Lorne Henry Rehder

Rank:

Lieutenant

Unit at enlistment:

125th Battalion

Force:

C.E.F.

Volunteered or conscripted:

Volunteered

Survived the war:

Date of death:

August 8th, 1918

Cemetery:

Beaucourt British Cemetery - Somme, France - C.5.

Commemorated at:

St. Paul's Methodist Church (Paris), Paris District High School Memorial Plaque, B.C.I. High School Memorial Plaq

Birth country:

Canada

Birth county:

Brant

Birth city:

Paris, Ontario

Address at enlistment:

Paris, Ontario

Next of kin address:

Paris, Ontario

Trade or calling:

Student

Religious denominations:

Methodist

Marital status:

Single

Age at enlistment:

Image gallery:

Letters and documents

Circumstances of Casualty: Killed in Action. Killed by an enemy shell during the advance to Beaucourt.

BX August 19, 1918

Paris Casualties

(From Our Own Correspondent)

PARIS, Aug. 19. – Lieutenant Lorne Henry Rehder, only son of Mr. H. Rehder, has made the supreme sacrifice for his country, it is officially announced. The message received by his heartbroken parents stated that Lieutenant Rehder had been killed in action on August eighth, the day the big Canadian offensive began.

Lieutenant Lorne Rehder took out his commission with the 125th Brant Battalion in November, 1915, and went overseas with the battalion in August 1916. Later he was transferred to the 54th Battalion, with which he went over to France in April last.

Lieutenant Rehder, who was in his 27th year, was born and educated in Paris and on completing his education here continued his studies at Toronto University, where he graduated two years ago, receiving his degree of B.A. Deceased was a fine type of young manhood, and was loved and esteemed by all who came in contact with him for his many excellent qualities. He always took a very active interest in the Y.M.C.A. and was an indefatigable worker in its behalf. He was also an active member of the Methodist Church and Sunday school.

Lieutenant Lorne Rehder was highly esteemed by both officers and men at his battalion, and a returned veteran remarked on hearing of his death, that the army had lost one of its best and brightest officers, as he always had the welfare of the men under him close at heart.

To his parents, Mr. and Mrs. Henry Rehder, and sister, Miss Kathleen, the heartfelt sympathy of the community goes out in their sad bereavement.

BX September 17, 1918

Death in Action

In a letter received by Lieutenant Colonel Cutcliffe, some details were given of the death in action of Lieutenant Douglas Kipp Hamilton and Lieutenant Lorne Henry Rehder. Lieutenant Hamilton was killed instantly, presumably by a shell, according to the writer, Captain Stanley Wallace of this city. Lieutenant Rehder was in action with the tanks when he met death gloriously advancing. In another letter from Lieutenant Oxtaby to a local friend, the writer stated that he had visited the ground where both these well-known 125th boys had made the supreme sacrifice.

BX September 19, 1918

Send Regrets at Officers’ Deaths – W.H. Pilcher of Godalming Pays Tribute to Brant Officers

Lieutenant Colonel M.E.B. Cutcliffe was the recipient this week of a letter from an old friend of the 125th Battalion boys at Godalming, which was very much appreciated. It follows:

August 22, 1918

The Grove
Godalming

Dear Col. Cutcliffe,

I have got your address from an officer here because I feel that I must send you a few lines, the spirit compelling which, I should like to convey to the families and friends of Lieut. Rehder and Hamilton.

We into whose lives and circles they came, need not nor dare to tell their dearest what they were, but we should like them to know that we immediately recognized them as gentleman, English gentleman, Canadian gentlemen, nature’s gentlemen, and Christian gentlemen. I mourn their going, in death, they were not divided, but I know little, God knows all, and perhaps he wanted them back. Be proud of them as I know they were of you.

Good bye. All join in a big salute,

Yours sincerely,

W.H. Pilcher