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Aug 15, 1882
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Born at Hamilton
Ontario to Robert and Emily (nee Darnell) Alder
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Jul 28, 1909
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Married to Susan
Smith at Hamilton Ontario
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Jul 26, 1915
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Attested into
the 76th Battalion at Hamilton
Ø Number 141364
Ø Next of kin given as Susan Alder, wife, of 362 Wilson St, Hamilton
Ontario
Ø Previous occupation given as Labourer
Ø No previous military experience given
Ø Religion given as Wesleyan
Ø Assigned to “B” Company
The Battalion
was training at the Niagara Camp
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Sep 15, 1915
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Sentenced to 5
days CB (Confined to Barracks). The reason
for the punishment is not recorded in the file
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Sep 30, 1915
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Pte Alder was
part of a draft of 255 All Ranks that left the Niagara Camp by train for Toronto, then on
to Montreal
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Oct 1, 1915
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Embarked the RMS
Scandinavian as part of the 1st Draft of the 76th Battalion at
Montreal Quebec
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Oct 10, 1915
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Disembarked at
Portsmouth England and was TOS (Taken On Strength) the 39th Reserve Battalion
at the West Sandling Camp
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Feb 19, 1916
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Transferred to
the 21st Battalion
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Feb 21, 1916
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Arrived at the
CBD (Canadian Base Depot) at the Rouelles Camp, Havre France and TOS the 21st
Battalion
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Mar 12, 1916
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Joined the 21st
Battalion in Division Reserve at La Clytte
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Dec, 18, 1916
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Attached to the
4th Field Company, Canadian Engineers for duty
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Jan 17, 1917
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Ceased to be
attached and rejoined the 21st Battalion
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Feb 10, 1917
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Proceeded on the
Pigeon Course
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Feb 16, 1917
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Rejoined the
Battalion from course
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Apr 9, 1917
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First reported
Missing in Action, then reported Killed in Action during the attack at Vimy Ridge
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Lichfield Crater Cemetery
Thelus France
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Although this is a
mass grave, there was a cross erected by the men of the 21st Battalion that, in
addition to his name, read “Buried at this spot”.
On July 20, 1922, that cross, and a photo of it taken before it’s removal,
were sent to his wife, Susan Alder, by the Canadian Registrar of Graves.
After his death, the
following were sent to his widow
Ø British War Medal
Ø Victory Medal
Ø Plaque (Dead Man’s
Penny) and Scroll
Ø Memorial Cross
There was only 1
Memorial Cross issued as his mother had predeceased him
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