Private Thomas Cruise

Born on 28 February 1895 in Adamston, Ontario - son of John Cruise, McDougall, Ontario - at time of his conscription in 1918: present address in Braeside, Ontario, single, Roman Catholic, trade as plasterer, height of 5 feet 7 inches, chest of 34.5 inches fully expanded, medium dark complexion, blue eyes, light brown hair.

Conscripted into the 2nd Depot Battalion, Eastern Ontario Regiment, in Ottawa, Ontario, on 18 January 1918 (number 3320213) - taken on the strength of the 38th Battalion, CEF, on 17 or 18 August 1918 - transferred to the 43rd Battalion, CEF, on 25 August 1918 - declared missing, presumed dead on 1 October 1918 - name inscribed on the Vimy Memorial, France.

(Updated with a photo of Pte Cruise'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)