August 26, 1999 August 26, 1999
Trenches on the Web
C.L. Mofford took his basic training in Guelph, Ontario in 1914, and was with the First Canadian Expeditionary Force, 16th Scottish Division when it shipped out to England then to Belgium late in 1914.
On April 22, 1915 C.L. saw action at the Second Battle of Ypres Flanders, Belgium. His unit was to suffer from the first (effective) German gas attack.
The allied troops had no protection against the deadly chlorine gas and many succumbed to its effects. In spite of this the Canadians held their line, many by putting a urine soaked handkerchief to their face to prevent breathing in the deadly gas. The German attacks were thrown back!
C.L. survived the gas attack but spent the following two years convalescing in a Dartmouth hospital.
After returning to active duty, C.L spent the rest of his time in the army as a munitions inspector.
Fulton Starratt, my great Uncle, wasn't so lucky. I haven't found his regiment but do know that he was killed serving in the Canadaian army at Vimy Ridge. More information is on the way.
For more information on C.L. Mofford and his and others memorial please visit, Jervis Bay Legion
Cuthbert Lawrence Mofford (Larry) saw action in the Battle of the Atlantic. He was a Officer on a Canadian Corvett.
Fortunately he liked to write everything down so I have a good record of his duties while serving in the Atlantic.
Lt. Lawrence Mofford served on the Tillium, The Pas, Outremont, and the Brockville.
He served on the above various warships between June 25, 1941 to July 27, 1945 as navigator and later as Captain.
A British destroyer and the Canadian corvett, HMCS Outremont in which Larry was navigator, sunk the German U-boat 1006 on October 17, 1944.
My father continued to serve in the navy after the war and retired at the rank of Commander. In June of 1967 he accepted a position with the Canadian External Affairs Department, and was stationed in Port of Spain, Trinidad from 1968 to 1977.
Both my brothers, David and Robert Mofford were in the Canadian Armed Forces, rounding out our military tradition.
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