From 11 November 1918 to 10 January 1918, Francis is held as a mental suspect on account of certain suspicions and actions toward his superior in rank. On 15 September 1918, the 1st Battalion entrain for Acq, but Francis is left behind. Whether fighting in the trenches of the First World War or fighting in the political arena for full rights for his people, First Nations soldier Sergeant Francis Pegahmagabow is a true Canadian hero. At the age of 12, Francis starts working at the local lumber camps and fishing stations. Despite the obstacles in his path, Francis is determined to volunteer for the army. , In 2003 the Pegahmagabow family donated his medals and chief head dress to the Canadian War Museum where they can be seen as of 2010 as part of the World WarÂ I display. Firstly, Francis is one of the first to sign on with the 23rd Regiment (Northern Pioneers) overseas contingent in August 1914. During the morning, sixty men are killed. Ontario Hubs: Remembrance Day Report and Health Care in Northern Ontario, Top 10 Most Dangerous Snipers In The World (Hindi). At first, Francis says that he was held as a ‘suspect’ mental case, and the reason for this is that his Sgt.-Maj. and Captain were down on him, and that his senior NCO ordered him to change his post without it being in written orders, and he refused to do this. , On August 30, 1918, during the Battle of the Scarpe, Pegahmagabow was involved in fighting off a German attack at Orix Trench near Upton Wood. Francis is examined again a week later. It will enhance any encyclopedic page you visit with the magic of the WIKI 2 technology. Invalided to England, sick, 5 November 1918.  Daly and other agents who came in contact with Pegahmagabow were incredibly frustrated by his attempts, in his words, to free his people from "white slavery". Francis also complains his eyes are failing him. Dangerously ill. On 30 August 1918, the 1st Battalion reaches it’s objectives after a powerful opening barrage. But, after her husband’s death, Mary returned to her home of Henvey Inlet First Nation, Georgian Bay.  Honoured by the Canadian Forces by naming the 3rd Canadian Ranger Patrol Group HQ Building at CFB Borden after him. Corporal Francis Pegahmagabow returns to the Western Front for his third tour of duty. Fauvelle chose to erect it in Parry Sound rather than Wasauksing to reach a larger public and educate them on the contributions of First Nations people to Canada. Naturally, his vision and hearing are perfect. Corporal Francis Pegahmagabow 6846 was one of the most highly decorated Indigenous soldiers of the Great War. He is suffering from what is known today as PTSD. Peggy has already impressed his comrades during training. When the battalion's reinforcements became lost, Pegahmagabow was instrumental in guiding them and ensuring that they reached their allocated spot in the line. Francis Pegahmagabow was born on what is now the Shawanaga First Nation reserve, on the shores of Parry Sound.  His battalion took part in the Battle of the Somme in 1916, during which he was wounded in the left leg. Francis Pegahmagabow MM & Two Bars, (March 9, 1891 – August 5, 1952) was the First Nations soldier most highly decorated for bravery in Canadian military history and the most effective sniper of World War I. His many talents are just beginning to surface. Francis sails to England in October 1914 aboard the SS LAURENTIC. He was posted to the 23rd Canadian Regiment (Northern Pioneers). H.L. In early October 1914 he was deployed overseas with the 1st Ca… It will enhance any encyclopedic page you visit with the magic of the WIKI 2 technology. , A married father of six children, Pegahmagabow died on the Parry Island reserve in 1952 at the age of 61. So, Francis enlists the help of the Parry Sound Crown attorney, Walter Lockwood Haight. Then, admitted Queen Mary’s Hospital, Stratford, Colchester, slightly improved, 17 January 1918. With two British divisions, the Canadian Corps attacks and takes what is left of the the village. Francis Pegahmagabow was born on March 9, 1891,[a] on what is now the Shawanaga First Nation reserve in Nobel, Ontario. – Cpl. For his bravery throughout the war, he would reach the rank of Sgt-Major, and would receive the aforementioned Military Medal with two bars, … During a lecture by Major L.B. He was buried three times, and blown up once. However, many men are claimed by heavy enemy machine-gun fire.  