Mervin Cecil Simmons, 1886-1964.
Mervin Simmons was born on a farm near Verschoyle, Oxford County in 1886. His adventurous spirit led him to work as a carpenter in Trail, British Columbia in the early part of the 20th century. Upon the declaration of World War I in the summer of 1914, Mervin immediately heeded the call to defend Britain and Canada. Months of training in England led to his dispatch to the battlefields of Belgium, and fatefully to the battle of Ypres, which ended in tragedy for many Canadian boys. Mervin was captured by German forces was sent into the prison Stalags of Germany. This journey led to three escape attempts by Mervin, assisted by other intrepid Canadians, which ultimately led to his freedom. His story was documented in 1918 by best-selling Canadian author, Nellie McClung in the work, 'Three Times and Out'.
Edward Edwards, 1876-
Escape partner of Mervin Simmons, Edward Edwards, WWI service record.
Mervin Cecil Simmons, 1886-1964
Discover the story of an Oxford farm boy who escaped from three WWI POW camps.
Mervin Simmons WWI Service Record
Read of Mervin Simmons WWI service in the official Canadian war record.
The Escape of a Princess Pat
as told to George Pearson, by Edward Edwards, escape partner of Mervin Simmons. Read the pairs' adventure from another perspective.
Three Times and Out
as told to Nellie McClung. Discover this digitized complete story of Mervin Simmons' WWI escapades.
