Gunner Charles Wardlow McCoy of St Mary’s, Fredericton (1888 – 1926). Lest we Forget.
As Remembrance Day draws near, our thoughts turn to those who died during the wars and whose names are commemorated on Cenotaphs. Many who survived the wars and returned home, however, later died of war related causes. One of these was Gunner Charles Wardlow McCoy, who we are remembering today. The York-Sunbury Historical Society is fortunate to preserve his widow’s Memorial Cross in the collection of the Fredericton Region Museum.
Charles McCoy was born January 2 1888 at St. Mary’s Ferry (present-day Devon/Fredericton North). He was employed as both a painter and a carpenter. When the First World War began in 1914, Charles was married with a young son, but still wanted to volunteer and do his duty. His first try at enlisting ended at the recruiting office; his second try was more successful, as he served in the 104th Battalion in Sussex from December 31 1915 to June 6 1916, at which time he was released for medical reasons. Dispite two rejections for service however, Charles persisted, and on his third try was accepted into the No. 9 Overseas Siege Battery, on April 26 1917.
After training on Partridge Island in Saint John, Charles McCoy sailed for England on December 18 1917, as part of a reinforcement draft. Soon after his arrival in England he was assigned to the 12th Siege Battery, Canadian Garrison Artillery, and trained to become a wheelwright. It is this heavy work that may have contributed to his subsequent medical problems, since towards the end of March 1918, he developed arthritis and myalgia (muscle pain) in the neck and shoulder. This condition led to his hospitalization for treatment. While it appears that Charles recovered from his condition, he nevertheless remained in England until the end of the war – at which time he returned to Canada, and was discharged in Saint John on March 19 1919. After his return to civilian life, he was employed at the Capital Theatre in Fredericton that was located on the corner of Carleton and King Streets.
Martha McCoy’s Memorial Cross – Collection of the Fredericton Region Museum (2008.21.1) – Gift of Rev. Dr. Elizabeth Jane Walton
Sadly, Charles developed tuberculosis in 1924, and despite treatment, died two years later, on August 23 1926. He is buried in the Fredericton Rural Cemetery Extension. Gunner McCoy’s death was determined to be due to his military service, so his widow, Martha, received a Memorial Plaque and Memorial Scroll, as well as a Memorial Cross (his British War Medal had been sent to him earlier). His Memorial Cross is now preserved in the collection of the Fredericton Region Museum.
We remember Gunner Charles McCoy as a patriotic Canadian who overcame several obstacles in his quest to serve his King and Country. Sadly, his medical problems thwarted his ambitions, and while he did not die on the battlefield, nor can his name be found on a Cenotaph, he still gave his life for his country! We will remember him.
Gary Campbell – November 5, 2025
For more information on Gunner Charles McCoy, and other local soldiers who served in the First and Second World Wars, please contact the Fredericton Region Museum. The museum is open Wednesday – Saturday 1pm to 4pm (or by appointment)
Media contact:
Alena Krasnikova, Executive Director
Fredericton Region Museum www.frederictonregionmuseum.com
Email: frederictonregionmuseum@gmail.com or phone 506-455-6041
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