Ira Sumner was born in London, Ontario, on September 10, 1893, the son of Ira Austin Mills Sumner (of Middlesex,Ontario) and Mary Ann (Minnie) Sumner (nee Beasley, of Windsor). Father Ira Austin was living in Sarnia, and mother Mary Ann was living in Point Edward prior to the couple’s marriage. Father Ira Austin and mother Mary Ann would marry in September of 1890 in Point Edward. Mary Ann’s mother, Mrs. Wm. Beasley, who would be Ira William’s grandmother, resided in Point Edward. After getting married, the newlyweds resided in Point Edward for a time where Mr. Sumner supported his family by working as a painter. In 1901, the family was residing in London, Ontario. Ira William’s siblings included Reginald Earl (born 1901) and Frank Westbury (born 1904).

Ira William enlisted in London, Ontario on April 10, 1915. At his enlistment, he recorded his occupation as clerk and his marital status as single. He also recorded that he belonged to the 7th Company, Canadian Engineers. Ira would become a member of the Army, Canadian Infantry (Western Ontario Regiment), 18th Battalion, “D” Company, with the rank of Private. Seven months after enlisting, on November 25, 1915 Ira Sumner would lose his life, the result of wounds received while fighting, in Belgium. Ira Sumner would officially be listed as, Died of Wounds, France.

In December of 1915, Ira’s mother Mrs. Mary Ann Sumner would receive a letter from the captain of “D” Company. The captain stated that Ira was a young man of faultless habits, with not one black mark registered against him and that he was exceptionally well liked by the men with whom he was associated. Rev. Arthur Carslyle, chaplain of the 18th, also wrote to Mrs. Sumner offering his heartfelt sympathy for the loss of her highly esteemed son. It was also stated that Capt. G.C. Hale, medical officer of the 18th Battalion, had, at the risk of his life, stayed in the trench with Sumner, who was shot in the forehead, from 10 o’clock in the morning, the time that he was wounded, until 9 p.m. when they were able to convey him to the field hospital in the rear. Ira died shortly after arriving in the field hospital.

Mrs. Mary Anne Sumner also received the following letter from Sir Sam Hughes, dated December 8:

Dear Mrs. Sumner,

Will you kindly accept my sincere sympathy and condolence in the decease of that worthy citizen and heroic soldier, Pte. William Ira Sumner. While one cannot too deeply mourn the loss of such a brave comrade, there is consolation in knowing that he did his duty fearlessly and well and gave his life for the cause of liberty and the upbuilding of the empire. Again extending to you my heart felt sympathy. Faithfully yours,

Sam Hughes, major-general, minister of militia and defence for Canada

Mrs. Sumner would receive another letter, dated November 27, from Peter Fraynor, a friend of Ira’s, who was attached to “C” Company of the 18th Battalion:

Dear Mrs. Sumner,

By the time you receive this letter you will have been notified of the death of your son Ira, by the government. He was shot in the forehead yesterday morning about 9 o’clock, while out with a working party at —–. I saw him last night at the advanced dressing station, just about half a mile behind the firing line, his death taking place at 9 o’clock. Wrapped in his blanket, we laid him at rest beside several other heroes of this battalion.

 I have his personal belongings, his watch, ring, regimental badges and several other things, and will send them to you. Do not grieve too much Mrs. Sumner, as Ira was a lad to be proud of, well liked by all the boys in his company, and above all, he died for his king and country, a soldier and a man.

Your friend, Peter Fraynor

Mrs Sumner would receive still another letter, also dated November 27, from Leslie Bolton of “C” Company. The letter reiterated the above details in the manner, time and place of Ira’s death. He added that Ira was killed about 300 feet up the trench, when Leslie heard a call for the stretcher-bearers. Upon inquring who was hurt, Leslie Bolton was informed that it was Sumner of “D” Company, and he immediately hastened to his side, but Ira was unconscious from the moment he was struck until he died. Twenty-two year old Ira Sumner is buried in Ridge Wood Military Cemetery, Heuvelland, Begium, Grave II.J.12. On his headstone are inscribed the words, He died fighting for God and Right and Liberty.

SOURCES: C, D, E, F, L, N, 2C, 2D, 2G