Herbert Morris Wightwick was killed in action on this day in 1915

Herbert Morris Wightwick was born in Hastings, Sussex on 27 August 1885. (Note that he signed his attestation papers as Herbert Maurice Wightwick).

He emigrated to Canada where, at the time of the outbreak of war, he was employed as a clerk in Red Deer, Alberta. He enlisted at Red Deer into the Canadian Army and attested at Valcartier on 22 September 1914.

He was 29 years old, single, 5' 9" tall with brown hair and blue eyes. Number 13691, he was assigned to the 35th Central Alberta Horse (5th Bn).

With the 5th Bn CEF, Herbert sailed from Quebec on 3 October 1914 and, after harbouring at Plymouth, England, disembarked at Devonmouth on October 20 1914. After spending the next few months in training on Salisbury Plain, he arrived in France (St.Nazaire) on 14 February 1915, soon afterwards moving to the front-line area near Armentieres. Following on from initial frontline experiences in that area in March 1915, Herbert's unit was moved into the Ypres Salient – just prior to the start of the 2nd Battle of Ypres.

After being heavily involved in action during this battle from the first days, Herbert was killed in action during a bombardment of his position on the Canal Bank to the north of Ypres on 5 May 1915.

Herbert's body now lies in Duhallow ADS Cemetery, Ypres.

Herbert had named a friend, Joseph and his wife Mrs. A Easton of Turner's Hill, Sussex as his next of kin and it was to this family that his pay was sent until his death. His parents, Charles and Mrs A. Wightwick were still alive and living in Eastbourne.

Pte Herbert Morris (Maurice) Wightwick, 5th Bn, Candian Infantry