Private George Henry Ashley

Born on 10 September 1896 in Toronto, Ontario - son of George Ashley, Toronto, Ontario - attestation form notes trade as plumber, single, not now nor previously a member of the military, height of 5 feet 7 inches, chest of 36 [?] inches, fair complexion, blue eyes, brown hair, Church of England.

Joined the 59th Canadian Infantry Battalion - transferred to the 38th Battalion on 22 June 1915 (number 410006) - served with the battalion during its period of garrison duty in Bermuda - landed in France with the battalion on 13 August 1916 - reported missing in action on 18 November 1916 - name listed on the Vimy Memorial.

(Updated with a photo of Pte Ashley's inscription on the Vimy Memorial that I took in August 2012).

(sources: Library and Archives Canada (www.collectionscanada.gc.ca), online attestation papers; Canadian War Museum, 19740281-001, Manu 58F 2 3, 207th Canadian Infantry Battalion and 38th Canadian Infantry Battalion, Nominal Roll; The Cameron Highlanders of Ottawa Regimental Museum, A400-0007, Master Personnel List for the 38th Canadian Infantry Battalion, Canadian Expeditionary Force; Commonwealth War Graves Commission, "Debt of Honour" register, www.cwgc.org)