Private James Craney

Born on 5 August 1895 in England - next of kin list as James Corman, Ottawa, Ontario - at time of his enlistment in 1915: trade as farmer, single, no current or previous military service, Roman Catholic, height of 5 feet 5 inches, chest of 35.5 inches fully expanded, ruddy complexion, blue eyes, auburn hair.

Joined the 38th Battalion, CEF, in Ottawa, Ontario, on 26 February 1915 (number 410102) - taken on the strength of the 2nd Battalion, CEF, on 25 August 1915 - wounded on 7 or 8 December 1915 - wounded on 21 September 1916 - killed in action on 8 October 1916 - buried in 2nd Canadian Cemetery, Sunken Road (grave A.3), France.

(Updated with an image of Pte Craney's headstone in 2nd Canadian Cemetery 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)