William Alfred Costain

Rank: 
Captain
Unit at enlistment: 
Canadian Army Medical Corps
Force: 
C.E.F.
Volunteered or conscripted: 
Volunteered
Survived the war: 
Yes
Cemetery: 
Farringdon Cemetery, Brantford, Ontario
Commemorated at: 
Victoria Public School Honour Roll
Birth country: 
Canada
Birth county: 
Brant
Birth city: 
Brantford, Ontario
Address at enlistment: 
London, England
Next of kin address: 
London, England
Trade or calling: 
Physician
Religious denominations: 
Church of England
Marital status: 
Married
Age at enlistment: 
30

Letters and documents

BX November 4, 1916

M.O. Home on Two Weeks’ Furlough – Captain William Alfred Costain Came Back Direct From the Somme Front

A well earned rest indeed is the one at present being taken by Captain (Dr.) William Alfred Costain of the C.A.M.C., who is at present on a two weeks furlough at his home, Egerton Street, with his mother, Mrs. J.H. Costain. Formerly a medical officer with the Royal Fusiliers, Captain William Costain, who came direct from the Somme district, when his services as a physician, as the casualty lists show, were of a great value to the cause, has been at the front line for over a year. He enlisted early in the history of the war and his action is only one of the many striking examples of what some Canadians are doing for the cause. As doctors are in great demand at the front he will return in two weeks time, to resume his part – so nobly taken thus far in this, the world’s greatest struggle.

BX February 4, 1984

Funeral Service Tuesday for Dr. William Costain

A funeral service will be held Tuesday for Dr. William Costain, 95, who died Thursday.  Dr. Costain was the brother of noted author, the late Thomas B. Costain.

Dr. Costain was born in Brantford and educated here before attending the University of Toronto to study medicine.  While in Brantford he attended Grace Anglican Church.

He practiced surgery at Toronto Western Hospital for many years.  Upon his retirement he moved to Victoria, B.C. and later back to Brantford where he lived at Charlotte Villa on Darling Street.

He was predeceased by his wife Blanch (Westbrook) his brother Thomas, and sisters, Mrs. Cora Andrews of Toronto and Mrs. Edith Millen of London, Ont.

He is survived by a stepdaughter, Charlotte Swegles of Victoria and by several nieces, nephews and cousins.

The service at the McCleister Funeral Home, 30 Brant Ave. will take place at 3:30 p.m. and will be conducted by Ven. K.J. Conyard of Grace Anglican Church.  Burial will follow at Farringdon Burial Ground.