Signaller Edward Francis Hill

By Ian Haynes, Victoria

My great-uncle Edward Francis Hill was born about the turn of the century in Bath, England. He was the younger brother of my grandmother, Mrs. R.H. Simmons (née Hill), born Gladys Hill, January 1889 in Bath, England. He joined the Canadian Field Artillery as a gunner during World War I. At the time of his death he was a signaler with the 3rd Brigade, Canadian Field Artillery. He died on September 2, 1918, at the Battle of Drocourt–Quéant Line.

At Drocourt–Quéant the 3rd Brigade recounted that visual signalling was too dangerous, as German machine gunners on the flanks were able to see and fire upon the signallers handling the lamps, so the formation had to rely on pigeons and runners.

Edward Francis Hill is buried at the Vis-en-Artois British Cemetery, Haucourt Pas de Calais, France.

With help from Robyn Rossworn, Armstrong

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