The Vancouver Overseas Artillery Association
Organization
The Vancouver Overseas Artillery Association
Members
Captain William Allen Townsley, MC Captain H. D. McPherson, MC
Captain Frederick Clare Underhill Lieutenant Cyril Gainsborough Beeston
Lieutenant, A. C. Cox Lieutenant A. J. Cowan, MC
Lieutenant Joseph Gordon Chutter, MC Lieutenant H. S. Ferguson
Lieutenant Richard Thomas Perry Lieutenant C.K. Rosebrugh
Lieutenant James Theodore Underhill
The Vancouver Overseas Artillery Association
Members
Captain William Allen Townsley, MC Captain H. D. McPherson, MC
Captain Frederick Clare Underhill Lieutenant Cyril Gainsborough Beeston
Lieutenant, A. C. Cox Lieutenant A. J. Cowan, MC
Lieutenant Joseph Gordon Chutter, MC Lieutenant H. S. Ferguson
Lieutenant Richard Thomas Perry Lieutenant C.K. Rosebrugh
Lieutenant James Theodore Underhill
On the evening of December 16th, 1919 a group of artillery veterans, wanting to maintain the camaraderie experienced in the First World War and concerned about the future of Canada’s defences, met in the Duke of Connaught’s Own Rifles Mess at the Drill Hall on Beatty Street. Their purpose was to discuss the organization of the Militia Artillery in Vancouver.
They proposed the creation of an Artillery Brigade, to be comprised of the 31st Field Battery (18 pounder field guns), the 58th Field Battery (4.5 howitzer), the 68th Field Battery (18 pounder field guns) and the 5th Heavy Battery (60 pounder field guns).
In the minutes of the meeting, Lt. Cyril Beeston suggests that the establishment of its own armoury would help develop “ the success, efficiency and esprit de corps of the Brigade” that “lies in the fostering of the social side and corporate life of the unit.”
Vancouver’s Bessborough Armoury, A History; R. Victor Stevenson; page 13
They proposed the creation of an Artillery Brigade, to be comprised of the 31st Field Battery (18 pounder field guns), the 58th Field Battery (4.5 howitzer), the 68th Field Battery (18 pounder field guns) and the 5th Heavy Battery (60 pounder field guns).
In the minutes of the meeting, Lt. Cyril Beeston suggests that the establishment of its own armoury would help develop “ the success, efficiency and esprit de corps of the Brigade” that “lies in the fostering of the social side and corporate life of the unit.”
Vancouver’s Bessborough Armoury, A History; R. Victor Stevenson; page 13
Minutes of 1919 meeting
MINUTES of a conference held in accordance with the wishes of Major-General R.G.E. Leckie,CB, CNG, DSO. In the Mess-Room of the Cambie Street Drill Hall, on the 16th December 1919, to discuss the scheme for the organization of the Militia Artillery in Vancouver.
The meeting was called to order by the Senior Artillery officer in this city, Capt. W.A. Townsley, at 2:15 pm., the following being present:
Capt. W.A. Townsley (who acted as Chairman) Capt. H.D. McPherson MC.
Capt. F.C. Underhill Lt. C.G. Beeston
Lt. A.C Cox Lt. A.J. Cowan MC
Lt. J.G. Chutter MC. (who acted as Chairman) Lt. H.S. Ferguson
Lt. R.T. Perry Lt. C.K. Rosebrugh
Lt. J.T. Underhill
1) REGULARLY MOVED by Capt. H.L. McPherson SECONDED by Lt. R.T. PerryThat inasmuch as,
a) From the standpoint of administration, interior economy, general efficiency, as well as esprit de corps, the absorption of an attached Battery into the Brigade is desirable.
b) The claim of Vancouver and district to three Batteries being greater than North Vancouver to one, the latter city having a very small population and an absence of settled country behind it,
c) The 31st and 58th having been demobilized in Vancouver and this city having a prior claim to them
d) The Association of the 68th Battery with Vancouver being small and only that of a depot Battery and not as an Overseas unit,
e) The 60 Pdr gun on account of its superior range and suitability to coast defence being more desirable as the weapon of the 5th Battery,This meeting recommend that the competition and style of the proposed Artillery Brigade in Vancouver, be altered to read as follows:
15th Composite Artillery Brigade:
Headquarters Vancouver
31st Field Battery (18 Pdr) Vancouver
58th Field Battery (4.5 How) Vancouver
68th Field Battery (18 Pdr) Vancouver
5th Heavy Battery (60 Pdr) Vancouver
CARRIED
2) REGULARLY MOVED by Lt. A.J. Cowan MC., SECONDED by Lt. H.S. Ferguson That inasmuch as,
Capt. Townsley, Capt. H.J. McPherson and Capt. F.C. Underhill have expressed their willingness and desire to act in the following capacities,
This meeting recommends the appointment of these officers as set opposite their names.
