We Remember

John Richard Orr

John Richard Orr
Rank: 
Lieutenant
Unit at enlistment: 
177th Battalion
Force: 
C.E.F.
Volunteered or conscripted: 
Volunteered
Survived the war: 
No
Date of death: 
August 9th, 1918
Cemetery: 
Beacon Cemetery - Somme, France - V.A.4.
Birth country: 
Ireland
Birth county: 
Down
Birth city: 
Downpatrick
Address at enlistment: 
Collingwood, Ontario
Next of kin address: 
Ballyhornan Road, Downpatrick, County Down, Ireland
Trade or calling: 
Bank clerk
Employer: 
Canadian Bank of Commerce
Religious denominations: 
Other
Marital status: 
Single
Age at enlistment: 
24

Letters and documents

Circumstances of Casualty: Previously reported Missing, now Killed in Action. While engaged in “low strafing” near Bray-sur-Somme, his plane was hit by machine gun fire from the ground, and crashed down behind the enemy lines. Apparently Lieutenant Orr was killed instantly. After the advance in this area the wrecked machine was found and his grave beside it.

BX August 28, 1918

Flight Lieutenant John Richard Orr Reported Missing

Mr. David Orr, Burford Road, received word yesterday afternoon that his young brother, Flight Lieutenant Jack Orr was reported missing since August 9 and was believed dead. Lieutenant Orr was born in Ireland, where his parents still live, but he came to make his home with his brother here some years ago. He first joined the staff of the Bank of Commerce in Brantford, but was transferred to Barrie, then to the West, to Collingwood and to Hamilton. He was in Hamilton when he enlisted with the 177th Battalion.

Overseas he transferred to the flying corps and he had seen active service with the 80th Squadron for more than a year when he was reported missing. Lieutenant Orr was only 24 years of age and was well and favorably known here. 

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