Herbert “Bert” Arthur Figgis was born on July 16 1886 ,son of Thomas and Zillah Figgis. A Thomas Figgis of Summerland died in Sept 16 1928 at age 65 of Summerland, the father ?
Private Figgis was one of the first soldier in Summerland to enlist when war broke out. He enlisted with B.C. Horse in November 1914. Because Bert had previous military training he went directly to Valcartier. Bert was enlisted with the 8th Battalion. He had been involved with trench warfare for approximately fifteen months. In the spring of 1916 he was able to go on ‘leave’ and visit relatives in England. He was a British Terrotorial before coming to Canada.According to the July 20th 1916 issue of the Penticton Herald, he was killed one week earlier in the trenches of France. The Summerland Review described his funeral. The funeral was held at the Methodist church conducted by Rev. A. Henderson. During the funeral, “ appropriate music including an anthem was given by a large choir which led in the hearty singing of special hymns, two of which now being sung very widely in England and Canada in memory of the soldiers who are falling for the sake of the Empire.” The Review wrote, “thus Summerland adds another worthy name to its list of honoured dead.” On June 25 1916, at the age of 29, while serving with the Canadian Infantry (Saskatchewan Regiment), 5th Battalion, he was killed. He is buried at the Lljssenthoek Military Cemetry, Belgium (V111.B.15) (R# 13363)