Born on 26 June 1895 in Pilot Mound, Manitoba - son of A.J. Sparling, Saskatoon, Saskatchewan - at the time of his enlistment in 1915: trade as student; single; no current or previous military service; Wesleyan; height of 5 feet 9.5 inches; chest of 36 inches fully expanded; fair complexion; grey eyes; dark hair.
Joined the 38th Battalion, CEF, in Saskatoon, Saskatchewan, on 17 March 1915 (number 411074) - transferred to Princess Patricia's Canadian Light Infantry on 17 July 1915 - transferred to the 1st Divisional Ammunition Column, CEF, on 7 December 1916 - transferred to the 2nd Brigade, Canadian Field Artillery, CEF, on 9 December 1916 - wounded on 10 August 1918 - promoted to captain at some point.
Awarded the Military Cross.
(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)
Hello I was doing some research on the PPCLI WWI & ran across your blog..From my research he was never a member of the 38th Bn... He joined the PPCLI on 28th July 1915 from the 1st University Company.(Ser# A11074) When the draft joined the PPCLI the "A"s were replaced with a "4". Prior to the war he was a student at the University of Saskatchewan. You can find a Photo of him & a Link to his MC Citation on the " Great Canadian War project " Site. (Search under Regt # 411074 )
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David
Thanks for the additional information. Although not explained in the post - and I need to work on cases such as Pte Sparling's - 1st Univ Coy was originally D Coy, 38th Bn, and was raised in Montreal, Kingston, Sask, etc., renamed 1st Univ Coy and sent to the PPCLI. You're correct that D Coy never served with the rest of the 38th Bn.
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Ken