Private Edward McGrath

Born on 24 November 1896 in Toronto, Ontario - son of Mrs. Jane McGrath, Toronto, Ontario - at the time of his enlistment in 1916: present address same as mother; trade as street cleaner; single; no current or previous military service; Church of England; height of 5 feet 6.5 inches; chest of 36.5 inches fully expanded; fresh complexion; blue eyes; dark hair.

Joined the 166th Battalion, CEF, in Toronto, Ontario, on 22 January 1916 (number 669266) - taken on the strength of the 38th Battalion, CEF, on 27 November or 1 December 1916 - killed in action on 9 April 1917 - name inscribed on the Vimy Memorial, France.

(Updated with a photo of Pte McGrath'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)