Reprinted from The Packet, July 12, 2016
by Lester Green
Pte. Abraham Spurrell fought for his life with Home Defence
Pte Abraham Spurrell Butter Cove (Photo courtesy of Grandson Jeff Spurrell)
Abraham was the son of John and Catherine (Avery) Spurrell, and was the second person to enlist from the community of Butter Cove.
His cousin Richard had enlisted 30 month earlier and died in Rouen Hospital, France, January 4, 1917. A bullet wound required amputation of his right leg, and he died from complications after surgery.
Abraham travelled to St. John’s with his cousin, Levi Jacobs and friend, Daniel Shaw. On May 10, 1918 the Evening Telegram’s article “Filling the Gap” listed their three names as part of the total enlistment for Royal Newfoundland Regiment on May 9.
Attestation papers list his age as 18 years. However, church records indicate he was born in 1901 and, therefore, 17 years at the time of enlistment.
An allotment of 60 cents per diem was deducted from his pay and made payable to his mother, Catherine Spurrell of Butter Cove on July 6, 1918.
He completed his basic training at St. John’s. However, unlike his buddies who were assigned to duty overseas, Pte Spurrell, along with Pte Nathaniel Smith and Pte Richard Gosse, were given Special Duty assignments at Heart’s Content on July 13.
Militia appointed guards at key communication and other vital points in the province due to the ever-growing threat posed by the presence of German submarines on this side of the Atlantic.
He spent approximately three months at Heart’s Content guarding the Cable Station, an important link in communication with the rest of the Allies overseas.
Upon his return to headquarters at St. John’s on Oct. 18, he became seriously ill with influenza and was admitted to the Barracks Hospital on Oct. 26. He was transferred a day later to MID (Medical Infectious Disease) Hospital located on Military Road. He spent the next 25 days fighting for his life from high fever.
On Nov. 11, Pte Spurrell was transferred and spent the next 26 days recuperating at the Escasoni Hospital, a military tuberculosis hospital, on Portugal Cove Road.
A telegraph received by his father from the Minister of Militia on Oct. 28 explained that his son was seriously ill at the Military Hospital, St. John’s.
His father’s response on Oct. 31 gives insight into the constant worry that parents faced during these difficult times, even if their son was not posted overseas.
It read: “Wish to know how my son #4979, Pte A Spurrell is now, reply immediately please. John Spurrell.”
The Militia response to the family was of improving health. This telegraph was followed by a second containing the same message.
John and Catherine expressed concern again on Nov 9, when they sent a postal telegraph to Minister of Militia, J.R. Bennett containing a similar message. “How is 4979 Private A Spurrell now, reply today please.”
They received an immediate response: “Beg to inform you that your son #4979 Pte A. Spurrell is now out of danger, convalescent.”
The final telegraph concerning Private Spurrell’s health is received by his father on Nov. 18 and the message reads: “Beg to inform you that your son #4979, Pte. A. Spurrell is now convalescent.” J.R. Bennett Minister of Militia.
Stress of their son sickness was causing the family to suffer emotionally. On Dec 17 a passionate plea was written in a telegraph to J.R. Bennett. It reads “Father is bad wants to see Private Abraham Spurrell #4979.”
The Militia Department response on Dec 18 assured his parents that their son would be soon home. It stated: “…..I beg to state that it will only be a short while before he will be discharged and sent home.”
His confirmation of discharge would take another month and was granted on Jan 16, 1919. He had served 253 days in military service and now could go home to comfort his worried parents. Since he had served less than one year and did not go overseas, he failed to qualify for war gratuity.
Edward Spurrell of Butter Cove mistakenly received a war service badge on Oct. 26, 1920. He immediately returned it to the Militia and explained that he did not enlist but had a brother, Richard James, who had enlisted but was killed. He explained that Abraham Spurrell was the only other person to enrol from Butter Cove.
On Nov. 8, 1920, Abraham Spurrell wrote Lt. Col. W.J. Rendell inquiring about the war service badge that had been sent to the wrong individual and that he would like to receive the badge at the earliest convenience. A notation on the letter says “Badge has been forwarded.”
War Service Badges were issued by Newfoundland Government to all soldiers who served in Royal Newfoundland Regiment at home and overseas. These badges were possibly the only entitlement and recognition received by the men who did not go overseas. This badge is now proudly displayed at the Queen’s Cove home of Jeff Spurrell, Pte. Spurrell’s grandson.
Abraham returned to Butter Cove and married Elizabeth Jane Whalen of Caplin Cove on April 2, 1924. They moved and raised their family in Queen’s Cove. Today his descendents occupy the land that was worked by his hands. He passed away in May, 1969, and was laid to rest next to his wife and daughter in the Anglican Cemetery there.
Abraham Spurrell Military Service Record
May 9, 1918: Attestation Papers signed at St. John’s.
May 10, 1918: Attested for General Services with Royal Newfoundland Regiment
May 28, 1918: Granted general leave until June 7.
July 06, 1918: Allotment for his mother, Mrs. Catherine Spurrell of 60 cents per diem.
July 13, 1918: Assigned Special Duty, Heart’s Content.
Aug. 30, 1918: Orders confirming July 13, 1918 proceeded to Heart’s Content for Special Duty.
Oct. 18, 1918: Returned to Headquarters, St. John’s from Heart’s Content.
Oct. 26, 1918: Admitted to Barracks Hospital.
Oct. 27, 1918: Transferred to MID Hospital.
Oct. 28, 1918: Telegraph to John Spurrell informing him that Private Spurrell seriously ill.
Oct. 29, 1918: transferred from Barracks Hospital to MID Hospital.
Oct. 31, 1918: Letter from John Spurrell concerning son’s health.
Oct. 31, 1918: Telegraph from Militia about son’s health.
Nov. 4, 1918: Telegraph from Militia concerning son’s health.
Nov. 9, 1918: Postal Telegraph sent to Militia from John Spurrell about son’s health.
Nov. 9, 1918: Telegraph from Militia about son’s health.
Nov. 18, 1918: Telegraph sent o John Spurrell (Image 11)
Nov. 21, 1918: Transferred to Escasoni for convalescence.
Dec. 12, 1918: Report on Demobilization.
Dec. 16, 1918: Discharged from the Escasoni.
Dec. 18, 1918: Civil Re-establishment Committee.
Dec. 17, 1918: Telegraph from John Spurrell concerning son’s health.
Dec. 18, 1918: Letter to John Spurrell from Militia.
Dec. 18, 1918: Proceedings for discharge.
Jan. 17, 1919: Discharged confirmed by Officer of Records.
Nov 3, 1919 Letter concerning War Gratuity by Abraham Spurrell. (Image 43 and 44)
July 22, 1920 Badge that was sent to Edward Spurrell by mistake.
November 8, 1920 Letter from Abraham Spurrell to Lt. Col. Rendell about War Service Badge.
Total service time…253 Days