Private John Cayen

Born on 14 May 1884 in Hawkesbury, Ontario - son of Bazile and Delina Cayen, Hawkesbury, Ontario - enlistment records provide the following: trade as laborer, single, no current military service, previously served with 11th Infantry at Three Rivers, Roman Catholic, height of 5 feet 4.5 inches, chest of 39 inches fully expanded, ruddy complexion, blue eyes, auburn hair.

Joined the 38th Battalion, CEF, in Alexandria, Ontario, on 12 March 1915 (number 410469) - served with the 38th Battalion during its period of garrison duty in Bermuda - struck off the strength of the 38th Battalion on 13 August 1916 - taken on the strength of the 75th Battalion, CEF, on 26 February 1917 - killed in action on 3 April 1917 - buried in Zouave Valley Cemetery (grave II.A.9), Souchez, France.

(Updated with an image of Pte Cayen's headstone that I took in Zouave Valley Cemetery 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)