Herbert James Tracey
Herbert was home on leave from Petawawa Camp on September 23, 1918 when he complained of feeling unwell. He had sustained a cut on his wrist from a bottle a short time previously, the wound having been dressed by a Camp Medical Officer. His condition became worse and the second day later the Doctor was called who diagnosed Septicaemia. According to the Parish Register at St. Alban The Martyr, Glen Williams, James was baptised as an adult October 1, 1918 as he was “seriously ill”. According to his military record he “received all possible medical attention but died October 2, 1918”.
Herbert had attempted to enlist two years prior to enlisting on April 29, 1918, but was rejected due to concerns about his eyesight. He was the son of Dennis Tracey and Jane Anne Norton and he gave his address as Glen Williams. He was single, a machine operator and he identified his religion as Church of England. Herbert had four younger brothers, John, Lewis, Harry and Albert.
Gunner Herbert Tracey of the 64th Battalion was buried at Greenwood Cemetery, Georgetown. He was 20 years of age and had died while serving his country.
Truly a Canadian Hero. His story lives on. *Information taken from Canadiangreatwarproject.ca, cwgc.org and ancestry.ca and the Parish Register St. Alban The Martyr, Glen Williams