Roger Charles Keedwell, Army WW1

Roger Charles Keedwell. Army, WW1 By Bob Lessard for Middleboro Gazette Historian American Legion Post 64 ............(Periodically, the Gazette will publish biographical sketches of Middleboro’s war casualties. This is intended to remember the sacrifice of all veterans and those who gave their lives in the service of our country.) .....Young Roger Keedwell caused moments of worry on several occasions for his family during World War 1. The first time concerned his disappearance at age 15. .....He had left home and traveled to Canada, where for ten months he served in the Canada Grenadier Guards, which reportedly was going to be an “overseas organization.” His father learned of his whereabouts and went to Canada and obtained his discharge due to his young age. .....Roger was born in Middleboro on May 26, 1900, son of George H. and Annie (Banwell) Keedwell, of Frank Street, both who were born in England. A local newspaper clipping listed his other family members as: brothers, Eugene W. and Kenneth B., both of Middleboro and George H. of Montreal. Also, sisters, Mrs. Cora Ware and Ruby (wife of George L. Hathaway.) ......Young Roger, after returning to Middleboro, was allowed to join the Regular Army just prior to his 17th birthday. He enlisted on April 1, 1917 and was assigned to Troop C of the 17th Cavalry. Later, on October 1, he was sent to Company A, 2nd Military Police, which went to France. ......According to a news article, it was reported that he was serving with a mounted police group in Paris guarding supply trains. He again was transferred to another unit on June 15, 1918 to Company K, 23rd Regiment 2nd Division, which, according to the article, “has seen so much fighting and now is probably on German soil.” ......In the middle of December, it was reported that “Mr. Keedwell received an official notice that Roger was missing in action.” Knowing Roger was in the war theatre caused additional worry for the family. ......Then, it was reported, that the family received on Christmas night another notice from the war department, which stated that Roger was “instead of being missing, he was located in a hospital, wounded, degree undetermined as of October 31.” ......Worried about his son and not having received additional information, Mr. Keedwell contacted the American Red Cross National Headquarters in Washington, D.C. Shortly thereafter he received a letter from the Red Cross, which stated in part: ......“Dear Mr. and Mrs. Keedwell, You have only received a notification that Private Roger Charles Keedwell, Company K, 23rd Infantry, American E. F. was reported missing in action, as that was the extent of the information as first reported. We have just received word, dated October 31, 1918, that he died of his wounds.” ......Further adding, the letter stated, “He was cared for in the American Red Cross Hospital No. 110, where you may feel sure that everything possible was done to save his life, but he passed away on October 31, 1918.” ......In addition, the letter then informed Roger’s parents that, “Any personal belongings he may have had at the time of his death will be forwarded to Major John A. Nelson, Effects quartermaster, Pier 3, Hoboken, N.J. and if you do not hear anything concerning them in a reasonable length of time we would advise you to write to Major Nelson.” .......The letter continued, “Private Keedwell died in service for the glorious cause of justice and liberty, and you will ever have the greatest pride in his memory. His name will be placed among the heroes of America’s Roll of Honor. The Red Cross extends to you heartfelt sympathy and assures you that we are ever ready to render you any service possible. Sincerely yours, W. R. Castle, Director Bureau of Communications.” .......Roger Keedwell was only 18 when he lost his life. Here in Middleboro he is remembered at the Middleboro Veterans Memorial Park where his name appears on the World War One section of the Central Casualty stone. .......At a meeting of the Simeon L. Nickerson Post 64 American Legion on June 5, 1933. Mrs. Keedwell, Roger’s mother, presented to Post 64 the flag, which draped Roger’s casket, when his body was shipped home from France. Roger’s picture accompanies the article about the flag donation, which is on the Post 64 website of the American Legion Centennial Celebration for that June 5, 1933 date. .......He is also listed on the World War 1 Roll of Honor plaques, which were placed in the Town Hall lobby by the residents of Middleboro in December 1918. The plaques list the over 412 men and boys who served during World War1. Roger’s name is also listed in Mertie Romane’s “History of the Town of Middleboro 1905-1965.” Roger’s brothers Eugene and Kenneth both served in the military during World War 1. (Posted By Bob Lessard, Historian Post 64)