Edward Herbert Newman

Rank:

Major

Unit at enlistment:

19th Battalion

Force:

C.E.F.

Volunteered or conscripted:

Volunteered

Survived the war:

Yes

Wounded:

Yes

Cemetery:

Mount Hope Cemetery, Brantford, Ontario

Commemorated at:

Grace Anglican Church

Birth country:

Canada

Birth county:

Grey

Birth city:

Owen Sound, Ontario

Address at enlistment:

50 Queen Street, Brantford, Ontario

Next of kin address:

50 Queen Street, Brantford, Ontario

Trade or calling:

Jeweler

Employer:

E.H. Newman and Sons

Religious denominations:

Church of England

Marital status:

Single

Age at enlistment:

Letters and documents

BX June 15, 1916

In Hospital

Word has been received here that Major Edward Herbert Newman has been in hospital for the past month or so, suffering from a severe attack of tonsillitis.

BX December 24, 1915

The Expositor
Brantford, Canada

Received your most welcome letter a few days ago, and I can tell you one of the finest things we get in the trenches is letters from the friends at home. Of course the Brantford boys always enjoy seeing an Expositor, but the trouble is they do not come very regularly.

At present we are out of the trenches for a few days’ rest, which also includes a hot bath for every man. We have been over here nearly three months now, and in that time have seen quite a bit of the country, as we have been in two different parts of the line. The Brantford men with me are all well and are certainly a splendid lot, as you no doubt know. We have a great deal of rain, which makes a lot of extra work. I think possibly the best way of describing this country is an expression a great many of the men use, “Somewhere in the mud.”

By the time this reaches you it will be pretty close to Christmas. I have had a letter from the secretary Brant Chapter I.O.D.E., saying they were sending a box to the Brantford men. It is indeed kind of them and the citizens of Brantford to remember us.

On behalf of the Brantford boys with me, and through you, I wish to extend the season’s greetings to the Citizens of Brantford.

Sincerely,
E. Herbert Newman

BX December 29, 1915

Mud And Rain Feature Life In Trenches – Major E.H. Newman Writes Interesting Letter To Local Friend – Boys Do Well – Brantford Soldiers Take Life Very Cheerily Despite Depressing Conditions – Happy Hours in An Officer’s Dug-Out at Times

Mud and then some! Rain and more rain with some consolation in the fact the weather is fairly warm Such are conditions in Belgium as told of by Major E.H. Newman of the 19th Battalion, C.E.F., now in the trenches in Belgium in a letter to G.C. Caudwell of this city. The Letter follows:

December 7, 1915
In the trenches,

Dear Gordon

I have intended writing to you for the last few days, but have been too busy. I had made up my mind that I would get it off tonight, but a parapet had to go and fall in and I have to go out and see about getting it fixed up. I have just got in and it is now time for me to wake up the next chap for duty and roll in myself and try and get a few hours sleep. However, I have just brewed myself a hot rum toddy and while I am sipping it I will get part, at least, of your letter written. It is now 11.15 p.m. and raining “cats and dogs.” My raincoat is soaked through and plastered with mud. Still it is not too bad out as it is quite warm. At least it feels that way after the cold weather we have had. It had been raining off and on every day for a week and believe me it makes the trenches in grand shape. Mud, and then some more mud. I am plastered with it from head to foot. Still I manage to get cleaned up once a day, always shave every morning, so I can at least scrape it off. It makes you think you are clean anyway. My dugout is not bad. I have a decent cot “homemade” to sleep on and a good fireplace, with a fine fire going. Our meals are not half bad and sometimes we manage to buy extras and then live like kings. Tonight we had a little dinner party. I had two guests and our cook did himself proud. Gave us a very fine meal – almost from soup to nuts. Well, to give you an idea, we had soup, steak, potatoes, a dandy peach pudding, coffee, oranges and raisins. Not bad to have, a little over 100 yards from Fritz.

I can assure you that one of the best things we get out here are the letters from home. So any time you have a few spare minutes I would love to hear from you.

Well Gordon, I cannot say that this is the life, but everyone seems to be cheerful and happy. We get back behind the line very little for a few days rest and a hot bath, and I can tell you it goes good. Yes, this country is in a terrible state and we see some wonderful and thrilling sights, but of course I cannot write anything about them. Sergt. Speechley is still with me. George Patte is now a corporal. They are both dandy chaps and have certainly made good. The Brantford boys are all well, although as you will notice by the papers, we have had a few casualties.

