BOETTGER, LCE-CPL. WILLIAM Reg. # 658088
Lance Corporal William Ulrich Boettger was born March 25, 1889 in Magnetewan, the son of Louis Carl Adolph Boettger and Bertha Marie Bruckner. At the time of the 1891, 1901 and 1911 censuses William lived with his parents and siblings in Chapman Twp. and, in 1911 in Magnetewan.
At the time of enlistment on October 5, 1916 William identified that he lived in Magnetewan and listed his father as Louis Boettger. As his next of kin.
According to the records prepared by the Magnetewan Legion previously he served in England, France and Germany and participated in the battles of Ypres and Vimy Ridge.
William, together with his brother Hugh, departed Canada on November 1, 1916 arriving in Liverpool on November 11, 1916 on the S.S.Caronia with the 162nd.
He was initially transferred to the 36th Reserve Battalion and then to Part 2nd Battalion, O.I.
In March he was transferred to Garrison Duty Battalion and then in May, 1917 to Railway Construction Troop.
In June he was transferred to the 10th Battalion, C..R.A.
On July 4, 1917 he arrived in France where he was appointed Lance Corporal, without pay. His formal appointment came November 13, 1918.
In this regard, it would appear unlikely that William participated in the Battle of Vimy Ridge (which occurred in April of 1917). He may indeed have participated a Paschendaele (3rd Battle of Ypres) and Lys (fourth Battle of Ypres) and the 5th Battle of Ypres.
On March 10, 1919 William embarked from Liverpool on the H.M.T.CELTIC. On March 21, 1919 he was discharged from the army.
Following the war William married Lila Maria King on October 12, 1921 in Powassan where both were identified as living. William listed himself as a labourer.
The couple had 4 children, at least 2 of whom were born in Magnetewan.
