As part of our project to document the names on Duncan’s Cenotaph in Charles Hoey Park on Canada Avenue, here is what we know about James Osman Slade Young, who died, aged 30, on 30 October 1917, possibly in the Battle of Passchendaele, fought on the Western Front between 10 October- 12 November 1917:
“Pte. James Osman Slade Young, fourth son of Colonel and Mrs. T.F. Young, Victoria, and nephew of Miss Young, Somenos, was killed in action on October 30th.
Born in England, he was educated at Trent College and Liverpool College. He came out to Cowichan some seven years ago and after working with Mr. (Now Sergt.) F.A. Jackson at Somenos Lake for a time, he farmed for himself on the property formerly occupied by Mr. P. Murchison and now by Mr. Hastings, and known as ‘Inchigeela,’ Tyee Siding.
He joined the 88th Regiment soon after war broke out and was taken on the strength of the 62nd Bn. at Vernon in August 1915. He proceeded to England in the following October and was speedily at the front. About a year ago he was badly wounded and, in fact, had not been long back at the front when he was killed. He was in a machine gun section.”
(source: Cowichan Leader, 15 November 1917, from Cowichan Valley Museum & Archives collections)
James Osman Slade Young was a member of Temple Lodge, No.33 in Duncan. More information about him is available on the Temple Lodge, No.33 website.
Commonwealth War Graves Commission Information
James Osman Slade Young; Rank: Private; Service Number: 463210; Age: 30; Date of Death: 30 November 1917; Canadian Machine Gun Corps, 9th Company; No Known Grave – commemorated on Ypres (Menon Gate) Memorial, Ypres, Belgium
Other Links:
Temple Lodge, No.33, Duncan – War Dead;
Do you want to leave a comment or a question about anything on this page?