Ernest Oliver was the son of Samuel and Elizabeth Oliver. Ernest was born on 6th April 1889 in Beragh, County Tyrone. Both his parents worked in the local National School. Ernest Oliver emigrated to Canada. Before enlisting, Ernest worked as a clerk. Ernest Oliver enlisted in Saskatoon, Canada on the 12th July 1915. Corporal Ernest Oliver was serving with the 16th Battalion of the Manitoba Regiment of the Canadian Infantry when he died on 13th June 1916 at Tyillebeke, Near Ypres. He was 26 years old. It seems unlikely Ernest Oliver actually lived in Coalisland as the family were still living in Beragh when he enlisted in Canada.
Further Information
Ernest Oliver was the youngest son of Samuel and Elizabeth Oliver. Samuel Oliver and Elizabeth Henderson were married on 5th July 1877 in the district of Strabane.
Ernest was born on 6th April 1889 in Beragh, County Tyrone. He was the second youngest of seven children, five surviving, all born in the Beragh / Sixmilecross area.
Family: Samuel Oliver, Elizabeth Oliver, John Oliver (born 17th September 1878), Thomas Oliver (born 9th September 1880), Emma Oliver (born 21st May 1883, died 30th March 1884), Lilian Lily Oliver (born 14th December 1884),Unnamed Male Oliver (born 12th November 1886, died 13th November 1886), Ernest Oliver (born 6th April 1889), Eva Oliver (born 23rd November 1892).
The 1901 census lists Ernest as age 10 living with the family at house 2 in Clogherny Glebe Lower, Beragh, County Tyrone. His father, Samuel Oliver, was a National School Teacher. His mother was a workmistress at a National School.
By the time of the 1911 census, Ernest was no longer living with the family.
Ernest Oliver served with the North of Ireland Imperial Yeomanry.
Ernest Oliver emigrated to Canada.
Before enlisting, Ernest worked as a clerk in Canada.
1915
Ernest Oliver enlisted in Saskatoon on the 12th July 1915. Saskatoon is a city in central Saskatchewan, Canada
He gave his next of kin as his father Samuel Oliver, who was still living in Beragh, County Tyrone. Ernest was more than 6 feet tall.
1916
Ernest Oliver arrived in France with the Canadian Infantry in March 1916.
Corporal Ernest Oliver was serving with the 16th Battalion of the Manitoba Regiment of the Canadian Infantry when he died on 13th June 1916 at Tyillebeke, near Ypres. He was 27 years old.
From the Tyrone Constitution dated 7th July 1916: Roll of Honour
OLIVER – 13th June 1916, killed in action, Sergeant Ernest Oliver, Canadian Scottish, youngest and dearly loved son of Samuel and Elizabeth Oliver, Beragh, County Tyrone. ‘He hath done what he could.’
From the Tyrone Constitution dated 7th July 1916: Death of Sergeant Ernest Oliver, Beragh
It is with the deepest possible regret that we chronicle this week the death of one, who was so much loved and respected amongst us. Sergeant Oliver was killed in the famous charge of the Canadian Scottish, which recaptured the lost trenches at Ypres. He was the youngest son of Mr S Oliver, ex-National Teacher, and Mrs Oliver. He was employed in the City Treasurer’s Office, Saskatoon, Canada, when he volunteered for the front. He was connected for four years with St John’s Anglican Church and was a member of the Saskatoon Volunteers. He was 26 years of age. The sympathy of the whole community is extended to the bereaved parents. May they be consoled by the thought that they have given the best they could give in defence of our beloved Empire. Mr and Mrs Oliver have another son at the front.
The Canadian Circumstances of Death Register records that Acting Corporal Oliver was killed in action on 13th June 1916. His unit were involved in an attack on Sanctuary Wood at the time.
Last Will and Testament
Memorials
Corporal Oliver has no known grave and is commemorated on the Menin Gate in Ypres.
The CWGC record Corporal Oliver as the son of Samuel and Elizabeth Oliver, of The Bungalow, Coalisland, Co. Tyrone, Ireland. However, it seems unlikely Ernest Oliver actually lived in Coalisland as the family were still living in Beragh when he enlisted in Canada.
