Notes

Phonse was born in Culross Township, Ontario on April 3, 1896. On St. Patrick’s Day 1916, he volunteered with the 160th Bruce Battalion at Teeswater. The 160th embarked at Halifax aboard the Metagama and arrived at Liverpool on October 28, 1916. For 18 months the battalion trained in England. Phonse was transferred to the 2nd Bn CMGC and shipped out to France. He suffered a shrapnel wound to his face on October 2, 1918 at Canal du Nord and rejoined his unit at Mons, Belgium as the armistice was signed, then spent 5 months with the occupation force in Germany. He sailed home aboard the Minnekahda, arriving Halifax on May 23 and discharged on May 25, 1919 in Toronto. Phonse returned to Bruce County and purchased a farm near Holyrood. On June 8, 1927, he married Gertrude Collison and raised 11 children. He was a founding member and 3rd President of RCL Branch 309 Lucknow, served on municipal council from 1943-47 and 1951-57 and was elected Reeve of Kinloss in 1961 and Warden of Bruce County in 1966. For 35 years, he was the mailman for route 2 until his death in 1977. All 51 grandchildren rode his mail route.

Sources & Links

- a) James, F. Treve and Thomas Johnston, eds. “Bruce in Khaki containing a History of the 160th Overseas Bruce Battalion and Complete Nominal Roll of all Men who were at any Time on the Strength of the Battalion.” Chesley: James and Johnston, 1934. Pri
- b) Bruce Remembers feedback & comments from the public [undated]
- Library & Archives Canada
- Find a Grave