PRIVATE JOSEPH FROBISHER
Regimental #288418
Born: December 1, 1888, St. Norbert MB
Occupation: Teamster / Married
Enlisted: September 13, 1916, 78th Battalion, Canadian Infantry
Survived the War but died of pneumonia one week after the Armistice on November 19, 1918 (aged 30 years) at Anzin, France
May have been an early victim, along with Alfred Oliver Lord, of the influenza epidemic about to sweep Europe and Canada
Awarded:
- British War Medal
- Victory Medal
- Memorial Cross (sent to widow) - also known as the Silver Cross
Married to Mary Copp, this Roman Catholic Teamster had no previous military experience. At the age of 27, he stood 5 feet 5.5 inches and 138 lbs, he had a dark complexion, brown eyes and dark hair.
His story is tragic, given that he was the only man on the list to survive the war, only to die of pneumonia a week after the Armistice at #23 Casualty Clearing Station.
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| 221st Battalion Cap Badge |
Private Frobisher enlisted in the 221st Battalion along with Roger Chartrand, James Normand, and brothers Alfred and Ernest Ryan.
In England, he and Chartrand were drafted to the 78th. His file is unclear on why he was held at 4th CIBD, but there are suggestions that he may have either fallen ill or have been injured. In any case, he didn't join the 78th for another four months. He was entitled to leave in mid-March 1918, but this was cancelled. Again, the file does not say why. The leave was reinstated a few months later, though.
Attestation and other Papers
His grave is in the Brebieres British Cemetery, F 07
He is commemorated in the First World War Book of Remembrance, page 411
His name is inscribed on the St Norbert, MB War Memorial
Veterans Affairs Canada Link
Library and Archives Canada File RG150, 1992-93/166, Box 3318-54
*with files from Jim Busby and Brian Cyr
Lest We Forget