Local Casualties

[350530] G. R. Brier, Mounted Rifles, Waterford. 
Killed in Action.

[715434] E. J. Cassels, Simcoe. Killed in Action.

797083 Lance-Corp. Milton Wilfred Dick of Middleton. Killed in Action

797677 Pte. William Henry Dick of Brantford, formerly of Middleton. Killed in Action.

[408791] Pte. Bert Hammond, Mounted Rifles, 
of Simcoe. Died of wounds.

796202 Pte. Alfred H. Harris (133rd Battalion man), address given as England. Killed in Action.

796691 J. May, 133rd Battalion, address Scotland. 
Died of wounds.

797096 Pte. David Morris, St. Williams. Killed in Action.

796669 Pte. Charles Samuel Place, of St. Williams. 
Died of wounds.

796613 Pte. Walter Smith (133rd Battalion man), address not stated. Killed in Action.

7585701 Pte. R. E. Winegarden, Delhi. Killed in Action.
 
 

LANCE-CORP. MILTON WILFRED DICK

797083 Son of Mr. Robert W. Dick, Reeve of Middleton. Killed in action in France, 10 Aug 1918.

When the 133rd Battalion was being recruited, Milton Dick, one of the earliest to answer the call, wrote for The Reformer an article in which he sought to set down for publication the reasons that actuated him, a youth of 22, comfortably circumstanced in Norfolk, to offer himself for service in war. 

From this article, too long for reprinting in full, we extract the opening paragraph:

"Many reasons united to move me. Chief among them was that I felt it to be the first and forward duty of every able bodied young man living with the confines of the great and glorious British Empire, on which the sun never sets, to not only uphold the integrity of that Empire, but see that it is kept intact as well. This, it is plain to be seen, cannot be done without many of us making some sacrifice -- our very lives if need be -- and I could not see how I could expect others to do this work while I remained at home enjoying the privileges for which they were fighting and giving their life's blood."

And now come word that this splendid young Canadian was not indulging in empty boasts. To the last he has been faithful. His very life he has laid down for his ideals.
 
 

HOW CORP. MILTON DICK 
MET HIS DEATH
Letter Received from his Sergeant and Chum

From Sergt. P. C. Ross, 24567
France, 13 Aug 1918
My Dear Mr. and Mrs. Dick,
The whole section and myself wish to express our deepest sympathy to you in the loss of poor Milton. 
He was killed on the 10th, but I assure you he had 
no pain, the shrapnel penetrated his helmet and 
cut something in the back of his neck. 

Milton had been with me since last Christmas, and 
you have no idea how much we miss him, for he 
was a real man; never had a wrong word or harsh look 
for any one. He was my most reliable man, always 
ready to do anything he was called upon to do. 
He was also my chum. 

I took all his personal belongings off him and they will be sent to you by the battalion. His ring I sent to his brother in England. I know him also. I met him while he was in France and came to see Milton; so I thought he would like to have the ring.

I shall conclude now; will send you the information as to where he was buried when I learn it. I know the spot, but we have advanced miles beyond it. He died a most honorable death, and for Canada's triumph. We regret it very much for all that.

Trusting this letter reaches you all in perfect health, I will conclude with my kindest regards.
 
 
 

MIDDLETON COUNCIL

The following resolution was passed:

To R. W. Dick, Reeve of Middleton:

Dear Sir: -- We, your fellow councillors of the township of Middleton, bereby beg leave to tender to yourself and your family our heartfelt sympathy in the loss you have sustained through the death of your son, Milton, who was killed while fighting the battle of the Empire overseas.

rHis keen desire to join the colors and do his bit is only characteristic of the race to which he belonged; and while we mourn the loss of our gallant sons out yonder in France and Flanders, we still hold dear and sacred the principles for which they are fighting; for which so many of our lads have given their lives.

But let us remember that your gallant boy, with others who have thus died, have given their lives for our cherished liberty, the greatest inheritance of our national life.

We pray that God may give you comfort and consolation in this your hour of sorrow

Signed:
Albert Swin,
Otto L. Ronson,
W. C. Schafer,
A. O. Sandham, Councillers
D. W. White, clerk and treasurer