Dr. Hugh Whitney of St. John’s, Nfld. writes concerning the article From Private to Patient: One Soldier’s Story, about his grandfather Ralph Forrester, published in the Winter 2019 edition of BC History.
Firstly I would like to thank Mr. Bruce Davies, curator of the Craigdarroch Castle, for his interest in my grandfather’s story and for writing this article.
I have done extensive research work on my grandfather’s life including a visit to the First World War battlefield in France where he was injured, but as anyone looking into the past realizes, the more you learn, the more you want to know.
I am particularly interested in being in touch with anyone else who may have a relative who served in the 7th Canadian Cavalry Field Ambulance, attached to the Canadian Cavalry Brigade.
I have been fortunate enough to be in touch with one other grandchild of a member of that field ambulance. As the members were drawn from across Canada, it would not necessarily mean that the person was from BC.
I am also interested in the post-WWI experiences of residents of Qualicum Beach, where my grandparents resided. Both of my grandparents were involved in the establishment of the local Royal Canadian Legion.
You can read a travelogue of Dr. Whitney’s visit to France 17 years ago to see where his grandfather was injured by clicking on the following link:
Dr. Whitney can be reached at hughwhitneynl@gmail.com
