Tonge, Harold

Harold Tonge was born in Manchester, England on August 26, 1882 to parents Enoch and Ellen Tonge. He was raised in England with his siblings Elizabeth, Thomas, Mary and Alfred. In 1907, he immigrated to Canada with his wife, Lillian. The couple lived in Lethbridge, Alberta with their children Edith, Burton and Lester. At time of enlistment, Harold was employed as a teamster. On February 5, 1915, Harold Tonge enlisted with the Canadian Cavalry Depot. Pte Tonge arrived in France on December 13, 1915 and shortly after was transferred to the 1st Canadian Mounted Rifles. In May 1916 he received a gunshot wound to his arm, and shortly after his recovery was appointed to the rank of Lance Corporal. Lance Corporal Tonge served on the frontlines with the 1st Canadian Mounted Rifles for 9 months, seeing action in France and Belgium. On September 15, 1916, Lance Corporal Tonge was killed in action in France. As his remains were never recovered or identified, he is remembered on the Vimy Ridge Memorial. Harold Tonge was awarded the 1914/15 Star, British War Medal and Victory Medal. His wife, Lillian received the Memorial Cross and death plaque in honour of her husband