Ernest Lavern Aitcheson

Rank:

Driver

Regimental number:

305051

Unit at enlistment:

3rd Divisional Ammunition Column, C.F.A.

Force:

C.E.F.

Volunteered or conscripted:

Volunteered

Survived the war:

Wounded:

Yes

Date of death:

March 31st, 1917

Cemetery:

Aubigny Communal Cemetery Extension - Pas de Calais, France - I.J.25.

Commemorated at:

First Baptist Church, Riverdale Baptist Church

Birth country:

Canada

Birth county:

Brant

Birth city:

New Durham, Ontario

Address at enlistment:

137 Chestnut Avenue, Brantford, Ontario

Next of kin address:

137 Chestnut Avenue, Brantford, Ontario

Trade or calling:

Baker

Employer:

Holmedale Bakery

Religious denominations:

Baptist

Marital status:

Single

Age at enlistment:

Letters and documents

Circumstances of service: Killed

Circumstances of Casualty: Died of Wounds. On the night of March 25th, 1917, was on duty as head driver on a team of mules, hauling trucks along a light railway, and while passing through the town of Neuville St. Vaast, an enemy shell burst on the roadway wounding Driver Aitcheson in the buttock and both legs. He was removed to dressing station immediately, and afterwards transferred to No. 30 Casualty Clearing Station, where he died.

BX March 29, 1917

Ernest Lavern Aitcheson Dangerously Wounded

Dangerously wounded was the word received today by Mrs. Ella Aitcheson, of 137 Chestnut Avenue, in reference to her son Driver Ernest Aitcheson, who is connected with the artillery. Driver Aitcheson formerly worked at the Adams Bakers in Holmedale.

BX April 7, 1917

Driver Ernest Aitcheson Dies

Word was received here today that Driver Ernest Aitcheson, recently reported wounded, had died of his wounds. He was a single man, having been employed at the Holmedale bakery before enlistment with the artillery. His parents, who reside at 137 Chestnut Avenue, with one sister, Miss Myrtle, and one brother, Delmas, mourn the loss.

BX April 13, 1917

Memorial Service

A memorial service will be held on Sunday evening at Riverdale Baptist Church for Driver Ernest Aitcheson who recently paid the supreme price.

BX April 16, 1917

Riverdale Church Memorial Service – Driver Ernest Lavern Aitcheson’s Memory was Fittingly Honored

In the Riverdale Baptist Church last evening a service to the memory of the late Driver Ernest Aitcheson was held and so large was the audience that many had to be turned away. Rev. T.E. Richards of Font Hill, a former pastor of the church, delivered a strong sermon on “Lessons from the War.” At the outset of his sermon, he spoke of the hero Driver Aitcheson had been sacrificing himself on behalf of his country, emphasizing the lessons each country was learning through the medium of the war. He dwelt upon the statement of Admiral Beatty that there must be a religious revival before the Allies could hope to win the war. Rev. Mr. Richards believed that the war would continue until both Canada and Great Britain learned the lesson.

England, the speaker pointed out was learning the lesson of sacrifice and also a lesson in regard to prohibition, although the last lesson had not been well learned yet. In mentioning Germany, he alluded to the revolution brewing there and believed that it would emerge a better and more democratic country. Russia had just passed through a revolution and it was learning the lessons of government by the people and the evils of drink. The infidelity, which had previously been prevalent in France, was now giving way, he said, to recognition of God. An anthem was rendered by the choir last evening and the quartet also sang most acceptably.