6244 Private McCreedy (Bernard, Henry)

 

Regiment: 1st (Western Ontario) Battalion

Born in 1883 at Cowes on the Isle of Wight, Bernard was one of James and Elizabeth McCready’s four children. After schooling Bernard joined the Royal Navy, serving in battleships in the Mediterranean and Atlantic Fleets. But after 12 years service he was discharged as ‘Services No Longer Required’ – largely through “indulgence in intoxicating liquor”. Following his discharge he emigrated to Canada, in order to start a new life, where he married, settled down and joined the local militia. On the declaration of war, aged 31, he volunteered for regular service and was posted to the 1st(Western Ontario) Battalion. He was promoted to Corporal before the Battalion sailed for England in September 1914. By mid-October the Battalion was bivouacked under canvas on Salisbury Plain. The appalling weather and hard training took its toll on the men and on 5 February 1915 Bernard joined other Canadians being treated in Netheravon Military Hospital. Fifteen days later he died of pneumonia and was buried in Netheravon churchyard. Five years later his wife received a war gratuity payment of $136.00.