William Eddy was born in Sarnia, on October 25, 1885, the son of Walter Roache Eddy (from England) and Mary (nee Kyle, from Scotland) Eddy, of Christina Street, later 330 South Vidal Street, Sarnia. His siblings included: Ethel (born 1888) and Ellellida (born 1890). While living in Winnipeg, William enlisted first in November 1914 with the 90th Winnipeg Regiment and was given a commission as First Lieutenant. He would serve with Canadian Over-seas Expeditionary Force, Canadian Infantry, 90th Regiment, Winnipeg Rifles as a Lieutenant. When the Regiment was sent overseas, the officers were disbanded. Returning to Sarnia, William Eddy enlisted again on June 15, 1916 in London, Ontario. Single at the time, he recorded his occupation as an engineer, and that he had six months of prior militia experience with 90th Regiment, Winnipeg. Later, he would be transferred to Canadian Field Artillery, 3rd Brigade, with the rank of Gunner. He had reverted to the ranks in order to serve his country. William went overseas with his company in September 1916.

While in drill in England, he met with an accident whereby both arms were broken. In May 1917, William would send a letter home to his parents on Vidal Street, from Bramshott Camp, England. The following is a portion of that letter:

My Dear Parents,

I am sure you must be thinking something has happened to me and indeed it has but I am now recovering, although slowly. I have not been to France, but when we were at Salibury Plains for firing practice I had the misfortune to get thrown from a runaway horse, breaking both arms. The left arm is nearly alright. I am writing with it – but my right arm is still pretty sore and it will be some time yet before I am fit for service. I am now at the Canadian Military Hospital at Bramshott… Well, how are you all at home anyway, well I hope. I get the papers you send and am glad everything goes well at home. I hope it will not be many months now before I am with you again….                     Your loving son, Will

In October of 1917, William was sent to France. Less than one year later, on September 2, 1918, William Eddy would lose his life while fighting in France during Canada’s final Hundred Days Campaign. In October 1918, William’s mother in Sarnia would receive the following letter:

11th Battery C.F.A.

September 8th, 1918

Dear Mrs. Eddy,

It is with deep regret that I have to inform you of the death in action of your son, 333930, Gunner W.P. Eddy, and which occurred on the 2nd instant. Your son at the time was with his gun which was in action in support of the Infantry. During a period of enemy shelling a shell burst close by the gun killing your son instantly and wounding one of his comrades. He was buried by his comrades at P.25 A. 85-75, Sheet 51B., and all his personal effects have been sent to the base and will be forwarded to you. The men of the Battery have expressed their deep regret at the loss of a most popular comrade. On behalf of both officers and men I wish to extend to you our deepest sympathy in your great grief.

Sgt. Geo W. Shearer

Majo O.C. 11th Battery, C.F.A.

William Eddy would later be officially listed as, Killed in action. During military operations in the vicinity of Vis-en-Artois, and Dury, whilst his Battery was supporting the Infantry, an enemy shell exploded near his gun, instantly killing him. Thirty-two year old William Eddy has no known grave. He is memorialized on the Vimy Memorial, Pas de Calais, France.

SOURCES: A, B, C, D, F, L, N, 2C, 2D, 2G