Lt Howard B Primrose, 4th Bn CEF.
Born in Toronto on 19 January 1895, Howard was educated at the Upper Canada College and the University College, Toronto whilst also serving as a Lieutenant with the 10th Militia. Enlisting full time in 1914, Lt Primrose was initially appointed (March 1915) to the 36th Bn CEF with which he travelled to England in June 1915. Whilst in England, he spent some time (October 1915 - Feb 1916) attached to the Ordnance Corps at Bramshott before being sent to the 4th Bn CEF which was serving in Belgium for instruction.
After spending a few days at Dikkebusch Huts, Howard was gaining trench experience at ‘The Bluff' on the early afternoon of 26 May 1916 when the Germans bombarded the 4th CEF positions. During this bombardment, the trench in which Howard was located (‘New Year Trench') was totally destroyed, killing and wounding 15 soldiers. Howard was one of those killed and his body was removed at 10pm that night for burial. He is now buried in Reninghelst New Military Cemetery.
26 May 1916
Research by David O'Mara, Croonaert Research Services.
