Family Search: Private William Sparks was born on 14 April 1874, in City of London, England, United Kingdom as the son of Sarah. He immigrated to Canada in 1914. He registered for military service in 1914. In 1914, at the age of 40, his occupation is listed as labourer. He died on 6 June 1916, in Ieper, West Flanders, Belgium, at the age of 42, and was buried in Zillebeke, Ieper, West Flanders, Belgium.
“Killed when C Company’s trench sector took a direct hit. His body was blown into No Man’s Land.”
Antal, S., & Shackleton, K. (2006). The First World War – Better With Experience. In Duty nobly done: The official history of the Essex and Kent Scottish Regiment (1st ed., p. 200). Windsor, ON: Walkerville Pub.
At least 10 men, members of a second contingent battalion which trained in this city, are listed in last night’s casualties as killed or wounded. Two of these, on killed and one wounded are Londoners. Pt. Wm. Sparks and Pte Sydney Raynor, both of London, were members of this unit. Pte. Sparks resided at 284 Ottaway avenue.
Source: London Free Press, June 22nd, 1916 via CVWM site.
History of the 18th Battalion CEF, "The Fighting Eighteenth" 
Leave a comment