Acting-Corporal John Donaldson

Born on 1 August 1887 in Ottawa, Ontario - husband of Katherine Donaldson, Eastview, Ontario - at the time of his enlistment in 1915: trade as driver, married with one child (six years old), no current military service, previously served nine years in the 43rd Regiment, Duke of Cornwall's Own Rifles, Church of England, height of 5 feet 7.75 inches, chest of 33 inches fully expanded, ruddy complexion, hazel eyes, light brown hair.

Joined the 38th Battalion, CEF, in Ottawa, Ontario, on 4 March 1915 (number 410079) - served with the 38th Battalion during its period of garrison duty in Bermuda - landed in France with the 38th Battalion on 13 August 1916 - killed in action on 18 November 1916 - name inscribed on the Vimy Memorial, France.

(Updated with a photo of A/Cpl Donaldson'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)