William James Coulter was born in Woodstock, Oxford County, Ontario, on August 21, 1897, the only son of William John Coulter (of Perth, Ontario, who was County Constable) and Belinda Jane (nee Clark, of Oxford, Ontario) Coulter, of 345 Vidal Street, Sarnia. His siblings included: Isabelle Louise (born 1892); Anne Gertrude (born 1894); and Mildred Jane (born 1907). William James would move to Petrolia, and later reside in Sarnia several years before enlisting. He was employed by the Canadian Express Company, and also at the Northern Navigation Company in Sarnia. William enlisted April 24, 1916 in Guelph, Ontario, with the 64th Battery, but later transferred to the 24th Battery. At the time of his enlistment, he was single and he recorded his occupation as an express driver. He would go overseas to France in March 1916, on the anniversary of his parents’ silver wedding. He became a member of the Army, Canadian Field Artillery, 8th Brigade, with the rank of Gunner. He took part in many engagements, including Vimy Ridge. He was later advanced to Corporal, receiving his stripes on the field.
One of William’s sisters would marry G.H. Williams (of Sarnia), who would also serve in the war, enlisting in October 1914, with the 18th Battalion. William Coulter’s brother-in-law, G.H. Williams, would go overseas in April 1915 with the 18th Battalion, first training in England, then moving to France. G.H. Williams would rise up the ranks, to sergeant, then sergeant major and then to Lieutenant. At the Somme, G.H. Williams would be awarded the Military Medal for bravery on the field, and at Passchendaele he was awarded the Distinguished Conduct Medal. He would serve 35 months in France, and would return to Canada. Lieutenant G.H. Williams was only a few hundred yards away from his brother-in-law, William Coulter, when he was fatally wounded.
On November 14, 1917, William Coulter would lose his life, as a result of wounds received while fighting in the days following the Battle of Passchendaele, Belgium. When he met his death, he was acting as sergeant in place of his own sergeant, who had been killed. Before learning of his son’s death, William’s father, William John in Sarnia would receive a letter from his son. Son William James had also sent home his belt and many souvenirs, including: buttons and emblems representing regiments from Australia, South Africa, Manitoba, Calgary Battalions, Royal Engineers, Mounted Rifles, Infantry, Gordon Highlanders, 48th Highlanders, Connaught Rangers, American Battalion, C.V.O., Buglers, Northumberland Hussars, Devonshire Regiment, R.C.H.A.; and buttons from German prisoners; and other souvenirs. Also included in the collection were two paper knives which had been skillfully hammered out of shells. In late November 1917, one week after receiving his son’s letter and souvenirs, Williams’ father William John in Sarnia would receive the following telegram:
Wm. John Coulter, 345 South Vidal Street, Sarnia
Deeply regret to inform you that 334850, Corporal William James Coulter, artillery, officially reported died of wounds, 3rd Casualty clearing station, Nov. 14, 1917, gunshot wound in left thigh. Director of Records
William James would later be officially listed as, Died of wounds, (gunshot wound fracture left thigh), at No. 3 Casualty Clearing Station. Twenty-year old William James Coulter is buried in Lijssenthoek Military Cemetery, Belgium, Grave XXII.DD.6.
SOURCES: A, B, C, D, E, F, L, N, 2C, 2D, 2G