In memory of:

Sergeant Orville Newton Hyslop

March 2, 1918

Military Service Service Number: 410512

Age: 22

Force: Army

Unit: Canadian Infantry (Eastern Ontario Regiment)

Division: 38th Bn.

Honours and Awards: Military Medal

Born: March 5, 1895

Son of Walter and Janet Hyslop, of Smiths Falls, Ontario.

Canadian Virtual War Memorial

Burial Information

Cemetery: SEAFORD CEMETERY Sussex, United Kingdom

Grave Reference: A. 597.

Information courtesy of the Commonwealth War Graves Commission.

The poor quality of the microfilm photocopy of the letter below makes it somewhat difficult to read, but the letter was written as a memorial by a fellow Smiths Falls friend of Hyslop's. The two men had known each other since school and during their time in service.

The letter explains how Hyslop had lain wounded for 30 hours in the cold rain before receiving aid. He had been injured from shrapnel to his thigh, left foot and right knee while fighting at Vimy Ridge in April 1917. He received a Military Medal for his bravery.

Personal Information: Orville Newton Hyslop was born in Smiths Falls, Ontario, Canada in early 1895. He was the son of Janet and the late Walter Hyslop. In Febuary 1915 Hyslop enlisted in the Canadian military. He was only 20 years old. Hyslop was assigned to the 38th Battalion which was forming at that time (Archives).

Military Movements: After basic training in Ottawa the 38th Battalion and Orville Newton Hyslop were sent to the Niagara-on-the-Lake Summer Training of McGill and Toronto contingents, of the Canadian Officers Training Corps (COTC). After eight months of training the 38th Battalion was sent first to Bermuda, then England and finally France (Nicholson, p.228). In August 1915 the Royal Canadian Regiment (R.C.R.) was relieved of their duties and handed duties over to the 38th Battalion. The 38th Battalion was stationed in Bermuda for nine months until it was handed over to the 163rd Battalion. Hyslop arrived in England on 9 June, 1916 where he was appointed acting Sergeant. The next day he was confirmed as Sergeant (Archives). On 13 August he as shipped out to France (Archives). On 16 November, 1916, the 38th Battalion was one of four battalions to aid in assaults on the 2nd Miraumont. the battle was long and hard on a front of 2200 yards (Nicholson, p.196). From 9 April through 14 April, 1917 the 38th Battalion, along with the 72nd and 73rd Battalions helped take Hill 145 at Vimy Ridge. During this time three mines killed most of the 73rd Battalion (Nicholson, p.197). After which the German trench was quickly taken by the 38th Battalion, where the 73rd Battalion consolidated to form the left flank. While the flank was being formed the 38th and 72nd Battalions worked hard to take the second trench from the Germans. After frontal assaults failed the 72nd Battalion successfully bombed the German trench from a flank. The frontal assaults failed because the ground between the two trenches was badly cut up. the men could not keep up with the barrage. Many of the wounded fell into water-filled shell holes and died. Many times the Germans defending their trench would hide in shell-holes and the Canadians as they tried to pass (Nicholson, p.260). During this battle Hyslop was hit with shrapnel in the thigh, left foot and right knee (Archives). Hyslop was honored with the Military Medal for Bravery during this battle. For most of 1917 Orville Newton Hyslop was in the hospital for many reasons. Orville Hyslop was transferred to Seaford hospital on 1 March, 1918 (Archives).

Medical Records: During his time in the front lines Orville Newton Hyslop was hit once. He received a shrapnel wound to the leg and foot. Although he was only shot once he was in the hospital for many different things. On 22 December 1916 Hyslop had bronchitis and was in the hospital for a week. On 13 April 1917 Hyslop was hit in the thigh, left foot and right knee with shrapnel metal (Archives). Each time Hyslop was sent to the hospital he was released and sent to the front lines. On 1 March 1918 Hyslop was transferred to Seaford hospital to receive treatment for bronchitis and it was discovered that he had jaundice and hepatitis C. He died on 3 March 1918 (Archives).

The Final Days: Orville Newton Hyslop was in the 38th Battalion when he died. He was transferred to Seaford hospital on 1 March 1918. He died from complications with bronchitis, jaundice and Hepatitis C. He died on 3 March 1918 in the Seaford hospital. Orville Newton Hyslop is buried in Seaford in Sussex, England. His grave reference is A.597.

Lest We Forget: Orville Newton Hyslop was a great soldier and truly dedicated to his country. He died at the tragic age of 23. Hyslop was only survived by his mother, Janet Hyslop. He was never married, and he left all his possessions to his mother. He received a Military Medal for bravery in the field. When he died he was a Sergeant. He spent 3 years defending the Empire against the Germans. His efforts will not be forgotten.

Biography courtesy of the Lest We Forget remembrance initiative of the Smith Falls District Collegiate Institute.

Bibliography: Nicholson, Colonel Gerald W.L. Canadian Expeditionary Force, 1914-1919. Ottawa: R. Duhamel, Queen's Printer, 1964.