James Frederick Ransom Wilkes

Rank:

Captain

Unit at enlistment:

King Edward Royal Horse

Force:

B.E.F.

Volunteered or conscripted:

Volunteered

Survived the war:

Yes

Cemetery:

Farringdon Cemetery, Brantford, Ontario

Commemorated at:

Grace Anglican Church

Birth country:

Canada

Birth county:

Brant

Birth city:

Brantford, Ontario

Address at enlistment:

Oxford, England

Next of kin address:

121 Darling Street, Brantford, Ontario

Trade or calling:

Student

Employer:

Trinity College, Oxford

Religious denominations:

Church of England

Marital status:

Single

Age at enlistment:

Letters and documents

BX April 28, 1915

Lieutenant James Frederick Ransom Wilkes Slightly Injured – Son of Lieut. Col. and Mrs. Wilkes

Lieutenant Col. and Mrs. Wilkes have received a cablegram from their son, Lieutenant Francis Hilton Wilkes and daughter, Miss Marjorie Wilkes, that their brother, Lieutenant Ransom Wilkes had met with a motorcycle accident at Worthing, near Canterbury, England, and that he was getting along very nicely. The injury was to the leg, but no further particulars were given. It is thought he may have been despatch riding at the time, as he is in that branch of the service.

BX May 19, 1915

Operation May Be Necessary

A letter was received in the city this week from Miss Marjorie Wilkes, who is in England, in which she speaks of the condition of her brother, Lieutenant James Frederick Ransom Wilkes, son of Lieut.-Col. and Mrs. A.J. Wilkes. Lieut. Wilkes was severely injured in a motorcycle accident some time ago, and Miss Wilkes states in her letter to her parents that her brother is in a very critical condition, having received a fracture of the ankle and a double fracture of the hip bone. He has also developed pneumonia and Miss Wilkes adds that the doctor was convinced that the only way that Lieut. Wilkes’ life could be saved would be to amputate the injured member. Miss Wilkes does not state in her letter whether the operation was performed, and a cablegram was received in the city on Monday stating that the condition of Lieut. Wilkes was improved. Mr. and Mrs. Wilkes are consequently in a quandary as to the precise condition of their son.

BX June 1, 1915

Leg Will Not be Amputated

Although it was expected for several days that the life of Lieutenant James Frederick Ransom Wilkes, son of Lieutenant Colonel. A.J. and Mrs. Wilkes of this city, who was injured in a motorcycle accident in England some weeks ago, could only be saved by having his leg amputated, the welcome news has since been received in the city announcing that Dr. Barker, the eminent surgeon of Bristol, who has had charge of the case, has been able to save the injured member, and that it will not have to be amputated. Blood-poising set in after the accident and the worst fears were felt for the condition of Lieut. Wilkes. By a process of tubing, the affected member has now been saved, and the latest reports indicate that “Ranny” is progressing very favorably.

BX October 4, 1915

Invalided Soldiers – Three Brantford men Expected to Arrive in City Shortly

Three Brantford soldiers, who have been wounded or injured while on active service, are expected to return to the city tonight or tomorrow at the latest. Corp. Herbert Orr, who was wounded seven times at Langemarck, and who has since been granted his discharge papers, is due to return to the city permanently. Private Guy Wallace son of Mr. Tom Wallace, the well known caretaker at the Grand Trunk Station is expected to return to his home on Grand Street, he having been wounded severely in the arm. Lieut.Ransom Wilkes, who was severely injured in a motor cycle accident in England, while he was serving with the King Edward Horse, is expected to return with his parents, Lieutenant-Colonel and Mrs. A.J. Wilkes, who have been spending several months in Europe.

Each of these soldiers, and Lieut.-Col. and Mrs. Wilkes, are believed to have been on S.S. Missanabie, which arrived in Quebec yesterday, and in Montreal this morning. Their arrival may be delayed here owing to the necessity of the soldiers having to appear before a medical board at Quebec. On their arrival here, however an effort will be made to accord the returning soldiers a civic reception.

