Expeditionary Force on October 23, 1914. He was killed in action in France at the Battle of Vimy Ridge, April 9, 1917, during the First World War and was posthumously awarded the Victoria Cross.” Source: Elgin County Archives.

31829_B016770-00532 — Killed in Action – During an attack on the enemy trenches East of NEUVILLE ST. VAAST, his company was held up by machine gun fire which inflicted many casualties. having located the gun he charged it single handed and killed all the crew. A small enemy party advanced down the trench, but he succeeded in keeping these off until his own men had gained the position. In carrying out this gallant act he was killed but his conspicuous valour undoubtedly saved many lives and contributed largely to the success of the operation. For most conspicuous bravery and devotion to duty during this action he was awarded the Victoria Cross.

news Clipping Letter Written May 20 1915 by Ellis Sifton to Sisters — Newspaper Clipping – From the Dutton Advance for May 20, 1915. Source: CVWM

PTE. SIFTON WRITES OF HIS TRIP

Pte. Ellis W. Sifton of the second Canadian Contingent, how in England, writes as follows of his trip across the Atlantic to his sisters in Wallacetown:

Mid-Ocean, April 21 — We sailed from Halifax at 6 p.m. I was sick for a time and had the horrible feeling till this morning when I began to enjoy life again. We are proceeding very slowly as we are waiting for the other boats to overtake us. Although this is a new experience it is getting monotonous, as reading material is limited. We are having an hour of physical drill daily. The Northland caught up to-day and is proceeding with us. We are sailing on the Grampian, there being about 1,800 men. The 18th Battalion was the lest to get on board, consequently got the worst of it. I am down as low as we can get in the steerage. The bunks are comfortable, the place is very warm, but the food is not up to the standard. They have given the corporals and lance-corporals the use of one of the second-class dining rooms for recreation purposes.

April 24 — A beautiful day, with a calm sea. I am in charge of the fatigue party, drawing stores from the hold and distributing the same to different pantries in the ship.

Sunday, April 25 — Arose at 6 a.m. : roll call at 10; no church parade but read over service in the Prayer Book. The cruiser Cumberland caught up at 2 p.m. and signaled congratulations and orders to increase speed.

April 26 — Was battalion orderly corporal for the day, but had an easy time. We covered 300 miles the last 24 hours, and are 500 miles from land, which we will be glad to reach and settle down to work. We expect to land on the 28th at Bristol and arrive at Shorncliffe Camp in the afternoon. I am feeling fine.

Newspaper Clipping – From the Dutton Advance for May 20, 1915. Source: CVWM