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 William Harrison Ingram (1888-1915), who died, aged 27, in France on 24 April 1915:
“Among the missing who have not been noted here is Private W.H. Ingram, 7th Battalion, whose name was spelled wrongly in May 17th list. He hails from County Donegal, Ireland, and is a nephew of Mr. and Mrs. W.C. Duncan, Duncan. He came to Canada five years ago, spending a year in Vancouver before reaching Duncan, where for two years he was accountant with the Cowichan Merchants, Ltd. He then took up surveying, being employed by Messrs. H.N. Clague and J.B. Green.”
(source: Cowichan Leader, 27 May 1915, from Cowichan Valley Museum & Archives collections)
William Harrison Ingram was a member of Temple Lodge, No.33 in Duncan. More information about him is available on the Temple Lodge, No.33 website.
Given the date of his death, it is possible that was killed during the Battle of St. Julien, fought on the Western Front on 24 April – 4 May 1915. This battle is particularly notable as it was the first time poison gas was used against Canadian troops. William Harrison Ingram was killed in action on 24 April 1915, the first day of the Battle of St. Julien. We will do more research on this and post this information as it becomes available. St. Julien Street in Duncan is named for this battle.
Commonwealth War Graves Commission Information
William Harrison Ingram; Rank: Private; Service Number: 16906; Age: 27: Date of Death: 24 April 1915; Canadian Infantry, 7th Battalion, British Columbia Regiment; No Known Grave, commemorated on Ypres (Menin Gate) Memorial, Ypres, Belgium
Other Links:
Temple Lodge, No.33, Duncan – War Dead; William Harrison Ingram was from Dunfanaghy, Co. Donegal, Ireland.
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