Kenora Great War Project

 

Personal Details
Date of BirthMarch 24, 1897
Place of BirthRat Portage (Kenora) Ontario
CountryCanada
Marital StatusSingle
Trade / Callingwiper on CPR
ReligionChurch of England
Service Details
Regimental NumberVR - 2679
BattalionNiobe, Pembroke, Bacchannte, Vivid III, Australia and Bollingwood
ForceNavy
BranchRoyal Naval Canadian Volunteer Reserve
Enlisted / ConscriptedEnlisted
Date of EnlistmentSeptember 26, 1916
Age at Enlistment19
Theatre of ServiceGreat Britain
Prisoner of WarNo
Survived WarYes
Death Details
Date of DeathApril 10, 1961
Age at Death64
Buried AtLake of the Woods Cemetery, Kenora, Ontario
Plot12E-38-3

Marchant, Albert Edward

John Marchant and his sons Albert (front) and Wilfred

Albert Edward Marchant was born on 24 March 1897 in Rat Portage (Kenora), Ontario.  He was the oldest child of John and Alice Marchant. Siblings included: Wilfred (1898-1967), Jack (b. 1899), Alice (1901-1961), Arthur (b. 1902) and Gordon (b. 1904). Albert was educated in Kenora and entered services with the Canadian Pacific Railway as a wiper in 1915.

On 26 September 1916 Albert and his brother Wilfred were the first lads from Kenora to enlist in the navy with the Royal Naval Canadian Volunteer Reserve. Their service numbers were VR-2678 and VR-2679.  Albert served aboard six different ships: Niobe, Pembroke, Bacchannte, Vivid III, Australia and Bollingwood. Articles in the the local newspaper, the Miner & News, followed his naval career. On the 23 December 1916 he was reported to be with the Royal Navy in England.  In the 07 March 1917 edition Albert was said to be with the North Sea fleet.  In a letter home that was published on 22 May 1918, Albert reported that he was ‘sinking subs’. His father died in August of 1918. Albert received his discharge from the Navy in March of 1919 in Halifax.

Albert returned to Kenora and his work with the CPR.  The 1921 Canadian Census shows him living at 504 4th St. North with his mother and four brothers. On 26 June 1921 Albert married Doris Edith Bennett.  They had four children:Doris (1924-2009; married Evert Larson), Albert John (1922-1998), Gordon and Kenneth.

During his time with the CPR Albert was a labourer, fitter’s helper, machinist’s helper and machinist.  From February 1949 until his retirement on 01 April 1957 he worked as a tender truck repairer. Albert was a member of the Legion.

Albert Edward Marchant died on 10 April 1961 in Toronto while he was visiting the city. He is buried in Lake of the Woods Cemetery, Kenora. His wife, Doris, passed away in 1998 and is interred beside him.

Marchant-Albert-Edward-2 Marchant-Albert-Edward-3 Marchant-Albert-Edward-4 Marchant-Albert-Edward-5 Marchant-Albert-Edward-6 Marchant-Albert-Edward-7 Marchant-Albert-Edward-8 Marchant-Albert-Edward-9


« Back To Soldier Biographies