Snell, John Leslie O'Brien

John Snell was born on August 27, 1897 in Portsmouth, England to Mr. and Mrs. R.G. Snell. He grew up in England with his older brother, Hugh. As a young man, John immigrated to Canada, and eventually made his home in Lethbridge, Alberta. At time of enlistment, he was single and employed as a bank clerk. On October 11, 1915, John Snell enlisted with the 39th Battery 10th Brigade Canadian Field Artillery. Gunner Snell arrived in England on March 12, 1916, and remained in England until embarking for France on July 13, 1916. He would serve with the 39th Battery for the next ten months, seeing action at the Somme, Arras, and Vimy Ridge. On May 3, 1917, Gunner Snell was killed in action near Mont-St. Eloi. He was laid to rest at Ecoivres Military Cemetery. John Snell was awarded the British War Medal and Victory Medal. His mother, Frances received the Memorial Cross and death plaque in honour of her son