BX May 10, 1915

The latest casualty list published at Ottawa Sunday includes the name of Corporal Bertram West, whose next of kin is given as residing in Mold, England. Corporal West who left Brantford with the first contingent of the Dufferin Rifles, having previously been sergeant in the 38th, reported wounded in the recent fighting at Langemarck, the extent of his injuries being unknown at the present time in Brantford. For many years secretary of the Dufferin Rifles Football team, “Bert” West was one of the most enthusiastic football followers in the city and during his term of service with the regimental team he brought its organization to a high state of efficiency. He was connected with the Dufferin Rifles since coming to Brantford several years ago, and was employed, at the time of his enlistment as timekeeper at the Massey-Harris works. He resided with his wife and three children on Gilkison Street. Prior to his coming to Brantford, Corporal West served for three years with the Fifth Northumberland Fusiliers and since taking up his residence in Brantford was associated with the 38th Dufferin Rifles for three years. His father, Major West, who lives in Mold, England, is also a man of long military experience, and Corp. West who was a splendid soldier comes of the best of fighting stock. His brother is employed at the present time at the Massey-Harris works.

Following the departure of Corp. West with the first contingent, Mrs. West and children, who resided after his departure with Mrs. Crowe, 38 Balfour Street, left for Mold, Eng., there to take up residence with Mrs. West’s family during the war. In this connection there were especially sad circumstances attending the arrival of Corp. West in England after leaving the Valcartier camp. Mrs. West left her home to go to the station to meet her husband and during her absence the dress of her five year old daughter caught fire before an open grate and so badly was the little child burned that life was extinct when the parents arrived home.