On this day in 1891, Francis Pegahmagabow was born in on the Shawanaga First Nation. He was one of the most effective snipers of the First World War and a highly decorated soldier. He became an activist later in life. Let's learn more! 🧵1/10 - ThreadSky

cdnhistoryehx.bsky.social • 105 days ago

On this day in 1891, Francis Pegahmagabow was born in on the Shawanaga First Nation.
He was one of the most effective snipers of the First World War and a highly decorated soldier.
He became an activist later in life.
Let's learn more!

🧵1/10

Comments

damemyniah.bsky.social•105 days ago

@waub.bsky.social

waub.bsky.social•103 days ago

✊🏽❤️

cdnhistoryehx.bsky.social•105 days ago

Raised by elder Noah Nebimanyquod, he learned hunting, fishing and traditional medicine. At 12, he left school and worked at lumber and fishing camps, and as a marine firefighter.
When the First World War broke out, Francis enlisted to serve.

🧵2/10

cdnhistoryehx.bsky.social•105 days ago

Nicknamed Peggy by his comrades, he fought at the Second Battle of Ypres and established himself as a sniper and scout. Promoted to lance corporal, he then fought at the Battle of the Somme where he was wounded in the left leg by gunfire.

🧵3/10

cdnhistoryehx.bsky.social•105 days ago

For carrying messages along the lines during the two battles, he received the Military Medal. He then earned a Bar to his Military Medal at the Second Battle of Passchendaele. He was also promoted to corporal. He continued to distinguish himself in battle.

🧵4/10

cdnhistoryehx.bsky.social•105 days ago

At the Battle of the Scarpe in August 1918, he earned a second Bar to his Military Medal for retrieving ammunition under heavy fire through No Man's Land. He was one of only 39 Canadians to receive two Bars on a Military Medal.

🧵5/10

cdnhistoryehx.bsky.social•105 days ago

He returned to Canada in 1919, having served nearly the entire length of the war. As a sniper, he was credited with killing 378 Germans and capturing another 300. At the end of the war, he was promoted to sergeant-major and received three more medals.

🧵6/10

cdnhistoryehx.bsky.social•105 days ago

In February 1921, Francis was elected chief of the Parry Island Band. He served until 1925. He later served as a councilor from 1933 to 1936.
He advocated for First Nations throughout the inter-war years and travelled through the country as an activist.

🧵7/10

Comments

Posting Rules

Reply