William Tamboline originally joined the 62nd Battalion and was transferred to the 54th once in England. So he never lived in the Kootenay area nor served with the local boys from home. Being the son of a farmer he was well acquainted with horses so was eventually assigned to driving the supply wagons to the front. He spoke very little of his time in the war so our knowledge of his experiences is extremely limited. William (Will) Ernest Tamboline was born on Westham Island in 1893. He married Margaret Frew in 1915, daughter of James Frew who had bought land on Westham Island in 1888. William served overseas in the 54th Battalion Canadian Army in WWI. After returning home he purchased his father-in-law’s farm and remained there until retirement. He was active in the community, on lacrosse and rugby teams both as a player and a coach, a member of Canadian Order of Foresters, Delta Branch No.61 Canadian Legion, Delta School Board, and a charter member of the Westham Island Gun Club. He and Margaret were active in the United Church and members of the True Blue Lodge. They were the donors of the Tamboline trophy given to the Ladner High School. Margaret was involved with the Delta Parent Teachers Association and a member of the I.O.D.E. In 1960, they were awarded the Delta Good Citizen Award. William and Margaret had 3 sons (Ernest, Albert, Lloyd) and 2 daughters (Betty and Margaret). William Earnest Tamboline My Grandfather became good friends with Cecil Tyreman (pictured with Will in winter uniforms) while serving overseas. Both managed to survive the war but sadly Cecil died of wounds at Etaples in France. He left his young bride at home, as did my Grandfather. His widow never remarried and would often make trips to Westham Island to visit with my grandparents for a time.
