Lt.Col.G.S.Tuxford, 5th Bn.,CEF

[Terry]

The Summer 2004 edition of the Canadian Military Journal contains a very interesting article on Lt.Col. (later Brig.Gen.) George Stuart Tuxford,CB,CMG,DSO,

who commanded the 5th (Western Cavalry) Battalion,CEF, at 2nd Ypres, April,1915. It is written by Dr.Andrew Godefroy of Royal Military College,Kingston (whose brother Jim is a well known Canadian medal dealer who runs Vimy Militaria). Andrew also wrote "For Freedom and Honour?", an examination of the Canadians executed in 14-18.

Godefroy points out that of the of the 126 CEF generals, only Arthur Currie has received any significant examination, and that in the case of battalion commanders virtually no research has been done. He then presents George Tuxford, a Welshman who came to Canada in the 1890's and was a rancher.During the Klondike Gold Rush he drove a herd of cattle from Moose Jaw, Sask., to Dawson City, Yukon, the longest cattle drive in Canadian history. He was a long serving militia officer, who raised and commanded the 27th Light Horse.

Godefroy discusses his service as a battalion CO at 2nd Ypres and then presents Tuxford's After Action Report for the battle. The 5th got off fairly lightly in the fighting, with "only" 289 casualties.

If any of the Canadian Pals have the opportunity to pick up a copy of the journal (I found mine in the unit orderly room), it makes for interesting reading - a famous battle from a different perspective.

[chris.wight]

Terry, is it available only by subscription?

[Terry]

Chris,

Send me an e-mail.

Terry