Oct 8, 1897

Born to James and Sarah (nee Jones) at Minden Ontario

Feb 10, 1916

Attested into the 109^th Battalion CEF at Minden Ontario 

Ø      Number 726124

Ø      Next of kin given as James Welch (father) of Halls Lake Ontario

Ø      Previous occupation given as Lumberman

Ø      No previous military experience given

Ø      Religion given as Church of England

Ø      Assigned to “D” Company 

Note that his brother, Charles Welch attested into the same Battalion 2 months earlier and was also assigned to “D” Company

Jul 7, 1916

Will made out leaving his estate to his mother, Sarah Welch

Jul 23, 1916

Embarked the RMS Olympic along with his brother at Halifax Nova Scotia

Jul 31, 1916

Disembarked at Liverpool England and proceeded to the Bramshott Camp

Oct 5, 1916

Posted to the 21^st Battalion along with his brother, Pte Charles Welch

Oct 6, 1916

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

Oct 20, 1916

Left the CBD to join unit

Oct 22, 1916

Joined the 21^st Battalion in the field 

The Battalion was in Division Reserve at Bully Grenay conducting training and re-fitting equipment

Dec 31, 1916

A second Will was made out, again leaving his estate to his mother

May 9, 1917           Killed in Action as described in the Battalion’s War Diary Below

This action was near Arleux-en-Gohelle, west of Vimy Ridge and was intended to capture a German Billeting area

He was initially buried in a battlefield grave at the South East corner of Winnipeg Road and the Arleux Loop.  Post war, his body was exhumed and reburied in the Cabaret Rouge British Cemetery, Souchez France

Dec 9, 1920

Beginning on this date, and on subsequent dates, the following were sent to the family at Halls Lake Ontario 

Ø      British War Medal

Ø      Victory Medal

Ø      Plaque (Dead Man’s Penny)

Ø      Scroll

Ø      Memorial Cross