Source: Referred to in letter by Private Frank Allan Westlake, reg. no. 654227. Brother, Savage, Thomas Davidson: Service no. 654167, served with the 18th Battalion and was killed in action during August 1918.
His brother, Thomas Davidson Savage, reg. no. 654167 also served with the 18th Battalion and was killed in action.
Taken from “The Brussels Post” July 14, 1926, 1926-7-14, page 1
The St. Thomas Daily Times-Journal had the followng, dated from Springfield, July 3rd, which refers to a former resident: “Never since the death of Dr. George Thompson, has a more sudden and terrible shock came to the people of the village, than when it became known that George Savage, familiarly known to all his friends as “Joe”, had passed away at the Memorial Hospital, St. Thomas, on Wednesday afternoon. Mr Savage was operated upon last Saturday afternoon, for appendicitis, and his condition was considered satisfactory, so the news of his death cast a gloom over the whole community. Mr. Savage was born near Wroxeter, and received his early education there. He went overseas in 1914 with the Huron County Battalion No, 161, and when it broken up, he joined the 18th Battalion, in France. Mr. C. Clark of Aylmer, was his platoon sergeant at the time his brother, Thomas, was killed by the explosion of a shell. He came to Springfield four years ago, as an operator on the M. C. R. During those years, he had made a host of friends and was the idol of the little ones, who were always sure of a ride in “Joe’s” car. For two years, he had made his home with Rev. H. and Mrs. Wood, and by his acts of thoughtfulness and many little acts of Kindness, he endeared himself to the people. During the remainder of his residence here, he lived with Mrs. W.J.Lindsay and her brother, Alex Carrutheis, both of whom feel his loss very keenly. The remains were brought to Mrs. Lindsay’s home, on Wednesday night, and his parents came up from Canfield, where they now reside. He was a member of the I.O.O.F, and A.F. and A.M. and the O.E.S. Two weeks ago, he led the procession when the I.O.O.F. attended church. The funeral, which was held on Friday afternoon, was conducted by Revs, O. W. D. Cosens and H. Wood. The choir, with Mrs. J. Allison at the piano, furnished appropriate music, and Mrs. G. Grant sang “Will there be any Stars in my Crown.” The beautiful service of the Masonic Order was exemplified by W.M.George Grant and his staff. The floral offerings were beautiful. The pallbearers were; M.M.Black, M.McClintosh, R.B.McKenny, K.L.Moore, J.F.Harris and S.H.Simpson. The floral bearers were; G.A.Love, S.Willis, W.Cathers, L.O.Purdy, M.Moore, G.Craik, S.Walker and M.Charlton. A number of war veterns were present. Besides his parents, he is survived by his brother, Robert, of Buffalo, and also two sisters, Mrs. G. Bird, of Buffalo, and Miss Zelma, at home. After the conclusion of the service, the remains, accompanied by the parents, pallbearers and several friends, proceeded to the parental home, at Canfield, where a service was held at his home thence to Riverside cemetery, Dunnville. A number of carloads went down for the service. Following lines were composed by a friend who was overseas with him and who was recently ill in a London hospital;
When in my bed so sick I lay, Your smile drove all my pains away, As I met your warm and friendly grasp, Ah! little dreamed I, “twas the last”
The tears will start, try as I might; My heart is broken as I write. It seems so hard that you must go, Farewell, dear friend, farewell dear Joe
War Diary of the 18th Battalion CEF 