Editor’s Note: Here is the account which was published in a local newspaper on the death of one of Petrolia’s veterans. Our thanks to historian Dave Hext for his research.
FORMER PETROLIA BOY A CASUALTY
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Well Known Young Man From King Street of This Town
Member 64th Battery Reported Killed
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That all so dreaded telegram came to the door of our local County Constable W.J. Coulter and wife Belinda, that their son had died following the “Battle of Passchendale”, in Belgium.
Their son William had fought through many heavy engagements at “Vimy Ridge”, before moving on to Passchendale. Bill received his stripes on the field of battle as corporal and at the time of his death he was filling in for his sergeant whom was killed in the attack. Bill was a gunner in the Artillery at the time of his death.
Nov.14,1917 William James Coulter #334850 died of a gunshot wound to the thigh at No.3 Casualty Station. William at the age of twenty one is buried in Grave XXII.DD.6. Lijssenthoek Military Cemetery, Belgium.