BX October 5, 1915

Brantford Men Coming – Were Expected Home This Morning But Did Not Arrive

From Our Own Correspondent

Montreal, Oct. 5 – Home on sick leave from England came Lieut. J.F.R. Wilkes, of Brantford, Ont., with the 200 sick and wounded soldiers who arrived here last night on the C.P.R. liner Missanabie. Lieut. Wilkes was attached to the Royal Field Artillery, having been a member of the special reserves when the outbreak came. He was in England at the declaration of war. While in camp he met with a severe accident the week before the battery went to the front, and was invalided home. He left for his home in Brantford this morning.

No definite word has yet been received concerning the arrival of Corp. Herbert Orr and Private Guy Wallace, who are expected to return to the city today or Wednesday. Mr. John Orr yesterday afternoon received a telegram from his son in Quebec, apprising him of his safe arrival on Canadian soil, but not mentioning when he would arrive in Brantford. Mr. Orr telegraphed in return asking his son to inform him in advance concerning the time of his arrival in the city. Pte. Wallace has not been heard from and his father and brother, Private Wallace, of the 58th Battalion, were at the station at the 9.37 train this morning, but found no trace of the returning hero.

In a letter published elsewhere in this issue Sergt. Major Oxtaby states that Corp. Alex E. MacDonald, of No. 2 Casualty Station Army Medical Corps, Shorncliffe, England, expected to return to Canada with Corp. Orr. Corp. MacDonald will complete his medical course at the University of Toronto, and in all probability will reach Brantford at the same time Corp. Orr does.

Word has been receive in the city that Lieut.-Col. A.J. Wilkes and family, including Lieut. Ransom Wilkes, who was severely injured in a motorcycle accident while on active service in England, would return to the city on the 9.37 a.m. G.T.R. train Wednesday.

BX September 14, 1914

Is Eagerly Awaiting the Call to the Front – Lieut. Col. And Mrs. Wilkes Receive Word From Their Son Who is With the King Edward Royal Horse in England Getting Ready for Active Service

Lieut. Col. A.J. and Mrs. Wilkes, of this city, have received three most interesting communications from their son, Ran, who is now encamped at Watford with the King Edward Royal Horse, who are in training for active service, to go to the front as soon as they are in fit shape. The first two came on postcards, stationary being a luxury, while for the third he managed to secure some writing paper. The communications are as follows:

Dear Mother and Father,

As I have no note paper, I will scribble the news on several postcards. This is a heavenly day. This morning four of our troop attended service again and enjoyed it immensely. A chap living in a farmhouse nearby brought my bike from London, so I am now in clover. The barber has just arrived as my hair is a la Robinson Crusoe, I will have to have it cut presently. On service many things have to be laid aside and many more added. We are still on Lord Clarendon’s estate and enjoying life to the full. We are to lie here till our horses are fit, which will be another month or so. The night before last and all day yesterday, I was on ammunition guard, two hours on and four hours off for 24 hours. Three men and a corporal compose the guard. We had instructions from the major to shoot down a German spy who had killed a sentry at Darrow. After dark we stopped everyone on the main road and made proper enquiries. Our rifles were loaded and we had ten rounds of ball cartridges. It was great sport holding up all classes, especially the “flappers.” The meals doled out to us there were topping and we spent a useful 24 hours. Last night a chap called Steyn, and I gave a mouth organ recital. My ‘piece de resistance,’ or if you prefer it ‘coup, de concert’ was “The Maple Leaf,” rendered with proper Canadian enthusiasm. I do hope our contingent will come over and that the Wilkes family will be on hand for service. It is quite possible, that the Canadian cavalry would be in our division. Then old Hilt (his brother) would have a chance to distinguish himself. Each morning reveille sounds at 5.30 a.m. when we arise and do the stables. Every morning we go for a topping ride through the most glorious stretches of wooded country. The afternoon is spent in cleaning up and an occasional swim.

