BX May 3, 1916
Three Brantford Men Wounded – Privates Norman Mackenzie, David Linn, and G. Batson Wounded
Three more casualties to Brantford men have been learned of within the past few days through the medium of letters or the casualty list.
Private Norman McKenzie, formerly of Terrace Hill, who left with the Second Contingent, has been wounded according to a letter received in the city from Mrs. McKenzie. About the time he left for overseas Mrs. McKenzie returned to her old home in Scotland. After a rest in Scotland with his family he has returned to the trenches. The casualty of Private Dave Linn was learned of by a card received from him by Mr. Thomas McCormack. On the card he said that he had been admitted to hospital, but was doing well. He formerly played football with the Thistle club and worked at the Waterous Engine Works.
In this morning’s casualty list appears the name of Pte. G. Batson of 111 Murray Street amongst the wounded. Batson left Brantford with the First Contingent.
BX October 24, 1916
Is Coming Home
A former well known Brantford football player invalided home from the front in the person of Pte. David Linn has arrived at Halifax on his way home. He is a Scotchman and formerly lived at 130 West Street. A single man, he went overseas in July 1915 with a draft from the 38th “Duffs.”
BX October 30, 1916
Returning From Firing Line – Three More Brant County Heroes Expected to Return Tonight
Three more Brant County men are expected back from the front tonight. Two of the men, Privates Samuel Pearce and David Linn are the Brantford men, and Pte. Brown of Paris, the third man. Pte. Linn resides at 130 West Street, and the address of Pte. Pearce, when he enlisted, was given as the Victoria Café. The men will be met at the station by representatives of the Soldiers’ Aid Commission. As this is council night and the chairman, Ald. Dowling will be busy there; it is likely the vice-chairman, ex-Mayor J.H. Spence, will look after the reception.
BX October 30, 1916
Returning From Firing Line – Three More Brant County Heroes Expected to Return Tonight
Three more Brant County men are expected back from the front tonight. Two of the men, Privates Samuel Pearce and David Linn are the Brantford men, and Pte. Brown of Paris, the third man. Pte. Linn resides at 130 West Street, and the address of Pte. Pearce, when he enlisted, was given as the Victoria Café. The men will be met at the station by representatives of the Soldiers’ Aid Commission. As this is council night and the chairman, Ald. Dowling will be busy there; it is likely the vice-chairman, ex-Mayor J.H. Spence, will look after the reception.
BX October 31, 1916
Civic Reception to Returned Men – Sergeant George Blathwayt and Privates S. Pearce and D. Linn Home – Given a Welcome – All Three Have Been Rendered Unfit for Military Service by Wounds Received on the Firing Line – Their Stories
After having taken their share in the big fight for a guaranteed nationhood, three Brantford heroes – Sergeant George Blathwayt and Privates Samuel Pearce and David Linn – who have all been invalided home through injuries sustained on the battlefield, arrived in the city last evening.
To martial strains from the 215th band and the thunderous cheers of the hundreds of khaki-clad and civilian citizens gathered at the G.T.R. station, the three heroes stepped off the 7.32 train from Toronto. Privates Linn and Pearce were looked for, but Sergt. Blathwayt came in earlier than expected.
Three members of the Soldiers’ Aid Commission, ex-Mayor Spence, vice-chairman, and H.W. Fitton and James Harley, were present and extended the glad hand of welcome to the soldiers, who were speedily surrounded by friends. J.H. Fisher, M.P., and Dr. Lovett of Paris were at the station to welcome Pte. Brown of that town back, but he did not arrive.
The three heroes were immediately taken to Mr. Fitton’s automobile and headed by other cars and the band. A procession was formed with the Market Square as its destination. Here the crowd gathered round and Mr. Spence formally welcomed the men back and made an earnest appeal to the men in “civies” to answer the call for men that was ringing throughout Canada, and to go to fill the places made vacant. Cheers were repeatedly given for the returned men before they were taken to their destinations.
Sergt. Blathwayt and Pte. Pearce were both of the 19th Battalion, in which the former, to a reporter, last evening said very few of the men in the original battalion could be found. Lt.-Col. Turnbull of Hamilton is now in charge. The third member of the party, Pte. Linn was with the 21st Battalion.
All three men have sustained wounds which will prevent their taking any further share in the fight for liberty. Sergt. Blathwayt was blown up by a high explosive shell the day after the O’Neill brothers and two other Brantford men were killed by one shell. It was in October that he was injured and although badly shaken up he did not leave the front till February. Although now suffering seriously from shock, he does not think his injuries will be permanent. Pte. Pearce’s right arm is practically useless and Pte. Linn was wounded in the leg and has a decided limp.
These three men went overseas early in the war, going across with the 2nd Contingent and all have seen a goodly share of the fighting. Sergt. Blathwayt went to the home of his brother last evening, 24 Brock Street, Pte. Linn’s address was 130 West Street, and Pte. Pearce, the Victoria Café, Market Street. All three are unmarried.
