Sidney Charles Curl

Rank:

Private

Regimental number:

164068

Unit at enlistment:

84th Battalion

Force:

C.E.F.

Volunteered or conscripted:

Volunteered

Survived the war:

Date of death:

September 3rd, 1916

Cemetery:

La Laiterie Military Cemetery - Ypres, Belgium - VII.C.11.

Commemorated at:

St. James Anglican Church (Paris)

Birth country:

England

Birth county:

Durham

Birth city:

Langley Park

Address at enlistment:

173 Catherine Street, Paris, Ontario

Next of kin address:

34 Tweed Street, Chopwell, Durham, England

Trade or calling:

Fitter

Religious denominations:

Church of England

Marital status:

Married

Age at enlistment:

Image gallery:

Letters and documents

Circumstances of service: Killed

Circumstances of Casualty: Killed in Action.
Location of Unit at Time of Casualty: Trenches near Kemmel.

BX September 16, 1916

Private Sidney Curl Killed in Action – Paris Man Who Was in 84th Battalion Gave Life for the Cause

PARIS, Sept. 15. – Still, another Paris man has given up his life in defence of the Empire, word having been received that Pte. Sidney Charles Curl had been killed in action; “Sid” enlisted with the 84th Battalion, and on arrival in England was transferred to the 73rd Highlanders. He was a very popular young man and highly esteemed by all who knew him. He was also a well-known football player, having played with the Paris team for several years. Besides his wife, who is in the Old Country, and his parents, he leaves two sisters, Mrs. Nebins and Mrs. Shields, and one brother, Private George Curl now overseas.

BX October 2, 1916

Private Sidney Curl Killed While on Sentry Duty – Was on Sentry Duty and Had Fired at Moving Enemy, Attracting Attention – A Good Soldier

PARIS, Oct. 2. - Mrs. Thomas Curl has received the following letter, from Lieut. Patch regarding the death of her son, Pte. Sidney Charles Curl.

September 7, 1916
Somewhere in France,

Dear Madam,

As his platoon commander, it is my sad duty to inform you of the death of your son, Sidney. It happened on Monday evening.

He had just come on duty as sentry. Evidently, he observed some signs of the enemy, for he was heard to fire his rifle several times. Whether his firing attracted the attention of the enemy's snipers, or, as is more likely, a chance shot from a machine gun struck him, we'll never know.

He did not suffer, for his death was instantaneous. His body was taken back to the reserve lines and buried on Tuesday afternoon. The burial service was read by our chaplain. I'll write you, giving further particulars of his grave.

Your son had not been long under my command, but during that time, he proved himself a good soldier, and the manner of his death proved his constant attention to his duty. While I know that little I can say will console you in your loss, still I would like you to know that I sympathize sincerely with you. I believe that he was happy in the thought that he was doing his best to serve his country. If there is any other information you wish to know I will do my best to give it to you.

I am yours sincerely,

Howard H. Patch, Lieut.

BC December 16, 1916

Mr. and Mrs. Thomas Curl received the sad intelligence from the Militia Department at Ottawa that their son, Pte. Sidney Curl had been killed in action on Sept. 3rd, 1916, somewhere in France. Private Curl left with the 84th Battalion a few months ago, but later volunteered for the 73rd Highlanders. Sidney was well known in Paris, being a great football player and an all round athlete. He was a member of St. James' Men's Society, an adherent of St. James Church, and a general favorite with all who knew him. His brother, Private George Curl, of the 98th Battalion, is at the front. The sympathy of the community will be extended to the bereaved family in their hour of trial.