Saturday 29 September 2012

Private John Edward Nelson

Born on 18 July 1893 in Yorkshire, England - brother of Edith Nelson, Yorkshire, England - at the time of his enlistment in 1915: trade as labourer; single; no current or previous military service; Roman Catholic; height of 5 feet 3.5 inches; chest of 37 inches fully expanded; swarthy complexion; blue eyes; black hair.

Joined the 38th Battalion, CEF, in Ottawa, Ontario, on 19 May 1915 (number 410157) - 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 - buried in Adanac Military Cemetery (grave II.D.1), France.

(Updated with an image of Pte Nelson's headstone in Adanac Military 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)

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