FLOOK, William George
DIVISIONAL UNIT: 2nd Canadian Infantry Division
4th Infantry Brigade
18th Battalion - Western Ontario
Canadian Infantry Corps
SERVICE NO: 189801
RESIDENCE: Chatham – Ontario
DATE OF BIRTH: April 21, 1896
London - England
DATE OF DEATH: October 11, 1918 22 years 5 months
CEMETERY: Niagara Cemetery – Iwuy –
Nord – France
B 1
WIFE: Mrs. Frances J. McDonald Flook – Wingham - Ontario
PARENTS: Mr. Albert & Catherine Flook – Wingham – Ontario
Occupation: Foreman Religion: Church of England
Enlistment: St. Thomas – January 4, 1916 into 186th Battalion
Enlistment Age: 19 years 9 months
Private Flook arrived in England on April 7, 1917. He then was transferred to the 4th Reserve Battalion that same day and they were based in Bramshott - Hampshire. On August 26, 1917 he goes overseas to join the 18th Battalion and joins them in the field on September 5, 1917.
Private Flook lost his life while in action from enemy shrapnel which struck him during military operations near Iway, France.
The Battalion was in support of the 29th & 21st Battalions. “C” & “D” were left and right front support. “B” was in support and “A” was in reserve. During the advance the two front assault Battalions swung too far to the left forcing “C’ to turn back three enemy tanks with rifle, machine-gun and Lewis gun fire.
The front line Battalions were being pushed back by the enemy tanks on the left and the Imperial Brigade on the right had to withdraw. “C” the dropped back in support then with “B” advanced to the Sunken Road and formed a line with the 20th & 21st Battalions.
At 1:30 pm C” & “D: Companies who were now attached to the 21st advanced under an artillery barrage but the right flank with the Imperials could not advance. The Battalion was relieved by the 51st later in the evening with “C” & “D” being relieved by the Gordons and “A” & “B” being relieved by the Seaforths.
The Battalion then moved to billets located in Esaudo Euvres.
During the day 11 men were killed, 56 wounded with another 18 wounded from the effects of gas.