Private George Miller Laird

Born on 16 January 1894 in Scotland - son of (late) William Logie and Martha Taylor Laird, Kirkwall, Scotland - at the time of his enlistment in 1915: trade as labourer and clerk; single; no current military service; previously served with the Territorials in Scotland (four years); Presbyterian; height of 5 feet 5.5 inches; chest of 34 inches fully expanded; fair complexion; blue eyes; fair hair.

Joined the 59th Battalion, CEF, in Smiths Falls, Ontario, on 13 February 1915 - transferred to the 38th Battalion, CEF, on 22 June 1915 (number 410523) - served with the 38th Battalion during its period of garrison duty in Bermuda - landed in France with the 38th Battalion on 13 August 1916 - killed in action on 27 October 1916 - name inscribed on the Vimy Memorial, France.

(Updated with a photo of Pte Laird'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)