Capt. W.A. Townsley acting Brigade Commander (pro tem).
Capt. W.A. Townsley B.C. 31st Battery.
Capt. H.L. McPherson B.C. 58th Battery
Capt. F.C. Underhill B.C. 5th Battrey
CARRIED
3) REGULARLY MOVED by Lt. C.G. Beeston SECONDED by Capt. F.C. UnderhillThat inasmuch as,
The success, efficiency and esprit de corps of the Brigade lies in the fostering of the social side and corporate life of the Unit it is recommended, that the accommodation provided be such that would permit of this necessary development, and should include:
One Large Room for each Battery, that could be used for instruction, lecture, dances, smoking concerts etc.,
Bowling Alley In addition to
Swimming Bath Assembly Hall.
Gymnasium Brigade orderly Rooms
Club Rooms Guard Room
Canteen Stores Rooms
Officers’ Mess Accommodation for permanent Cadre
Parking Space
Stabling, etc.
and that Lt. R.T. Perry, an architect who has had much experience in the designing of Drill Halls, be requested to draw up rough plans of what he considers to be an ideal Drill Hall for an Artillery Brigade and that these plans be forwarded to Military District Headquarters for their information and possible use.
CARRIED
4) REGULARLY MOVED by Lt. A.C. Cox SECONDED by Lt. H.S. Ferguson
That the information on possible accommodation for Brigade and Battery Housing available in the city, obtained by Lt. J.G. Chutter be forwarded to Military district Headquarters for their information, and that in view of the recommendations contained in the previous movement, this housing be viewed only as temporary or suitable in the event of the Authorities not providing more complete accommodation as detailed above.
CARRIED
5) REGULARLY MOVED by Lt. A.J. Cowan SECONDED by Lt. R.T. Perry
That inasmuch as,
a) Horses are one of the attractions of an Artillery Unit
b) Efficiency of the Brigade would hinge largely on its standard of equitation and horse management.This Meeting recommends strongly that sufficient horses and transport for riding practice, drills and week-end maneuvers be carried on the permanent establishment of the Brigade, and should consist of:
10 riders 36 Light Draft 2 Tractors 1, Three ton truck.
CARRIED
6) REGULARLY MOVED by Lt. J.G. Chutter SECONDED by C.G. Beeston
That inasmuch as ,
Such a policy will attract a better class of recruits and ensure a nucleus of highly-trained men, that would be extremely useful in the event of mobilization, this Meeting recommend that training should be of a continuous character and of a nature that would develop efficient up-to-date Artillery men and not merely gun numbers; and that the scientific side of the Artillery work should be given prominence, and the subject of Artillery cooperation with other branches of the Service should be thoroughly instructed.
CARRIED
7) REGULARLY MOVED by Capt. F.C. Underhill SECONDED by Lt. C.K. Rosebrugh That this meeting recommends the permanent Cadre of the Brigade to include the following:
Adjutant Regimental Sergeant Major
Regimental Quarter-Master Sergeant Brigade Artificer
Clerk
CARRIED
8) REGULARLY MOVED by Capt. H.L. McPherson SECONDED by Capt. F.C. Underhill
That in view of the hard work and activity displayed by Lt. Chutter in Artillery matters in this city, and his experience as Adjutant in France, his application for the permanent Adjutancy of the Brigade be endorsed by the Meeting.
CARRIED
9) REGULARLY MOVED by Lt. J.G. Chutter SECONDED by Lt. R.T. Perry
That inasmuch as,
a) Blue would be a more popular colour, and would make a smarter uniform, and that this is one of the many small things that help to develop esprit de corps,
b) Men are tired of Khaki
c) Khaki serge takes blue dye very well,
This Meeting recommends the adoption of this colour and that an adequate allowance be made to officers for the purchase of uniforms.
CARRIED
10) REGULARLY MOVED by Capt. H.C. McPherson MC SECONDED by Lt R.J. Cowan MC
That this meeting adjourn to a time and place to be notified later.
CARRIED
Lt. C.G.A.
Vancouver, B.C.
16th December 1919
Vancouver’s Bessborough Armoury, A History; R. Victor Stevenson; pages 88-91
MINUTES of a conference held in accordance with the wishes of Major-General R.G.E. Leckie,CB, CNG, DSO. In the Mess-Room of the Cambie Street Drill Hall, on the 16th December 1919, to discuss the scheme for the organization of the Militia Artillery in Vancouver.
