We Remember

John Hately

John Hately
Rank: 
Gunner
Regimental number: 
83658
Unit at enlistment: 
4th Brigade C.F.A., 13th Battery
Force: 
C.E.F.
Volunteered or conscripted: 
Volunteered
Survived the war: 
No
Date of death: 
August 21st, 1917
Cemetery: 
Villers Station Cemetery - Pas de Calais, France - IX.4.F.
Commemorated at: 
Grace Anglican Church, B.C.I. High School Memorial Plaque
Birth country: 
Canada
Birth county: 
Brant
Birth city: 
Brantford, Ontario
Address at enlistment: 
26 Albion Street, Brantford, Ontario
Next of kin address: 
26 Albion Street, Brantford, Ontario
Trade or calling: 
Student
Employer: 
University of Toronto
Religious denominations: 
Church of England
Marital status: 
Single
Age at enlistment: 
27
Image gallery: 

Letters and documents

Circumstances of Casualty: Killed in Action.
Location of Unit at Time of Casualty: West of Lens.

BX August 31, 1917

Gunner John Hately Killed in Action – Promising Young Life Cut Off by Following Call of Duty

Gunner Jack Hately, second son of George and Mrs. Hately of this city has made the supreme sacrifice in this cause of humanity at the battle-front. This was the gist of the sad message received by his parents here yesterday.
    
Jack Hately, M.A., and a brilliant student of Trinity College of Toronto, who was in his 27th year, heard the call to arms early in the days of the Great War. It was in the month of October, 1914, that he threw down his studies in theology at Trinity College to take up the rifle, and signified his willingness to share a part in the European struggle. He left Toronto the following May and first entered the battle-line in September of 1915, where he has been continuously ever since, with the exception of 10 days’ leave of absence around the New Year. On Wednesday last, his family here received a letter from him in which he displayed the best of spirits and yesterday the message came that on August 21 he had fallen. He was connected with the observation department of the artillery, a heroic soldier and a faithful and devoted comrade. 
    
Prior to enlisting, Jack Hately was assisting the rector of St. Augustine Church, Toronto, and was a favorite among the people of the parish, who regret the passing of so young and noble a son of worthy parents and another of Canada’s sons whose desire it was to ever place duty before the things of self. In the death of Jack Hately his family, the Anglican Church, and his many friends in Brantford sorrow together. A young life has been wiped out, but wiped out at the direct post of duty at a time when the destiny of the nation hung in the balance. While his face will be seen no more here, his memory still lives and will continue to live and be cherished along with those who refused to consider self when the “call to arms” was sounded. A brother, Private Harry Hately is with the Canadians in England.

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