BX January 29, 1915

Going Back to Drill Recruits – Sergeant Blues of Dufferin Rifles, Will Help Lick Kitchener’s Army into Shape

Sergeant Blues of the Dufferin Rifles, who proffered his services to the British War Office as an instructor for a unit or units of the new Kitchener army, received word yesterday to report for duty as soon as possible.

Accordingly he is making preparations to leave on Wednesday next for England, where he will be assigned for duty in getting into shape the men who will be thrown into action in the spring, when the Allies start their forward movement.

Sergeant Blues is a veteran of many years standing, having served over 21 years in the British army, on active and foreign service, in many lands.  He was more than ready to again take on active part this time, but his years forbade.  He will, however, have done his share by his work in drilling the new recruits for Kitchener’s army.

BX February 3, 1915
 
Given Pipe and Pouch – Presentation to Sergt. Blues on the Eve of His Departure for the Old Land
 
Sergeant W. Blues, who leaves this evening for the old land, to act as an instructor with a unit of Kitchener’s new army, was yesterday presented with a handsome pipe and tobacco pouch by his fellow workers at the Slingsby Mill, in recognition of the fact that he was giving up his duties here to respond to the higher call of King and Country.

The following address was read to him, and the presentation made at the appropriate moment:
 
To Sergeant W. Blues,
 
On the occasion of your departure for England to serve your country for another term, we, your fellow workers in the knitting room, present you as a memento with this pipe and tobacco pouch.

BX October 8, 1927

Prominent Veteran Passed Away Today

The death occurred this morning at his residence, 95 Maitland Street, of William H. Blues.  Deceased, who was 59 years of age was a native of Scotland, and left this city when war broke out to enlist with his own former regiment, the 79th Highlanders.  While with that regiment, he had a splendid 21 year record of service, having served in the Boer War and the Sudan.  His decorations included six army service medals, and also the King Edward coronation medal.

He returned to Brantford in 1916.  In addition to his widow, he leaves to mourn his losses three daughters and two sons, Mrs. H. Richardson, Dayton, Ohio; Mrs. J. Blair, Detroit, Mich., and Mrs. C.G. Brunn, Dayton, Ohio; Henry, Brantford; and Alec., Detroit.  A military funeral will take place tomorrow afternoon to Mount Hope cemetery.

BX October 10, 1927

Many Veterans Were at Last Sad Rites – W.H. Blues, Participant in Many Campaigns, is Laid to Rest

A large number of brother veterans, yesterday afternoon, paid their tribute as the last solemn rites were pronounced over the remains of William H. Blues, veteran of many campaigns in the service of his king and country.  The funeral took place from the home, 95 Maitland Street, to Central Presbyterian church, where a public service was conducted by the pastor, Rev. Dr. A.T. Barr.  Dr. Barr in his eulogy, made reference to the long and honorable military record of the deceased who had held himself ever ready when needed in the service of the Empire and who had fought in this service in many lands.   As a soldier and a man he had fought the fight well.  As he had been faithful to his earthly king, so had he shown faith in his heavenly king and he had died in the faith of his fathers.

The service was largely attended and a long cortege followed the funeral carriage to Mount Hope cemetery, where Rev. Dr. Barr again officiated at the burial rites.  As the flag-draped casket, bearing on its top the soldiers’ cap and bayonet, came slowly to rest in the grave, the last post was sounded by Bugler Sergeants John Frost and William Cleaves.  The pallbearers were C.S.M. Albert Davis, C.S.M. A.H. Davis and C.Q.M.S. F.W. Wilde representing the Dufferin Rifles, which unit deceased had served many years and George Webb, Daniel Tyson and David Miller representing the Canadian Legion, British Empire Service League.

Present at the services at the church and at the graveside were large representations of the Canadian Legion and of the Dufferin Rifles.  Major Edmund Sweet headed the returned men, and those representing the Dufferin Rifles included Col. Malcolm A. Colquhoun, D.S.O., Capt. Lloyd Colquhoun, C.S.M. Albert Davis, C.S.M. A.H. Davis, Bugle Major J. Mellor, C.Q.M.S. F.W. Wilde, Sergeant G. Webster, D.C.M., Sergeant G. Bissett, Sergeant John Frost, Sergeant W. Cleaves and Sergeant Robert Benning.