Sep 13, 1896

Born at Washago Ontario

Jan 26, 1916

Attested into the 157^th Battalion at Orillia Ontario 

Ø      Number 643874

Ø      Next of kin given as Edward Edwards (father) of Washago Ontario

Ø      Previous occupation given as Mill Setter

Ø      Previous military experience given as 2 years with the 35^th Regiment, Simcoe Foresters

Ø      Religion given as Church of England 

Shortly after he was sworn in, he was transferred to the 76^th Battalion.

Apr 23, 1916

Embarked the Empress of Britain at Halifax Nova Scotia

May 5, 1916

Disembarked at Liverpool England

Jun 28, 1916

Posted to the 21^st Battalion

Jun 29, 1916

Arrived at the Canadian Infantry Base Depot at Havre France and TOS (Taken On Strength) the 21^st Battalion 

Although I don’t have his complete service file to make note of the date, but he would have joined the 21^st Battalion in the field at some point after this date

Sep 15, 1916

Reported to be Missing after Action during the fighting at Courcelette when the Battalion had the task of taking the strong point in the Sugar Refinery.  The Battalion suffered very heavy casualties in 2 days of severe fighting, often hand to hand 

His body was either never recovered, of if so, was never identified, so he has no known grave.  Because of this, he is commemorated on the Vimy Ridge Memorial.

St Paul’s Church in Washago Ontario has the plaque below