The First and the Last

Below is a brief outline of the “first and last” Canadians to sacrifice their lives according to the alphabetical listing of Circumstances of Death Registry, First World War. The online database sadly only goes to Sims and any records after that are not available at this resource.

Alphabetically, according to this source, the “first” casualty is Private John Aaron and the “last” is Private William Sims. Both of these soldiers share a similar fate. They have no known grave.

Private John Richard Aaron, reg. no. 144995 enlisted in Cornwall, Ontario on August 27, 1915 and transferred to England and then to France where he was assigned to the 87th Battalion. He was reported missing April 9, 1917 and his death was not confirmed until February 4, 1918. Private Aaron is remembered on the Vimy Memorial, as is fitting as he died during the attack on Vimy Ridge.

Private William Sims, reg. no. 79882 enlisted at Edmonton, Alberta on November 25th, 1914. During transshipment from Canada to England aboard the S.S. Carpathia he went missing at sea on May 23, 1915. The Circumstances of Death card states categorically “Drowned – Jumped overboard from Transport Ship “CARPATHIA” while in mid Atlantic enroute from Canada to England.” From a history of the 31st Battalion (not confirmed) the circumstances of Private Sims’ death are put more gently: “On the seventh day out from Quebec, Pte. Sims, of B Company, fell overboard and was drowned, in spite of efforts to save him…..”

Private Sims is memorialized at the Hollybrook Memorial, at Southampton, England, which recognized almost 1,900 service men and women who have no known grave, many who perished at sea. 2 of these service men where members of the 18th Battalion. Also memorialized here is Privates George E. Knight, reg. no. 53350 and Trueman Priestly, reg. no. 53840 of the 18th Battalion who perished with the sinking of the Hospital Ship Anglia.

In both cases the soldiers shared a similar fate: no known grave. Their circumstances of death offer us some insight into their lives but offer us more questions than answers.

May they Rest in Peace.

One of the valuable resources used during soldier research is the Circumstances of Death Registry, First World War. This is an alphabetical listing of cards outlining in brief detail the circumstances of death of the Canadian military personnel who served and died in the war. They can offer insight into a soldier’s situation and sometimes offer details that put the humanity and suffering of combatants in sharp relief to the everyday experiences we have the privilege to experience because of their sacrifice.