Canadian Virtual War Memorial

Memorial – Remembering brothers lost … Brothers In Arms Memorial, Zonnebeke, BE … photo courtesy of Marg Liessens … May 2022

Photo of Ernest Arthur Rogers – (1894-1917)

Group Photo – Photo from Welland before departing for Europe. Ernie is second from the right. Ernie was born July 24, 1894 in Welland, Ontario. He attended school there and developed into an exceptional all-round athlete. A 1917 Welland newspaper clipping said, 'the young man is very widely known, much liked, and highly esteemed. It is probably no exaggeration to say he is the foremost athlete Welland county has produced. He opened his athletic career by carrying off the YMCA championship in track and field when a mere lad. Later he excelled in basketball and hockey. When he took to baseball, he developed into a pitcher of high calibre. While in England he played in many games for the Red Cross and other charitable purposes. He had more than ordinary skill and grace as a boxer.' It is said that Ernie was on Connie Mack's negociation list, before signing up, with his older brother Dick (Richard), to fight. Ernie was religious about writing letters home to express his eagerness and noble duty. Several letters contained traces of mud from the trenches. He closed some of his letters with this: 'Please remember me to the fellows. Your brother, Ern.'

Newspaper Clipping – NATIVE SONS OF WELLAND PAID THE SUPREME PRICE Richard Rogers and Ernest Rogers. "They were lovely and pleasant in their lives and in their death they were not divided." Rev. James Thompson quote.

Memorial Plaque