Private John James Kitchen

Born on 22 December 1897 in Toronto, Ontario - son of William and Margaret Kitchen, Toronto, Ontario - at the time of his enlistment in 1915: present address same as mother; trade as stenographer; single; currently a member of the 109th Regiment; no previous military service; Church of England; height of 5 feet 8.75 inches; chest of 36 inches fully expanded; fair complexion; brown eyes; light brown hair.

Joined the 126th Battalion, CEF, in Toronto, Ontario, on 11 December 1915 (number 775326) - taken on the strength of the 38th Battalion, CEF, on 4 or 6 December 1916 - killed in action on 22 February 1917 - name inscribed on the Vimy Memorial, France.

(Updated with a photo of Pte Kitchen'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)