Brothers-in-law Hezekiah (Harry) and Alfred Hadley enlisted together on February 2, 1915 from Calgary, Alberta. When they arrived overseas in 1916, Alfred became very ill and was invalidated home for medical treatment. He died in Calgary on October 1, 1918 from kidney failure.

Harry went on to serve as a private with the 50th Battalion and had a close call himself. One night he and his unit were digging tunnels and could hear the Germans tunneling in the opposite direction. He and his unit knew that they had to dig the tunnels faster than the Germans or they would likely be dead. So, they stayed up all night digging.

Harry also served with his brothers, Samuel and Albert, who enlisted in 1915 and served as privates. All three survived and returned to Canada in 1919. Harry eventually moved to Orlando, Florida with his wife, Esther. He died in 1963. Samuel lived in Calgary and died in 1977. Albert lived in Langley, British Columbia and died in 1969.

Harry’s son, Wilfred, joined the 1st Depot Battalion in early 1918. After a period of training, he sailed out of Halifax for England, arriving in August. The war ended before he could be sent to the front. Wilfred returned to Calgary after the war. He married in 1923, and he and his wife, Leah, lived in Calgary the rest of their lives.

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