Corporal Charles Ball, MM

Born on 24 May 1895 in Canada - son of late J. Richard and Alice M. Ball, Ottawa West, Ontario - attestation form notes trade as locomotive fireman with Grand Trunk Railway, single, no current military service, formerly served with "A" Company, 43rd Regiment, Duke of Cornwall's Own Rifles, height of 5 feet 10 inches, chest of 35 inches, healthy complexion, hazel eyes, blonde hair, Church of England.

Joined the 38th Battalion on 22 February 1915 (number 410947) - served with the battalion during its period of garrison duty in Bermuda - landed in France with the battalion on 13 August 1916 - killed on 9 April 1917 - buried in Givenchy-en-Gohelle Canadian Cemetery, France.

Awarded the Military Medal - no citation - unit recommendation 21 November 1916: "In attack on Desire Trench, Nov. 18/16, these N.C.O's and men did valuable work in maintaining communication throughout the Battn, all the time being under heavy shell fire. They also assisted, in bringing in the wounded."

Update: a photo of Corporal Ball's headstone at Givenchy-en-Gohelle Canadian Cemetery.