Yours,
“Ran”

Secured Stationary

After writing the two postcards given above, he managed to secure some stationery, and added the following letter to his previous communication:

Since scribbling the two postcards I have obtained some writing paper, so will endeavor to amplify some of my news. At the present time I am out on line guard, sitting on the grass with a bale of hay supporting my spine. I hope to have a bath in about half an hour. We are surrounded here by pear, apple and plum trees, which are daily decimated to the edification of our stomachs. While deprived of many luxuries we hate to dispense with edibles and even tea is deemed indispensable, I have accustomed myself lately to drink that invigorating beverage in the laundry, where a petite little “skirt” acts as hostess. She even did some laundry for me the other day, gratis, I might add.

The lord and lady of the manor paid our lines a visit the other day, and I am sure that they admired my steed. He is a big black blue-eyed baby, in fact the tallest in the squadron, and as for work – he is a scorcher. I have previously mentioned a chap named Hossie. I didn’t know until yesterday that he is a nephew of the late Mr. Hossie of the Institute. He is a cracking fine chap, and perhaps the most efficient in our squadron. Another Cambridge boy by the name of Baker is the cook of the 3rd troop. He has been in Canada for four years taking divinity (Presbyterian) at a Western Varsity. He is to be ordained very soon after the war concludes, (will it be months or years?) and is to devote his services to the Peace River district. There is no doubt that this Michaelmas term will have to be abandoned by us, perhaps the whole year. Unless the present Russian steam roller proves indomitable, the war is liable to be a lengthy one as well as a sanguinary one.

I have just been looking at a photo of the Bishop of London preaching to a mass of regulars. It is a most inspiring snapshot. The church throughout England is upholding the great traditions of the British Empire, and its preachers seem to be the most eloquent when most eloquence is needed. The position of those sluggards who are too lazy to volunteer will soon be unbearable as the press is attacking this class ruthlessly and unceasingly. “The splendid response from Canadian shores is a thrilling theme in England at the present time” – The Times.

Your dutiful son,

“Ran”

BX September 25, 1914

Brantford Boy is Eagerly Awaiting His Marching Orders – Expects to go to Africa – Breezy Letter Received by The Expositor From Son of Col. Wilkes Who is With British Regiment Now in Training in Watford, England

The Expositor today received the following interesting letter from J.F. Ransom Wilkes of this city, who is in training with a regiment of British regulars at Watford, England.

September 12, 1914
Lord Clarendon’s Estate

To the editor of the Expositor

Sir,

Although the columns of your paper cannot be suffering a scarcity of war news, never the less, some of your subscribers might be interested in a few jettings from a Brantfordite. As my remarks will doubtless reach you uncensored, perhaps I had better warn about who read the following lines not to search too deeply beneath the surface. At present the regiment to which I belong is billeted near Watford, Herts, a charming city of some 65,000 inhabitance. Each squadron has a separate billet, but the regiment is concentrated within an area of about 1 ½ miles. Our movements have been so varied and sporadic since mobilization that it is rather difficult to realize where we have been. It is much more difficult to even surmise where we are going. On July 26 our regiment assembled in Canterbury for the usual training. On August 7 we were suddenly ordered to Alexandra Palace London. We remained there until the 14th, when further orders were issued causing our segregation near Watford. Here we have remained ever since. Being pacified by fake rumors which presented some active work in Egypt, Africa, and almost every other country on the face of the globe, barring the U.S.A. However there are rumors which seem to be more true to the effect that Africa will be our ultimate destination. For well over a month we have been constantly training both ourselves and our horses. And feeling perfectly fit; it is small wonder that we long for a “wee crack er twa.” Both Alexandra Palace (Ally Pally is the Oxford equivalent) and here we have had stampedes resulting in the death of five or six horses and the temporary disablement of many more.

The first night here the horses were hackled or rather horse ground as our horses are situated in the valley. About 11 p.m. a huge barge began letting off steam nearby. In two minutes time all but two horses stampeded and the last bit of work done that night was the dragging of the dead horse off the main road. The poor beast had attempted to jump a fence but failing and broke his neck. As a matter of fact our squadron has had beastly luck (no pun intended) with regard to stampedes and minor accidents, but Shakespeare’s aphorism “All’s well that ends well,” applies in our case.

