Reported Dead

The name of Pte. F. M. Ball, given as being from Simcoe, appeared in the casualty lists on Friday last as having died.

At first it was thought that the victim was Private 
F. W. Ball, son of Mr. and Mrs. William Ball of Simcoe, 
a member of the 133rd. Further information, however, 
made it clear that it was not that Simcoe boy.

Pte. Frank M. Ball, who has died, is a son of Mrs.
John Garland of Simcoe. He enlisted early in the 
war with a British Columbia unit.

He contracted a tubercular trouble from living in the 
trenches and has now succumbed. He was about 20 years of age.
 
 
 

MABEE

A memorial service was held in the Guysboro Methodist Church on Sunday afternoon May 6th for Private Frank Ball, who died in an English Hospital on March 21st.
 
 

The Late Pte. Frank Ball

Pte. Frank Milton Ball, 33rd Battalion, London. Died in hospital at Epsom, Surrey, from exposure in the trenches. Was in the trenches six months.

His mother, Mrs. John Garland, lives in Simcoe and received the following letter after her son's death:

March 26th, 1917

Dear Madame. -- It is with deep regret that I write to tell you of the death of your laddie, Frank M. Ball.
He passed away on the 21st March, at noon. 

He had suffered much, and I felt so sorry that you and all his dear ones were unable to be near him. 

He was constantly asking if the mail was in, and two letters came after he was unable to understand them. One was put in among his belongings, and the other I 
re-addressed to the sender's address.

He was very patient always and liked to help himself as much as possible. He never gave us a bit of trouble in any way, poor laddie.

You will be comforted to know that the Wesleyan minister, Rev. F. E. England was with him on the night before he died and said his mind and soul were prepared for his change from his life to that which lies beyond our ken.

He was buried today in the regimental cemetery with military honors. The Canadian boys from the convalescent camp formed a firing party at the graveside. The Canadian boys in hospital sent a beautiful floral emblem in the form of a Maple Leaf and the Imperial boys and nursing staff of the ward sent a beautiful wreath of white flowers, violets, ivy and maple leaves. A Canadian sergeant in Ward 14 had arranged to take photographs of the flowers and burial and we hope to send you copies of them.

One Canadian (named Dockett) says that if he reaches Canada safely he will come to see you and tell you all he can.

The letters, a well-worn soft leather bound New Testament and other belongings have been handed in to the authorities, and will, I hope, reach you in due course.

My heart goes out to you in deep sympathy. My own dear brother of about the same age was killed in France, and another is out there still. May God comfort you and enable you to "cast your burden on the Lord for He careth for you."

Yours in sincere sympathy,
R. M. Jackson,
Staff House, Ward 14.
 
 

 
Pte. Ball's father was killed in Port Dover, 
a brother was drowned when the Bessemer sank, 
and a sister died in Vancouver. 
One brother, Lyle, lives in Courtland, 
one in London, and another in St. Thomas. 
A sister, Mrs. Frank Alger, lives at Normandale.