Corporal Frederick Carruthers Sparks

Born on 2 April 1896 in Aylwin, Wright County, Quebec - son of Mrs. Deborah Jane Sparks, Ottawa, Ontario - at the time of his enlistment in 1915: trade as mail clerk; single; currently a member of the Governor General's Foot Guards (one year); no previous military service; Church of England; height of 5 feet 8 inches; chest of 33 inches fully expanded; ruddy complexion; grey eyes; brown hair.

Joined the 38th Battalion, CEF, in Ottawa, Ontario, on 2 March 1915 (number 410267) - transferred to the 2nd Battalion, CEF, on 25 August 1915 - killed in action on 9 September 1916 - buried in Sunken Road Cemetery (I.E.12), France.

(Updated with an image of Cpl Sparks' headstone in Sunken Road 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)