Circumstances of Casualty: Killed in Action.
Location of Unit at Time of Casualty: In the Vicinity of St. Julien.
BX May 19, 1915
Brantford Casualty List on Increase – Honor Roll Added to – Pte. John Hawke, of Brantford Boy Knights, Reported to Have Died of Wounds – Nephew of Rev. Dr. Hooper Killed in Action – Paris Men Wounded
A letter was received in the city yesterday from Private Hamilton by his sister, Miss Hamilton, which told the sad tidings of the death of Pte. John Hawke, who succumbed to the effects of wounds received during the fighting on April 23. His comrades were with him until the last spark of life had departed and his dying words were that he had done his duty.
Private Hawke was but a young man who would have been 21 on his next birthday in November. He was born and educated in Brantford, having attended the local public schools and collegiate institute. He was a favorite among his friends and his bright and genial disposition will leave behind him a happy memory in the heart of those with whom he came often in contact. At the time of his enlistment, he was in the employ of Turnbull and Cutcliffe Ltd., and was Chief Templar of the I.O.G.T., with the Boy Knights for the past eight especially, identified, having been half-company commander of A. Company.
He has been associated with the Boy Knights for the past eight years, having been one of the Knights most capable debaters and a member of the prize-winning shooting team last season. Since his 12th birthday he has frequently entertained Brantford audiences on the concert platform. He leaves an uncle, James H. Hawke, who resides at 21 North Park Street, and a mother who lives in Toronto. He served for three years with the 9th Mississauga Horse, Toronto.
A memorial service will be held by the Boy Knights in memory of their late comrade who always made the best of his opportunities and was faithful and true to his friends.
BX July 5, 1915
Private John Hawke, whose name appears among the killed in Saturday’s casualty list, volunteered for active service at Brantford, at the outbreak of the war. He belonged to “B” Company of the 4th Battalion. Mrs. Hawke, of Sumach Street, Toronto, received a telegram on Monday from Ottawa stating that her son had been killed in action; this was not strange news for her, she having previously received word from some relatives in Brantford. Prior to the war, Private Hawke served three years with the Mississauga Horse in Toronto. He was born and educated at Brantford, and worked here for Turnbull & Cutcliffe. His mother resides at 346 Sumach Street, Toronto.
