838470 Pte. Hugh "Hughie" Anderson was born in Rockford, a village at the crossroads of the Derry Line and Highway 10, on the outskirts of Owen Sound; a vibrant port on the shores of Lake Huron.
Hugh was living in Owen Sound and making a living as a sailor when hostilities broke out, compelling Hugh to join the 31st (Grey) Regiment, the local militia unit.
Serving in the militia for a year, Hugh attested to the 147th (Grey) Battalion C.E.F. on January 7th, 1916 and was assigned to 'D' Company.
Hugh trained with the 147th for the rest of the year, sailing to Europe with them in November of 1916. Upon arrival the 147th ceased to exist on January 1st, 1917, when it was used to form the nuclease of the 8th Reserve Battalion. Private Anderson was amongst the first draft of men from the old 147th Battalion to be sent to the 4th C.M.R., where he was taken on strength in the field on January 21st, 1917.
Hugh served with the 4th C.M.R. through Vimy, Hill 70, Passchendaele, and the Battle of Amiens. It was during the Battle of Arras 1918, that Hugh was reported wounded on August 29th. He was subsequently struck off strength from the 4th C.M.R. on May 17th, 1919.
Seventy-six year old Hugh Anderson passed away on April 22nd, 1973 and lies at rest in Greenwood Cemetery, Owen Sound, Ontario.
Biography details credit: George Auer