Private James Leonard

Born on 19 January 1893 in Forforshire, Scotland - son of Peter and the late Annie Smith Leonard, Monikie, Forfarshire, Scotland - at the time of his enlistment in 1915: trade as miner; single; no current or previous military service; Presbyterian; height of 5 feet 8.5 inches; chest of 40 inches fully expanded; ruddy complexion; blue eyes; black hair.

Joined the 59th Battalion, CEF, in Smiths Falls, Ontario, on 24 April 1915 - transferred to the 38th Battalion, CEF, on 22 June 1915 (number 410534) - served with the 38th Battalion during its period of garrison duty in Bermuda - landed in France with the 38th Battalion on 13 August 1916 - wounded on 24 November 1916 - invalided to England on 29 November 1916 - repatriated to Canada - died on 12 October 1918 - buried in the veterans' section of Cataraqui Cemetery, Kingston, Ontario.

(Many thanks to dutyandvalour.com for the image of Private Leonard's headstone).

(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)