447271 Private John William Urquhart was a 32 year old miner originally from Stellarton, Nova Scotia and living in Drumheller, AB with his wife and three children when he attested into the 56th Battalion at Calgary in June 1915. He was initially sent as reinforcement to the 10th Battalion in June 1916 but shortly thereafter was transferred to the 15th Battalion following Observatory ridge (Mount Sorrel).
During the front line trench tour from August 1-5, the battalion was occupying a series of trenches and posts near The Bluff not far from Hill 60. No. 1 Company in trench 32; No. 2 in The Crater and Gordon post; No. 3 occupying trenches Pollock, Bean, New International and Forest; and Private Urquhart’s No. 4 Company in King Street trench. On August 1st, Private Urquhart suffered penetrating gun shot wounds to both shoulders and was evacuated to No. 6 Canadian Field Ambulance where he died the next day. Private Urquhart is buried in Railway Dugouts Burial Ground.
NOK: Mrs J.W. Urquhart (W) PO Box 696, Calgary, Alberta
