Private Frederick Bleay

Born on 17 July 1894 in London, England - friend of Miss Nellie LeBlanc, Braeside, Ontario - attestation form notes trade as lumberman, single, no current military service, previously served with the London Imperial City Volunteers, height of 5 feet 4.5 inches, chest of 36 inches, dark complexion, gray eyes, black hair, Roman Catholic.

Joined the 59th Canadian Infantry Battalion - transferred to the 38th Battalion in Barriefield, Ontario, on 4 May 1915 (number 410026) - served with the battalion during its period of garrison duty in Bermuda - landed in France with the battalion on 13 August 1916 - killed in action on 18 November 1916 - name listed on the Vimy Memorial, France.

(Updated with a photo of Pte Bleay'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)