The meeting was called to order by the Senior Artillery officer in this city, Capt. W.A. Townsley, at 2:15 pm., the following being present:
Capt. W.A. Townsley (who acted as Chairman) Capt. H.D. McPherson MC.
Capt. F.C. Underhill Lt. C.G. Beeston
Lt. A.C Cox Lt. A.J. Cowan MC
Lt. J.G. Chutter MC. (who acted as Chairman) Lt. H.S. Ferguson
Lt. R.T. Perry Lt. C.K. Rosebrugh
Lt. J.T. Underhill
1) REGULARLY MOVED by Capt. H.L. McPherson SECONDED by Lt. R.T. PerryThat inasmuch as,
a) From the standpoint of administration, interior economy, general efficiency, as well as esprit de corps, the absorption of an attached Battery into the Brigade is desirable.
b) The claim of Vancouver and district to three Batteries being greater than North Vancouver to one, the latter city having a very small population and an absence of settled country behind it,
c) The 31st and 58th having been demobilized in Vancouver and this city having a prior claim to them
d) The Association of the 68th Battery with Vancouver being small and only that of a depot Battery and not as an Overseas unit,
e) The 60 Pdr gun on account of its superior range and suitability to coast defence being more desirable as the weapon of the 5th Battery,This meeting recommend that the competition and style of the proposed Artillery Brigade in Vancouver, be altered to read as follows:
15th Composite Artillery Brigade:
Headquarters Vancouver
31st Field Battery (18 Pdr) Vancouver
58th Field Battery (4.5 How) Vancouver
68th Field Battery (18 Pdr) Vancouver
5th Heavy Battery (60 Pdr) Vancouver
CARRIED
2) REGULARLY MOVED by Lt. A.J. Cowan MC., SECONDED by Lt. H.S. Ferguson That inasmuch as,
Capt. Townsley, Capt. H.J. McPherson and Capt. F.C. Underhill have expressed their willingness and desire to act in the following capacities,
This meeting recommends the appointment of these officers as set opposite their names.
Capt. W.A. Townsley acting Brigade Commander (pro tem).
Capt. W.A. Townsley B.C. 31st Battery.
Capt. H.L. McPherson B.C. 58th Battery
Capt. F.C. Underhill B.C. 5th Battrey
CARRIED
3) REGULARLY MOVED by Lt. C.G. Beeston SECONDED by Capt. F.C. UnderhillThat inasmuch as,
The success, efficiency and esprit de corps of the Brigade lies in the fostering of the social side and corporate life of the Unit it is recommended, that the accommodation provided be such that would permit of this necessary development, and should include:
One Large Room for each Battery, that could be used for instruction, lecture, dances, smoking concerts etc.,
Bowling Alley In addition to
Swimming Bath Assembly Hall.
Gymnasium Brigade orderly Rooms
Club Rooms Guard Room
Canteen Stores Rooms
Officers’ Mess Accommodation for permanent Cadre
Parking Space
Stabling, etc.
and that Lt. R.T. Perry, an architect who has had much experience in the designing of Drill Halls, be requested to draw up rough plans of what he considers to be an ideal Drill Hall for an Artillery Brigade and that these plans be forwarded to Military District Headquarters for their information and possible use.
CARRIED
4) REGULARLY MOVED by Lt. A.C. Cox SECONDED by Lt. H.S. Ferguson
That the information on possible accommodation for Brigade and Battery Housing available in the city, obtained by Lt. J.G. Chutter be forwarded to Military district Headquarters for their information, and that in view of the recommendations contained in the previous movement, this housing be viewed only as temporary or suitable in the event of the Authorities not providing more complete accommodation as detailed above.
CARRIED
5) REGULARLY MOVED by Lt. A.J. Cowan SECONDED by Lt. R.T. Perry
That inasmuch as,
a) Horses are one of the attractions of an Artillery Unit
b) Efficiency of the Brigade would hinge largely on its standard of equitation and horse management.This Meeting recommends strongly that sufficient horses and transport for riding practice, drills and week-end maneuvers be carried on the permanent establishment of the Brigade, and should consist of:
10 riders 36 Light Draft 2 Tractors 1, Three ton truck.
