Circumstances of Casualty: Killed in Action. During operations in the vicinity of Cagnicourt he was instantly killed by enemy shell fire.
BX October 2, 1918
Mrs. Sarah Keith, 41 Pearl Street, received the distressing news today that her husband, Pte. James Keith had been killed in action September 22.
BC October 3, 1918
Official word was received today by Mrs. Sarah Keith, 41 Pearl Street, of the death in action of her husband, Pte. James Keith. He went overseas with the 125th Battalion, and was killed on Sept. 22.
BX October 12, 1918
Shell Landed in the Trench – Details Received of Death of L.-Corp. Keith of the First Canadians
Details of the death of her husband and sympathy from the command with which he was killed in action have been received by Mrs. James Keith, Albion Street, city, as follows:
Dear Mrs. Keith,
It is my painful duty to inform you that your husband, L.-Corp. Keith, was killed in action on September 22. He was killed instantly, a shell landing right in the trench where he was. We all feel very deeply indeed for you in your bereavement. Your husband was known personally by me. For many months he was in the platoon which I have the honor to command and we always were in close personal touch. I have always found him devoted to duty, courageous, and a splendid type of soldier. His loss is felt deeply by all his comrades in the platoon and I feel that I have lost a personal friend and a man that I could rely on at all times. He was buried the same day, the chaplain and officers of his company being present. His personal effects will be forwarded to you in due course. If there is any further information you desire, please write and I will do anything in my power to assist you.
Again expressing to you my very deep and personal sympathy I remain yours very sincerely,
S. Norburn.
A. Company, 1st Can. Inf. Batt.
BX November 30, 1918
Fine War Record
A copy of an Old Country paper contains a notice of the death in action of L.-Corp. James Keith of Brantford and the war record of the family of Corp. Keith as follows: Mr. John Keith, Stanley Place, 17 Step Row, has received intimation that his son, Lance-Corporal James Keith, Canadians, was killed in action on 22nd inst. L.-Corp James Keith, who was 32 years of age, immigrated to Canada 10 years ago, and was employed as a machinist in Ontario, where his wife at present resides. He came over with the Canadians three years ago, and had been in France for two years. Mr. Keith has four sons still serving – Private Charles Keith, M.T.A.S.C., who has gained the Military Medal; Private Addison Keith M.T.A.S.C., Gunner Clarence Keith, R.F.A. and Private Jon Keith, Scottish Rifles, who was severely wounded two years ago.
