Stowaway Soldier (Remembrance Day)

Brave, adventurous, and quite the risk taker are terms that describe my great Uncle Leo Landry.

I'm thrilled to be sharing this short war story which almost was missed because of his rank. His service record lists him as Private Leo Landry. He originally was given a title when he entered the service that in today's world means something quite different.

Uncle Leo was born on December 15, 1896 in River Bourgeois, Cape Breton to Seraphin (Michael) Landry and Charlotte Bouchard.  My paternal grandfather Joseph is Leo’s older brother.

In 1911, the Landry family moved from River Bourgeois to Halifax, Nova Scotia.

Over the next three years Canadian’s witnessed a rapid military buildup with the approach of WWI.  Halifax and its harbor were no exception.

In 1915, almost a year after the start of WWI,  military personnel and equipment were moving in and out of Halifax. The harbor and train depots were buzzing with activity. Unable to resist its draw, eighteen year old Leo joined the Canadian Permanent Army Service Corps.  He became Dr Leo Landry.

My first impression was that “Dr” stands for doctor.  During this time in history the CPASC rank “Dr” stood for Driver.  There’s a good possibility that Leo drove a team of horses that pulled canons and/or wagons with other military supplies.

From Naval Warfare

On August 17, 1915 the SS Caledonia, a British passenger ship that had been converted for use in the war, was docked in Halifax Harbor. Aboard were members of the Royal Canadian Regiment who had returned from Bermuda. In about a week’s time, most would be back on board and heading for Europe. Since not all the men re-upped, there were some openings. Unfortunately there weren’t enough spots for all who wanted to go and fight.

Leo, two of his fellow CPASC service personnel, and four other service men were among those not allowed to board. On August 25, sometime before the SS Caledonia departed for England, all seven military men would sneak onto the ship and hide. 

Once far enough out to sea these stow-a-way soldiers surrendered. They all faced rations and disciplinary action and would become part of the Royal Canadian Regiment.   My uncle was given the rank Private (Pte) Leo Landry.

I’m saddened to say that my young Uncle Leo lost his life in the Battle of Ypres on June 4, 1916.

On this Remembrance Day (Canada) and Veteran’s Day (US) –
Thank you, to all military personnel for your sacrifice and service.
May we never forget.

Note: 

Thank you:
Cousin Linda Landry Horne for your research assistance which made this blog possible.
Laurie Gildart for proofreading and editing assistance.
Captain Michael M. O' Leary for writing, "Surrendered as Stowaways"