Circumstances of Casualty: Previously reported Missing, now for official purposes presumed to have died.
Location of Unit at Time of Casualty: Attack near Fresnoy.
BX May 23, 1917
Private William Roy Gullen, of Echo Place, has been reported missing, according to word received by his wife, Mrs. Mary Gullen. The report gives him as missing from May 3. Private Gullen went overseas with the first overseas battalion from the Dufferin Rifles, and he was in the first draft to go to France. His wife and family are living in Echo Place.
BC May 23, 1917
Private William R. Gullen Missing – Echo Place Member of 125th may be Prisoner of War
Mrs. Gullen, Echo Place, is in receipt of a telegram from Ottawa stating that her husband, Pte. William Roy Gullen, infantry, is officially reported as having been missing since May 3rd.
Private Gullen was living in Echo Place at the time of his enlistment and joined the 125th. He was one of the first drafts from that Battalion to be sent to France and was in the big battle of Vimy Ridge, coming through unhurt. In addition to the wife there are seven children, and his father and mother, also, both reside in the village. He was 36 years of age and a large circle of friends will hope that he may yet be reported as safe, perhaps a prisoner.
BX April 19, 1918
Presumed Dead, Private W.R. Gullen
Official notice has been received from Ottawa that Pte. William Roy Gullen of the 125th Brant Battalion who was reported missing last May is now presumed to have died on or since May 3, 1917.
Private Gullen is the son of Mr. and Mrs. Gullen, Echo Place, and has a wife and family who also reside at Echo Place. He went overseas in August, 1916, and was among the 310 men who were first sent over to France from the battalion. He went over the top at the battle of Fresnoy on May 2, and was reported missing on May 3, 1917. Since that time everything possible has been done, both by the military authorities and his friends, but without avail.