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LT. LEO MICHENER KILLED IN PLANE ACCIDENT
Had Recently Joined the Royal Flying Corps
Premier Borden Cables His Condolences to The Stricken Family
[Welland Telegraph, 24 August 1917]
Deeply regret inform you Lieut. Leo Michener, engineers, officially reported accidently killed, August 2rd. Aeroplane accident. Place not stated.
The above telegram from Ottawa conveyed to Mr. and Mrs. B.J. Michener the news that they suspected from the mis-printed cable in the morning papers of Monday that their son had been killed. In the cable, as stated in Tuesday’s Telegraph, the name had been misspelled, but there was enough similarity as to awaken the gravest fears that the young Welland soldier was the person referred to.
No information is available, other than that the accident took place in the Eastern counties of England on Friday evening and that two officers lost their lives, Major Arthur Justin Ross and Leo. The machine in use was a biplane.
This casualty brings to Welland one of the severest shocks of the war for the young man was one of the best known Wellanders who have entered the service. A resident of Welland from mere boyhood he had spent practically his whole life here and was known to all the younger set, and had as well many fast friends among those older.
He joined the 44th regiment when a youth and saw some years in volunteer service. Shortly after the outbreak of hostilities he enlisted and went overseas with Col. Stewart’s battalion, serving at the front for many months in the capacity of signalling officer. Welland officers at the front reported at various times about his splendid work and his unfailing optimism. At one time he was officially reported killed when he was not even injured. Later, however, he was gassed and had to return to England. On his recovery he went into training for a lieutenant’s commission, but two months ago he joined the R.F.C.
He was a very likable boy and as true a son as ever left Welland. His parents certainly have the very deepest sympathy in the tremendous loss they have sustained. He leaves besides his parents, one sister Zella.
Mr. and Mrs. Michener are at present at Blayney, Simcoe county, where Mr. Michener has been recuperating from a long illness.
Mr. Michener has received the following message of condolence from Sir Robert Borden: “My colleagues and I send our deepest sympathy in the great bereavement you have sustained in the death of your gallant son.”
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