Canadian Virtual War Memorial

Memorial – This plaque is dedicated to the memory of Private Walter Gervin, born in February 1894 at Billings Bridge, Ottawa, and grew up on what is now Pleasant Park Road. He was employed as a carpenter before enlisting in January 1915. By September 1915, the 2nd CMR took part in the Battle of Flers-Courcelette and between 13-18 November, was committed to the Battle of Ancre, the final large attack of the 1916 Battle of the Somme. During this battle, Gervin received multiple gunshot wounds to the head and right arm. He developed gangrene and died in December 1916. He is buried at Aubingy Communal Cemetery extension. This plaque was originally located at the Loyal Orange #222 Billings Bridge; at the time, the village of Billings Bridge was a small community near the present day Billings Bridge in Ottawa. With the closure of the Lodge, the plaque eventually came into the hands of Gloucester Township Historical Society.

Artifacts – Photo Credit: Eric Ross

Artifacts – Photo Credit: Eric Ross

Biography - page 1 – Biography courtesy of the Lest We Forget remembrance initiative of the Smith Falls District Collegiate.

Biography - page 2 – Biography courtesy of the Lest We Forget remembrance initiative of the Smith Falls District Collegiate.

Biography - page 3 – Biography courtesy of the Lest We Forget remembrance initiative of the Smith Falls District Collegiate.

Photo of Walter Gervin – Walter Gervin (left) and his brother Douglas Gervin in Ottawa.

Photo 2 of Walter Gervin – Private Walter Gervin (1896-1916)

Handwritten Will – Handwritten Will of Private Walter Gervin (1896-1916) Service #113017

Grave marker – Inscription to the memory of WALTER GERVIN on the family grave marker at St. George's Hawthorne Cemetery Ottawa, Ontario.

Attestation Paper – Attestation Paper (Source Library and Archives Canada. Soldiers of the First World War)

Attestation Paper – Attestation Paper (Source Library and Archives Canada. Soldiers of the First World War)