harold coones

Harold Coones was a Private during the First World War. He was born on December 10, 1885 in Trenton Ontario. Prior to the war, Harold was living with his wife Margaret (Maggie) Coones, and their two year old daughter Norma Coones in Bridgenorth, Ontario, and worked as a labourer. When he signed up for the war on September 13, 1915, Coones was 29 years old. He died at the age of 31 on March 16, 1917 of heart disease, during the preparation for the battle of Vimy Ridge. You can find Coones buried in the Acheux British Cemetery, in Sommes, France, in plot I, row B, grave 19.

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Coones originally enlisted in the 93rd Battalion, but was later transferred to the 4th overseas Pioneer Battalion and then finally to the 2nd Battalion Railway Troops. As a member of the Pioneer Battalion, Coones served as a type of engineer who helped to complete construction tasks, like building bridges. This job was called a “sapper”, which is very similar to an engineer. As well as doing work similar to an engineer, a sapper would also perform demolitions, laying, or clearing minefields, and road construction.

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When Harold Coones was checked by medical staff to decide if he was fit for service in the army, part of the information filled out was his appearance. The doctor described Coones as being 5 feet 8 inches tall, about 30 years old, with blue eyes, light brown hair and a fair complexion. The doctor also noted a mole on the right side of his back that may have been useful to identify Coones if needed. At the end of his exam, doctors deemed him fit to serve in the army.

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Like every other soldier who fought for our country in WW1 and the wars following, Coones’ good nature, and selfless heart to serve is something many people admire. It is because of their actions that Canada and other countries involved in the war are where they are today. Even though the soldiers can not see the impact they have had on our lives today, it is important that we continue to honour their bravery, and service. Thank you.

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Prior to the war, Harold Coones would have lived like many other working men. He had a wife and daughter who he had to make a living for, and had to be able to support them. He does not specify what exactly his job was, when he says "labourer" on his attestation papers, so the possibilities are pretty open-ended. It is most likely that he worked in some form of a factory, building  common items many people needed.

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The Acheux British Cemetery in Sommes, France is Harold Coones final resting place. It is surrounded in farmland, making for a seemingly peaceful environment. Although it appears calm and pleasent now, it is hard to imagine how awful and torn up it most likely looked during the time of the war. You can visit Harold Coones' grave site at plot I, row B, grave 19. 

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