Private Merrill Des Brisay

Born on 30 January 1895 in Wolsey, Saskatchewan - son of A. Des Brisay, Vancouver, British Columbia - at the time of his enlistment in 1915: trade as McGill student, single, no current or previous military service, Presbyterian, height of 5 feet 7 inches, chest of 36 inches fully expanded, fair complexion, blue eyes, medium hair.

Joined the 38th Battalion, CEF, in Vancouver, British Columbia, on 5 March 1915 (number 411038) - taken on the strength of Princess Patricia's Canadian Light Infantry on 16 July 1916 - wounded at Sanctuary Wood, Belgium, on 2 or 10 June 1916 - invalided to England in June 1916 - repatriated to Canada in November 1916 - discharged from the CEF in November 1917.

Graduated from the University of British Columbia with a Bachelor of Arts in 1917.

(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; Anonymous, Record of Service 1914-1918: University of British Columbia, McGill British Columbia, Vancouver College (Vancouver: Lionel Ward & Company, Ltd., 1924), p.40)