Families dreaded receiving news of the death of a loved one, but often also craved information on how the death occurred. Documents were kept recording the circumstances of soldiers’ deaths. In this case, Chauncey and Francis Poole of Norwich, Ontario received a report informing them of the death of their only son, Bruce Poole.

Poole enlisted in 1916 and served as a private with the 18th Battalion. His death report indicates he was killed instantly by shrapnel in October 1918, exactly one month before the Armistice.

“Bruce manifested a desire to enlist to do his bit for the great cause,” reads a newspaper clipping about his death. “Not only do the parents and sister mourn his loss but the whole community mourns with them and yet our hearts swell with pride that from our midst went forth one who fought so bravely and died so nobly. Such lads as these are Canada’s strength and greatness.”

Do you have an ancestor who served in the Great War? Submit their story and it could be included on this Great War Album website.