Private Alexander Shields

Born on 1 March 1896 in Renfrew, Ontario - son of Austin Shields and Mary Shields (nee Cole), Renfrew, Ontario - nephew of Hugh John Shields, Renfrew, Ontario - at the time of his enlistment in 1917: present address in Renfrew, Ontario; trade as laborer; single; no current or previous military service; Presbyterian; height of 5 feet 6.5 inches; chest of 34.5 inches fully expanded; weight of 145 pounds; ruddy complexion; blue eyes; brown hair; "Slightly flat-footed".

Joined the 240th Battalion, CEF, in Renfrew, Ontario, on 10 January 1917 (number 1042790) - embarked at Halifax, Nova Scotia, onboard SS MEGANTIC - disembarked at Liverpool, England, on 14 May 1917 - taken on the strength of the 7th Reserve Battalion, CEF, at Seaford, England, on 14 May 1917 - struck off strength to the 156th Battalion, CEF, at Witley, England, on 4 June 1917 - taken on the strength of the 38th Battalion, CEF, on 19 January 1918 - left for the 38th Battalion in the field on 22 January 1918 - joined the 38th Battalion in the field on 13 March 1918 - invalided to the 12th Canadian Field Ambulance on 12 October 1918 - transferred to 1 Canadian Casualty Clearing Station on 14 October 1918 - diagnosed with bronchial pneumonia on 14 October 1918 - died of sickness at 1 Canadian Casualty Clearing Station on 18 October 1918 - buried in Duisans British Cemetery (grave VIII.B.6), France.

(sources: Library and Archives Canada (www.collectionscanada.gc.ca), online attestation papers; Library and Archives Canada, RG 150, Accession 1992-93/166, Box 8864-13, Personnel Records, Shields, Alex; 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; Sailing List, 240th Battalion, CEF)