Private Oliver Mansen Ditson

Private Oliver Mansen Ditson, Army, Kindersley, Saskatchewan

Died: November 19, 1916

Commemorated at Vimy Memorial, France

Oliver Mansen Ditson was born October 16, 1886 at Collingwood, Ontario where he completed his education. Single, he moved to Kindersley, Saskatchewan and joined the 29th Light Horse while working as a clerk before enlisting at Saskatoon, Saskatchewan March 8, 1916. Overseas with the 65th Battalion in June 1916, Ditson went on to serve as a Private with the Canadian Expeditionary Force attached to the 46th Battalion (South Saskatchewan) during the First World War. Landing at Le Havre, France in August 1916 with the 10th Infantry Brigade, 4th Canadian Division, the 46th Battalion fought along the Western Front in France and Belgium. On November 19, 1916, Private Oliver Mansen Ditson died during an attack on the Desire Trench near Courcelette, France. He is commemorated on the Vimy Memorial, Pas de Calais, France and on a Memorial Stone and Plaque commemorating the 46th Battalion that stands on the northeast corner of the Bowl at the University of Saskatchewan, Saskatoon. Son of John and Margaret (nee Graban) Ditson of Collingwood, Ontario; brother of James, Benjamin, Minnie, Albert, Ida, Cora and Emma Ditson; dear friend of Miss E. K. Humphrey, Kindersley; he was 30 years old. Citation(s): Victory Medal, British War Medal.