Vimy Week Stories - Private Harry Ayres

Private Harry Ayres

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Private Harry Ayres was born on January 16th, 1880, in Berkshire, England. He later moved to Canada, where he enlisted in the Canadian Infantry, specifically the British Columbia Regiment, on July 3rd, 1915, in Vernon, British Columbia. He was a member of the 47th Battalion. Harry was the son of the late Harry Ayres of Reading, England, and the husband of Carrie E. M. Ayres, who resided in Chilliwack, British Columbia. 

In a poignant letter to his wife, written shortly before his death, Harry penned a moving poem that encapsulates the stark realities of war. He wrote:

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"A blazier fire at twilight,

A thousand stars ashine,

A searchlight sweeping Heaven.

About the firing line.

The rifle bullet whistles,

The message that it brings,

Of death and desolation

To common folks and Kings.

A sentry at his station,

Upon the trenches rim

Has thoughts that draw souls nearer

And you are there with him"

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Private Harry Ayres was 36 years old when he was killed on November 11th, 1916.

To learn more about the individuals behind the names commemorated on the Canadian National Vimy Memorial, use Vimy: A Living Memorial. The app allows users to scan names on the memorial or search from anywhere in the world, with access to biographies, photographs, and additional records.https://vimyfoundation.ca/livingmemorialvivant

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