Wednesday 14 March 2012

Captain Archibald Arthur Sears

Born in November 1883 in Toronto, Ontario - son of William Norman and Justina Mackenzie Sears, Ottawa, Ontario - at the time of his commissioning in 1915: trade as broker; single; currently a member of the 43rd Regiment Duke of Cornwall's Own Rifles (seven years); previously served with the 59th Regiment (eight years); Presbyterian; height of 5 feet 8.5 inches; chest of 39 inches fully expanded; ruddy complexion; blue eyes; blonde hair.

Joined the 38th Battalion, CEF, in Ottawa, Ontario, on 25 May 1915 - 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 18 November 1916 - buried in Bapaume Post Military Cemetery (grave I.I.5), France.

(Many thanks to Lieutenant-Colonel Bud Walsh for the image of Captain Sears' 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)

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