In Ojibwe his name was Binaaswi ("the wind that blows off"). I have been very impressed with the young people in our special forces that I have interacted with overseas. Private Clifford Moss MM in the Great War, Wednesday, 4 December 1918, in the Great War, Second Lieutenant David Neil in the Great War, Rifleman Harold Leo Butler in the Great War, Private Walter Lawson Ruddy in the Great War, Private Everett Clarence Melvin Marshall in the Great War, Soldat Emile Hallez Royal 22e Régiment in the Great War, Second Lieutenant David Neil | Soldiers | Great War | CEFRG, Rifleman Harold Leo Butler | Soldiers | Great War | CEFRG, Nursing Sister Lenna Mae Jenner, C.A.M.C. Francis Pegahmagabow was born on what is now the Shawanaga First Nation reserve.  He was posted to the 23rd Canadian Regiment (Northern Pioneers). I’ve been saying this forever. Sometimes it seemed to be hard as a rock, at other times it appeared to contain nothing. Francis Pegahmagabow MM & two bars (/ ˌ p ɛ ɡ ə m ə ˈ ɡ æ b oʊ /; March 9, 1891 – August 5, 1952) was a Canadian First Nations soldier, politician and activist. LAC Reference: RG 150, Accession 1992-93/166, Box 1Box 1Box 7701-23: Research Notes: Portrait of Francis Pegahmagabow held at the Canadian War Museum, as well as his traditional head dress.According to the CWM: "Following the war, Pegahmagabow became an advocate for First Nations' rights and served as Chief of his Parry Island Band, Wasauksing First Nation, from 1921 to 1925." Before and after the attack he kept in touch with the flanks. Three times awarded the Military Medal and seriously wounded, he was an expert marksman and scout, credited with killing 378 Germans and capturing 300 more. In 1933 the Department of Indian Affairs (DIA) changed its policies and forbade First Nation chiefs from corresponding with the DIA. Sniping was the specialty of the man his fellow soldiers called Peggy.  Initially, his commanding officer, Lieutenant Colonel Frank Albert Creighton, had nominated him for the Distinguished Conduct Medal, citing his disregard for danger and "faithfulness to duty", but it was downgraded. His iron nerves, patience and superb marksmanship helped make him an outstanding sniper. Francis Pegahmagabow MM & two bars (/ˌpɛɡəməˈɡæboʊ/; March 9, 1891 – August 5, 1952) was the First Nations soldier most highly decorated for bravery in Canadian military history and the most effective sniper of World War I. However, his son Duncan recalls being told that his father was responsible for capturing 300 enemy soldiers. Francis Pegahmagabow carried a spiritual item with him into battle, a medicine bag given to him before the war: When I was at Rossport, on Lake Superior, in 1914, some of us landed from our vessel to gather blueberries near an Ojibwa camp. Canadian snipers are the best in the world. Second Battles of Ypres, the enemy introduced a new deadly weapon, poison gas. Within weeks of volunteering, he becomes one of the original members of the 1st Battalion. , In April 1915, Pegahmagabow fought in the Second Battle of Ypres, where the Germans used chlorine gas for the first time on the Western Front, and it was during this battle that he began to establish a reputation as a sniper and scout.  Pegahmagabow practiced a mix of Catholicism and Anishinaabe spirituality. Once in office he caused a schism in the band after he wrote a letter calling for certain individuals and those of mixed race to be expelled from the reserve. Francis Pegahmagabow MM & two bars (/ ˌ p ɛ ɡ ə m ə ˈ ɡ æ b oʊ /; March 9, 1891 – August 5, 1952) was a Canadian First Nations soldier, politician and activist. Pegahmagabow was one of 39 members of the CEF who received two bars in addition to the Military Medal. Francis Pegahmagabow MM & two bars (March 8, 1889 – August 5, 1952) was the most effective sniper of World War I.  