Walter Leonard Wells

Rank:

Private

Regimental number:

772628

Unit at enlistment:

125th Battalion

Force:

C.E.F.

Volunteered or conscripted:

Volunteered

Survived the war:

Yes

Cemetery:

Mount Hope Cemetery, Brantford, Ontario

Commemorated at:

First Baptist Church

Birth country:

England

Birth county:

Leicestershire

Birth city:

Leicester

Address at enlistment:

133 Chatham Street, Brantford, Ontario

Next of kin address:

23 St. Saviours Road, Leicester, England

Trade or calling:

Stove mounter

Religious denominations:

Church of England

Marital status:

Single

Age at enlistment:

Letters and documents

Miscellaneous

BX August 1, 1944

Walter Wells Passed Away – Well-Known Resident Was Optometrist Here For Many Years

Walter L. Wells, well-known optometrist in this City for many years, passed away Monday evening in the Brantford General Hospital after one week’s illness.

One of Brantford’s best-known citizens during his long period of residence here, Mr. Wells served for a time on the City Council, as an Alderman representing Ward One. Later he represented that Ward on the Board of Education, and he also served as Chairman of the Board.

Born in England, Mr. Wells came to Canada some years before the outbreak of the First Great War. When the 125th Battalion was being recruited in this City he enlisted in that unit. Later he was transferred to the McGill Battery, 7th C.G.A., with which he served overseas from June, 1916 to May, 1919.

Returning to Brantford after the war, he started in the optometry business on Dalhousie Street. In 1928 he moved to the Arcade Building, where he had since carried on the business.

Mr. Wells was a member of the Brantford Branch of the Canadian Legion, having served for some years on the Branch Executive, and was also active in the Militia after the close of the First Great War as a member of the Dufferin Rifles.

Left to mourn his loss, besides his widow, who was formerly Miss Pearl Fuller, are two sons, Franklyn, R.C.N.V.R., on the east coast, and Norman, at home; two sisters, Mrs. C.H. Walker, in England and Mrs. L.H. Jones, Campbellford; also one brother, Horace in England and a nephew Allen, in England.

The body is resting at the Beckett Funeral Home, where funeral service will be conducted Thursday afternoon, with interment in Mount Hope Cemetery.

BX August 4, 1944

Walter L. Wells

The funeral of Walter L. Wells was conducted yesterday afternoon from the Beckett Funeral Home, in the presence of a large gathering of relatives, friends and business associates. The Canadian Legion was represented by Robert J. Black and Neil Prior. Rev. B.A. Silcox officiated. The profusion of floral tributes also paid testimony to the esteem in which Mr. Wells was held by a host of friends. A Masonic service was conducted at the graveside in Mount Hope Cemetery by members of Brant Lodge, A.F. and A.M., Rt. Wor. Bro C.C. Slemin, Wor. Bro. A.A. Cole, Wor. Bro. F. Knoepfli. “Last Post” and “Rouse” was sounded by Bugler William Bessant of No. 20. The pallbearers were L.H. Jones, N. Colombis, H. Fuller and P. Ellis, brothers-in-law, C.C. Slemin and Norman Armstrong.