Major P. H. Casgrain

[michaeldr]

Can anyone tell me a little about this chap who was at the War Office in October 1915? What was his function at the WO?

He was the addressee on a letter suggesting the large-scale recruitment of non-British Jews into the British Army. 

Thanks in advance for any help here

Michael

 

 

Edited 4 August , 2021 by michaeldr
edit: to correct spelling of name in title line

[alf mcm]

Michael,

He may be Phillippe Henri du Perron Casgrain. He appears in Army Lists as a Royal Engineer. There are no Cosgrain's who match.

Regards,

Alf McM

[michaeldr]

Many thanks Alf,

That fits in well. The copy of the typewritten letter which I have seen has been altered by hand and what I read as an 'o' should in fact be read as an 'a'

Also the reference here https://cgwp.uvic.ca/detail.php?pid=918582#personalInformationAnchor to his being "engaged by the War Office on behalf of the Russian interests" fits too

Thanks again

Michael

 

 

Edited 4 August , 2021 by michaeldr

[alf mcm]

His Canadian Army service record is here:-  https://www.bac-lac.gc.ca/eng/discover/military-heritage/first-world-war/personnel-records/Pages/item.aspx?IdNumber=92043

Regards,

Alf McM

[helpjpl]

1.  The Gazette (Montreal) Tuesday 06 October 1942 (from ancestry):

OBITUARY REV. MAJ. GASGRAIN DIES IN QUEBEC, 78. Campaigned in Canada, South Africa, India. Founded Catholic Immigration Aid Quebec. Rev. Mj. Philippe Henri du Perron Casgrain, founder of a Catholic Immigration association which took charge of all Catholic immigrants disembarking at Quebec after the Great War, died here today at the age of 78. He was chaplain of the movement when he died. A native of Quebec City. Rev. Major Casgrain was educated at the Quebec Seminary, and upon graduation, went to the Royal Military College at Kingston, Ont., and obtained an engineer's degree. He then entered the Army and served in the Northwest Rebellion of 1885. After serving in Canada, Casgrain went to South Africa where he won two medals and was mentioned in despatches on the Boer War. He later Joined the engineer corps of a British expeditionary force in India and was at Manipur. Between 1902 and 1907 he travelled through Europe, learning several languages and winning two scholarships in Russia. He then went to Rome to study Theology, and in 1911 went to England to enter the priesthood and was ordained in London. At the outbreak of the Great War, Rev. MaJ. Casgrain returned to military service and went to Russia as an intelligence officer of the War Office. He was made a Companion of the Order of St. Michael and St. George for his services. In 1912 he had returned to Canada and founded the Catholic Immigration Association, an idea he had conceived, while travelling in Austria. After the war, he returned to Quebec and was placed in charge of the Catholic immigrant movement. He is survived by two sisters. Hon. Leon Casgrain, Attorney-General of the Province and Perreault Casgrain, Member of the Quebec Legislative Assembly for Gaspe North, are cousins. 

https://www.newspapers.com/newspage/419285041/

2.  1917 Birthday Honours - Companion of the Order of St Michael and St George, For valuable services in connection with the War:                                                  Major Philippe-Henri du Perron Casgrain (retired pay), Reserve of Officers, late Royal Engineers.

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/1917_Birthday_Honours#Companion_of_the_Order_of_St_Michael_and_St_George_(CMG)

JP

[michaeldr]

Many thanks again to Alf and to JP for your assistance here 

Michael