Loyola College - Review Yearbook (Montreal, Quebec Canada)

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24 LOYOLA COLLEGE REVIEW LIEUTENANT EDWARD P. PLUNKETT Great sorrow was felt by his many friends, when the news ‘ Killed Somewhere in France,’’ was received concerning Edward Patrick Plunkett, eldest son of Mr. S. J. Plunkett, Manager of the Bank of Mont- Born at Moncton, N.B., he received his. early education at real, at Almonte, Ont. Van Buren College, Edmundston, N.B., and, came to Loyola in 1910. “ Ned remained with us for years during which time he made a very successful High School course; pro- fessors still remember the genial, unselfish boy, conspicuous for leadership in the class- room and good sportsmanship in all games. Subsequent to his leaving Loyola, he matri- culated from the High School at Almonte, Ont. Heeding his Country's Call to Arms, he enlisted in the Royal School of Artillery at Kingston, being attached to Ше“ Queen's ”’ Battery ; then, having passed his Lieutenancy examination, he left for Petewawa Camp. The fact that he was on the firing line in less than three weeks after his arrival, is · proof of his ability as an Officer. Fellow officers and others, who spent long months with him at the Front, are unanimous in ascribing to him continual cheerfulness under trial, the greatest un- selfishness and an undying devotion to his men. Even-tempered, willing, £enerous, he was always optimistic, had a cheering word for everybody and, though young in years— he was scarcely twenty—he possessed а sureness of judgment and a coolness of determination which would have done credit to a more advanced age than his. His companions testify that constant associa- tion with him only served to heighten their esteem for the dauntless youth still in his teens. Before making the Supreme Sacrifice, he Һай several narrow escapes, being once wounded. He had already gone through the offensive at the Somme and had parti- cipated in the preparations for Vimy Ridge Offensive as well as the strenuous days A few months before his death, he was recom- following that glorious victory. mended for the Military Cross for his fine work on an advance, when he went up with the infantry to the last objective and there established and kept up communications. The 16th of June, 1917, was destined to be his last day. Those who knew Ned were not surprised to hear that he met his death while venturing on a perilous act of charity. The official report of his death, received from Military Headquarters at Ottawa, reads as follows: “ During the forenoon of July 16th, 1917, two mess-waiters were wounded by shell-fire and were · brought under cover. Lieut. Plunkett went out himself to get some water for them, when another shell fell, killing him instantly. It is worthy of note that it was Lieut. Plunkett himself who carried in the two wounded:men and who insisted on going out to procure them water, an act of devotion which cost him his life. This heedlessness of risk was characteristic of a young man, who, always a devout Catholic, had shown an unfailing loyalty to his Church and his relidious practices, and who was conse- quently so well prepared to meet his Creator. His burial is thus described by a fellow lieutenant in a letter to Mr. Plunkett. His funeral was very impressive. Enclosed in a coffin wrapped with the Union Jack, a wreath of wild flowers above, his body was drawn on a gun-carriage, pulled by six beautiful black horses to the Military Cemetery, some distance away. Over fifty officers and men of the Brigade and Battery followed the body to the grave, including the acting Divisional Artillery Commander. Father Fortier read an impressive service and the body was tenderly lowered to its last resting place, while many sad hearts looked on. There's an empty place in the Battery and an empty chair in our Mess, but our hearts are full, and he will always be in our memory, for we always appreciated him as a friend. It may please you to know that, as one man loves another, your son was loved by us. I feel quite justified in saying that no fellow ever gave his energy and life more nobly in a cause for the success of which the whole civilized world is praying. Lieut. Plunkett is survived by his parents, Mr. and Mrs. S. J. Plunkett, a sister and two brothers. To his sorrowing parents Loyola College extends its sincere sympathy in the loss of so worthy a son.

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LOYOLA COLLEGE REVIEW Vanier, George P. (B.A., 1906) 1897 Capt., 22nd. M.C., Legion of Honor Walsh, Terence G. Walsh, J. P. (B.A., 1904) Walsh, Victor Watt, Roderick, M.C. 1910 R.A.F. 1896 Capt., C.A.M.C. (Killed). 1904 . Adj., R.A.F. (Wounded). 1907 Capt., Div. Amm. Col. Wickham, John C. (B.A., 1909) 1901 Major, C.A.M.C. Wilkins, John Wilkins, Lionel Wilson, Laurence Wolfe, John P. Wolff, Conrad (B.L., 1911) Zouche (de) Frederick C. 1906 Lieut, 23rd (Killed). 1904 Lieut. 1905 105th Brigade, R.F.A. 1914 “С” Battery, R.C.H.A. 1901 Lieut., C.A.M.C. 1907 C.A.S.C. (Wounded). KG DA TO LOYOLA'S WARRIOR SONS Champions of Right, of Freedom blest, Hero-Alumni, Loyola's best, Who strike to give Ambition pause, Who bleed for Sacred Human Laws, . On God of Hosts be your reliance For defence and not defiance. When you heard the clarion call, You faltered not but gave your all, Recking not what might befall. Wounds, grim Death ye held light price, So you helped to save from thrall World-Freedom by your sacrifice. Over Flanders’ shell-torn leas, Unawed by shock and roar of guns; Midst perils of the many seas, Where a lurking enemy shuns Manly fray; on fitful breeze , Where eagle-wings you spread with ease, ALMA MATER, still your guide, Is by you, thrilled with parent's pride. Her Honour’s writ upon your front, Let it gleam in battle’s brunt. Emulate your fallen brothers, And aim beyond the mark of others. And you! who nobly fought your last, And died for Justice’s Vindication, Sleep till called by Gabriel's blast To VICTORY'S Eternal Jubilation. 23

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RIY, ail — LIEUTENANT EDWARD E. PLUNKETT, 19th Battery. Killed in action, June 16th, 1917. Old Loyola, 1910. -