Cause and Place of Death: Killed in Action

BX July 28, 1915

Hatchley Boy Met Death – Private William Yates, of Hatchley, Enlisted at St. Thomas with First Contingent

The official casualty list yesterday gave the name of William Burney Yates, of Hatchley, Ontario, as among the killed. Enquiry by The Expositor this morning showed that his parents, Mr. and Mrs. A.W. Yates, of Hatchley, had received official word from Ottawa, stating that their son was killed on June 15.

Private W. Yates was a young single man, but 21 years of age. He was working near St. Thomas when war broke out and enlisted at St. Thomas, being assigned to the First Battalion, with which he remained.

His parents, three sisters, Mrs. Beneney, Hatchley; Mrs. Ryder, Delhi, and Miss Fern, at home and one brother, George, of Hatchley, mourn the loss of a brave Canadian.    

A memorial service will be held next Sunday afternoon, Aug. 22 in Mr. Hill’s grove, in memory of Private W. Burney Yates, who was killed June 15, while fighting for King and Country. The Norwich band has kindly consented to be present. Pastors from various churches will address the meeting.

BX July 29, 1915

Mr. and Mrs. A.W. Yates received the very sad news from Ottawa last Friday of the death of their son, Private William Burney Yates, of the First Battalion who was killed in action in France on June 15. Private Yates, who was among the first to offer his services for the defense of his country, having enlisted in St. Thomas early last August. He was in training at Valcartier and Salisbury Plain, and had been in the lines almost continually after he went to France, except for a short time when he was in the hospital with bronchitis.

Private Yates was in his 22nd year and was consistent member of the Congregational Church. Much sympathy is felt for the deeply bereaved family.