Franklin Walter Ott MC

Rank: 
Captain
Unit at enlistment: 
126th Battalion
Force: 
C.E.F.
Volunteered or conscripted: 
Volunteered
Survived the war: 
No
Date of death: 
September 17th, 1918
Cemetery: 
Monchy British Cemetery - Pas de Calais, France - II.D.34.
Awards or decorations: 
Military Cross, Mentioned in Despatches
Commemorated at: 
Victoria Public School Honour Roll, Port Credit War Memorial
Birth country: 
Canada
Birth county: 
Brant
Birth city: 
Brantford, Ontario
Next of kin address: 
Port Credit, Ontario
Trade or calling: 
Student
Religious denominations: 
Church of England
Marital status: 
Single
Age at enlistment: 
21
Gallantry medals: 
Yes

Letters and documents

London Gazette: 30706
Date: May 28, 1918
Honour or Award: Mentioned in Despatches
Ott, Franklin Walter (Captain)
Unit: 116th Battalion 

London Gazette: 31119
Date: January 11, 1919
Honour or Award: Military Cross
Authority: 3rd D.O. 3569, October 7, 1918
Name: Franklin Walter Ott (Captain)
Unit: 116th Battalion 

Details: He, when in charge of a company during an advance, showed the greatest skill and courage in handling his men. He organized bombing parties, and led them against enemy posts, capturing prisoners and two machine guns. During the enemy counterattack he collected eight men, repulsed several attacks, showing a great example to his men and being the last to leave when the post was forced against very heavy odds to retire. He again organized a party and retook the post. He showed great initiative in consolidating and holding the position against all counter-attacks.

Circumstances of Casualty: Killed in Action.
Location of Unit at Time of Casualty: North East of Guemappe.

BC September 21, 1918

Captain Franklin Walter Ott Reported Killed in Action

Word was received in the city yesterday that Captain Frank Ott was killed in action in France on the 17th inst. Captain Franklin Walter Ott, who was 25 years of age, was a son of the late Lieutenant Charles A. Ott of the Dufferin Rifles and a stepson of Charles Elliott, barrister, who is now librarian of the Law Society, Osgoode Hall, Toronto. He was a law student in Toronto when in March, 1915, he with other university boys enlisted in the 25th Battery, going overseas in June. In October, he was granted furlough to come home to the deathbed of his mother, who was formerly Miss Emma Plummer of this City. While at home he was given a commission in the 126th Peel Battalion and after a training period at Camp Borden returned overseas in August, 1916. He was transferred to the 116th Battalion and was continuously on the firing line for 18 months. His home was at Port Credit, where he took an active part in the life of the district and was exceedingly popular. He excelled in various branches of activities and had a host of friends. The late Captain Ott was a nephew of Mr. and Mrs. Robert L. Foulds.