Private Cyril B. Dickson was born in Toronto on June 21st, 1891. His mother, who is listed as his next of kin in his military files, was named as Mrs. E. C. Jarvis and her address was in Chicago Illinois (source: Library & Archives Canada). Jarvis attended Ridley College, a prestigious boarding school in St. Catharine’s, Ontario from the age of 11 to 15. He then went on to train as an electrician before enlisting with the 5th Canadian Mounted Rifles in 1915 at age 24. More than 400 of Ridley College’s graduates were in active service during WW1, and 61 of them died there, including Private Dickson (source: Ridleycollege.com).  Dickson was killed in action while his battalion was trapped in the Ypres Salient on August 18th, 1916; a salient is a bulge in the enemy lines which the Allies controlled; a very dangerous place to be. According to the Ridley College website, Dickson was killed just before he was due to head back to England for a commission (paying money to the British Army to be made an officer of a cavalry or infantry regiment). Private Cyril Dickson is buried at Bedford House Cemetery in Ypres, West Flanders, Belgium (source: findagrave.com). 

*Please note: we haven't been able to establish Private Dickson's connection to the village yet, though he must have had one to have appeared on the original memorial plaques. Updates to come, hopefully.