Private George Easby
George Easby was born in Driffield, East Yorkshire, England on July 10, 1895. He immigrated to Canada and worked as a farm hand. He is commemorated at St James Anglican Church. He served with the 25th Brant Dragoons before the war. He was single and 20 years of age when he enlisted with the 125th Battalion in Paris.
George was a member of the 10th Platoon that embarked aboard the S.S Scandinavia on February 12, 1916. The 9th and 10th Platoons were the first contingent of soldiers from Paris, nearly 100 men, to go overseas. He was transferred first to the 75th Battalion after arrival in England, but following issues with varicose veins he was transferred again to the 3rd Labour Battalion. The 3rd Labour Battalion was formed in England in late 1916 using soldiers considered medically unfit for front-line infantry combat. Operating primarily as railway construction troops, this unit was officially redesignated as the 11th Battalion, Canadian Railway Troops.
They were assigned wherever needed by the British Army, primarily tasked with constructing, repairing, and operating light and broad-gauge railways essential for troop movement and artillery supply. During the massive German Spring Offensive, railway operations were severely disrupted. Personnel from the 11th CRT (along with the 5th CRT) were pulled from their typical construction roles and formed ad-hoc infantry brigades to help hold the front lines in support of the British 1st Division. Units like the 11th CRT were vital to the survival of the Canadian Corps and British Army, laying tracks rapidly during advances and keeping supply arteries functioning despite heavy enemy shelling.
Private George Easby was transferred back to England in November, 1918. He sailed back to Canada aboard the Carmania. He was discharged in Toronto on February 1, 1919.