Source: Per service record of Howarth, reg. no. 823541.
This 23-year old cabinet maker enlisted with the 161st Battalion at Clinton, Ontario, on December 6, 1915. The 161st arrived in England on November 11, 1916, and the now Acting Lance-Sergeant Draper served in England until he was assigned to the 18th Battalion. Reverted to the rank of Private he arrived at the front on January 7, 1917, proceeded to earn promotions in March (Corporal), May (Lance-Sergeant), Sergeant (November) while earning a Military Medal that month, as well. He served until his death on August 28, 1918.
SERGT. DRAPER, M.M. KILLED
Mr. and Mrs. Robert Draper of town received the sad news on Friday morning that their son, Sergt. Robt. Murray Draper, M.M., had being killed in action August 28th. Murray was the 7th boy to sign up in the 161st Battalion and while training took his non-commissioned officers’ training here. He left with a draft of sergeants for France after the 161st got to England, and had been in the trenches for 20 months. He won the Military Medal at the battle of Lens about three months in the trenches for bravery on the field. Murray took an active part in sports, especially hockey. He was employed in the Doherty Piano Co. prior to enlisting. He was a member of the Clinton !.O.O.F. lodge and a popular young man.
The Clinton New Era. September 26, 1918. Page 1.