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)