CARRIED
6) REGULARLY MOVED by Lt. J.G. Chutter SECONDED by C.G. Beeston
That inasmuch as ,
Such a policy will attract a better class of recruits and ensure a nucleus of highly-trained men, that would be extremely useful in the event of mobilization, this Meeting recommend that training should be of a continuous character and of a nature that would develop efficient up-to-date Artillery men and not merely gun numbers; and that the scientific side of the Artillery work should be given prominence, and the subject of Artillery cooperation with other branches of the Service should be thoroughly instructed.
CARRIED
7) REGULARLY MOVED by Capt. F.C. Underhill SECONDED by Lt. C.K. Rosebrugh That this meeting recommends the permanent Cadre of the Brigade to include the following:
Adjutant Regimental Sergeant Major
Regimental Quarter-Master Sergeant Brigade Artificer
Clerk
CARRIED
8) REGULARLY MOVED by Capt. H.L. McPherson SECONDED by Capt. F.C. Underhill
That in view of the hard work and activity displayed by Lt. Chutter in Artillery matters in this city, and his experience as Adjutant in France, his application for the permanent Adjutancy of the Brigade be endorsed by the Meeting.
CARRIED
9) REGULARLY MOVED by Lt. J.G. Chutter SECONDED by Lt. R.T. Perry
That inasmuch as,
a) Blue would be a more popular colour, and would make a smarter uniform, and that this is one of the many small things that help to develop esprit de corps,
b) Men are tired of Khaki
c) Khaki serge takes blue dye very well,
This Meeting recommends the adoption of this colour and that an adequate allowance be made to officers for the purchase of uniforms.
CARRIED
10) REGULARLY MOVED by Capt. H.C. McPherson MC SECONDED by Lt R.J. Cowan MC
That this meeting adjourn to a time and place to be notified later.
CARRIED
Lt. C.G.A.
Vancouver, B.C.
16th December 1919
Vancouver’s Bessborough Armoury, A History; R. Victor Stevenson; pages 88-91
Biographies of those present at the Meeting
Captain William Allen Townsley, MC
William Allen Townsley was born in Foggathorpe, Yorkshire, England on 31 December 1983. He arrived in Canada on 27 April 1909 disembarking in Halifax Nova Scotia. He joined the Canadian Active Service Force and was serving with 27th Battery, Canadian Field Artillery in 1917 when awarded the Military Cross, “For conspicuous gallantry and devotion to duty. He used a captured enemy gun with great success. He moved it up from one position to another for sniping purposes. He was under fire the entire time and inflicted much damage on the enemy position.” He was Mentioned in Despatches on 31 December 1918. Canadian Military Honours and Awards Citation Card He was married to Elizabeth Lilian McNair on 10 December 1919 |
Lieutenant Joseph Gordon Chutter, MC
Joseph Gordon Chutter was born in Surrey, England on 26 July 1892. He served with several military units including two years with the City of London Yeomanry, one year with the Canadian Overseas Railway Construction Corps and then with the 285th Siege Battery, Royal Garrison Artillery.
Officers’ Declaration Paper Canadian Overseas Expeditionary Force
He was Mentioned in Despatches on 31 December 1918, awarded the Military Cross on 2 April, 1919, “For conspicuous gallantry and devotion to duty on the night of 5th Nov. 1918, at Valenciennes. He started out from Bde Hqrs with a party of signallers, four lorries & wire to establish forward communication. Enroute all four lorries had to be left, three being ditched and one being shelled. He then proceeded on foot.” Canadian Military Honours and Awards Citation Card
He was again Mentioned in Despatches 11 July 1919.
It appears that at the time of this meeting he was employed with the Merchant’s Bank of Canada on Hastings Street in Vancouver.
Joseph Gordon Chutter was born in Surrey, England on 26 July 1892. He served with several military units including two years with the City of London Yeomanry, one year with the Canadian Overseas Railway Construction Corps and then with the 285th Siege Battery, Royal Garrison Artillery.
Officers’ Declaration Paper Canadian Overseas Expeditionary Force
He was Mentioned in Despatches on 31 December 1918, awarded the Military Cross on 2 April, 1919, “For conspicuous gallantry and devotion to duty on the night of 5th Nov. 1918, at Valenciennes. He started out from Bde Hqrs with a party of signallers, four lorries & wire to establish forward communication. Enroute all four lorries had to be left, three being ditched and one being shelled. He then proceeded on foot.” Canadian Military Honours and Awards Citation Card
He was again Mentioned in Despatches 11 July 1919.
It appears that at the time of this meeting he was employed with the Merchant’s Bank of Canada on Hastings Street in Vancouver.
