Ezra Claude Duval

Rank:

Gunner

Regimental number:

83380

Unit at enlistment:

4th Brigade C.F.A., 13th Battery

Force:

C.E.F.

Volunteered or conscripted:

Volunteered

Survived the war:

Date of death:

March 17th, 1921

Cemetery:

Mount Hope Cemetery, Soldiers' Plot, Brantford, Ontario

Commemorated at:

Brantford Congregational Church PSA Brotherhood

Birth country:

England

Birth county:

South Yorkshire

Birth city:

Sheffield

Address at enlistment:

103 Wellington Street, Brantford, Ontario

Next of kin address:

103 Wellington Street, Brantford, Ontario

Trade or calling:

Blacksmith

Religious denominations:

Church of England

Marital status:

Married

Age at enlistment:

Image gallery:

Letters and documents

Cause of Death: Valvular Disease of the Heart
Location: Brant Military Hospital, Burlington, Ontario

BX March 18, 1921

There passed away yesterday at Brant Hospital, Burlington, Gunner Ezra Claude Duval, No. 83380, late of the Great War Veterans’ and. The deceased had been ill for some time. Besides his sorrowing wife he leaves to mourn his loss four children, Stanly, Eric, Edna and Evelyn. The funeral will take place from his late residence, House Avenue, on Saturday afternoon at 2.00 pm, to Mount Hope cemetery. Mr. Duval was a member of the Big Brothers Bible class of the Shenstone Memorial Baptist Church. Rev. Norman R. McLeod will conduct the funeral service.

BX March 18, 1921

DUVAL – On Friday, March 12, at the Brant Hospital, Burlington, Gunner Ezra Claude Duval, No. 83380. The funeral will take place from his late residence, House Ave. on Saturday at 2 pm to Mount Hope cemetery.

BX March 18, 1921

All that was mortal of Gunner Ezra Claude Duval was tenderly laid to rest in Mount Hope cemetery Saturday afternoon. Rev. Norman R. McLeod of Shenstone Memorial Church conducted the services. The G.W.V.A. band, of which the deceased was a member, was in attendance. The remains were borne to their last resting place by Messrs. A. Perrott, C. Perrott, J. McWhirter, A. McWhirter, E. Clarke and A. Bennett. Among many beautiful floral offerings were the following: G.W.V.A. band, Brantford Musicians Protective Association Local No. 467, Terrace Hill Kith and Kin. His comrades of Brant Hospital, Burlington, Fellow Workers of the Shipping department of the Malleable Iron Works, and many friends.

BX November 30, 1916

No Recognition For 13th Battery – Men Who Left Here Dec. 1914, Say That They Have Been Overlooked

The following letter was received by The Expositor today, and is self-explanatory

November 10, 1916
France

The Editor of The Expositor,

Sir,

On Nov. 16, 1914, there marched away from Brantford a body of men known as the 32nd Howitzer Battery (66 in number) to join a similar number the 33rd Howitzer Battery of Hamilton. The combination was destined to form the now famous 13th Battery of the 4th Brigade, C.F.A.

When we left Brantford on that eventful day there was much blowing of trumpets, much handshaking and “God bless you, my lad; a grateful city is proud of you, and will not forget you and the dear ones you leave behind will be well cared for,” etc., etc. But how hollow all this appears to have been, since we as a Brantford body of men have received no official recognition since December, 1914 when each man received a parcel from the children of Brantford, per the Ladies’ Guild, or something of the kind. I may here say we left Toronto May 19, 1915, for England, and England for France Sept. 14, 1915. So now we have practically seen 14 months of actual fighting, with the result that of that 66 only 18 now remain to represent the city of Brantford in this part and keep the old flag flying, but the home fires seem to be getting so low as to be practically out now.

These few lines are written at the express wish of the boys themselves and is no cheap advertisement trick. The ladies of Hamilton and Toronto have been very kind to us, or I should say, the boys in this unit hailing from those places, have been most generous. We also note how the home guards get treated and feted, but the boys who are doing and dying – out of sight out of mind.

In conclusion please allow me to say this is not a begging letter – I guess we can carry on, but a word or two from those gentlemen (representing the city) would be much appreciated.

Faithfully yours,

E.C. Duval
83380, Gunner 13th Battery
4th Brigade, C.F.A.,
France

BX January 31, 1918

Fighting Boys’ Appreciation – Received by G.W.V.A. for Gifts Sent at Christmas Time - Captain Cornelius, secretary of the G.W.V.A. has received a number of letters in acknowledgment of the cards and parcels sent to the boys at the front at the Christmas season. All express much appreciation of the fact that they were so kindly remembered. Some of the letters received are given below:

From France Gunner E.C. Duval wrote:

“Will you please inform me of the composition of this association? Is it really composed of men who have seen active service? If so I am delighted to receive their card of greeting from those who have seen to those who are carrying on. After two and a half years of this hell and knowing what I know, I am very doubtful of the men left in Canada.”