King Edward Horse Regiment was formed during the Boer War by the express wish of King Edward. His idea was to make one of the [?]colonials in England and to form a district regiment from their numbers. The past decade has fully confirmed that idea and now the King Edward horse is the part of the special reserve. One squadron hails from Liverpool, two from London, and the fourth is composed of Oxford and Cambridge undergraduates. As an instance of the ardent enthusiasm and patriotism prevalent among colonials in England, I might say that in three or four cases well-to-do colonials have accepted the position of chevaliers rather than be left out of the ranks. The desire universally prevalent amongst the ranks is that we may be allowed our share in the conflict and believe me sir, there are many more ardent Canadians besides myself included in those ranks. We are all awaiting the arrival of the Canadian contingent and as The Times so aptly puts it “London will stretch out her arms and welcome.”

J.F. Ransom Wilkes

BX October 14, 1914

Interesting Letter Received From Son of Col. Wilkes – Talks With Wounded Tommies – During His Confinement in Chelsea Hospital He Had Opportunity to Converse With Men Returned from the Front – British Treat Foes Better Than Do the Germans

A very interesting letter, giving activities of the British troops in France, has been received by Lieut. Col. A.J. Wilkes, of this city from his son, J.F.R. Wilkes, who has been confined to Chelsea Hospital, where he met many of the wounded Tommies from the front, and heard their stories.

He mentions listening to some thrilling stories told by wounded from the front who arrived at the hospital on September 29. “It ain’t war, its murder, were some of the first words I heard from a voluble Tommy who sleeps near me,” says Mr. Wilkes:

“This man was shot through the shoulder on the 17th and has been all this time in reaching England. He spent five days in a hospital at Rouen, but no attempt was made to extract the bullet. The boat which brought the British wounded across passed Lord Brasney’s private yacht in the Seine, and the Tommies are eulogizing his lordship, as he stopped, came on board, and had a cheery word and incidentally some cigarettes for one and all.

"My head is replete with hair-raising tales which are evidently an everyday concomitant of the Tommie’s routine by the way he nonchalantly tells them. How he can mention in one breath a most ghastly incident and in the next a humorous one, is almost incredible. Example of the former have been patiently described in the papers. You would have roared to have heard one of them tell of a night spent among a sow and 14 pigs. “Right in the pen, lads, and 14 of them squealing all around you. Nice company, wasn’t it?”

"Evidently the British are more humane towards their prisoners than are the Germans, and is it to be wondered at after Louvain and Rheims? It is quite a common occurrence, says a Tommy, to come across small detachments of Germans, who are only too glad to surrender to us. When they do it means a shortage of our rations, but even a dog must have his share. These were the very words used by the one with a bullet in his shoulder and one can see him sharing his bit of biscuit with a German prisoner. One regiment lived for four days on one biscuit and one twentieth of a pot of bully beef per man. Something of a gastronomic test."

But one of the most stirring remarks from the former source was also one of the highest compliments which could possibly be paid a British officer. ‘Our officers,’ he said, can’t be touched by any. Why there is a youth named James, a second lieutenant, who has only been with us a few months, but who is always on his feet telling us the ranges, encouraging the wounded and keeping up any lagging spirits. I don’t believe he ever sleeps. Our colonel too is one of the best. He went on to tell us how the former extricated them at midnight from a dense wood, when Germans were on all sides. In contrast to this esprit, which exists between the Tommy and his officer were told that it was an actual fact that the German soldiers were often driven, at swords point into the fray. However, nothing but praise was directed towards the remarkably accurate marksmanship of the German artillery. ‘You will see a German aeroplane hovering over the trenches and spying out the position of the guns and ten minutes afterwards the shells will be bursting on the spot. South Africa was play to this.’ One is surprised when shells are not bursting nearby. This we get some reality of actual warfare. He told us on the discovery of four guns with 69 dead gunners lying about. He shivered when he recalled the actual scene and soon changed the subject. When one has been in the midst of the dead for weeks on end, one hardly likes to dwell on particulars.

