Private Edward Gordon Backs

Born on 3 October 1893 in Leitrim, Ontario - son of Peter Backs, Leitrim, Ontario - attestation form notes trade as clerk, single, no current or previous military service, height of 5 feet 4 inches, chest of 36 inches, dark complexion, blue eyes, brown hair, Roman Catholic.

Joined the 38th Battalion on 26 February 1915 (number 410236) - served with the battalion during its period of garrison duty in Bermuda - landed in France with the battalion on 13 August 1916 - struck off the strength of the battalion on 17 August 1916 - joined the 5th Ammunition Column on 3 January 1917 (number 2043003) as Edward Gordon (listed birthdate as 3 October 1895, birthplace as Manchester, England, next of kin as father Thomas Gordon, Manchester, England, trade as farmer, previous military service with 38th Battalion, CEF, physical attributes basically same as 1915).