Private Edward James Lock #9331, 3rd Battalion

Photo by Bob Richardson  2014

Born on May 5, 1886 in Compton, Quebec to Ernest Charles and Mary Lock, of Compton, Quebec. According to Private Lock's attestation paper, he was single, working as a tailor in Toronto, a member of the 2rd Regiment Queen's Own Rifles militia for six years. He was 5'9" tall, had dark complexion, blue eyes and black hair, religion was Baptist.

Pte Lock and Sgt Slater, Ploegsteert
Wood, winter 1915-16

Enlisted in the 3rd (Toronto) Battalion Valcartier, Quebec on September 22, 1914. He accompanied this battalion in the 1st Contingent , 1st Brigade on the S.S. Tunisian training the winter of 1914-15 in Bustard Camp on the Salisbury Plain in England. Private Lock forfeited 2 days pay on December 14, 1914 for "being absent without leave". On arrival in Armemtieres, France February 21, 1915 Edward Lock was given 2 MONTHS Field Punishment No.1 for Pt II No.4 "drunkenness". Apparently Private Lock survived the battles of 1915; 2nd Ypres, Festubert and Givenchy unscathed. August 28, 1915 attached to 3rd Field Company, Canadian Engineers, returning to 3rd Battalion October 7. He was given 9 nine days leave of absence on November 22, 1915. Assigned to 1st Canadian Infantry Brigade Wirers December 5. Returned to 3rd Battalion January 9, 1916. In trouble again on returning from leave given four days F.P. #1 December 6 for "Insolence to an N.C.O.". Finally  on January 10, 1916, Private Lock was given "14 days F.P. #1 for (1) Disobedience to a routine order (2) giving a false name (#) when in confinement escaping on 30.12.15". Killed in action February 11, 1916.

Killed in action February 11, 1916. Although the mention was made that he was taken to a dressing station, he possibly died en route. The casualty sheet in his service file states "Killed while wiring in front of trench, bullet through the abdomen". Buried in Wulverghem-Lindenhoek Road Military Cemetery, grave I.E.34

3rd Battalion War Diaries
Thursday, February 10, 1916
Location: TEA FARM
Entry: Capt ALLEY returned from leave. Pte. LOCK[E] killed while wiring. Pte. SORENSEM wounded by a stray while on working party.
Weather fine.

Friday, February 11, 1916
Location: TEA FARM
Entry: Capt. HUTCHESON returned from leave. Pte LOCK[E] buried.
Weather rainy.

His page on the Veterans Affairs Canada Virtual Memorial can be found HERE
His attestation paper can be found on the Library and Archives Canada database can be found HERE


Thanks to Marika Pirie Toronto Star clipping December 6, 1915