Signalling Section

Cape Breton Highlanders

Circa 1921

The photo was taken shortly after the formation of the Cape Breton Highlanders and was probably taken during summer camp. The men are wearing First World War style uniforms. Cape Breton Highlander cap and collar badges have not yet been issued. Note the tents in the middle background and the signalling flags the men are holding.

Front Row, Left to Right:
1.  Cpl. Joe MacNeil
2.  Lieut. Charlie Oram
3.  Sgt. Joe Murphy

Back Row, Left to Right:
1.  Pte. Edgar Fryer
2.  Pte. Warren Gilman
3.  Pte. (?)
4.  Pte. (?)
5.  Pte. Homer MacIvor (From Inlet Baddeck, Victoria County, Cape Breton)
6.  Pte. (?)
7.  Pte. Kenny MacLeod
8.  Pte. (?)

The above names were as identified on the original photo.

Charles "Charlie" John Oram was born in Baddeck, Victoria County, Cape Breton, and was a veteran of the First World War. He was a painter and had over three years service in the 94th Victoria Regiment "Argyll Highlanders", a local Cape Breton militia unit, before enlisting in the 25th Battalion (Nova Scotia Rifles) in November, 1914. He was given the rank of private. Charles trained with the 25th Battalion in Nova Scotia and went overseas to England with them in May of 1915, and on to France and the trenches in September of the same year. Charles advanced through the non-commissioned ranks and was granted a commission in the field to lieutenant in 1916. While overseas he was hospitalized for a month with diptheria. He was later awarded a Military Cross for conspicuous gallantry and devotion to duty for supervising the laying of battalion communication cables while under intense artillery fire. In January, 1918, Charles was diagnosed with chronic otitis media in both ears caused from perforated ear drums due to shelling. He was found to be medically unfit for further front line duty and remained in England for the rest of the war. He was posted to the 17th Reserve Battalion and also took signalling courses at the Canadian Signal School in Seaford. Charles returned to Canada and was demobilized in October, 1919. In the photo above, Charles is wearing his First World War uniform and cap badge from the 25th Battalion (Nova Scotia Rifles).

Photographer:  Unknown
Ref. Number:  20-1 (1-1.3)
Image Information:  Received as electronic file
Source:  Sherri Tomiak