Private William Edgar Simpson

Born on 9 October 1898 in Brantford, Ontario - son of Henry Simpson, Brantford, Ontario - at the time of his enlistment in 1917: present address same as father; trade as bank clerk; single; currently a member of the 38th Dufferin Rifles of Canada; previously served with the 32nd Battery (one year); Baptist; height of 5 feet 8 inches; chest of 37 inches fully expanded; fair complexion; brown eyes; brown hair.

Joined the 215th Battalion, CEF, in Brantford, Ontario, on 2 January 1917 (number 270619) - taken on the strength of the 38th Battalion, CEF, on 27 or 28 March 1918 - declared missing, presumed dead, on 10 August 1918 - name inscribed on the Vimy Memorial, France.

(Updated with a photo of Pte Simpson'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)