The Basin Record Newsletter Vol.3 Issue 2

Basin Biography David Black Private David James Black differs from our past Basin Biographies. First, he came to us unknown in a very small box of postcards, photos, pieces of paper and a small black pocket diary. Purchased many years ago in Fernie by a member of the Columbia Basin Institute of Regional History, the box sat unexplored in our office for almost a year. Our interest was first captured by a photo labeled “Olson,” not a place name we were familiar with. When some free time came initial research revealed Olson as a railway siding 23.5 miles out of Crows Nest, or more precisely 5 miles north of Hosmer and 5.5 miles south of Sparwood. Our curiosity was definitely inflamed, so we started through the box. Dave Black was a warehouseman working in Fernie, and later a Great Northern Railway trackman, but that isn’t our story here. And this is the second difference to our usual Biographies - this is not a complete story of Dave Black. Of Scottish parentage and with a family military background, Dave was quick to answer his country’s call, enlisting for World War I on October 28th, 1915, in the First Battalion, Canadian Pioneers. Mr. Black had talked with Fernie’s Dr. Moore in early summer1915when thisgentleman leftFernie forVancouver to assume Medical Officer duties in connection with the formation of the 1st Canadian Pioneers. Dave asked Dr. Moore to let him know of any chance of being placed on the new Battalion’s medical staff. Receiving a call in October to join the Battalion in Winnipeg, Black paid his $24.30 railway fare (for which he was never r e imbur sed) and headed for the ‘Peg. In letters, on postcards and in his diary Dave Black creates a gut-wrenching firsthand account of World War I. From notes dated August 14th, 1917, here is a small example: “Recently brot in here to do a rush & important job on which the 7th had fallen down on viz. to build a line (C 2) from ‘Sand Bag City’ at Zillebeke Lake up about 3 miles across the Mennin Rd. below Hell Fire Corner to serve advance field batteries assist red & work as a leader when the line is advanced A Coy is ballasting the road B Coy is laying the street C Coy is maintenance on X spur D Coy is grading The country is a mess of shell holes, craters & bog and much changed and battered up since we were here over a year previous such old familiar spots as Bedford House – Ration Farm – Ry. Dugouts etc. being blown to pieces and the shell fire is pretty bad at this time.” And later: “This country is so wet and torn up with shells that these plank roads are numerous and more easily repaired than permanent roadways when hit with shells. This road like many others on the western front is lined with the flotsam & jetsam of war in all its grim & horrible aspect not much glory or high spots to it but a cruel man’s slaughtering blood orgy.” Dave Black’s story also contains very candid accounts of passes toLondon,Liverpool andother places. Insightful and direct, his story speaks to what any of us might face in similar circumstances. We would be pleased to talk with anyone who might add to Dave Black’s story. As well, we would be interested in hearing whether Basin residents think this whole story should be published in book form. (ImageBankPhoto) Dave Black before enlisting (3rd from left back seat) going fishing at Fernie c.1912 with friends Winnet, Corbet, Walker and Micklejohn. (ImageBankPhoto) Dave Black “Somewhere in France” December 11th, 1916.