Wesley Simpson Overton - 443916
- Sean Maas-Stevens
- Jan 22
- 2 min read
Updated: Mar 6
Wesley Simpson Overton was born in Brigden, Ontario on 12 April 1892. At 23 years old, he enlisted with the Canadian Expeditionary Force in Vernon, British Columbia. Prior to this, he had been a sheet metal worker, who had also served 6 years in the 102nd Rocky Mountain Rangers.
Private Overton was posted to the 54th Battalion in Bramshott, UK in February of 1916. There, he was granted the permanent rank of Private. It is possible he had been granted a higher rank on the home-front, but was reduced in rank upon arrival to the UK. In August of 1916, he was appointed Acting Lance Corporal. This appointment only lasted until November, when he was reduced to Private once more upon deployment to the field.
While in the field, Private Overton fell ill with Mumps twice during April of 1917, and was transported to St. Omer hospital. After returning to the field, Private Overton was awarded his first Good Conduct Stripe for his two years of regular service.
In October of 1917, while still in the field, Private Overton was granted permission to marry. (It was common in previous generations of the military to have to ask ones Commanding Officer for permission to marry.) In November 1918, shortly after the Armistice was declared, Private Overton was promoted to Corporal, and only a few months later, to Sergeant. In April of 1919, he returned to England aboard the HMTS (His Majesties Troop Ship) Mauretania. In June, Sgt Overton was discharged due to demobilization, and returned to Revelstoke, BC.
Comments