Hartland, Benjamin

Benjamin Hartland was born on August 9, 1877 in Brierly Hill, England to parents John and Dinah Hartland. He was raised in England with siblings, David, Phoebe, and William. In the early 1900s, Ben and his brother, William, immigrated to Canada. William settled in Southern Alberta, while Ben made his home in St. Jean, Quebec, with wife, Florence and son, Benjamin Jr. At time of enlistment he was employed as an iron moulder. On September 27, 1914, Ben Hartland traveled to Valcartier Camp to enlist with the Royal Canadian Dragoons. Pte Hartland arrived for England in the spring of 1915, and remained in England until embarking for France on May 4, 1915. He would serve with the Royal Canadian Dragoons on the frontlines for three weeks, seeing action near Festubert. On May 25, 1915, Pte Hartland was killed in action. He was given a trench burial, being laid to rest 20 yards to the right of Qumique Rue, near a reserve trench. After the war, his remains were moved to Guards Cemetery. Ben Hartland was awarded the 1914/15 Star, British War Medal and Victory Medal. His wife, Florence received the Memorial Cross and death plaque in honour of her husband