Another chap has just entered the room where I am writing, and he is telling us of some of the wounds which he has just seen. Just imagine a rough trip through densely wooded country (the country about the Aisne where the fighting is taking place is woody and uneven) with a bullet in one’s thigh. And yet I didn’t see a front on the man’s face when he entered, although he suffers at every move. But enough of such realities which are ever present signs of bulldog endurance and pertinacity. I hear another thousand wounded are arriving in London in a few days.

Gave a chap in the Royal Engineers a bath last night, one of the pluckiest I have ever met. He was wounded just as an order to retire was given; he stuck to it for about 20 yards, but had to drop. For ten days he lay there in the open without food or drink. His pals were within 300 yards of him, but he hadn’t the strength to crawl. Whenever he raised his head the bullets would whizz around him. At last he was found in an exhausted condition by some advance guards. And yet he told me that he considered himself one of the luckiest, as his wounds didn’t hurt very much. He is by the by, a crack shot-putter, but every rib in his body is now viable. Like the rest he is uncomplaining and continues smiling.

BX February 15, 1915

Letter from Lieut. Wilkes – Brantford Officer Has Been Selected to Instruct Large Class in Signalling

Lieut.-Col. Wilkes has received another interesting letter from his son, Lieut. J.F. Ransom Wilkes, who is at Bulford Camp, Salisbury Plain. From it, the following interesting extracts are taken:

"Many things have happened since my last letter, among them being an order that I am to have 114 men to whom I must teach signalling. Rather a colossal task, but here's hoping for the best. They all have to be taught the Morse code and also semaphore, and the majority the use of the field telephone. The adjutant hopes to procure several instruments this week which will help to give me some study. Another signalling officer, who is of an inventive faculty, has a wire strung from his room to mine along a drain and under two crossings. We attached a telephone to each end, and from our beds we can communicate through the Morse code to one another.
Another event is the taking out of the guns in the proper manner. As yet we have not all our harness, so we have to use what we have in rotation. Some of the horses balked a little, but we managed to get back without any casualties.

Lectures in Evening

"The weeks are thus taken up with signalling and ordinary battery duties such as gunnery and riding etc. Each evening at 5.45 we have a lecture, generally from one of the officers who has returned from the front. They are quite prevalent now, and tell some interesting and thrilling tales. Two officers were in the 7th Division, the one which was mentioned in despatches during the wonderful retreat from Mons. We had a lecture, or rather talk from both of them on their experiences at the front, and they gave us a wonderfully clear, and exhaustive account of all their movements from the time of their arrival to the time of departure. They were both wounded and sent back on sick leave. The sagacity and trickiness, as well as the fighting abilities of the Germans were especially emphasized. You cannot believe the newspaper accounts, unless they are official.

Figuring It out

"In the next room to me two officers are trying to put a battery-on-paper through its paces. Expressions such as "aiming point," "deflection," "degree right," are filtering through. This morning we had some instructions in 4.5 howitzer drill. As there is only one of these guns in the two divisions, that is the 18th, which is nearby, and the 19th, instruction is very sparse.

"Last night two of us rode into Salisbury, which is the usual thing to do on Saturday. I have a splendid big mare, but she is rather too showy for artillery purposes. She is a good jumper, but periodically brushes with her fore feet. We had a batch of mules in again, but we have one priceless one, almost pure white, and with those huge big ears which are so characteristic of stubbornness."

BX November 28, 1918

Vladivostok Through Local Officer’s Eyes – Capt. J.F.R. Wilkes Writes Interesting of Life in Siberia’s Sea Entrance – Some Queer Types

Captain James Francis Ransom Wilkes writes to his parents, Lieutenant Colonel and Mrs. A.J. Wilkes, from Vladivostok, Siberia

November 1, 1918
Vladivostok

I am better able now to convey a few of the impressions of this gateway to the Pacific, this eastern port of Russia. The last week has been an intensely interesting one, every moment proving of peculiar interest.

