Private William David McHerness

Born on 20 April 1885 in Combermere, Ontario - son of John McHerness, Combermere, Ontario - at the time of his enlistment in 1916: present address in Combermere, Ontario; trade as farmer; single; no current or previous military service; Church of England; height of 6 feet 2 inches; chest of 40 inches fully expanded; weight of 185 pounds; dark complexion; grey eyes; brown hair.

Joined the 130th Battalion, CEF, in Pembroke, Ontario, on 8 March 1916 (number 788885) - taken on the strength of the 38th Battalion, CEF, on 14 or 15 November 1916 - invalided sick to England on 27 November 1918 - rejoined the 38th Battalion on 4 April 1918 - killed in action on 26 April 1918 - name inscribed on the Vimy Memorial, France.

(Updated with a photo of Pte McHerness'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)