Reprinted from The Packet, June 2, 2016
by Lester Green
A case of the mumps caused him to miss the boat
Private Absalom Marsh enjoying retirement at his home in Hillview in 1975 (Photo courtesy of Eric and Glenis Marsh, Hillview)
Absalom Marsh was born on Dec. 25, 1899, to Joseph and Jane (Hyde) Marsh at Northern Bight (Hillview). He had eight siblings — four brothers and four sisters — all born at Northern Bights.
He travelled to St. John’s at the age of 18 and enlisted in the Royal Newfoundland Regiment on April 29, 1918. His occupation was listed as that of a fisherman.
He completed his basic training at St John’s and awaited his order papers.
On July 6, he requested that the paymaster remove an allotment of 60 cents per diem from his pay, made payable to his mother, Mrs. Jane Marsh of Hillview, Southwest Arm, Random as beneficiary. The allotment was to begin on July 1.
In early July he became sick and was admitted to Military Infectious Disease (M.I.D) hospital at St. John’s on July 12.
Military records show that he had contracted the mumps.
He spent 17 days in the hospital and was discharged on July 29 to be billeted at Long’s Hill to complete a period of quarantine until Aug. 12.
Due to sickness and recovery time, Pte Marsh missed his opportunity to sail overseas with the final draft of soldiers to depart St. John’s harbour aboard HMS Columbella for Halifax July 22, 1918.
On Sept. 3, he proceeded to Bishop’s Falls by train to complete special duty. He spent 84 days in the Bishop’s Falls area completing his assignment. He reported back to Royal Newfoundland Regiment headquarters at St. John’s on Oct. 29.
Private Marsh’s demobilization process started with the completion of his medical history on Nov. 29, followed by proceedings of discharge two weeks later. He met with the Civil re-establishment Committee on Dec. 12 and stated that his decision was: “to work at fishing.”
His approval of discharge was issued on Dec. 14 and, according to records, “he was removed from depot strength and transferred to discharge pending confirmation by Officer I/C Records.”
He received a $60 clothing allowance, a travel warrant to Hillview and remaining pay owed by the army.
Confirmation of his discharge was delivered by letter on Jan 11, 1919. It read: “Please find enclosed Discharge Certificate No. 419.”
He served 258 days in the Royal Newfoundland Regiment for his King and Country, all completed in Dominion of Newfoundland. For his service, Pte Marsh would have received a service badge but no medals were awarded because he did not serve overseas.
He returned home and married Minnie, daughter of Stephen and Sarah Ann Ryan. They were married at Hillview on May 11, 1927. They had eight children, three that died at an early age.
In his early years of marriage, he participated in the Labrador schooner fishery. With the failure of the fishery he began to work as a labourer with CN railway.
His daughter, Lydia recalls that her dad was a kind, churchgoing man who always carried the flag for the Orange Society’s annual parade through Dark Hole and Hillview.
Private Marsh died on Feb 12, 1990, at the age of 91 years. He was buried at Anglican cemetery next to his wife who had died several months earlier.
Next week: Eldred Church was born and raised in the Random area, possible at Hodge’s Cove or Queen’s Cove, where his father worked at Seward’s Mill. The family moved to St. John’s prior to the Great War of 1914. His journey overseas began on June 22, when he boarded a train at St. John’s and headed to Halifax to join a convoy of ships headed for England.
Royal Newfoundland Regiment Military Service Record
for Private Absalom Marsh #4785
April 29, 1918: Date of enlistment (Image 1 and 3 and 10)
July 6, 1918: Allottment of 60 cents payable to his mother, Mrs. Jane Marsh.
July 11, 1918: Admitted to M.I.D. (Military Infectious Disease Hospital) with mumps.
July 31, 1918: Discharged from hospital to billet at Long’s Hill for quarantine.
Aug. 12, 1918: Discharged from billet and reported to headquarters.
Sept. 3, 1918: Assigned to Special Duty at Bishop Falls.
Oct. 29, 1918: Returned to Headquarters at St. John’s.
Nov. 29, 1918: Medical History completed for demobilization.
Dec. 11, 1918: Descriptive Return of Soldier.
Dec. 12, 1918: Completion of Civil Re-establishment Committee form.
Dec. 12, 1918: Proceeding on discharge of Pte A. Marsh.
Dec. 16, 1918: Demobilization Proceedings of Pte A. Marsh.
Dec. 14, 1918: Demobilization approved by Discharge Depot.
Jan. 11, 1919: Discharge certificate number 419.
Jan. 14, 1919: Demobilization confirmed by officier i/c records.
Total Service 258 days