An inquiry was posted regarding some trench art that was created by a “W. Collier”. The inquiry was asking for assistance in finding the family of the soldier that created the trench art.
This trench art is very unique. It was created by a W. Collier and has the 18th Battalion crest on it. Trench are was a method of unique expression for the soldiers of the First World War and was fashioned by using locally found materials, often of a military nature, such as old artillery shell casings, and the like. On a trip to Vimy Ridge such trench art was witnessed on display at the Leleu Martine Restaurant in the small village of Givenchy-en-Gohelle.
The photographs below show the detail and workmanship that went into this matchbook holder.
After researching all the possible soldiers with this first initial and surname it is possible that this trench art belong to Private Walter Edward Collier, of Ottawa, Ontario. This research was assisted by the fact that the digital service records of all the prospective soldiers existed in PDF format and were accessible to review in detail. It appears this is the only Collier, W. to serve in the 18th Battalion.
Perhaps the information below will help us find the living relatives of this 18th Battalion soldier?
Selected Biographical Details from Service Record
- Attested to the 59th Battalion and arrived in England and was transferred to the 18th Battalion June 8, 1916.
- Lists his profession as labourer but later on his profession is listed as chauffeur on his demobilization papers.
- Demobilized at Ottawa, Ontario on March 15th, 1920.
- The original address for his wife was 133 Main Street, Ottawa, Ontario. Later documents show her address as 77 Trinity Road, Southall, Middlesex.
- Married Ethel May Collier on June 29, 1911.
Basic Biographical Information from Attestation Papers
|
Regimental Number:
|
454464 |
Survived War:
|
Yes |
|
Force:
|
Army |
Regiment:
|
Western Ontario Regiment |
|
Battalion:
|
18th Battalion |
Company:
|
|
|
Place of Birth:
|
Ottawa, Ontario |
Country:
|
Canada |
|
Next of Kin:
|
Mrs. Ethel May Collier 133 Main Street Ottawa, Ontario |
Address at Enlistment:
|
|
|
Date of Birth:
|
May 27, 1890 |
Trade or Calling:
|
Labourer |
|
Marital Status:
|
Married |
Prior Military Experience:
|
Yes |
|
Place of Enlistment:
|
Ottawa, Ontario |
Date of Enlistment:
|
June 21, 1915 |
|
Age at enlistment:
|
25 |
Height:
|
5 Feet 4 Inches |
|
Chest:
|
36 Inches |
Expansion:
|
3 Inches |
|
Religion:
|
Presbyterian |
Enlisted or Conscripted:
|
Enlisted |
|
Saw service in:
|
Europe | ||
|
Cause of Death:
|
Survived |
Battle Died/Wounded:
|
|
|
Date of Death:
|
August 1, 1952 |
Age at Death:
|
62 |
|
Buried at:
|
Plot:
|
||
|
Commemorated:
|
|||
|
Prisoner of war:
|
No |
Interned:
|
|
|
Gender:
|
Male |
Ethnic Origin:
|
Not Specified |
| LAC Reference: RG 150, Accession 1992-93/166, Box 1869 – 63 Item Number: 109907 |
| Rank | Regiment | Unit | Company |
| Private | Western Ontario Regiment | 18th Battalion |
With special thanks to Bryan Lise for posting the information and responding with the photographs.
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