Private Robert Hazelette Simonds

Born on 9 July 1896 in Murrayville, British Columbia - son of Thomas H. Simonds, Murrayville, British Columbia - at the time of his enlistment in 1915: trade as McGill student; single; no current or previous military service; Presbyterian; height of 5 feet 8 inches; chest of 38.5 inches fully expanded; fair complexion; hazel eyes; fair hair.

Joined the 38th Battalion, CEF, in Vancouver, British Columbia, on 17 March 1915 (number 411056) - transferred to Princess Patricia's Canadian Light Infantry on 17 July 1915 - commissioned as a lieutenant - killed in action on 9 April 1917 - buried in La Chaudière Military Cemetery (grave VIII.E.10), France.

(Updated with an image of Lieut Simonds's headstone in La Chaudière 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)