Lieutenant Colonel S.B. Scobell
235th (Durham and Northumberland) Battalion

I had the opportunity of returning to Canada but refused absolutely, and fought hard until I landed this position. I am still and will continue to be paid by the Dominion Government, but will be attached to the Imperial army for duty.

 (Scobell, Toronto Star, 13 August 1917)

Sidney Brandage Scobell, a druggist and Orangeman with twelve years’ experience in the 19th Lincoln Regiment, was authorized to raise the 235th from the counties of Northumberland and Durham in 1916. He was born in St. Catharines on 7 February 1871. After his understrength unit was broken up in May 1917, Scobell sought a position in the field. By August, he was seconded to the Imperial Forces.

“I enlisted the first day war broke out and have sacrificed my business and given up everything in order that I may be of service to my country,” he had insisted after the 235th was disbanded. “It is impossible for me to return to Canada without going to the Front as I am a militia officer of 15 years service and all my friends will feel that I should go to the Front.”

Describing his experiences in France, Scobell wrote home, “I would not have missed this for anything— troops, motorcycles, ambulances, motor trucks by the thousand are passing day and night. It is a wonderful sight.” In 1918, he was appointed town major for Beaumetz-lès-Loges, France. Scobell was noted for his “gallantry and zeal” in “being of great assistance to the wounded and also to the French inhabitants.”

He died in Bowmanville on 31 August 1952.