Wednesday 27 March 2013

Private Ernest Ferdinand Fred Hoelke

Born on 13 May 1896 in Canada - stepson of Mrs. Fred Hoelke, Overbrook, Ontario - next of kin listed as Mrs. Melinda Hoelke, Glen Ammond, Quebec - at the time of his enlistment in 1915: trade as car repairer, single, currently a member of the 43rd Regiment, Duke of Cornwall's Own Rifles (one year), Protestant, height of 5 feet 5.75 inches, chest of 35.5 inches fully expanded, swarthy complexion, grey eyes, dark brown hair.

Joined the 38th Battalion, CEF, in Ottawa, Ontario, on 25 January 1915 (number 410051) - transferred to the 2nd Battalion, CEF, on 25 August 1915 - wounded on 24 December 1915 - declared missing in action, presumed dead, on 9 September 1916 - name inscribed on the Vimy Memorial, France.

(Updated with a photo of Pte Hoelke'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)

1 comment:

Unknown said...

Just wondering if you are aware that Ernest Hoelke's name is listed on www.FindAGrave.com? It would be wonderful if his data and those of other Canadian soldiers could be added to that site.

Barbara