Sincerely,
E. Herbert Newman

BX April 19, 1916

March 30, 1916
Belgium

To Miss Van Norman,
Secretary, Brant Chapter, I.O.D.E.

Dear Miss VanNorman

I wish to thank you and through you the members of Brant chapter for their kindness in sending the men with me such splendid socks. Parcels Nos. 4, 5 and 6 came in and were given to the men who needed them most, just before leaving for the trenches. It is just 3.45 a.m. and this is the first chance I have had to write you since coming in a few days ago. The members of the battalion have been well looked after this winter – thanks to the ladies of Canada. We have drying huts to which the men can take their wet socks and get clean, dry pairs in exchange. No doubt you or some of the members will receive letters from some of the men. I again wish to thank you for so kindly remembering us.

Sincerely,

Herbert Newman

BX October 16, 1915

Major Newman Was Wounded - Reported in Official Lists as Wounded But Back on Duty

The official casualty lists published at Ottawa this morning contain the name of Major Edward Herber Newman, Brantford, who was reported as having been wounded on Sept. 22, but able to remain at his duty. It was reported several days ago that Major Newman had experienced a narrow escape from death when a shrapnel shell burst in his dugout, singeing his eyebrows and mustache. Major Newman was able to remain at his post. Mr. Newman yesterday received a telegram from Ottawa, in which the slight wounding was officially announced.

BX June 20, 1957

Well-Known Business Man, Lt.-Col. E.H. Newman Dies

Lieutenant Colonel Edward Herbert (Bert) Newman, 132 North Park Street, prominent in Brantford’s business, military and fraternal life for half a century, died in the Brantford General Hospital last night in his 76th year.

He was for many years in the jewelry business here, was a major in the 19th Battalion in the First World War and was a 32nd Degree Mason and Shriner.

He was also an ardent supporter of all amateur sport.

Born in 1881 at Owen Sound, Col. Newman came here as a young man and in 1905 entered the jewelry business with his father and brother. He continued in that business on Colborne Street until a year ago. He was prominent in the Ontario Jewelers’ Association.

He took an early interest in military affairs though the old Dufferin Rifles, starting as a subaltern. When the First World War broke out he offered his services. H served with distinction in the 19th Battalion in France, being promoted to the rank of major. He returned to his old love when peace came again, serving in the “Duffs” and eventually becoming its commanding officer.

Fraternal Activity

Col. Newman’s fraternal activity started in Brant Lodge A.F. and A.M. and he was its worshipful master in 1920. He is a member of the Scottish Rite and a past president of the Brantford association, a member of Mocha Temple, Shrine, and of the Brantford Shriners Club.

He was an active participant in sports in his younger days, particularly as an indoor ball player. He had been a member of the Brantford Golf and Country Club, the Officers’ Mess of the 56th Field Regiment the Brantford Board of Trade and St. James’ Anglican Church.

Surviving are his widow, Elva; one stepdaughter, Mrs. Robert K. (Ruth) Smith, Brantford; two sisters, Mrs. A.W. (Ellison) Pratt, Kingston, and Mrs. R. (Lou) Billings, Windsor, Connecticut. A brother William F., died in 1953.

Colonel Newman is resting at the Beckett Funeral Home, where a Masonic memorial service will be conducted at 8 p.m. Friday.

The funeral service will be conducted Saturday at 1.30 p.m. Interment will be in Mount Hope Cemetery.

BX June 24, 1957

Lieutenant Colonel Edward H. Newman

The funeral of Lt.-Col. Edward Herbert (Bert) Newman was conducted Saturday afternoon at the Beckett Funeral Home, Rev. F.J.H. Pitts of St. James’ Anglican Church officiated. Representatives of Mocha Temple, Shrine, London, the Shriners Club, Brantford, and the Brantford Branch of the 19th Battalion CEF, attended. Pallbearers were Arthur Sheppard, Charles Waddington, William Bremner, Dr. A.D. Riddell, Roy Cawley and John Hand. Interment was in Mount Hope Cemetery. On Friday evening, a Masonic service was conducted at the funeral home by members of Brant Lodge, A.F. and A.M. WB R.J. Greenwood was in charge, assisted by WB’s R.J. Walton, H.H. Clark, C. Sacks, S.W. Seago, Dr. Riddell, W. Young, C. Creamer, J. Tyson and R.H. Hope.