Private Chris Parres joined the No. 1 Overseas Canadian Army Service Corps Training Depot in 1917 and was later transferred to the 44th Battalion and the 78th Battalion at the front.
“Chris Parres was born November 17th, 1877, at a small place called Salterville, several miles east of Carman, Manitoba. He grew up on the farm, the son of a Danish immigrant, Jes Matthiesen and his Metis wife, Henrietta Salter…As a young man, he purchased his own land, farmed and “broke” horses. He also worked as a guide and camp cook. He had a large supportive family of Salter and Matthiesen relatives. In 1904, he married Eliza Alberta Madill, the daughter of a staunch Presbyterian minister.
Although I never heard about the War from my grandfather personally, it was evident from many of his letters that he had strong feelings about Canada’s involvement…Although 39 at the time, and the father of 3 small children, Chris volunteered.”
The above excerpt is from the stories compiled and contributed to this project by Jim Parres, grandson of Chris Parres. Read Jim’s words and expression of the impact upon his family of the First World War.
Read Chris Parres’ military records through Library and Archives Canada.
World War One Thunder Bay Centennial Project 