Private John Edgar Canniff

Born on 1 July 1884 in Cannifton, Ontario - brother of Lyle Canniff, Belleville, Ontario - enlistment records provide the following: present address same as brother, trade as laborer, single, no current military service, previously served with the 49th Regiment, Methodist, height of 5 feet 7.5 inches, chest of 35 inches fully expanded, dark complexion, grey eyes, brown hair.

Joined the 254th Battalion, CEF, in Belleville, Ontario, on 17 February 1917 (number 1093324) - taken on the strength of the 38th Battalion, CEF, on 8 or 9 March 1918 - killed in action on 10 August 1918 - name inscribed on the Vimy Memorial, France.

(Updated with a photo of Pte Canniff'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)