Edgar William Galbraith Patten

Rank: 
Lieutenant
Unit at enlistment: 
215th Battalion
Force: 
C.E.F.
Volunteered or conscripted: 
Volunteered
Survived the war: 
No
Date of death: 
October 26th, 1917
Cemetery: 
Menin Gate Memorial - Ypres, Belgium - Panel 18.24.26.30
Commemorated at: 
St. George Memorial Plaque, BCI Memorial Honour Roll
Birth country: 
Canada
Birth county: 
Wellington
Birth city: 
Morristown, Ontario
Address at enlistment: 
St. George, Ontario
Next of kin address: 
St. George, Ontario
Trade or calling: 
Student
Religious denominations: 
Baptist
Marital status: 
Single
Age at enlistment: 
26

Letters and documents

Circumstances of Casualty: Killed in Action. While leading his men “over the top” in an attack on enemy positions West of Passchendaele, he was shot through the head by an enemy sniper and killed.

BX November 7, 1917

Edgar William Galbraith Patten Killed in Action

Lieutenant Edgar William Galbraith Patten, who was a gold medalist at the University of Toronto in mathematics and physics, was killed in action, October 26, according to word received in Toronto yesterday. He went overseas with a Brant Battalion, and received his degree of B.A. from the University in 1916. His family resides in St. George.

BX November 8, 1917

Lieutenant Edgar William Galbraith Patten Officially Reported Killed in Action

Lieutenant Edgar William Galbraith Patten is officially reported killed in action, according to a message received on Saturday by his father, Mr. Charles G. Patten of St. George. Lieutenant Edgar William Patten enlisted with the 215th Battalion, Second Brants, in March, 1916. He trained at Niagara Camp in the summer of that year, and having obtained a commission as lieutenant, was sent over to England taking courses at the military schools at Crowborough and Shorncliffe, he was attached to the 8th Reserve Battalion for active service in France.

Lieutenant Edgar William Patten was educated in St. George schools, and in the Brantford Collegiate Institute. He was a brilliant student, and on entering Toronto University stood first in the province in mathematics. He maintained this position at the head of his class throughout his university course, and graduated as gold medalist in mathematics. On leaving the university he at once enlisted, and now in the service of his country he has made the supreme sacrifice.

Most unassuming and retiring in disposition, he possessed a personality which endeared him to all who enjoyed his acquaintance or friendship, and general regret will be felt that a life of so great promise has been cut off at its very beginning. Many school and other friends in Brantford join in sincere sympathy with his father and mother and other relatives in St. George.