Private Esmond Osmond Peirce

Born on 6 February 1895 in Toronto, Ontario - son of Gerald F. and Josephine C. Peirce, Winnipeg, Manitoba - at the time of his enlistment in 1916: present address same as mother; trade as secretary; single; currently a member of the 100th Winnipeg Grenadiers; previously served with the 181st Battalion, CEF (six months); Church of England; height of 5 feet 7.5 inches; chest of 35 inches fully expanded; fair complexion; blue eyes; dark hair.

Joined the 97th Battalion, CEF, in Toronto, Ontario, on 29 May 1916 (number 208408) - taken on the strength of the 38th Battalion, CEF, on 5 or 6 March 1917 - killed in action on 9 April 1917 - name inscribed on the Vimy Memorial, France.

(Updated with a photo of Pte Peirce'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)