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Note: HI9
Note: (Research):Gordon Hamilton Southam (1886-1916) athlete, publisher, soldier, worked for his father's printing company and became assistant manager of The Hamilton Spectator. He was killed in WWI.
The Death of Major Gordon Hamilton Southam The following is an account of the death of Major G. H. Southam, O.C. of the 40th Battery, CFA, as recorded in the War Diary for the 8th Brigade, CFA: "About 10 a.m. [on October 15, 1916] the enemy appeared to be registering the Bde. Position with 5.9" H.E. and continued bracketing until about 1 p.m. German observation balloons were up at that time. When these conditions were reported, the Brigade Commander [Lt. Col. V. Eaton] ordered "cease fire", until the situation became normal. About 1.45 p.m. the 40th Battery opened fire, and the Germans immediately commenced shelling this Battery, shelling with 5.9" and 8" shells, continuing until about 2 p.m. At that time the detachments were ordered into the trenches, which had been dug to a depth of 12 feet. "Major G.H. Southam, O.C. of the 40th Bty. and Sergt. Major N.J. Harvie, of the same Battery, were killed by a shell, while superintending movement of the men to the trenches. Sgt. Wilson and Gnr. Vanfleet, of the 40th Battery [both later transfers] were wounded by shrapnel about the same time."
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