Reprinted from The Packet, April 21, 2016
by Lester Green
He survived a shell explosion from a yard away
Hubert Green was born on Sept. 30, 1895 and raised at Northern Bights. In his early years, he made his living and helped his family by cod fishing. With the outbreak of the Great War, he enlisted in the Newfoundland Regiment on Oct. 4, 1915.
A letter written by Rev. George Butt on behalf of his parents appealed to the Governor of Newfoundland to have the enlistment overturned because his parents, Joseph and Mary Ann, were not aware of his decision.
He writes: “…the parents not knowing anything of this matter until his name appeared in print are almost broken hearted over the matter owing to the fact that it was the only one to depend upon at present…”
The Governor and Militia both denied the request due to his declared age of 22 years at the time of enlistment.
He completed his training at Pleasantville and boarded the S.S. Florizel on Jan. 31, 1917, to Windsor, Nova Scotia. On Apr. 16, he embarked for overseas from Hailfax aboard the S.S. Ausonia, a passenger steamer used to transport troops to Europe.
After his arrival in the United Kingdom, he continued training at Newton-on-Ayr, Scotland. Private Green was assigned to active duty at the front line and embarked Southampton on June 11 and arrived in Rouen, France, a day later.
He was admitted to 89 Field hospital with a gunshot wound to left arm and side with fractured femur on Aug. 14. He was invalided to England and spent the next 13 days at 4th London General Hospital at Denmark Hill, London. He was then transferred to 2nd Western General Hospital at Manchester, England.
On Aug. 21, 1917, Joseph Green received a telegraph from R.A. Squires, Colonial Secretary, informing him that Record Office, London officially reported: “No. 3128, Private Hubert Green is at Fourth London General Hospital suffering from severe shell wounds arm and side.”
The next day Joseph sent a telegraph that read: “Could you wire to London anxious to know if any hope of my son’s recovery 3128 Pte Hubert Green. Will pay all costs.” His concern for his son’s long-term welfare were clearly expressed in carefully-chosen words.
Private Green recovered and was released from 2nd Western Hospital after 48 days. He was to report to Command depot at Ripon after the expiry of his furlough on Oct. 27, 1917, but reported to H Company at Newton-on-Ayr, Scotland.
He spent the next year recovering from his wounds and did not participate in any further duty at the front line.
On Nov. 22, 1918. proceedings began for his repatriation. Private Green described how the injury occurred.
He stated: “whilst serving on duty, a shell burst about one yard away and hit me, which made me unfit for military service. I spent 4 days at 7th Canadian General, Etaples; 13 days at 4th General Hospital and 48 days at 2nd Western General Hospital.”
The medical team at Hazeley Downs, Winchester completed their report and recommended that Private Green be declared medically unfit for military duty.
On Dec. 12, 1918, Private Green embarked on the SS Corsican at Tilbury Docks, Essex, England and sailed to St. John’s Newfoundland for demobilization.
On board was another soldier from Random, Private Bernard Shaw of Little Heart’s Ease, who was also determined to be medically unfit for military duty. The ship arrived in St. John’s on Dec. 21.
Proceeding began on Jan. 18, 1919 and demobilization was approved on Jan. 20. His discharge was confirmed and a certificate issued on Feb. 3.
He was granted furlough on Jan. 21 and a travel warrant from St. John’s to Northern Bights Station was issued. He was greeted at the station by his brother Leslie and they both returned home to a family celebration. After his furlough he spent time at the St. John’s General Hospital and was released on April 13.
On July 5, 1921 Private Green acknowledged that he had received the King’s Certificate issued to soldiers that were honourably discharged due to being medically unfit for military duty. This was followed by two medals in September — the Victory Medal and the British War Medal.
On Nov. 11, 1919 Hubert married Ethel Grace Bailey of George’s Brook. They eventually settled and raised their family at Goobies. Hubert passed away on July 1, 1976 and is buried alongside his wife at Bethel Pentecostal Cemetery, Goobies.
Royal Newfoundland Regiment Military Service Record
Private Hubert Green #3128
Oct. 4, 1916: Signed attestation papers and received Regimental #3128.
Oct. 25, 1916: Letter from Reverend George Butt on behalf the parents concerning Private Green’s enlistment.
Oct. 30, 1916: Letter to Governor from Officer of Commanding Headquarters, First Newfoundland Regiment.
Nov. 10, 1916 Letter sent to Reverend George Butt informing him of the decision by the Governor.
Nov. 17, 1916: Allotment of 70 cents payable to Mrs. Joseph (Mary Ann) Green.
Jan. 31, 1917: Embarked SS Florziel at St. John’s and travelled to Winsor.
June 11, 1917: Embarked Southampton for British Expeditionary Force at Rouen, France
July 21, 1917: Joined the 1st Battalion Newfoundland Regiment on the Frontline
Aug. 14, 1917: Wound right arm, side. Severe
Aug. 16, 1917: Admitted to 89th Field Ambulance. Gunshot wound to right arm. Fractured Femur.
Aug. 18, 1917: Invalided to England and admitted to 4th London General Hospital.
Aug. 21, 1917: Telegraph to Joseph Green concerning son’s condition.
Aug 22, 1917: Telegraph from Joseph Green inquiring about health of Son.
Aug. 27, 1917: Telegraph to Joseph Green concerning son’s health, progressing favorably.
Aug. 28, 1917: Reference to request about account balance (Image 41)
Oct. 23, 1917: Private Green sent to Command Depot, Ripon, North, upon release from hospital.
Oct. 27, 1917: Furlough then attached “H Company” depot Ayr-on-the-Newton.
Nov. 6, 1917: Attached to Rockham Command Depot, Ripon.
Dec. 11, 1917: Attached to “H Company depot Ayr -on-the -Newton.
Nov. 11, 1918: Statement of Concern about own Case.
Nov. 22, 1918: Discharge Center for Transfer.
Nov. 22, 1918: Descriptive Return of a Soldier.
Dec. 2, 1918: Medical Report completed at Hazeley Downs, Winchester.
Dec. 12, 1918: Embarked SS Corsican at Tilbury Docks, Essex, England.
Dec. 21, 1918: Arrived Newfoundland.
Dec. 21, 1918: to January 6, 1919 Granted furlough.
Jan. 13, 1919: Discharge permanently unfit.
Jan. 13, 1919: Medical report completed at St. John’s, Nl.
Jan. 18, 1919: Proceedings of Discharge for Private Hubert Green.
Jan. 18, 1919: Letter from Officer, Commanding to Pension Commissioners.
Jan. 21, 1919: Leave granted while waiting to go into hospital.
Jan. 20, 1919: Demobilization approved.
Jan. 31, 1919: Receipt for $4.00 for transportation by Leslie Green to Hubert Green
Feb. 2, 1919: Discharge Confirmed and Discharge Certificate issued.
April 16, 1919 Discharged from St. John’s General Hospital.
July 5, 1921 Received King’s Certificate.
Sep. 2, 1919 Received Victory War Medal and British War Medal.
July 1, 1976 Death Notification of Hubert Green to Dept of Veteran Affairs.
Total Service 2 years and 123 days