Walnut Street
Private Lewis Edward Drake
Lewis Drake was born on September 9, 1877 in Gomersal, Yorkshire, England, the son of John and Nancy Drake. Prior to emigrating to Canada, Lewis served in the Volunteer Artillery in England.
He lived on Walnut Street in Paris with his wife, Bertha Drake. He was employed as a fibre carder, probably with Penmans Company. During the First World War, Lewis enlisted first with the 125th Battalion on December 12, 1915, when he was 38 years of age. He went overseas with that unit and served until April, 1918. He was then transferred to the 54th Infantry Battalion, with whom he served until August, then transferred again to the 50th Infantry Battalion from August 14 until he was killed in action on September 9, 1918. He is buried in Quarry Wood Cemetery, in a village called Sains les Marquion, which is 2 km south of Arras, France.
Although we do not have specific details about Lewis’ death, it can be concluded that he died during the final “Hundred Days” offensive of World War 1. In September 1918, the 50th Canadian Infantry Battalion (Calgary) was actively engaged in the final, decisive offensive of World War I, specifically fighting in the intense battles to break Germany's formidable Drocourt-Quéant Line near Arras, France, where they stormed positions and took many prisoners, pushing the Germans back significantly. The battalion was in position for the attack on this crucial defensive line on September 1st, with all four companies ready. They participated in the successful capture of this line, suffering casualties but liberating territory and taking over 1,000 German prisoners in just a couple of day. The 50th Battalion served within the 10th Canadian Infantry Brigade, 4th Canadian Division, pushing forward in the Allied advance that led to the war's end. This period marked a significant push by the Canadian Corps, culminating in the liberation of towns and villages as they advanced towards the German border.
Lewis Drake was killed during this final operation, just two months before the end of the war.