Duncan Cenotaph
As part of our project to document the names on the Duncan Cenotaph in Charles Hoey Park, here is a page about James William Youle, who was killed in action on 13 April 1917 while serving with the 7th Battalion, at Vimy Ridge. He is buried in Bois-Carre British Cemetery, Thelus, Pas de Calais, France.
The local Cowichan Leader newspaper report of his death shows his rank as Lieutenant while the Commonwealth War Graves Commission shows his rank as Sergeant.
Here is the local Cowichan Leader newspaper report of the death of James William Youle:
“Lieut. J.W. Youle
Tidings have only just reached Cowichan that Lieut. James William Youle was among those who fell at Vimy Ridge. He has been farming some two years at Cowichan Station when, early in 1914, he went to Victoria to study for the B.C.L.S. In November of that year he joined the 50th Regt., went overseas with the 30th Bn. in February 1915 and speedily was in the ranks of a famous B.C. battalion. He had a splendid record of service, gaining not only promotion but the esteem of his comrades. He was unmarried, aged about 25, and his relatives live at Hampstead, London.”
(Source: Cowichan Leader, 16 July 1917, from Cowichan Valley Museum & Archives collections)
For more information on James William Youle:
- Commonwealth War Graves Commission
- Bois-Carre British Cemetery
- Vimy Ridge Memorial
- Battle of Vimy Ridge
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