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Jul 1, 1875
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Born in Edinburgh, Scotland
Prior to coming to Canada it was reported in
newspaper accounts that Charles Lattion had served with the Gordon Highlanders of Scotland
and had served 2 tours in India. It was also claimed that he served in South Africa during
the Boer War with the Gordons, earning the DSM (Distinguished Service Medal) and was
mentioned in Despatches. A second newspaper
account stated that it was the DCM (Distinguished Conduct Medal) that he earned. I could find no confirmation of this service and
there is no entry in the London Gazette for him earning any gallantry award.
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Nov 5, 1909
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Embarked the SS Ionian in Glasgow
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Nov 14, 1909
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Disembarked in Quebec City, Quebec and proceeded
to Toronto, Ontario
Prior to enlisting in Kingston, Charles Lattion
and his wife moved to Syracuse, New York, USA and operated a picture business
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Nov 6, 1914
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Attested into the 21st Battalion in
Kingston, Ontario
Ø Number 59569 (temporary number 369)
Ø Next of kin given as Mrs. Ethel Lattion, wife, 138 Queen St.,
Kingston, Ontario
o This was later changed to 46 Quebec St., Kingston, Ontario
Ø Previous occupation given as Soldier
Ø Previous military experience given as Gordon Highlanders of the
Imperial Forces
Ø Religion given as Church of England
Ø Assigned to “D” Company
o This was later reorganized into “B” Company
The battalion trained in the Kingston area
through the winter with headquarters in the Kingston Armouries
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Jan 12, 1915
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His wife, Ethel Lattion, left Kingston to
proceed to England. Her address was
subsequently changed to read 5 Winton Terrace, Old London Rd., St. Albans, Herts, England
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Feb 23, 1915
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Appointed to the rank of CSM (Company Sergeant
Major) (alternately referred to as Colour Sergeant) of “D” Company and back
dated to be effective November 3, 1914
He was also appointed as NCO in charge of the
Colour Party when the Colours were presented to the battalion
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May 6, 1915
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Embarked the RMS Metagama in Montreal, Quebec
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May 14, 1915
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CSM Lattion fell ill with Appendicitis and
surgery was performed in the ship’s infirmary
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May 15, 1915
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Disembarked in Devonport, England and the
battalion proceeded to the West Sandling Camp, near Hythe, Kent to continue training. However CSM Lattion was admitted to the Millbridge
Military Hospital, Devonport as soon as the ship docked.
While in hospital he underwent a second surgery
to clear a bowel obstruction
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May 19, 1915
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CSM Charles Lattion died of complications of his
second surgery while in hospital and was buried in the Weston Mill
Cemetery, Plymouth, Devonshire England
Following the war the British War Medal, Plaque
(Dead Man’s Penny), Scroll and Memorial Cross were sent to his widow, Mrs. Ethel
Lattion, 34 Plum St., Kingston, Ontario
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