Identity area
Reference code
Title
Date(s)
- [ca. 1960s-1970s] (Creation)
Level of description
Extent and medium
1 cm of textual records
Context area
Name of creator
Biographical history
Fred Ambrose Smithers, 1893-1994, was born in Chatham, Kent, England, and was a printer by trade. On October 14, 1915, while living in Calgary, Alberta, he enlisted with the Canadian Expeditionary Force. and subsequently served overseas with the 8th Canadian Field Ambulance. In later life he was a member of the Britannia Branch of the Royal Canadian Legion in Victoria, British Columbia, and died in that city on December 21, 1994.
Repository
Archival history
The memoir was given by Smithers to a staff member of the Glenwarren Lodge nursing home in Victoria before his death in 1994, and in 2013 was donated to the Glenbow Archives.
Immediate source of acquisition or transfer
Gift of D. Radelfinger, 2013.
Content and structure area
Scope and content
The fonds consists of his detailed First World War memoirs of the 8th Canadian Field Ambulance from its departure from Calgary in 1916 through demobilization in 1919. He discusses the crossing of the Atlantic Ocean, Ypres, The Somme, the Anzin Arras front, Vimy Ridge, Passchendaele, Loos and Hill 70, influenza (flu), Domart, Arras, Cambrai, Canal du Nord, Valenciennes and Mons.
Appraisal, destruction and scheduling
Accruals
System of arrangement
Conditions of access and use area
Conditions governing access
No restrictions on access.
Conditions governing reproduction
Language of material
Script of material
Language and script notes
The material is in English.
Physical characteristics and technical requirements
Finding aids
No finding aid.
Allied materials area
Existence and location of originals
Existence and location of copies
Related units of description
Notes area
Note
Title based on contents of records.