He had left school at the age of 12 and worked at lumber camps and fishing camps; he eventually became a marine firefighter. Francis is, as the doctors describe, mentally exhausted. Francis’ mother, Mary Contin, had also become ill from the same sickness. , A life-sized bronze statue of Pegahmagabow was erected in his honour on National Aboriginal Day, June 21, 2016, in Parry Sound, near Georgian Bay. Secondly, he indicates his occupation as Fireman and adds None under next-of-kin. Francis Pegahmagabow (1891-1952) was born on March 9, 1891, an Ojibwa of the Wasauksing First Nation of Parry Island, Ontario.He was orphaned at any early age and brought up by his First Nations community. He was also an Ojibwa warrior. Francis Pegahmagabow. In August 1914, Francis goes to the recruitment office, where he is judged physically fit for overseas service. in the Great War, Private Andrew Mackie MacLean | Soldiers | Great War | CEFRG, Major General Malcolm Smith Mercer in the Great War, The Hermanson Brothers | Soldiers | Great War | CEFRG, 8th (90th Winnipeg Rifles) Battalion in the Great War. Francis Pegahmagabow pictured in Ottawa in 1945. Francis Pegahmagabow MM & Two bars (March 9, 1891 – August 5, 1952) was the First Nations soldier most highly decorated for bravery in Canadian military history and the most effective sniper of World War I.Three times awarded the Military Medal and seriously wounded, he was an expert marksman and scout, credited with killing 378 Germans and capturing 300 more. Francis Pegahmagabow was a marksman, who fought for the allied forces, as a sniper, against the Germans in the World War I. He was the most highly decorated for bravery in Canadian military history and the most effective sniper … They directed that all correspondence, as of the spring of 1933, go through the Indian agent. Then, following in the steps of his father and grandfather, becomes chief of the Parry Island Band. Jacob had been wounded at the Battle of Hill 70, and had only recently returned to his unit. He participated in the Battle of the Somme and was wounded in the leg. He was awarded the Military Medal plus two bars for acts of bravery in Belgium and France. Secondly, admitted to No.14 Canadian Field Ambulance, 17 September 1918.  His companions there nicknamed him "Peggy". , Upon his return to Canada he continued to serve in the Militia as a member of the Northern Pioneers (known today as the Algonquin Regiment) as a non-permanent active member. That's it. In addition, Pegahmagabow will develop a reputation as a daring, innovative, and very capable scout in the field. Two days later, the 1st Battalion marches back to the relative safety of WAILLY WOOD CAMP at Chérisy. Major Burke, Director of Medical Services approves the following day at Liverpool, as Francis embarks for Canada. Francis Pegahmagabow - Military Career. However, Francis does complain of frequent headaches, and even more troubling, is his memory.  While researching his 2005 novel Three Day Road, Boyden was asked about why he thought that Pegahmagabow had not received a higher award like the Distinguished Conduct Medal or the Victoria Cross. Francis "Peggy" Pegahmagabow ¤ :leaves: ¤ ¤ Name ¤ Francis "Peggy" Pegahmagabow ¤ Callsign ¤ Spirit of the Wind ¤ Gender ¤ Male ¤ Age ¤ 32 ¤ Home World ¤ Earth ¤ Date of Birth ¤ March 9th ¤ Ethnicity ¤ Native American-Canadian ¤ Sexuality ¤ Heterosexual ¤ Relationship Status … Rob Furlong. During the fighting, Pegahmagabow's battalion was given the task of launching an attack at Passchendaele. His father was Michael Pegahmagabow of the Parry Island First Nation and his mother Mary Contin of the Henvey Inlet First Nation, located further up the Georgian Bay's north shore.  Following in his father's and grandfather's footsteps, he was elected chief of the Parry Island Band from February 1921. Canadian Expeditionary Force Research Group, the Great War, 1914 - 1919. Admitted No.  The Indian agents labelled him a "mental case" and strove to sideline him and his supporters.  He received the Military Medal for carrying messages along the lines during these two battles. Check out The Great War ‘s channel for a more in … At times he is absolutely blank, and at others normal. The bag was of skin tightly bound with a leather throng. Francis Pegahmagabow is not a well-known name, but he was a Canadian First Nation sniper-hero of World War One and the most-awarded native soldier in the Canadian military. His cough causes him pain in his head. Corporal Francis Pegahmagabow is examined at the No.5 Canadian General Hospital in Liverpool on 29 March 1919. Francis Pegahmagabow, shown here in an undated portrait, volunteered to join the military as soon as Britain declared war on Germany in 1914. Corporal Francis Pegahmagabow may have been