Private James Adam Bertrand

Born on 30 January 1897 in Vankleek Hill, Ontario - son of Leonard A. Bertrand and the late Nettie May Sherman, Vankleek Hill, Ontario - attestation form notes present address in Vankleek Hill, Ontario, trade as farmer, single, no current or previous military service, height of 5 feet 9 inches, chest of 37 inches, ruddy complexion, blue-grey eyes, red hair, Methodist.

Joined the 77th Canadian Infantry Battalion in Ottawa, Ontario, on 1 December 1915 (number 145688) - taken on the strength of the 38th Battalion in England on 6 July 1916 - 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 Bertrand'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)