Source: October 1915 Casualty. Killed by shell.
Family Search: Private William Nelson was born on 31 December 1890, in Kirkcudbright, Dumfries and Galloway, Scotland, United Kingdom as the son of Elizabeth Nelson. He immigrated to Canada in 1913. He registered for military service in 1915. In 1915, his occupation is listed as farmer. He died on 13 October 1915, in Ieper, West Flanders, Belgium, at the age of 24, and was buried in Ieper, West Flanders, Belgium.
Brother of Nelson, Thomas Service No. 54356. Killed in the same day and both served in the 18th Battalion. Elizabeth Nelson mother.
SRoH. Private William J. Nelson Home: Ontario, Canada. Born in Gatehouse. Enlisted February 1915, 18th Battalion Canadian Infantry. Served on Western Front. Killed 13th September [October] 1915.
Anwoth & Girthon War Memorial, Gatehouse inscription : Wm. Nelson Canadians.
Girthon Church Memorial : W. Nelson Canadians
Girthon Gravestone : … William aged 28 years Pte Canadian Forces, killed in action in France 13th Octr. 1915. Mother: Bessie Nelson.
CWGC : Private W. Nelson 54340 Canadian Infantry 18th Battalion Died 13/10/1915
Buried Ridge Wood Military Cemetery, West Vlaanderen, Belgium. Grave 11.1.3
1901 Girthon Census, Birtwhistle Street : William Nelson (13, born Gatehouse) with grandparents William & Jane McLellan and mother Elizabeth Nelson (whose husband was away at sea) + brothers John (7) & Tom (4).
Kirkcudbrightshire Advertiser 29/10/1915 :‘Mrs Nelson, Barwhill Cottage, Gatehouse desires to express her sincere thanks to her numerous friends for their sincere sympathies extended to her in her recent sad bereavement and great loss’
Ex Jack Nelson, grand nephew : William emigrated to Canada before the war. He and his brother Thomas were both killed by the same shell.
Nelson family tree : William’s father was John Cooper Nelson. John emigrated to Australia – presumably intending that his wife and family would follow him. They never did and the family believed he had been lost at sea. John C. Nelson actually died in New Guinea where he was pearl trader.
Gatehouse link : Born and lived in Gatehouse before emigrating to Canada.
History of the 18th Battalion CEF, "The Fighting Eighteenth" 
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