Lieutenant Ernest Bedford

Born on 20 May 1896 in Cambridgeshire, England - son of Joseph Bedford, Moulinette, Ontario - attestation form notes trade as labourer, single, no current or previous military service, height of 5 feet 7.5 inches, chest of 37.5 inches, fair complexion, blue eyes, fair hair, Church of England.

Joined the 38th Battalion on 8 January 1915 (number 410450) - served with the battalion during its period of garrison duty in Bermuda - landed in France with the battalion on 13 August 1916 - wounded on 26 June 1917 - rejoined the battalion on 7 August 1917 - sent to England for Officers' Training Course on 10 May 1918 - rejoined the battalion as a lieutenant on 15 September 1918 - sent to England for duty on 29 January 1919.

(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)

(Many, many thanks to Lieutenant Bedford's grandson, David Grant, for the use of these photos of Ernest Bedford as a Private (top) and Lieutenant (bottom).)