Private Laurence Gardiner

Born on 18 November 1893 in Montreal, Quebec - son of Clara Gardiner, Bradley, Maine - at the time of his enlistment in 1915: trade as labourer, single, no current or previous military service, Roman Catholic, height of 5 feet 7 inches, chest of 37 inches fully expanded, dark complexion, brown eyes, dark brown hair.

Joined the 59th Battalion, CEF, in Lindsay, Ontario, on 7 May 1915 - transferred to the 38th Battalion, CEF, on 22 June 1915 (number 410745) - 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 9 April 1917 - name inscribed on the Vimy Memorial, France.

(Updated with a photo of Pte Gardiner'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)