Source: 160th Bruce Battalion post re. his return to Canada aboard the S.S. Lapland.
Family Search: When Private Harry Petter was born on 12 April 1881, in London, England, United Kingdom, his father, George Petter, was 28 and his mother, Eliza, was 23. He married Laura Jessie Clarke in 1903, in England, United Kingdom. They were the parents of at least 5 sons and 2 daughters. He immigrated to Canada in 1911 and lived in Wood Green, Middlesex, England, United Kingdom in 1911 and Colpoy’s Bay, Bruce, Ontario, Canada in 1916. In 1916, at the age of 35, his occupation is listed as labourer in Colpoy’s Bay, Bruce, Ontario, Canada. He died on 21 December 1933, in Wiarton, Bruce, Ontario, Canada, at the age of 52, and was buried in Edgehill Cemetery, Wiarton, Bruce, Ontario, Canada.
Private Harry Petter, reg. no. 651405.
This man enlisted with the 160th Battalion at Wiarton, Ontario, on 13 January 1916. He was a married labourer with five children.
He embarked at Halifax, Nova Scotia, with the rest of the 160th Battalion on 17 October 1916 and arrived at Liverpool, England, on 28 October 1916.
At Witley Camp, he was appointed Acting Corporal (with pay) on 17 October 1916, and the rank was reverted to Private on 1 August 1917 in preparation for his transfer to a combat unit. /he was transferred to the 4th Canadian Reserve Battalion on 23 February 1918, and served with this battalion until 28 March 1918, when he proceeded overseas to begin his service with the 18th Battalion.
Of note, this soldier was awarded a Good Conduct Badge on 12 March 1918.
On 29 March 1918, he arrived at No. 2 Canadian Infantry Base Depot and was sent to the Canadian Corps Reinforcement Camp, arriving on 3 April 1918. He joined the 18th Battalion “in the field” ten days later.
He served with the battalion until wounded on 28 August 1918. His movements through the military medical system are not well documented. He was transported by the A.T. Ville de Liege from France to England for treatment for his wounds.
by 18 March 1919, he was released from medical care and began his journey home, arriving at Witley Camp, attached to the 4th Canadian Reserve Battalion on18 March 1919. He then was then transferred to Military District Wing No. 1, Kinmel Park Camp on 28 March 1919 and was, on the next day, heading home. He embarked from Liverpool on 3 April 1919 and arrived in Halifax on 10 April 1919.
He was discharged due to demobilization on 13 April 1919 at London, Ontario.
MR. H. PETTER DIES RESULT WAR WOUNDS
Born in England, Came to Colpoy’s Bay in 1911
WIARTON, Dec. 22—As the result of a heart affection received during the Great War, Mr. Harry Petter, of Colpoys Bay, died today at Porter’s Hospital. Mr. Petter was for several years a prominent figure in the municipal affairs of the Township of Albemarle, having been clerk and treasurer of the township for nearly 12 years. He also served as secretary of Union School section No. 1, Albemarle. He was born in London, England, 12 years ago. Coming to Canada in 1911, he took up his residence at Colpoys Bay. He enlisted in the 160th battalion early in 1915, and served overseas during the War. He was wounded in 1917 and was temporarily out of action and it was from these wounds that his heart was affected. He returned to his home at Colpoys Bay at the close of the war where he resided until the time of his death.
His first marriage was to Miss Laura J. Clarke of London, Eng., who predeceased him six years ago. He was again married in 1929 to Mrs. Ethel A. Clark of London Eng. He was a member of Trinity Anglican Church, Wiarton, also a member of the Wiarton Post of the Canadian Legion of which he was pension adjustment officer. Mr. Petter was widely known and highly respected throughout the district and his death will be regretted by a wide circle of friends.
Besides his wife he leaves to mourn his loss three sons, Walter, Edward and Leslie of Colpoys Bay; three daughters, Mrs. Melvin A. Bennett and Miss Frances, of Kincardine, and Miss Louisa of Wiarton. One daughter, Ethel, died 12 years ago.
The funeral will be held from his late residence at Colpoys Bay on Sunday afternoon, Dec. 24th at 2.30, with interment in Colpoys Bay cemetery.
History of the 18th Battalion CEF, "The Fighting Eighteenth" 