One of the first deaths reported as a result of the action last week at Dieppe was that of Lieutenant Reginald S. Baisley of Winona, an officer of the Royal Hamilton Light Infantry. Lieut. Baisley's family received word Thursday evening that he was killed in action. Born in Winona, Lieut. Baisley was well known throughout the district through his business affiliations and his keen interest in sports. He received his education at the Winona Public School and the Beamsville High and Vocational School. He also studied at the Canada Business College, Hamilton.
For years Reg. Baisley was known as one of the best softball pitchers in this part of the province. He played for the Knights of Pythias team in the Hamilton City Softball League, and later starred for the Wentworth Regiment in the Garrison League. He was a member of Wentworth Lodge, A.F. and A.M.
Lieut. Baisley early associated himself with military affairs, and at the outbreak of the war he held a captaincy in the Wentworth (Reserve) Regiment. Soon after the outbreak of the war he reverted in rank to go overseas, and after a year spent in Canada he left in February 1941.
The business which he and his brother, William, conducted, the W.A. Baisley and Company, had previously been sold to Niagara Packers Limited, following the sudden and tragic death of his brother, William, in 1940.
Surviving are his wife, the former Ethel Sheppard of Hamilton, and a son, Donald William, age one and a half years. His mother, Mrs. John H. Baisley, resides in Winona, while two other brothers, Clifford and John, live in Hamilton. Two sisters, Mrs. Frank Baker of Hamilton and Miss Jennie Baisley of Winona, also survive. A half-brother, Major Charles W. Lilley, resides in Edmonton.
