Private Thomas Malcolm Keyes

Born on 27 January 1897 in Varna, Ontario - son of William F. and Margaret R. Keyes, Varna, Ontario - at the time of his enlistment in 1916: present address in Varna, Ontario; trade as bookkeeper; single; no current or previous military service; Presbyterian; height of 5 feet 6 inches; chest of 35.5 inches fully expanded; ruddy complexion; brown eyes; brown hair.

Joined the 161st Battalion, CEF, in London, Ontario, on 6 July 1916 (number 654884) - taken on the strength of the 38th Battalion, CEF, on 29 December 1916 - killed in action on 28 June 1917 - buried in La Chaudière Military Cemetery (grave IV.A.3), France.

(Updated with an image of Pte Keyes's headstone in La Chaudière Cemetery 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)