JOSEPH ELMER BOUFFORD

21st Essex Fusiliers, Windsor, Ontario

Grandfather 1045034 Private Joseph Elmer Boufford 241st BN CEF Canadian Scottish Borderers

     Grandfather was born in Malden Township in 1896.  Moved to Chatham in 1914 and joined the 24th Kent.  Back to Windsor in 1915 and transferred to the 21st Essex Fusiliers where he was part of the Special Guard Company to guard Armouries.  In July 1916 he transferred to the 241st Battalion CEF but the Battalion did not go overseas (UK) until May 1917.  Since there was no need for new units, the 241st was broken up for reinforcements.  He was sent to the 15th Battalion CEF (48th Highlanders, Toronto).

     He arrived at Passchendaele in August 1917 fortunately after the worst of the fighting was over.  It was not until 8 August 1918 that he was wounded at Amiens, France on the first day of the big push known as "Hundred Days".  His wound never healed properly so he was still in hospital when Armistice was signed.  He was returned home in February 1919 without going back to the front.  His greatest regret was not being able to return with the 15th and the victory parade.

     After the war he was employed by the City of Windsor in the Assessment Department.  He married his sweetheart, my grandmother, Eva Beaune, in 1920.  

     He was a founding member of the Windsor Chapter of the Great War Veterans Association and faithfully attended 241st reunions until just before his death in January 1970.
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submitted by Michael Appel

Grandfather and unidentified soldier at assembly area in Windsor before getting on train to go overseas in 1917

West Sandling Camp, England, summer 1917

Telegram from the Director of Records, sent to his mother to inform her of his gunshot wound and his official admittance at Third Australian General Hospital, Abbeville, August 9, 1918

Grandfather sitting in hospital. Gun shot wound to right heel, August 8, 1918. His cousin, Leo Joseph Boufford (standing) was awarded the Military Medal for bravery in the field.

Grandfather was Deputy Assessment Commissioner for the City of Windsor when he retired in 1965?. 1950's picture - he is wearing his "Service at the Front" pin