204513 Private Alexander Reid Thomson was a 22 year old farmer originally from Montreal attested into the 96th Battalion in Saskatoon in March 1916. He arrived at the 15th Battalion in February 1917 and was posted to No. 2 Company.
The end of April 1915 found the 15th Battalion further east of the ground they had captured on April 9th in front of Arleux Wood overlooking the town of Willerval. No. 2 Company was forward and had conducted day light recce patrols of the German wire and was being relieved by No. 4 Company when German heavy artillery began to drop ranging rounds on their position. This was followed by an intense bombardment which lasted until midnight and the companies suffered a combined total of 29 casualties – 9 of which were fatal. All nine men were killed in action during the heavy artillery bombardment at Arleux Wood on May 1, 1917. This was to be the battalion’s last day in the Vimy area.
NOK: Youngest son of the late Bruce H. Thomson (C.E.) (formerly of the Royal Engineers, Edinburgh) and his wife Mary M. Phillips, of Montreal. Born at Montreal.
Maggie Thomson (S) 2 Lindsay Ave., Toronto, ON
