Source: Per service record of Howarth, reg. no. 823541.
Family Search: When Sergeant Robert Murray Draper was born on 21 April 1892, in Goderich Township, Huron, Ontario, Canada, his father, Robert Johnston Draper, was 28 and his mother, Sarah A.M. Watkins, was 28. He lived in Huron, Ontario, Canada for about 10 years. He registered for military service in 1915. In 1916, at the age of 24, his occupation is listed as cabinent maker in Clinton, Huron, Ontario, Canada. He died on 28 August 1918, in Vis-en-Artois, Pas-de-Calais, Nord-Pas-de-Calais, France, at the age of 26, and was buried in Wancourt British Cemetery, Wancourt, Pas-de-Calais, Nord-Pas-de-Calais, France.
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.
Military Medal Citation
For conspicuous gallantry and devotion to duty. A patrol was sent out to reconnoitre an enemy position, and if possible establish a post there. The patrol advanced until they came upon the enemy in large numbers, who at once sent out a line of 40 men from shell hole to shell hole and thus surround them. Sergeant Draper at one took charge of the direction of fire of his small part, and with his own rifle killed at least three of the enemy and thus checked the enemy line. This afforded time for our artillery fire to be brought down on the enemy position and the patrol was able to withdraw to their own line. Sergeant Draper’s coolness in the midst of the greatest danger, undoubtedly saved the lives of many of his comrades.
London Gazette. O2/11/1917. No. 54976.
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.
History of the 18th Battalion CEF, "The Fighting Eighteenth" 