Dick, Joseph Colin

Joseph Colin Dick was born in Russia on 15 July 1889.

A labourer, Dick enlisted in the 66th Canadian Infantry Battalion in Edmonton, Alberta, and embarked for England with his unit on 28 April 1916. Upon arrival in England on 7 May 1916, the 66th Battalion was absorbed by the 9th Reserve Battalion, based at Shorncliffe, Kent. This battalion was used to marshal men to reinforce units already in the field.

Dick was transferred to the 4th Canadian Pioneer Battalion on 21 August 1916 and joined the unit in France on 1 October 1916. A few days later, on 7 October 1916, he was transferred once again, to the 25th Canadian Infantry Battalion (Nova Scotia Rifles).

On 10 April 1917, Dick died at No. 23 Casualty Clearing Station from wounds received while fighting with the 25th Battalion in the Battle of Vimy Ridge. He was wounded during the battalion’s assault on the German-held Turko Graben Trench. According to its war diary, in spite of facing considerable machine gun fire, the battalion took the trench at 7:40 a.m., some two hours and ten minutes after the battle began. In taking the trench, the 25th Battalion captured two 77 mm artillery pieces, eight machine guns and six trench mortars. An unspecified number of prisoners were also taken.

Joseph Colin Dick is buried in Lapugnoy Military Cemetery, in France.