Canada’s Greatest Soldier in the Great War. Discharged 7 May 1919. Discharged 9 November 1916. Diagnosis: Mental change, later altered to Exhaustion Psychosis. There is no doubt, Sir Arthur Currie was Canada’s Greatest Leader, during the Great War. Then, in 1911, Francis decides he wants to complete his public-school education. He contracts typhoid fever in 1913, but is nursed back to health by the Sisters of St. Joseph in Parry Sound. I use WIKI 2 every day and almost forgot how the original Wikipedia looks like. Congratulations on this excellent ventureâ¦ what a great idea! When Francis was about three years old, his father, Michael Pegahmagabow, passed away after battling a severe illness. What was really inside I do not know. He is on one of 30 ships that carries 30,617 Canadian soldiers to England. In April 1919, Corporal Francis Pegahmagabow invalids to Canada. Earned his first bar to the Military Medal at the Battle of Passchendaele. Francis practiced a combination of Roman Catholicism and Anishnaabe spirituality. Battle of the Drocourt-Quéant Line. He is a member of the Indian Hall of Fame at the Woodland Centre in Brantford, Ontario, and his memory is also commemorated on a plaque honouring him and his regiment on the Rotary and Algonquin Regiment Fitness Trail in Parry Sound. Francis Pegahmagabow is not a well-known name, but he was a Canadian First Nation sniper-hero of World War One and the most-awarded native soldier in the Canadian military. After suffering such heavy casualties, it would be normal to pull the 1st Battalion out of the line into Reserve. Corporal Francis Pegahmagabow rarely spoke of his military accomplishments. The band council refuses to help him pay for room and board. He also may have been a great inspiration for one of Canada’s Greatest Soldiers of the Second World War and the Korean War. Three times awarded the Military Medal and seriously wounded, he was an expert marksman and scout, credited with killing 378 Germans and capturing 300 more. At first, the Canadian government discourages Indigenous, and other ethnic minorities from military service. He would go on to fight on the Western Front during all four years of the Great War, attaining the rank of Corporal on November 1st, 1917. Still suffering from PTSD, Lt.Col. Francis is one of the first of more than 4000 Indigenous soldiers to volunteer for overseas service in the Great War. A backwoods upbringing probably has a lot to do with Canada’s history of sniping excellence, fellow military historian Mark Zuehlke posits.  He was raised by elder Noah Nebimanyquod and grew up in Shawanaga, where he learned traditional skills such as hunting, fishing, and traditional medicine. Would you like Wikipedia to always look as professional and up-to-date? Corporal Francis Pegahmagabow has seen his last day in battle. While taking part the attack near Upton Wood, North of Hendecourt-lez-Cagnicourt, Private Jacob Isaac, 1st Battalion is killed. To Canadian Convalescent Hospital, Bear Wood, Wokingham Berks, 18 October 1916. , In 2019, the history-themed power metal band 'Sabaton' released a song dedicated to Pegahmagabow, titled ''A Ghost in the Trenches.  The Eagle was his spirit animal. In their next action, Pegahmagabow would earn his second bar to the Military Medal in the Battle of the Scarpe.  Canadian novelist Joseph Boyden's 2005 novel Three Day Road was inspired in part by Pegahmagabow.  This caused intense disagreements with Daly and eventually led to Pegahmagabow being deposed as chief. His first overseas deployment was with the ‘1st Canadian Infantry Battalion,’ which was the first Canadian contingent sent to fight in Europe. After joining the Canadian force he was based at CFB Valcartier. Francis Pegahmagabow MM & two bars (/ˌpɛɡəməˈɡæboʊ/; March 9, 1891 – August 5, 1952) was a Canadian First Nations soldier, politician and activist. Francis Pegahmagabow has rarely spoken of his military exploits. He was orphaned at an early age and was raised by the Shawanaga First Nation community. In all his work he has consistently shown a disregard for danger and his faithfulness to duty is highly commendable. Finally, a member of Canada’s Indian Hall of Fame. During the examination, Francis reveals he was wounded four times, receiving treatment only once. 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