Sergeant
Walker, Reuben Purves
Unit
46th Canadian Infantry Battalion (South Saskatchewan)
Branch
Infantry
Service Component
Canadian Expeditionary Force
Service Number
472191
birth
1893/10/24
Liverpool, United Kingdom, England
death
1917/04/10
Vimy, France
grave
Canadian National Vimy Memorial, Vimy Ridge, France
Gender
Male
Reuben Purves Walker was born in Liverpool, England, on 24 October 1893. He immigrated to Canada in 1910.
A farmer, Walker enlisted in the 65th Canadian Infantry Battalion (Saskatchewan) in Saskatoon, Saskatchewan, on 22 July 1915. After enlisting, he was granted leave to work on the harvest from 17 August to 15 October 1915. In December 1915, Walker was made an acting corporal at Camp Borden, in Ontario.
Walker left for England with his unit aboard SS Empress of Britain on 18 June 1916 and arrived at his destination 10 days later. While in England, he was transferred to the 46th Canadian Infantry Battalion (South Saskatchewan) and confirmed as a lance corporal. He proceeded to France on 10 August 1916 and was promoted to sergeant two months later.
Walker was killed in action on 10 April 1917, during the Battle of Vimy Ridge. He was hastily buried on the northeast slope of the ridge, and his body was later lost.
Reuben Purves Walker is commemorated on the Canadian National Vimy Memorial, on Vimy Ridge, in France.
