Canadian War Veterans Memorial Project
Commemorating those that served
Commemorating those that served
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From the University of Toronto / Roll of Service 1914-1918, published 1921.
WEBSTER HENRY FANNING HARRIS Dec. 5, 1874-May 4, 1917
Captain, Chaplain Service, att. Sixth Infantry Brigade.
b. St. Thomas; ed. Brockville [Ontario] C.I.; Druggist in Brockville; Trinity College 1907-10; Anglican Ministry at Stettler and Red Deer, Alberta; married.
In January 1916 he went overseas and the next month joined No. 1 Canadian General Hospital at Etaples at Chaplain. He was subsequently transferred to the 6th Infantry Brigade, 2nd Division. When serving on the Somme front in September he was wounded by shrapnel in the spine and paralysed from the hips downwards. He was admitted to the Empire Hospital, Vincent Square, London, where he remained for several months and died the following May.
This report appeared in the Red Deer News on 12 January 1916:
REV. W. H. F. HARRIS CALLED
Rev. W. H. Fanning-Harris, Rector of St. Luke's Church who offered his services to the Minister of Militia for a chaplaincy in the overseas forces, had a sudden call on Thursday last for duty and he sails for England on the 14th inst. He was obliged to leave on the evening train the following day to catch his boat. On the eve of his departure he was presented with a handsome wrist watch by the ladies of the C.A. and a large number of the congregation were at the train to see him off and wish him God speed on his journey and in the noble work he has undertaken. As the train pulled out the ladies sang "For he's a Jolly Good Fellow" and gave him three cheers and a tiger. He will be attached to some of the overseas forces.
Dated: February 3, 1916
LETTER FROM REV. W. H. FANNING-HARRIS
February 3, 1916
My dear Mr. Carswell,
Just a few lines to let you know how things are faring with me, since I saw you last.
We reached Montreal twenty-eight hours late, being delayed by a bad wreck just east of Fort William, arriving, there on Wednesday morning. Luckily the boat's sailing was delayed till Saturday night so it made no difference. I found my wife and brother waiting for me at Montreal and so had a little time there with them, leaving Montreal next day. On arriving at St. John I found eight other parsons bound on the same mission as myself, one of whom I knew at Trinity College, Toronto.
We had a very stormy voyage, but I am glad to say that J was not sea sick and never missed a meal, though it was just toss-up about the first one.
We reached Liverpool on the 24th of January and landed next day. We were immediately sent to Shorncliffe. On reporting there we found that no orders had been received as to our disposal, we were sent back to London to see Lieut.-Col. Steacy1, who is director of Chaplains' service for Canadians in England.
The Senior Chaplain in France came over looking for men and I believe we are to be distributed over the country, some to Shorncliffe and Bramshott and some to France. I am glad to say that I have been chosen for service at the front and will leave in a few days. Of course I am highly pleased, as I was afraid I would be attached to one of the Camps here for several months at least.
I went to Bramshott today to see the 12th C.M.R. and got there just at the nick of time. I reached the camp at 1.30 p.m. and they paraded at two p.m. or rather what was left of them did, and took train for Shorncliffe. The regiment is all broken up, they have been sending drafts from it constantly to fill other regiments at the front. Major Gaetz took the last draft to France a few days ago and has just returned.
I had time for a chat with most of those left. The officers and N.C.O.'s are still here and I saw Colonel Macdonald, Major Gaetz2, Lieuts. Thoms and May, also Jock Oliver, who is now Regimental Sergt.-Major, Sergts. Price, Holt, Ireland and a number of others. They are all looking well and fit, Major Gaetz has gotten quite stout. You will be pleased to know that they have maintained over here the highest standard and reputation that they had at home, and it was said when the last draft landed in France they were among the finest that had gone over there.
Tell Katie they swung off from the Bramshott camp for the station, with the band playing her song "Keep the Home Fires Burning." I think they will do that for the 12th. We are proud of our other Alberta regiments, but the 12th have a place all alone in the affections of Red Deer people. We all feel a sense of proprietorship in them, and they deserve it.
I also saw Major (Dr.) Wilson who has been senior Chaplain at Bramshott, he did not leave with the 12th, but is to remain there for a while and then expects to go to France.
I understand the Pats are in the east now, and I suppose the boys are with them.
At the Bramshott station I met Lieut. Harry White and Mrs. White, and came back to London with her. He of course had to go with the boys in the special. They are both looking well. The Rev. Mr. Creighton, late of Alix is back here from the Dardanelles on sick leave and we had a nice visit together.
The kindness that I experienced when I left Red Deer made me happier than I can tell and my heart warms to the many friends that I have left behind. Give my kindest regards to all.
Your sincere friend,
W. H. F. HARRIS
1This is likely Col. Richard Henry Steacy.
2Major Harold Leonard Gaetz, 5th Battalion Saskatchewan Regt., who died 26 September 1916.
Transcribed by: M. I. Pirie