Profile image
Military service
Age:
19
Rank:
Lieutenant
Force:
Army
Unit/Regiment:
Canadian Infantry (Western Ontario Regiment)
Division:
18th Bn.
Death:
May 13, 1917
Burial/memorial information
Grave reference:
V. J. 8.
Additional information
Son of Henry P. Wright, M.D., and Marion Wright, of Ottawa.
Digital gallery of Lieutenant William Richard Wright
-
Photo of William Richard Wright
Born in Ottawa, William Wright was one of Appleby's original students, having followed founding Headmaster John Guest from Upper Canada College. While at Appleby he played on the First Rugby (Football), Hockey and Cricket teams. Upon graduating from Appleby in 1916, he at once enlisted in the Fifth University Company, and on going overseas obtained a commission in the 35th Battalion. Having been transferred to the 18th Battalion only days earlier, he was killed by a high-explosive shell as he was looking for some men who were lost while on a working party in advance of the front-line trenches. His immediate superior, Capt. I. O. H. Rayward, said in a letter to Wright's mother, " your son died cleanly and bravely, doing that which he set his hand to in a manner which became his rank and station." From the Appleby College Archives -
Honour Roll
William Wright is commemorated on the school honour roll. The memorial is at the front of the Memorial School Building. -
Grave Marker
Courtesy Wilf Schofield, England -
War Diary
War Diary Entry Relating to This Soldier's Death Night of May 12/13, 1917 During the night Brigade called for two parties to carry wire to the front line. Lieut’s G.E. Lucas and W.R. Wright being detailed to take charge of these parties. Lieut. G.E. Lucas completed his task with the loss of 4 O.R’s “Wounded”. Lieut. W.R. Wright and party on returning was heavily shelled in MT. FORET ROAD, scattering the party, Lieut. W.R. Wright and Sgt. T. Clark being “Killed” and 6 O.R’s “Wounded”. Contributed by E.Edwards www.18thbattalioncef.wordpress.com -
Medal
Found in family collection, bronze (dead man's penny) given to family of deceased by British govt.
Digital gallery of
Lieutenant William Richard Wright
Digital gallery of
Lieutenant William Richard Wright
Digital gallery of
Lieutenant William Richard Wright
Digital gallery of
Lieutenant William Richard Wright
Digital gallery of
Lieutenant William Richard Wright
In the Books of Remembrance
Commemorated on:
Page 354 of the First World War Book of Remembrance.
Request this page
Download this page
The Poppy Design is a trademark of The Royal Canadian Legion (Dominion Command) and is used with permission. Click here to learn more about the poppy.
Did we miss something?
Contribute information to this commemorative page
Do you have photographs, information or a correction relating to this individual’s virtual memorial? Learn more about the CVWM and the information we collect.