Private Leo Gagnon

Born on 10 May 1891 in Mumy Bay, Quebec - son of Henry Gagnon, Montreal, Quebec - at the time of his enlistment in 1915: single, trade as farmer, no current or previous military service, Roman Catholic, height of 5 feet 3 inches, chest of 36 inches fully expanded, dark complexion, brown eyes, black hair.

Joined the 77th Battalion, CEF, in Rockcliffe Camp, Ontario, on 27 September 1915 (number 145002) - taken on the strength of the 38th Battalion, CEF, in Bermuda on 6 December 1915 - 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 Pte Gagnon'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)