WorldWar I
FallenSoldiers - RockwoodCenotaph
Page 8
JAMESALBERTGAMBLE
127203Private
JamesAlbert Gamblewas born inTweed, Ontarioon 18March 1897 (although his attestation
papers indicate1847) toPeter andMaggieGamble of Rockwood, Ontario (later Toronto). Hewas
theoldest of their seven children (BertieMay b.1898,William b.1901, Norman b.1903, Ritab.1905,
Harold b.1907 andHarry b.1911). Jameswas 18 years and 7months oldwhen he volunteered
for serviceon 8October 1915, inRockwood. Interestingly, theMagistratewho signed James’
AttestationPaper was JohnMutrie – the father of Major Robert Mutrie. His tradewas listed as
“Harper”, whichwas a termgenerally used to describe a folkmusicianwho played the harp.
Interestingly, both JamesAlbert Gambleand JohnWilfredOakes volunteered on the same day, in
the same recruitment office and their regimental numbers are consecutive.
PrivateGamblewas assigned to the 42ndBattalion of theCanadian Infantry (QuebecRegiment).
Fewdetails have been foundabout hismilitary training betweenwhen he volunteered for overseas
serviceuntil 16 of September 1916, when at the age of 19 years and 6months, hewas killed in
action during theBattleof Flers-Courcelette.
Private JamesAlbert Gamble has no known burial site but his name is engraved on theVimyRidge
Memorial at Pas deCalais France and is alsomemorialized in theBooks of Remembrance, in the
PeaceTower of theCanadianParliament Buildings, Ottawa.
TheBattleof Flers-Courcelette
, France, took place inSeptember 1916. It was a battlewithin
themuch larger and longer Franco-BritishSommeOffensivewhich took place in the summer and
fall of 1916. The battle for Flers-Courcelette started on 15September and lasted oneweek. Its
objectivewas to break through theGerman line by usingmassed artillery and infantry attacks.
Once through, the planwas to use cavalry to overrun theGermans. It was the third and final
general offensivemounted by theBritishArmy during theBattleof theSomme (inwhich over 1
millionmen onboth sideswere killed). Unfortunately, by its conclusion on 22September, the
strategic objective of a breakthrough had not been achieved; however, tactical gainsweremade
with the capture of the villages of Courcelette, Martinpuich andFlers. In some places, the front
lineswere advancedby over 2,500 yards (2,300m) by theAllied attacks. The battle is significant
for the first use of the tank inwarfare. It alsomarked the debut of theCanadian andNewZealand
Divisions on theSomme battlefield. On a nearbymemorial, theCanadians are commemorated for
their part in breaking theGerman lines from 3September to 18November 1916.
Born:
18March 1897 inTweed, Ontario
PreviousOccupation:
Musician (Harper)
Enlisted:
8October 1915 inRockwood, Ontario
Died:
16September 1916 at theageof 19
Buried:
No known burial site