The types of people are legion and everyone appears to be clothed in a different style than that of his or her fellows. The streets and alley ways are, of course filthy, there being no civic power to enforce cleanliness. The few cafes, however, run by Chinese, are comparatively clean, and there is no evidence of food shortage. Prices are very reasonable, especially food prices. One can order a luscious filet mignon with all the trimmings, for some 7 rubles (about 70¢). The paper money is the most pathetic thing in the world. Postage stamps, cigar wrappers, cigarette coupons, and anything denoting figures is negotiable, and one usually carries the greatest amount of truck in one’s pocket for purchasing purposes.

There are some very charming American and English people here. I am sharing a room with a chap by the name of F.E. Sherbluin, who is serving in the capacity of liaison officer. He was born in Petrograd, and left for Canada when five years of age. He speaks the language quite fluently, and consequently I am making strides myself.

I have been appointed secretary of the mess and as a result most of my time has been occupied in purchasing various articles therefore. It has proven rather difficult to obtain office accommodation, but yesterday we secured a theatre which is being renovated to suit our requirements.

You would die of laugher of some of the sights here. Without exaggeration one sees a full-aired play wherever one looks. Yesterday Colonel Barclay and I conducted a tour through the market place, where is sold everything from a needle to a hay stack, Indians, Chinese, Japanese, Czechs, Europeans, Turks, etc., thronged the place, and it was a sight to remember for all time. There are several motors at our disposal, and the day after I landed, a British major put his car at my disposal for the afternoon and I drove several officers about the town.

Barracks extend for a distance of some ten miles outside the city, which apparently used to house the Russians in the Russo-Japanese war. The Japs over-run the place and are generally unpopular. The Canadians are the most popular as our men are going up the line before the others.

Our quarters are comfortable and roomy and we can subsist on government rations. The weather as far has been glorious, there being sunshine every day. Winter will begin toward the end of November.

BX April 14, 1915

Family With Proud Record – Miss Marjorie Hilton Wilkes Leaves for War Zone – Three Brothers There Already

Miss Marjorie Wilkes, daughter of Colonel and Mrs. A.J. Wilkes, left the city on Monday evening for New York, there to proceed with Lady Drummond’s party to do war service in England. The party, which includes Miss Antoinette Parker, of Ottawa, formerly of this city, has been organized to constitute an enquiry and correspondence bureau for wounded Canadians under treatment in Old Country hospitals. The proposal is to make enquiries concerning the relatives and friends of the soldiers and to keep them informed as to the progress of the wounded fighting men to write letters for the patients unable to carry on their own correspondence and in various other ways to help the disabled men.

Miss Wilkes’ departure constitutes the fourth in a family of five children. Lieutenant Alfred Burton Wilkes is with the McGill University base hospital contingent; Lieutenant Francis Hilton Wilkes is with the Royal Canadian Dragoons; Lieutenant James Frederick Ransom Wilkes is with the Royal Field Artillery, and now Miss Marjorie will do her part. Little Miss Gwendolyn Wilkes is the only member of the family now at home with Col. and Mrs. Wilkes.

Lady Drummond’s party will sail for New York on the White Star Liner, Arabic. Mrs. Wilkes accompanied her daughter to the American metropolis.

BX November 24, 1928

Sad Word Received of a Fatal Mishap – Ransom Wilkes, Son of Col. and A.J. Wilkes, the Victim

The sad word was received in the city today from Montreal of the accidental death of James Frederick Ransom Wilkes, youngest son of Col. A.J. Wilkes and Mrs. Wilkes, of this city. Particulars of the mishap are not yet to hand. The deceased was born in this city, and spent all of his early life here. At the time of the Great War, he went overseas, and was the victim of a very serious motor cycle accident, which at that time nearly cost him his life. On his return he again resided in Brantford, but later removed to Montreal where his marriage took place only a short time ago. It is understood that he was away from home on a weekend trip when the fatality occurred.

