Private Thomas Alfred Beckett

Born on 17 July 1895 in Manchester, England - brother of Elizabeth Waytes, South Vancouver, British Columbia - attestation form notes present address in South Vancouver, British Columbia, trade as packer, single, no current or previous military service, height of 5 feet 7.5 inches, chest of 33.75 inches, light complexion, hazel eyes, brown eyes, Church of England.

Joined the 121st Canadian Infantry Battalion on 10 January 1916 (number 760825) - taken on the strength of the 38th Battalion in France on 15 November 1916 - killed in action on 9 April 1917 - name listed on the Vimy Memorial, France.

(Updated with a photo of Pte Beckett'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)