Lieutenant A.J. Cowan, MC
Lieutenant A.J. Cowan served with the 27th Battery, 4th Brigade Canadian Field Artillery and was awarded the Military Cross, “For conspicuous gallantry and devotion to duty during three days operations under heavy fire. Hearing that one of the guns of the Battery had been hit, and that the No, 1. could not be found, he ran up the road under an intense barrage. He found a sergeant lying wounded, and brought him back, unaided, to a place of safety.” Canadian Military Honours and Awards Citation Card |
Lieutenant James Theodore Underhill
James Theodore Underhill was born in Moseley, Staffordshire on the 19th of May 1892. His family emigrated to Canada in 1894 and he obtained his Land Surveyor's qualification at McGill University (West) which was later to become the University of British Columbia. Upon the outbreak of the war, he gained his qualification as an Infantry Officer in January of 1915 at the Provisional School of Infantry in Vancouver, BC and subsequently travelled to England, having missed the opportunity to join the first contingent of the Canadian Expeditionary Force (CEF). He was commissioned in March of 1915, joining the 6th (Service ) Battalion, East Yorkshire Regiment, as Second Lieutenant by the time of the actions around Teke Tepe. He was shot in the chest during the Gallipoli attack and wounded again in the right knee on 1/7/16 at Serre, serving with the 12th King's Own Yorkshire Light Infantry. On 5 Oct 1916 James was appointed to the Canadian Expeditionary Force, serving with the Canadian 245th Siege Battery RGA. He lost two brothers in the war. The Gallipoli Campaign 1915 - THE GALLIPOLI CAMPAIGN - How the East Yorkshire's nearly won! http://www.ww1hull.org.uk/index.php/hull-in-ww1/the-east-yorkshire-regiment/gallipoli-how-hull-nearly-won |
Lieutenant Frederick Clare Underhill
Frederick Clare Underhill was born in Staffordshire, England on 23 September 1890. His family emigrated to Canada in 1894. He served with the 1st Heavy Battery, Canadian Garrison Artillery and was Mentioned in Despatches. Canadian Military Honours and Awards Citation Card He married Irene Anna Creery on 8 October 1919. James and Frederick Underhill also re-started their Underhill & Underhill partnership, a thriving BC land surveying and engineering firm. |
Lieutenant Richard Thomas Perry
Richard Thomas Perry was born in Cardiff, Wales on 28 November 1884. He joined the Canadian Overseas Expeditionary Force on 1 November 1914 after already having served in 19 Co. C.A.S.C. He was educated in Wales and articled to Charles B. Fowler, FRIBA, a prominent architect in Cardiff who later emigrated to Vancouver, B.C. in 1913 and who later formed a partnership with his young apprentice. Perry opened an office in Cardiff, but in 1907 he left for Canada, choosing to settle in Vancouver where he was active for the next twenty-five years. He was briefly in partnership with George B. Purvis and the following year formed a new partnership with Raphael A. Nicolais. Their collaboration was brief; by 1913 he had entered into a new partnership, this time with Major Charles B. Fowler (1849-1941), his former employer in Cardiff, Wales under whom he had articled as a student for five years. Perry went overseas during WWI to serve with the Canadian Army, and later returned to Vancouver in February 1919 where he resumed his practise under his own name. His works in Vancouver to date include: STRATHCONA HOTEL, West Hastings Street, major alterations, 1908 GILLIS SUPPLY CO., warehouse, 1909 WEST HOMER AVENUE, warehouse for J.A. Conrey, 1911 MAIN STREET, a large brick theatre building seating 500 patrons, 1911 HONG KONG, CHINA, a large bank and office building “for a Vancouver syndicate”, 1911 SUN AH HOTEL, East Pender Street at Gore Avenue, 1911 EAST PENDER STREET, at Columbia Street, commercial block and apartments for Loo Gee Wing, 1911-12 SAM KEE HOTEL, Main Street at Harris Street, 1911-12 RYAN COURT APARTMENTS, West 10th Avenue, 1912 SHAUGHNESSY HEIGHTS, residence for Jonathan W. Foster, Cedar Crescent at Cypress Street, 1912 SHAUGHNESSY HEIGHTS, residence for William Hickey, Osler Avenue near The Crescent, 1912 HAMILTON STREET, warehouse for George B. Baker, 1912 CITY OF VANCOUVER OLD PEOPLE’S HOME, Boundary Road, 1914 PORT COQUITLAM, B.C., St. Catherine’s Episcopal Church, 1914 GRANDVIEW DRILL HALL, for the Federal Dept. of Public Works, Commercial Drive near William Street, 1913-18 WEST 2nd AVENUE, near Tolmie Street, residence for James Cashman, 1919 |