There will be very great sympathy for the bereaved parents, young widow, and members of the family, in connection with this sudden visitation.

The funeral will be in Brantford on Sunday morning, on the arrival of the train from Montreal, and a service will be held in Grace Church, at 9.45. Interment will take place in Farringdon cemetery.

BX November 26, 1928

Stumbled with Gun in Getting out of Car – Further Particulars of Sad Mishap to Former Brantfordite – Investigation Resulted in Verdict of Accidental Death

Further details of the lamented death of James Frederick Ransom Wilkes, youngest son of Col. And Mrs. A.J. Wilkes show that he and his wife had decided to take a week’s holiday shooting at Magog, located near Lake Memphremagog, about 80 miles from Montreal. On Friday afternoon he left the hotel with his car and was later found dead, close to his auto. He suffered from a stiff leg, fractured in a motorcycle accident while serving with the Royal Field Artillery in England during the war period, and had evidently tripped while getting out of the car. The fall had caused the gun to discharge and the bullet had traveled upwards, passing through the left lung and severing an artery. Death must have been almost instantaneous.

As no one had been present to witness the fatality a coroner’s inquest took place at Magog to make full inquiry into the surrounding circumstances and as the outcome of the investigation the jury returned a verdict of accidental death.

The deceased was born in Brantford in 1894 and after passing through the public school and Collegiate Institute courses he attended Trinity College, Toronto. Later he attended Trinity College, Oxford and at the time of the outbreak of the Great War he was a member of the Oxford University squadron of the King Edward Horse who were in camp in 1914. Subsequently he was commissioned to the Royal Field Artillery and as the result of a motorcycle accident, previously mentioned, he sustained a compound fracture of his leg and other hurts which for a considerable period led his life to be despaired of. He was invalided back to Canada, and after a year’s convalescence in Brantford, he enlisted in the Canadian army, and became a staff officer in charge of records of military district Number 2. He was subsequently sent to Vladivostok with the Siberian Expeditionary Force in 1919 and was demobilized in 1919 after the armistice had been signed. He then resumed his studies at Trinity College, Oxford, where he took the degree of B.A., and on his return to Canada attended Osgoode Hall for a time and then studied chartered accountancy with the well-known firm of McDonald, Currie and Company, Montreal. His next step was to attend McGill University Faculty of Law, and he was called to the bar in due course. At the time of his demise he was a partner in the firm of Foster, Hackett and Col, barristers. His marriage to Miss Mackenzie, daughter of A.H.B. Mackenzie, of Montreal, only took place as recently as October 1927.

Laid to Rest

The funeral took place on the arrival of the Canadian National Montreal train on Sunday morning, a service first taking place in Grace church before the cortege proceeded to Farringdon cemetery. On the train were relatives and friends from the city named, and others had previously arrived from New York and other points. A number had assembled in the edifice to pay a last tribute of respect to one who had been so well liked and appropriate music was rendered.

The chief mourners included Mrs. Wilkes, the bereaved wife; Dr. A.B. Wilkes, brother and Mrs. Wilkes Ottawa; Col. And Mrs. Logie Armstrong, sister, Ottawa; Mr. and Mrs. Hilton Wilkes, brother, and Mrs. Wilkes, Toronto; Miss Gwendolyn Wilkes, sister, Brantford; Mr. A.H. B. Mackenzie, Montreal; Mr. and Mrs. Donald Mackenzie, Mr. Hackett, of the legal firm to which deceased belonged in Montreal; Mr. Albert Gooderham, and Mr. Andrew Duncanson, Toronto; Mrs. C. Ames, Toronto; Mr. John Wilkes, Montreal; Miss Kate Haycock, Brantford; Mr. Gerald Wilkes, Galt.

Ven. Archdeacon Fotheringham officiated, and the pallbearers were Dr. R.W. Digby, Iden Champion, C. Waterous, Brantford; H. Watson, Galt, G. Rolph and C. Clarke, Toronto. The beautiful floral tributes included a large number from Montreal.