Snell, Herbert (1880-1932)

Lieutenant-Colonel Herbert Snell was born in Stockbridge, Yorkshire, England on August 20, 1880. His family emigrated to Port Hope, Ontario. Snell entered the merchant trade at a young age, working in various locations throughout western Canada. In 1905 he settled in Moose Jaw, where he established his own retail store four years later. He was elected an alderman for Moose Jaw in 1911. Given command of the newly raised 60th Rifles of Canada in 1913, Snell was instrumental in the construction of the Moose Jaw Armoury and the mobilization of troops at the outbreak of World War I. He was appointed commanding officer of the 46th (South Saskatchewan) Infantry Battalion, CEF, after its authorization on February 1, 1915. Although seriously wounded in a training accident in England later that year, Snell left hospital to become commanding officer of the 9th Reserve Brigade. He went to France in April 1917, and temporarily commanded the 46th Battalion before taking over 4th Divisional Wing, Canadian Corps Reinforcement Camp and Divisional School. Snell returned briefly to Moose Jaw in 1919, even though his business had been closed during the war. In 1922 he joined the Robert Simpson Department Store of Montreal, in which he later became vice-president and general manager. Herbert Snell died of complications from wounds on November 12, 1932.

Gerry Carline

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