838559 Pte. Reuben Neath was born on May 24th, 1898, in Peterborough, England, to Richard and Edith Neath.
Enlisting in Owen Sound on January 7th, 1916, Reuben attested into the 147th (Grey) Battalion, listing his profession as a Finisher and as having served one year previously in the 31st Regiment.
In total 354 men of the 147th BN were transferred to the 4th CMR in 1917, including Reuben, who found himself in the field with them on November 9th, 1917.
In September, Reuben's father, Richard, received a telegram via Great North Western Telegram, from Ottawa, which opened rather heart-stoppingly, "SINCERELY REGRET INFORM YOU", but thankfully it went on to advise that Reuben had been admitted to General Hospital Dannes Camiers on August 30th, 1918, with concussion. This injury was likely to have occurred in the 4th CMR action alongside the 52nd Battalion in taking enemy trenches south of Boiry, south of Arras, France.
Upon returning to action and subsequently surviving the war without further notable incident, Reuben was struck of strength with the bulk of the regiment on March 20th, 1919.
Reuben married Fanny Elizabeth Moore on August 17th, 1920, in Owen Sound, Ontario. They had no subsequent children.
Following his return to Owen Sound, Reuben joined the staff of Fred Rickard's Dry Goods. He then worked for W.T. Lee Dry Goods, and finally worked for McKay Brothers in the drapery department.
An active man, Reuben belonged to the Crescents Soccer Club. He was a member of St. George Anglican Church, and sang in the choir. As well as the Georgian Gentlemen (barbershop singers). He also belonged to the Royal Canadian Legion Branch #6, the Sons Of England, and the Loyal Orange Order.
Reuben Neath passed away on April 24th, 1972, and lies at rest at Boyd Cemetery, Shallow Lake, Ontario.
Biography and image credit: great great niece Aimee Robison, with thanks.